The 2025-26 NBA Regular Season played out like a strange balancing act. While established teams maintained a sense of success and championship contention, rising powers inserted themselves into the spotlight. Off the court, scandals and drama added a chaotic and entertaining vibe to the season.

The Seawanhaka Sports Rundown is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in sports news at the local, state, national and international levels.

Just four years ago, the Sharks were coming off a three-win season and were struggling to get butts in the seats. If you ask any student who attended a game that season, they wouldn’t hesitate to tell you that. Fast forward to 2026, and finding a seat in the Steinberg Wellness Center became a difficult task. Spurred by on-court success and fan entertainment provided by The Reef, the LIU Sharks’ rise to success is something to be remembered for years to come.