By Happypal Basketball this week has been a thrilling mix of raw young talent, veteran wisdom, and career curveballs. From a 14-year-old phenom taking over Long Island’s courts to WNBA history being made, plus NBA stars planning life after the hardwood, the game’s heartbeat is strong — and getting louder.
1. Delaney Walters – The Teenage Sniper Taking Over Long Island
Long Island has a new basketball queen — and she’s just 14.
Delaney Walters, a freshman at St. Mary’s High, has already rewritten her school’s record books, drilling 66 three-pointers in a single season while averaging 18 points per game. Her lightning release and deep range have drawn the eyes of college scouts from powerhouse programs. Training under NBA player development legend Jerry Powell, Walters is already moving with the poise of a pro. For many, it’s not if she’ll make the WNBA — it’s when.
2. Paige Bueckers – WNBA Rookie Phenom Making History
In the pros, Paige Bueckers has turned her WNBA debut into a headline machine. The first overall pick in 2025 for the Dallas Wings, she’s already the fastest rookie in league history to reach 200 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists. Her 35-point game last week didn’t just win the match — it cemented her status as the new face of women’s basketball.
3. Steph Curry’s Four Words That Sparked a Generation
At Curry Camp, 25 of the nation’s top high school players came expecting drills, scrimmages, and feedback. What they got was a mic-drop moment from Steph Curry:
“Stay locked. Be ready.”
Four words that carry a lifetime of lessons — especially from a man who turned doubters into believers, and believers into champions.
4. Koby Brea – The Patient Marksman
Drafted 54th overall by the Phoenix Suns, Koby Brea is taking a different approach to his rookie year. Known for elite three-point shooting, he’s focusing on building defense, conditioning, and basketball IQ — proving that sometimes the smartest move is to build the foundation before the fireworks.
5. Kristaps Porziņģis – Trading Dunks for Punches?
The NBA world did a double-take when Kristaps Porziņģis, now with the Atlanta Hawks, revealed that he’s considering a career in MMA after basketball. At 7’3″, the idea of him in the octagon is as fascinating as it is intimidating. But for now, his focus stays on making Atlanta a true contender in the East.
6. Rockets Ready for Lift-Off
With Kevin Durant joining the Houston Rockets, their 2025–26 season is already looking like must-see TV. From opening night against the champs to sibling duels and Warriors grudge matches, the Rockets’ schedule is loaded with drama. They’re not just chasing wins — they’re chasing headlines.
Why This Week Matters
From middle school gyms to pro arenas, this week showed the sport’s massive range and relentless evolution. Walters and Bueckers are redefining what’s possible for their age and stage. Curry’s wisdom proves the value of mentorship. Brea’s patience and Porziņģis’s future ambitions show there’s more to the game than points on a scoreboard. And teams like Houston are giving us storylines we’ll be talking about all season.
Basketball doesn’t rest — it just finds new ways to rise.