Conference play in college basketball has finally arrived.
After a hiatus of several long months, rival teams would come to meet each other to the sound of rowdy student sections jumping over the bleachers. But it follows a non-conference schedule that gives fans a number of defining and humorous takeaways.
As we turn our attention to conference play, let’s revisit some of the non-traditional excellence – both on and off the court – that emerged early this season.
Most likely to house an NBA court
When BYU acquired the No. 1 high school prospect in the Class of 2025, it had just completed its second season as a member of the Big 12 — a move that brought the program to a bigger stage. The headlines became more intense with Dyabantsa’s involvement.
In July, when the Cougars released their non-conference schedule, it was revealed that they would be playing on three NBA courts – and DiBantsa rose to the occasion in all of those games.
Dyabantsa and BYU played No. 3 for the first time Yukon at TD Garden in Boston, home of celticsWhere the freshman scored 25 points and 6 rebounds in an 86-84 loss. BYU bounced back against No. 23 wisconsin in Delta Center, home of utah jazzDyabantsa collected 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in a 98–70 victory.
He made another big show on the jazz floor California Baptistwhere he scored 22 points in a 91–60 win before completing his NBA Arena Tour in the Jimmy V Classic against Clemson at Madison Square Garden, adding 28 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in a 67–64 win.
most valuable number
67
It got loud in the arenas, and we mean loud Because of a particular number: 67. This trend, which was popularized on TikTok, would send young students into a frenzy every time a team’s points reached 67. Young spectators pierced the ears of players, coaches and other spectators. LSU, oklahoma state, West Virginia And golden brown color Sports, just to name a few.
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Fans cheer after Oklahoma State scores 67 points
Lena Girardi gets a steal and goes on to increase Oklahoma State’s score to 67, and fans celebrate in the crowd.
And it looks like this trend is here to stay… at least for a while.
Most likely this will make their parents’ commute easier
cameron boozer And caden boozer
The Boozer brothers, sons of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, have played together their entire lives. From teaming up on the AAU circuit with Nitridas Elite to preparing for basketball at Christopher Columbus High in Miami, the twin brothers followed in their father’s footsteps and furthered their college talents. ruler,
In non-conference play for the Blue Devils, Cameron averaged 23.3 points, 10 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.7 steals, while Kayden averaged 7.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1 steal.
It’s safe to say that Carlos is happy to have his boys close to home.
Unmatched social media presence
richard pitino
a thing about Xavier’s Coach: He keeps it honest with his fans on social media. Early in the season, Pitino light-heartedly trolled his father, st johns Coach Rick Pitino.
Took just 30 minutes to explain @RealPitino How to download Amazon Prime on your iPad. The belief is beyond belief that Xavier will win this year.
– Richard Pitino (@XUCoachPitino) 31 October 2025
As the season progressed, he would share a postgame report card with thoughts on the student section, uniforms, cheerleaders, his team’s performance, and even the national anthem singer. For the most part, each category earned an A grade. But he kept it authentic at times with his honest thoughts on Xavier’s performance, sometimes giving the team a C for rebounding or an F for defense.
post game grade
Anthem Girl- A Plus
Student Category- A Plus
Gray Eunice- A, big fan!
Offense- B-minus, 20 assists!
Defense- F Minus
Rebounding- C, Filip 12 rebounds!
– Richard Pitino (@XUCoachPitino) 7 November 2025
when the gunmen lost 87-68 To Santa ClaraPitino took responsibility for the loss on social media.
Monday night was upon me. I will get better. We will be better. A rough Friday night in Iowa!
– Richard Pitino (@XUCoachPitino) 12 November 2025
The most unconventional ‘transfer portal’ returns
aamir khan
During McNeese’s Cinderella run last March, team manager Aamir Khan went viral for his antics. He would lead the team out of the locker room with a large boombox hanging around his neck. This led to his nickname “Aura” and 20 zero deals.
Read more: How a McNeese manager became the centerpiece of March’s moment
But amid McNeese’s run to the NCAA Tournament, coach Will Wade made a deal to become the point man at NC State. Khan followed Wade into the “transfer portal” to Raleigh.
However, Khan appeared back in blue and gold in early December Being transferred back to McNeese in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which is also his hometown.
“I just wanted to come back home,” he said. “I think NC State was amazing. I loved the city, loved the campus, loved the teammates. There was no animosity of any kind. I just wanted to get back with McNeese. Working for McNeese means a lot to me.”
