Jaden Daly
@dalydoseofhoops.bsky.social
Independent college basketball writer covering NY metro hoops since 2009. USBWA member w/focus on MAAC, Big East, Rutgers, local mid-majors, UNC, zebra alerts.
“Walking out onto the floor tonight in a Big 5 contest at The Palestra with a great crowd, that’s why you work hard in the summertime. That’s why you spend hours in the gym, why you shoot 1,000 a day. For this moment.”
On Penn being a throwback to the spirit of the #Big5 with its win tonight:
On Penn being a throwback to the spirit of the #Big5 with its win tonight:
Penn’s win over St. Joe’s a throwback to the enduring spirit of Big 5 rivalry that its coach still cherishes
Penn won Fran McCaffery’s Big 5 coaching debut Monday, and Quakers’ leader addressed meaning of intracity series with his players before fac...
dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:45 AM
“Walking out onto the floor tonight in a Big 5 contest at The Palestra with a great crowd, that’s why you work hard in the summertime. That’s why you spend hours in the gym, why you shoot 1,000 a day. For this moment.”
On Penn being a throwback to the spirit of the #Big5 with its win tonight:
On Penn being a throwback to the spirit of the #Big5 with its win tonight:
Not exactly a quiet court, but anytime I can get this view of my favorite place in this crazy little game, the mystique is preserved.
A blessed good evening from the most magical place in the world.
A blessed good evening from the most magical place in the world.
November 18, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Not exactly a quiet court, but anytime I can get this view of my favorite place in this crazy little game, the mystique is preserved.
A blessed good evening from the most magical place in the world.
A blessed good evening from the most magical place in the world.
Reposted by Jaden Daly
The Palestra, the greatest basketball venue in all the land
PHILADELPHIA — Every religion has a sacred pilgrimage. For college basketball purists, it’s this 8,722-seat marvel.
Game #13, hoops as it was meant to be played, a #Big5 battle between Penn and Saint Joseph’s. Monday night Mass is served at 7:00. #FightOnPenn #THWND
Game #13, hoops as it was meant to be played, a #Big5 battle between Penn and Saint Joseph’s. Monday night Mass is served at 7:00. #FightOnPenn #THWND
November 18, 2025 at 1:55 AM
The Palestra, the greatest basketball venue in all the land
#Big5 standings:
Pod 1:
1) Penn (1-0)
2) Saint Joseph’s (1-1)
3) Drexel (0-1)
Pod 2:
1) Temple (1-0)
2) Villanova (0-0)
3) La Salle (0-1)
If Penn beats Drexel Friday, the Quakers will play for a Big 5 title on December 6th. #FightOnPenn
Pod 1:
1) Penn (1-0)
2) Saint Joseph’s (1-1)
3) Drexel (0-1)
Pod 2:
1) Temple (1-0)
2) Villanova (0-0)
3) La Salle (0-1)
If Penn beats Drexel Friday, the Quakers will play for a Big 5 title on December 6th. #FightOnPenn
November 18, 2025 at 2:10 AM
#Big5 standings:
Pod 1:
1) Penn (1-0)
2) Saint Joseph’s (1-1)
3) Drexel (0-1)
Pod 2:
1) Temple (1-0)
2) Villanova (0-0)
3) La Salle (0-1)
If Penn beats Drexel Friday, the Quakers will play for a Big 5 title on December 6th. #FightOnPenn
Pod 1:
1) Penn (1-0)
2) Saint Joseph’s (1-1)
3) Drexel (0-1)
Pod 2:
1) Temple (1-0)
2) Villanova (0-0)
3) La Salle (0-1)
If Penn beats Drexel Friday, the Quakers will play for a Big 5 title on December 6th. #FightOnPenn
TJ Power, who has been spectacular all night, won this game for Penn with a block and a rebound.
Fran McCaffery, over 40 years removed from playing in the #Big5, has won his first coaching foray in Philly’s prestigious intracity tournament, 83-74 the final over St. Joe’s.
Fran McCaffery, over 40 years removed from playing in the #Big5, has won his first coaching foray in Philly’s prestigious intracity tournament, 83-74 the final over St. Joe’s.
November 18, 2025 at 2:05 AM
TJ Power, who has been spectacular all night, won this game for Penn with a block and a rebound.
Fran McCaffery, over 40 years removed from playing in the #Big5, has won his first coaching foray in Philly’s prestigious intracity tournament, 83-74 the final over St. Joe’s.
Fran McCaffery, over 40 years removed from playing in the #Big5, has won his first coaching foray in Philly’s prestigious intracity tournament, 83-74 the final over St. Joe’s.
Reposted by Jaden Daly
Penn's going to win this, but not after it got ugly in the final seconds. Didn't see exactly what happened but teams had to be separated and Penn's AJ Levine ended up on his back. Refs are looking at the monitor now to see what happened.
November 18, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Penn's going to win this, but not after it got ugly in the final seconds. Didn't see exactly what happened but teams had to be separated and Penn's AJ Levine ended up on his back. Refs are looking at the monitor now to see what happened.
St. Joe’s has some life after Cam Thrower stepped out of bounds for Penn.
Fran will talk with 18.6 seconds left, presumably to set up what has been an outstanding defense all night one last time, protecting the Quakers’ 77-73 lead. #FightOnPenn #THWND #Big5
Fran will talk with 18.6 seconds left, presumably to set up what has been an outstanding defense all night one last time, protecting the Quakers’ 77-73 lead. #FightOnPenn #THWND #Big5
November 18, 2025 at 1:57 AM
St. Joe’s has some life after Cam Thrower stepped out of bounds for Penn.
Fran will talk with 18.6 seconds left, presumably to set up what has been an outstanding defense all night one last time, protecting the Quakers’ 77-73 lead. #FightOnPenn #THWND #Big5
Fran will talk with 18.6 seconds left, presumably to set up what has been an outstanding defense all night one last time, protecting the Quakers’ 77-73 lead. #FightOnPenn #THWND #Big5
Barring a comeback, it looks like Penn is on the verge of denying St. Joe’s a #Big5 championship game appearance and Steve Donahue a measure of revenge against his former employer.
Quaker ball after a timeout, with 8 to shoot, 22.2 left, and a 77-73 lead. #FightOnPenn #THWND
Quaker ball after a timeout, with 8 to shoot, 22.2 left, and a 77-73 lead. #FightOnPenn #THWND
November 18, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Barring a comeback, it looks like Penn is on the verge of denying St. Joe’s a #Big5 championship game appearance and Steve Donahue a measure of revenge against his former employer.
Quaker ball after a timeout, with 8 to shoot, 22.2 left, and a 77-73 lead. #FightOnPenn #THWND
Quaker ball after a timeout, with 8 to shoot, 22.2 left, and a 77-73 lead. #FightOnPenn #THWND
They’re going down the stretch in what might be the best game I’ve covered thus far this season. It’s been close the entire night, and it’s a one-possession game going to the final 3:09 at The Palestra.
Penn’s trying to get across the wire first, and it leads St. Joe’s, 71-68.
Penn’s trying to get across the wire first, and it leads St. Joe’s, 71-68.
November 18, 2025 at 1:46 AM
They’re going down the stretch in what might be the best game I’ve covered thus far this season. It’s been close the entire night, and it’s a one-possession game going to the final 3:09 at The Palestra.
Penn’s trying to get across the wire first, and it leads St. Joe’s, 71-68.
Penn’s trying to get across the wire first, and it leads St. Joe’s, 71-68.
Forever my favorite.
What a gorgeous old barn
November 18, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Forever my favorite.
Penn will go to the line on the other side of the U8, looking to extend a 62-61 lead it currently enjoys with 7:13 remaining in regulation.
I also need to mention how insanely good the Penn band continues to be night in and night out. #FightOnPenn
I also need to mention how insanely good the Penn band continues to be night in and night out. #FightOnPenn
November 18, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Penn will go to the line on the other side of the U8, looking to extend a 62-61 lead it currently enjoys with 7:13 remaining in regulation.
I also need to mention how insanely good the Penn band continues to be night in and night out. #FightOnPenn
I also need to mention how insanely good the Penn band continues to be night in and night out. #FightOnPenn
Penn’s fundamentals have been so crisp and so refreshing tonight. That’s not a knock on anyone, it’s more on me because I don’t get to see sets like this often.
Anyway, the Quakers are up three at the U12, holding a 59-56 cushion on St. Joe’s at the 10:53 mark. #FightOnPenn
Anyway, the Quakers are up three at the U12, holding a 59-56 cushion on St. Joe’s at the 10:53 mark. #FightOnPenn
November 18, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Penn’s fundamentals have been so crisp and so refreshing tonight. That’s not a knock on anyone, it’s more on me because I don’t get to see sets like this often.
Anyway, the Quakers are up three at the U12, holding a 59-56 cushion on St. Joe’s at the 10:53 mark. #FightOnPenn
Anyway, the Quakers are up three at the U12, holding a 59-56 cushion on St. Joe’s at the 10:53 mark. #FightOnPenn
Penn got a beautiful floater in the lane from Dalton Scantlebury, followed by a transition three from Roberts set up by some really nice help defense, and Steve Donahue wants a half-minute after the triple.
It becomes the floater at the 13:19 mark with Penn ahead, 55-50.
It becomes the floater at the 13:19 mark with Penn ahead, 55-50.
November 18, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Penn got a beautiful floater in the lane from Dalton Scantlebury, followed by a transition three from Roberts set up by some really nice help defense, and Steve Donahue wants a half-minute after the triple.
It becomes the floater at the 13:19 mark with Penn ahead, 55-50.
It becomes the floater at the 13:19 mark with Penn ahead, 55-50.
I’ve become a fan of what Penn is running offensively. I didn’t really get to see Fran much over the years except when Iowa was at Rutgers, so this is still new to me and a joy to see executed.
Penn’s up two at the U16, 48-46 on St. Joe’s with 15:51 to go. #FightOnPenn #Big5
Penn’s up two at the U16, 48-46 on St. Joe’s with 15:51 to go. #FightOnPenn #Big5
November 18, 2025 at 1:13 AM
I’ve become a fan of what Penn is running offensively. I didn’t really get to see Fran much over the years except when Iowa was at Rutgers, so this is still new to me and a joy to see executed.
Penn’s up two at the U16, 48-46 on St. Joe’s with 15:51 to go. #FightOnPenn #Big5
Penn’s up two at the U16, 48-46 on St. Joe’s with 15:51 to go. #FightOnPenn #Big5
That was an awesome first half.
Behind 18 and 7 from TJ Power, the former 5-star recruit who bounced around at Duke and Virginia, Penn has gone to the locker room square with St. Joe’s through 20.
The second half will begin in a 41-all deadlock. #Big5 #FightOnPenn #THWND
Behind 18 and 7 from TJ Power, the former 5-star recruit who bounced around at Duke and Virginia, Penn has gone to the locker room square with St. Joe’s through 20.
The second half will begin in a 41-all deadlock. #Big5 #FightOnPenn #THWND
November 18, 2025 at 12:51 AM
That was an awesome first half.
Behind 18 and 7 from TJ Power, the former 5-star recruit who bounced around at Duke and Virginia, Penn has gone to the locker room square with St. Joe’s through 20.
The second half will begin in a 41-all deadlock. #Big5 #FightOnPenn #THWND
Behind 18 and 7 from TJ Power, the former 5-star recruit who bounced around at Duke and Virginia, Penn has gone to the locker room square with St. Joe’s through 20.
The second half will begin in a 41-all deadlock. #Big5 #FightOnPenn #THWND
Reposted by Jaden Daly
One of the coolest arenas in college sports. Walk around the concourse and you can travel through Philadelphia basketball history. Saw a few games there and it never disappoints.
PHILADELPHIA — Every religion has a sacred pilgrimage. For college basketball purists, it’s this 8,722-seat marvel.
Game #13, hoops as it was meant to be played, a #Big5 battle between Penn and Saint Joseph’s. Monday night Mass is served at 7:00. #FightOnPenn #THWND
Game #13, hoops as it was meant to be played, a #Big5 battle between Penn and Saint Joseph’s. Monday night Mass is served at 7:00. #FightOnPenn #THWND
November 18, 2025 at 12:40 AM
One of the coolest arenas in college sports. Walk around the concourse and you can travel through Philadelphia basketball history. Saw a few games there and it never disappoints.
Derek Simpson just converted a conventional 3-point play with three minutes left in the first half. It’s becoming a battle between him and Power…he has 13, Power 16, and Penn is up one on St. Joe’s, 37-36. #FightOnPenn
November 18, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Derek Simpson just converted a conventional 3-point play with three minutes left in the first half. It’s becoming a battle between him and Power…he has 13, Power 16, and Penn is up one on St. Joe’s, 37-36. #FightOnPenn
We’ve got some elite shot making here with 7:50 remaining in the opening stanza.
St. Joe’s has had no individual answer for TJ Power in recent minutes, but the Hawks as a whole are countering him with a flurry of threes, their last giving them a 27-25 lead at the U8. #THWND
St. Joe’s has had no individual answer for TJ Power in recent minutes, but the Hawks as a whole are countering him with a flurry of threes, their last giving them a 27-25 lead at the U8. #THWND
November 18, 2025 at 12:27 AM
We’ve got some elite shot making here with 7:50 remaining in the opening stanza.
St. Joe’s has had no individual answer for TJ Power in recent minutes, but the Hawks as a whole are countering him with a flurry of threes, their last giving them a 27-25 lead at the U8. #THWND
St. Joe’s has had no individual answer for TJ Power in recent minutes, but the Hawks as a whole are countering him with a flurry of threes, their last giving them a 27-25 lead at the U8. #THWND
TJ Power comes as advertised. He’s imposed his will inside, and he can knock down a triple on the other side of the arc as well, as evidenced by him pulling Penn level with St. Joe’s, then doing it again after Derek Simpson matched him. #FightOnPenn
November 18, 2025 at 12:23 AM
TJ Power comes as advertised. He’s imposed his will inside, and he can knock down a triple on the other side of the arc as well, as evidenced by him pulling Penn level with St. Joe’s, then doing it again after Derek Simpson matched him. #FightOnPenn
Reposted by Jaden Daly
hopefully as good as the Penn-Princeton doubleheader I saw there on Jan. 9, 2016.
PHILADELPHIA — Every religion has a sacred pilgrimage. For college basketball purists, it’s this 8,722-seat marvel.
Game #13, hoops as it was meant to be played, a #Big5 battle between Penn and Saint Joseph’s. Monday night Mass is served at 7:00. #FightOnPenn #THWND
Game #13, hoops as it was meant to be played, a #Big5 battle between Penn and Saint Joseph’s. Monday night Mass is served at 7:00. #FightOnPenn #THWND
November 17, 2025 at 11:33 PM
hopefully as good as the Penn-Princeton doubleheader I saw there on Jan. 9, 2016.
Reposted by Jaden Daly
I went to Penn so I love the place, but the best moment was during the 2011 NBA lockout when LeBron and a bunch of other dudes had an exhibition game that we somehow got in for free
November 18, 2025 at 12:11 AM
I went to Penn so I love the place, but the best moment was during the 2011 NBA lockout when LeBron and a bunch of other dudes had an exhibition game that we somehow got in for free
Some VGH (very good hoops), as the late great Jack Scheuer would say, through the first 4:32, with St. Joe’s claiming a 10-8 lead in a seesaw battle against Penn.
Very impressed with the two bigs — the Hawks’ Dasear Haskins and the Quakers’ Augustus Gerhart — early on. #THWND
Very impressed with the two bigs — the Hawks’ Dasear Haskins and the Quakers’ Augustus Gerhart — early on. #THWND
November 18, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Some VGH (very good hoops), as the late great Jack Scheuer would say, through the first 4:32, with St. Joe’s claiming a 10-8 lead in a seesaw battle against Penn.
Very impressed with the two bigs — the Hawks’ Dasear Haskins and the Quakers’ Augustus Gerhart — early on. #THWND
Very impressed with the two bigs — the Hawks’ Dasear Haskins and the Quakers’ Augustus Gerhart — early on. #THWND
Off and running inside the cathedral of college basketball. You can have MSG, Hinkle, wherever else you’d like to nominate. This place will always be special for me, and a blessing.
Back to business, AJ Levine scored first for Penn, Anthony Finkley tied it for St. Joe’s.
Back to business, AJ Levine scored first for Penn, Anthony Finkley tied it for St. Joe’s.
November 18, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Off and running inside the cathedral of college basketball. You can have MSG, Hinkle, wherever else you’d like to nominate. This place will always be special for me, and a blessing.
Back to business, AJ Levine scored first for Penn, Anthony Finkley tied it for St. Joe’s.
Back to business, AJ Levine scored first for Penn, Anthony Finkley tied it for St. Joe’s.
Reposted by Jaden Daly
My sister graduated from Penn and my family did not understand why I was so determined to go to the Palestra while we were on campus. Was bitterly disappointed that it was closed and being used for the business school's ceremony.
PHILADELPHIA — Every religion has a sacred pilgrimage. For college basketball purists, it’s this 8,722-seat marvel.
Game #13, hoops as it was meant to be played, a #Big5 battle between Penn and Saint Joseph’s. Monday night Mass is served at 7:00. #FightOnPenn #THWND
Game #13, hoops as it was meant to be played, a #Big5 battle between Penn and Saint Joseph’s. Monday night Mass is served at 7:00. #FightOnPenn #THWND
November 17, 2025 at 11:52 PM
My sister graduated from Penn and my family did not understand why I was so determined to go to the Palestra while we were on campus. Was bitterly disappointed that it was closed and being used for the business school's ceremony.