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Discover Korea’s Rich Heritage: A Complete Travel Guide to the National Museum of Korea in Seoul for Global TouristsExplore the...

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Sweden’s Uppsala Introduces ‘IQ Tourism’ to Promote Intellectual Exploration Over Selfie CultureDiscover Uppsala's IQ tourism, a unique way to explore...

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Thailand Tourism Alert: Travel Costs and Economic Factors Cause Decline in Visitor Numbers in Early 2026Thailand’s tourism sees decline in...

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The vivo T5 Pro first surfaced in February in an IMEI database, then in March we got two separate spec leaks, and today the brand is finally acknowledging that this phone exists and is coming soon. vivo's official X account for India shared the post you can see below, calling the T5 Pro "the ultimate powerhouse". That tagline is, of course, ridiculous - this isn't a top of the line device, so it's definitely not an ultimate anything. We wonder what the vivo X300 Ultra thinks about this marketing direction. The ultimate powerhouse.. Loading….vivo T5 Pro coming soon.Search now on Flipkart...

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were cited as comparable examples to Son Heung-min by Los Angeles FC head coach Marc Dos Santos when he was asked about the struggles the South Korea forward has been facing recently.

Son has just one goal — a penalty in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Real Espana — so far in the 2026 season, including his appearances with the South Korea national team during the March international break.

However, the LAFC coach does not see it as a major issue and instead offered a tactical assessment of Son’s role within the team. “There’s his role with LAFC and his role with the national team that are kind of similar. He went from almost in his early career being a winger, to now being more central,” said Dos Santos during Thursday’s press conference, shared by the club on YouTube. “That happens a lot with players getting at a certain age, it’s normal.”

The coach then pointed to several examples. “You saw it even with Cristiano Ronaldo, playing more wide and now more central. You saw at some stage in his career with Gareth Bale,” Marc began. “You see it a lot with Messi, a lot in his big years in Barcelona drifting from the right side inside, and now being more central. And it’s happening the same with Sonny.”

Following that explanation, a reporter asked Dos Santos whether that meant Son’s role had changed compared to last season — when he scored 12 goals in 13 matches. “He was a number 9 with us last year. He is a number 9 with us this year,” said the coach. “Nothing changes.”

LAFC coach confident Son will return to scoring form

Beyond the tactical explanation, Dos Santos acknowledged that certain aspects of Son Heung-min’s performances differ from the version he showed last year: “I don’t think he’s a robot. He’s not a machine. He had a different and challenging preseason that nobody was expecting. And maybe things are coming slower and we have to manage it.”

In particular, he highlighted specific difficulties the South Korea forward is facing. “Last year, sometimes when he would beat a player, he would get the extra half yard to release the shot. And now it seems that a lot of shots are being blocked,” Marc said.

Still, the coach struck an optimistic tone looking ahead. “He wants to score, he wants to do well… I know that at the right moment, he’s going to be ready. I trust him, I know he performs well,” said Dos Santos. Son’s next opportunity to end his drought will come this Saturday, when LAFC host Orlando City.

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a statement performance for the club alongside the backdrop involving Inigo Martinez and Kingsley Coman, as Al-Nassr navigated a dramatic night defined by both dominance and lingering concerns. Al-Nassr, operating as a singular force at the top of the Saudi Pro League, showcased its attacking power while simultaneously confronting a growing list of absences. The club’s momentum remains strong, yet the balance between recovery and performance continues to shape its title charge.

Ronaldo’s return from a four-week hamstring injury could not have been scripted better, as he scored twice in a commanding 5-2 victory over Al-Najma. The performance not only secured three crucial points but also marked his 100th Saudi Pro League appearance, reinforcing his lasting influence.

The Portuguese forward struck his 966th and 967th career goals, moving closer to the historic 1,000-goal milestone. His impact was immediate and decisive, underlining why he remains central to Al-Nassr’s ambitions even at 41. With this victory, the Knight of Najd climbed to 70 points at the top of the table, opening a six-point gap over its closest rival.

The club’s consistency, combined with Ronaldo’s return, has strengthened its grip on the title race. The win also extended Jorge Jesus’ outfit’s dominant form, reinforcing its status as the league’s most complete side. However, the night’s success did not fully mask the squad’s underlying concerns.

Injury concerns resurface despite victory

While Ronaldo’s comeback stole the spotlight, the absence of key players such as Inigo Martinez and Kingsley Coman remained a significant subplot. Both players missed the clash due to injury, alongside several others, forcing tactical adjustments.

Reports indicated that the Spanish defender is dealing with a hamstring tear, while the French forward is managing calf and hamstring issues, contributing to a broader injury list that has tested the squad’s depth. The club also had to cope with suspensions, including Joao Felix, further complicating selection decisions.

According to Arriyadiyah, the situation required careful medical evaluation and strategic planning from the coaching staff. These setbacks highlight the physical toll of a demanding season, even for a team leading the standings.

When will Martinez and Coman return?

The uncertainty surrounding the injured duo has now been clarified, offering a boost for the upcoming fixtures. Arriyadiyah has revealed that both Inigo Martinez and Kingsley Coman are expected to return for the next league match against Al-Okhdood on April 11, following medical clearance.

This timeline provides Al-Nassr with a clearer outlook as it prepares for the final stretch of the campaign. Their return could prove crucial in maintaining defensive stability and attacking creativity. The update also reflects confidence from the club’s medical team, signaling that the injuries, while disruptive, are not expected to derail the broader title push.

Many fans around the world enjoy watching their national teams in action. For managers, though, that always brings concern because injuries can happen at any time. Vinicius returned to Real Madrid from his Brazil matches without issues, but Álvaro Arbeloa jokingly complained about how Carlo Ancelotti used him.

Arbeloa said: “Vinicius is tired because my friend Carletto didn’t give him much rest. It’s normal because who would want to rest a player like him. I understand it perfectly. There were two very tough matches for him. I think Real Madrid and Brazil are teams where expectations are very high. He’ll come back with a heavy match load.”

Brazil’s schedule included tough tests against France and Croatia. In the loss to France, Vinicius played the full match, while he was substituted in the 20th minute of the second half in the win, for a total of 155 minutes in which he recorded one assist.

Arbeloa on Mbappé’s present

Another major topic in the press conference before Real Madrid’s match in Mallorca on Saturday was Kylian Mbappé. His last few weeks have been surrounded by uncertainty, as his knee problems were not fully clear to people outside the club.

For the manager, his injuries are behind him, so everyone should focus on his performances. Arbeloa also explained why he left Mbappé on the bench for the derby against Atletico Madrid.

Arbeloa said: “His absence was common sense. I have never had even the slightest complaint from him. We have to forget about the knee and focus on the goals. I’m lucky to have a player of his level with that kind of humility.”

Arbeloa relieved about Bellingham

One tricky issue for the manager was Jude Bellingham’s call-up with England. It was clear that Thomas Tuchel wanted to see the player in person, but returning from injury with the national team was not seen very positively. Still, the manager preferred not to use him.

Arbeloa said: “Bellingham’s case was special. He had played a few minutes against Atletico Madrid, but Tuchel did not want to take any risks. Jude is smart and does well in training sessions. I didn’t have any plans. It was the England manager’s decision. He had been out for too long.”

Devin Haney’s father and trainer, Bill, had previously announced his next fight as locked in. Now, it has collapsed. After winning the WBO welterweight world title last November against Brian Norman Jr, dropping the hard-hitting champion once on his way to a unanimous decision victory, Haney opened himself up to some of the most exciting […]

The post Devin Haney accused of being ‘scared to get hit’ as next fight talks collapse appeared first on Boxing News.

The non-profit foundation has staked 69,500 ETH, nearly reaching the goal it unveiled at the end of February, less than two months ago.

The draft bill, yet to be signed into law by the king, marked a significant policy change for Cambodia officials in addressing scam centers.

Diego Simeone believes Atletico Madrid’s upcoming clash against Barcelona will be decided by “the quality and calibre of the players” rather than his tactical battle against Hansi Flick. Atleti host Barca on Saturday as the two Spanish giants go head-to-head in LaLiga, with the Blaugrana tussling with Real Madrid for the title. Having already played […]

The post Simeone plays down tactical battle against Flick appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Simeone plays down tactical battle against Flick appeared first on Soccer News.

The Double-A Birmingham Barons have been the brightest spot in the Chicago White Sox organization over these last few dreadful seasons, winning their second consecutive Southern League championship in 2025. This season will have a mix of familiar faces alongside some recent free agent signings, but it’s likely we’ll see some fluctuation throughout the season depending on how the major league season progresses.

Starting Pitching
With Hagen Smith, Noah Schultz, Wikelman González and others moving up to Triple-A, the 2026 rotation might look a little different.

Righthander Riley Gowens will return as a staple to the Birmingham starting rotation after settling into Double-A ball nicely in his first full season at that level. Gowens tossed the most innings on the team in 2025 (132) at a solid 3.32 ERA and 1.189 WHIP. He also rang up 151 batters at a strong 28% strikeout rate. His walk rate is still a bit higher than the White Sox would like (9% BB%), but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make the leap to Charlotte early this season; he’s more than proven that he can perform at his current level.

Despite making just four starts with the Barons in 2025, lefthander Lucas Gordon was impressive upon moving up from the High-A Winston-Salem Dash towards the end of the season. In 21 innings, he allowed five runs on nine hits, posting a 2.11 ERA and 0.750 WHIP while striking out 24 batters and walking seven. Gordon’s strikeout rate also jumped from 25.4% with the Dash to more than 31% with Birmingham, and his 2.06 FIP is in close alignment to his ERA, showing consistency if you strip out the defense.

Connor McCullough was injured for majority of the 2024 season but came back strong in 2025, joining the Barons in July after a rehab assignment with Winston-Salem and shifting back into a starting role almost seamlessly. McCullough made 13 starts (41 innings) and despite recording four losses, he ended the year with a 3.43 ERA and 0.894 WHIP, highlighting his stellar 5.8% walk rate to accompany his sound 23% strikeout percentage.

Balancing out the rotation with another durable lefty arm is Jake Palisch, who made 13 starts last season of his 29 appearances, ultimately getting the call up to the South Side at midseason but appearing in just one inning. Across both starting and relief roles, Palisch flashed a 2.14 ERA in 105 innings with a 1.067 WHIP, though he had a below-average strikeout rate (16.1%) with the Barons last season. Palisch’s elevated 3.30 FIP in comparison to his ERA suggests that an elite defense behind him might also be providing some support, so it would be interesting to see how he would perform in the majors with the current mess of a White Sox defense.

Relievers
The bullpen has quite a few returning players in Eric Adler, Phil Fox and Jared Kelley. Adler struggled throughout the 2025 season, putting up a 4.78 ERA with the Barons while averaging at a 5.89 ERA on the season, but both Kelley and Fox posted ERAs in the mid-3.00s. In his first pro season, Fox tossed 59 2/3 innings with the Dash and his 11 K/9 and 30% strikeout rate definitely helped.

New additions to the Birmingham arm barn include three recent left-handed pitching signees in Chase Watkins, Jacob Heatherly and Rylan Kaufman.

• Heatherly has struggled with shoulder injuries in the past and holds a career 5.35 ERA. Though some of his pitches have decent scouting grades in the 50-55 range, he lacks command and accumulated a whopping 22% walk rate in 2023 and even higher at 25% in 2024, completely offsetting his high strikeout rates.
• Kaufman is a former Top 30 prospect in the Kansas City but he couldn’t fully adjust to the advanced competition, averaging a 5.41 ERA in his minors career. He ended up needing Tommy John surgery and was out for the 2025 season, but has worked his fastball back up into the mid-90s.
• The South Siders picked up Watkins just last week, after he was released by the Cubs on March 23. Watkins amassed a 2.65 ERA across 40 2/3 innings in High-A, and a sharp 0.92 ERA in 29 1/3 innings once moving up to Double-A.

Catchers
Both returning from last season, Calvin Harris and Jorge Corona will continue to split duties behind the plate, with Harris likely getting more innings. Corona has floated on and off the development list, ultimately slashing .170/.314/.270 in 100 at-bats. Harris made the jump to the Barons 31 games into the season after posting a solid .768 OPS in 119 at-bats, and slashed .253/.317/.312 in 186 ABs with Birmingham, and allowed three passed balls in 469 2/3 innings.

Position Players
If you don’t know his name by now, outfielder Braden Montgomery is one to watch this season, ranking as the top White Sox prospect at South Side Sox and at 34 in the MLB Top 100. The 22-year-old flew through the minors in his first year with the team in 2025, slashing .270/.360/.444 with a solid .804 OPS in 448 at-bats. Upon moving up to Double-A, his stats remained consistent against the tougher competition, and his defensive ability in the outfield (strong arm, speed) give him to the tools to be an All-Star caliber player in the future.

Another exciting player within the White Sox organization is Rikuu Nishida, whose ability to get on base and subsequently steal them is almost unmatched. Aside from Sam Antonacci, Nishida’s .403 OBP led the team in 2025, and he is excellent at being selective at the plate, swinging 39% of the time but making contact on nearly 86% of his swings. Not only is he elite at making contact, but Nishida walks at a higher rate than he strikes out with 75 walks compared to 69 strikeouts last season. Nishida started as a second baseman, but has since adjusted into the outfield, playing the majority of his games in right and center last season. He begins his second full year and third overall in Double-A, however, so someone at the White Sox is not impressed.

Rounding out the outfield will be Caden Connor and Wilfred Veras. Connor posted a .708 OPS with a .266 BA in 342 at-bats with the Barons, and earned a promotion up to Charlotte for 13 games. He was even better with the Knights, and posted a .422 on-base percentage that factored into his .832 OPS. If not for the half-dozen fringe major-leaguers the White Sox acquired in the offseason, Connor could well be starting 2026 in Charlotte. Veras’ arrow is pointing in the opposite direction, as his performance regressed compared to where he was at in 2022 and 2023. In fact, Nishida has nothing on Veras, as Veras is beginning his third straight full season and fourth overall in Birmingham. He slashed just .215/.293/.327 with a .620 OPS that dropped by 17% year-over-year. It’s possible Veras has reached his peak, and it will be interesting to see if he’s made any adjustments heading into this season.

Last but not least, the infield will have mostly all returning playerss with Jason Matthews, Jordan Sprinkle, Ryan Galanie and the recently-signed Andy Weber.

• Matthews had a hard time at the plate last season, putting up a measly .549 OPS in 211 ABs with Birmingham.
• Middle infielder Sprinkle was efficient enough with the Low-A Cannon Ballers (.271/.411/.295) to be promoted to Winston-Salem where he struggled to adjust, and ultimately to Double-A to close out the season. Sprinkle is quick and is able to steal bases when he gets on, but he lacks the raw power to efficiently drive in runs.
• Galanie holds down first base with plenty of power, and he’s fairly selective at the plate and doesn’t strike out a lot. He led the team in RBIs in 2025 (71), and mashed 19 doubles and seven homers.
• Weber was was signed to a minor league contract after electing free agency out of the Diamondbacks system. Likely to play second base, Weber was mostly with the Arizona’s Triple-A team last season where he posted solid numbers with a .310/.368/.434 slash line.

There’s plenty of talent with the Barons, and we’ll likely see a revolving door of players throughout the season. While maybe not having the most raw power at the plate, they have some solid arms that can keep them in games. So it might be best not to rule out a three-peat.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Konnor Griffin debuted in style. The 19-year-old Pirates shortstop delivered an RBI double in his first big league at-bat as Pittsburgh held off the Baltimore Orioles 5-4 on Friday.

Griffin, called up on Thursday and the consensus top prospect in baseball, looked every bit the part during an electric afternoon at PNC Park.

He laced a double to center field off Kyle Bradish (0-2) in the bottom of the second, then showcased his speed while racing home on a single to shallow right field by Jared Triolo.

The teenager, the youngest player to make his major league debut at shortstop since Alex Rodriguez did it at 18 for Seattle in 1994, also drew a walk and handled all of his defensive chances without an issue as the Pirates won their third straight. Griffin became the first Pirate under 20 to reach base twice in his debut since Bobby Del Greco in 1952.

The sellout crowd at PNC Park, which opened 25 years ago, or a full half-decade before Griffin was born on April 24, 2006, roared when Griffin was introduced during the pregame ceremony. The roars drew even louder when he took an 85 mph curveball from Bradish and sent it rocketing to the fence in center field.

Triolo, who moved from short to third after Griffin's promotion, had a pair of hits and his first RBI of the season. Ryan O'Hearn, Henry Davis and Oneil Cruz also drove in runs for the Pirates.

Mitch Keller (1-0) allowed two runs and six hits with four walks and four strikeouts. Gregory Soto gave up a solo home run to Gunnar Henderson with two outs in the ninth, but rebounded by striking out former New York Mets teammate Pete Alonso to pick up his first save with Pittsburgh.

Henderson finished with three hits for Baltimore. Dylan Beavers and Blaze Alexander had two hits apiece for the Orioles. Bradish was touched for four runs and six hits with three walks and six strikeouts in four innings.

Up next

The series continues Saturday when Baltimore's Shane Baz (0-0, 6.75 ERA) faces Pittsburgh's Carmen Mlodzinski (0-0).

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

ASSOCIATED PRESS

When Cleveland Guardians rookie right fielder Chase DeLauter fouled a Shohei Ohtani pitch off his back foot on Tuesday night, it looked like the 24-year-old himself might be the only one who could actually put a stop to his season-opening power surge.

After grounding out later in that at-bat, DeLauter left the game with a left foot contusion, and he didn’t play in the series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers the following day, although manager Stephen Vogt said DeLauter was supposed to be off regardless.

With negative X-rays, DeLauter was confident he’d return to the lineup for the Guardians’ home opener on Friday. He was back, and the same could be said for his seismic swing, which delivered another home run in a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.

DeLauter has now hit five home runs over his first seven career regular-season games, tied for the second most in such a span since at least 1900, according to MLB researcher and reporter Sarah Langs.

The only player with more in that data set is Trevor Story, who scattered seven homers across the first seven games of his rookie season with the Colorado Rockies.

This story is being updated.

The Cincinnati Reds hit the road for the first time during Thursday’s day off, and on Friday began their first road series of the 2026 season.

Fortunately for them, they opened the scoring in their game against the Texas Rangers the very same way they ended it – with a major 2-run homer from a veteran off to an otherwise slow start.

Spencer Steer swatted a 2-run blast off Rangers starter MacKenzie Gore in the Top of the 2nd inning to open Cincinnati’s ledger in this one, and Tyler Stephenson effectively closed it with a 2-run homer of his own in the Top of the 9th inning off veteran righty reliever Chris Martin. Stephenson’s came with the game tied 3-3, and closer Emilio Pagan – himself a veteran entering play on Friday having sputtered out of the gate – hammered down a perfect Bottom of the 9th to give Cincinnati the 5-3 victory.

It was a classic back and forth tie that lent itself to need a big hit late, and that’s precisely what Stephenson provided. He battled into a deep count with Martin, fouling off pitches as he worked for one he could mash, and he eventually went the other way over the wall in right-center for the blast that gave Cincinnati the victory, as the Reds shared on Twitter shortly after it happened.

Steer had doubled in front of Tyler, so he scored on the play. That gave him a pair of extra-base hits, pair of ribbies, and pair of runs scored on the day. Hopefully it’s a sign that he’s getting his bat going, as he’s going to be very much needed to anchor the lineup with his defensive versatility daily (as well as on days against a LHP starter). Stephenson, who’s going to get today’s Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game award, similarly went 2 for 4 with a pair of ribbies – he gets the nod for the WPA boost on the homer, I suppose.

Reds 5, Rangers 3, and happy Reds fans a million.

Other Notes

• Elly De La Cruz chipped in with a solo homer, his third of the year. It was another laser hit from the right-side of the plate, which is an incredibly good sign.
• Eugenio Suarez did not blast a mighty dinger today, but he did have another pair of hits.
• Tony Santillan kept his season ledger clean after another incredibly effective 10-pitch inning yielding zero runs. Sam Moll needed 12 pitches for his, but it was a similar good ending.
• Rhett Lowder will toe the rubber in Saturday’s game between these two clubs, doing so opposite fellow former college standout Kumar Rocker. First pitch in that one is slated for 7:05 PM ET.

Here are the latest news updates and possible return dates for Knicks players...

April, 3, 7:05 p.m.

It looked as if the Knicks were completely healthy heading into Friday's game against the Bulls, but things changed suddenly.

Karl-Anthony Towns was listed as questionable with a right elbow impingement, and shortly before tip, the team ruled him out for the game.

Mitchell Robinson will start in Towns' place.

Towns is coming off a game where he recorded his second triple-double as a Knick in the team's win over the Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

April 1, 7:01 p.m.

After initially being listed as questionable with right ankle soreness, Jalen Brunson has been ruled out by the Knicks for Wednesday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Brunson joins Miles McBride (core muscle injury management) and Mitchell Robinson (load management) on the bench, leaving New York shorthanded and with few options to turn to for the second game of a back-to-back following Tuesday's loss to the Houston Rockets.

Jose Alvarado will likely be inserted into the starting five as the point guard, alongside Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns.

March 21, 5:50 p.m.

The latest NBA injury report has Landry Shamet (knee) as out for Sunday's game against the Washington Wizards. Shamet exited Friday's win against the Nets with right knee soreness.

Josh Hart (knee), who missed Friday's game in Brooklyn, is questionable as he continues to manage his knee injury.

Shamet took Hart's place in the starting lineup against the Nets. If Hart is unable to play, Jose Alvarado could see himself inserted into the starting five. When Shamet exited the game against Brooklyn, Alvarado was the second guard on the floor with the starters. 

March 19, 5:25 p.m.

The Knicks officially ruled Josh Hart (knee) out for Friday's game against the Nets. Hart missed two games during the Knicks' West Coast road trip earlier this month with knee soreness. 

Jalen Brunson, who missed the Knicks' win against the Pacers on Tuesday with neck soreness, is off the injury report and is set to return to the lineup when they take on the cross-town rivals.

March 17, 6:05 p.m.

The Knicks ruled Jalen Brunson (ankle) out for Tuesday's game against the Pacers. Coach Mike Brown confirmed Jose Alvarado will take Brunson's place in the starting lineup. This is the first time Brunson has missed a game due to injury since Jan. 17. 

In addition, Brown said that Mitchell Robinson will play after being questionable with a back injury.

Feb. 11, 1:30 p.m.

The Knicks have ruled out OG Anunoby for Wednesday night's game at the Philadelphia 76ers.

Anunoby has been out of the lineup since playing 48 minutes in the double-OT win over the Nuggets on Feb. 4 with a toenail avulsion on his right foot.

New York will have Mitchell Robinson available for the game against the Sixers after the big man missed the first game of the Knicks back-to-back, a disappointing OT defeat to the Indiana Pacers.

Feb. 8, 11:00 a.m.

The Knicks will remain shorthanded on Sunday in Boston, but they are getting two big pieces back.

Karl-Anthony Towns (eye laceration) and Josh Hart (ankle) are set to play while OG Anunoby (toe) will remain out. 

Towns and Anunoby missed Friday's game in Detroit with their respective injuries.

Hart was forced to leave that loss early with his.

New York will also have Jose Alvarado available for the first time after he passed his physical.

Feb. 7, 5:20 p.m.

The Knicks are listing Josh Hart (ankle), Karl-Anthony Towns (eye laceration), and OG Anunoby (toe) as questionable for Sunday afternoon's game against the Boston Celtics, the team announced.

Towns and Anunoby missed Friday night's loss to the Pistons, during which Hart sustained an injury that saw him exit the game in the third quarter.

New York will have Jose Alvarado available for the first time since adding the guard in a trade before this week's deadline. 

Feb. 6, 7:02 p.m.

The Knicks will be without star Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby on Friday night in Detroit against the Pistons, per the NY Post's Stefan Bondy.

Towns was previously listed as doubtful with an eye laceration, while Anunoby was a game-time decision due to right toe soreness.

The good news for New York is that Josh Hart will be active after missing Wednesday's 2OT win over the Denver Nuggets.

Feb. 6, 1:10 p.m.

It appears the Knicks will be a bit shorthanded when they head to Detroit on Friday night. 

Karl-Anthony Towns has been downgraded to doubtful with an eye laceration suffered Wednesday, and OG Anunoby is being listed as questionable with right toe soreness. 

Additionally, Jose Alvarado is not yet with the team, as he and Dalen Terry still need to pass their physicals. 

On a more positive note, Josh Hart is now being listed as probable after missing Wednesday's game with an ankle sprain. 

Hart was originally questionable, but he's already been upgraded hours before tipoff. 

New York is looking to push its winning streak to nine games against the Eastern Conference leaders.  

Feb. 5, 4:15 p.m.

The Knicks could be a bit short-handed when they take on the Pistons on Friday night. 

The team is listing Karl-Anthony-Towns (eye laceration) and Josh Hart (left ankle) as questionable, while OG Anunoby (toe soreness) is probable to play. 

Hart did not play on Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets, the same game in which Towns played through a cut above his eye.

Miles McBride (core muscle surgery) is also out, and likely won't be able to return until the playoffs. 

Feb. 4, 5:25 p.m.

The Knicks are once again dealing with a thin backcourt, as head coach Mike Brown revealed guards Josh Hart and Miles McBride are unavailable for Wednesday's home game against the Nuggets with ankle injuries.

Hart suffered a left ankle sprain during the third quarter of Tuesday's road win over the Wizards, as cameras caught him hobbling to the locker room. While the severity of his injury is still unknown, the veteran missed a handful of games earlier this season due to a right ankle issue.

As for McBride, who last played on Jan. 27 against the Kings, he's about to miss a fifth straight game. He's averaged 12.9 points across 35 games this season, shooting a career-best 42 percent from three.

The good news is rookie Mohamed Diawara, who also exited Tuesday's win early with an ankle injury, will be active on Wednesday. 

Feb. 2, 5:00 p.m.

The Knicks' depth will be tested against the Wizards on Tuesday night, as Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson have already been ruled out due to left ankle injury management.

McBride, who last played on Jan. 27 against the Kings, will be unavailable for a fourth straight game. The fifth-year guard has averaged 12.9 points across 35 games this season, shooting a career-best 42 percent from three.

As for Robinson, his absence is more precautionary with a back-to-back slate ahead. He racked up seven rebounds and one block (23 minutes) in Sunday's win over the Lakers, and SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reports he's likely to return to action on Wednesday against the Nuggets.

Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m.

New York ruled out Miles McBride (left ankle injury management) for Sunday's primetime game against the Los Angeles Lakers, per the team's Saturday injury report.

It will be the third straight game that McBride has missed, last playing on Jan. 27 against the Sacramento Kings. Over 35 games this season, McBride is averaging 12.9 points per game and shooting 42 percent from three.

Despite his absence the past two games, the Knicks have extended their winning streak to five games after a rough 2-9 stretch

Jan. 28 1:36 p.m.

The Knicks will be without Miles McBride (left ankle management) and Mitchell Robinson (left ankle management) when they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday night in the second game of a back-to-back.

McBride played 30 minutes in Tuesday's win over the Kings, scoring nine points. Robinson also played against Sacramento, scoring seven points with 13 rebounds (six offensive) over 27 minutes of action.

Additionally, Josh Hart is being listed as questionable due to right ankle soreness.

Jan. 24, 2:36 p.m.

After the Knicks designated Karl-Anthony Towns as questionable with back spasms, the team announced just before Saturday's tip with the 76ers that the big man will indeed play.

Philly upgraded Paul George (knee) and Joel Embiid (ankle) as available for Saturday's game.

Jan. 23, 6:20 p.m.

The latest NBA injury report was updated and Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the 76ers.

New York is citing thoracic back spasms as the reason for Towns' designation.

As for Philly, Paul George (knee) and Joel Embiid (ankle) are listed as probable for the big showdown between Eastern Conference rivals. 

Jan. 19, 3:35 p.m.

Fresh off being named an All-Star starter for the second straight year, Jalen Brunson (right ankle sprain) will be back in action on Monday when the Knicks take on the Dallas Mavericks, head coach Mike Brown said.

Brunson has missed most of New York's last three games, all losses, after spraining his ankle in the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings last Wednesday.

Josh Hart (right ankle soreness) will also return to the court on Monday after sitting out Saturday's loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Jan. 18 5:20 p.m.

Jalen Brunson (right ankle sprain) and Josh Hart (right ankle soreness) are both being listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Dallas Mavericks.

The former college teammates did not play on Saturday night in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Brunson has already missed 2-plus games since suffering the injury on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings, as the Knicks have dropped their last three straight contests.

Jan. 17, 5:58 p.m.

After initially being listed as questionable, Knicks head coach Mike Brown ruled out Josh Hart (ankle) and Jalen Brunson (ankle) for Saturday's game against the Suns.

Jan. 17, 1:15 p.m.

The Knicks are listing Josh Hart as questionable for Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns due to right ankle soreness.

Hart has played in New York's past three games after missing eight games with an ankle injury suffered on Christmas Day. The team went 3-5 in his absence.

He's averaging 12.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game over 31 contests this season.

Jalen Brunson (ankle) is also questionable for Saturday night and still listed as day-to-day after suffering a right ankle sprain against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. He did not play in Thursday's loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Jan. 15, 8:20 p.m.

The Knicks will be without Jalen Brunson on Thursday, but they will receive reinforcement in the rotation.

Landry Shamet has officially been ruled available for the meeting with the Warriors.  

Shamet's been out since Nov. 22 with a shoulder injury, but he's been working his way back and was officially upgraded to questionable heading into the matchup. 

It's unclear whether or not he'll be on a minutes restriction, but his return is certainly a welcome sight. 

Shamet was averaging 9.3 points on 45 percent shooting from the field in 15 games prior to the injury.

Jan. 10, 5:00 p.m.

Josh Hart (ankle) has been upgraded to questionable for Sunday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The wing has not played since Christmas Day, missing the past eight games.

New York has gone 3-5 without him, including dropping five of their last six games.

Jan. 6, 5:20 p.m.

The latest Knicks injury report lists Josh Hart and Landry Shamet as out for Wednesday's tip against the Clippers at MSG.

Hart (ankle) will miss his seventh consecutive game, in which the Knicks are 2-4 in his absence. SNY's Ian Begley said on The Putback that Hart is "close" to coming back. The team had said last week that they would re-evaluate Hart in a week, and it seems enough progress hasn't been made.

After Wednesday's game, the Knicks travel west to take on the Suns in Phoenix on Friday.

Jan. 3, 2026, 1:41 p.m.

The Knicks are listing Karl-Anthony Towns as questionable for Saturday night's game against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers due to illness. Towns missed Friday night's defeat to the Atlanta Hawks with the same ailment.

Mitchell Robinson (ankle injury management) is off the injury report for Saturday after not playing the previous night.

Josh Hart (shoulder) is making improvements, but remains out alongside Landry Shamet (shoulder). 

Dec. 30, 10:27 p.m.

Mitchell Robinson (ankle injury management) is out for Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs.

New York's big man is one of three players who have been listed as out for the NBA Cup rematch on New Year's Eve. Robinson joins Josh Hart (right ankle sprain) and Landry Shamet (shoulder) as those unavailable for the game.

Tyler Kolek (right ankle soreness) is listed as probable, while Ariel Hukporti (lip laceration) is questionable for Wednesday's game.

Dec. 27, 6:10 p.m.

On the last injury report ahead of Saturday's tip against the Hawks, the Knicks listed Miles McBride (ankle) as out.

McBride was listed as questionable as recently as Friday, but it seems the guard will miss his eighth game.

Dec. 26, 3:42 p.m.

The Knicks will be without forward Josh Hart when they play the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. The forward left the Christmas Day win over Cleveland in the fourth quarter and has been diagnosed with an ankle sprain. 

But there was some good news: reserve guard Miles McBride (ankle) has been upgraded to questionable. That's an indication that he is very close to making a return to the court after missing the last seven games.

Landry Shamet (shoulder) remains sidelined.

Dec. 22, 4:20 p.m.

The Knicks will be short-handed on Tuesday night in Minnesota against the Timberwolves.

Jalen Brunson (right ankle management), OG Anunoby (left ankle soreness), and Guerschon Yabusele (illness) are all listed as out.

Additionally, Miles McBride (ankle), Landry Shamet (shoulder), and Pacôme Dadiet (G-League assignment) will remain out as well.

New York has gone 2-1 since winning the NBA Cup last Tuesday and face a hot Minnesota squad, winners of four out of their last five games.

Dec. 19, 5:25 p.m.

Head coach Mike Brown confirmed that Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart will play against the 76ers on Friday, hours after they were listed as probable on the injury report.

Dec. 19, 2:00 p.m.

On the heels of a back-to-back, the Knicks will get some of their core back in the lineup on Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Karl-Anthony Towns (knee soreness) and Josh Hart (rectus abdominis strain) are listed as probable, while Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby aren't on the injury report and should be available. Towns, Hart, and Robinson all did not play in Thursday's win over the Indiana Pacers. 

Miles McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder) will remain out for New York on Friday. Additionally, Pacôme Dadiet was assigned to the Westchester Knicks.

The Sixers will be without former MVP Joel Embiid (illness, right knee injury management), who was downgraded from questionable. Embiid has played in just 11 of Philly's 25 games this season, averaging only 20.5 points and 6.6 rebounds when on the court (26.2 minutes per game). Philadelphia will also be without Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain).

Dec. 18, 5:15 p.m.

Fresh off the NBA Cup triumph, the Knicks are going to be without a host of players for Thursday night's matchup with the lowly Indiana Pacers (6-20).

Karl-Anthony Towns (knee soreness), Josh Hart (rectus abdominis strain),  and Mitchell Robinson (ankle management) will all not feature due to slight injuries. New York will already be without Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, who are on the shelf with longer-term injuries.

OG Anunoby (knee contusion) was on the injury report, but will play.

Dec. 7, 3:22 p.m.

Knicks guard Miles McBride exited Sunday's win over the Orlando Magic in the first half, and according to SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley, the guard is still in the process of being evaluated for a left ankle injury.

The Knicks say they will know more on McBride's status on Monday. 

As a starter or a bench player, McBride has been terrific this season. In 19 games (nine starts), McBride has averaged a career-best 15.8 points per games while shooting 46.2 percent from beyond the arc.

Dec. 4, 5:10 p.m.

The Knicks are seemingly close to getting OG Anunoby back. According to SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley, Anunoby (hamstring) has been upgraded to questionable for Friday's game against the Utah Jazz at MSG.

Begley noted on Thursday's episode of The Putback that this weekend's games are a target for the Knicks to get Anunoby back on the court.

Anunoby has missed every game since suffering the injury on Nov. 14 against the Miami Heat.

Head coach Mike Brown said that Anunoby has progressed to taking contact in practice and it seems as though the forward is reacting to it in a positive manner. Of course, this doesn't mean Anunoby will play on Friday, but it leaves open the possibility.

Dec. 3, 6:40 p.m.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown gave a short update on OG Anunoby (hamstring). The coach said that Anunoby has progressed to taking contact in practice.

“It’s still the same, he’s still progressing in the right direction," Brown said of Anunoby before Wednesday's game against the Hornets. "We’re not going to rush him."

Brown also confirmed that Mitchell Robinson (injury management) will miss Wednesday's game, as it's the second of a back-to-back. 

Mike Brown said that OG Anunoby has taken contact in practice but the Knicks "won't rush him" pic.twitter.com/tZLSHsXqY0

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) December 3, 2025

Nov. 19, 9:05 p.m.

Jalen Brunson (ankle) will return to the court and start on Wednesday night in Dallas against the Mavericks, the team announced prior to tip-off.

Brunson suffered a Grade 1 right ankle sprain against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 12 and missed the team's next two games against the Miami Heat. New York split the two contests, winning at home and losing on the road. The team is still searching for its first road win of the season, dropping all four games away from the Garden.

Over 11 games this year, Brunson is averaging 28.0 points on 46.7 percent shooting and 6.5 assists per game. 

Meanwhile, the Mavs will be without rookie Cooper Flagg (illness) on Wednesday night as he'll miss the first game of his career.

Nov. 18, 6:50 p.m.

The Knicks upgraded Jalen Brunson (ankle) to questionable for their Wednesday tip against the Mavericks in Dallas. 

Brunson had missed the team's last two games since suffering a right ankle sprain back on Nov. 12 against the Orlando Magic at MSG. Already without OG Anunoby (hamstring), the Knicks could use their captain to try and get their first road win of the season. 

Oct. 28, 7:18 p.m.

Before the Knicks' tip-off against the Bucks, the Knicks announced that Towns (right quad strain) will play, but Yabusele (left knee sprain) will be out, joining McBride (personal) and Robinson (ankle sprain management) as players who are unavailable for Tuesday's game.

Oct. 28, 3:35 p.m.

Miles McBride has been downgraded from questionable to out for the Knicks' game on Tuesday at the Milwaukee Bucks, the team announced. This is the second-straight game the guard missed due to personal reasons. He was out for Sunday's loss against the Miami Heat.

Oct. 27, 6:45 p.m.

Mitchell Robinson still isn't ready to make his season debut, as the Knicks have officially ruled him out again for Tuesday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Robinson has been sidelined for the first three games due to left ankle injury management, and it's still unknown when he'll make his return to the court. 

New York has also listed Karl-Anthony Towns (right quad strain), Miles McBride (personal reasons), and Guerschon Yabusele (left knee sprain) as questionable for the contest. 

Yabusele is the only new addition to the injury report. Towns has been included heading into each of the first three games, but played in all three, and McBride missed Sunday's game against the Heat for personal reasons. 

Yabusele left Sunday's game at one point and had his knee checked, but he was able to return and saw regular time off the bench down the stretch.

Oct. 23, 6:10 p.m.

The latest NBA injury report has been released and the Knicks have designated center Mitchell Robinson (left ankle injury management) as out for Friday's home game against the Celtics.

Robinson missed Wednesday's season opener and the Knicks are being cautious with their big man this season as they want to have him at close to full strength for an anticipated long playoff run.

The Knicks have also designated both Josh Hart (lower back) and Karl-Anthony Towns (right quad strain) as questionable. 

Hart also missed the season opener but has not seen action since the first preseason game where he tweaked his back. Towns almost missed Wednesday's game but toughed out his quad strain and to help the Knicks' win against the Cavaliers.

OG Anunoby, who played Wednesday despite being questionable with an ankle sprain, is probably for Friday's game.

Oct. 22, 10:59 p.m.

Karl-Anthony Towns was questionable, then doubtful, then questionable again in the hours leading up to the Knicks' win over the Cavaliers and now we know exactly why.

The Knicks forward told reporters after Wednesday's win that he is playing through a Grade 2 quad strain. 

"I’ve been banged up and haven’t really got a chance to practice or play in the last two preseason games," Towns said. "I didn’t want to disappoint the fans, dealing with a Grade 2 quad strain. It’s not something that’s easy to do. We made it happen tonight. Glad the fans respect the effort I put in to play tonight, and my teammates, too. Shoutout to them for supporting me, knowing the situation that I was in."

Since the Oklahoma Sooners got to the SEC, they have had back-to-back years with arguably the hardest schedule in the entire country. Although they'll play a number of different opponents in 2026, the slate doesn't get any easier for head coach Brent Venables and his squad this fall.

Oklahoma will kick off the season against UTEP at home, before going on the road to face Michigan in Week 2. After another home date with New Mexico, OU will go back on the road for another marquee game, this time against Georgia. After a bye week, it's another huge contest for the Sooners, with the annual clash against Texas in Week 6. The Sooners will come back home to face Kentucky, and hit the road again versus Mississippi State, before closing out October back at home against South Carolina on Halloween.

In a bid to repeat last season's "Red November", the Sooners will open the month against Florida on the road, before heading back home to take on Ole Miss and Texas A&M on the season's final two contests on Owen Field. The regular season will end on the road against Missouri.

That's another extremely tough draw for Venables' Sooners, especially early on in the season. In fact, Josh Pate believes that OU has one of the toughest early-season slates in the entire nation.

Pate hosts "Josh Pate's College Football Show", and he ranked the Sooners (along with USC, LSU, Texas, Florida State, and Colorado) as having one of the country's hardest starts to the season schedule-wise. Those three games away from Norman against Michigan, Georgia, and Texas in the first six weeks were a major reason why.

"You have to afford yourself some wiggle-room," Pate said. "You can't be walking the tightrope by mid-October."

However, the Sooners also had a tough schedule last season, and it benefitted them in the chase for the College Football Playoff. Early wins over Michigan and Auburn, and late wins over Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, and LSU were enough to buoy OU into the CFP, despite having two losses. For navigating the tough schedule, Oklahoma was ranked as the nation's top two-loss team, making the playoff with losses to Texas and Ole Miss. The Sooners also didn't stumble against the likes of Illinois State, Temple, Kent State, or South Carolina, an important detail for the playoff selection committee.

Having a difficult schedule is both a challenge and an opportunity, and Oklahoma threaded that needle well last year. Now that the Sooners have proven they can win the tough games, and have proven that they belong in the SEC, it's time to do it again in 2026 with another tough docket awaiting them.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: OU's early-season schedule will reveal a lot about the 2026 Sooners

The 2026 WNBA offseason is finally underway, and the first step was completed Friday with the expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. Both teams selected 11 players as they begin to build out their rosters for the upcoming season.

The college draft remains and free agency after that, so much work remains to be done before the Fire and Tempo open training camp. The rosters could look very different in two weeks’ time, but it’s likely that Friday’s selections will form the bulk of the two rosters. Seven of the nine players who suited up for Golden State on its opening night came from the expansion draft.

We’re limited in our ability to fully understand the decisions of the Fire and Tempo (and the other 13 teams) because we don’t have access to the lists of protected players. There were also several international players selected who haven’t yet debuted in the WNBA or who choose not play in the WNBA every season, and we don’t yet know which of them will come over in 2026. However, based on the information that is available, here is an early look at the winners and losers of Friday’s draft.

Winners

Portland’s depth

The Fire didn’t take a lot of big swings, not unlike the Golden State Valkyries a year ago when Vanja Černivec was part of that front office. But they did end up with several players who have proven that they belong in the WNBA. Bridget Carleton and Sug Sutton were solid starters in 2025, and Maya Caldwell has been a capable role player for multiple seasons. Carla Leite, Luisa Geiselsöder and Chloe Bibby have less tape, but they all had decent rookie seasons. Emily Engstler and Haley Jones have also shown flashes even if their careers have been inconsistent. That is the outline of a quality rotation if the Fire can bring in some top-end talent in free agency, like the Valkyries did with Tiffany Hayes.

Any scorer who signs in Toronto

Julie Allemand is an elite passer and playmaker who hardly ever hunts her own shot. A point guard with her experience in the WNBA and internationally (she is a two-time EuroBasket champion for Belgium) will make the game easier for everyone around her. Allemand’s table-setting will also allow the Tempo to better evaluate the players around her. Competent point guard play is critical to any success in the WNBA, and Toronto has that with Allemand and Lexi Held off the bench. Tempo assistant general manager Eli Horowitz was in the same role in Los Angeles when the Sparks acquired Allemand and understands the 29-year-old’s value to a team.

Nyara Sabally

Sabally was riding high after the 2024 WNBA Finals, when her inclusion in a three-big lineup alongside Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones helped turn the tide of Game 5 and win the Liberty their first title in franchise history. That game forced New York to protect her in the Golden State expansion draft. But 2025 was a new story, as injuries limited her to 17 games out of 44. The Liberty, who expect to continue to contend for titles, couldn’t afford to keep her around with her inconsistent availability.

Now, Sabally gets to go to a situation with much less pressure and a chance to develop and get healthy on a longer timeline. She also stays with the coach, Sandy Brondello, who believed in her enough to contribute in the finals. Sabally was the fifth pick in the 2022 draft ahead of players like Veronica Burton, Lexie Hull and Naz Hillmon. She had a lot of potential, and she and the Tempo now have another chance of realizing it.

Phoenix’s 2025 European shopping spree

The Mercury had to scour international leagues to fill out their roster in 2025, ending up with four rookies who served as rotation players throughout the season. It worked so well that Toronto plucked two of them away in the expansion draft: Held and Kitija Laksa. Neither saw the floor much during the WNBA playoffs (a total of 21 minutes), but the Tempo won’t have veterans blocking Held and Laksa’s path to minutes. Meanwhile, Phoenix still has Monique Akoa Makani and Kathryn Westbeld, and gets to prove its scouting mettle in the 2026 offseason to once again build out the back end of its roster.

Losers

Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx were in a difficult situation with all five starters from last year’s dominant regular-season squad entering unrestricted free agency. If Minnesota protected the full starting lineup, there was no certainty that all would re-sign with Lynx. Furthermore, losing their cost-controlled younger players would make managing the cap more difficult.

Minnesota appears to have protected some of its starters but not all of them, and it lost two rotation players in the draft. No other team lost as much 2025 production as the Lynx between Bridget Carleton and Maria Kliundikova. It’s understandable to have wanted to keep Dorka Juhász at a lower salary than risk losing Carleton in unrestricted free agency regardless, but it still leaves Minnesota at a talent deficit relative to this time last week. The Lynx struggled to replace Cecilia Zandalasini’s contributions in 2025 after losing her to the Valkyries (both Karlie Samuelson and DiJonai Carrington ended the season injured), and filling in for Carleton will be another big challenge.

Las Vegas Aces

At some point, I will stop giving the Aces grief for not caring about young players. They valued unrestricted free agents in 2024 and lost Kate Martin to Golden State in the expansion draft, and then some of those free agents left anyway. They traded away an unprotected 2027 first-rounder — in what could be a generational draft — to acquire an inconsistent NaLyssa Smith midseason. Their most recent top-15 pick (the current length of the first round) who is still on the team is Kierstan Bell from 2022, who is no longer on a rookie contract. They don’t have a first-rounder this season or next season, and they just lost Aaliyah Nye, presumably because Las Vegas once again prioritized unrestricted free agents who could still find new homes.

At some point, the Aces will get old, and they will get expensive, and it will matter. It hasn’t mattered yet. But just because A’ja Wilson papers over any other lapses on the roster, it doesn’t mean the process couldn’t be better.

Marina Mabrey

Mabrey has had quite the odyssey through her seven WNBA seasons. She was traded after her rookie year. The first chance she had to pick a destination, she signed in Chicago but lost the head coach who vouched for her midway through that season. The Sky traded her to a winning situation in Connecticut, but that fell apart within a couple of months, and she was left with a developing Sun team even after asking for a trade.

Now, as an unrestricted free agent for the first time, Mabrey’s rights belong to an entirely new team — this after she eventually started to enjoy playing in Connecticut. The likelihood is that the Tempo core her and she once again cannot pick where to play. The new CBA and the one before it has given players much more agency in where they want to sign, but much power still lies with teams. As a good player who isn’t quite an All-Star, let alone a superstar, Mabrey keeps finding herself beholden to the whims of others.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Portland Fire, Toronto Tempo, WNBA

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Along with all of the results from this Good Friday's EFL action, Playmaker is here to provide you with a rundown of the top performers from across 'The 72' today.

From the slickest passers enroute to the most tenacious tacklers via the busiest goalkeepers, we have the headline stats you need to know.

Off we trot...!

Top performers in the EFL

Most shots on target: 4 - Rayan Kolli (QPR) / Bradley Ihionvien (Shrewsbury Town)

Most tackles won: 7 - Arthur Read (Colchester) / Max Clark (Gillingham)

Most aerials won: 13 - Carl Piergianni (Stevenage) / Mike Fondop (Oldham Athletic)

Most passes completed: 74 - Jack Sanders (MK Dons)

Most key passes: 6 - Matt Targett (Middlesbrough)

Most saves: 8 - Daniel Iversen (Preston North End) / Will Norris (Wycombe Wanderers)

Most interceptions: 7 - Sam Stubbs (Shrewsbury Town)

Most successful dribbles: 6 - Ben Knight (Cambridge United)

Player of the Day

Player of the Day

Patson Daka

Forward - Leicester City

8.7

Final Scores

EFL Championship 2025/26

EFL League One 2025/26

EFL League Two 2025/26

Florida State hosted 2028 athlete prospect Dominick Harris-Payne on a visit back in November, and he left with a scholarship offer. It was his first time on campus, and now he's set to return.

Per his social media, Harris-Payne will be in Tallahassee on Saturday, the 6-foot-3, 165-pounder announced.

"Extremely Blessed and excited to be at FSU tomorrow!!!," Harris-Payne said.

The Lakeland High School star is a two-way performer. He plays both wide receiver and cornerback. 247Sports has him listed as a receiver, while Rivals industry rankings have him listed as a cornerback.

Harris-Payne has over 20 offers at the moment. He has some from several notable programs with Notre Dame, Florida, Colorado, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and others having extended offers.

Rivals' industry rankings have Harris-Payne listed as the No. 350 overall prospect in the country and the No. 40 cornerback. They also have him ranked as the No. 43 recruit coming out of Florida.

In addition to Harris-Payne, FSU will have two more athlete prospects on campus Saturday in Dion Edwards and Dayon Cooper.

Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Football: Dominick Harris-Payne to visit Florida State on Saturday

Cincinnati Bengals fans have long called Caleb Downs the “perfect” prospect for the team in the NFL draft, among other kind things. 

It wasn’t just the loud portion of the fanbase that likes Ohio State, either. Safety has been a serious problem for the Bengals since Jessie Bates walked out the door. 

Bryan Cook is in town now to start alongside Jordan Battle, but that doesn’t take Downs off the board, either. 

ESPN’s Matt Bowen explained why the Bengals are still his favorite team fit for Downs: 

“Under coordinator Al Golden, Downs would be an interchangeable safety. He could rotate low in single-high zone, while playing over the top from depth. Plus, with Downs' ability to create disruption near the line of scrimmage, Golden can play him as a big nickelback in three-safety personnel. He has the urgent play demeanor to set the identity of Cincinnati's defense.”

It’s an underrated storyline: The Bengals signing Cook might’ve upped the chances they take Downs. They have a serious problem at slot corner right now and no good way to fix it. 

Maybe Downs’ long-term spot would be at safety, but the fact he can cover all sorts of problems across different packages is a big deal. 

Of course, this is all assuming Downs even makes it to the Bengals’ pick at No. 10. But he’s by far still one of the very best possible outcomes for the rebuilding defense.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Caleb Downs is still perfect Bengals fit: Expert breaks it down

Willson Contreras Brings Flair To Red Sox Home Opener originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox got back in the win column on Friday with a 5-2 victory over the San Diego Padres. Two off-season trade acquisitions, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, were big parts of the win. 

Contreras finished the day 1-3 with a home run and a walk. While the line doesn't seem out of the ordinary, he made the most of his trips to the plate. The walk came in the second inning. Contreras was initially called out on strikes, but challenged the pitch and was successful, putting him on first base. He challenged as he was walking to first base, and was already standing on the base by the time the challenge was complete. When it was announced that the pitch was a ball, he threw his arm guard into the dugout. 

"On the challenge, I was 100% sure that was a ball," Contreras said. "That was my reaction, I didn't try to show up the umpire or anything like that."

In the sixth inning, with the score tied, Contreras stepped back to the plate for a third meeting with Padres starter Michael King. He put the first pitch he saw over the monster. The first baseman watched the ball from home plate before flipping his bat into the air.

"I took the homer personally, because the first at-bat, he threw one, I know it got away from him, that was close to my face," Contreras said. "If I hit a homer in this one, it's going to be a big bat flip."

The solo home run proved to be the winning run as the Red Sox held the Padres to just two runs. It was their first win after a five-game losing streak. They'll play two more games against the San Diego Padres before moving on to welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to Fenway Park on Monday. 

More MLB: Ken Rosenthal Explains Why Roman Anthony Is In A Tough Spot With Red Sox

DENVER (AP) — Brandon Marsh hit a three-run homer as part of a seven-run first inning, Aaron Nola pitched efficiently into the seventh and the Philadelphia Phillies spoiled Colorado’s home opener by beating the Rockies 10-1 on Friday.

The Phillies set the tone early by sending 11 batters to the plate against Michael Lorenzen (0-1) to begin the game. They finished with 13 hits, including three homers — all by lefties — with the wind blowing from left field. Marsh hit a sinker that went a projected 454 feet to the second deck in right-center. In the second, Bryce Harper launched a solo shot. Kyle Schwarber added a 460-foot drive to right field in the fifth.

Nola (1-0) scattered five hits and gave up one run over 6 1/3 innings. He struck out nine — the bullpen had six more — as Philadelphia won its eighth straight over Colorado.

It was win No. 350 for Phillies manager Rob Thomson, making him the fastest to reach the mark in club history (604 games).

There were 48,366 fans who showed up on a sunny but cool afternoon. The Rockies, a team coming off three straight 100-loss seasons, dropped to 18-16 in home openers, including 17-15 at Coors Field.

It was a rough outing for Lorenzen, who allowed nine runs and 12 hits over three innings. Mickey Moniak had one of Colorado's five hits in his first game of the season. Moniak started on the injured list due to a sprained right ring finger.

The Rockies were coming off a three-game series win in Toronto. They didn't capture their first series last season until early June against Miami.

Up next

The Phillies will throw lefty Jesús Luzardo (0-1, 9.00 ERA) on Saturday. The Rockies hadn't announced a scheduled starter, but right-hander Chase Dollander (1-0, 9.00) is expected to get some work.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

All it took was one off-hand comment from Sean Payton to set of plenty of speculation around Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss.

We’ve dedicated quite a bit to our roundup to end the week around what that might mean. Normally, I tend to hate when edge rushers are moved inside. Often the result equates to a player not good enough to play at either position, but there are examples of this switch working out well.

It will depend on how Elliss is used. I do not think he’ll come in and be a coverage-type inside linebacker. Instead, I think he’ll be used inside to create additional pressure variations for opposing offenses to deal with. Elliss has pass rush ability and moving him inside would give him a lot more flexibility in that role as opposed to just being an outside rusher.

Vance Joseph has proven he has some very creative and successful pressure schemes with the Broncos defense leading the league in sacks in back-to-back seasons. I’m actually curious to see how Elliss getting snaps inside might add a new wrinkle to an already dominant pressure defense.

Broncos daily recap

The big thing we’ve got going on is the draft interest tracker. Scotty Payne is all over every rumor and report going around the Broncos during their draft preparation.

2026 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos draft interest tracker
With the draft less than a month away, MHR is tracking every reported meeting, interview, and top-30 visit the Broncos have had with college prospects this offseason. The list spans all-star games, the Scouting Combine, Pro Days, and facility visits. Among the notable names brought in: Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers, Boston College OT Jude Bowry, Oregon G Emmanuel Pregnon (a projected first or early second-rounder), Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher, and TCU LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr. It’s a useful roadmap for where Denver’s draft board might be leaning as the picks reshape post-Waddle trade.

Broncos brass united in excitement after Jaylen Waddle blockbuster
From the top down, Denver’s leadership is all-in on the Waddle trade. CEO Greg Penner told reporters at the league meetings that the organization came into the offseason “prepared to be aggressive if we thought that there was an opportunity.” President Damani Leech echoed the excitement, noting the buzz has extended well beyond the building — from texts within the front office to board members at community events praising the direction of the football program. It’s a clear signal that ownership, Paton, and Payton are aligned: the window is open, and they’re not being shy about it.

Potent quotables

Head Coach Sean Payton began the talk of moving Jonah Elliss inside when he mentioned we’ll see Elliss “take some snaps inside” when asked about Dre Greenlaw. The follow-up question was even more enlightening.

On releasing 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw and the plan at inside linebacker

“That was a tough one. Here is why: he is so passionate. In my career as a coach, I’ve been lucky enough to coach a lot of passionate players that love the game. I’m always disappointed internally that that didn’t work out because I love that player. I love how he competes. I love all the things he brings. You feel somewhat responsible when it doesn’t work out. We knew it would take a little bit of time with [ILB] Alex [Singleton] and [ILB] Justin [Strnad]. You’re going to see [OLB Jonah] Elliss take some snaps inside. That is something that we have discussed relative to our depth at the edge. Then we will see where that goes during the draft. Those aren’t fun when you re-sign your own players, and I understand… But when we look at the puzzle, you have to take the red magnets that are [unrestricted free agents] and put them off the depth chart, then begin to address the ‘musts’, ‘needs’ and ‘wants’.”

On OLB Jonah Elliss getting snaps at inside linebacker

“It’s the decision to give him snaps going forward. Skill set, it’s a position where we are wanting—I drafted his brother [Saints LB Kaden Elliss]. The same thing happened with [Eagles LB] Zack Baun, only we couldn’t get Zack Baun on the field. Now Philadelphia managed to. It was really looking at your assets, and we know that he is smart, tough and he has all the… Sometimes, that inside backer position—one of the best in our league at San Francisco in [49ers LB] Fred Warner, you saw him play more out in space, outside backer. Sometimes you have to look at the skill set, and then project where you think it can go, and your depth on the edge that allows you to do something like that. We will have a chance to visit with him on it.”

Under the radar

Speaking of Jonah Elliss, there were a few clips Luca Evans shared that shows him playing inside last season.

The FEED happenings

Meow Meow Meow talks rookie and roster space. Take a look and discuss:

Post your own thoughts on MHR’s Feed.

Interesting Broncos Stats

Bo Nix don’t need that tush push…

I am sure everyone remembers how confidence we felt any time Bo Nix lined up under center on a fourth and short. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 17% failed attempts involved them getting “cute” and running some other play outside of that quarterback sneak by Nix.

But of course, we absolutely need 86-year-old Aaron Rodgers if this franchise is serious about winning a Super Bowl in 2026. L.O.L.

So what is everyone’s plans for this weekend? Any epic egg hunts going down?

Arman Tsarukyan continues to make headlines outside of the Octagon, but this week the UFC lightweight contender may have went too far.

Tsarukyan, who is still in the UFC doghouse, has been staying busy with freestyle wrestling matches and a multitude of guest appearances on influencer video streams. The controversial lightweight star kept things rolling just the other day when he was featured on a live stream with popular influencer, Clavicular. They discussed a variety of topics before making their way to a shoe store for some shopping.

While in the store, Clavicular’s friend, Shoovy, asked the world-class fighter to choke him out. Tsarukyan has become a man of the people and gave the eager streamer his wish. Unfortunately, it looked like Tsarukyan held the choke a bit too long. Not only did he leave the young man unconscious, but he was extremely slow to get back up.

Even Clavicular thought something was wrong as he blurted out, “Oh shit, is he dead?”

Check out the footage below and let us know if you think Tsarukyan went too far with this random choke out:

Tsarukyan, who has fought just one time for UFC over the past two years, just booked his next freestyle wrestling match against former UFC star Urijah Faber in just a matter of two weeks. The hope is that Tsarukyan escapes that matchup unscathed and finally fights for the UFC lightweight title later this year, which he may or may not already have a date for.

INDIANAPOLIS—The largest arena in the NBA in terms of capacity is the United Center in Chicago, which can hold 20,917 fans. The biggest in college is Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center, which has a capacity of 22,090.

When the 2026 Final Four gets underway on Saturday, with Illinois and UConn meeting in the first semifinal, more than 70,000 people could be in attendance inside Lucas Oil Stadium. So it goes when college basketball is played inside a football stadium.

Friday’s open practice was the second opportunity for players from all four teams to get used to the layout of the venue, with a court raised two feet above the team benches. Beyond the playing surface, there were the sightlines for shooting to acclimate to.

“It’s definitely weird being up, and the stands and all that stuff farther out, but we’re going to adjust and play our game,” Arizona guard Jaden Bradley said. “At the end of the day we’re all playing on the same court. I’m just a hooper, all I need is a ball and a rim and I’m going to get used to the environment.”

The NCAA has exclusively used football domes for the Final Four since 2000, and though each venue’s layout is slightly different what has stayed the same is the tendency for some bad performances from 3-point range. In the the 75 Final Four games more teams have shot below 30 percent (53) than above 40 percent (47).

That could bode well for the UA, which has become notorious for not relying on the perimeter shot. It has only attempted 53 triples in the NCAA tourney, making 23, while Michigan is 45 of 101.

Since 2000, teams attempting 15 or fewer 3s in a Final Four game are 21-16 compared to 15-12 for those taking 25 or more from deep. In the four games Gonzaga played in 2017 and 2021, with Lloyd on staff, it went 29 of 76 (38.2 percent) from 3.

From Yuma with love

The top-ranked player in the Final Four, according to NCAA.com’s Andy Katz, is a few months away from potentially being a lottery pick. Not bad for someone who was forced to spend three years in Yuma.

Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan’s 6-foot-9 senior forward, began his college career at Arizona Western College in the same conference as Pima. He went there from New Jersey, where because of academic issues he only played 11 high school games and did not get through the NCAA clearinghouse.

“It was a culture shock, I was very depressed,” said Lendeborg, who said his mother made him to play junior college basketball rather than continue with a warehouse job after finishing high school. “As soon as I landed in Yuma, it was awful. There was no green anywhere. I didn’t see any trees. It was all desert. I see movies where they have tumbleweeds going across the street. I actually saw one, I was like damn, this is crazy.”

Lendeborg was a JUCO All-American his final two years at Arizona Western, and from there he was set to play at St. John’s before a coaching change landed him at UAB. Following two seasons there he joined Michigan, where he’s the leading scorer and a consensus All-American, and he credits his time in Arizona for getting him to this point in his career.

“Just being alone without my mom helped me trust people around me more,” he said. “I was a super shy kid back then. They broke me out of my shell. I had no confidence in myself when I went to JUCO, I didn’t want to go anywhere. But that journey has really felt like a dream, every step of the way.”

Born-again Boswell

The first premier recruit that Lloyd signed at Arizona was Kylan Boswell, a 4-star point guard from Compass Prep in Phoenix who reclassified in order to join the Wildcats as part of the 2022 class. That meant Boswell was only 17 throughout his freshman season in 2022-23, a fact that was ad nauseam on broadcasts.

Boswell spent two seasons at the UA, coming off the first year and then starting 35 of 36 games in 2023-24 when he averaged 9.6 points, 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. His play was uneven, scoring at least 15 points eight times but five or fewer 10 times, and off the court there were issues as well.

A change of scenery was needed.

“I left Arizona to put myself in a more disciplined environment,” Boswell said Friday. “I knew who I wanted to be as a person off the court and who I wanted to be as a basketball player, and how I was perceived and all that. And I think I needed to surround myself back home, my roots, how I grew up.”

Originally from Champaign, Ill., Boswell lived there until eighth grade and still has plenty of family in the area, which made transferring to Illinois a no-brainer.

“I think going home has helped,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. “I think that a place that Kylan was so beloved, I think so many friends and family, and everybody says, well, sometimes that can be a distraction. I think it’s just been a source of comfort for him. Mom, dad, grandparents, everybody is right there. I think that our fans have great appreciation for one of their own. And then the way he’s handled himself has been—he’s just been elite. He’s been a joy to coach. He’s been unselfish. He’s been a guy that is all about winning. When I think of Kylan, I think of those things. He’s been a great teammate to everybody. He’s as much a part of this success, and it’s pretty unusual to do it from your hometown.”

Boswell has started 63 games with the Fighting Illini, including 29 this season, and is averaging 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He missed seven games in January and February with a fractured right hand, and since returning has averaged 9.5 points and 2.6 assists.

Blanca Quiñonez was just 13 years old when she left her family in Ecuador to play club basketball in Italy. Two years later, she was making her professional debut for Magnolia Campobasso in Italy’s Serie A1 professional basketball league. Now at just age 19, she is a star forward for the UConn Huskies.

Born August 3, 2006, in Milagro, Ecuador, Blanca started playing basketball at age five after attending a local summer camp with her twin brother and older brother. While she played in Europe for years, Blanca opened up to college recruitment in April 2024 after watching that year’s Final Four and taking note of the growth of women’s college basketball in the United States. Interest from top Division I programs followed immediately. In October 2024, she verbally committed to UConn without having visited the campus, becoming the first player from South America in the program’s history.

The 6-foot-2 forward, nicknamed “Blanquita” by her family, Blanca remains close to her family even if she can’t be near them geographically. “I’m very attached to my family—they are a fundamental pillar for me—but I think that when you take a leap like this, you focus on the person you can become in the future,” she told CT Insider. “And I think that’s something that helped me stay firm with this decision and not want to turn back.”

Here, get to know Blanca Quiñonez’s family:

Blanca’s father Guillermo

Her father is said to have worked long hours to support Blanca and her two brothers, though details about his profession have not been publicly reported. “We sacrificed so much to be able to take care of my family,” Guillermo told USA Today. “To see my kids successful and achieve what they want, that is all I could ask for.”

Blanca’s mother Fabiola

View this post on Instagram

Her mother, also a former basketball player, was the one who introduced Blanca to the sport at age five when she took her to summer camp, where her athletic interests first developed. Fabiola has said in interviews that Blanca was very shy as a child, which made her initial move away from home much harder. “She was a girl who didn’t speak. She only ever said two to three words,” Fabiola told USA Today. “To see her now, speaking three languages, to see how she has developed—she took advantage of every second of distance from her parents.”

Blanca’s older brother Joel

Blanca has two siblings: a twin brother named Jaime and an older brother named Joel. “With the three of us—my twin, my older brother, and me—whenever we were together, we were total chaos,” Blanca told CT Insider about playing sports together growing up.

Blanca’s twin brother Jaime

Blanca’s twin brother Jaime is also a professional athlete. Jaime is a pro soccer player who has competed for domestic clubs including Alianza Milagro, Emelec, Técnico Universitario, 9 de Octubre, and Orense, and had a trial with C.F. Pachuca of Liga MX in Mexico. She described him to the Ecuadorian newspaper El Comercio as “a fighter with talent and discipline.” Blanca even played soccer before committing fully to basketball. She credits the sport with sharpening her agility, court vision, and stamina, although she has said in interviews she only stuck with soccer for so long to spend more time with her twin.

“We were inseparable. We played all day, we challenged each other, we helped each other,” she told the newspaper. “Leaving him was the hardest thing. But I understood that this leap was necessary if I wanted to grow as an athlete.”

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FC Barcelona had plenty of good news lately with the returns of several players from injuries. Alejandro Balde, Jules Koundé, and Eric Garcia were confirmed to be back fit by manager Hansi Flick. This gives the defense a boost in a crucial juncture.

However, Frenkie de Jong is not quite yet ready. “We have to wait for Frenkie,” Flick said, saying he may be fit next week. When the Dutchman is back, he is surely to start in midfield. However, Barça have dealt well with his absence. Marc Bernal, in particular, has done a good job as his deputy.

Regardless, De Jong’s return is critical. His combination of passing, dribbling, defending, and movement in attack is hard to replace. Barça may have to do without him for a clutch match against Atlético de Madrid tomorrow in La Liga.

The Catalans play against the same team in the UEFA Champions League next Wednesday. He may not yet be 100% then, but chances are better that he’d play. There’s the Catalan derby against Espanyol on the 11th and the second leg against Atléti on the 14th. That will be the third time the Blaugrana square off against Diego Simeone’s men in quick succession, for what will be a hotly contested, bruising series of matches.

If Barcelona are to progress in the Champions League and maintain first place in La Liga, they will surely need De Jong to play some part.

Earlier today, we had a Q&A with NFL Draft expert Doug Farrar over at SB Nation’s new NFL Feed*. You might have seen it promoted on the NN homepage, but if not, I made sure to get a question in for all of us Niners fans. I’ll drop in the answer below, I’ve also embedded Doug’s Q&A post below and you can check out all the conversation topics.

Doug posted a two-round mock draft (first round, second round) on Wednesday and had the 49ers picking Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor in the first round and Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas in the second round. In the comments, I asked him if he would change his pick if the 49ers get a deal done with Trent Williams before the draft. Or would he keep it the same and slot in Proctor at right tackle. His response:

I don’t know how much that would change my process. Smart personnel people know that it’s better to replace key pieces of your roster a year early as opposed to a year too late. Proctor would be serviceable right now, but he’s still in process as far as technique goes. He has improved a ton with his pass pro and movement skills, and there’s an advantage to being the size of a house. He wears it well. It’s also going to be fascinating to see what that deal is. Williams is far from done, but there have been injuries of late, and 2025 wasn’t his best season. I’d be more inclined to make Proctor the swing tackle in 2026 and prepare him to be the full-time left tackle in 2027.

That all seems pretty logical to me. If Proctor is a guy they think can slot in long-term at left tackle, it makes sense to jump on him. But if they get a deal done with Williams and see an edge rusher or another immediate impact option sitting there at 27, it’s just as reasonable to go with best player available if that’s not a tackle. We’ll see, but it’s an interesting hypothetical as we see some optimism from John Lynch.

*If you’re wondering what the NFL Feed is, it’s a stand-alone spot where you can talk whatever you want about the NFL. If you’ve got thoughts on something not related to the 49ers, you can hop over there and start up a conversation. It’s similar to the Niners Nation Feed, but for all NFL conversations! I’m happy to answer any questions about it.

Ronda Rousey wants to shake the UFC out of its stupor.

Next month, Rousey returns to MMA for the first time in nearly a decade when she fights Gina Carano in the main event of MVP MMA 1. In the pre-fight press conference for the event last month, Rousey was more critical of the UFC than she had ever been, saying the promotion had stagnated and was resting on its laurels. And behind the scenes, she was even harsher.

In a video posted on her YouTube account on Friday, Rousey revealed new behind-the-scenes footage of her before the MVP MMA 1 press conference, where she again ripped into the UFC.

“I feel like we’re in a crossroads for the sport, and this is the beginning of a big change that is long overdue,” Rousey said. “I meant it when I said that the UFC is suffering from a lack of competition. They’ve become too comfortable with being the dominant force in the industry, and just making fighters offers where they go, ‘Take it or leave it, what else are you going to do?’

“It used to be that UFC was the best way to make money in combat sports. Now it’s becoming the worst place to make money in combat sports. It used to be anti-establishment, and now it’s become the establishment. And I’ve always been an ‘anti’ kind of bitch. [Laughs]

“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been a company woman, and was very grateful while I was there, but I feel like since they’ve taken the reigns away from Dana they’ve really lost their way, and they think that they’re too big to fail, and that they can just disappoint the fans over and over, and they don’t care how many casual fans they lose, because they’ve got their streaming, and ‘F*ck you, we got ours.’

“I think they need to be reminded of the precariousness of their situation, and they need to start appreciating the fighters that give everything that they do any value at all. I think that they’ve forgotten that, and I’m coming to remind them.”

MVP MMA 1 takes place on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.

The Seattle Seahawks are free to chase edges in the 2026 NFL Draft, and won’t be dictated by needs over potential.

One edge they could chase is literally shooting for the most upside possible with another edge rusher at No. 32. While T.J. Parker would be a fun choice, he’s no sure thing to be available. Texas A&M‘s Cashius Howell played so well in college but his short arms limit his upside. However, Central Florida’s Malachi Lawrence would be no consolation prize.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein lists his NFL comparison as Josh Sweat. If the Seahawks could get that type of player in this draft, it might be a perfect fit. The profile also mentions him as “enticing for pressure-hungry defenses”. Boye Mafe was a pressure monster for the Seahawks last year, but after receiving $20 million/year in free agency, the Seahawks will need to find a lot of pressures without paying as much. Lawrence could be the ideal replacement.

He has all the physical tools one could want in a next level edge rusher.

Malachi Lawrence is a DE prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.94 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 13 out of 2085 DE from 1987 to 2026.

Pending Pro Day.https://t.co/7enRf24sxypic.twitter.com/ectOmUfgeM

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 19, 2026

With elite explosiveness and speed testing all in the 97th-99th percentile range and extensive 33.630 inch arms, he’s in elite company as a prospect.

UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence is one of four EDGE rushers since 2015 with an RAS > 9.89 and a sack rate > 4.00%, joining Montez Sweat, TJ Watt, and Myles Garrett. His length and elite movement skills all show up on film.. pic.twitter.com/YtU8w1bw0l

— Adam Carter (@impactfbdata) March 17, 2026

Of course, if he truly were projected to play at the level of a T.J. Watt or Myles Garrett, he would be taken well before No. 32. Being a smaller-school player and a little more raw actually might cause the perfect storm for Seattle to have a shot at him.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks 2026 NFL Draft profile: UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence

BOSTON (AP) — Caleb Durbin experienced something in his first game at Fenway Park as a member of the Boston Red Sox that few others have before him.

He was booed and cheered in the same afternoon.

Durbin, who entered the day 0 for 18 from the plate during the Red Sox’s first six games, was showered with boos when he was introduced prior to Boston's home opener against San Diego on Friday. He then got similar treatment after grounding out via a dribbler in front of home plate during his first at-bat in the second inning.

But all was forgiven two innings later when he snapped his hitless streak with an RBI single that put Boston in front 2-0 and helped it snap a five-game losing streak with Friday's 5-2 victory. It ended Durbin's overall hitless streak of 34 plate appearances, which dated to Sept. 22, 2025, when he was still with Milwaukee.

“Obviously it felt good. ... Just good to come through for the guys," Durbin said. "Obviously getting the first one over with was good, too.”

Aside from the lack of offense, Durbin's struggles to start the season have been scrutinized even more given what happened to his immediate predecessors at third base. All-Star Rafael Devers was traded to San Francisco last June after his relationship with the team began to deteriorate when Boston signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman during spring training and asked Devers to move to DH. Bregman then signed with the Chicago Cubs in the offseason.

Enter the 26-year-old Durbin, who has looked little like the player who had 11 home runs and 56 RBIs as a rookie in 136 games with Milwaukee in 2025.

But through his slow start, he said he has tried to stay locked in.

“I’m here to help the team win," Durbin said. “Regardless of who was here before I’m just trying to play good third base and defense is super important to me. That’s got to be locked down more than anything.”

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he has been encouraged with how Durbin has remained solid defensively while working out his batting issues.

“I love the fact that he's playing third base the way he is,” Cora said. “That's very important for us.”

Durbin said he'll continue to try to endear himself to Boston's fans, even if he gets more boos.

“That’s Boston, right? You want fans that are poured into it, though," he said. "When it’s not going good, when it’s bad, you’re beating yourself up more than anything. So, definitely don’t take it personally. It’s honestly a good thing because you want the fans to be on you and that’s what makes Boston special.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

So many former New Orleans Saints players and coaches have left to join Sean Payton on the Denver Broncos in recent years that it tends to stand out when the Saints come out ahead for a change. It turns out that's exactly what happened when former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. signed with New Orleans in free agency. The Athletic's Mike Sando reports that Etienne's decision stunned the Broncos, who opted to re-sign veteran running back J.K. Dobbins once Etienne made his intentions known.

One executive Sando spoke with said the Broncos believed their were frontrunners to sign Etienne, but “they were shocked” when he went to New Orleans instead. Dobbins had a good year in Denver but comparing his two-year, $16 million extension to Etienne's four-year, $48 million deal shows you how highly regarded both players have become.

Hopefully Etienne can produce just as many explosive plays in New Orleans as he did in Jacksonville. The Saints signed him to take over for Alvin Kamara on top of their depth chart, and even if head coach Kellen Moore can see a way for both rushers to coexist, Kamara's contract status (he has a $10.4 million salary cap hit this season, with $16.2 million deferred to next year, when he'll be a free agent) makes his future murky. He just might end up in Denver if he and the Saints can't reach a compromise. Payton often talked about how Kamara was one of the brightest football minds he coached over the years in New Orleans, and if Kamara wants to keep playing football once the Saints have decided to move on, it shouldn't shock anyone if he and Payton team up for one last run together.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL free agency: Saints 'shocked' Broncos by signing Travis Etienne Jr

Who are the Boston Celtics likely to play in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs? Perhaps more importantly, who should the Celtics WANT to play in the first round? And are there any teams that Boston should want to avoid? At the moment, there is at least a small chance that the Celtics might end up matched up with the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, or Orlando Magic in the first round.

But it is looking more likely by the day that Boston could end up squaring off against the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, or Toronto Raptors to start their next run at a title. Which of these six ball clubs represent the toughest and easiest outs for the Celtics to start the 2026 postseason?

The hosts of "Havlicek Stole the Pod" took some time to suss out which ball clubs are likely to play Boston and which will likely end up with another opponent, as well as the teams the Celtics should most and least want to see early in the 'offs. Check it out below!

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Who are the Celtics likely to play in the first round of the playoffs?

SAN ANTONIO — When J.J. Spaun emerged from a jam-packed leaderboard to capture his first PGA Title in 2022, holding off Matt Jones, Beau Hossler and others to take the Valero Texas Open, not only did he earn a healthy paycheck, he also earned a ticket to Augusta National.

And Spaun wasn't the first to use the TPC San Antonio Oaks Course as his entrance into golf's greatest stage, as Corey Conners, Andrew Landry, Kevin Chappell, Charley Hoffman, Jimmy Walker and others had also previously done so.

It's also a good bet that — if the tournament remains on the schedule in its current slot — many more will use the event for a similar late gate pass to Magnolia Lane.

While leaders Robert MacIntyre and Ludivg Aberg already have spots in the Masters field, here's a list of the players in position to turn a victory into a trip to Augusta National.

(Editor's note: A few of these players had not finished when the horn sounded for lightning before 7 p.m.)

Kevin Roy (9 under through 36)

The 36-year-old Central New York native and former college teammate of Xander Schauffele at Long Beach State has never qualified for the Masters, but he backed up an opening round 67 with a solid 68 on Friday and sits within striking range of the leaders.

Alex Smalley (8 under after 36)

Although Smalley hasn't cracked the top 15 in any of his nine PGA Tour starts this year, he's only missed one cut and already amassed over $700,000. Can he add a first-ever Masters start to the resume? He's in position to catch the leaders in San Antonio.

Andrew Putnam (8 under through 36)

Putnam is looking to get back to a second Masters after missing the cut in 2020. He was just two shots off the lead after the first round with a 66, but fell back a bit with a 70 on Friday. Still, he's within range of the leaders at the midway point.

Steven Fisk (8 under after 36)

With a PGA Tour win under his belt from the 2025 Sanderson Farms, Fisk would love to run the table at the Valero and earn his debut at the Masters, but he's had a rough start to the season, missing the cut in his first three starts, and he's yet to crack the top 35 in any of his eight events played.

John Parry (8 under through 36)

The British product has a total of just 15 PGA Tour starts under his belt but after finishing in the top 10 in the 2025 DP World Tour Eligibility Ranking, he can start dreaming of Amen Corner.

Sam Ryder (8 under through 35 holes)

Ryo Hisatsune (8 under after 32 holes)

If not here, soon. Hisatsune was named the 2023 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year on the DP World Tour, the first player from Japan to win the award. That season, he won the French Open, becoming the first Japanese player to win in Continental Europe in over 40 years. Prior to that, he won three times on the Challenge Tour before age 19. And he's cleared more than $2.1 million this season with some impressive finishes.

Billy Horschel (5 under through 36 holes)

Horschel has 10 Masters starts under his belt and has made the cut seven times, but he needs a big run this weekend to get back for No. 11.

Tony Finau (7 under through 35 holes)

Finau finished in the top 10 in three of his first four Masters appearances, but he's in danger of missing the trip to Augusta this year for the first time since 2017.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Valero Texas Open golfers eye Masters invitation

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jordan Lawlar was placed on the injured list Friday with a fractured right wrist after getting hit with a pitch during Thursday's 17-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

The 23-year-old hit the first homer of his career in the third inning — a solo shot to left field — but was hit on the wrist by Osvaldo Bido in the seventh. Lawlar was in obvious pain, but stayed in the game to run before being taken out for a defensive replacement in the eighth.

Lawlar is considered one of the D-backs' top young players and looked as though he might be primed for a breakout season after getting six hits in his first 18 at-bats.

The D-backs called up catcher Adrian Del Castillo to take Lawlar's place on the roster. Arizona also called up right-hander Taylor Rashi and designated veteran right-hander Joe Ross for assignment.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Chase DeLauter had three hits, including a two-run homer in the seventh inning, and drove in three runs as the Cleveland Guardians won their home opener 4-1 against the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

Gabriel Arias also went deep in the seventh inning as the Guardians won their home opener for the third straight season.

Connor Brogdon (2-0) got the win and Cade Smith picked up his second save. It was 70 degrees at first pitch, which was Cleveland's warmest March or April opener since 1992.

Miguel Amaya had an RBI hit in the third inning for the Cubs. Starting pitcher Cade Horton exited early in the second inning due to right forearm discomfort.

The right-hander looked toward the Cubs’ dugout after throwing a 93.8 mph fastball to Bo Naylor low in the strike zone for a called strike. Horton threw 17 pitches, including eight strikes. He retired the Guardians in order in the first and walked Kyle Manzardo to lead off the second.

DeLauter tied it at 1-1 in the fifth inning with a base hit to left to score Daniel Schneemann. After Arias' homer put Cleveland on top in the seventh, DeLauter drove Hunter Harvey's 96.6 mph fastball 402 feet into the right-field stands to extend the Guardians' lead to three runs.

It was DeLauter's fifth home run of the season, tying him with the Athletics' Shea Langeliers for the American League lead. DeLauter had four homers in his first three games, becoming the first big league player since Trevor Story did it in 2016 with Colorado.

Arias — who tried to score from second on DeLauter's hit in the fifth but was thrown out at home by left fielder Ian Happ — connected on a hanging slider from Harvey (0-1) for his second home run of the season.

Up next

Cubs' lefty Shota Imanaga (0-1, 7.20 ERA) faces Cleveland RHP Slade Cecconi (0-1, 12.46 ERA) ion Saturday.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

The Seahawks bond over “walk and talks.”

That’s their head coach’s initiative. They have small groups of players walk with coaches around the headquarters building and the practice field. They share and talk about themselves, not football.

Their position meetings become revealing, introspective discussions of a player’s why.

Leonard Williams says they have a “lifetime” bond, one that will endure long and far beyond the football field. He says this bond has changed his life since he arrived in Seattle, in a trade from the New York Giants in 2023.

“This has been the best defense I’ve ever been a part of,” the 11-year Pro Bowl veteran defensive lineman said a few months ago. “And it’s not because of stats or anything like on paper. ... It is just the togetherness.

“The brotherhood that we have on this defense is really special.”

Now the Seahawks’ unique culture, their secret sauce they say is the reason they won the Super Bowl, is in danger of getting exposed. With the rest of the NFL and world watching and taking notes. They don’t like it.

John Schneider was far less than thrilled when commissioner Roger Goodell called to tell the general manager the league selected the Seahawks, for the first time, to be the team that NFL Films will record daily on and off the field in training camp for “Hard Knocks” episodes airing on HBO this summer.

Schneider didn’t hide his feeling about it this week when asked on his weekly radio show Thursday.

“I mean, we avoided it for 17 years, so....,” the GM said on KIRO AM.

He laughed.

“I’m just always worried about telling our story,” Schneider said.

“I mean, I get it, from a PR standpoint, a marketing standpoint. “We’re just very protective of how we do things, what our culture looks like.

“We’re going to make it as positive as we possibly can,” Schneider said of “Hard Knocks, “without sharing as much information as we possibly can.”

He laughed again. He wasn’t joking.

John Schneider’s tone, body language and words make it obvious how the GM and the #Seahawks feel about the NFL picking them to be the Hard Knocks training camp team on HBO weekly in August.

He says they are very “protective” of how they do things and of their culture pic.twitter.com/V1DuSF710c

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) April 3, 2026

Decisions suboptimal for Seattle

Most of 2025, almost all the recent postseason, went the Seahawks’ way.

They won 17 of 20 games. They won the NFC West for the first time since 2020. They rode the top seed and home field through the conference playoffs to Seattle’s first Super Bowl in 11 years. Then the Seahawks dominated New England in Super Bowl 60 in Feburaryfor the franchise’s first NFL title since the Legion of Boom team’s 2013 season.

A few weeks after the team’s raucous Super Bowl victory parade through downtown Seattle, free agency began. It went mostly as Schneider and the Seahawks wanted.

They didn’t chase out of their budget plans the money Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, safety Coby Bryant, outside linebacker Boye Mafe and cornerback Riq Woolen sought. They all got it, elsewhere. Walker signed with Kansas City, Bryant with Chicago, Mafe with Cincinnati and Woolen with Philadelphia for more than Seattle wanted to pay.

So Schneider retained his more affordable core to that brotherhood.

He spent most of his free-agency money ($51 million) on keeping Rashid Shaheed, the Pro Bowl kick returner and wide receiver that was perhaps the team’s MVP over the latter half of last season.

And he re-signed All-Pro Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The NFL offensive player of the year for last season got the richest contract for a wide receiver in NFL history, up to $168.6 million with $120 million guaranteed.

But this hasn’t been a perfect offseason for Schneider and the Seahawks. This last week has been what the GM sees as two strikes against his team.

The Super Bowl champions are learning they are kings of only their own domain. As in, their Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton.

About the time Schneider got the call from Goodell about “Hard Knocks,” down I-5 in Olympia Monday Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law a new state millionaire tax. You may have heard of it. Households in Washington that bring in more than $1 million annually get taxed at 9.9% on that income, beginning in 2028.

The law could face efforts to block it in state courts. On Friday, opponents of the new income tax asked the Washington Supreme Court to allow them to pursue a referendum that would give voters a chance to repeal the law in the November general election.

Washington has been one of five states with NFL teams that have no income tax. Texas (with the Cowboys and Texans), Florida (with the Dolphins, Buccaneers and Jaguars), Tennessee (home of the Titans) and Nevada (with the Raiders) do not.

Schneider said he and the Seahawks have used to their advantage to sign players over other teams.

“It’s going to affect us,” Schneider said of the millionaire this week, talking to reporters at the NFL spring meeting in Phoenix. He called the lack of income tax in Washington a perk, “a bonus,” but not a deciding factor when players decide to sign with the Seahawks over, say, the 49ers, Rams or Chargers in California. California has an income tax up to 13%, one of the nation’s highest.

In 2024, veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins laughed when he said part of why he signed with the Seahawks that spring over a free-agent offer from the 49ers was Washington not having an income tax.

Schneider helped Jenkins, who now plays with the Cleveland Browns, realize that. It’s been part of his pitch to free agents to come here.

In mid-March, when the bill was getting signed towards law, Schneider said on his radio show the Seahawks were going to feel a “sting” from the new millionaire tax. The GM may need to change his pitch to free agents to sign with Seattle and keep all their money.

“There were a bunch of agents texting me the other day like, ‘Hey, can’t use that anymore, buddy,’” Schneider said last month on KIRO radio. “I think it is for all the pro teams here in town.

“It’s always been a huge attraction, especially competing with the California teams. It’s been a big deal for us. So, it’s going to sting, from a recruiting standpoint and what that looks like. I’m sure (former Seahawks general managers) Mike Reinfeldt and Mickey Loomis and all the (salary) cap guys that have been here before, too, are looking at this like, ‘Dang!’

“It’s going to sting, no question about it.”

This is GM John Schneider's almost-subtle way of supporting Derick Hall, the #Seahawks LB the NFL suspended for today's game at Carolina for stepping on a fallen Rams offensive lineman. https://t.co/qLoDXIQWBs

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 28, 2025

They’ll be OK

Now, just because two decisions way outside their domain didn’t go their way doesn’t mean this offseason is going awry for the Seahawks.

Yes, they have only four picks in the draft that begins April 23. That’s by design. Schneider told me and a handful of other team beat reporters at the league’s scouting combine in Indianapolis five weeks ago he and his scouting staff assessed last year this year’s draft was relatively weak. They see next year’s draft as far deeper in NFL-ready talent. That’s why the team traded two third-day picks in this month’s draft to New Orleans in November to get Shaheed.

Through all the rumors and noise around free agency, get this: The Seahawks are bringing back 10 of the 11 starters on offense and — by re-signing cornerback Josh Jobe at $8 million per year — all 11 of the starters on the top-ranked defense that won the Super Bowl. Coach Mike Macdonald said this week 12-year veteran DeMarcus Lawrence, the Pro Bowl defensive end who will turn 34 this month, has indicated to him he’s returning to play in 2026.

That’s 21 of 22 starters — plus your kicker (Jason Myers), punter (Michael Dickson) and long-snapper (Chris Stoll, also on a new deal) — coming back for next season. In this salary-capped NFL that hard to do.

Especially for a defending Super Bowl champion, whose players often leave for new riches elsewhere.

“We are trying to be, like, really careful with our language. We are not trying to say we are ‘running anything back’ or ‘defending’ anything. It’s just not really our attitude,” Macdonald told reporters this week at the league meeting in Arizona.

“The goal is to try to retain as many great players as we can. And we love our roster. We love our guys. We are trying to keep that unit together, that continuity.

“That’s part of our long-term plans, too, how we’ve budgeted. ...That’s how we’ve done business.

“And I feel like we’ve executed that pretty well, for the most part."

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The opener of the Milwaukee Brewers' three-game series against the Kansas City Royals was postponed about 90 minutes before the scheduled first pitch on Friday night, with persistent rain and the chance for storms in the forecast throughout the evening.

The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Saturday, with the originally scheduled game moved from 3:10 p.m. local time to 1:10 p.m., and Friday night's game starting at 6:10 p.m. at Kauffman Stadium.

The rain had not yet started when the game was called. In fact, the Brewers were in the middle of batting practice while stadium workers waited by the tarps, ready to pull them onto the field the moment the team finished.

The pitching matchups for Saturday's split doubleheader were not immediately available. The Royals had recalled Luinder Avila from Triple-A Omaha to start against the Brewers' Chad Patrick on Friday night, and Saturday's game was set to feature Milwaukee rookie Brandon Sproat and Kansas City right-hander Seth Lugo.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Tyler Stephenson hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the ninth inning and the Cincinnati Reds won in their first road game this season, a 5-3 victory to spoil the home opener for the Texas Rangers on Friday.

Spencer Steer and Elly Del La Cruz also homered for the Reds.

Steer opened the ninth with a double off reliever Chris Martin (1-1) before Stephenson lined a full-count pitch into the Rangers' bullpen in right-center for his first homer.

Tony Santillian (1-0), the fourth of five Reds pitchers, pitched a perfect eighth inning. Emilio Pagán worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save.

The Rangers played their first home game for new manager Skip Schumaker after taking two of three games in series at Philadelphia and Baltimore. The last time they played six games before their home opener was 2008.

Steer's two-run homer in the second and De La Cruz going deep to lead off the sixth both came off MacKenzie Gore, the All-Star left-hander that came to Texas from Washington in January in a trade for five prospects. It was the third homer, all solo shots, for De La Cruz this season.

Gore struck out nine without a walk while allowing those three runs over six innings in his first home start.

Texas got even at 2 in the bottom of the second on No. 9 batter Danny Jansen's double under the the glove of diving left fielder Steer off Brady Singer, the Reds starter who struck out five and walked one while pitching into the sixth.

Brandon Nimmo had a one-out triple in the Texas seventh before Wyatt Langford's RBI double for a 3-3 tie.

Up next

Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder, still a rookie after making his MLB debut in 2024 and then missing all of 2025 because of forearm and oblique strains, makes his second start this season Saturday. Rangers right-hander Kumar Rocker, their No. 5 starter, makes his season debut.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

The Cubs lost to the Guardians 4-1 Friday afternoon in Cleveland, but that’s not the big story of the day.

That, of course, is the apparent injury to Cade Horton in the second inning.

Here’s what happened [VIDEO].

It’s really hard to tell what actually went on there. There was no obvious sign of any sort of pain from Horton, but he immediately signaled for the dugout and left the game.

Later, it was announced by the Cubs via the Marquee Sports Network broadcast that Horton left due to “right forearm discomfort.” Which… isn’t good. That sort of thing is sometimes a precursor to Tommy John surgery. Or maybe it’s not. We just don’t know at this time. Hopefully, the Cubs will have an update later this evening, or tomorrow. For now all we, and the Cubs, can do is hope for the best.

Horton faced only four batters. From BCB’s JohnW53:

Before today, the last Cubs starter, excluding “openers,” to exit after facing no more than four batters was Alec Mills, on July 2, 2022, at home against the Red Sox. He struck out the leadoff man on a 2-2 count, then gave up a double on an 0-1 count. He injured his back, went on the Injured List and was lost for the season.

Colin Rea, who did such a good job last year filling into the rotation when Justin Steele was injured, did a great job in this one as well. He threw 3.1 innings, allowed four hits and a run and struck out four. If Rea needs to fill in, there’s at least a competent replacement for Horton, though obviously not at the same talent level.

Here’s a breakdown of Rea’s 57-pitch outing [VIDEO].

The Cubs took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third. Pete Crow-Armstrong led off with a double and stole third. Miguel Amaya then doubled, with PCA scoring [VIDEO].

Amaya was serving as the DH in this one with Carson Kelly catching. He’s been doing that vs. left-handed starters. I continue to think that Amaya is primed to have a big offensive season, presuming he can stay healthy.

Hoby Milner relieved Rea in the fifth and allowed one inherited runner to score on a single by hotshot rookie Chase DeLauter, but four-time Gold Glover Ian Happ threw out the trailing runner at the plate [VIDEO].

Happ’s going to win another Gold Glove this year. That has value. I think it’d be worth keeping him around for a while longer.

Hunter Harvey relieved Milner in the seventh and served up a solo homer to Gabriel Arias that gave Cleveland a 2-1 lead. A walk to Steven Kwan followed and then DeLauter smashed a two-run shot, his fifth of the young season. (The Cubs have just six home runs as a team so far this year.) Not a good outing for Harvey, who faced just five batters, two of whom went deep.

Happ decided to challenge a strike three call leading off the ninth [VIDEO].

That was pretty obviously in the zone, but I suppose with two challenges left and three outs to go, it was worth using one.

This was yet another game where the offense simply didn’t produce — four hits and two walks isn’t going to score too many runs, and it didn’t. Can’t use the weather as an excuse here, the temp was in the 70s. The Cubs bats are simply going to have to do better.

The game was the fifth loss in a row for the Cubs in Cleveland dating to 2021, though the Cubs did sweep the Guardians at Wrigley Field last year. Hopefully, the result will be better tomorrow, and we’ll get good news about Horton. Fingers crossed.

The Cubs and Guardians will play the second game of this series Saturday evening at Progressive Field. Shōta Imanaga will start for the Cubs and Slade Cecconi goes for Cleveland. Game time is 6:15 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Fox-TV (regional — coverage map, scroll to the bottom of that link).

Juventus face Genoa in Serie A on Monday in a match that appears crucial for the Bianconeri as they aim to secure a top-four finish. While Juventus are widely expected to win, the fixture will require focus and effort, as football rarely guarantees results before the final whistle. The team must continue their strong form at the Allianz Stadium to maximise their chances of success in the closing stages of the season.

Juventus have only a few matches remaining, and each game represents an opportunity to strengthen their position in the league. Genoa, although considered underdogs, is unlikely to make the contest straightforward. Juventus must maintain intensity and discipline throughout, ensuring they convert possession into clear scoring chances while avoiding lapses at the back.

Spalletti Faces Selection Decisions

Luciano Spalletti will need his top players available for the encounter, with multiple attacking options to consider. According to Tuttojuve, Dusan Vlahovic is now available to start, joining Jonathan David, Lois Openda, Jeremie Boga, and Arkadiusz Milik as potential striker choices. Spalletti must balance form, fitness, and tactical considerations to field a team capable of securing all three points.

Importance of the Fixture

The match holds added significance as Juventus attempts to consolidate its top-four standing ahead of the season’s conclusion. Genoa will be motivated to claim a positive result, making the fixture a competitive test despite the perceived gap between the teams. Both sides have had the benefit of the international break to recover and prepare, and Juventus will need to demonstrate cohesion and sharpness to overcome their opponents. The game represents a key opportunity for Spalletti’s squad to maintain momentum and strengthen their position in Serie A.

Rayo Vallecano 1-0 Elche

Rayo Vallecano gave themselves the breathing room they wanted to enjoy their Conference League clash against AEK Athens on Thursday, after downing ten-man Elche at Vallecas. Los Franjiverdes had little to show for their efforts in something of an arm wrestle.

The significance of the game was visible in the Elche players early on, as they nervously defended some relatively prosaic attacks from Rayo Vallecano in the opening stages. Rarely do Rayo face a team of comparable resources so intent on dominating the ball, and it meant that both teams remained extremely vigilant of transitions, taking the safe pass more often than not.

As the game moved towards the half hour mark, the home side began to find more spaces in midfield though, with Unai Lopez working Matias Dituro for the first time in earnest. Minutes earlier, Florian Lejuene headed the clearest opening over from a corner. Dituro became overly anxious to get involved thereafter, rushing out to the edge of his box to be rounded by Alvaro Garcia. Against the angle, Garcia beat Dituro twice more in the box, as Elche defenders rushed to close down his options, and eventually blocked his effort off the line.

That could have been described as a good effort, but moments after he wished for the same composure. After a lovely pass by Andrei Ratiu, this time he blazed over from the inside left channel. Firmly on the back foot now, from nowhere Elche almost responded with the opener. A teasing ball through the corridor of uncertainty by Buba Sangare caught out Rafa Mir at the back post too, who was inches away from connecting with it.

That might have been considered the sliding doors moment for Elche. In the busiest period of the game, from a set piece that followed quickly after, Bigas attacked the ball with a high foot, and Oscar Valentin beat him to it with his head. The result, a yellow card for the veteran captain after 40 minutes, his second.

Rayo edge ahead after hard churn

Eder Sarabia must have thought his luck had changed when a mishap at the back for Rayo gave German Valera a clear opening moments into the second period. He could only sting Augusto Batalla’s gloves though, a disappointment it took him a while to get up from. Keen to make Valera regret his central effort even more, Lejeune then whistled a shot from 30 yards just past the post. If Elche had come out to dominate the ball and pick their way through Rayo in the first period, the red card flipped that script in the second period.

The game was drifting in a manner that Sarabia seemed content with in the middle section of the second half though, with Elche largely managing to do their defending from a settled shape – first foremost halting Rayo’s counters. Hence why the noise thundered up a gear when Andrei Ratiu cut the ball back to Pedro Diaz on the edge of the box, and his curling effort licked the outside of the post. Most of Rayo’s shots were coming from outside the box, and as much as a battle for the opener, it felt like it was a battle for momentum – Rayo trying to up the tempo, Elche doing their best to slow it.

For the first time in the second half, Rayo had managed to have a consistent spell doing so, and with 15 minutes to go, finally made Elche pay. Simple in its construction, substitute Randy Nteka simply read a Garcia cross from the left bettter than his marker, and nipped in to prod home at the near post before Dituro could react. Something of an inspired change from Inigo Perez, the Angolan was on the scoresheet for the first time in 15 months.

Making three changes, Sarabia’s side never truly looked like they had the resolve to mount a comeback in the final 15 minutes. Not entirely familiar with the direct game, if anything Rayo enjoyed finally having some space to stretch into when they did get the ball.

The victory moves Rayo seven points clear of the drop into 12th, as they prepare for their Conference League quarter-final on Thursday. A solid if somewhat clunky showing was enough to squeeze Elche out of the game once down to ten.

Elche will nervously hope that Real Madrid can ensure RCD Mallorca do not eliminate their one-point advantage from the drop zone. After a vital win over Los Bermellones last time out, it’s back to the drawing board before Valencia next week. There was little to reproach about their effort and performance, but at this stage of the season, to take little from the performance is disappointing, to take no points from the game is to endure a week of worry.

Mikel Arteta pointed to the number of players Arsenal have had injured on national team duty, when asked about the criticism towards him and the club for the number of players who pulled out of their national squads during the recent international break.

Gabriel, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi and William Saliba were among those to withdraw from their respective national team squads either before or during their camps.

“I think it’s part of the narrative, but I understand that,” Arteta said when asked about the criticism towards the number of players who pulled out of national team squads.

“I hope it’s been the same when we had a lot of players from the national team injured in the past.The same emphasis, because then it’s a fair comment, so it’s fine. 

“Let’s see who is available and not tomorrow, and maybe we have to change the narrative.”

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Asked if he considers his players’ national team hopes and the World Cup in his own team selections as the tournament approaches, Arteta responded: “Everything is in consideration. 

“I think we need to commit to the moment, and the moment here is Arsenal and the moment they are with the national team is the national team.

“Something that happens in between, you cannot be thinking about that because your duty, your obligation is to perform in wherever you are in that moment and that’s what we expect from all the players.”

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Arsenal is still hurting from losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City just before the international break and must use that experience to drive success in other competitions, according to Mikel Arteta.

Before that final at Wembley, Arsenal were aiming for a quadruple this season, and Arteta worked diligently to ensure the team was fully prepared for the occasion. However, Arsenal failed to convert their first-half dominance into goals, and when City improved after the interval, they scored and secured the trophy.

The Gunners were given a harsh lesson in that match, and they will be seeking to learn from it to avoid repeating the same mistakes in other competitions. Arteta is now preparing his team for an FA Cup fixture this weekend and has outlined how he wants them to respond to the disappointment at Wembley.

Learning from Setbacks

Arteta said, as quoted by the Irish News:

“When you didn’t manage to win that final, what you have to take on board is: ‘Okay, how is this going to make us stronger for the final push of the season?’ That has been the mindset and the only work that we have done in the last few days, to use that as fuel, as tools, to be able to get the final push that we want and achieve what we want. And immediately, I could sense that (from the players). Ideally you play again the next day and when you have an international break, it is not exactly what you want. But you have to use it in the right way.”

This demonstrates Arteta’s focus on turning setbacks into motivation and ensuring his squad maintains the mental resilience needed for a successful campaign.

Preparing for the Final Push

Every Arsenal fan and player was affected by the Carabao Cup defeat, and the club is now determined to approach the remaining fixtures with renewed intensity. Learning from past mistakes, the team aims to maximise their chances of winning the FA Cup and other trophies, keeping their treble ambitions alive.

Arsenal’s response in the coming weeks will be crucial. By using disappointment as a source of motivation, Arteta expects his team to strengthen their performances, maintain consistency, and ultimately challenge for every title still available this season.

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You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

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More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham joins Arsenal in the race for Serie A star

3 April 2026, 23:00

Arsenal must use cup final loss to fuel their push for treble

3 April 2026, 22:00

“It’s just a reflection” Arteta reacts to being named Manager of the Month

3 April 2026, 21:00

Arsenal is interested in a move for AS Roma star Wesley Franca, and the Brazilian has also been linked with a switch to Tottenham. The defender only arrived in Italy a few months ago, yet he is already demonstrating his quality and suggesting that he could thrive at a bigger club.

Arsenal has reportedly been monitoring his progress for some time, and their interest in securing his signature appears to be growing. The club may consider making a formal approach at the end of the season, particularly if there are changes within their current defensive options.

Transfer Interest Develops

Ben White remains a reliable full-back, but Arsenal could decide to part ways with him should a suitable offer be received. In that scenario, Wesley is viewed as one of the players capable of filling the gap, as reported by Football365. The Gunners are understood to be assessing potential reinforcements carefully, and the Brazilian’s performances in Serie A have not gone unnoticed.

Wesley has adapted quickly to Italian football, delivering consistent displays that underline his potential. His ability to perform at a high level so soon after his move has strengthened the case for clubs seeking to invest in emerging talent. Arsenal, in particular, would be eager to add a player with his profile to their squad as they continue to build for sustained success.

Competition from Tottenham

Tottenham’s reported interest introduces an additional layer of competition for his signature. However, their current situation could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome. With the club facing relegation concerns, their ability to attract top talent may be significantly affected if they fail to retain their top-flight status.

From Wesley’s perspective, a move to the Emirates could be appealing, given the opportunity to join one of Europe’s leading clubs and compete at the highest level. Arsenal’s stability and ambition may provide them with an advantage in any potential transfer battle.

As the season progresses, the situation will become clearer. Arsenal’s recruitment plans, combined with Tottenham’s circumstances, will ultimately determine whether Wesley makes a move and where his future lies.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham joins Arsenal in the race for Serie A star

3 April 2026, 23:00

Arsenal must use cup final loss to fuel their push for treble

3 April 2026, 22:00

“It’s just a reflection” Arteta reacts to being named Manager of the Month

3 April 2026, 21:00

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he thinks Rodri will stay at the club but did admit “not one player would turn down Real Madrid”.

The Ballon D’Or-winning midfielder made comments over the international break sparking speculation that he could be on the move to the Spanish capital.

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez made comments of a similar nature and has since been sanctioned by his club. Liam Rosenior revealed that Chelsea have suspended their Argentine midfielder for the next two matches.

“No, no, what Chelsea has done is Chelsea,” Guardiola responded on whether City would take similar action. “So there is not one player I would think that would turn down the chance to play for Real Madrid. And I understand completely, he was born in Spain, so.

“Always my wish is that Rodri could stay long, as long as possible in this club because he’s an incredible player, a top player. But life for everyone is different.

“So I know he has proved for many, many years how attached and how close he is in this club. His contribution in this club has been massive. 

“Now I had the feeling that the last one or two games, he’s really, really back for a long, long period and this is all I’m concerned with.”

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The Catalan continued: “I know what the club wants, yeah. They informed me what they want for Rodri. It’s a stay, a stay and a stay.”

On whether he believes the midfielder will stay, he added: “I think so. I am always positive with that, but in the end, I don’t know.”

Asked if he would allow Rodri to depart the Etihad if that was his wish, Guardiola answered: “Absolutely, absolutely. The organisation of the club is above all of us. And if one player is not happy, they have to leave. 

“I think he’s happy and hopefully he can be happy. But if he’s not happy, he just has to knock the door. The sporting director will accept an offer according to his incredible, incredible quality and after that, it belongs to the club and himself.”

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Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri is expected to make two mandatory changes to his starting lineup against Parma, as Patric and Mario Gila are unlikely to make it.

Patric Out, Danilo Cataldi In

Patric has been operating as a makeshift deep-lying playmaker with Nicolo Rovella and Danilo Cataldi out of the action, and has managed to put on convincing displays in this unusual role. However, the defender picked up a knock in training earlier this week, so he won’t be available for the contest.

The 32-year-old has been enduring rough times with injuries over the past few years, and it remains to be seen for how long he’ll be out of action this time.

According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Cataldi has made a timely recovery, so he’ll reclaim his starting spot at the heart of the lineup, playing as a Regista between Kenneth Taylor and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Toma Basic is hoping to finally overcome his two-month injury ordeal and return to the squad, but he won’t be fit enough for a starting role either way.

Mario Gila Highly Doubftul for Lazio vs Parma

Moreover, Gila is also expected to miss out, as he’s still struggling with the knee inflammation that forced him to leave the pitch in the first half against Bologna before the international break. Oliver Provstgaard will thus complete the backline, joining Alessio Romagnoli, Adam Marusic, and Nuno Tavares.

Luca Pellegrini is also doubtful for the contest, while Mattia Zaccagni, Rovella, and Ivan Provedel remain long-term absentees.

Lazio Attacking Trio Intact

Finally, Daniel Maldini is expected to lead the line once more, flanked by Gustav Isaksen and Pedro, so Boulaye Dia, Tijjani Noslin, and Matteo Cancellieri will all start on the bench.

Lazio Probable XI (4-3-3):Motta; Marusic, Romagnoli, Provstgaard, Nuno Tavares; Dele-Bashiru, Cataldi, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro

Three weeks have passed since the UW Men’s Basketball team lost a tight contest to Wisconsin to bow out of the Big 10 Conference Tournament. The Dawgs finished 16-17, a disappointing record given the NCAA Tournament aspirations the team had to start the year. There were green shoots, including Hannes Steinbach’s brilliant year and a respectable KenPom net rating that was 52nd best in the country. But with Steinbach destined for the pros, the Dawgs were destined for an off-season with more turnover. Optimistically, one could point to a settled backcourt with Zoom Diallo, Wesley Yates, and JJ Mandaquit. Roster building lessons from the last two years might help build a more balanced roster. Instead, Mandaquit and Diallo have already jumped into the transfer portal and the Dawgs are back at square one. What comes next for the program? Our staff discussed it, and we had a lot to say:

Kirk DeGrasse: It’s too early to say what the roster looks like for next season (and in general under Sprinkle), but it does seem like the general idea of trying to build a “talented” roster and hope it’s enough isn’t going to work at the UW in this new college sports environment. Doesn’t seem like we can land enough talent, and/or Sprinkle isn’t a good enough coach to get the most out of what he has.

It may be that for UW MBB to have any chance of getting good, they have to approach it like a mid-major: find a coach with a clear, proven system that doesn’t require the most talented players, but mid-tier players that fit the system that can be developed and (hopefully) retained through a B1G budget. The Bennetts didn’t require the most talented players to succeed at Wisky and WSU, they had a clear system that worked. Would it still work in today’s free agency market? I don’t know, maybe not. The optimist in me says if that coach found success in years 2 & 3, there would be enough enthusiasm & money around the program to fund NIL enough to retain most of those players. And to be clear, I’m not necessarily advocating for the Bennett system, but using them as a template of a kind of approach that can and does build winners at smaller programs. UW is now clearly a smaller program given just how good the B1G is in MBB, and if Sprinkle fails, it may be time to adopt that mindset with the next coach.

Andrew Berg: Honestly, it seemed like that’s what we were trying to do with Sprinkle.

Raymond Lucas Jr.: They better get it together quickly. The NBA is coming back soon, WNBA grows every year, the Seahawks look here to stay, the Mariners are stepping into what could be their best era and the Kraken… I don’t watch hockey so not sure. And of course Husky football.

Most D1 programs don’t have to compete with local pro sports so there’s already a disadvantage as far as generating/sustaining interest goes. Husky hoops could get lost in the shuffle within the next two years.

Of course, Romar was able to succeed while the Sonics were in town, but the program didn’t have to compete with local sports teams to fund the roster because the NCAA was still in it’s exploitation era

Luke Kemper: I can see how this story ends already. Extreme roster turnover with no star power coming in, another disappointing season where we miss the tournament and Sprinkle gets fired.

Aaron Sieverkropp: Besides the fat that they can’t win, it seems like players aren’t happy to stick around and play for him. The turnover isn’t helped by NIL but it’s a massive red flag, on top of Sprinkle’s record.

Kirk: I don’t know if it’s so much a red flag on Sprinkle as it is the reality of the professionalization of CBB. Zoom is a fringe NBA prospect, so if he can move to Arizona or UNC and double his money, it’s hard to argue with that. That’s combined with the reality that NIL money for UW MBB is not what is previously was, probably in part from UW trying to follow the book with NIL.

Back in the mid-’80’s MBB was sinking quickly post-Harshman and WBB was on a rocket-rise under Gobrecht. There were seasons where I think WBB outdrew MBB. I wonder if we’re headed in that direction again.

I’m glad to see the Langley deal done. Being a consistent NCAA Tourney team (which I think is entirely realistic) is a pretty good baseline for a while.

Andrew: I’m not a Sprinkle doomer, but hard to feel any way other than “waiting for the buyout to drop” at this point. The one reason for optimism was the idea that we had a decent returning core and he could have learned about the roster construction from his previous mistakes to selectively fill in the gaps with spacing wings.

Luke: Yes, Yates was hurt for stretches, but between the talent of him, Zoom, and Steinbach alone that should at least get you a winning record. I think most teams with that comparable level of talent would at least push to make the tournament.

Max Vrooman: Those three only played 36% of the minutes together for the season. So we were good for that third and then meh much of the rest of the time.

Aaron: Sprinkle is on very very thin ice- that buyout number is going to come into focus- so far it’s been about as bad as you can be. Not only are we losing but we are losing players. What’s the plan? Get 13 new transfers? Why does no one one to stick around?

Kirk: The buyout is a big problem, and it hits at a key issue with the program: funding. If someone is cutting a check to offset the buyout, that’s money that’s NOT going to paying a player. I suppose if there’s some ultra-wealthy whale that’s willing to pay to make Sprinkle go away AND pay for an upper-tier B1G roster, cool. But I’m skeptical such a unicorn exists.

The unfortunate reality is this program has been historically mediocre. There were some sustained bright spots under Harshman and a great first 9-10 years under Romar, but Romar lost his touch and Hopkins and Sprinkle (so far) haven’t been good enough to lift the program above its historical level.

I’m not saying the program is doomed, but there’s a lot working against success here. There’s not a particularly rich history to point to for recruits (the Romar glory years were before they were born), and there’s not a well-established fan base and booster support level on a par with the stronger B1G programs we compete against. The local talent pipeline isn’t nearly what it was when Romar was flying high. And of course the new free agency college model exacerbates the problem. Sprinkle did well to get financial investment in the team, but if that source is disillusioned with the return on investment, there’s not much left to pick up the slack.

I mentioned it a earlier, but if Sprinkle gets the axe in the next couple of years, Chun (or whoever the AD is at that point) probably needs to think of UW MBB like it was a mid-major and find a coach with a well-defined and successful system that can take lower-rated guys that fit the system and make a team that’s greater than the sum of its parts. I was hoping Sprinkle was that guy, but it seems like he benefitted from landing a gem in Osobor and then keeping the good times going in his one year at a strong G6 program. The template would be something like a Dick Bennett. If it’s someone doing it on the west coast with PNW ties, even better.

Aaron: I get the NIL kids chasing money, but we haven’t retained anyone other than Zoom and Frank last year. I get getting some bigger top end guys but you need to have kids stay around for 2-3 years. Why we haven’t tried to get any of the local 3 star guys and develop them is beyond me.

At this point, we won’t be able to get top guys (due to NIL and also Spinkle’s track record), so now we are forced to get lower rated guys. I also understand the time constraints he had- but no one got better his first  year. One could argue Hannes was the only player who looked better.

Kirk: Which is why I’m pitching the mid-major model. Stop relying on the idea that we’ll win by getting a bunch of 4-star guys, and find a coach with a proven system and a track record of development, and build a team through 3-star guys that have flaws, but really fit the system and can outperform their rankings as a team. It won’t happen right away and the coach will need fans to give him some time, but Sprinkle’s approach so far isn’t cutting it and I’m not sure it ever will short of some ultra-wealthy Husky alum with a huge passion for MBB funding a great roster.

Also, Zoom got better for sure last year; he’s improved both seasons here. I don’t think Sprinkle is terrible. But I fear he’s not good enough to win in this conference at a school with UW’s limitations.

Aaron: I think Sprinkle caught lightning in a bottle at Utah State and is in over his head (most games he looks completely lost when drawing up an offense). Yes, the players played hard but the structure of the O and D was really bad this year.

Kirk: Utah State is an established program, so yeah, Sprinkle’s flaws may have been hidden there. Plus getting Osobor to follow him. He did good work at Montana State though, but again, how much of that was hitting the jackpot with Osobor? I get why the UW went after Sprinkle, but the next search needs to be more detailed. Someone that really understands hoops needs to be advising and pointing at a coach that stands out for their schematics and development that can win with lesser players. I think there probably wasn’t quite enough investigation of why Sprinkle was successful at Montana State and Utah State and how replicable that success was.

That said, I’m not sure we got out-coached significantly more; had the team not suffered exponentially more injuries (and to key players) than most of the rest of the conference, things probably would have looked different. I don’t know that Sprinkle gets the most out of his roster, but I’m also not sure how many of his B1G peers do vs. having bigger budgets and programs with a lot more pull to land talented players.

If they’d had an injury rate like most of the conference, would they have made the NCAA Tournament? Quite possibly. I think what we have is a mediocre coach combined with epically bad luck with injuries this season, which is maybe making Sprinkle look worse than he really is. Is he good enough? Probably not. But I’m not sure he’s quite as bad as some think.

Max: Utah State finished 8th at KenPom in Luck during Sprinkle’s one season there. UW was 360th this year and that doesn’t even factor in the injuries. Stay as healthy as the other top teams in the conference and have it flip 2 results and UW is at least on the bubble and maybe that’s enough to convince one or two of the guys leaving now that there’s a future here.

Also worth noting, Sprinkle’s buyout by year:
Today- $13.3 million
Next year- $9.7 million
2028- $6.3 million
2029- $3.1 million

Andrew: My general thinking on Sprinkle continues to be that he has built rosters that don’t fit together. No matter how much basketball changes, you have always needed bigs who rebound and defend the rim, guards who can create shots for others, and off-ball wings who can shoot and defend on the perimeter. If you’re missing one or more of those archetypes, good opponents will exploit it. We have been wildly short on off-ball shooters and on-ball defenders.

If you look at teams who perform below their talent level, it’s almost always about lacking these pieces that fit together. Jerry West built or helped build great teams across franchises and eras basically by sticking to this principle. Phil Jackson has written books about how fitting the pieces together matters more than talent.

And the shame of losing these guys now is that it kills any chance of learning from the last two seasons and surrounding a solid baseline with guys who can play the right roles.

Aaron: For as critical as I am of Sprinkle, yes we were decimated by injuries, but to Andrew’s point- the roster was also not constructed well- Zoom isn’t a great shooter now, neither is JJ, Peterson regressed, and so did yates, though that likely had to do with injury. Hannes was only reliable guy who could make a basket. I just want someone to get better. Zoom was getting better and I had optimism to build around him.

Andrew: I am less bothered by the offensive system. I think it’s easy for fans to demand more called plays and structure when the offense isn’t working, but there are also lots of great free-flowing offenses based more on read and react than called plays. If we had a balanced roster, I think the offense would look better even without a ton of structure.

Kirk: Agreed, Andrew. I don’t know how much of the issue is Sprinkle not fully understanding the principle West & Jackson adhered to and how much was just not doing a good enough job recruiting those roles/getting outbid/not prioritizing them enough. Claude is a good player in a vacuum; on this roster, was too much of the same thing.

Max: It seemed pretty clear they knew they needed one more high impact wing after striking out earlier and just couldn’t quite get anyone to take the money. Coward and Warley both chose the draft. TGF picked Gonzaga over us. Claude was the last one left and they had given up when he panicked due to the House settlement and said I want to come since you’re my highest offer. Although TGF once again struggled as a shooter this year so still wouldn’t have helped that part but at least bought into being an elite defender for the Zags.

Now that we need every role play around with this! https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/max.vrooman/viz/2026MBBPortalTargets/PortalTargetsbyArchetype

What say you? Is the program redeemable under Sprinkle? If not, what is the route to take and how should the team be built? Join in the conversation below.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic will miss the remainder of the NBA regular season with a left hamstring strain, the team said Friday.

Doncic "has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and will be out for the remainder of the regular season," the Lakers, who have five games left in the regular season, said in a statement.

ESPN reported that Doncic, who leads the league in scoring, is "uncertain" for the playoffs.

Doncic's injury is a massive blow to the Lakers, who have clinched a playoff berth but at third in the Western Conference are just one game ahead of the fourth-placed Denver Nuggets.

Doncic, who is averaging 33.5 points per game, 8.3 assists and 7/7 rebounds, limped out of the third quarter of the Lakers' crushing 139-96 loss to the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.

The 27-year-old Slovenian was emotional as he hobbled toward the sideline. Moments earlier he had pulled up in obvious pain while driving to the basket.

Doncic produced a magical March campaign, delivering 13 30-point performances. That included seven 40-point games -- with one game of 51 and one of 60.

He had joined icon Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to score 600 points in the month of March and became one of just 10 players to score 600 points in any calendar month.

He has been central to the Lakers' surge to third in the West and put himself firmly in the Most Valuable Player conversation.

But missing five more games could see him fail to play the minimum 65 games required for award eligibility.

Doncic had felt some discomfort in the hamstring in the first half of Thursday's game, but coach JJ Redick said team medical staff had cleared him to return for the second half.

"We checked him out," Redick said after the game. "He got work done, but he was cleared. We're not going to put a player at risk. Those things happen."

bb/amz

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The NFL said Friday that it would not discipline Rashee Rice after a former girlfriend posted images of bruises and wounds on social media earlier this year and alleged that they were caused by the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver.

The league said in a statement that Rice “has not engaged in conduct that violates the personal conduct policy.”

The Chiefs did not have an immediate comment on the decision, but Rice's attorney, Sean Lindsey, said in a statement that "Mr. Rice wants to thank the NFL for their thorough investigation, and looks forward to the start of the 2026-27 NFL season.”

The 25-year-old Rice missed the first six games of last season after the NFL found that he had violated its personal conduct policy when he caused a multi-car crash on a Dallas highway while driving erratically in speeds nearing 120 mph. Rice left the scene of the accident before police arrived, then took responsibility for the wreck in a statement a couple of weeks later.

Rice turned himself in when an arrest warrant was issued and he subsequently pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges last July — collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury — and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years’ probation. He also was required to pay victims’ medical expenses.

The latest off-the-field issue involving Rice came after former girlfriend Dakoda Jones alleged in a lawsuit filed in February in Dallas County, Texas, that he had physically assaulted her multiple times, causing injuries that included bleeding and bruising.

The lawsuit said Rice “grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted” Jones, in addition to hitting her with objects. The lawsuit also said Rice had thrown objects, punched walls and broken furniture, and many of these incidents occurred when Jones, who has two children with Rice, was pregnant.

Rice had 53 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns last season as Kansas City went 6-11 and missed the playoffs.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Asterisk Talley is just 17 years old but her confidence on the golf course is way beyond her years. It’s a self-assurance she’s carried with her from the time she began playing golf as a young girl in Chowchilla, Calif.

“I feel like I've always had that since I was little. I kind of got that drilled into me when I was a little kid that, I mean, you only come to tournaments to win,” Talley said. “Why would you play one if you weren't going to win, right?

Talley is 18 holes away from winning the biggest event of her life. She leads the Augusta National Women’s Amateur by one shot at 11 under par heading into Saturday’s final round. Sweden’s Meja Ortengren and Colombia’s Maria Jose Marin are tied for second.

After shooting 66-67 in the first two rounds at Champions Retreat, Talley went out Friday for her practice round at Augusta National, where she already has such good vibes. She started her Augusta career by finishing runner-up in her age group in the 2018 Drive, Pitch and Putt National Finals. Come Saturday, she’ll play her third competitive round at Augusta National. She’s 21 under for her career at the ANWA, which is six strokes better than the next closest player in tournament history. Talley hasn’t made bogey in 48 consecutive holes at ANWA, another record. And she’s the first player in tournament history to record four consecutive rounds in the 60s.

ANWA The one factor most likely to decide who wins the Augusta National Women's Amateur

stats 3 stats elite amateurs keep that you should, too

ANWA ANWA competitor roasted for slow play, but step back. There's more to her story than meets the eye

Talley is so assured, even around Amen Corner, where some of the best golfers in the world have white-knuckled it and buckled. For the high school junior, there’s no hesitation or trepidation. It’s the opposite, in fact. It’s more like, bring it on.

“I think definitely any shot on 11, 12, or 13 is going to be pretty fun to hit. I mean, I just love those holes so much. They're so scenic, but yet, so fun to play,” Talley said. “They can be the toughest holes on the course sometimes, so they can be not so fun if you put yourself in a bad position. I think those holes can go both ways. It's kind of a double-edged sword.”

A year ago at Augusta National, Talley shot a final-round 68 to finish runner-up to Carla Bernat Escuder. In 2024, she used a 70 on Saturday to finish T-8—while being the youngest golfer in the field at 15.

This final round is different, however, sleeping on the lead with the expectation of winning. Chris Zambri, the head coach of the U.S. National Development Program, believes Talley will deal with the pressure just fine, like she has so many times before.

“She’s always been known to handle the moment really well,” Zambri said. “This is the first time she’s been in this position, which you could call the favorite. Leading [and] heading into the final round. She barely made the cut two years ago, then shot [70] and finished eighth. Last year she started the round with an eagle. It’s how closely can you play to your physical potential. What does pressure do to that? She’s always shown to do really well in those situations. I have all the confidence she’ll go out and do fine and play her game and probably be in the mix all day long. Ideally, she’d get off to a roaring start and build some kind of lead.”

Just four players are within five shots of Talley with eight other golfers six shots back in a tie for sixth. It’s likely they’ll need Talley and others to come back to the field. But the ninth-ranked player in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings hasn’t made a mistake this week. Even when she was in a greenside bunker at the 18th hole in the first round, she holed out for eagle.

Talley has family friend Ryan Zak on the bag again this week at Augusta National.

Maddie Meyer

On the bag this week is longtime family friend Ryan Zak. Talley was supposed to have fellow top-ranked junior Miles Russell caddieing, but he wound up qualifying to get into this week’s Korn Ferry Tour event. It was an easy switch because Zak was already in Augusta with the Talley family and on standby, trading a vacation to get to work with Talley again, just liked he did when he caddied for her last year.

“The last time I had worked with her was Bandon Dunes for the [2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur] and her game has changed already, in that short amount of time,” Zak said. “She’s longer. The putting is getting really good.”

Talley is the first player to go bogey-free over the first two rounds since the tournament began in 2019. The teenager, who just obtained her driver’s license in January, has been a star since she was born—literally. She was given the Greek name, Asterisk, which means “little star,” after her Greek mom. She’s lived up to that and then some as she’s become a superstar amateur golfer.

By the time she tees off at 11 a.m. Saturday, she’ll have had two days to think about playing with the lead and how she’ll approach that. Just before coming here, she played on a sponsor’s exemption in the LPGA’s Ford Championship. After a second-round 65, was inside the top 10. A final-round 74 ultimately dropped her to T-29.

“I think in tournaments where it gets kind of tight at the end, I've been in those positions where you have maybe a one- or two-shot lead coming into the last couple of holes, and I think it's important to keep your mindset straight and to not let the lead even get ahold of you and think, you know, I have this lead so I can just play free,” Talley said. “You still have to be aggressive, and you still have to hit some good shots. think just keeping the same mindset throughout the whole round.”

Asterisk Talley when she qualified for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals in 2021.

John McCoy

At 15 she played on the 2024 U.S. Curtis Cup team.

Oisin Keniry/R&A

With a final-round 68, Talley came in second place at the 2025 ANWA.

Richard Heathcote

Talley, a Stanford commit, will be paired with Ortengren, a Stanford golfer, in the final twosome. The two have met.

“I've played with her a few times before at some AJGA events, and we also had a dinner at Stanford with some of the incoming recruits that have verbally committed to Stanford,” Ortengren said. “It was so nice to meet her, but I don't know her that well. It's going to be so much fun playing with her. I know she's an amazing player, so it's going to be a good battle with her and the other competitors.”

Asked what’s different about Talley from the two previous years, it wasn’t hard to pinpoint for Zambri, whose watched her game closely in that timeframe.

“Gosh, she's a lot bigger and stronger, for sure,” Zambri said. “She hits it longer than she did a couple years ago. She swung it really nicely two years ago, like she does now. Really good golf swing and hits the ball on line really well. She's a good putter. She's a nice chipper. She does everything really well. I just think she’s certainly more seasoned, which, of course, she's 17 now. Back then she was 15.

“She's got way more experience on a bigger stage, than she did the first time she played in this thing. Then she went on to play in the U.S. Open and played really well. She just keeps kind of piling on these accomplishments. Se's doing an awesome job. She played in the Curtis Cup at 15 and beat the No. 1 amateur in the world [Lottie Woad]. She’s been really good since the time I met her two years ago. She does hit it much harder now, which is so helpful.”

Also helpful is that winning mentality for Talley, something that could come in handy on Saturday.

“I think just knowing that you play well the previous days going into the last day, and I think just looking back on your game from the previous days in the week and just thinking that I got here for a reason,” Talley said. “So why can't I finish it off on the last day?”

The news hit Leafs Nation hard back at the trade deadline: The Toronto Maple Leafs were open to trading Matthew Knies. The 23-year-old was thought to be a pillar for the future of the team. He was signed to a six-year, $46.5 million extension before the season ($7.75M AAV). Granted, that was before this train wreck of a campaign derailed the Toronto express.

By now, everyone is used to the idea that Knies, and just about anyone else, is open for bidding as the Leafs enter a new era.

According to insider Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet, former general manager Brad Treliving was asking a pretty penny to pry Knies loose from the Leafs:

One NHL team source told me the Maple Leafs’ ask, under Treliving, was one of three options:

1. Two first-round picks and a high-end prospect.
2. One first-round pick and two high-end prospects.
3. Three high-end prospects. 

Kypreos says that such a blockbuster discussion came just too late in the game as the deadline approached, making it difficult to work out a deal with the teams who were involved. Kyper says the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks were two of those clubs.

Now, as of this past week, Treliving was handed his walking papers. Whoever inherits the job will have a huge decision to make as to whether to consider revisiting some of those talks, or, as Kypreos put it—and as most of us thought—continue to make Knies “a big part of a re-tool.”

The Leafs’ cupboards are bare after years of trading away top draft picks and prospects. So dealing a highly sought-after commodity like Knies, as suggested by those potential returns listed above, would be a huge step to rectifying that. However, that sounds more like a “rebuild” kind of deal.

As we know, MLSE CEO Keith Pelley suggested that a “retool” is all that’s needed.

What remains to be seen is what a new, incoming hockey operations boss/GM feels is necessary.

The NASCAR Truck Series kicked off racing this weekend with utter domination by Corey Heim at Rockingham Speedway. While Heim was by far the most dominant racer tonight, the NASCAR results today also show how well the likes of kaden Honeycutt, Layne Riggs and Ty Majeski performed.

Let’s dive into the NASCAR Truck Series results today from Rockingham. We’ll start with the total points accrued and the Black’s Tire 200 full results. After that you can find the full NASCAR Truck Series stage results tonight.

NASCAR Results Today: Black’s Tire 200 Winner and Points

Here are the NASCAR results today for the Truck Series race at Rockingham.

NASCAR Stage Results Today: Truck Series at Rockingham

Here are the NASCAR Truck Series stage results at Rockingham.

One of the more surprising free agency developments is the lack of interest in veteran receiver Jauan Jennings. The 28-year-old San Francisco 49ers wideout remains unsigned despite catching 132 receptions for 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

The 49ers aren't bringing Jennings back, and it doesn't seem like any team has real interest in signing the productive veteran receiver either. The reason, according to a report from The Athletic's Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur, is that teams think Jennings' asking price is too high.

Why does Jauan Jennings, the 49ers’ top wide receiver the past two seasons, remain a free agent? League officials in Phoenix all had the same answer: He’s asking for too much money.

“He’s outplayed his talent,” one head coach said.

This checks out, considering the contract negotiations Jennings and the 49ers had before the 2025 season ended. He requested a trade or a new contract in 2025, but the 49ers only brought him back on a deal with additional incentives. Spotrac projected a three-year, $67.84 million contract for Jennings this offseason that would pay around $22.61 million a year, but no such deal has materialized.

The only true reports that have come out around Jennings are the 49ers' disinterest in bringing him back and now this rumor about his contract demands. That doesn't bode well for Jennings this offseason, especially as teams prepare for the 2026 draft where they can find cheaper and younger offensive talent.

Even if Jennings returns to San Francisco, there isn't really a role for him in the offense. The 49ers added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk alongside Ricky Pearsall, and could add another receiver in the draft.

Jennings will likely be on a new team for this upcoming season, but which team that will be remains a mystery.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL free agency: 49ers WR wants too much money, per report

Sarah Strong, the UConn basketball star who helped lead the program to a national championship last year, is striving to lead the Huskies to another title this year. Strong arrived in Connecticut as the top-ranked recruit in the 2024 class, and has lived up to that billing at every turn.

Strong has quickly established herself as one of top players in the country. By the end of the regular season, she had been named Big East Freshman of the Year, unanimously selected to the All-Big East First Team alongside teammate Paige Bueckers, and earned Division I WBCA Freshman of the Year honors.

While the talent and work is all hers, one might say that basketball is in her blood. Born February 3, 2006, in Madrid, Strong spent the first decade in Spain, where her father was playing professionally at the time. (Her parents have since separated.) Basketball runs on both sides of her family—her father is also a former player—though Strong has said neither parent pressured her into the sport.

“They said, ‘If you don’t want to do this, [I] could stop wasting my time,’” Strong told Andscape in 2024. “I said, ‘I want to play basketball. I want to go to college and want do this.’”

Here, get to know Sarah’s parents, Danny and Allison:

Meet Sarah’s dad, Danny Strong

Originally from New Jersey, Sarah’s father Danny, Sarah played for North Carolina State University from 1995 to 1997 after transferring from junior college, averaging 12.5 points and 4.9 rebounds and earning a spot on the All-ACC Tournament team. He went on to play professionally in Europe for 15 years, primarily in France, where he made four All-Star appearances in the French National Basketball League and won the 2005 French Cup Championship. He also earned All-Star MVP honors in the Portuguese National Basketball League and served as team captain for nine years across various clubs.

Danny retired from professional play in 2012 and returned to N.C. State to complete his sociology degree, and later coached high school basketball in the Raleigh area. He also founded the Strong Center for Excellence, a nonprofit providing basketball and football training and league play for youth ages six to 18.

Meet Sarah’s mom, Allison Feaster

Sarah’s mother, Allison Feaster, is one of the more decorated figures in women’s basketball history. A standout at Chester High School in South Carolina, where she ranks third on the state's all-time scoring list, Feaster went on to become an All-American at Harvard University. In 1998, she led the Crimson to one of the most stunning upsets in tournament history, becoming the first No. 16 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in the women's NCAA Tournament with a victory over host Stanford at the Cardinal’s home in Palo Alto, California.

After college, Feaster played 10 seasons in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks, Charlotte Sting, and Indiana Fever, and eight seasons professionally overseas in Portugal, France, Spain, and Italy before retiring in 2016. During her time with the Charlotte Sting, she played alongside current South Carolina coach Dawn Staley.

Since retiring, Feaster has built an equally notable front-office career. She joined the NBA’s Basketball Operations Associate Program, worked as manager of player personnel and coach relations for the NBA G League, and joined the Boston Celtics, where she served as the team’s vice president of team operations and organizational growth. She has also served as a sports envoy for the U.S. Department of State, and is on the athlete advisory board for Boston Legacy FC of the NWSL.

“This game has given me so much, and so for me, it’s an honor to be able to serve this organization, to be able to serve this community and to be able to represent so many who see themselves in me,” Allison told The Boston Globe in 2024 about working with the Celtics. “My life is a beautiful resistance because I get to do what I love. I get to plant seeds of empowerment. I get to plant seeds of confidence, of inspiration.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo once again stood at the center of attention as the narrative around Al-Nassr unfolded, with the Portuguese icon marking a historic milestone while delivering a decisive performance. The clash saw Al-Nassr secure a commanding 5-2 victory over Al-Najma, reinforcing its dominance at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings. The Portuguese superstar marked his 100th league appearance in style, scoring twice and taking his tally to 97 goals, an extraordinary return that underlines his enduring excellence.

Returning from a four-week hamstring injury, the 41-year-old showed no signs of slowing down, contributing significantly to a performance that kept his club firmly in control of the title race. His goals—career numbers 966 and 967—also pushed him closer to the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals.

Despite the eventual scoreline, the game itself was far from straightforward, as Al-Najma initially threatened to disrupt the script. The visitor took the lead late in the first half, capitalizing on a counterattack that exposed a rare defensive lapse.

However, Al-Nassr responded immediately, equalizing through Abdullah Al-Hamdan before Sadio Mane produced a moment of brilliance in stoppage time. The Senegalese forward’s solo effort turned the momentum, giving the host a crucial advantage heading into the break.

The second half saw the match briefly swing again when Al-Najma equalized early, but that only set the stage for Cristiano Ronaldo’s decisive intervention. The Portuguese star restored the lead from the penalty spot before adding another goal after a VAR review confirmed his effort.

What did Ronaldo say after the game?

It was only after the final whistle that the mystery hinted at in the buildup came into focus. Taking to social media, Ronaldo shared his reaction, writing: “It’s good to be back! We move forward together!” The statement, simple yet powerful, reflected both relief and determination following his return. It also reinforced the collective mindset within the squad as the title race intensifies.

The milestone was not just symbolic but decisive in shaping the title race. Al-Nassr’s 5-2 victory pushed the club to 70 points, extending its lead at the top and reinforcing its status as frontrunners. Ronaldo’s influence was once again undeniable, both statistically and emotionally.

Recently, Kylian Mbappe named Lionel Messi as the best teammate he has trained with throughout his professional career, even placing him above Neymar. However, when discussing his role model, he did not hesitate to choose Cristiano Ronaldo.

During an interview on The Bridge Show, which also featured Aurelien Tchouameni and Achraf Hakimi, the players were asked about those who inspired them as children and whom they have tried to emulate throughout their careers.

“At first it was Zidane, then Cristiano,” Mbappe said. His first choice is clear: a French legend who led his country to their first World Cup title in 1998 and starred for Real Madrid. However, Ronaldo later emerged as Kylian’s main inspiration.

“I think for a striker, he’s shown everything possible, because he played in different styles,” Mbappe added, referring to Cristiano’s versatility throughout his career. “He knows how to do everything, and he’s done everything.”

The evolution of Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo began as a winger whose main strengths were speed and dribbling. That style of play took him from Sporting CP to Manchester United and helped him become the best player in the world after winning the Ballon d’Or in 2008.

Following his move to Real Madrid in 2009, however, he began a gradual transformation into the center forward he is today at Al Nassr. That shift is reflected in his numbers, with his goal-scoring output increasing as his role moved from the wings to a more central position.

The similarities between Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo

When Kylian Mbappe speaks about the different styles Cristiano Ronaldo has adopted throughout his career, he is also, in a way, describing a path that could apply to his own development as a soccer player.

Early in his career at AS Monaco, he was also a forward who spent more time operating near the wings than in the center of the box. This continued during his early years at Paris Saint-Germain and even with the France national team.

In fact, during France’s 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia, Mbappe primarily played as a right winger, with Ousmane Dembele or Blaise Matuidi on the left, and Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud occupying central attacking roles.

However, over time, Kylian has gradually transitioned into a central striker. That transformation began at PSG while playing alongside Neymar and Messi, and has now been completed at Real Madrid. Since his arrival in Spain, there is little doubt that Mbappe’s natural position is inside the box, and his numbers speak for themselves: 38 goals in 35 matches with the Spanish side this season.

A major talking point during Barcelona’s international break was the risk of injuries with so many players away on duty. Raphinha’s injury while playing for Brazil reignited the debate, but Hansi Flick made no excuses despite president Joan Laporta having previously complained to FIFA.

Flick said: “The injury is nobody’s fault. It’s an injury and you must live with it. It’s part of this. It comes at a bad time. It makes us sad and we’ll have to see how we manage it. It’s not his first injury. He had a low morale. He’s coming back this weekend. On Monday he’ll be with the group.”

The setback came in Brazil’s match against France in Orlando. The forward suffered a muscle injury in his right hamstring that will keep him out for more than a month, so he will miss the Champions League quarterfinal matches against Atletico Madrid.

Laporta had complained to FIFA

For the recently reelected president, it was clear who was to blame, as he did not take the same approach as the manager. Laporta pointed directly to FIFA’s calendar as the main reason for Raphinha’s injury, calling for exceptions for the biggest clubs.

The president made sure to set aside the players’ desire to represent their countries, but he strongly criticized the schedule FIFA put together without considering the demands placed on the sport’s biggest clubs.

Laporta said: “To get one of the best players on the team injured in a friendly match between Brazil and France in the United States makes me very angry. FIFA must make an international calendar that takes into account the competitions the clubs have.”

Flick on Robert Lewandowski

Some players had better luck than others during the break. Aside from Raphinha’s injury, the player who had the toughest outcome was Robert Lewandowski. As Poland’s captain, his team was eliminated by Sweden in the final round of World Cup qualifying.

Flick said this about the forward: “Robert played both matches with the national team. He’s sad and disappointed about not being in the World Cup, but he’s focused on us and what we need.”

With two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister have their spots secured with Argentina. They earned that status in part thanks to their performances in the Premier League, but their situations at club level are now far from certain.

This Friday, Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior revealed that Enzo Fernandez has been disciplined by the club and will not be part of the squad for the next two matches, against Port Vale in the FA Cup and Manchester City in the Premier League. The decision stems from comments made by the midfielder regarding his future that were not well received within the club.

Fernandez recently admitted that he is unsure whether he will still be playing for Chelsea next season, while also fueling rumors of a potential move to Real Madrid by stating that the Spanish capital is his favorite city in Europe.

“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way,” Rosenior said Friday, according to BBC Sport. “I have got no bad words to say about him but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build.”

The Chelsea coach later revealed that the decision was made collectively within the club. “It’s not all about me, or the sporting directors. The ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision,” Rosenior said. However, he shared an optimistic message regarding Fernandez’s future: “The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and in terms of that, a line was crossed.“

Alexis Mac Allister also faces uncertainty at Liverpool

Another Premier League standout in recent seasons is Alexis Mac Allister, a key figure for Liverpool during last year’s league title run. However, the current season has not been as successful at the team level, which could lead the club to make significant decisions in the near future.

“Liverpool are preparing changes, and Salah will not be the only departure. Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez, Alexis Mac Allister and Federico Chiesa are all on the transfer list,” Spanish outlet Diario AS reported Friday. “The inclusion of the Argentine midfielder is particularly surprising.”

Indeed, a restructuring at Liverpool following the departure of Mohamed Salah would signal a shift into a new era. However, Mac Allister’s potential exit is unexpected, given his importance in recent years and his continued role under coach Arne Slot.

Interestingly, as in Fernandez’s case, speculation surrounding Mac Allister’s future has also linked him with a move to Real Madrid. The Spanish side are known to be targeting midfielders capable of providing a similar level of quality to what Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have delivered, and the Argentine players appear to fit that profile.

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Fenerbahçe forması giyen Dorgeles Nene, sarı lacivertli ekipteki kariyerine dair açıklamalarda bulundu. Takım arkadaşı Marco Asensio'yu öven Nene, "Onunla oynamak benim için bir hayal" ifadelerini kullandı.

Beşiktaş derbisi öncesinde Fenerbahçe'nin yıldız isimlerinden Dorgeles Nene, beIN SPORTS'a yaptığı açıklamalarda takımın son durumunu ve hedeflerini değerlendirdi.

"GOLLERİM TAKIM SAYESİNDE GELDİ"

Gaziantep FK karşısında sergiledikleri performansa değinen Nene, o maça yüksek konsantrasyonla çıktıklarını belirterek, "Gerçekten çok konsantre ve adapteydik. Attığım goller tamamen takımım sayesinde oldu. Bu bir kolektif başarının ürünüydü. Aynı konsantrasyonla devam etmek istiyoruz" ifadelerini kullandı.

"ASENSİO İLE OYNAMAK BENİM İÇİN BİR HAYAL"

Takım arkadaşlarına da ayrı bir parantez açan genç futbolcu, özellikle Marco Asensio ile birlikte oynamanın kendisi için büyük bir şans olduğunu vurguladı. Nene, "Büyük oyuncularla oynamak benim için büyük keyif. Asensio gerçekten sıra dışı ve çok kaliteli bir oyuncu. Böyle isimlerle oynamak benim için bir hayal" dedi.

"TARAFTARLARIN SEVDİĞİ BİR GOL SEVİNCİ"

Gol sevinciyle ilgili de konuşan yıldız isim, özel bir anlamı olmadığını belirtti. "Daha önce gördüğüm bir kutlamaydı, ben de kendimce bir şeyler ekledim. Taraftarların da bunu sevdiğini biliyorum" diye konuştu.

KANTE VE GUENDOUZİ DETAYI

Takıma adaptasyon sürecinde dil konusuna da değinen Nene, özellikle N'Golo Kante ve Matteo Guendouzi'nin kendisine büyük destek verdiğini söyledi. Genç oyuncu, "Saha içiyle ilgili sürekli tavsiyeler alıyorum. Bana çok yardımcı oluyorlar" ifadelerini kullandı.

"TEDESCO İLE GELİŞİYORUZ"

Teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco hakkında da konuşan Nene, deneyimli çalıştırıcının takıma önemli katkılar sağladığını dile getirdi. "Tedesco çok kaliteli bir teknik direktör. Gelişimimiz için bize fazlasıyla yardımcı oluyor. Ondan gelen taleplere adapte olmaya çalışıyoruz" diyerek sözlerini tamamladı.

Beşiktaş'ın unutulmaz futbolcularından Atiba Hutchinson, Süper Lig'de oynanacak Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş derbisi öncesi konuştu. Atiba dev maçın skoruyla ilgili tahminde de bulundu.

Beşiktaş'ta iz bırakan futbolculardan Atiba Hutchinson, Süper Lig'de pazar akşamı oynanacak Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş derbisi öncesi beIN SPORTS'a açıklamalar yaptı.

BEŞİKTAŞ'IN ŞAMPİYONLUK ŞANSI

Beşiktaş'ın şampiyonluk şansıyla ilgili konuşan Atiba, "Şampiyonluk zor olabilir ama hala çok maç var. Sezon başını düşününce ikinci ya da üçüncü bitirmek bile büyük başarı olur" ifadelerini kullandı.

ORKUN KÖKÇÜ SÖZLERİ

Orkun Kökçü'nün Beşiktaş için belirleyici bir futbolcu olduğunu aktaran efsane isim, "Sahada olduğu zaman oyun tamamen değişiyor. Hem hücumda hem savunmada çok çalışıyor. Çok zeki bir oyuncu ve şu an formunun zirvesinde" dedi.

Bu derbinin Fenerbahçe için sezonun belirleyici maçı olacağını söyleyen Atiba, "Üç puandan başka bir sonuç onları tatmin etmez" şeklinde konuştu.

ATIBA'DAN DERBİ İÇİN SKOR TAHMİNİ

Öte yandan Atiba Hutchinson, Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş derbisi için skor tahmini de yaptı ve siyah-beyazlıların maçı 2-1 kazanacağını belirtti.

Türk Telekom Basketbol Takımı, BKT Avrupa Kupası yarı final ikinci maçında evinde Fransa temsilcisi Cosea JL Bourg'a 76-73 mağlup oldu ve seriye 1-1 eşitlik geldi.

BKT Avrupa Kupası yarı final ikinci maçında Türk Telekom Basketbol Takımı,evinde Fransa temsilcisi Cosea JL Bourg'a 76-73 mağlup oldu ve seriye 1-1 eşitlik geldi.

Karşılaşma konuk ekibin 4 sayılık serisiyle başlarken, Türk Telekom Trifunovic'in üç sayılık basketiyle karşılık verdi. Türk Telekom'un Devoe ile bulduğu sayılara Lindo ile cevap veren JL Bourg, çeyreğin ilk bölümünü 16-13 önde geçti. Savunmada ve hücumda başarılı olan konuk ekip farkı 8'e (23-15) çıkardı. Kalan bölümde iki takım da birer üçlük buldu ve JL Bourg ilk periyodu 26-18 üstün tamamladı.

İkinci çeyreğin başında oyunun kontrolünü ele geçiren Türk Telekom, farkı 2 sayıya (24-26) kadar indirdi. Bu dakikadan sonra iki takım da sayı bulmakta zorlanırken ev sahibi ekip, devreye 4 dakika 10 saniye kala 30-28 öne geçti. Kalan bölümde de rakibine 9-7 üstünlük kuran Türk Telekom, soyunma odasına 39-35 önde gitti.

Türk Telekom'un üçüncü periyodun başında yakaladığı 5 sayılık seriye JL Bourg, üst üste bulduğu 11 sayıyla karşılık verdi ve 46-44 öne geçti. Orta bölümde iki takım karşılıklı sayılar üretirken ev sahibi ekip Usher'ın sayıları ve Devoe'nun üçlüğüyle yeniden üstünlüğü ele geçirdi: 53-51. Farkın kapanmasına izin vermeyen Türk Telekom, son 10 dakikaya 59-56 üstün girdi.

Son çeyrek karşılıklı serbest atışlardan bulunan basketlerle başlarken ilk 4 dakika 63-63 beraberlikle geçildi. Sonrasında hücumda daha çok isabet yüzdesi yakalayan JL Bourg, 5 sayılık avantaj elde etti (65-70). Sayısız geçen dakikaların ardından Allman'ın serbest atıştan elde ettiği sayılarla Türk Telekom, farkı 1'e (69-70) indirdi. Konuk ekipte Gach'ın üç sayılık basketine Allman cevap verdi ve fark korundu. Mcdowell-White'ın iki serbest atış kaçırmasının ardından karşılaşmanın son saniyelerine heyecan geldi. Smith'in başarısız olan üç sayılık denemesinin ardından Mcdowell-White bu sefer serbest atıştan tek isabet buldu ve JL Bourg 15 saniye kala farkı 2'ye çıkardı. Çeyreğin son bölümünde yıldızlaşan Allman, son 8 saniye kala serbest atıştan 1 isabet buldu ve beraberliği yakalama şansını kaçırdı (73-74). Yapılan faulün ardından yeniden çizgiye gelen Mcdowell-White, ikide iki yaparak takımına 3 sayılık avantaj sağladı. Son hücumda 3.7 saniyesi kalan Türk Telekom, üç sayılık atışı değerlendiremedi ve JL Bourg karşılaşmadan 76-73 galip ayrılarak seride durumu 1-1'e getirdi.

Serinin 3. ve son maçı 8 Nisan Çarşamba günü JL Bourg'un ev sahipliğinde oynanacak. Bu karşılaşmayı kazanan finalde Beşiktaş GAİN'in rakibi olacak.

Salon: Ankara

Hakemler: Emilio Perez (İspanya), Steve Bittner (Almanya), Stefan Calic (Sırbistan)

Türk Telekom: Devoe 9, Trifunovic 7, Simonovic 6, Doğuş Özdemiroğlu 4, Bankston, Alexander 7, Allman 25, Smith 9, Usher 6, Berkan Durmaz

Cosea JL Bourg: Mcghee 3, Gach 15, Lindo 8, Kokila 5, Mokoka 14, Mitchell 4, Mcdowell-White 12, Moulare 15, Agee, Kane

1. Periyot: 18-26

Devre: 39-35

3. Periyot: 59-56

Beş faulle çıkan: 37.19 Kokila, 39.52 Lindo (Cosea JL Bourg)

Fenerbahçe, yeni sezonun transfer bombasını patlatmak için gözünü Paris'e dikti. Sarı-lacivertliler, PSG'de beklediği süreleri bulamayan ve ayrılık sinyalleri veren 24 yaşındaki Portekizli santrfor Gonçalo Ramos'u kadrosuna katmak için kolları sıvadı. Serbest kalma bedeli 120 milyon Euro olan, PSG'nin ise bonuslarla birlikte 80 milyon Euro'luk bir maliyetle renklerine bağladığı yıldız golcü için Avrupa'nın dev kulüpleri sıraya girmiş durumda.

Ocak ayında yapamadığı santrfor transferini sezon sonunda yapmak isteyen Fenerbahçe, hücum hattını dünya çapında bir isimle güçlendirmek istiyor. Sarı-lacivertlilerin radarına giren son isim, PSG'nin Portekizli yıldızı Gonçalo Ramos. Ancak bu transferde rakip çok, maliyet ise el yakıyor.

Paris Saint-Germain formasıyla bu sezon beklediği süreleri bulmakta zorlanan ve aylardır yedek kulübesine hapsolan 24 yaşındaki golcü, ayrılık sinyalleri veriyor. Teamtalk'un haberine göre; Ramos, kariyerinde yeni bir sayfa açmaya sıcak bakıyor.

Portekizli yıldız için sadece Fenerbahçe değil, Avrupa'nın elit kulüpleri de devrede. Chelsea, Newcastle United, AC Milan, Atlético Madrid, Borussia dortmund ve RB Leipzig bunların başında geliyor.

Fenerbahçe yönetimi oyuncu hakkında bilgi almış olsa da, transferin önündeki en büyük engel astronomik rakamlar. PSG, 2023 yılında Benfica'dan kadrosuna kattığı Ramos için 65 milyon € sabit ücret ödedi; bonuslarla birlikte bu rakamın 80 milyon € seviyesine ulaşması bekleniyor.

Oyuncunun yıllık brüt maaş 5.5 milyon euro. Aylık maaşı ise 458 bin Euro. Sözleşmesinde yer alan serbest kalma maddesi ise 120 milyon Euro.

Sarı-lacivertlilerin, bu devasa maliyet karşısında kiralama formülü dahil tüm opsiyonları zorlayıp zorlamayacağı ise merak konusu. Eğer Ramos transferi gerçekleşirse, sadece Türkiye'de değil, tüm Avrupa'da yılın transferlerinden biri olarak kayıtlara geçecek.

Fenerbahçe camiası stat kapasitesini artıracak modernizasyon hamlesinin buzdolabına konulmasının şokunu yaşarken, bu kez de EURO 2032 için gelen haberler moralleri bozdu. Beşiktaş'ın efsane stadı İnönü'nün ardından Saracoğlu'nun da dev turnuvanın dışında kalma ihtimali belirdi! Ali Koç yönetiminin kapasite artırım projesinin rafa kalkması TFF'nin ibresini tamamen Sami Yen'e çevirdi. Operasyonel kolaylık, 50 bin barajını aşan koltuk sayısı ve ulaşım avantajıyla Galatasaray'ın RAMS Park, İstanbul'un ikinci stadı olma hakkını ezeli rakibinin elinden kapmaya çok yakın.

Türkiye ve İtalya’nın ortaklaşa düzenleyeceği EURO 2032 için geri sayım sürerken, İstanbul listesinde dengeler değişiyor. Beşiktaş Park’ın ardından Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyumu da dev organizasyonun dışında kalma tehlikesiyle karşı karşıya. Galatasaray’ın stadı RAMS Park’ı bir adım öne çıkaran kritik nedenler netleşmeye başladı.

İBRE TAMAMEN SAMİ YEN'E DÖNDÜ

Türkiye, 2032 Avrupa Futbol Şampiyonası için gün sayarken, maçların oynanacağı 5 stadyumun seçimi için TFF ve UEFA arasındaki görüşmeler derinleşiyor.

İstanbul’da Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadyumu’nun yeri garanti görülürken, "ikinci stat" kontenjanı için ibre tamamen Sami Yen'e dönmüş durumda.

STADIN YENİLENMESİ DURDU

Fenerbahçe cephesinde seçim sürecinde gündeme gelen stat yenileme projelerinin somutlaşmaması, adaylık sürecinde Kadıköy’ün elini zayıflatan en büyük etken oldu. Saran yönetiminin stat yenileme çalışmalarına başlamaması ve Ali Koç’un kapasite artırım projesinin rafa kaldırılması, UEFA’nın modernizasyon kriterleri karşısında Saracoğlu’nu "bekleme odasına" itti.

UEFA ve TFF’nin teknik heyetlerinin yaptığı incelemelerde, RAMS Park’ı Ülker Stadyumu’na tercih etmesine neden olacak 4 ana başlık öne çıkıyor:

50 BİN BARAJI VE KAPASİTE

UEFA, büyük turnuvalarda 50.000 koltuk kapasitesini psikolojik ve teknik bir eşik olarak kabul ediyor. 52.223 kapasiteli RAMS Park bu şartı sağlarken, 47.834 kapasiteli Saracoğlu’nun bu sınırın altında kalması en büyük handikap.

LOJİSTİK VE YAYIN ALANLARI

Şehrin kalbinde yer alan Saracoğlu, taraftar için cazip olsa da UEFA’nın devasa yayın tırları (OB Van), "ev sahibi" çadırları ve teknik ekipleri için gerekli olan geniş arazi imkanlarını sunamıyor. RAMS Park ise geniş çevresiyle tam bir "operasyonel kolaylık" merkezi.

MODERN ALTYAPI VE ERİŞİM

2011 sonrası standartlarla inşa edilen RAMS Park; engelli erişimi, tahliye senaryoları ve VVIP ağırlama alanlarıyla UEFA’nın 2032 vizyonuna daha yakın duruyor. Özellikle stadyumun içine kadar giren metro hattı, "seyirci yönetimi" konusunda tam puan alıyor.

SPONSORLUK VE TİCARİ POTANSİYEL

EURO 2032 sürecinde Galatasaray’ın çok daha rahat ve yüksek hacimli sponsorluklar bulma ihtimali, stadın ticari cazibesini artırırken TFF’nin elini de rahatlatıyor.

EKİM 2026'DA NETLEŞECEK.

Beşiktaş’ın stadı da benzer teknik ve lojistik gerekçelerle dev organizasyonun ana listesinde yer bulamamıştı. Eğer süreç bu şekilde ilerlerse, İstanbul’un iki devinden sonra Fenerbahçe’nin stadı da Avrupa’nın en büyük futbol festivaline ev sahipliği yapma şansını kaybedebilir.

UEFA son kararını Ekim 2026’ya kadar verecek. Galatasaray’ın stadı hem teknik verileri hem de operasyonel avantajlarıyla İstanbul’un "ikinci kalesi" olmaya en yakın aday konumunda.

Trabzonspor yönetimi Nwakaeme ve Visca'nın yaratacağı boşluğu doldurmak ve çıtayı daha üst seviyeye taşımak için dev bir operasyona imza atmaya hazırlanıyor. Fatih Tekke'nin kadrosunda görmeyi en çok istediği isim olan, Betis formasıyla İspanya'da "evrim geçiren" 24 yaşındaki Faslı kanat oyuncusu Abde Ezzalzouli için tüm şartlar zorlanıyor. Mali yapısını güçlendiren ve transfere ciddi bir bütçe ayıran bordo-mavililer, Pellegrini'nin ellerinde olgunlaşan, patlayıcı hızı ve bire birdeki durdurulamaz yeteneğiyle dikkat çeken genç yıldızı "öncelik listesinin" zirvesine yerleştirdi.

Trabzonspor, hücum hattında Nwakaeme ve Visca sonrası oluşacak boşluğu dünya çapında bir isimle doldurmak için vites yükseltti. Bordo-mavililerin öncelik listesinin en başında, bu sezon Real Betis formasıyla İspanya’yı sallayan Abde Ezzalzouli yer alıyor.

ADAM EKSİLTME KONUSUNDA ÇOK İYİ

Teknik direktör Fatih Tekke’nin hücum hattındaki tıkanıklığı aşmak için işaret ettiği "saf ve patlayıcı hücum yeteneği" profiline 24 yaşındaki Faslı oyuncu tam anlamıyla uyuyor. Özellikle bire bir pozisyonlardaki adam eksiltme becerisi ve sıkı savunmaları açan hızıyla Abde, Trabzonspor kurmaylarının iştahını kabartıyor.

Kulübün ekonomik yapısındaki düzelme ile birlikte transfere ciddi bir kaynak ayıran yönetim, bu operasyon için tüm şartları zorlayacak.

Daha önce Barcelona forması giyen ve Katalan devinin de yakından takip etmeye devam ettiği Abde için görüşmelerin önümüzdeki haftalarda resmiyete dökülmesi bekleniyor.

Manuel Pellegrini yönetiminde büyük bir olgunluk kazanan Faslı milli oyuncu, bu sezon 20 La Liga maçında 5 gol ve 5 asistlik bir performans sergiledi.

Barcelona’dan 7 milyon Euro’ya ayrılan Abde, bugün çok daha kararlı ve skorer bir kimliğe bürünmüş durumda. Trabzonspor’un bu transfer hamlesiyle hem saha içinde fark yaratmayı hem de gelecek vadeden bir yatırıma imza atmayı hedeflediği belirtiliyor.

Trabzonspor'da transfer stratejisi "en üst perde" olarak belirlendi. Abde ismi, bordo-mavililerin önümüzdeki sezonki şampiyonluk iddiasının en somut kanıtı olarak görülebilir. Ancak transfer gerçekleşirse Karadeniz ekibinin tarihteki en pahalı transferi olmasına kesin gözüyle bakılıyor.

Saha dışında da kral! Trabzonspor'da herkese örnek

Azərbaycan Kubokunun yarımfinal mərhələsinin ilk oyunları çərçivəsində keçirilmiş “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” matçı rekordla əlamətdar olub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionunda keçirilmiş və 2:2 hesabıyla başa çatmış bu görüşü 21 min tamaşaçı izləyib.

Bu, Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının bayrağı altında keçirilən turnirlər üçün təkcə 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün deyil, son 10 mövsümün yeni rekordudur.
Bir oyunu daha çox tamaşaçının izləməsinə sonuncu dəfə 2015/2016-cı illər mövsümündə təsadüf olunub. Həmin vaxt “Qarabağ”la “Neftçi” arasında kubokun final görüşünü (1:0) 23 min izləyici seyr edib.

“Qarabağ” – “Sabah” matçı 2008-ci ildən PFL-in bayrağı altında keçirilən turnirlərdə ümumilikdə 5-ci göstərici kimi tarixə düşüb. Lakin daha çox tamaşaçı olan 4 oyunun hamısı kubokun final görüşləri olub. Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionundakı qarşılaşma PFL bayrağı altındakı yarışlar üçün hər hansı bir komandanın ev sahibliyi etdiyi (final neytral meydanda keçirilir) ən çox tamaşaçı toplayan matç olub. Əvvəlki rekord 2016-cı il fevralın 14-də qeydə alınıb. Gəncə şəhər stadionunda baş tutan “Kəpəz” – “Qarabağ” qarşılaşmasında (1:2) 20 min 400 tamaşaçı olub.

Ümumiyyətlə isə bir komandanın ev oyununa daha çox seyrçi toplaması sonuncu dəfə 2006/2007-ci illər mövsümündə yaşanıb. Həmin vaxt “Neftçi” – “Xəzər Lənkəran” görüşünü 25 min nəfər izləyib. Bir sözlə, “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” matçında sonrakı 19 mövsümün rekordu qeydə alınıb.

Bu oyunadək mövsümün rekordu eyni komandaların eyni stadiondakı çempionat matçına məxsus idi. Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 22-ci turunun martın 1-də baş tutmuş matçında (3:3) 10 min 361 seyrçi qeydə alınmışdı.

Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 26-cı turunun təyinatları açıqlanıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının (PFL) rəsmi saytı məlumat yayıb.

Qeyd edək ki, 26-cı turun görüşləri aprelin 5-də, 6-da və 7-də keçiriləcək.

Premyer Liqa
26-cı tur
5 aprel

“Kəpəz” – “Qəbələ”
Hakimlər: Vüqar Həsənli, Elşad Abdullayev, Zöhrab Abbasov, Kamran Əliyev.
VAR: Elvin Bayramov.
AVAR: İnqilab Məmmədov.
Hakim-inspektor: İmanxan Sultani.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Məmmədəli Məmmədov.
Yevlax şəhər stadionu, 15:30.

“Sumqayıt” – “Neftçi”
Hakimlər: Kamal Umudlu, Vüsal Məmmədov, Eyyub İbrahimov, Əli Əliyev.
VAR: Rəvan Həmzəzadə.
AVAR: Cəmil Quliyev.
Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Seymur Səlimli.
Mehdi Hüseynzadə adına Sumqayıt şəhər stadionu, 18:00.

6 aprel

“Qarabağ” – “Karvan”
Hakimlər: Kamranbəy Rəhimov, Asiman Əzizli, Kərim Zeynalov, Əkbər Əhmədov.
VAR: Emin Əliyev.
AVAR: Əliyar Ağayev.
Hakim-inspektor: Rəhim Həsənov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: İlham Əliyev.
Bakı. Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionu, 19:00.

7 aprel

“İmişli” – “Turan Tovuz”
Hakimlər: Cavid Cəlilov, Kamran Bayramov, Müslüm Əliyev, İslam Məmmədov.
VAR: Nicat İsmayıllı.
AVAR: Şirmamed Mamedov.
Hakim-inspektor: Orxan Məmmədov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Rüfət Əmirov.
Quba Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 15:00.

“Zirə” – “Şamaxı”
Hakimlər: Elçin Məsiyev, Rahil Ramazanov, Teymur Teymurov, İnqilab Məmmədov.
VAR: Rauf Cabbarov.
AVAR: Pərvin Talıbov.
Hakim-inspektor: Munis Abdullayev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Zaur Hacı-Məhərrəmov.
Zirə İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 17:15.

“Araz-Naxçıvan” – “Sabah”
Hakimlər: Fərid Hacıyev, Namiq Hüseynov, Rəhman İmami, Rəşad Əhmədov.
VAR: Tural Qurbanov.
AVAR: Zeynal Zeynalov.
Hakim-inspektor: Ömər Paşayev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Yavər Rəhimov.
“Dalğa Arena”, 19:30.

“Qarabağ”ın baş məşqçisi Qurban QurbanovAzərbaycan Kubokunun yarımfinalında “Sabah”a qarşı keçirdikləri ilk oyunu şərh edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Bakıda baş tutmuş görüşündə qalib müəyyənləşməyib – 2:2.

Qurban Qurbanov matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:

“Azarkeşlərə möhtəşəm atmosferə görə təşəkkür etmək istəyirəm. Fikrimcə, futbolçular onlara möhtəşəm oyun göstərdilər. Sürətli oyun alındı. Qarşımızda çox yaxşı kollektiv var idi. Sona qədər mübarizə aparan bir komandaya qarşı oynadıq. Bizə bu cür rəqibə qarşı oynamaq xoşdur. Son iki oyunumuz çox baxımlı idi. Cavab oyununda da əlimizdən gələni edəcəyik. Ondan öncə, 2 gün sonra “Karvan”la çempionatda oyunumuz var, ona hazırlaşmalıyıq.

Biz həmişə hər iki turnirdə iddialı olmuşuq. Kubokda finala vəsiqə qazana bilməsək də, problem yoxdur. Azarkeşlər baxımlı futbol izləsinlər, biz uduzsaq da olar. İnanın ki, azarkeşlər hər dəfə oyuna bu cür maraq göstərsələr, baxımlı futbol görərlər. İstənilən rəqibə qarşı bu cür oyun görə bilərlər. Bugünkü oyun bizə avrokubok matçlarını xatırlatdı. Çox xoş oldu. Bəzi avrokubok matçlarından daha çox azarkeş var idi. Baxımlı futbol izləmək çox xoşdur.

Aleksey Kaşukun “Sabah”a keçəcəyinə dair məndə bir məlumat yoxdur. Qarşı tərəfin belə bir planı var, yoxsa yox, onu da bilmirəm. Bizdə hələ ki, belə bir düşüncə yoxdur. “Sabah”la son çempionat oyununda start heyətdə idi. Onun yetərincə zaman aldığını düşünürəm. Oyunundan tam razı qalmadığımız məqamlar var. Bunun üzərində çalışacağıq”.

“Sabah”ın baş məşqçisi Valdas Dambrauskas Azərbaycan Kubokunun yarımfinalında “Qarabağ”a qarşı keçirdikləri ilk oyunu şərh edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Bakıda baş tutmuş görüşündə qalib müəyyənləşməyib – 2:2.

Valdas Dambrauskas matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:

“Hər iki komandanı bu gün göstərdikləri gözəl oyuna görə təbrik etmək istəyirəm. Baxımlı futbol alındı. Milli matçlara görə yaranmış fasilədən sonra oynamaq təbii ki, bir qədər çətin idi. Buna baxmayaraq, yaxşı oyun alındığını düşünürəm. İkinci hissənin ikinci yarısından sonra daha yaxşı çıxış etdiyimizi qeyd edə bilərəm. Hər iki komandanın şansları oldu. Cavab oyunu da maraqlı keçəcək. Amma hələlik kubok matçını unudub, çempionat oyunlarına köklənməliyik.

İlk hissədə hesabı açsaq da, sonradan 2 qol buraxdıq. Rəqibin bizə göstərdiyi təzyiq çox yaxşı idi. Həddindən artıq ucuz toplar itirdik. Əvvəlki oyunlarda qurduğumuz kombinasiyalardan bu matçda istifadə edə bilmədik. Bu, ikinci hissənin əvvəllində özünü daha qabarıq göstərdi. Fasilədən dönməyimiz əsas amillərdən hesab oluna bilər. Qarşıdakı oyunlarda bunu aradan qaldırmaq üçün əlimizdən gələni edəcəyik.

Rəhman Daşdəmirov bizim üçün önəmli futbolçudur. Bilirsiniz ki, Rəhman iki mövqedə oynaya bilən müdafiəçidir. İnanıram ki, hər bir futbolçum daha çox oyunda olmağa layiqdir. Bu gün onun çıxışından razı qaldım.

Mən hazırda avrokuboklar barədə düşünmürəm. Onu deyə bilərəm ki, “Sabah” çox özəl klubdur. Bizim çox yaxşı idarəetməmiz var. Mən transferlər barədə heç narahat deyiləm. Skaut komandamız daim axtarışdadır. Onların işinə güvənirəm. Aleksey Kaşukla bağlı yayılan xəbərlər isə şayiədir. Təbii ki, çempionatda oynayan yerli futbolçular daim nəzarətimizdədir. Onlar daim klubların döyünən ürəyi olacaq”.

“Turan Tovuz”un məşqçisi Yunis Hüseynov Azərbaycan Kubokunun yarımfinalında “Zirə”yə qarşı keçirdikləri ilk oyunu şərh edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Sumqayıtda baş tutmuş görüşündə Tovuz təmsilçisi 0:2 hesablı məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.

Yunis Hüseynov matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:

“Hər komanda kubok oyununda qalib gəlmək istəyir. Avrokuboklara getmək kubokda daha rahatdır. 2-3 oyunda qələbə qazanandan sonra finala çıxırsan. Bu gün qalib gəlmək istəyirdik. Hələ cavab matçı var. Tam ciddi hazırlaşıb finala vəsiqə qazanmağa çalışacağıq. Bu gün öz səhvlərimizdən qollar buraxdıq. Rəqib əks-hücumda oynayırdı. Qarşıda “İmişli” ilə çətin çempionat oyunu var. Həmin görüşə hazırlaşacağıq. “Zirə” ilə cavab oyununda tam başqa futbol oynayacağıq.

Hakimlər haqda danışmaq istəmirik. Danışanda bizi cərimələyirlər. Epizoda biz də baxdıq. Nə dərəcədə penalti olub-olmadığını deyə bilmərəm. İkinci hissədə rəqib Roderik Millerin ayağını tapdaladı. Mənə elə gəlir ki, VAR epizoda baxmalı idi. Əliyar Ağayev görməyə bilər. Amma məncə, VAR baş hakimi monitora dəvət etməli idi.

Biz də istəyirik ki, İbrahima Vadji qol vursun. İnşallah, qarşıdakı matçlarda fərqlənər. Futbolçu elədir ki, bir qol vurandan sonra onda özünəinam artır. Vadji də bir qol vursa, davamı gələr”.

“Zirə”nin baş məşqçisi Rəşad Sadıqov Azərbaycan Kubokunun yarımfinalında “Turan Tovuz”a qarşı keçirdikləri ilk oyunu şərh edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Sumqayıtda baş tutmuş görüşündə “Zirə” 2:0 hesablı qələbəyə sevinib.

Rəşad Sadıqov matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları sölyəyib:

“Hər zaman kubokun ilk oyunlarında taktiki savaş gedir. Birinci hissədə bunun şahidi olduq. Rəqibin çoxsaylı standart vəziyyətləri var idi. Hamımız bilirik ki, “Turan Tovuz” standart vəziyyətlərdə ən təhlükəli komandalardan biridir. İkinci hissədə sürəti bir az artırdıq. Bizim üçün olduqca vacib olan qələbə qazandıq. Hələ birinci hissəni oynadıq. Bizi qarşıda vacib ikinci yarı gözləyir. Cütün taleyinin həll olunduğunu qətiyyən demək olmaz. Rəqibin fərqlənmək üçün çoxlu silahları var. Hansı hesab qeydə alınsaydı da, eyni fikirdə olacaqdım. Tez bir zamanda çempionat oyununa köklənməliyik.

Bu mövsüm zədə və cəzalılar baxımından ən çox problem yaşayan komandalardanıq. Bəzən də olur ki, tam heyətlə çıxıb nəticə əldə etmək olmur. Hamının formada olması bizə üstünlük verir.

“Zirə”də xoşbəxtəm. Rəhbərliyimiz mənə hər zaman şərait yaradıb. Onlara təşəkkür edirəm. Yüksək liqada təcrübəm olmadığı halda mənə güvəndilər. Bütün məşqçilər daha böyük büdcə, yaxşı şərait istəyər. Amma büdcə hər şey deyil. Elə ola bilər ki, böyük büdcə ilə heç ilk 5-liyə düşə bilmərəm. Futbolun hər cür tərəfi var. Bu gün şükür edirəm ki, “Zirə”nin baş məşqçisiyəm. Uğurlu nəticə qazanmaq üçün əlimizdən gələni edəcəyik”.

Premyer Liqa klublarının ikinci komandaları arasında təşkil edilmiş Əvəzedicilər Liqasında 22-ci turun təyinatları açıqlanıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının (PFL) rəsmi saytı məlumat yayıb.

Əvəzedicilər Liqası
22-ci tur

4 aprel

“Neftçi-2” – “Kəpəz-2”
Hakimlər: Niyaz Əhmədov, Samir Qaracayev, Rəşad Quliyev, Hacıağa Həsənov.
Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Bəhram Qurbanov.
“Neftçi” Futbol Mərkəzi (4-cü meydança), 14:00.

“Sabah-2” – “Zirə-2”
Hakimlər: Nicat İsmayıllı, Orxan İbişov, Zakir Şükürzadə, Samir Musayev.
Hakim-inspektor: Feyzulla Feyzullayev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Eldar Məmmədov.
“Bayıl Arena”, 15:00.

“Şamaxı-2” – “Qarabağ-2”
Hakimlər: Ruslan Quliyev, Ağadur Mahmudov, Elvin Mədətov, Rüfət Əhmədov.
Hakim-inspektor: Anar Salmanov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Anar Şıxəliyev.
Şamaxı şəhər stadionu, 15:00.

6 aprel

“Sumqayıt-2” – “Qəbələ-2”
Hakimlər: Maqsud Şamıyev, Elmin Süleymanov, Elman Kərimov, Nahid Xasıyev.
Hakim-inspektor: Babək Quliyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Kifayət Mustafayeva.
“Sumqayıt Arena” (ehtiyat meydança), 14:00.

“Araz-Naxçıvan-2” – “Turan Tovuz-2”
Hakimlər: Fəridə Lütfəliyeva, Gülnurə Əkbərzadə, Cavid Ömərov, Ləman Əmirli.
Hakim-inspektor: Ramil Diniyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Zümrüd Ağayeva.
Binə qəsəbə stadionu, 15:00.

Azərbaycan Kubokunun yarımfinal mərhələsinin “Turan Tovuz” – “Zirə” meydan sahiblərinin 0:2 hesablı məğlubiyyəti ilə başa çatdı.

Arena.az bu gün Sumqayıtda baş tutmuş oyunun videoicmalını və yekun protokolunu təqdim edir:

Azərbaycan Kuboku
Yarımfinalın ilk oyunu
3 aprel

“Turan Tovuz” – “Zirə” 0:2
Qollar: Eren Aydın, 55; Leroy Mikels, 89.
Sarı vərəqələr: Ruan Renato, 23 (qeyri-idman hərəkəti). Eren Aydın, 81 (oyunun bərpasının ləngidilməsi). Tyaqo Silva, 90+1 (oyunun bərpasının ləngidilməsi).
Rəsmi şəxslərə göstərilən sarı vərəqələr: Aleksandr Karnilov, 79 (hakimin qərarına etiraz) – Rəşad Sadıqov, 23 (hakimin qərarına etiraz).
Artırılan vaxt: Birinci hissədə 3 dəqiqə, ikinci hissədə 5 dəqiqə.
Saat 17:30. M.H. Sumqayıt şəhər stadionu, 400 tamaşaçı.

Baş hakim: Əliyar Ağayev.
Baş hakimin köməkçiləri: Zeynal Zeynalov, Akif Əmirəli.
Dördüncü hakim: Fərid Hacıyev.
VAR: Cavid Cəlilov.
AVAR: Kamran Bayramov.
Hakim-inspektor: Babək Quliyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elçin Mehtiyev.

Turan Tovuz: 41. Sergey Samok, 29. Filip Ozobiç (17. Rəhim Sadıxov, 28), 88. Faiq Hacıyev (k) (3. Enrike Silva, 73), 23. Alexandro Serrano, 90. Joarlem Santos, 15. Emmanuel Hakman, 32. Hayderson Hurtado, 7. Xorxe Silva, 19. Roberto Olabe (11. Ayxan Hüseynov, 73), 9. Coş Cinnelli (99. İbrahima Vadji, 59), 2. Mark Rene Mampassi (5. Roderik Miller, 59).
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 1. Oleq Baklov, 13. Mehman Hacıyev, 4. Şəhriyar Əliyev, 10. Xəyal Nəcəfov, 6. Fərid Yusifli, 8. David Tavares.
Məşqçi: Yunis Hüseynov.

Zirə: 97. Tyaqo Silva, 73. Anatoli Nuriyev (93. Brahim Konate, 67), 32. Qismət Alıyev (k), 26. Stefan Akka, 4. Ruan Renato, 25. Enrike Kustodio, 9. Davit Volkov (11. Junior Martins, 73), 30. Rikardo Martins, 20. İssa Cibrilla (5. Ange Mutsinzi, 67), 17. Ayron Qomis (28. Leroy Mikels, 81), 22. Eren Aydın (8. İsmayıl İbrahimli, 81).
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 13. Aydın Bayramov, 70. Namiq Ələsgərov, 21. Hacıağa Hacılı, 7. Rövlan Muradov, 14. Elçin Əlicanov, 29. Ceyhun Nuriyev, 10. Georgi Papunaşvili.
Baş məşqçi: Rəşad Sadıqov.

Azərbaycan Kubokunun “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” oyunundan (2:2) sonra meydan sahibi komandanın baş məşqçisi Qurban Qurbanov jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bölüşüb…

– Azarkeşlərə möhtəşəm atmosferə görə təşəkkür etmək istəyirəm. Düşünürəm ki, futbolçular da onlara möhtəşəm oyun göstərdilər. Sürətli matç alındı. Qarşımızda çox yaxşı kollektiv var idi. Sona qədər mübarizə aparan bir komandaya qarşı oynadıq. Bizə bu cür rəqibə qarşı oynamaq xoşdur. Son iki oyunumuz çox baxımlı alınıb. Cavab oyununda da əlimizdən gələni edəcəyik. Ondan öncə 2 gün sonra “Karvan-Yevlax”la çempionatda oyunumuz var, ona hazırlaşmalıyıq.

– Baş hakim təyinatından sonra çox müzakirə olundu. Siz bu barədə nə düşünürsünüz?
– Heç bir narahatlığım yoxdur. Müzakirə olunası bir mövzu deyil. Yəqin ki, son vaxtlar formda bir hakim idi. Ona görə də bu matça təyinat almışdı.

– Son vaxtlar adı “Sabah”la keçən Kaşuk meydanda çox az vaxt alır. Rəqabətdə uduzur, yoxsa…?
– “Sabah”la məsələsi yoxdur. Bilmirəm, qarşı tərəfin bununla bağlı nəsə hərəkətliliyi var, ya yox. Bizdə hələ belə bir düşüncə yoxdur. “Sabah”la son çempionat oyununda start heyətdə idi. Yetərincə zaman aldığını düşünürəm. Oyunundan tam razı qalmadığımız məqamlar var. Bunun üzərində çalışacağıq.

– Çempionat üçün kuboku, yaxud kubok üçün çempionatı qurban verməyə hazırsınızmı?
– Belə bir düşüncəmiz yoxdur. Hər iki turnirdə iddialı olmuşuq. Alınacaq, heç. Alınmayacaq, problem olmayacaq. Təki azarkeşlər baxımlı oyun izləsinlər.

– Hər zaman çempionat oyunlarına azarkeşlərin az olması müzakirə mövzusu olub. Bu gün bu qədər azarkeşlərin olmasını nəzərə alsaq, “baxımlı futbola daha çox baxılır” deyə bilərikmi?
– İnanın ki, azarkeşlər hər dəfə oyuna bu cür maraq göstərsələr, baxımlı futbol görərlər.

– Oyunun 70-75 dəqiqəsi çox sürətli alındı. Bu atmosfer sizə avrokubok matçını xatırlatdımı?
– Bəli xatırlatdı. Çox xoş oldu. Bəzi avrokubok matçlarından da daha çox azarkeş var idi. Baxımlı futbol izləmək çox xoşdur.

– Elvin Cəfərquliyevlə Zedadka arasında oyun zamanı bir mübahisə yarandı…
– Düzü epiozdu tam görmədim. Futbolda belə hallar normaldır. Bu cür mübahisələr futbolu bəzəyir. Futbol xarakter oyunudur. İkisini barışdırmaq üçün cəhd etdim. Dambrauskasla da oyundan sonra söhbətimiz oldu. Biz onunla hər zaman oyundan öncə də, sonra da ancaq futbol barədə danışırıq. Futbolda baş verənlər elə orada da qalır. Futbolun da gözəlliyi budur.

– Yeni AFFA rəhbərliyinin 2 ili tamam oldu. Siz də, bu qurumda İcraiyyə Komitəsinin üzvüsünüz. Son 2 ildə görülən işlər barədə düşüncələriniz?
– Yeni fikir, ideya olanda onun nəticəsini görmək üçün zaman lazımdır. Yeni bir struktur varsa, önu görmək də maraqlı olur. Futbolumuzun inkişafı üçün fikirlər, planlar var. Qeyd etdiyim kimi, bunların nəticəsini görmək üçün zaman lazımdır.

Azərbaycan Kubokunun “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” oyunundan (2:2) sonra qonaq komandanın baş məşqçisi Valdas Dambrauskas jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bölüşüb…

– Baxımlı futbol alındı. Milli matçlara görə yaranmış fasilədən sonra oynamaq təbii ki, bir qədər çətin idi. Buna baxmayaraq, yaxşı oyun alındığını düşünürəm. 2-ci hissənin 2-ci yarısından sonra daha yaxşı çıxış etdiyimizi qeyd edə bilərəm. Hər iki komandanın da şansları oldu. Cavab oyunu da maraqlı keçəcək. Kubok matçını unudub çempionat oyunlarına köklənməliyik.

– Hesabı bərabərləşdirdikdən sonra önə keçməyə nə çatmadı?
– İlk hissədə hesabı açsaq da, sonradan 2 qol buraxdıq. Rəqibin göstərdiyi təzyiq çox yaxşı idi. Həddindən artıq ucuz toplar itirdik. Əvvəlki oyunlarda qurduğumuz kombinasiyalardan bu matçda istifadə edə bilmədik. 2-ci hissənin əvvəllində bu özünü daha qabarıq göstərdi. Fasilədən dönməyimiz buna təsir edə bilər. Qarşıdakı oyunlarda bunu aradan qaldırmaq üçün əlimizdən gələni edəcəyik.

– İqor Noqeyranın yoxluğunda, Rəhman Daşdəmirov onu layiqincə əvəz edə bilirmi?
– Əlbəttə ki, Rəhman bizim üçün önəmli futbolçudur. Bilirsiniz ki, Rəhman iki mövqedə oynaya bilən müdafiəçidir. İnanıram ki, hər bir futbolçum daha çox oyunda olmağa layiqdir. Bu gün Rəhmandan da razı qaldım.

– Kağız üzərində kubokun favoriti bu cütün qalibi kimi qeyd olunur. Bu fikirlə razısınızmı?
– Mənim üçün ən önəmlisi növbəti keçirəcəyimiz matçdır. Bu barədə heç düşünmürəm.

– Növbəti mövsüm üçün transfer barədə rəhbərliklə danışmısınız?
– Hazırda Avropadakı oyunlar barədə düşünmürəm. Təbii ki, komanda ilə bağlı idman direktoru ilə söhbətlərimiz olur. Hər hansı rəsmi xəbər olsa, sizinlə paylaşılacaq.

– Komandanın hər iki cəbhədə də mübarizə aparmaq gücünün olduğunu düşünürsünüzmü?
– Bu sualın cavabını sizə buraxıram. Sizcə, bunu bacara bilərik? (gülür)

– Mətbuatda Aleksey Kaşukla maraqlandığınız qeyd olunur…
– Onu deyə bilərəm ki, “Sabah” çox özəl klubdur. Çox yaxşı rəhbərliyimiz var. Hamı kollektiv işləyir. Transferlər barədə heç narahat deyiləm. Skaut komandamız daim axtarışdadır. Onların işinə güvənirəm. Kaşukla bağlı yayılan xəbərlər şayiələrdir. Təbii ki, çempionatda oynayan yerli futbolçular daim nəzarətimizdədir.

Bizon Azərbaycan Kubokunun 1/2 final mərhələsinin ilk oyunları çərçivəsində keçirilən “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” matçı (2:2) rekordla əlamətdar olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionunda keçirilən görüşü 21 min tamaşaçı izləyib.

Bu, Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının bayrağı altında keçirilən turnirlər üçün təkcə 2025/26 mövsümünün deyil, son 10 mövsümün yeni rekordudur.
Bir oyunu daha çox tamaşaçının izləməsinə sonuncu dəfə 2015/16 mövsümündə təsadüf olunub. Həmin vaxt “Qarabağ”la “Neftçi” arasında kubokun final görüşünü (1:0) 23 min izləyici seyr edib.

Bu gün keçirilən “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” matçı 2008-ci ildən PFL-in bayrağı altında keçirilən turnirlərdə ümumilikdə 5-ci göstərici kimi tarixə düşüb. Lakin daha çox tamaşaçı olan 4 oyunun hamısı kubokun final görüşləri olub. Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionundakı qarşılaşma PFL bayrağı altındakı yarışlar üçün hər hansı bir komandanın ev sahibliyi etdiyi (final neytral meydanda keçirilir) ən çox tamaşaçı toplayan matç olub. Əvvəlki rekord 2016-cı il fevralın 14-də qeydə alınıb. Gəncə şəhər stadionunda baş tutan “Kəpəz” – “Qarabağ” qarşılaşmasında (1:2) 20 min 400 tamaşaçı olub.

Ümumiyyətlə isə bir komandanın ev oyununa daha çox seyrçi toplaması sonuncu dəfə 2006/07 mövsümündə yaşanıb. Həmin vaxt “Neftçi” – “Xəzər Lənkəran” görüşünü 25 min nəfər izləyib. Bugünkü matçda isə sonrakı 19 mövsümün rekordu qeydə alınıb.

Qeyd edək ki, bu oyunadək mövsümün rekordu eyni komandaların eyni stadiondakı çempionat matçına məxsus idi. Misli Premyer Liqasının XXII turunun martın 1-də baş tutan matçında (3:3) 10 min 361 seyrçi qeydə alınıb.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he wants Rodri to stay, but that he has to leave if he’s not happy.

The Spanish tactician responded in Friday’s press conference when asked about Rodri’s recent comments about being open to joining Real Madrid.

Guardiola did not blame Rodri for not ruling out a move to Madrid, but he also suggested that he can’t stay if he’s unsettled at the Etihad Stadium.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Watch below as Guardiola paid tribute to Rodri as an “incredible” player, but also told him in no uncertain terms to knock on the door of the club’s sporting director if he wants them to sort out his sale…

?? Pep Guardiola has sent a CLEAR message to Rodri – if you want to leave, you have to leave! ? pic.twitter.com/j9J2txlp5I

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 3, 2026

What Fabrizio Romano has said about Rodri transfer situation

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano provided his insight into the Rodri situation, which sounds like it’s still fairly open.

The 29-year-old has been discussed as a target for Real, but City have also offered him a new contract as they’d ideally like him to stay.

“The key point here is that Rodri in this moment, then we never know in football, but in this moment has two ways to decide whether he wants to stay at Manchester City and also eventually sign a new contract if he wants, or plan for a move away from Man City,” Romano said.

“So his statements about Real Madrid were quite strong. Obviously the appreciation from Real Madrid is there. So for sure Real Madrid internally are discussing about Rodri and is an option for Real Madrid. But at the moment there is still no bid, no direct club to club talks for Rodri.

More Stories / Latest News

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Apr 3 2026, 18:20

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Apr 3 2026, 14:59

“But what’s the point? Rodri from what I understand already has a new contract proposal into his hands from Manchester City. So Man City are offering a new contract to Rodri and they are prepared to give him an important salary.”

Romano added that Rodri would now have to decide whether to stay for one more year, stay and sign a new deal, or leave for the Bernabeu.

Given how important Rodri has been to City down the years, they’ll surely want to avoid his departure this summer, with the club already struggling since Kevin De Bruyne’s exit last year, while Bernardo Silva and John Stones are set to be out of contract at the end of this campaign.

The post “They have to leave” – Pep Guardiola sends clear transfer message to Man City star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Nick Timoney has had to show a lot of patience to prove he belongs at international level, finally making his Six Nations debut in Ireland's Triple Crown-winning campaign.

The 30-year-old has been a squad member in the Irish set-up since 2021 but with huge competition in the back row he has had to bide his time for regular action in the green shirt.

This year's tournament heralded a sea change not just for Timoney but for a number of his Ulster team-mates, including the impressive Stuart McCloskey, as they played a key role in Ireland's success and the Dublin-native is pleased to have made a contribution.

"For all these years when you've been waiting and hoping to play in the Six Nations games you tell yourself that if you did get your chance you'd be amazing and it would all go well, but until it actually happens you're kind of bluffing a little bit," he said.

"So it was great for me personally as I put an incredible amount of hard work into what I do, as does everyone else.

"To actually get the opportunity to prove that I belong at that level was amazing for me on a personal note and I feel for the most part I did a reasonable job at it."

The Ulster back row came off the bench in the opening three rounds, including a try-scoring appearance in the opening night 36-14 defeat by France, before being handed a first tournament start in the win over Wales along with six other club mates.

Timoney came off the bench again as Ireland secured the Triple Crown with a convincing home win over Scotland, and even though Thomas Ramos' last-gasp penalty meant title joy for France it failed to dampen the forward's spirits as he looks to carry that feel-good factor into Ulster's remaining games this season.

"It was an incredibly enjoyable few weeks although there would have been even more of an afterglow if the French didn't hit an 80th-minute winner against the English," he said.

"It was a great experience and great for us as a club with Stu looking like he's the star of things and Rob Baloucoune being amazing, as well as Tom O'Toole and the other lads getting a game.

"Having seven lads feature in the Wales game was fantastic too. That's got to be the most for a good few years and it's hard not to be buzzing with it."

'We have a chance to show what we're about'

After basking in Triple Crown glory with Ireland Timoney made his return in an Ulster shirt in last week's United Rugby Championship win over Zebre as they took a step closer to securing a play-off slot.

The Challenge Cup takes centre stage on Saturday evening as Ospreys visit the Affidea Stadium (20:00 GMT) and Timoney is determined to step up to do all he can to help Ulster realise the opportunity they have this season.

"I've always thought that if you are an international player then there's got to be a notice on you to be one of the top performers and leaders at provincial level," he said.

"I'm certainly taking that incredibly seriously. This has been a whole rugby gig for me for most of my entire career and I don't ever take it for granted.

"We have a chance this season to hopefully go far in the competitions and show what we're about. We have an exciting young squad and it has been very enjoyable to be part of that this season.

"Our progress and that of the young players coming through has been amazing. We're into the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup and we're in a good position in the league as well. If we can win our next few games we'll be heading into the play-offs. It's exciting times.

"We've shown an incredible brand of rugby at times this year and we've played some nice attacking stuff and nice bits here and there, but when there is that jeopardy and the pressure is on it's about showing belief that if we keep playing this way, and do it properly and do it well then we'll win games.

"That's the main challenge, it's not going into our shell because there's a tournament on the line. We have to show that belief and really back ourselves. The win over Zebre at the weekend has kept it going so hopefully we'll keep some momentum into the Ulster season."

UFC Vegas 115 is less than 24 hours away …

It all goes down in “Sin City” this weekend (Sat., April 4, 2026) inside Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the main event, former UFC Lightweight title challenger, Renato Moicano, tries to hold off Scottish madman (and teammate), Chris Duncan.

We have a weekly series at MMAmania.com called “Weekend Lock,” where we share one bet that we predict will slap in “Sin City” when the chaotic dust settles. We also want to hear what our readers think (that’s you!), so please tell us your most confident UFC Vegas 115 betting lock in the comments section below (see full UFC Vegas 115 odds here)

Last week’s recap:We cashed at UFC Seattle as Julian Erosa vs. Lerryan Douglas definitely didn’t start round three; in fact, Douglas steamrolled Erosa in less than four minutes (watch highlights).

We’re on a three-week win streak, so let’s keep rolling below:

On the main card, rising Light Heavyweight prospect, Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev, takes on Brendson Ribeiro in a fight that feels tailor-made for violence. This week, I’m locking in Yakhyaev vs. Ribeiro to, “not start round two” at (-300).

Here’s why:

I’ll be honest — I’ve been burned here before. Last time out, I backed Yakhyaev to score a knockout over Raffael Cerqueira, a fighter who had never been submitted … and Yakhyaev went out and tapped him (watch highlights). That’s the trap with this guy — you try to predict the exact method, and he flips the script.

So, this time, we’re keeping it simple.

Yakhyaev is an absolute fast starter. Six of his eight career wins have come in the first round. And not just early, but very early, with all six finishes happening inside three minutes. He’s young, aggressive and fights like someone who knows he can end things at any moment. Everything about his style screams “future contender” at 205 pounds.

On the flip side, Ribeiro has serious durability concerns. He’s been knocked out three times in UFC — all of them in the first round. That’s a massive red flag heading into a matchup against a power puncher who thrives on early chaos. Ribeiro’s defensive lapses and tendency to get caught in exchanges make him extremely vulnerable, especially against someone who pressures the way Yakhyaev does.

This is one of those classic setups: a surging, aggressive prospect versus a hittable opponent with a shaky chin. When you combine that with Yakhyaev’s proven ability to finish quickly, it’s hard to imagine this fight making it past the opening five minutes.

What could go wrong?

The biggest risk is overthinking the chaos. If Yakhyaev decides to slow down things or approach this more methodically — especially after his last outing — the fight could stretch longer than expected. There’s also always the chance Ribeiro survives the early storm and forces a different kind of fight.

Still, given the trends, styles and durability concerns, Yakhyaev vs. Ribeiro to, “not start round two” at (-300) looks like one of the most reliable early-finish plays on UFC Vegas 115’s card.

• Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev To Win By KO/TKO/DQ: -120
• Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev To Win By Submission: +125
• Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev To Win By Decision: +1000
• Brendson Ribeiro To Win By KO/TKO/DQ: +2200
• Brendson Ribeiro by Submission: +3500
• Brendson Ribeiro To Win By Decision: +2500

To checkout the latest and greatest UFC Vegas 115: “Moicano vs. Duncan” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.

The Champions Cup has reached the last-16 stage, with seven further matches taking place across the weekend of 4-5 April following Northampton's 49-41 victory against Castres on Friday.

The last-16 draw contained seven English sides, four French, two apiece from Scotland and South Africa, plus Leinster from Ireland.

The winners will advance to next weekend's quarter-finals, while the losers will exit the competition.

As well as live text updates of selected matches on the BBC Sport website and app, there is live radio commentary of the key games on BBC Sounds.

All the team news and line-ups for the matches to be played on Saturday and Sunday can be found below.

Bath v Saracens

Venue: The Rec Date: Saturday, 4 April Kick-off: 15:00 BST

Bath are showcasing their strength in depth with wholesale changes to the side that beat Sale in The Prem last weekend. Only Joe Cokanasiga and Santi Carreras keep their places as many of Johann van Graan's big hitters return to a team captained by scrum-half Ben Spencer.

He is joined in the half-backs by Finn Russell, with the England international trio of Ollie Lawrence, Max Ojomoh and Henry Arundell making up the back line.

Beno Obano, Tom Dunn and Archie Griffin return to the front row and Josh Bayliss, Guy Pepper and Alfie Barbeary form a strong back row unit.

Saracens, who were beaten 62-15 by Bath at The Rec on 20 March, make three changes from their narrow defeat against Northampton and will be captained by England skipper Maro Itoje.

Jamie George comes into the side to start at hooker, Noah Caluori starts on the wing and Fergus Burke takes the number 10 shirt, with Owen Farrell moving to midfield alongside Nick Tompkins.

Elliot Daly, fresh from signing a new contract, is at full-back and there is an unchanged back row of Theo McFarland, Andy Onyeama-Christie and Tom Willis.

Line-ups

Bath: Carreras; Cokanasiga, Lawrence, Ojomoh, Arundell; Russell, Spencer (capt); Obano, Dunn, Griffin, Roux, Ewels, Bayliss, Pepper, Barbeary.

Replacements: Tuipulotu, Van Wyk, Du Toit, Hill, Underhill, Van der Linde, Redpath, Reid.

Saracens: Daly; Caluori, Tompkins, Farrell, Elliott; Burke, Bracken; Carre, George, Street, Itoje (capt), Tizard, McFarland, Onyeama-Christie, Willis.

Replacements: Dan, Mawi, Riccioni, Wilson, Michelow, Van Zyl, Lozowski, Malins.

Match officials

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)

Assistant referees: Ben Connor (Wales), Shota Tevzadze (Georgia)

TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

• 'Very bad' leg infection led to surgery - Ewels

Toulon v Stormers

Venue: Stade Felix Mayol Date: Saturday, 4 April Kick-off: 15:00 BST

Three-time winners Toulon will be captained by former England international David Ribbans, with Kyle Sinckler in the front row and Scotland scrum-half Ben White also starting.

Zach Mercer has been named among the substitutes alongside 43-year-old 103-cap All Black Ma'a Nonu.

Springbok scrum-half Cobus Reinach returns from injury as Stormers head to the south of France, with international team-mates Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Deon Fourie named as replacements.

Line-ups

Toulon: Domon; Drean, Brex, Frisch, Tuicuvu; Albornoz, White; Gros, Baubigny, Sinckler, Mezou, Ribbans (capt), Kpoku, Ollivon, Shioshvili.

Replacements: Lucchesi, Priso, Gigashvili, Javakhia, Halagahu, Mercer, Ferte, Nonu.

Stormers: Gelant; Willemse, Nel (capt), Du Plessis, Zas; Matthee, Reinach; Kebble, Venter, Fouche, Smith, Evans, De Villiers, Dayimani, Roos.

Replacements: Fourie, Mchunu, Porthen, Schickerling, Theunissen, Khan, Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Simelane.

Match officials

Referee: Christophe Ridley (England)

Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), John Meredith (England)

TMO: Ian Tempest (England)

Glasgow v Bulls

Venue: Scotstoun Stadium Date: Saturday, 4 April Kick-off: 17:30 BST

Skipper Kyle Steyn and four other Scotland internationals return to Glasgow Warriors' starting line-up for the Champions Cup last-16 tie with Bulls.

Steyn leads from the wing while tight-head prop Zander Fagerson, number eight Jack Dempsey and fellow back-rows Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge also bolster Warriors after Six Nations duty with Scotland.

George Horne, who was rested for last weekend's URC win over Benetton, starts at scrum-half and Dan Lancaster is preferred at 10 to Adam Hastings. Huw Jones is not in the squad, with Stafford McDowall at outside centre.

Handre Pollard and Embrose Papier keep their places in the half-backs after the Bulls' narrow home win over Munster last weekend but Springbok full-back Willie Le Roux is replaced by David Kriel.

Experienced number eight Nizaam Carr is injured so there is one change in the forwards, with Cameron Hanekom replacing him.

Line-ups

Glasgow: McKay; Steyn (capt), McDowall, Tuipulotu, Smith; Lancaster, Horne; Schickerling, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Samuel, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Stephen, Bhatti, Talakai, Oguntibeju, Ferrie, Fraser, Afshar, Hastings.

Bulls: Kriel; Jooste, Moodie, Vorster, Arendse; Pollard, Papier; Steenekamp, Grobbelaar, Klopper, Vermaak, Nortje, Coetzee (capt), Louw, Hanekom.

Replacements: Van Staden, Wessels, Smith, Wiese, Rudolph, Burger, Gans, Le Roux.

Match officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)

Assistant referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France), Julien Caulier (France)

TMO: Tual Trainini (France)

• Why Glasgow must make mark in Europe to be considered one of the best

Toulouse v Bristol

Venue: Stade de Toulouse Date: Saturday, 4 April Kick-off: 17:30 BST

Winger Kalaveti Ravouvou will make his 50th appearance for Bristol Bears when they face six-time winners Toulouse in the first ever meeting between the two clubs.

Gabriel Ibitoye and Wales international Louis Rees-Zammit make up the back three, with Benhard Janse van Rensburg back in the starting 15.

Bristol make one change to the pack from last weekend's defeat by Harlequins as Benjamin Grondona replaces his injured older brother Santiago to start at number eight, with Steven Luatua and skipper Fitz Harding also in the back row.

Thomas Ramos, a Six Nations winner with France in March, starts at full-back for Toulouse, with scrum-half Antoine Dupont and Jack Willis coming into the starting 15.

Fly-half Romain Ntamack continues his comeback after missing the Six Nations with injury, while Teddy Thomas and Matthis Lebel are on the wings.

Line-ups

Toulouse: Ramos; Thomas, Gourgues, Barassi, Lebel; Ntamack; Dupont (capt); Ainu'u, Mauvaka, Aldegheri, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Willis, Jelonch.

Replacements: Lacombre, Mallez, Merkler, Brennan, Banos, Graou, Chocobares, Kinghorn.

Bristol: Rees-Zammit; Ravouvou, Van Rensburg, Williams, Ibitoye; Jordan, Randall; Genge, Oghre, Kloska, Dun, Owen, Luatua, Harding (capt), Grondona.

Replacements: Thacker, Woolmore, Lahiff, Taylor, Ivanishvili, Marmion, Moroni, Heward.

Match officials

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)

Assistant referees: Federico Vedovelli (Italy), Alberto Favaro (Italy)

TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)

Harlequins v Sale

Venue: Twickenham Stoop Date: Saturday, 4 April Kick-off: 20:00 BST

England international Marcus Smith is back at fly-half for Harlequins after missing last weekend's Prem victory against Bristol Bears.

Will Evans returns in the back row as one of four changes from that match.

Sale and England prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour will make his first appearance since November after recovering from elbow and shoulder problems.

Dan du Preez and Gus Warr start at number eight and scrum-half respectively, while Rob du Preez and Raffi Quirke are out because of injuries.

Line-ups

Harlequins: David; Isgro, Northmore, Bradley, Murley; Smith, Townsend; Kerrod, Walker, Delgado, Treadwell, Williams, Petti, Evans, Dombrandt (capt).

Replacements: Turner, Hobson, Streeter, Cunningham-South, Carr, Kenningham, Friday, Evans.

Sale: Carpenter; Roebuck, Louw, Ma'asi-White, O'Flaherty; Ford, Warr; Rodd, Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Van Rhyn (capt), Bamber, Vermeulen, Dugdale, Du Preez.

Replacements: Jibulu, McIntyre, Harper, Logan, Gilmore, Hanson, Davies, Wills.

Match officials

Referee: Luc Ramos (France)

Assistant referees: Thomas Charabas (France), Jonathan Gasnier (France)

TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)

Bordeaux Begles v Leicester

Venue: Stade Chaban-Delmas Date: Sunday, 5 April Kick-off: 15:00 BST

Defending champions Bordeaux have named a host of France stars in their starting XV.

Matthieu Jalibert is at fly-half and France's all-time leading try-scorer Damian Penaud will begin at centre, while Louis Bielle-Biarrey starts on the wing in the same week he was named Six Nations player of the tournament for the second successive year.

Experienced Australia international James O'Connor will start at fly-half for Leicester, replacing Billy Searle in the team that beat Gloucester in the Prem last weekend.

Adam Radwan has been selected on the wing and will make his first start for Tigers since mid-January.

Line-ups

Bordeaux: Rayasi; Uberti, Penaud, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Lucu (capt), Poirot, Lamothe, Sadie, Palu, Coleman, Vergnes-Taillefer, Woki, Gazzotti.

Replacements: Barlot, Perchaud, Tameifuna, Bochaton, Matiu, Retiere, Reus, Van Rensburg.

Leicester: Steward; Radwan, Perese, Woodward, Hassell-Collins; O'Connor, Van Poortvliet; Van der Flier, Blamire, Hurd, Liebenberg (capt), Wells, Moro, Manz, Cracknell.

Replacements: Clare, Haffar, Loman, Henderson, Palmer, Whiteley, Searle, Wand.

Match officials

Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

Assistant referees: Peter Martin (Ireland), Padraic Reidy (Ireland)

TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)

• Bielle-Biarrey named men's Six Nations best player
• Ex-England prop Vunipola among four Leicester signings

Leinster v Edinburgh

Venue: Aviva Stadium Date: Sunday, 5 April Kick-off: 17:30 BST

Harry Byrne will start at fly-half for Leinster, with Ireland number 10 Sam Prendergast not named in the matchday squad.

Ryan Baird is selected in the second row for his first appearance since October after recovering from a broken leg, while New Zealand centre Rieko Ioane is in for the injured Garry Ringrose.

Edinburgh make two changes to their starting XV, both of them among the forwards.

D'arcy Rae is fit again after a calf injury and replaces Paul Hill at prop, while Ben Muncaster has recovered from concussion and slots in at number eight in place of injured club captain Magnus Bradbury (ankle).

Line-ups

Leinster: Keenan; T O'Brien, Ioane, Osborne, J O'Brien; Byrne, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Baird, Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: McCarthy, Usanov, Clarkson, Deeny, Deegan, McGrath, Frawley, Henshaw.

Edinburgh: O'Conor; Graham, Currie, Lang, Satala; Thompson, Shiel; Schoeman, Ashman, Rae, Sykes, Gilchrist (capt), McConnell, Richardson, Muncaster.

Replacements: Blyth-Lafferty, Venter, Hill, Young, Douglas, Vellacott, Tuipulotu, Brown.

Match officials

Referee: Luke Pearce (England)

Assistant referees: Hamish Smales (England), Joe James (England)

TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top of the Dodgers' batting order could only stay quiet for so long.

Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman — the first four hitters in the Los Angeles lineup — all homered Friday in a 13-6 win over the Washington Nationals. It was Tucker's first home run since joining the Dodgers. It was Ohtani's first RBI of the season.

“Rome isn't burning,” manager Dave Roberts cracked.

There wasn't much panic from Roberts before the game, even with Ohtani (.167), Tucker (.174), Betts (.136) and Freeman (.208) all in a bit of a funk through the first six games of the season. Then the first six hitters went down in order before the Dodgers broke through in the third.

Ohtani's three-run shot to right tied the game at 3, and Betts connected for a two-run homer two batters later.

“It's a new day. That's really it,” Betts said. “Nobody in here is panicking or anything. One week, tough week. That probably is not going to be our last week that we don't hit well.”

Andy Pages hit a two-run homer in the fourth that made it 7-4, then Freeman added a two-run shot in the fifth. Tucker's solo homer in the seventh capped a three-hit day for the outfielder who signed a $240 million, four-year deal to go from the Chicago Cubs to the Dodgers.

“It was nice. First homer — first actual ball I've hit in the air well, out in front and everything,” Tucker said. “You can't complain when you hit a homer.”

The first four hitters for Los Angeles combined to go 8 for 21 with four homers, 10 RBIs and six runs. The Dodgers tagged Miles Mikolas for a career-high 11 earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.

“I think a little bit of it is we've had a lot of history with Mikolas,” Roberts said “We've seen him, know some of his tendencies. Outside of that, they were just not missing today.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

LOS ANGELES -- The first domino has fallen in terms of the offseason before the 2026 WNBA campaign. The expansion draft just took place as the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo were given a chance to choose players from the other 13 teams and form their rosters.

Here are their selections from the draft. First, the Portland Fire.

And Canada's team, the Toronto Tempo.

As seen in their images, the Sparks have lost Sarah Ashlee Barker to the Fire and Julie Allemand to the Tempo. In fact, Toronto's first draft choice was Allemand.

And it's hard to blame the Tempo for that. Allemand was the engine that made the Sparks go in the second half of the season. She returned from Eurobasket on July 3rd when Los Angeles was 5-12. From there, she was a huge help the Sparks winning eight of nine games to put them in position for a playoff spot. While the Sparks ultimately fell short, it showed how valuable a playmaker Allemand was. "True point guards" are becoming more of a rarity in basketball these days and the Tempo got a good one in Allemand.

Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune

Guard Rae Burrell #12 of the Los Angeles Sparks, forward Cameron Brink #22 of the Los Angeles Sparks, guard Julie Allemand #20 of the Los Angeles Sparks and guard Sarah Ashlee Barker #13 of the Los Angeles Sparks celebrate a basket during a WNBA game against the Dallas Wings at Crypto.com Arena on September 7, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Sarah Ashlee Barker had a rollercoaster rookie season. She was selected 9th overall by the Sparks in last year's draft. Barker was put into the starting line-up as injuries once again mounted in Los Angeles. The returns of Allemand and Rae Burrell put her back at the end of the bench but towards the end of the season, Barker's minutes increased. She has the potential to be a nice 3-and-D player for the Fire.

Both expansion teams are definitely going to be interesting. Portland got a key member from the Minnesota Lynx in Bridget Carleton (who was expected to be chosen by the team in her home country, Toronto). Carla Leite got chosen in an expansion draft for the second straight season. Luisa Geiselsoder was a nice surprise last year for Dallas while Haley Jones continues to move around the league; she's already played for three teams in three seasons.

Toronto got Nyara Sabally, who was huge in that championship-clinching Game 5 in the 2024 Finals for New York. Marina Mabrey moves on once again; she catches fire quick as she showed in Unrivaled a few weeks ago. Barker's college teammate, Aaliyah Nye (who won a ring in Vegas), has a chance to shoot more shots and that could potentially be lethal. And Lexi Held was a key member of that Mercury team that went to the Finals last season.

This would be Julie Allemand's fourth team as she played for the Fever in 2020 and then the Sky in 2022. She was part of a trade that brought her and Li Yueru from the Sky in 2024 for a 2024 first round pick (which the Sky traded to the Lynx; the pick became Alissa Pili, who ended up going to the Sparks last season). Allemand didn't play in 2024 due to injury. She averaged 5.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game last year.

Barker was known for putting down 45 points in the second round of the NCAA tournament last year. As mentioned, her role fluctuated throughout her rookie year. She started 8 games out of the 34 she played and averaged 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds. She did struggle a bit from behind the arc (.295) but with a bigger role and more confidence she got from playing in Athletes Unlimited, that could be better this coming season. 

Next on the docket is free agency. The Sparks can probably use some guard help.

INDIANAPOLIS — The sequence of events that led to Tommy Lloyd spurning North Carolina and signing a five-year contract extension with Arizona on the eve of the Final Four began with one simple premise.

Arizona, in the end, is where he wanted to coach.

“That was the driving force behind everything,” Lloyd said, revealing the news at his regularly scheduled Friday news conference. 

It made perfect sense. Though there was no indication that North Carolina’s interest – and Lloyd’s refusal to tip his hand as negotiations were happening – had any impact on Arizona’s performance as it stormed through the West regional last week, it was always going to be a big task for the Tar Heels to dislodge a small-town guy from Kelso, Washington, who had moved his entire family to Tucson and set up shop in the Catalina foothills with his own pickleball court and a burgeoning basketball kingdom. 

But they tried. Goodness, did they try. 

North Carolina, sources told Yahoo Sports, offered Lloyd a contract with more guaranteed money than the $7-plus million he will make going forward at Arizona and a larger resource pool for player procurement.

For Lloyd, however, money wasn’t what had him thinking seriously about North Carolina, to the point where one source said the expectation as recently as Tuesday or Wednesday was that he’d probably be the next Tar Heel coach. It was whether Arizona’s administration led president Suresh Garimella — described by sources as a novice in the world of college athletics — understood Lloyd’s vision for how to make the Wildcats a sustainable power.

How Arizona kept Tommy Lloyd in Tucson

Around college athletics, the buzzword on every campus is alignment. In Lloyd’s mind, he did not have it — at least not at the level he wanted. 

Getting the deal done now rather than dragging it out beyond the Final Four — and perhaps to the point of walking away — was going to require the alignment piece being fixed. That means, sources told Yahoo Sports, his contract going forward will now stipulate that he no longer reports to athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois, giving him a level of autonomy over the basketball program that few coaches have in the country.

“Rather than get into specifics, to me it's just a holistic approach,” Lloyd said. “There's not one thing anymore. Arizona basketball needs to become a locomotive, where everything surrounding it is pushing it forward. To me — that's not because of me. That's because of what was built before I came here, and it's my opportunity right now to kind of be the captain of the ship.

“But just putting everything we have behind our program, and the No. 1 thing that starts with is just energy and effort. It's not easy. It's not easy when you are trying to build a program or run an athletic department. I fully understand that. So just getting that alignment, and I think we are taking big steps towards doing that.”

Ben Solomon via Getty Images

A few minutes into Lloyd’s press conference, Reed-Francois took a seat near the back. Afterwards, as a crowd of reporters approached her for comment, it turned into something of an awkward scene when a local beat reporter asked her what specifically had changed in the new contract. The conversation ended with an offer from a communications staffer to send out the term sheet. 

“We want to now put the focus back on our team and winning the national championship,” Reed-Francois said. “It’s definitely been a journey.”

The tension between Lloyd and Reed-Francois since she arrived in February 2024 has largely been an outgrowth of her mandate to clean up Arizona’s books after a university-wide budget crisis that led to significant cuts, layoffs and the resignation of president Robert Robbins, who was the driving force behind hiring Lloyd in 2021 after two decades as a Gonzaga assistant. 

Though Lloyd and his staff were able to generate enough money to build what is very clearly a superior roster this season and maximize European connections that took many years to build, there was a perception within the program — fair or unfair — that Arizona basketball was not being treated by the administration like a basketball blue blood with ironclad commitments to keep up with other championship-caliber programs. 

Lloyd, it’s worth remembering, came up at a school that did not have to feed an FBS football program. At Gonzaga, basketball was the only game in town — and from an infrastructure or financial standpoint, there was little difference between the way Mark Few’s program operated and what you’d see at the top basketball-centric schools in the country. 

Arizona, for all its history, has long been more of a challenge. It wasn’t until a decade ago that Arizona basketball had charter flights for most of its road trips, many years after most top programs were chartering exclusively. Though the Wildcats have a top-notch practice facility, their offices in McKale Center — including Lloyd’s coaches’ suite — are, to put it kindly, not designed to impress. 

The point is this: While bells and whistles are no longer the coin of the realm in recruiting, and ultimately what matters is how the players are taken care of, Arizona has managed to build this kind of powerhouse team without the trappings of a North Carolina or Duke. 

On the other hand, Reed-Francois has largely succeeded in doing what she was tasked to do. Arizona’s $39 million athletic budget deficit has nearly been zeroed out, she has cultivated significant new donors and grown revenue and the school is having success across a variety of sports, including the football team’s 9-4 record last season and the baseball team’s trip to the College World Series last summer. 

‘You can grow roots in the desert, trust me’

It appears now that whatever concerns Lloyd had about where basketball falls in the hierarchy have been addressed. 

“This wasn't like meant to be like a leverage deal,” he said. “I appreciate our administration, and I think we've made huge progress on what the vision for Arizona basketball can be. I appreciate them getting behind it and kind of rallying behind it, investing in it.”

Though North Carolina will undoubtedly be disappointed, Lloyd’s decision should not be perceived as a commentary on the job losing its luster or that the blue-blood label doesn’t matter anymore in college basketball. 

Lloyd, who has won 81 percent of his games as a head coach, was worth the shot. It’s always hard — even for North Carolina — to convince a coach to move across the country when they are successful and content with their situation. That’s especially true with Lloyd, whose parents, in-laws and grandkids are all in Tucson. 

“The roots are getting pretty deep,” he said. “You can grow roots in the desert, trust me.”

North Carolina will now move on to other targets. Billy Donovan, who is represented by the same agency as Lloyd, would seem a logical fit if the parties can navigate the end of the Chicago Bulls’ season on April 12 with the opening of the transfer portal on Tuesday. If North Carolina can convince a two-time national championship coach with 11 years of NBA experience to come back to college, it will confirm the perception that it’s still among the best jobs in the sport. 

It just wasn’t the best job for Lloyd — largely because on Friday, he managed to make the good job he has even better. 

“Arizona basketball, you guys know what it means to me, and when I say it's a special place, that always comes from the bottom of my heart,” Lloyd said. “I didn't want to make this entire Final Four about that because I'm just a small part of something much bigger. But on that same note, I'd also like to let you know that North Carolina is an amazing place. I mean, it's one of one. It's an honor to even be considered for that job.”

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Chicago Cubs starter Cade Horton threw just 17 pitches on Friday before leaving a start against the Cleveland Guardians with forearm discomfort.

The second-year major leaguer who finished second in Rookie of the Year voting last year was making his second start of the season.

The Cubs announced Horton’s injury after his exit in the second inning. The extent of his injury wasn’t immediately clear.

This story will be updated.

Betfred Super League

St Helens (10) 34

Tries: Whitley, Clark, Hastings, Sailor, Leyland 2 Goals: Sailor 5

Wigan (12) 24

Tries: Smith, Farrimond, Field, Eckersley Goals: Keighran 4

Bill Leyland scored a dramatic pair of late tries on his St Helens debut to earn them a stunning derby win over Super League leaders Wigan Warriors.

Harry Smith got Wigan going as Matt Whitley hit back, while Jack Farrimond and Daryl Clark exchanged tries soon after.

Jai Field, on his return from injury, and Zach Eckersley gave the visitors what looked to be a commanding 24-10 lead before Saints pulled off a remarkable late comeback.

Four tries in just over five minutes followed, first through Jackson Hastings and Tristan Sailor before Leyland's sensational double in the final couple of minutes.

Leyland only signed on a short-term one-week loan from defending champions Hull KR earlier this week and his two tries were his first in Super League.

The result moves Saints level on points with Wigan, who were dethroned from top spot after Leeds beat Bradford in their derby later on Friday.

In a tempestuous opening couple of minutes, St Helens' Jake Wingfield accused Brad O'Neill of spitting in his face, with referee Jack Smith putting the incident on report.

Soon after, Smith scored his third Super League try of the season in impressive fashion, as he wrongfooted the Saints back line to race through.

St Helens kept up the pressure in response and were rewarded after they worked wide following another set of six, feeding Whitley to touch down in the corner, but Wigan held a slender lead when Sailor missed the extras.

Wigan thought they had raced further ahead when Kaide Ellis went over, with referee Smith initially giving the try, but video referee Marcus Griffiths correctly overturned the score when replays showed that Wingfield put in a tremendous defensive effort to hold him up.

That disallowed try did not quell Wigan's resolve however, as they added a second try to their tally in impressive fashion when Farrimond's kick was palmed back into his path by Eckersley to send him through.

Clark showed fine strength to crash over for Saints' second but in the second half Wigan moved into what had seemed like a comfortable 14-point lead.

Field, who has been absent for a month having undergone surgery for appendicitis, worked onto a Harry Smith kick to goal to go in for Wigan's third try while Oliver Partington sent in Eckersley as Wigan added some daylight with 15 minutes to go.

• Leeds beat Bradford to go top of Super League
• Ruthless Rovers overpower Hull FC in city derby

How Saints' remarkable late comeback happened

Good Friday derbies between St Helens and Wigan rarely disappoint and the final stages of this encounter were no exception.

Saints' comeback nearly failed to get going as Hastings dotted down against his former club under pressure from Field as he just about squeezed the ball down before he went in to touch.

The hosts then pulled themselves to within two points soon after when Sailor converted his own try to set up a tense finale.

Yet it was Leyland, who had only been sent on just before the hour mark when Daryl Clark came off with a head knock, who sensationally tipped the game back to the hosts.

The 23-year-old joined alongside KR team-mate Jordan Dezaria earlier this week with Saints in the midst of an injury crisis - Mark Percival, Matty Lees, Jack Welsby, Jonny Lomax, Jacob Host, Nene Macdonald, Jake Burns and Alex Walmsley are all missing.

Leyland's first try came as he scooped the ball over the line but his second came courtesy of an audacious run-in from halfway, which sent the home fans into raptures.

It was a remarkable ending to turn the game from a 14-point deficit to a 10-point victory in a matter of moments, with the only negative point for Saints coming after Agnatius Paasi limped off early on with a hamstring injury while Shane Wright was forced off having clashed heads with Ellis in the second half.

Rowley hails Leyland's 'brilliance' - reaction

St Helens boss Paul Rowley told BBC Radio 5 Live:

"Before the game, all season has been a story of adversity really. We've got 12 players missing that would normally be in our 17.

"The story for us has been how valiant and exceptional our younger players have been and how unbelievably strong in character our senior players have been, none more so than Jackson Hastings and David Klemmer.

"You go to a cinema and all the best films have adversity and an off-the-ropes type of story. Bill [Leyland] and Jordan [Dezaria] coming in, you just knew there'd be a headline somewhere. I guess we as a group and a team needed to decide whether that would be a good or bad one and it's turned out to be a good one.

"I'm really pleased for the two players to experience what they've just done and Bill in particular getting 25 minutes of brilliance to get us the win."

Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet told BBC Radio Manchester:

"It was everything you'd expect from a Good Friday game. Swings in momentum and good intensity and unfortunately we came off on the wrong side of it.

"You always know there's a potential for that [a Saints comeback] they've got points in them, they're going to keep asking questions and move the ball.

"The players spoke [in the dressing room]. They always know there's an opporunity in these games to put in an 80-minute performance and they're disappointed in themselves that they didn't get to do it.

"I don't think it was a case that we ran out of steam, I think it was that we didn't play well enough for long enough."

St Helens: Robertson; Dagnall, Whitley, Cross, Murphy; Sailor, Hastings; Klemmer, Clark, Paasi, Wright, Wingfield, Shorrocks.

Interchanges: Stephens, Davies, Dezaria, Leyland.

Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Farrell, Marshall; Farrimond, Smith; Havard, O'Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Walters, Ellis.

Interchanges: Mago, Partington, Eseh, Hodkinson.

Referee: Jack Smith.

Betfred Super League

Bradford (8) 12

Tries: Blake, Wynne, Aekins

Leeds (6) 24

Tries: McDonnell, Bird, Handley, Jenkins Goals: Connor 4

Leeds Rhinos moved to the top of Super League as they earned a derby victory over Bradford Bulls at Odsal.

Victory for Brad Arthur's side means they leapfrog Wigan Warriors into top spot, after the Cherry and Whites were beaten by a resurgent St Helens earlier on Friday.

Waqa Blake sent the Bulls ahead but James McDonnell grounded his own kick as Leeds hit back after 25 minutes.

Connor Wynne restored Bradford's lead on the verge of half-time but Jack Bird, Ash Handley and Cooper Jenkins went in before Caleb Aekins' late consolation for the hosts.

The fixture was the first derby between the two sides in Super League since August 2014, after Bradford's return to the top flight this season.

• Ruthless Rovers overpower Hull FC in city derby
• Leyland helps St Helens fight back to stun Wigan

Bradford hit the ground running when Rowan Milnes' inspired grubber kick was met by Blake, who beat Lachie Miller to the ball to dot down.

However, Blake's night was over shortly after as he limped from the field and Leeds hit back following a similar defensive mishap at the other end.

Bradford failed to deal with McDonnell's audacious kick chase as the Rhinos forward raced in to score before the hosts could regain possession.

The Bulls were undeterred, however, and were rewarded when Wynne touched down in the corner following a flowing set of lateral passes prior to him being sent through.

Bradford's lead did not last for long as Leeds tipped the game back in their favour at the start of the second half as Brodie Croft sent Bird through.

Handley's weaving run then turned the game further, as Bradford struggled to deal with his pace as he rounded in for Leeds' third try.

Bradford then lost Phoenix Steinwede with what looked to be a hamstring injury and Jenkins crashed over soon after to send Leeds out of sight.

Aekins' try, which came following a Bradford set which began deep inside their own half, proved too little too late.

Bradford: Aekins; Wynne, Marsters, Blake, Ryan; Atkin, Milnes; Sutton, Ackers, Lewis, Fulton, Ruan, Mellor.

Interchanges: Souter, Ormondroyd, Hallas, Steinwede.

Leeds: Miller; Sivo, Bird, Handley, Hall; Croft, Connor; Holroyd, O'Connor, Jenkins, Hankinson, McDonnell, Watkins.

Interchanges: Oledzki, Palasia, Levi, Smith.

Referee: Liam Moore.

Trey Beard and John Abraham combined for nine innings of two-run baseball with 13 strikeouts to carry Florida State baseball (22-7, 8-3) to a series-tying win over Virginia (24-8, 8-6), 5-2.

Beard started the game for Florida State, and while he had traffic on the bases in every inning he pitched, the lefty never let go of the rope and held UVA to only two runs across 5.0+ IP, while striking out seven. Abraham came in for Beard after the starter allowed a solo home run to begin the sixth and shut the door. The righty punched out six across 4.0 shutout innings. He stranded two runners on base in both the eighth and ninth, preserving FSU’s 5-2 win along with the rest of the Seminole bullpen. Abraham’s 69 pitches were a career-high, and his length has given Link Jarrett one of the best bullpen arms in the sport.

On the offensive side, it was another up-and-down day for the lineup, but clearly, the Noles did enough. Hunter Carns was the story for FSU as he went 3-5, including a two-run home run in the sixth to push Florida State out in front, 5-1. Along with Carns, Noah Sheffield was the only other Seminole to record a multi-hit day, going 2-5 with a double and a run scored. There were still far too many unproductive at-bats, as FSU struck out 15 times on Friday with only three walks, but the recipe for Florida State is clear: if the arms can hold their opponent to four runs or less, there should be enough offense to scratch across enough runs.

For the second day in a row, Florida State put two men on in the top of the first as Brayden Dowd reached on an error and Hunter Carns singled, but back-to-back outs stranded the runners. In the bottom of the frame, Trey Beard answered as he marooned a runner on second with back-to-back punchouts.

After a quiet second, FSU took an early 1-0 lead thanks to some sloppy play from Virginia. Two UVA errors and a bunt single loaded the bases for the Seminoles before Eli Putnam walked, plating Brayden Dowd. However, Florida State squandered a chance to push its lead out further as Chase Williams struck out swinging.

Beard maneuvered around traffic in the bottom of the third and fourth as he worked around a lead-off single in the third to post a zero and left two runners on in the fourth by inducing a flyout to left field.

Noah Sheffield’s hot week continued in the top of the fifth as he led off the frame with a double. In the ensuing at-bat, Carns singled through the left side, putting runners on the corners, before Kelvyn Paulino Jr. brought in Sheffield on a sacrifice fly. Later in the frame, Williams singled and Stuetzer walked to load the bases for the second time in three innings for Florida State. The Noles plated their third run of the day on a dropped third strike as Carns scored from third and Cal Fisher reached first.

Leading 3-0, Beard allowed two men on base with free passes, one hit batter and one walk. After securing the second out in the inning, UVA scored its first run of the day with an RBI single. However, Beard limited the damage with an inning-ending strikeout as FSU took a 3-1 advantage into the sixth.

The Seminoles answered in the top of the sixth. Dowd began the inning with a four-pitch walk, and two at-bats later, Carns cracked his first home run of the season, a two-run bomb to dead center, as FSU doubled its lead to make it a 5-1 game.

The pendulum swung back in Virginia’s favor in the bottom of the sixth as the Cavs led off the frame with a solo homer, making it a three-run game and chasing Beard from the contest as John Abraham relieved the lefty. Although Virginia put a runner on second, Abraham struck out Eric Becker, the UVA lead-off hitter, to extinguish the threat.

Abraham retired eight straight batters spanning the sixth to the eighth, but found trouble with two gone in the eighth. The Tampa native walked two batters after striking out the first two batters of the inning on six pitches, but struck out Kyle Johnson, UVA’s pinch hitter, to punch out the side and maintain FSU’s three-run advantage.

The righty reliever came back out for the ninth with his pitch count at 50 to take on the top of Virginia’s lineup. Abraham made it interesting as two singles and a wild pitch put two runners in scoring position with two outs, but the righty struck out Sam Harris, UVA’s home run leader, to lock down the 5-2 Florida State win and tie the series at one.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — UConn had just finished Friday's public practice at the Final Four. Coach Dan Hurley had paced around the court for the better part of an hour clutching a tablet, staring and poking at the screen seemingly as much as he watched his players get up shots in massive Lucas Oil Stadium.

Yet as he came to the edge of the court, he looked to the stands to make eye contact with his parents, then gave a wave before before descending the stairs and locking back in for the walk to the locker room.

“You have to enjoy the journey,” his father, Hall of Fame prep coach Bob Hurley Sr., said afterward. “It can’t be about the destination.”

Merely a small moment, a glimpse of what has become a recurring theme for Hurley in bringing a third team to the Final Four in four seasons. The man who pushed the Huskies to back-to-back national titles in 2023 and 2024 is trying — trying, mind you — to take an extra beat and enjoy these moments a little more.

Yet that doesn't mean he's mellowing or even turning down the volume on those fiery, impassioned and sometimes boorish sideline antics — evidenced by the bizarre sight of him staring forehead to forehead with veteran referee Roger Ayers while in a haze after the Huskies' stunning last-second shot to beat Duke in the Elite Eight.

No, Hurley remains authentically Hurley heading into Saturday's national semifinal against Illinois.

“Yeah, I’m not a victim," Hurley said before Friday's practice. "I’ve done everything, I did what I did. We don’t allow victims in our program, and I’m not a 53-year-old man sitting up here like I’m some victim.

“I don’t want to waste a lot of time with it because it takes away from the team. But for me, the way I view what we’re going into in the game, when some people, again view it as a game, just my family, how I was raised in the sport, where I’m from in Jersey, we look at it more like a battle.”

Unrelenting style

There's no questioning Hurley's on-court results. He's one of just three active Division I coaches who have won multiple national titles, joining Kansas' Bill Self (2008 and 2022) and St. John's Rick Pitino — who led Kentucky to the 1996 crown and Louisville to one in 2013 that was later vacated by NCAA sanctions.

How he gets the Huskies there is fair game for analysis, oft-replayed dissection and criticism. He remains a divisive figure as he stalks the sideline with emotion erupting into full-blown angst. That's typically directed at officials, with Hurley admitting Thursday: "It's not easy to work my games.”

Ask UConn players for stories around the Final Four locker room about their first experiences with understanding things had to be done Hurley's way. They have plenty, often shared with a chuckle.

For Malachi Smith, it came early after transferring in following four years at Dayton, with Hurley giving him a practice instruction and Smith responding in today's youthful vernacular to draw an immediate rebuke.

“He got mad at me,” Smith laughed. “I just said ‘OK bet.” And then he told me, ’Say yes, coach."

Or there's junior Jayden Ross, a freshman on the 2024 title winner. He recalled the team performing so badly in a practice his freshman year that Hurley kicked the team out after only about 15 minutes, then assigned them a grueling conditioning workout instead.

“The way that he coaches you, the way that he is off the court kind of forces you to adapt and come out of your shell a little bit,” Ross said. “And in that way he just pushes you past your limits so much. I’ve just grown so much overall, I would say that’s the biggest thing.”

Lessons from 2025

While the 2023 and 2024 titles were validating, the grinding chase of a rare three-peat title provided a lesson lasting into this year.

The talk of whether UConn could become the first team to win three straight titles since UCLA's run of seven straight from 1967-73 followed the Huskies all last season. To listen to associate head coach Kimani Young, part of Hurley's staff since arriving at UConn in 2018-19, it became a smothering goal conflicting with how Hurley had brought the Huskies to the sport's pinnacle.

“Along the way of those six years, we never talked about end results,” Young said. "We never talked about championships. We never talked about going back to back. It was about winning the day.

“And I think in ‘25, we started talking about three-peat a little bit more than we probably should’ve looking back. Because that's not who we were. We've always been process-driven, not results-driven. I think going through the season we went through last year just gave us all our perspective back.”

UConn's three-peat bid ended with a second-round loss to eventual champion Florida last year.

“We were all so tensed up trying to go every single day extremely hard to get this three-peat with a lot of added pressure,” said senior Alex Karaban, a starter on those two title winners. “So now it’s like play with more joy, just enjoy the present, enjoy the journey and that’s what he's done this year.”

Change isn't always huge. It might be as simple as Hurley letting himself look out the window on the team bus to take in the scene without worrying about losing his edge.

It's Karaban saying Hurley — who he says is shockingly quick with jokes as “one of the funniest people I've ever met” — mixing funny clips into film sessions to add levity alongside the Xs and Os.

It's the players getting a chuckle watching replays of Hurley's headbutt-esque interaction with Ayers.

“It actually makes the game fun, playing for a coach like that,” starting guard Solo Ball said. “You might score a bucket like that and he just brings all the energy to you. He’s pumping you up, like, ‘Let’s go, let’s go!’ That’s the coach you want to play for.”

It showed in moments Friday as Hurley studied that tablet while repeatedly pacing across the giant Final Four midcourt logo at practice. He paused to have a quick handshake with NCAA Tournament selection committee chairman Keith Gill. He chatted on the sideline with retired Auburn coach and CBS analyst Bruce Pearl while watching his Huskies work out.

He did it while sporting a blue shirt pronouncing UConn basketball as “EVERYTHING," a marketing slogan that works perfectly in describing Hurley's all-in manner — even with added appreciate-the-moment vibes.

“We know we've got to flip the switch and be maniacal in our pursuit of getting to Monday night,” Hurley said. “But I'm going to let myself enjoy the parts that you should enjoy.”

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

NEED TO KNOW

• LeBron James recalled a "dark time" for his mental health after he signed with the Miami Heat in 2010
• The NBA legend opened up about the challenging period of his life and how he bounced back
• "I took the villain role," James said

LeBron James is no stranger to dealing with backlash.

The Los Angles Lakers star, 41, reflected on the mental and emotional strain that came from getting "hate" from fans after he signed with the Miami Heat in 2010 and left behind his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While speaking on the Bob Does Sports podcast on Thursday, April. 2, James reminisced about his first year with Miami, a move that came after seven seasons without a championship in Cleveland and resulted in immediate backlash from both Cavaliers ownership and fans.

"I took the villain role," the NBA legend admitted on the podcast. "I was young. I was 25 years old. A lot of people don't understand that was the first time I ever left my home... My first seven years with the Cavs, I still stayed in my hometown of Akron."

"So it was my first time ever leaving, going to Miami," he shared.

The "mindset" behind his move was "do something different," he said.

"I wanted to treat it like a college, when guys get their caps," he explained. "I wanted to treat it that way, but also giving opportunity... give some money back to Boys and Girls Club, I think we raised like $2.5 million, $3 million... something like that."

"I didn't know or feel like the hate that I got from that, the backlash from that was going to happen because of how I felt doing it," James said. "So I allowed the media, I allowed everybody to put me in a dark place — and me enjoying basketball... and life in a dark place has never been me."

He made clear, "Everybody who knows me knows I'm just a big-ass kid. I love having fun. I love people around me having fun, enjoying life."

Lebron's debut season with the Heat ended in a Game 6 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals. The athlete explained the reason behind his performance, and how he turned it around the next season.

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"The reason I played the way I played in the finals is because I wasn't me," he recalled on the podcast. "Shedded that black hat, shedded that villain role, I'm gonna get back to my f---ing self and boom! We came in... balls to the wall and was able to make it happen."

LeBron and the Heat went on to win back-to-back NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013. He was named NBA Finals MVP both times.

More than a decade later, LeBron — now with the Lakers in his 23rd NBA season — is still racking up points for his team. However, he's starting to feel the physical effects of more than 20 seasons on his body.

"I feel like s--- right now," the basketball veteran told reporters after leading Los Angeles to a road win over the Houston Rockets on March 18 with 30 points, five rebounds and two assists, plus a block and a steal.

"Look at me right now," he said. "Right now, I feel like s---, but in the game I felt pretty good."

Read the original article on People

WASHINGTON — A funny thing happens when a powerhouse lineup gets punched in the mouth: it tends to punch back harder.

A few days removed from a sobering home series loss to the Cleveland Guardians, the Los Angeles Dodgers looked very much awake Friday afternoon. What followed was less a response and more a full-on offensive avalanche, a 13-6 dismantling of the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.

It didn’t start that way.

In fact, for a brief moment, it looked like the hangover from that Guardians series had followed them across the country. Emmet Sheehan was one out away from escaping the first inning unscathed before everything unraveled. James Wood set the tone with a leadoff double, and after a walk to Brady House, CJ Abrams made Sheehan pay with a three-run homer.

Three batters, one swing, and suddenly a 3-0 deficit.

Given the way the Dodgers’ offense sputtered at times against Cleveland, it would’ve been fair to wonder if this one might slip early.

Instead, the third inning happened — five runs in what felt like five minutes, and a reminder of exactly who this lineup is when it clicks.

It began, fittingly, with Shohei Ohtani.

Still searching for his first extra-base hit of the season, Ohtani got a low changeup from Miles Mikolas and didn’t miss. The ball left his bat in a hurry and landed in right field seats just as quickly — a three-run shot that tied the game and flipped the dugout’s energy instantly.

From there, it snowballed.

Kyle Tucker kept the line moving with a single, setting the stage for Mookie Betts, who did what he’s done so often in Dodger blue: deliver in a big spot. His two-run homer not only gave the Dodgers the lead, but also marked his 154th as a Dodger, tying Willie Davis for 12th on the franchise’s all-time list.

And they still weren’t done.

Andy Pages — who looks more comfortable by the day — added another blast, continuing a torrid start (12-for-25 through seven games). By the time Freddie Freeman launched a 90 mph slider into the upper deck an inning later, the Dodgers had turned a three-run deficit into a four-homer barrage and a commanding lead.

Freeman’s shot, his second in as many games, was the 369th of his career, moving him into a tie for 85th all-time — just another milestone tucked into an inning that felt like batting practice.

By the fifth, the game had broken open.

Tucker (three hits on the day) and Teoscar Hernández each added RBI knocks, and while Ohtani came up empty in a bases-loaded spot — striking out on three pitches — the Dodgers still pushed their total to 11 runs in five innings.

Mikolas, meanwhile, had no answers. His line — 4⅓ innings, 11 hits, 11 runs — told the story of a pitcher caught in the middle of a lineup that had found its rhythm and wasn’t letting go.

The onslaught continued in the seventh when Tucker launched his first home run as a Dodger, a three-hit day punctuated with a first-pitch swing that pushed the lead to 12-4. By then, the only real question left was how high the number might climb.

Ohtani added one more RBI in the ninth with a sacrifice fly — his second bases-loaded opportunity of the day yielding a more productive result — capping the scoring at 13.

Lost in the offensive explosion was a quietly stabilizing effort from Sheehan. The right-hander didn’t have his best velocity — his fastball averaged 93 mph, down noticeably from last season — but he adjusted after the first-inning damage. He worked 5⅔ innings, limiting the Nationals to four runs and keeping the game within reach long enough for the offense to take over.

From there, the bullpen did enough.

Blake Treinen delivered a clean seventh, while Edgardo Henriquez hit some turbulence in the eighth, allowing two runs. Keibert Ruiz highlighted that inning with an RBI double before Washington scratched across another run on a fielder’s choice.

But with a seven-run cushion, it was never truly in doubt. Ben Casparius closed it out efficiently in the ninth, needing just 13 pitches to finish what the lineup had overwhelmingly decided hours earlier.

The Dodgers are now 5-2, and if Friday was any indication, whatever lingered from that Cleveland series didn’t make the trip east.

They’ll send Tyler Glasnow to the mound Saturday afternoon looking for his first win of the season, opposed by Jake Irvin. If the bats travel the way they did Friday, Glasnow might not need much help.

MLB catchers have it tough.

Besides trying to catch baseballs from 60 feet away — sometimes at 100 mph or more, rarely hurtling at them in a straight line — they are perilously exposed to injury in a variety of ways. As the closest defensive player on the field to the batter, foul balls pose a particular danger that no other fielder must contend with.

MORE: Blue Jays send 23-year-old pitcher to AL East rivals

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk learned that the hard way on April 3. Kirk exited the Blue Jays’ game with an injury to his left hand when it was struck by a foul ball in the 10th inning of their game against the Chicago White Sox.

Kirk removed his glove after Austin Hays’ foul ball scraped it, motioned toward the visitors’ dugout at Rate Field, and immediately left the field with an athletic trainer. According to Richard Griffin, Kirk’s left thumb was the area of concern.

Tyler Heineman took over for Kirk behind the plate. Chicago ultimately won the game, 5-4.

Kirk, 27, is a two-time All-Star (2022 and 2025) and won the American League Silver Slugger Award at catcher in 2022. He had two hits in his first 18 at-bats (.125) to start the 2026 season.

MORE: Blue Jays make major announcement about 2025 first-round draft pick

More to come on this story.

One multi-run inning and four hits were all the San Diego Padres could muster as the Boston Red Sox got a pair of home runs in the sixth inning to win their home opener 5-2 on Friday afternoon at Fenway Park.

Gavin Sheets had a pair of hits and an RBI single in the fifth inning, and Xander Bogaerts was given a standing ovation prior to his first at bat of the game, but San Diego (2-5) couldn’t manage much else against Boston (2-5) starter Sonny Gray.

Michael King had scattered five hits through the first five innings, but gave up the go-ahead home run to Wilson Contreras on a sinker that stayed out over the heart of the plate with a man gone in the sixth. The San Diego starter would also give up a hit to Wilyer Abreu before ending his afternoon with a swinging strikeout by Caleb Durbin.

King threw 81 pitches through 5 2/3 innings of work, finishing with seven hits and four earned runs allowed alongside five strikeouts and a walk. Wandy Peralta allowed the inherited runner to score when Marcelo Mayer turned on his first low-and-in sinker and hit a two-run home run to right center despite a leaping effort at the wall by Fernando Tatis Jr.

After just one hit through the first four innings, the Padres got a break in the fifth when Miguel Andujar hit a fly ball to center that Ceddanne Rafaela misplayed. The Red Sox center fielder couldn’t get a glove on it, which Andujar legged out for a triple.

Sheets then followed up with his second single of the day to drive in the first run of the inning. He came around to score the game-tying run when Luis Campusano crunched a two-out double off the Green Monster in left-center field for his first hit of the season and first since 2024 on the last day of August.

Those were the only runs that Gray allowed to earn his first win, as he pitched six innings and allowed four hits with two earned runs while striking out three with no walks. Greg Weissert and Justin Slaten each threw clean innings with a strikeout before Aroldis Chapman closed the game out with a strikeout and a walk to earn his second save.

Boston had scored the first two runs of the game in the third and fourth innings, as Rafaela drove home Marcelo Mayer after a leadoff double. Then Jarren Duran led off with a double off King and came home on a two-out single by Durbin.

Jake Cronenworth helped King out with a spectacular play to end the fifth, laying out to snag a liner back up the middle by Trevor Story and then tagging second to get Roman Anthony before firing a seed to first for the double play.

Game two of the series will see San Diego send Randy Vásquez to the hill against lefty Connelly Early, with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. at Fenway Park.

Kamaru Usman thinks Israel Adesanya's battle is more mental than physical.

Former middleweight champion Adesanya (24-6 MMA, 13-6 UFC) dropped his fourth fight in a row when he was finished by Joe Pyfer in the UFC Fight Night 271 main event last month.

Adesanya won Round 1 on all three judges' scorecards, but was eventually lured into trading blows with Pyfer, which resulted in him getting finished on the ground in Round 2. Usman likes what he saw out of Adesanya, but can see some self-doubt.

"I'm a fan of Israel's, and as a spectator, as well, I see it from that perspective," Usman said on his "Pound 4 Pound" podcast with Henry Cejudo. "But I also see it as a fighter who has been in a situation like this, and God, it's difficult, because he still has it. You can see it. He can still twitch you and land and chop you up to where, I think, when you're in a situation like this, it's almost impossible not to doubt yourself. When you're on the way up, and you're young, and you're just, 'Next one, next one, next one,' you're consistently just going in there and doing it and being victorious. You don't have time to doubt yourself. You have that chip on your shoulder.

"But when you've been to the top, and now you're rolling back down, you start to doubt yourself while you're rolling back down. Do I still have it? Can I still do it? Am I still that good? So you have to find some way to anchor yourself and turn the boat around. That's why I feel like when the fight starts, Izzy knows he still has it, so he goes out there and shows the brilliance. He shows it. He does his thing. But then, when you face that resistance, are you able to anchor yourself back down, stick with the game plan, use your fight IQ, and continue to build back up that stream? And that's what I just think that we're having a little bit of trouble there with Izzy, because you saw it."

Adesanya doesn't intend on retiring despite his losing skid. Usman explains how with some minor adjustments, "The Stylebender" can rebound.

"It's just a few things throughout the course of that fight," Usman said. "You see the brilliance. You see, when he switched stances and kicked the body, he measured, he measured, found that knee that was an inch off. A little bit more with that knee, fight's over – Pyfer's gone. So he shows that brilliance. It's still there. But when you start to face resistance, especially a guy as powerful as Pyfer, and he starts to hit you really, really hard, and you take those shots, can you anchor yourself and say, 'You know what? I've still got what it takes. Let me get back to the game plan. Let me use this fight IQ here and let me win'?

"And that’s just where I think he's having a little bit of trouble. But the only person who can answer that is Izzy. Can he still anchor himself? Can he still find that? Because he still has the skills. He's still sharp. He can still put combinations together."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Kamaru Usman: Israel Adesanya can rebound if he can clear doubt

Three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic isn't getting MVP love as in years past, and perhaps rightfully so, but he does surprisingly have some factors working in his favor. However, those are more in the statistical sense, which a lot of fans are tired of hearing about when it comes to the Serbian superstar.

Even so, we can't just ignore the advanced metrics, especially not in 2026, when it comes to deciding end-of-year award winners. Plus, it's not like Jokic is putting up good numbers on a bad team; he's putting up historical numbers yet again on a potential contender to come out of the West.

As such, below, we break down the case that can be made for and against Jokic to win MVP in 2025-26.

The case for Jokic

As has often been the case in years past, Jokic's MVP candidacy centers on his numbers, which, yet again, are ridiculous.

Jokic is first in the league in BPM, OBPM and VORP by a wide margin. The 31-year-old leads reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander +14.1 to +11.8 in the former metric, and +8.6 to +7.5 in the latter. On top of that, Jokic’s raw numbers are hard to believe, too, as not only is he putting up 27.7 points per contest (on 57.2 percent shooting from the floor and 82.6 percent from the foul stripe), but he also leads the entire NBA in nightly rebounds (13.0) and assists (10.8) per contest.

Jokic is actually in line to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in nightly boards and dimes for an entire season. Hall-of-Fame center Wilt Chamberlain almost pulled off the feat in 1967-68, leading the league in nightly rebounds and total assists, but triple-double machine Oscar Robertson beat Chamberlain in assists per game that year (9.7 to 6.8).

In reality, Jokic has put up such absurd numbers for so long that we’ve become numb to his statistical output, but to boast the highest assists and rebounds average in the league in any given season is a feat that should be celebrated, and that’s precisely what Jokic has done in 2025-26. Despite all his statistical accomplishments already in his career, 2025-26 will be a first for Jokic, as he has never surprisingly never won a scoring, rebounding or assist championship in his career.

That will change this season.

And he's doing all of this for a strong Denver Nuggets team that is rounding into form heading into the playoffs, with the team winning its last seven games in a row. The team sits at 49-28 in the West and has the league's No. 7 net rating. Jokic contributes to that in a massive way, as the big man has made Denver 13.4 points per 100 possessions better this year.

All in all, it's unlikely Jokic will win MVP this season, but his numbers do make a solid case on his behalf.

The case against Jokic

Denver has also heated up at the right time. Though that might be a case of too little, too late, as far as MVP voting, which does so heavily factor in team success. And with the Nuggets merely sitting fourth in the West, that pretty much takes Jokic out of the running for MVP in 2025-26, despite his individual brilliance.

Jokic could also be facing some voter fatigue, which is nothing new, as it’s always going to be tough for a player who already has three league MVP awards to keep winning them. Even the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James have had to go up against that, so why would Jokic be any different? Players with multiple MVPs under their belt are going to have to be so clearly the best player in the league that year to keep getting those votes, and we can’t say Jokic has done enough to warrant getting those shouts this season.

Of course, people are going to gloss over the fact that the Nuggets have had some terrible injury luck this season (veteran forward Aaron Gordon, a key piece to Denver’s operation on both ends, has played just 33 games all year), which isn’t all that fair to Jokic.

But even then, the Nuggets’ record just isn’t good enough to give Jokic a fair shot at his fourth MVP, even if he remains in the conversation of being the best player in the world. 

What's more, Jokic hasn't been forced to do as much of a carry job as in previous seasons, as former Kentucky standout Jamal Murray has finally consistently hit a higher level as a player this campaign, receiving All-Star honors for the first time (making it the first time Jokic has ever had an All-Star teammate), and playing well enough to earn serious All-NBA consideration at year's end. Murray is putting up 25.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists this season on 48.4 percent shooting from the floor, and 43.4 percent shooting from three, fantastic marks across the board.

Murray is by far the best teammate any of this year's MVP candidates have, better than anyone on the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers or San Antonio Spurs who is not named Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic or Victor Wembanyama, which is something that does hurt Jokic's MVP case.

So, voter fatigue, a potential All-NBA teammate and a lack of elite team success are all factors going against Jokic's MVP candidacy, and that's without discussing his lackluster defense, which anchors a Nuggets squad that ranks 21st league-wide in defensive efficiency. In essence, we're pretty confident MVP No. 4 isn't coming for Jokic, at least not this season.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The cases for and against Nikola Jokic as 2025-26 NBA MVP

Imagine being sent out on a one-week emergency loan - and the only game you stand a chance of playing in is one of the biggest of the season, against your new club's bitter rivals.

Then imagine scoring your first Super League try, on debut, to put your side in front with three minutes left.

Then you score another try moments later, with a driving run from the halfway line, to seal the win.

And there is a reasonable chance you will never play for that club again.

That is the reality for Bill Leyland, whose sensational late double earned St Helens a sensational comeback win over Wigan Warriors in a Good Friday derby for the ages.

Leyland only joined injury-hit Saints from Hull KR earlier this week and almost did not pull on the Red Vee at all, finally taking to the field when Daryl Clark was subbed off following a head knock.

But in just over 20 minutes, Leyland made his mark, as Saints overturned a 14-point deficit to beat the Cherry and Whites by 10 points after scoring four tries in the final 10 minutes.

"It's a pretty special debut in one of the biggest games in rugby league. To get two tries and man of the match is a pretty special feeling," the 23-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I'm glad to go out and make an impact and bring so much joy to the fans."

• Leyland helps St Helens fight back to stun Wigan

Leyland joined Saints alongside KR team-mate Jordan Dezaria with Saints missing Mark Percival, Matty Lees, Jack Welsby, Jonny Lomax, Jacob Host, Nene Macdonald, Jake Burns and Alex Walmsley through injury.

Any hopes that Saints might be able to keep hold of Leyland's services for longer than a week look unlikely.

Both St Helens and Hull KR are in action in the Challenge Cup next week, with the Robins unlikely to allow Leyland to end up cup-tied as they continue the defence of their title.

That means Leyland's St Helens career could be incredibly short - and unforgettable.

"I was just wondering whether I was going to get on the pitch because Daz [Clark] was killing it," he said.

"As a hooker, you know you might get limited minutes so when you do go on you just try to make the most of it."

• Saints sign Hull KR forwards before Wigan derby

If Leyland's St Helens career is just this game, he certainly endeared himself to the fans at both his current and parent clubs.

In celebration after one of his tries, he put his finger to his lips to the Wigan fans behind the sticks, something for which he said in a post-match interview was in tribute to KR's rivalry with the Warriors as the two sides tussled for supremacy last season.

"That's my first time playing against Wigan. I played in the Hull derby but that was when we were nearly champions. Here, there's been some injuries to both sides and it was just a magical sort of thing," he said.

"It's a bit of a blur. As a nine you just have your head down that close to the line and hope for the best. That's my first try in Super League as well so all the emotions were coming through.

"We still had three minutes on the clock. I was so hyped up and then I thought 'oh god, we've got three more minutes to defend'.

"You never know what to expect. They bat the ball back and I go over for the second. It was just a special moment."

Chipotle Nationals semifinals: live updates, scores from No. 7 CIA-Bella Vista Prep vs. No. 1 Dynamic Prep originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

FISHERS, Indiana, April 3 — The semifinals of the 2026 Chipotle Nationals are under way, and the first semifinal is already in the books as the No. 11 Montverde [FL] Eagles took down the No. 2 AZ Compass Prep [Chandler, AZ] Dragons who entered the game as tournament's top seed.

With the game going to double overtime, the second game has been pushed back from it's original 4 p.m. start. No. 1 Dynamic Prep [Dallas, TX] will take on No. 7 CIA-Bella Vista Prep [Phoenix, AZ] Bears when they get under way with the winner taking on the seven-time champion Eagles at 12 p.m. Saturday for the championship.

Dynamic Prep was the runner-up at last year's event, losing to the SN national champion Columbus [Miami, FL] Explorers in the finale.

HOW TO WATCH: A complete guide to all of the action at The Chipotle Nationals

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Refresh for updates

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THIRD QUARTER

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The third quarter is under way!

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END OF SECOND QUARTER — CIA-Bella Vista 41, Dynamic Prep 31

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Under a minute to play, and it's 41-29, CIA-Bella Vista. They've controlled the pace, and they're given No. 1 Dynamic Prep all it can handle so far.

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Under two, it's 36-27, CIA-Bella Vista.

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Just over four to play, and it's 30-24, CIA-Bella Vista.

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At the 6:11 mark, Dynamic Prep is within eight at 26-18.

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The second quarter is under way!

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END OF FIRST QUARTER — CIA-Bella Vista 23, Dynamic Prep 11

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It's been a tough tournament for favorites, and that trend is continuing early in this one with CIA-Bella Vista jumping all over Dynamic Prep.

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Just under two to play, and CIA-Bella Vista has opened up a 10-point lead at 18-8.

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Under four to play, and it's 11-8, CIA-Bella Vista.

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Under five to play, it's still knotted up at 6-all.

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Just under six to play, it's 6-all.

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They're under way in Fishers! CIA-Bella Vista gets the scoring started with a quick two.

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Coming soon! Game time is set for an estimated 4:20 p.m. EST local!

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How can I watch CIA-Bella Vista Prep vs. Dynamic Prep?

• Date: 4:20 p.m. EST local, Friday, April 3
• WATCH: ESPN2

MORE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

• The latest SN High School Girls Basketball Top 25
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• Washington D.C.'s DCSAA boys basketball champions

Ken Rosenthal Explains Why Roman Anthony Is In A Tough Spot With Red Sox originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Roman Anthony is only 21 years old and has just half a season of Major League experience under his belt. And yet, the Boston Red Sox are already counting on him to carry their lineup.

Fair or not, that's what the expectation is coming off his incredible rookie season. With Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman no longer around, the Red Sox are relying on Anthony to pick up the slack and keep performing at a high level, if not improve.

Is Boston asking too much of its young superstar? MLB insider Ken Rosenthal seems to think so.

"There's always pressure in Boston," Rosenthal said on Friday's episode of "Foul Territory." "We can't expect Roman Anthony to be David Ortiz. But in my opinion, they're kind of asking him, the franchise is, to be that kind of player, that kind of impact because of what they put around him."

"We can't expect Roman Anthony to be David Ortiz. But in my opinion, they're kind of asking him, the franchise is, to be that kind of player, that kind of impact because of what they put around him."@Ken_Rosenthal on the Red Sox and the pressure that's in Boston right now. pic.twitter.com/0VK9HRItGW

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) April 3, 2026

Anthony has a much tougher assignment than previous young Red Sox stars who joined veteran teams with established leaders and stars. He doesn't have a David Ortiz or a Dustin Pedroia to take the pressure off him. He has to be "the guy" right away, and that's not an easy thing to do. Not everyone is built for that, especially in a tough media market like Boston.

Based on Anthony's slow start, perhaps the pressure is getting to him a little bit. He seemed to be pressing on the Red Sox's rough opening road trip, striking out in half of his at-bats. 

That's a big difference from the Anthony who dominated in the World Baseball Classic, where he was surrounded by stars and didn't have to carry the team. 

Last year, Anthony had more help when he came up. But without Bregman and Devers, there's a lot more weight on his shoulders now, especially after signing his big extension last summer.

More MLB: Ex-Red Sox Star Xander Bogaerts Discusses Pressure On Roman Anthony

Ryan Waldschmidt is on the fast track to the Diamondbacks roster originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Ryan Waldschmidt made a name for himself as a high school baseball player in Bredenton, Florida, the same place where the elite IMG Academy sits. So, playing for Braden River High School, he had no shortage of competition. 

He would go on to play his freshman year for Charleston Southern University before transferring to the University of Kentucky, and did well. 

He caught the attention of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who selected him with the 31st overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. He has played well in High-A and Double-A last year, and currently finds himself in Triple-A. 

MORE: Diamondbacks rookie makes wild 935-game home run history off Tigers' Kenley Jansen

Ryan Waldschmidt is on the fast track to the Diamondbacks roster

Waldschmidt is advanced for his age. He has a great knowledge of the strike zone and rarely expands, putting him in an uncomfortable spot. On top of that, it doesn't take much for him to load up on a pitch, making for easy-to-repeat swings. 

With how fast he has tracked through the minors, there is some growing anticipation that he could make his MLB debut this season, which is also what Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter echoes. 

"The No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 draft, Waldschmidt hit .289/.419/.473 with 27 doubles, 18 home runs, 78 RBI and 29 steals in 134 games between High-A and Double-A in his first full pro season. The D-backs sent him to Triple-A to open the year, and there's a good chance he'll see the majors before the All-Star break."

Three years removed from an ACL tear, Waddschmidt is starting to be freer on the basepaths as well. That speed has also helped him stick in center field more than some analysts thought he could. 

This is one prospect that Arizona fans will want to familiarize themselves with, because he could have a major role here soon.

More MLB news:

• Josh Owens brings rare two-way versatility to the Rangers system
• Gabriel Davalillo is emerging as a massive offensive threat for the Angels
• Astros' Kevin Alvarez draws strong comparisons to Kyle Tucker with sweet swing
• Opposing hitters have no answers for the dominant Yankees pitching staff
• White Sox pitching staff is making a rough start look even worse

MADRID (AP) — Rayo Vallecano left it late to beat 10-man Elche 1-0 and record its first La Liga win for almost a month on Friday.

The Madrid-based club had not picked up three points since beating bottom side Oviedo on March 4 but returned to winning ways thanks to a second-half goal from Randy Nteka.

It was helped by the dismissal of Elche’s Pedro Bigas six minutes before halftime.

The veteran center half was booked midway through the first half and picked up a second yellow for a high challenge and was shown a red card.

Pedro Díaz hit the post in the second half and Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro made smart saves but Nteka got on the end of a nice cross from Álvaro García with 16 minutes remaining to give the home side the win.

It was the Angola international’s first goal of the season and a vital one for Rayo, which climbed two places into 12th.

Elche remained in 17th spot, one place above the relegation zone.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

WNBA Expansion Draft winners and losers: Fire choose upside, Tempo load up on shooting originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo's first wins -- and losses -- come before the first tip-off of the 2026 WNBA season.

The WNBA has just conducted an expansion draft that has filled out both the Tempo and Fire rosters before the rookie draft will see both teams make a first-round selection on April 13.

MORE: WNBA Expansion Draft grades 2026: Live results and analysis for every pick

We've already gotten a sense of how Portland and Toronto want to build their rosters ahead of the draft. But which team is better? Who won the expansion draft? 

Let's analyze some winners and losers from an interesting Friday afternoon in the WNBA.

WNBA Expansion Draft winners & losers 2026

Winner: Bridget Carleton

Carleton -- along with 76 other WNBA players -- is an unrestricted free agent as of next week. But the Fire are the only team that can offer her a maximum salary after Portland took the Canada international with the first pick in the expansion draft.

With our 1st pick in the WNBA Expansion Draft, we’ve selected Bridget Carleton from the Minnesota Lynx. pic.twitter.com/ppMVlxCTs8

— Portland Fire (@theportlandfire) April 3, 2026

It's a nice spot to be in if you're Carleton. The Fire obviously think highly of her and did their homework: Carleton is a good shooter and a good defender with high-level playoff experience from her time in Minnesota under Cheryl Reeve.

The Fire roster is full of upside picks driven by analytics; Carleton is the first big swing for GM Vanja Cernivec and head coach Alex Sarama. If Portland sells Carleton on quick contention with this model, this is a deal that should work out for both sides.

Winner: Marina Mabrey

Like Carleton, Mabrey is an unrestricted free agent who can accept a max contract from an expansion team -- or sign with a contender for a lower. This puts Mabrey in a privileged position.

Mabrey has not always been the most consistent player, and if she plays for the Tempo, Toronto will mark her fifth team in eight WNBA seasons. But she boasts four seasons with a 35 percent success rate or better from 3-point range.

On a Tempo team that has loaded up on volume shooters -- potentially around a big like Lauren Betts -- she has the talent to be the best of them.

Loser: Chicago Sky

I have given up trying to figure out how the Sky operate.

Earlier this week, Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca traded the 17th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft for Portland's pick, 21st overall. Chicago also sent the 26th pick (via the New York Liberty) to Toronto for...nothing.

These moves "exempted" the Sky from the expansion draft, and Chicago still has its fifth overall pick that it could use to take someone like Flau'jae Johnson, who was a teammate of franchise player Angel Reese at LSU.

But in essence, the Sky moved down four spots in the draft order to "run it back" with a roster that went 10-34 last year and has an unhappy star in Reese as the face of the team. That doesn't seem optimal.

Loser: Las Vegas Aces

Leaving Aaliyah Nye unprotected was...a choice.

Nye showed plenty of promise as a rookie in 2025, even if the shot didn't come around as expected following her NCAA career at Illinois and Alabama. The Aces' choice to move on from her already may have been a difficult one, but it also strikes me as an illogical one.

The Aces didn't protect Aaliyah Nye?

They did the thing AGAIN?

— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) April 3, 2026

The Las Vegas roster is about to get very costly. A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young both are poised to sign new $1.4 million-per-year max contracts that will chew up nearly 40 percent of the Aces' cap. Keeping cheap, young players on the roster and developing them is manna to an expensive squad in the middle of a championship window.

As the saying goes, "flags fly forever." The Aces have won three championships in four years. And Las Vegas has plenty of star power to withstand losing Nye -- Wilson, Young, Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd is an unenviable core.

But I have to question the team's process here after they let Kate Martin leave for Golden State in last year's expansion draft and watched her blossom with the Valkyries.

More WNBA news:

• WNBA Expansion Draft live results

• Toronto Tempo predicted to draft 6'7'' hulking talent as franchise's first star

• Can Olivia Miles still be a top-3 pick? Here's what TSN's latest mock draft says

• Sophie Cunningham, Lexie Hull moment leaves Fever fans asking one big question about 2026

INDIANAPOLIS – Rodney Tention couldn’t help but notice the similarities.

The former Arizona assistant returned to Tucson in February to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the program’s last Final Four team, and during the trip, coach Tommy Lloyd invited the group to practice.

“It reminded us of the group that we had,” Tention told USA TODAY Sports.

That sentiment continued to resonate the more they were around the 2025-26 team. The alumni watched them play, talked to them and importantly, got to see how they interact in a locker room. Everything was so similar to the 2000-01 team, they couldn’t help but let Lloyd know.

“We all said it,” Tention said. “I think this is the group that can break through.”

Sticking around: Tommy Lloyd staying at Arizona, won't take UNC coach job

Arizona vs Michigan predictions: Who will win in Final Four, play for national title?

How right they were. This year's group was, in fact, the one to break through. 

Arizona is back to the Final Four for the first time since that 2001 team. It ended decades of heartbreak for a program that had proven its relevancy, but couldn’t punctuate it with the most sought destination in the sport. 

It felt like there was a hex over the Wildcats. Despite having loaded teams capable of reaching the Final Four, they just didn't. NBA All-Stars and champions like Andre Iguodala, Aaron Gordon and Channing Frye. High draft picks like Deandre Ayton and Derrick Williams to name a few. They all contributed to Arizona having the sixth-most wins since 2003.

So, what was wrong? Those that have witnessed all those teams try to get back to the Final Four said they just got unlucky.

“It's hard,” Tention said. “At some point you've got to have a little bit of luck on your way. That's all to it. Balls just got to bounce your way on that one certain day.”

The Wildcats surely had some things go wrong. A 15-point blown lead against Illinois in 2005, running into scorching Kemba Walker in 2011 and tough battles against Wisconsin in 2014 and 2015 are just some of those moments.

All of those games are some March Madness classics, just on the wrong side of history.

“You have shots and moments that happened that you're just a part of basketball history,” said 2001 starter Richard Jefferson. “There was never any, ‘Oh, there's some sort of issue.’ It was just like, ‘Yo, we just had a stretch where certain things haven't gone our way.’”

When asked how the 2001 team made the Final Four, members all had the same message: It was a deep rotation that didn’t try to play hero ball, but emphasized defense. A well-rounded, oiled machine.

It’s easy to forget how stacked that 2001 team was. Jefferson, Gilbert Arenas, Jason Gardner, Michael Wright and Loren Woods were starters while Luke Walton came off the bench. A loaded team that very much resembles the current iteration. 

Both teams were in the top 15 in scoring, defensive field goal percentage and rebound margin. Being high percentage shooters helped each unit be in the top five in scoring margin.

The similarities don’t end there. That team had six players who averaged 20 minutes per game, this one has seven. Five guys who averaged double figure scoring, so does this season’s. 

“I don't really think they really care who gets the points in the game,” Tention said. “That's what makes them so dangerous. You don't know who you gameplan against.”

No one may know that better than Jason Gardner, a sophomore guard on the 2001 team and now director of player relations for the Wildcats. He said the mixture of upperclassman leadership and talented freshmen create the special sauce, and they brought the intensity that was needed.

“I definitely think we're a little bit more physical than maybe we have been in the past and I think it's kind of really helped us kind of carry over this year,” Gardner said.

Jefferson notices comparisons in some of the guys he played with, notably with Jaden Bradley, who reminds him of standout Jason Terry from the 1997 national title team.

He also loves Koa Peat, an Arizona kid that knows what the program means to the state and decided to stay home.

It’s not lost on this year’s team the road was paved by those successful squads in the late 20th century, built on the legacy of Lute Olson. Former players and coaches said Lloyd has made an effort to involve them in the program, allowing them to watch and interact with the team so they can truly understand what it means to “Bear Down.”

“It's really important that we include those guys in everything and they feel like owners of our program because they are owners. They're 100% owners and they're great dudes,” Lloyd said. “It's been one of the coolest things for me to experience: developing relationships with them and having them tell me their stories because their stories are Arizona basketball stories.”

That’s why after Arizona defeated Purdue in the Elite Eight to punch their ticket to Indianapolis, Lloyd shouted out Olson to the large fan presence in San Jose, and why he mentioned postgame how his job was set up to succeed because of those building blocks.

“It's really pretty gratifying, to be honest,” said Jim Rosborough, Olson’s right-hand man who spent 27 seasons with him, including 18 at Arizona. “(Lloyd’s) been one to recognize what went on before him, that he's not the inventor of the wheel, but he's kind of kept the wheel turning.”

All of it makes for one of the most highly anticipated weekends in recent memory. For as large of a brand as Arizona is, Tucson prides itself on a small-town vibe that rallies around its program.

“People live and die with Wildcat sports,” Tention said. Look at how the reception when the team arrived back home in the wee hours after winning the West Region, taking over the local airport. It actually goes beyond Pima County, as Rosborough mentioned, “it's hard to be in the state of Arizona and not know about this team,” and it doesn’t get much bigger than this.

“To bring this back to the city of something that we were so close numerous times, I think is awesome,” Gardner added.

However, Jefferson sees the 2026 Final Four as more than just for the community and state. Not only did Arizona break the 25-year drought and is going for its second national championship in program history, but it’s also trying to break a drought out West. The 1997 title team is the last from the West Coast to win it all.

“We are in a position where we're carrying an entire Mid-West-West Coast,” Jefferson said. “They really have half of the country that wants to prove that UCLA, Arizona, Oregon, all of these schools that have been dominant over years, can still win a national championship.”

You’d be a fool to think Arizona is satisfied with just making the Final Four again. This team has its eyes set on cutting down those nets inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

“It's not like where it feels like we're back on the mountaintop. It just feels like we have performed up to our standard in the biggest moment,” Jefferson said. “Arizona is not one of those schools that's like, ‘Hey, we made it to the Final Four. We're lucky. We're happy.’ No, we're one of those schools that say, ‘Hey, we're proud of you, we're proud of ourselves, we're proud of what you guys have done. Now go finish the job.’”

If that happens, you can bet all of Tucson will be shut down, all the way from Flowing Wells to Saguaro National Park, with fans crazed like the javelinas that roam the desert. If it doesn’t happen, it will still be a celebrated squad that will live in Wildcat lore as the ones that finally got Arizona back where it belongs.

Like the teams before them laid the blueprint, the Wildcats hope this one remodels for another reign in the Sonoran Desert.

“Arizona is one of the strongest brands in all of collegiate sports,” Jefferson said. “At the same point in time, they're awake right now.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arizona basketball's last Final Four team enjoying this year's run to Indy