Rowserwrites ‘25 Recap
A recap of the year that was: Melo passes the torch, Infinity Song shines, Jalen Williams ascends, Karl Anthony-Towns on his Dominican roots, WNBA free agency, and HBCU spotlight.
Happy Sunday and welcome back to Hoops, Rap, and Everything Black. I’m the author, Curtis “Trey” Rowser.
I’m fresh off a 10-hour drive from Atlanta to Virginia, where I’ll be for Christmas week, so tonight’s issue is on the shorter side as we’re reflecting on 2025. I’m sharing my most important publications of the year. This year, I was blessed to spend a summer with Nike basketball, interview an NBA Hall-of-Famer, profile a world-touring family band, report on HBCU hoops, and much more.
But first…
Performance of the Week: Dennis Parker Jr., Radford University
Dennis Parker Jr. etched his name into Radford history last Sunday. The junior guard shattered both the program and Big South single-game scoring records, erupting for 53 points on an elite 19-of-24 shooting—10 of them from deep—while grabbing eight rebounds in a dominant 107–77 victory over Coppin State. Just a reminder: there are hoopers at every level.
What I’m Listening To
What I’m Watching
What I’m Reading
Inside the ugly Chris Paul-LA Clippers divorce [ESPN]
The regrets and reflections in Klay Thompson’s Warriors exit [ESPN]
NBA Trade Board 2025-26: Anthony Davis, Trae Young and other potential movers [The Athletic]
He lost his home in the California wildfires. But this hoops recruit’s star continues to rise [The Athletic]
And now, a handful of the most important stories I published this year…
Rowserwrites 2025 Recap
Beyond the Buzzer: How Nike Is Fueling the Next Era of Elite Hoopers [Nike Editorial]
PASS THE TORCH: Back in 2003, an 18-year-old kid named Carmelo Anthony put Syracuse University on his back, leading the program to its first-ever national championship. Twenty-two years later, his son, Kiyan Anthony, is set to start his freshman season with the Orange, determined to both carve his own path and build upon his father’s remarkable legacy. [SLAM]
Karl-Anthony Towns Opens Up About His Dominican Roots, Expectations and What It’ll Take for the Knicks to Make a Postseason Run [SLAM]
The Road Less Traveled: Unknown recruit. Mid-major star. Lottery pick. All-Star. Champion. Jalen Williams’ remarkable rise to the top of the basketball world is proof that if you stay focused, loyal and driven, anything is possible. [SLAM]
Infinity Song just released the soundtrack of spring in NYC: From busking in NYC to a world tour, here’s how this Black soft rock band is redefining your expectations. [Time Out New York]
How HBCU Teams are Being Stripped of Their Stars—And Why It Matters to Everyone: Norfolk State’s coach sounds the alarm on college sports’ broken system: HBCUs are bleeding talent to wealthier programs. [BET]
From ‘Detroit Red’ to Malcolm X: The Pistons Honor a Revolutionary Legacy with New Capsule Collection: In an exclusive interview, Pistons VP of Brand Marketing and Strategy Bilal Saeed shares how the team’s new capsule collection honors Malcolm X’s Detroit roots and lasting legacy. [BET]
Why the WNBA’s 2026 Free Agency Class Could Reshape the Sport: MVPs, All-Stars, and over 100 players will be free agents in 2026—here’s what it means for the future of the league. [BET]
Charlie Ward’s Latest Chapter: Suiting Up as Head Coach of Florida A&M [SLAM]
That’s all I have for you this evening. Hopefully, you find a story (or two or three) that sparks your interest and dive in. I’m excited to write and ready more than I ever have in this year ahead—and beyond. I’ll be back next week for the last newsletter of the year. I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas. Please reach out with any tips, insights, leads, comments, etcetera.
Love always,
Curtis
Love you!