November 24, 2025
College Basketball
In college basketball, the University of Illinois men's team recovered from a midweek loss to Alabama with a decisive 98 - 58 victory over Long Island. The Fighting Illini's international players were instrumental in the win, with Andrej Stojakovic leading all scorers with 20 points. Illinois is currently ranked 14th in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings and is preparing for a challenging stretch of games against top-ranked opponents.
Meanwhile the University of Arizona continues to hold the top spot in the CBS Sports rankings for the fourth consectutive day. The Wildcats boast an undefeated 5 - 0 record, including impressive wins against three other top-25 teams: UConn, Florida, and UCLA. Despite Arizona's strong performance, Purdue University is expected to maintain its No. 1 position in the upcoming Associated Press Top 25 poll.
High School Basketball
The high school basketball season is set to begin, with several intriguing storylines emerging across the country. In the Chicago area, Warren High School's junior guard, Jaxson Davis, has been named the preseason player of the year. The top-ranked teams in the area include DePaul Prep, defending Class 4A champion Benet, and Warren. In a surprising turn of events, the south suburban area, a traditional basketball powerhouse, has no teams in the preseason Super 25 rankings for what is believed to be the first time in history.
Out on the West Coast, the Los Angeles Times has released its preseason top 25 rankings for Southern California. Sierra Canyon, Santa Margarita, Redondo Union, and St. John Bosco have secured the top four spots.
ESPN News
In a notable event, ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith and Marcus Spears were in attendance for the matchup between No. 1 ranked Montverde Academy and Southeastern Prep. Montverde secured an 82 - 57 victory in a game that featured some of the nation's top high school talent.
BALLIN N DA BUSH SAFARI CLASSIC
Safari Classic Tour is a Perfect Match for Botswana
The Safari Classic has become a hallmark event in the sports calendar, showcasing not only the talent of local athletes but also the vibrant culture of Botswana. This year, the 3rd Annual BALLIN N DA BUSH SAFARI CLASSIC drew teams from various regions, creating a competitive atmosphere that thrilled both participants and spectators.
The tournament featured a series of exhilarating matches, with each team demonstrating their skills and teamwork. The competitive spirit was palpable, and players pushed their limits to gain an edge over their opponents. The standout performances from players like Munya and Boingotlo not only earned them MVP honors but inspired their teammates to elevate their game.
In addition to the exciting basketball action, the Safari Classic served as a platform for cultural exchange, featuring performances from local musicians and artists throughout the event. This fusion of sports and culture further engaged the community, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Looking ahead, the enthusiasm generated by the Safari Classic is anticipated to increase interest in basketball across Botswana. Local schools are already showing interest in forming teams and participating in future competitions. The success of this year's event is likely to motivate organizers to expand the tournament, potentially inviting more international teams to compete and showcase their skills.
BDF_V Sweeps Men & Ladies Championships
As the BDF_V teams gear up for the international tournament in May 2026, the excitement surrounding the Safari Classic lays the groundwork for an even grander display of talent and sportsmanship in the years to come. The legacy of the Safari Classic will continue to inspire athletes and unite communities through their shared passion for basketball.
-Source: Parris, G. (2025, November 23). Top 25 and 1: Illinois bounces back after midweek loss to Alabama. CBS Sports. https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-illinois-andrej-stojakovic-alabama-duke-kentucky/
O'Brien, M. (2025, November 23). 20 questions and answers on the upcoming high school baskeball season. Chicago Sun-Times. https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2025/11/23/high-school-basketball-preview-chicago-questions-answers
Sondheimer, E. (2025, November 23). The Times' top 25 high school basketball rankings. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2025-11-23/la-times-top-25-high-school-boys-basketball-rankings
Villamarzo, A. (2025, November 24). Stephen A. Smith shows up to Montverde Academy-Southeastern Prep basketball game. Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/stephen-smith-shows-montverde-academy-000926023.html
High School Basketball. (2025, November 18). Daily Breeze. https:/www.dailybreeze.com/tag/high-school-basketball/