Eden Laase
@edenlaase.bsky.social
Women’s basketball writer 🏀
Covering for Hoops HQ and Yahoo. AP voter. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://inbox-and-one.beehiiv.com
Covering for Hoops HQ and Yahoo. AP voter. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://inbox-and-one.beehiiv.com
Pinned
Eden Laase
@edenlaase.bsky.social
· Jan 29
'I could see her sinking' — How Lauren Betts rediscovered her confidence and found her voice
Betts thought a fresh start at UCLA would help her, but her internal battles became too much for her. Now, after focusing on her mental health for a spell, she's better than ever — and so are the Brui...
sports.yahoo.com
Last season UCLA star Lauren Betts needed to step away from basketball for a few games. The decision changed her life.
“I identified my self-worth based on how I was playing and how many points I scored. It was so unhealthy.”
sports.yahoo.com/i-could-see-...
“I identified my self-worth based on how I was playing and how many points I scored. It was so unhealthy.”
sports.yahoo.com/i-could-see-...
🚨Unnecessary Sports Graphic Alert 🚨
I'm starting a newsletter! (🧵)
I'm starting a newsletter! (🧵)
October 27, 2025 at 2:08 PM
🚨Unnecessary Sports Graphic Alert 🚨
I'm starting a newsletter! (🧵)
I'm starting a newsletter! (🧵)
Reposted by Eden Laase
When JuJu Watkins went down last night, you could tell right away it was bad. USC confirmed the worst afterwards: a torn ACL. @edenlaase.bsky.social has the report on Watkins and what it means for the Trojans at Hoops HQ. #marchmadness
@thehoopshq.bsky.social
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
@thehoopshq.bsky.social
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
JuJu Watkins Injures Knee in NCAA Tournament Game; Done for Season
Watkins was going up for a layup, planted her right leg and fell to the ground in pain with 4:44 left in the first quarter.
www.hoopshq.com
March 25, 2025 at 2:19 PM
When JuJu Watkins went down last night, you could tell right away it was bad. USC confirmed the worst afterwards: a torn ACL. @edenlaase.bsky.social has the report on Watkins and what it means for the Trojans at Hoops HQ. #marchmadness
@thehoopshq.bsky.social
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
@thehoopshq.bsky.social
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Reposted by Eden Laase
We’ve got another great day of second round games in the NCAA Womens tournament. @edenlaase.bsky.social has all the latest scoop at Hoops HQ . Home Courts Still Debated in NCAA Women's Opening Weekend - @thehoopshq.bsky.social
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Home Courts Still Being Debated in NCAA Women's Opening Weekend
TCU earned their first-ever trip to the Sweet Sixteen behind Hailey Van Lith, and Kansas State is in their first Sweet Sixteen since 2002.
www.hoopshq.com
March 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
We’ve got another great day of second round games in the NCAA Womens tournament. @edenlaase.bsky.social has all the latest scoop at Hoops HQ . Home Courts Still Debated in NCAA Women's Opening Weekend - @thehoopshq.bsky.social
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Reposted by Eden Laase
HoopsHQ writer @edenlaase.bsky.social writes about Harmoni Turner and how her story can be impactful to others
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
For Harvard’s Harmoni Turner, There’s a Time to Play — and Heal
Harmoni is sharing her painful backstory, in hopes that others might benefit
www.hoopshq.com
March 24, 2025 at 9:56 PM
HoopsHQ writer @edenlaase.bsky.social writes about Harmoni Turner and how her story can be impactful to others
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
In 2004, South Dakota State moved from D2 to D1. Since then, they’ve become a mid-major powerhouse. Yesterday’s win over Oklahoma State was just another example of that prowess:
“That’s quite a steep trajectory, really, in a pretty short period of time.”
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
“That’s quite a steep trajectory, really, in a pretty short period of time.”
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
South Dakota State Gets UConn Next? That's Fine. The Jackrabbits are Comfortable With Anything.
Coach Aaron Johnston has made South Dakota State a consistent mid-major entrant in the NCAA Tournament, thanks to a constant comfort level.
www.hoopshq.com
March 23, 2025 at 4:18 PM
In 2004, South Dakota State moved from D2 to D1. Since then, they’ve become a mid-major powerhouse. Yesterday’s win over Oklahoma State was just another example of that prowess:
“That’s quite a steep trajectory, really, in a pretty short period of time.”
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
“That’s quite a steep trajectory, really, in a pretty short period of time.”
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Ayoka Lee’s return, Molly Miller’s send off, Maggie Doogan’s birthday present and more from day one:
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Women’s March Madness: Top Storylines From an Exciting Opening Day
Eden Laase breaks down Day One's top storylines – including Michigan, Kentucky and Kansas State – and the road to the 'chip.
www.hoopshq.com
March 22, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Ayoka Lee’s return, Molly Miller’s send off, Maggie Doogan’s birthday present and more from day one:
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Parity is thrown around a lot when discussing the women’s game, and sometimes people think it just means tons of crazy upsets.
But part of parity is competitive games from higher seeds, like we saw with Liberty against Kentucky and Grand Canyon against Baylor.
But part of parity is competitive games from higher seeds, like we saw with Liberty against Kentucky and Grand Canyon against Baylor.
March 21, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Parity is thrown around a lot when discussing the women’s game, and sometimes people think it just means tons of crazy upsets.
But part of parity is competitive games from higher seeds, like we saw with Liberty against Kentucky and Grand Canyon against Baylor.
But part of parity is competitive games from higher seeds, like we saw with Liberty against Kentucky and Grand Canyon against Baylor.
Geno Auriemma likes UConn’s chances this year, but he also knows the field is stronger than ever.
“There are more teams that are capable of knocking someone off in a one-game situation.”
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
“There are more teams that are capable of knocking someone off in a one-game situation.”
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
UConn Hopes Its Title Drought Ends This Year
After dominating women's basketball for years, UConn hasn't won it all since 2016. Is this the year for Geno Auriemma's Huskies?
www.hoopshq.com
March 20, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Geno Auriemma likes UConn’s chances this year, but he also knows the field is stronger than ever.
“There are more teams that are capable of knocking someone off in a one-game situation.”
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
“There are more teams that are capable of knocking someone off in a one-game situation.”
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Your pre-March Madness reminder that every player on Florida Gulf Coast is listed as a "shooter" for their position. Do with that info what you will.
March 18, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Your pre-March Madness reminder that every player on Florida Gulf Coast is listed as a "shooter" for their position. Do with that info what you will.
I picked and analyzed the entire bracket for Hoops HQ. It’s going to be one hell of a tournament.
Let’s dance!
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Let’s dance!
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
2025 Women's NCAA Tournament Bracket Breakdown
Eden Laase sorts through the women's March Madness bracket. Top players, best matchups, Cinderella candidates and more.
www.hoopshq.com
March 17, 2025 at 12:49 PM
I picked and analyzed the entire bracket for Hoops HQ. It’s going to be one hell of a tournament.
Let’s dance!
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Let’s dance!
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Happy Selection Sunday!!
March 16, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Happy Selection Sunday!!
What an insane performance for Middle Tennessee State’s Jaylynn Gregory to send her team to the Conference USA final.
She made three late-game 3s and took a game-sealing charge.
She made three late-game 3s and took a game-sealing charge.
March 15, 2025 at 3:01 AM
What an insane performance for Middle Tennessee State’s Jaylynn Gregory to send her team to the Conference USA final.
She made three late-game 3s and took a game-sealing charge.
She made three late-game 3s and took a game-sealing charge.
He’s so special to me
March 15, 2025 at 1:54 AM
He’s so special to me
Harmoni Turner with 44 points to earn her team a spot in the Ivy Madness Final.
That’s a Harvard record (breaking the one she set earlier in the season) and an Ivy Madness record. She’s unbelievable.
That’s a Harvard record (breaking the one she set earlier in the season) and an Ivy Madness record. She’s unbelievable.
March 15, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Harmoni Turner with 44 points to earn her team a spot in the Ivy Madness Final.
That’s a Harvard record (breaking the one she set earlier in the season) and an Ivy Madness record. She’s unbelievable.
That’s a Harvard record (breaking the one she set earlier in the season) and an Ivy Madness record. She’s unbelievable.
For years Harmoni Turner didn't share her story, but now, the Harvard star is detailing everything, from child abuse to depression, to learning to love herself.
Harmoni's powerful story is one of bravery and resilience with a side of basketball.
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Harmoni's powerful story is one of bravery and resilience with a side of basketball.
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
For Havard’s Harmoni Turner, There’s a Time to Play — and Heal
Harmoni is sharing her painful backstory, in hopes that others might benefit
www.hoopshq.com
March 14, 2025 at 5:06 PM
For years Harmoni Turner didn't share her story, but now, the Harvard star is detailing everything, from child abuse to depression, to learning to love herself.
Harmoni's powerful story is one of bravery and resilience with a side of basketball.
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
Harmoni's powerful story is one of bravery and resilience with a side of basketball.
www.hoopshq.com/womens-colle...
I chatted with Harmoni Turner (Harvard), Katie Dinnebier (Drake) and Brooklyn Meyer (South Dakota State) about why they decided to stay at their midmajor programs.
“There is a specialness of committing to a school and staying there.”
www.sbnation.com/womens-ncaa-...
“There is a specialness of committing to a school and staying there.”
www.sbnation.com/womens-ncaa-...
NCAA women’s basketball mid-major stars explain why they chose to stay rather than transfer
Transfers are the new NCAA norm. Here’s why some women’s basketball players stayed put instead.
www.sbnation.com
March 14, 2025 at 3:26 PM
I chatted with Harmoni Turner (Harvard), Katie Dinnebier (Drake) and Brooklyn Meyer (South Dakota State) about why they decided to stay at their midmajor programs.
“There is a specialness of committing to a school and staying there.”
www.sbnation.com/womens-ncaa-...
“There is a specialness of committing to a school and staying there.”
www.sbnation.com/womens-ncaa-...
Scott Rueck is a phenomenal coach. His Oregon State team earned an automatic bid after four of five starters transferred in the offseason.
What a story.
What a story.
March 11, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Scott Rueck is a phenomenal coach. His Oregon State team earned an automatic bid after four of five starters transferred in the offseason.
What a story.
What a story.
Want to give a shoutout to South Dakota State after the Jackrabbits punched their ticket with a Summit League championship victory.
SDSU has been to 13 NCAA Tournaments since 2009, which is just five years after they became a DI team. A true mid major powerhouse.
SDSU has been to 13 NCAA Tournaments since 2009, which is just five years after they became a DI team. A true mid major powerhouse.
March 10, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Want to give a shoutout to South Dakota State after the Jackrabbits punched their ticket with a Summit League championship victory.
SDSU has been to 13 NCAA Tournaments since 2009, which is just five years after they became a DI team. A true mid major powerhouse.
SDSU has been to 13 NCAA Tournaments since 2009, which is just five years after they became a DI team. A true mid major powerhouse.
What a way for Lauren Betts to reach 1,000 points as a Bruin.
She was dominant in the second half to lead UCLA to a Big Ten title, a revenge win over USC AND a potential No. 1 overall seed for March Madness.
She was dominant in the second half to lead UCLA to a Big Ten title, a revenge win over USC AND a potential No. 1 overall seed for March Madness.
March 9, 2025 at 10:49 PM
What a way for Lauren Betts to reach 1,000 points as a Bruin.
She was dominant in the second half to lead UCLA to a Big Ten title, a revenge win over USC AND a potential No. 1 overall seed for March Madness.
She was dominant in the second half to lead UCLA to a Big Ten title, a revenge win over USC AND a potential No. 1 overall seed for March Madness.
Every network needs a studio team specifically for women’s basketball games. It’s glaringly obvious when the “experts” they have haven’t watched a women’s game all season.
March 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Every network needs a studio team specifically for women’s basketball games. It’s glaringly obvious when the “experts” they have haven’t watched a women’s game all season.
UCLA has to wait and take the last shot there… a long rebound is essentially an automatic bucket when JuJu Watkins is running the break.
March 9, 2025 at 9:30 PM
UCLA has to wait and take the last shot there… a long rebound is essentially an automatic bucket when JuJu Watkins is running the break.
Vic Schaefer has taken his jacket off! (Surprised it took this long)
March 9, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Vic Schaefer has taken his jacket off! (Surprised it took this long)
Duke is definitely peaking at the right time
March 9, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Duke is definitely peaking at the right time
Aaronette Vonleh is one of the best bigs in the country. She should have been a Lisa Leslie finalist.
March 9, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Aaronette Vonleh is one of the best bigs in the country. She should have been a Lisa Leslie finalist.
I will never get tired of watching Stailee Heard play basketball
March 8, 2025 at 11:52 PM
I will never get tired of watching Stailee Heard play basketball