On Dec. 5 and 6, Barclays Center hosts Usher’s electrifying “Past Present Future” tour, which has garnered rave reviews after being initially postponed in August due to Usher suffering a neck injury. The show offers over 45 songs from Usher’s 3-decade-long career and also boasts excellent special effects to recreate versions of Usher from different eras — but don’t worry, the real Usher will be there, too.

Then, the Women’s Championship Classic hits the court on Saturday, Dec. 7, with some of college basketball’s most dominant programs. Tennessee will take on Iowa at 7 p.m., followed by UConn vs. Louisville at 9 p.m. Last week, UConn star Paige Buekers became the first NIL athlete to score her own signature shoe deal, announcing the launch of her Nike G.T. Hustle 3 basketball kicks.

“Embarking on the Past Present Future tour, his first in eight years, Usher is firing on all cylinders as he takes the stage for a two-hour extravaganza. Somehow even better at 45 than he was at 25, when his 2004 chart-topping, hit album ‘Confessions’ dropped, the R&B legend runs through more hits than most fans realize he has and weaves in tracks from his latest album, ‘Coming Home.’” — Anika Reed, USA Today

“The Huskies defeated both Oregon State and then-ranked No. 18 Ole Miss thanks to their overwhelming defense, tight ball movement and standout performances from both Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. In Monday’s AP Top 25 Poll, UConn remained ranked No. two in the Week 5 edition of the standings.” — Maggie Vanoni, The Register Citizen