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Jaden Daly

@jaden_daly

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I’m like the proverbial box of chocolates that Mama Gump told Forrest about…you never know what you’re gonna get. Unapologetically me, always.

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In the instant that you love someone
In the second that the hammer hits
Reality runs up your spine
And the pieces finally fit
— Elton John, “The One”

Sometimes love finds you in places and rooms you never expect to see it in. I know I didn’t when it found me at long last. Allow me to summarize our story:

Boy, a sportswriter from New York, flies out to Kansas to cover UConn’s game out there in December. Girl, a UConn fan from Connecticut, makes the same trip with some of her friends, a few of whom boy also happens to know. After his work is finished, boy is invited out for a postgame afterparty. Boy meets girl, who had known boy from following him on Twitter for his UConn coverage, at long last.

Nothing happens right away, but weeks later, boy and girl start talking again and realize they have more in common with each other than just a shared love of college basketball. They haven’t stopped since.

And a month ago today, Mallory and I made it official.

It’s weird balancing two jobs and a relationship because I’ve been single for so long, but it doesn’t feel like a weight when two people love each other for who and what they are. We can be ourselves around each other despite the distance between us, and it puts each of us at peace because there’s someone out there who understands and appreciates our everyday battles.

If this is the foundation for us after just one month, I can’t wait to see what’s next. I just know nothing is impossible anymore. And when stars collide, like you and I, no shadows block the sun.

Happy anniversary, Mal. I’m so happy I found you. by @jaden_daly

NEWARK, N.J. — Opening night (the one that counts, at least) comes in one of my several home venues.

Game #4, counting the exhibitions, is @shupiratesmbb’s opener against Garden State rival @peacocksmbb. #shbb #HALLin #StrutUp by @jaden_daly

HARTFORD, Conn. — One more exhibition before the games count. This one happens to be a rematch of the first national championship the site covered.

Game #3, for the first time since April 8, 2024, pits @uconnmbb against @boilerball. #UConn #BoilerUp by @jaden_daly

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — I never need an excuse to come here. One of my favorite places gets an earlier visit from me than usual.

Game #2, and my first look at @monmouthmensbball and @shupiratesmbb this year. You’ll see more of both sides as the year goes on. #shbb #HALLin #FlyHawks by @jaden_daly

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends. We’re so glad you could attend. Come inside, come inside.

Season #20, game #1 of God only knows how many. It’ll be @uconnmbb and @cuse_mbb baptizing this year’s festivities at Mohegan Sun. by @jaden_daly

Let’s have a day. by @jaden_daly

Year 16 in the booth with @usmmafootball. by @jaden_daly

I’m a man! I’m 40! by @jaden_daly

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. — I needed to get out of the house and do something with my life.

Covering @the.tournament for the first time in several years, because @setonhalltbt is back in it, hosting @boeheimsarmy. #shbb #HALLin by @jaden_daly

My greatest blessing celebrates another year of life today.

Happy birthday, Mom. by @jaden_daly

At the heart of everything I do lies the woman who created it all. There’s no bigger blessing or privilege in my life than to be called Julie’s son.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. by @jaden_daly

Year 19, done. by @jaden_daly