Catch All the NBA Preseason Today Action and Key Player Performances
2025-11-17 09:00
As I settle in to watch today's NBA preseason action, I can't help but feel that electric anticipation that only basketball season brings. There's something special about these early games - they're like opening the first chapter of a brand new book where we don't yet know how the story will unfold. The preseason gives us our first real glimpse of how teams are shaping up, which players have put in work during the offseason, and what new strategies coaches might be experimenting with before the regular season grind begins.
What many casual fans don't realize is how much these "meaningless" games actually matter for roster decisions and player development. I've been following preseason basketball for over fifteen years now, and I've seen countless moments where a standout preseason performance completely changed a player's trajectory. Remember when Fred VanVleet used the 2016 preseason to prove he belonged in the NBA? He went from undrafted to crucial rotation player largely based on those early showings. That's why I'm glued to these games - you never know when you're witnessing the emergence of the next breakout star.
Looking at today's matchups, I'm particularly interested in seeing how teams are integrating new acquisitions and how returning players have developed their games. The beauty of preseason is that we often get extended minutes for players who might not see much action during the regular season. Coaches use these games to experiment with lineups and assess their depth, which means we get to see fascinating combinations that wouldn't normally share the court together. From my experience, paying attention to these unusual lineups can give you incredible insight into a coach's thinking and a team's potential strategic directions for the coming season.
Speaking of player performances that catch the eye, I'm reminded of a recent collegiate game that demonstrates exactly why individual showcases matter even in team sports. Mark Esperanza absolutely dominated for the Baby Falcons, putting up 16 points while dishing out eight assists and grabbing six boards. Now, what impressed me wasn't just the stat line itself, but how he achieved it. The kid displayed incredible court vision - those eight assists weren't just simple passes, but creative setups that created high-percentage shots for his teammates. Meanwhile, Jhustin Hallare for the Jr. Maroons dropped 17 points with eight rebounds in a losing effort, showing that even when the team struggles, individual excellence can shine through. These kinds of performances, whether in college or the NBA preseason, often signal players who are ready to take that next step in their development.
The numbers these players put up - 16 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds for Esperanza and 17 points with 8 boards for Hallare - represent more than just statistics. They tell a story of players who are finding ways to contribute across multiple facets of the game. In today's NBA, that versatility is increasingly valuable. Teams aren't just looking for scorers anymore; they want players who can impact the game in various ways, much like what we saw from both these collegiate standouts. When I analyze preseason performances, I always look beyond the basic points per game and examine how players are filling up the entire stat sheet.
What I love about tracking these early games is identifying patterns that might carry into the regular season. For instance, if a player shows improved three-point shooting in multiple preseason appearances, that's usually a sign of genuine offseason development rather than just a hot streak. Similarly, when I see a player consistently contributing in multiple statistical categories like Esperanza did with his points, assists, and rebounds, it suggests a well-rounded game that should translate well when the games start counting. The preseason is our first opportunity to see which players have added new elements to their games and which are relying on the same old approaches.
As today's NBA preseason games unfold, I'll be watching with a particular focus on players who demonstrate that all-around contribution ability. The league has evolved to prioritize versatility, and the preseason is where we often see the emergence of these multi-dimensional players. I'm especially curious to see how rookies and second-year players perform under the bright lights, as these games represent their first real test against NBA-level competition. From my perspective, the adjustment period for young players has accelerated in recent years, and I expect we'll see several newcomers make immediate impacts today.
The truth is, while wins and losses don't matter in the preseason, individual performances absolutely do. Players are fighting for rotation spots, coaches are evaluating combinations, and organizations are making decisions that could shape their seasons. When I see a player like Hallare putting up 17 points in a losing effort, it reminds me that individual excellence can coexist with team struggles - and that sometimes, those standout performances in difficult circumstances are the most telling indicators of a player's character and potential.
So as you tune into today's NBA preseason action, pay attention to the complete performances, not just the scoring. Notice which players are making the extra pass, fighting for rebounds, and contributing in ways that don't always show up in the highlight reels. These are the players who often become the most valuable assets to their teams once the regular season begins. Based on my years of following basketball at all levels, I can confidently say that the habits players display in these early games often become the foundation for their entire season. Today's action will give us our first real clues about which players are ready to take that next step and which teams might surprise us when the games start counting for real.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
