Man, we love basketball as much as Josh Hart loves to give himself a self-five after getting left hanging. Let’s talk some off the court NBA stuff today! ⬇️

Today’s Lineup

🎮 A New College Basketball Video Game!

It has been a LONG time coming. When EA Sports last produced a college basketball video game way back in 2010, UGGs were popular footwear, Ke$ha dominated song charts, and James Harden made the All-Rookie SECOND team alongside Jonny Flynn.

So here are the details: Right now, estimates for a release date hover around 2028, which is a similar development timeline that the company used for EA Sports College Football 25. The NCAA will participate as a licensing partner, but will not be in the title of the game. And along with the portal and NIL being woven in, a giant shake-up is that women’s teams will also be included! 👏 

We were dreaming of what our favorite teams to have played with for the past FIFTEEN years would’ve been. Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on the 2012 Kentucky team would’ve been overpowered. Zion Williamson at Duke and Trae Young at Oklahoma were the embodiment of video game characters in real life.

But we would’ve loved to tap into that mid-major level of teams: that Wichita State squad with Ron Baker, Cleanthony Early and Fred VanVleet? Obi Toppin’s Dayton Team? Imagine playing with Ja Morant at Murray State!!

❤️ OKC, Indy Did Charity Work During Finals

During the most important two weeks in the recent history of the Indiana Pacers and OKC Thunder franchises, both organizations dedicated players, time and resources to improving the lives of children in their communities 🙏 

During the NBA Finals, participating teams take time to create a positive impact in their cities through the NBA Finals Legacy Project. This year, the Thunder and Pacers sent players and financial resources to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County and Indianapolis to improve classrooms, STEM education equipment, and new spaces for reading 📚

Reportedly, Ben Mathurin found it hard to leave the place and wanted to keep having a good time playing foosball with the kids. Again—is a guy who would go on to drop 27 points in a crucial Game 3 win and 24 points in Game 7. Shoutout to Ben and the other players for taking the time to make these kids’ day! ❤️

The NBA recently announced the draw of six pools for the 2025 NBA Cup group play tipping off on October 31. Check ‘em out here. ⬇️

Our main takeaway is that the West Group C is gonna be an absolutely BLOODBATH. Prayers up for the Trail Blazers 😭 

The West Group B is also stacked with five playoff-caliber teams, and we think the East Group B could be a tossup between the Magic, 76ers, Pistons and Celtics depending on health. Which division do you think is the toughest? 🤔 

Signing Off

It’s the dog days of summer and the desert of the NBA offseason. We’re glad to have taken a break from refreshing RFA news of Jonathan Kuminga and Josh Giddey to share our love of the game with y’all, and we’ll talk soon! ✌️

Conor Geelan