Episodes
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Hosted by Mark Zanetto & Tee Baker,
The Hoops Cap — on the Big East Energy Network
UConn WBB lands elite Serbian guard Jovana Popovic — the 2024 U18 EuroBasket All-Star, Basketball Without Borders Europe MVP, and one of Europe’s most skilled young playmakers. We break down what she brings to Geno Auriemma’s program, how she fits next to Olivia Vukosa, and what her commitment means for UConn’s growing international pipeline.
We also react to Addison Bjorn committing to Texas, and dive into a full UConn–Michigan preview ahead of Friday night’s Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase at Mohegan Sun — including Syla Swords, Kim Barnes Arico vs Geno, and why this might be UConn’s toughest non-conference test of the year.
#UConnWBB, #JovanaPopovic, #GenoAuriemma, #UConnBasketball, #MichiganWBB, #WomensCollegeBasketball, #BigEast, #NCAAW, #BasketballRecruiting, #eurobasket2017
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UConn Football is officially on the national radar — eight wins, their first AP Top-25 vote since 2010, and a massive chance to hit nine wins this weekend against FAU and one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
Mark Zanetto and Joey Bailbonds break down the rebuild, the culture shift under Jim Mora, David Benedict’s role in the resurgence, the power of that AP vote, and what a win over FAU would mean for recruiting, NIL perception, and UConn’s national trajectory. Plus Joe Fagnano, what are his chances of being in NYC for the Heisman Presentation?
This is The Hoops Cap x Rent’s Due crossover — and UConn Football just kicked the door into the national conversation.
#UConnFootball, #JimMora, #CollegeFootball, #GroupOfFive, #FAUFootball, #APTop25, #RentDue, #HoopsCap, #BigEastEnergy, #UConn, #NCAAF, #CollegeSports
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Missing episodes?
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UConn fans, women’s hoops fans, and analytics truth-seekers — this is the conversation.
Mark Zanetto sits down with Kevin Clancy of HOOPS HQ to break down one of the biggest debates in basketball:
When do metrics stop telling the full story?
We dive into why formulas have Sarah Strong at No. 3, why analytics spit out Azzi Fudd at No. 39, and whether advanced stats are missing the intangibles.
#womenscollegebasketball, #UConnWBB, #AzziFudd, #SarahStrong, #CollegeBasketball, #WBB, #Analytics, #BasketballRankings, #BigEastEnergy, #HoopsCap, #KevinClancy, #BasketballMetrics
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A Top-5 battle with real Final Four energy — and we’re breaking down every possession. Arizona outlasts UConn 71–67 inside a hostile Gampel Pavilion, powered by a +20 rebounding edge (43–23), a 42–24 domination in points in the paint, and monster nights from Jaden Bradley (21 pts), Koa Peat (16 & 12) and Motiejus Krivas (9 & 14).
We react to every momentum swing, matchup adjustment, and late-game sequence — including Eric Reibe’s career-high 15 points, Solo Ball’s 14-point effort, and how UConn’s frontcourt depth was tested without Tarris Reed Jr.
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Jake Faigus of @Bleav Arizona joins us to break down this massive Top-5 showdown from the Wildcats’ perspective — and why this might be a must-watch Final Four preview in mid-November.
Is No. 3 UConn vs No. 4 Arizona really a March matchup disguised as a non-conference game? We go inside Gampel Pavilion and break down every angle — Arizona’s elite freshmen, Koa Peat and Braden Burries, UConn’s 3 pt ability, Karaban causing mismatches, who guards SOLO? IS Silas Demary Jr the new closer? And the coaching chess match between Dan Hurley and Tommy Lloyd.
We dive into KenPom numbers, X-factors, lineup advantages, and what this heavyweight battle actually reveals about both teams’ March ceilings. Who wins and why.
#UConn, #ArizonaBasketball, #CollegeBasketball, #NCAAB, #MarchMadness, #FinalFour, #BigEast, #UConnHuskies, #ArizonaWildcats, #DanHurley, #TommyLloyd, #CBB, #BleavNetwork, #Top5Matchup, #GampelPavilion
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The UConn men’s basketball team just delivered their most complete, terrifying performance of the season — and on this episode of The Hoops Cap, Mark Zanetto breaks down how Dan Hurley has weaponized this roster. We dive into the 3-headed monster of Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr., and Silas Demary Jr., the Jayden Ross breakout, Braylon Mullins’ looming return, and why UConn now looks like the most complete team in college basketball. Plus: Mark’s full comment on gambling, NCAA regulation, and why open betting protects athletes more than the shadows. Presented by the Law Offices of James E. Sulick.
#UConn, #UConnNation, #CollegeBasketball, #BigEast, #GoHuskies, #DanHurley, #CBB, #NCAAB, #BasketballAnalysis, #BigEastEnergy, #UConnMBB
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Sarah Strong is not from this planet — and her performance against Ohio State proved it. In UConn’s 100–68 domination, the sophomore delivered one of the most complete games we’ve seen in years: 29 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals, 3 blocks, +41, and a full-court Wes Unseld–style outlet pass that only a generational player makes.
In this episode, Mark Zanetto breaks down why Sarah Strong is already the best player in women’s college basketball, why it’s not particularly close, and why Geno Auriemma says the things she does are “not normal” — even though she’s starting to make them look routine.
We also dive into the hottest debate in UConn Nation:
Blanca Quiñónez vs. Ashlynn Shade and how Geno manages his rotations.
Blanca was electric (18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals in her second game), but her 5 turnovers show why Geno leans on experience and consistency. Starting spots don’t matter — minutes do, and Blanca is already playing like a future star.
Additional breakdowns include:
• How UConn avenged the 2023 Sweet 16 loss
• The 23–6 second-quarter explosion
• UConn’s 30 assists on 39 made shots
• 37 points off turnovers
• Azzi Fudd’s bounce-back after a slow start
• Serah Williams’ frontcourt dominance
• Why UConn’s depth is real — and why Geno trusts eight players
• What to expect in the huge matchup with Top-15 Michigan
This is everything you need to know about UConn’s statement win, the evolution of this roster, and why Sarah Strong is separating herself from every other player in college basketball right now.
#UConnWBB, #UConnHuskies, #UConnBasketball, #NCAAWBB, #SarahStrong, #GenoAuriemma, #BlancaQuinonez, #WomensBasketball, #CollegeBasketball, #bigeastenergy
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Mark Zanetto goes live with instant reactions to UConn vs BYU — breaking down momentum swings, standout performances, coaching decisions, and what this matchup means for the Huskies moving forward. Tap in and join the conversation *live* on the Big East Energy Network.
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Mark Zanetto and Tee Baker dive into UConn Women’s Basketball — breaking down the team’s dominant start, Sarah Strong’s breakout, and the real possibility of adding Jerzey Robinson and Addison Bjorn to an already loaded future core.
The Huskies rolled through Florida State and Loyola, and Sarah Strong looked like the best player on the floor every night — averaging 21.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.0 BPG, and 2.0 SPG on her way to BIG EAST Player of the Week. Is she truly developing into a blend of Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart?
Mark and Tee also break down Kayleigh Heckel’s defensive spark, her 10 steals across three games, and whether she’s better as a high-impact bench weapon or a legitimate threat to Ashlynn Shade’s starting spot.
Then they look forward:
• Olivia Vukosa’s commitment
• UConn holding two open scholarships
• The ongoing battles for Jerzey Robinson (No. 5) and Addison Bjorn (No. 10) — with both considered UConn leans and both having USA Basketball chemistry
Plus a big-picture discussion on how NIL, the transfer portal, and modern recruiting have reshaped Geno Auriemma’s long-term strategy.
#UConnWBB, #UConnHuskies, #UConnBasketball, #NCAAWBB, #BigEast, #GenoAuriemma, #SarahStrong, #JerzeyRobinson, #AddisonBjorn, #WomensBasketball, #CollegeBasketball
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Dan Hurley has been questioned, doubted, poked at, and criticized — and every single time, he’s answered with results.
On this Hoops Cap episode, Mark Zanetto is joined by Bryan DeNovellis of Tri-State College Basketball to break down why doubting Hurley in 2025 makes absolutely zero sense.
We dig into:
• Hurley’s evolution from fiery chaos to controlled dominance
• Why UConn’s depth is becoming a national nightmare
• How bulletin-board criticism fuels this staff
• The X-factors that could elevate this roster even higher
• What UConn’s non-conference scheduling really signals
• And whether any team actually has the blueprint to stop them
If you still doubt Dan Hurley… this conversation will change your mind.
Hosted by Mark Zanetto on The Hoops Cap, part of the Big East Energy Network.
#DanHurley #UConn #UConnNation #GoHuskies #CollegeBasketball
#BigEast #BigEastHoops #HurleyEra #NCAAB #TheHoopsCap #BigEastEnergy
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On this episode of The Hoops Cap Pod, Mark Zanetto is joined by Aaron Torres of FOX Sports Radio and The Aaron Torres Sports Podcast to break down the UConn men’s basketball season so far — and preview a huge early-season matchup against BYU.
They dive into what we’ve learned from Dan Hurley’s defending champs through the first few games, how the rotations are starting to take shape, and which players are emerging as difference-makers.
Plus — why BYU might be one of UConn’s toughest early tests, what to expect in Provo, and how Hurley’s fire and focus have evolved after another national title run.
🎧 Presented by The Law Offices of James E. Sulick — experienced criminal and personal-injury attorneys serving clients across Connecticut. Call (860) 644-4700 or visit jamesesulicklaw.com — and tell them Mark from Big East Energy sent you.
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On this special crossover episode of The Hoops Cap Pod and Rent’s Due, Mark Zanetto and his co-host Joey Bailbonds dive into one question UConn fans never thought they’d ask —
Is UConn a football school now?
Following an epic win over Duke at home, the guys break down how one night at Rentschler Field could completely change the identity of the university — from the fanbase’s allegiances to athletic department priorities, NIL distribution, and the way UConn markets itself nationally.
They talk about how Jim Mora’s football rebuild is gaining traction, what it means for Dan Hurley’s basketball dynasty, and whether this moment marks a real power shift inside Storrs.
#UConn #UConnFootball #UConnBasketball #BigEastEnergy #TheHoopsCapPod #RentsDue #MarkZanetto #JoeyBailbonds #DanHurley #JimMora #HuskyNation #UConnFans #BigEastHoops #CollegeBasketball #CollegeFootball #CTSports #BeatDuke
🎙️ Hosted by Mark Zanetto & Joey Bailbonds
📍 Part of the Big East Energy Network — your home for UConn and Big East coverage 365 days a year.
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Welcome in to The Hoops Cap Pod on the Big East Energy Network — your home for everything UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball.
Today’s guest needs no introduction. Meg Culmo — former UConn forward, 1991 Big East Tournament MOP, part of the program’s first Final Four team, and longtime voice of the Huskies — joins Mark Zanetto for a deep dive into how this entire dynasty was built.
From the empty stands of the old Greer Field House to 12 national titles and over 1,250 wins, Meg shares stories of Geno Auriemma, Chris Dailey, and the culture that turned UConn Women’s Basketball into the gold standard of college sports.
We also preview the 2025-26 Huskies, break down Geno’s evolution, CD’s perfect 17-0 record as acting head coach, and what makes this year’s roster one of the deepest in program history.
🎙️ Hosted by Mark Zanetto | Founder, Big East Energy Network
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#BigEastEnergyNetwork | #UConnWBB | #TheHoopsCapPod | #MegCulmo | #GenoAuriemma | #ChrisDailey | #UConn | #BigEast | #WomensBasketball | #CollegeBasketball | #PaigeBueckers | #UConnNation | #FOXCollegeHoops
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Host of The Hoops Cap, Mark Zanetto, reacts LIVE to UConn vs Columbia — instant analysis, in-game thoughts, and unfiltered energy from the Hoops Capital. Join the chat, sound off with your takes, and ride along with The Hoops Cap Pod — powered by Big East Energy.
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The Kodiak is BACK.
UConn men’s basketball absolutely destroyed UMass Lowell 110–47 in Hartford, with Tarris Reed Jr. making his long-awaited debut — and he did not disappoint. Mark Zanetto breaks down the defensive dominance, Silas Demary Jr.’s poise, and what Dan Hurley really meant when he said this team is “well-resourced.”
From depth and discipline to NIL accountability and pride — this was a statement game that said: We’re UConn. We’re different.
Presented by The Law Offices of James E. Sulick — (860) 644-4700
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It’s official — UConn and South Carolina are back on the schedule.
Two powerhouse programs. Two future showdowns: Mohegan Sun (2026) and Charlotte (2027).
The rivalry that defined a decade of women’s basketball is renewed.
Dawn Staley says she’s “not ducking that smoke” — but after UConn’s 2025 title win, who really owns the crown now?
🎙 Hosted by Mark Zanetto and Tee Baker, The Hoops Cap on the Big East Energy Network.
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Sarah Strong Tee Shirt! All Proceeds go to CT Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs
#UConn, #SouthCarolina, #UConnWBB, #Gamecocks, #DawnStaley, #GenoAuriemma, #SarahStrong, #BigEastEnergy, #CollegeBasketball, #WomensHoops, #UConnBasketball, #RivalryRenewed, #UConnvsSouthCarolina, #HallofFameShowcase, #MoheganSun, #Charlotte, #AllyTipoff, #UConnFans, #Storrs, #GoHuskies
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he UConn men look to move to 2–0 as they welcome UMass Lowell to Hartford. Dan Hurley wants forty minutes of focus, intensity, and UConn basketball — but can the Huskies clean it up before BYU in Boston?
🎙 Hosted by Mark Zanetto, founder of the Big East Energy Network.
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The 2025-26 UConn Women’s Basketball season tips off in Annapolis, Maryland — and the journey to banner No. 13 begins. Mark Zanetto breaks down Geno Auriemma’s comments, Azzi Fudd’s leadership, Sarah Strong’s expanded role, and Ayanna Patterson’s emotional return to the court.
That No. 1 Reason is Geno Auriemma, it's that simple
Louisville brings a new-look roster led by Laura Ziegler and Tajianna Roberts, but the top-ranked Huskies are ready to make another statement.
📍 Armed Forces Classic | U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
📺 Watch on ESPN / ESPN+
🏀 UConn leads all-time series 20–3
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It’s finally here — Game 1 of the season! Mark Zanetto goes LIVE with instant reactions, real-time breakdowns, and unfiltered UConn hoops energy as the Huskies take on New Haven. Tap in to chat, drop your thoughts, and ride along as The Hoops Cap Pod kicks off another year of Big East Energy!
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College basketball is BACK — and no program, no fan base, and no coach is more ready to reclaim the throne than Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies.
Mark Zanetto breaks down the blueprint for banner #7, the renewed Hurley vs Pitino rivalry, and the depth that makes UConn once again the team to beat in college hoops.
👉 Thanks for tuning in to The Hoops Cap Podcast, part of the Big East Energy Network.
If you love college basketball — especially UConn Hoops — be sure to like, subscribe, and follow wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch full video episodes and highlights on YouTube @BigEastEnergy.
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Same-day free emergency consultations available.
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The blueprint’s back. The roster’s deep. The rivalry’s heating up.
The Race to No. 7 starts NOW — on Big East Energy Network.
#UConn, #UConnBasketball, #DanHurley, #BigEast, #CollegeBasketball, #GoHuskies, #TheHoopsCap, #BigEastEnergy, #MarchMadness, #NCAAHoops, #UConnNation, #BestBuy, #LGOLED, #JamesSulickLaw, #Connecticut, #CollegeHoopsPodcast
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