NIL

Arizona women’s basketball notebook: On meeting the new team, new coaches, NIL possibilities, and more

Published

5 months ago

July 27, 2025

The new-look Arizona women’s basketball program has had a whirlwind few months. The staff and roster are in place. Now, it’s time to learn who the people who will represent the Wildcats in 2025-26 are and what they have planned.

First meet-and-greet with the new ‘Cats

The program has done some social media promotion of the new team members, but fans (and the local media) haven’t really talked to them face-to-face. The fans get their first opportunity on Monday, July 28.

The team will gather at the Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club located at 4001 N. Country Club Rd. The event runs from 5-6:30 p.m. MST.

Why did Julie Hairgrove decide to go back to college?

Just four years ago, former Wildcat Julie Hairgrove was coaching in the WNBA as the longest-tenured assistant in the league. While she never completely ruled out coaching the college game, she was pretty clear that she preferred the professional coaching ranks. The focus there was purely on teaching the game rather than the added responsibilities of recruiting, making sure players got to class, and all the other trappings of college. What made her change her mind?

“Right time, right place,” Hairgrove said. “The stars aligned, so I’m happy to be back.”

It’s about being at her alma mater, but it’s more than that.

“This place is so special to me, just playing here from 98 to 2003,” she said. “And then this university gave me so much, and now I get to pour it back into this program. And then also, it’s personal for me with my grandfather being here and the legacy he built for the men’s team. It’s one of those things like just being back here on campus, and seeing the Lute and Bobbi Olson court, walking down the corridor and seeing my grandparents, and the statue out front. So, there’s just so many memories here. So I mean, just being back here, it’s about pride, it’s about family, and carrying on the legacy.”

What did associate head coach Ashley Odom learn from her time at Texas Tech?

New associate head coach Ashley Odom spent 12 years with Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich. Before their five years together in Lubbock, Odom was on Gerlich’s staff at UT Arlington for seven years. Knowledge of the Big 12 to Arizona is probably the most important thing she brings from her time with TTU since she’s the only staff member with recent Power 4 coaching experience.

“It’s really important just to be able to have familiarity with league, different teams, coaches, styles of play, as well as there are some new faces,” Odom said. “But more so like conveying to our athletes, what it takes to play at this level, to play in this league, and how hard you have to bring in and be consistent on a daily basis in order to be good.”

That isn’t the only thing Odom brings from her time on Gerlich’s staff, though. The interpersonal aspects of combining coaching and motherhood were the biggest lessons.

“Krista was great, just in terms of watching me grow both on and off the court,” Odom said. “So many life things happened. Got married, I have a daughter, and just for me to be able to learn so many things in terms of basketball, just life. I think the biggest thing was being able to see her be a mom and be a coach, because there’s so many people who have different opinions on that, and if it’s possible, and I got to live it and see her through it, and see how successful her kids are now. And that’s something that I want to emulate.”

How did Michelle Marciniak end up at Arizona?

Michelle Marciniak wasn’t looking to be a college basketball coach. After some time as a pro athlete—including as a teammate of former Arizona head coach Adia Barnes—and a stint as a college coach, she left the basketball world. The former national champion at Tennessee has spent almost two decades in the corporate world, becoming co-founder and co-CEO of Sheex, a company that makes sheets out of athletic materials.

Burke and Marciniak have known each other since the former Lady Vol was in the college coaching game and recruited Arizona’s new head coach. At the time, Marciniak was on the staff at South Carolina under head coach Susan Walvius. There was a coaching change before Burke landed on campus, so she opted to go to Louisville.

“We went our separate ways,” Marciniak said.

They reconnected last year, and when Burke got the top job with the Wildcats, she asked Marciniak if she would be willing to join the staff. The businesswoman said that it would need to be something like a general manager’s position. So, it came to be that Arizona women’s basketball has its first GM.

What does that mean?

“I’m definitely a liaison between the women’s basketball program and the athletic department,” Marciniak said. “I handle all things NIL and rev share. Definitely block and tackle for NIL opportunities for our players, but really just oversee the overall operations of the program. I’m a close confidant with Coach Burke, and work with her really on strategy, and if you call it roster management, staff, the mosaic of the staff and hiring of the staff. As she brought me on, it was the first thing we had to do was bring a staff in. But also scheduling and really just the financial and operational aspects of the program. And so I like to say that I’m here to bring the mix of what I’ve done as obviously an athlete and as a coach, but also as an entrepreneur, and bring my business acumen into the program and to help you know with all the experiences that I’ve had to help navigate this crazy world of collegiate athletics right now.”

What are the NIL plans for Arizona women’s basketball?

One of Marciniak’s areas of responsibility is outside name, image, and likeness cultivation. That’s one area where her corporate ties could come in handy. In fact, her former company may be offering deals to Wildcats.

“I’m the leading shareholder on the board of Sheex,” Marciniak said. “I’m still involved on a more of an advisory basis as a board member…I actually hope to bring an NIL deal with Sheex.”

Arizona players on the international scene

Incoming freshman Mireia Jurado had a successful outing with her Spanish team over the summer. Spain came home from the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket with a gold medal this summer.

While they weren’t expected to win a medal—and they didn’t—junior Sumayah Sugapong and her Philippine teammates also had a fairly successful 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup despite going 1-4.

The group came in ranked No. 43 in the world. They left in sixth place out of eight teams. The Gilas finished ahead of Lebanon, which was playing without former Arizona standout Trinity Baptiste, and Indonesia.

Sugapong averaged 8.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in 18.5 minutes per game. She shot 35.6 percent from the floor, hitting 26.3 percent of her outside shots. She had 2.2 turnovers and 2.6 personal fouls per game.

Sugapong appeared in all five of the team’s contests and scored in double digits in three of them. Her best overall game came against Japan. Although her team lost, she scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting and went 2-for-4 from 3-point distance. She also had two assists and grabbed four steals while only turning the ball over once.

The team’s next task will be qualifying for the FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Montaya Dew’s health and her role on the team

Montaya Dew is the only returner from last year’s team. With her shy, quiet personality, she’s an unlikely person to lead others who are all trying to find their way at Arizona.

“She’s not kind of quiet, she’s really quiet,” Marciniak said with a laugh.

Dew is finding her way, though.

“The first part has been us just showing that we have a genuine want to build a genuine relationship with her and her knowing that we care about her as a player, on the court and off the court,” Odom said. “So, she’s getting to know us. It’s building a relationship, just like anything else. But the thing that I think she brings more than anything is a familiarity of Arizona, the fans, just all the things that she can tell us about…She has more insights than I think people think to ask. She’s a quiet soul, but she has a lot of knowledge to give.”

She’s also on track to recovery, although there’s no word on whether she will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.

“She’s working hard every day,” Hairgrove said. “There’s things she can do and can’t do, obviously, but she’s on track. From what Bart’s saying—our athletic trainer—he’s very positive in the direction she’s moving, but she’s putting in a lot of hard work before and after practice…I think she’s excited. I think she likes what she sees in the energy and how hard the team’s working. So I think she wants to get back on the court, and she’s kind of itching to get back with the team. I think [whether she returns for the start of the season] is just too tough to say right now. There’s a lot of steps she’s got a cross before that can happen.”

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Arch Manning takes NIL pay cut to boost 2026 Texas Football roster

Published

8 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

There are plenty of examples of a star in pro sports taking less money in order to help the overall roster. But it isn’t something that’s hit college football yet … until now, thanks to Arch Manning. Manning has asked to take a reduced portion of the Longhorns’ direct payout pool.

Manning’s aim at taking less NIL funds is to help improve the roster around him. Just like Patrick Mahomes, who regularly gives up millions to help the Kansas City Chief’s roster. Tom Brady did it with New England. Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger have all helped the rosters around them by taking less.

In the pros, there are salary caps to negotiate. While college has no salary cap (yet), there is a finite amount in the NIL house pool. Texas can only spend what it has available. And while that pool is one of the biggest in the nation, Texas still follows a budget.

No doubt, Manning will be hoping the Texas coaching staff uses some of the freed up football revenue sharing funds on the offensive line. The line struggled in front of Manning all season and certainly inhibited his development early in the season.

Two offensive linemen are gone after the Citrus Bowl and Texas might lose a third. Left tackle Trevor Goosby was named first-team All-SEC is now contemplating going pro. Running back Jadan Baugh from Florida is also on Texas’ radar. The talented RB won’t be cheap.

Of course, it’s not like Manning will starve. The redshirt sophomore has one of the highest NIL valuations in nation. Manning has NIL deals with Red Bull, Panani, Uber and Warby Parker. Manning made north of $3.5 million in NIL deals in 2025, according to the Houston Chronicle.

With a big name that attracts major brands, Manning doesn’t need his big deals supplemented. But most college athletes are paid by the common pool of funds. Manning frees up some of that money for transfers.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Manning Pay Cut: Texas QB asks for less NIL money to help boost roster

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Top 5 transfer portal landing spots for TCU quarterback Josh Hoover

Published

8 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The NCAA Transfer Portal claimed another big name on Thursday night.

TCU star quarterback Josh Hoover has announced he intends to move on from the program. Hoover spent the last four seasons with the Horned Frogs, taking over as the starter midway through the 2023 campaign and putting up big numbers in each of the last two years.

In 36 career games, Hoover has completed 771/1183 passes for 9,629 yards with 71 touchdowns to 33 interceptions. He added eight more scores on the ground. There’s a very real likelihood that Hoover’s the most productive quarterback returning to the sport in 2026.

Hoover ranks in the top 5 in TCU program history in touchdown passes and total offense. He’s expected to be a coveted option in the portal.

Where are five landing spots that make sense for Hoover?

Indiana Hoosiers

Back in the College Football Playoff with a different starter for the second consecutive season, Indiana has put together one of the most impressive runs in the sport since Curt Cignetti took over the program.

The undefeated Hoosiers produced their first Heisman Trophy winner in school history last weekend as star quarterback Fernando Mendoza ran away with the award. Mendoza has another season of eligibility remaining, but is projected to be a top selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Indiana has already been linked to Hoover, per CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer.

Miami Hurricanes

Miami has lived in the transfer portal over the past few years, investing plenty of time and money into building a contender for Mario Cristobal. The moves finally worked out in 2025 as a massive financial commitment to secure Carson Beck from Georgia helped power the Hurricanes to the playoffs.

Though the conclusion of the 2024 season was a disappointment, former Miami quarterback Cam Ward was developed into the No. 1 pick in the most recent NFL Draft. Beck will likely get a shot at the professional level as well.

With little proven depth on the roster, it makes sense to bring in another experienced quarterback like Hoover to keep the Hurricanes on the right track. Miami has proven it’s willing to pay up.

Oregon Ducks

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon is a known quarterback factory, sending former stars such as Marcus Mariota and Justin Herbert to the NFL. That hasn’t changed since Dan Lanning took over the program in 2022.

The Ducks have had a quarterback drafted in back-to-back years, with Bo Nix going in the first round in 2024 and Dillon Gabriel being selected within the top-100 picks in 2025. Lanning could do it again next April with Dante Moore, who is nearing the end of a career year.

If Moore does leap to the professional level, Hoover would be a solid fit. Nix, Gabriel, and Moore all began their college careers at different schools and later transferred to Oregon, a similar path Hoover is embarking on.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Suiting up for a playoff contender is pretty cool. Having a chance to win championships and staying home in the process might be even cooler.

Texas Tech has firmly entrenched itself as a program to reckon with in the modern age of the sport. The Red Raiders have plenty of money, and they’ve shown they’re willing to use it to pull in elite talent from the transfer portal and high school ranks.

With Behren Morton exhausting his eligibility following the playoff run, Texas Tech has to decide if it wants to turn the program over to another transfer or a homegrown talent like Will Hammond.

Either way, Hoover is from Texas and he’s already in the state.

Houston Cougars

An outlier among four other programs that have a chance to win it all, Houston is on the come-up. The Cougars haven’t been shy about writing checks, evidenced by the program signing five-star quarterback Keisean Henderson during the Early Signing Period.

Redshirt junior starter Conner Weigman does have one season of eligibility remaining and has stated he intends to return next season. Decisions are quick to change in this era, so never say never.

Would Houston bring in Hoover while Henderson develops for a season? Or should the program stick with Weigman as a veteran leader for Henderson?

Weigman just joined the program as a transfer last year. He was fine, but unspectacular this fall, and an upgrade could help the Cougars break their ceiling.

South Carolina Upstate visits Youngstown State after Carroll’s 31-point outing

Published

9 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

South Carolina Upstate Spartans (8-6) at Youngstown State Penguins (7-5, 2-1 Horizon League)

Youngstown, Ohio; Saturday, 1 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Youngstown State hosts South Carolina Upstate after Cris Carroll scored 31 points in Youngstown State’s 80-77 overtime loss to the Robert Morris Colonials.

The Penguins are 4-0 on their home court. Youngstown State scores 80.2 points and has outscored opponents by 10.9 points per game.

The Spartans are 2-5 on the road. South Carolina Upstate is fifth in the Big South scoring 79.6 points per game and is shooting 46.2%.

Youngstown State averages 10.4 made 3-pointers per game, 3.8 more made shots than the 6.6 per game South Carolina Upstate gives up. South Carolina Upstate has shot at a 46.2% rate from the field this season, 3.3 percentage points greater than the 42.9% shooting opponents of Youngstown State have averaged.

TOP PERFORMERS: Carroll averages 3.0 made 3-pointers per game for the Penguins, scoring 16.4 points while shooting 48.6% from beyond the arc. Rich Rolf is averaging 10.8 points over the last 10 games.

Mason Bendinger is scoring 16.1 points per game and averaging 3.1 rebounds for the Spartans. Carmelo Adkins is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Penguins: 6-4, averaging 81.3 points, 33.6 rebounds, 15.2 assists, 9.1 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.7 points per game.

Spartans: 5-5, averaging 75.4 points, 33.5 rebounds, 14.1 assists, 6.1 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 73.2 points.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Arch Manning agrees to reduced NIL share to help Texas build roster

Published

10 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

In a college football world where NIL numbers keep climbing, Arch Manning is going the other way.

Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns reacts before the Texas Football Orange-White Spring Football Game

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

The Texas quarterback has agreed to take a reduced share from the Longhorns’ revenue-sharing pool for the 2026 season, according to Justin Wells of Inside Texas. Manning was entitled to a full portion of the program’s revenue cap but opted to scale it back in an effort to give Texas more flexibility to strengthen its roster.

It is a move that stands out in the current landscape. It is also one Manning can afford to make.

Manning remains one of the most marketable players in college football and has a long list of endorsement deals that will continue to pay handsomely. Even with less money coming directly from the school, he is still expected to earn millions in 2026.

This is not the first time he has shown restraint, either. Manning has consistently been selective with his NIL opportunities since arriving in Austin.

The timing matters. The 2026 season is widely expected to be Manning’s last at Texas before he makes the jump to the NFL. From that perspective, the decision is straightforward. He wants the best possible team around him for one more run at a national championship.

Manning has already demonstrated his commitment to the program. He waited his turn behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons without entertaining a transfer and now is willing to sacrifice a portion of his compensation for the good of the roster.

On the field, the growth showed. After a shaky start in 2025, Manning finished with 2,942 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Texas rebounded from a 3-2 opening to win six of its final seven games, punctuated by a decisive win over Texas A&M.

It is not a common move. It is a very Arch Manning one.

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Miami WR Malachi Toney inks NIL deal with Hellstar

Published

11 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Ahead of the College Football Playoff opener, Malachi Toney added a notable NIL deal. The Miami wide receiver has inked a partnership with apparel company Hellstar.

Toney is Hellstar’s first NIL athlete, the Los Angeles-based brand said in an Instagram post. He became a crucial part of the Hurricanes’ offense during the regular season, helping lead the program to a College Football Playoff appearance as the last team in the field.

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It was part of a decorated freshman year for Toney, who’s emerging as one of the top young stars in the sport. Repped by NETWORK, he has a $878,000 On3 NIL Valuation.

“We are so proud to announce our first Hellstar Sports College Athlete NIL signing – Malachi Toney,” Hellstar wrote in its announcement. “We had the privilege to coach @malitoney10 while he was apart of our high school 7 on 7 program, so now seeing him shine on the collegiate level we couldn’t be more proud.

“We will continue to do our part to help these young athletes stay on the right path, and shine their light to the rest of the world. From Liberty City to the stars!”

It’s the latest notable NIL deal for Toney amid his freshman season. He also secured a partnership with Leaf Trading Cards in October.

More on Malachi Toney’s freshman season

Through his freshman year at Miami, Malachi Toney emerged as a top target for Carson Beck. He led the Hurricanes with 84 receptions for 970 yards, and his seven touchdown catches put him atop the ACC. Toney also added 89 rushing yards this year, as well as a rushing touchdown against Louisville.

Those numbers helped Toney become an On3 True Freshman All-American this year. In addition, he was a central figure in Miami’s run to the College Football Playoff.

“Toney’s quickness and playmaking instincts make him dangerous after the catch. He accounted for 350 yards after the catch with an average depth of target of 6.6, according to Pro Football Focus,” On3 | Rivals’ Charles Power wrote. “Whether working out of the slot or moving around the formation, the South Florida native has proven nearly impossible to contain. His playmaking ability was pivotal to Miami’s playoff push as he became the focal point of the Hurricanes’ passing attack.

“Given his play as a true freshman, it’s safe to say the Fort Lauderdale American Heritage product will enter next season as one of college football’s premier wide receivers. Toney’s performance as a true freshman is even more impressive considering that he should still be in high school, having reclassified into the 2025 cycle late in the recruiting process.”

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Arch Manning taking pay cut after first Texas season didn’t go as planned

Published

12 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Arch Manning is taking a pay cut.

The Texas quarterback agreed to take a reduced share of the team’s revenue-sharing pool “as part of an effort to help the Longhorn football program do whatever it takes to support a 2026 championship run,” according to On3’s Justin Wells.

The savings “could be used on transfer portal talent or as part of retention efforts” for the Longhorns, per Wells.

This season, athletic programs were capped at $20.5 million in revenue-sharing, although that number is likely to increase next season and beyond.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 28: Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 28, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) — Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 28, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Getty Images

Manning, the nephew of NFL icons Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of legendary quarterback Archie, is one of the most marketable athletes in college sports.

On3 currently gives Manning an NIL valuation of $5.3 million, which leads all student-athletes.

Although he is getting less money from Texas, Manning still holds NIL deals with brands like Red Bull, Uber and EA Sports, among others.

However, Manning sometimes struggled in a season that started with Heisman hype and the Longhorns ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Texas finished the season 9-3 and out of the College Football Playoff, a disappointing midseason loss against a poor Florida team all but ended their chances of being in the 12-team field.

Manning’s season was underwhelming as well, throwing for 2,942 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

The news comes after Manning’s father, Cooper Manning, told ESPN earlier this week that his son would return to the Longhorns in 2026 for his junior season despite previously mulling entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

“Arch is playing football at Texas next year,” Cooper said.

Texas finished No. 13 in the end of season rankings and will be on the sidelines for the College Football Playoff, which kicks off on Friday.

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