The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Duke’s season opener, early impressions of the Blue Devils’ roster, and whether they are more confident in Duke, UNC or NC State.

The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team defeated the Texas Longhorns 75-60 last night in their season opener in Charlotte in first-ever Dick Vitale Invitational, a new event created to honor the legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale. Despite a competitive first half, the Blue Devils were able to pull away in the second half. The victory not only set a positive tone for Duke’s season but also highlighted their depth and early-season chemistry under pressure. How did Duke look? Does this year’s Duke team compare to last year’s team? Are the Boozer Brothers the new Griffin Brothers?

Duke, UNC and NC State have now all played. Of those 3 teams, which team are you most confident in this season?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss UNC's Homecoming this weekend.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is having their Homecoming this weekend November 6-9, 2025. What does Pam want us to know?    

Duke, UNC and NC State have now all played. Of those 3 teams, which team are you most confident in this season?

Reese, Pam, and Alex discuss the biggest moves and surprises from the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline and the ongoing drama surrounding Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, including whether he and coach Tuomas Iisalo can resolve their issues and if Morant can rediscover his joy on the court.

The 2025 NFL Trade Deadline was yesterday and was unusually active, featuring multiple high-profile moves! The New York Jets were the headline team, trading All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, and sending All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Several other teams made moves. What was the biggest move of the deadline?

On November 1, 2025, the Memphis Grizzlies suspended star guard Ja Morant for one game due to “conduct detrimental to the team.” Morant has admitted that he no longer feels his “usual joy” playing basketball and clearly has some issues with the team regarding his role, minutes and the team’s overall direction. Morant has been speaking to the media and his responses and interviews have frawn criticism. Will Ja and Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo figure it out? Will Morant find his joy? What exactly is going on? Is Ja handling this the right way?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the CFP playoff rankings.

The College Football Playoff rankings are out! What did you think? Were there any surprises? Where is Alabama? Are there any ACC teams?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss this week’s edition of ‘5 Where The Talent Resides’.

The eleventh week of ‘5 Where The Talent Resides’ is here! What 5 athletes are featured today?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Duke’s victory of Texas last night and NC State’s clutch finish over Tennessee.

The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team defeated the Texas Longhorns 75-60 last night in their season opener in Charlotte in first-ever Dick Vitale Invitational, a new event created to honor the legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale. Despite a competitive first half, the Blue Devils were able to pull away in the second half. The victory not only set a positive tone for Duke’s season but also highlighted their depth and early-season chemistry under pressure. How did Duke look?

The NC State women’s basketball team earned a thrilling 80-77 victory over the Tennessee Lady Volunteers yesterday at the Ro Greensboro Invitational in Greensboro, North Carolina. The matchup between two top-10 programs lived up to the hype. NC State's victory gave the ninth-ranked Wolfpack an early statement win over the eighth-ranked Lady Vols to open their 2025–26 season.

Reese, Pam and Alex speak with Patrick Best.

Patrick Best is deeply involved in youth advocacy. He is the founder of Teen Summit, a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit in North Carolina dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for high school teens facing mental, emotional, and social challenges. In 2024, he was chosen by gospel artist Pastor Tye Tribbett to assist in leading the AnTye Bullying Campaign, an initiative aimed at supporting young victims of bullying. Both initiatives focus on creating a meaningful impact for youth locally and nationally. What do Tye Tribbett and Patrick Best have on the agenda?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss ACC basketball, the Dallas Cowboys, Ja Morant and more.

The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team picked up a 114-66 win over the North Carolina Central Eagles on Monday night in Raleigh, marking the official start of the Will Wade era. Seven players scored in double figures including Darrion Williams who led the way with 19 points and 8 assists. The win offers early momentum for NC State under Coach Wade, signaling a fresh start for a team with whole lot of new players and is reshaping its identity. People are optimistic about NC State basketball. Are they expecting too much too soon?

The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Dallas Cowboys 27-17 last night on Monday Night Football, snapping a five-game losing streak and improving their record to 3-5, while the Cowboys fell to 3-5-1. Dak Prescott completed 24 of 39 passes for roughly 250 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but the Cowboys’ offense was held to just 10 offensive points. The Cowboys’ only major highlight came on special teams, when they blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown. For the Cowboys, the loss heavily threatened their playoff hopes as the season moves into its second half. Is the Cowboys' season done?

What's going on with Ja Morant?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the early NBA season action, college football playoff predictions and whether any ACC teams will crack the top 12 rankings.

We’re now a couple of weeks into the NBA season! What's going on?

The College Football Poll is coming out! Reese, Kmac and Pam make some  CFP predictions. Will any ACC teams be in the top 12?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the early-season performances of NC State and UNC basketball, the optimism and expectations surrounding both programs and whether key players like Caleb Wilson can carry their teams deep into the NCAA tournament.

The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team picked up a 114-66 win over the North Carolina Central Eagles on Monday night in Raleigh, marking the official start of the Will Wade era. Seven players scored in double figures including Darrion Williams who led the way with 19 points and 8 assists. The win offers early momentum for NC State under Coach Wade, signaling a fresh start for a team with whole lot of new players and is reshaping its identity. People are optimistic about NC State basketball. Are they expecting too much too soon?

Former NC State men’s basketball coach Kevin Keatts has joined ESPN and the ACC Network as a studio analyst for the 2025‑26 college basketball season. He will serve as a studio analyst across both networks, making his on-air debut on November 7 during ESPN’s men’s college basketball coverage.

The North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team opened their season with a dominant 94‑54 win over the Central Arkansas Bears at home last night. Freshman Caleb Wilson led the charge with 22 points on 8‑of‑10 shooting. With this victory, North Carolina extended its streak of season-opening wins to 21 consecutive years, improving its all-time record in openers to 104‑12, and set an early tone for what promises to be an exciting season. Reese is a big believer in this year’s North Carolina Tar Heel basketball team. Is Caleb Wilson the best player in the ACC? Does Reese believe UNC will go all the way? Reese has UNC going to the Sweet Sixteen. Is he right?