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    	<channel>
		<title>Latest College Basketball News &amp; Videos from FOX Sports</title>
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		<description>Breaking NCAA College Basketball news, videos, articles, and stories from FOX Sports.</description>
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			<title>Latest College Basketball News &amp; Videos from FOX Sports</title>
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			<link>https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:57:57 -0400</pubDate>
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					<![CDATA[Former College Basketball Guard Kerr Kriisa Indicted In $2.2M Wire Fraud Scheme]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/former-college-basketball-guard-kerr-kriisa-indicted-2-2m-wire-fraud-scheme</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/former-college-basketball-guard-kerr-kriisa-indicted-2-2m-wire-fraud-scheme</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Former college basketball player Kerr Kriisa lied and posed as other people as part of a scheme through which he fraudulently obtained nearly $2.2 million from two victims, according to a federal indictment.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:54:15 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Former college basketball player Kerr Kriisa lied and posed as other people as part of a scheme through which he fraudulently obtained nearly $2.2 million from two victims, according to a federal indictment. A federal grand jury in West Virginia indicted Kriisa last month, and the case was unsealed Monday following his arrest by federal agents on Saturday in Kentucky. A 6-foot-3 guard from Estonia, Kriisa began his college career in 2020 at Arizona, where he became a fan favorite for his feistiness and long-range shooting. Kriisa, 25, is expected to appear in federal court in West Virginia this week on five counts of wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey said. "Financial fraud schemes erode trust and cause real harm to victims who believed they were helping someone in need," Harvey said in a news release. Kriisa led the Pac-12 in assists during his two full seasons at Arizona before transferring to West Virginia. Kriisa was suspended the first nine games of his lone season at West Virginia after admitting he received impermissible benefits while at Arizona. Kriisa transferred to Kentucky in 2024, but was limited to nine games due to a foot injury. He transferred to Cincinnati for his final year of eligibility and started 12 games before suffering a separated shoulder in February. From 2022 through June 2 of this year, he posed as other people, including his own mother, and falsely claimed that he and his family urgently needed money to deal with an emergency, the indictment says. The indictment alleges that, in August 2022, Kriisa falsely told one victim that he had gotten a loan to repay her and then a few months falsely told her he planned to sell his organs to get money to repay her. Between 2022 and 2024, he contacted the same victim, posing as his own mother, and asked for money to pay for cancer treatments for his mother and to save the family's farm, the indictment says. In April 2025, he signed a written agreement falsely promising to repay that victim $100,000 by February 2026. From November 2025 through early February of this year, Kriisa repeatedly asked a second victim for money, sometimes posing as a made-up person named "Irene." Reporting by the Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026-2027 College Basketball Offseason Buzz: St. John's Transfer Out For Season]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/college-basketball-2026-2027-buzz-news-injuries-transfers</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/college-basketball-2026-2027-buzz-news-injuries-transfers</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[We're tracking notable injuries, news and happenings across men's and women's college basketball during the 2026-2027 offeason.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:41:29 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Transfers, coaching changes, extensions, injuries, returns – college basketball isn't airing right now, but the sport keeps on moving. Here's the latest offseason news and updates in Men's and Women's College Basketball heading into the 2026-2027 season. July 2 St. John's forward Donnie Freeman will miss next season with an Achilles injury after getting hurt during a workout this week. It's a significant blow to the Red Storm, who landed Freeman in the transfer portal from Syracuse this offseason and were expecting him to be a top player on the 2026-27 team. The rising junior was injured Monday and had surgery on his right Achilles tendon, the school announced Wednesday night. "Donnie had a non-contact injury in a workout and will miss the season," Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino posted on social media. "Donnie is an awesome young man, we will get him back better than ever!" The 6-foot-9 Freeman averaged 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in 37 games over two seasons at Syracuse. He was rated one of the nation's top recruits in the high school class of 2024. St. John's is coming off consecutive Big East regular-season and tournament championships and its first trip to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament since 1999. But the Red Storm must replace all three starters in the frontcourt after Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell and Bryce Hopkins were all selected within the first 49 picks of the NBA draft last week. June 30 Southern California's JuJu Watkins is back on the court preparing for the upcoming college basketball season over 14 months after one of the biggest stars of the women's game suffered a torn ACL. "I’m just really blessed to be here, feeling back like myself and being able to practice with the team,' Watkins said Monday. "It’s been a long time coming. I’ve just been working out, grinding every day so that I could be in this position, so to see all of that hard work kind of pay off right now is really fulfilling." Watkins missed the entire 2025-26 season as she recovered from the injury she suffered in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. "She’s back on the court and it’s just a beautiful thing to see," coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. "She’s stronger, faster, in her best shape ever. The work that she put in is something that is going to speak volumes." That's welcome news for the Trojans. After back-to-back trips to the Elite Eight, USC went 18-14 overall last season and lost in the second round of the NCAA Tournament behind Big Ten freshman of the year Jazzy Davidson. She carried the load in Watkins’ absence, averaging 17.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Gottlieb could relate to Watkin's injury and long recovery as more than her coach. She tore her ACL before her senior year of high school. Like Watkins, it led her to view the game from a different perspective. "I said there’s things that are going to come from this that you cannot possibly know right now that someday you’re going to be grateful for," Gottlieb said she told Watkins. Watkins received support from Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers, who tore her ACL at UConn in 2022 and was cleared to resume playing a year later. Bueckers was "constantly checking up on me, sending me texts," Watkins said. "Every person in the WNBA world who had gone through that just had nothing but love and support for me, so I really appreciate that," she said. June 19 Green Bay coach Doug Gottlieb has agreed to a contract extension that takes his deal through the 2030-31 season. Athletic director Josh Moon announced the extension Friday. The school did not release financial details of the extension. Moon, who hired Gottlieb in 2024, received his own contract extension Wednesday and now has a deal that also runs through 2031. Gottlieb’s hire gained national attention because of his radio broadcasting background and his lack of college coaching experience. Green Bay went 4-28 under Gottlieb in 2024-25, but improved to 18-15 last season. The Phoenix’s season ended with a loss to Northern Kentucky in the second round of the Horizon League Tournament. May 27 Baylor transfer Tounde Yessoufou has reportedly withdrawn from the NBA Draft and committed to St. John's, per ESPN. After averaging 17.8 points per game during his freshman year with the Bears, Yessoufou declared for the NBA Draft and entered the NCAA transfer portal. After testing professional waters, he chose to return to the NCAA ahead of Wednesday's withdrawal deadline, and transfer to the Red Storm. Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. will return for his fourth season with the Spartans, per 247 sports. Fears averaged 15.9 points and a nation's best 9.4 assists per game during the 2025-26 season. He entered his name into the NBA Draft pool, but withdrew ahead of the May 27 deadline. His return to East Lansing is crucial for the Spartans' contention hopes, as Fears sports a high-volume 24.3% offensive usage rate, which would have been tough to replace. Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic will return to the NCAA for his fourth season of eligibility, per ESPN. After averaging 16.9 points per game and leading the nation, shooting 48.7% from 3-point range, during his junior season with the Cyclones, Momcilovic entered the NBA Draft pool and the NCAA transfer portal. For the last month, he tested the professional waters, but will ultimately return to play college basketball. He remains uncommitted, and is viewed as one of the top transfer targets. Arizona forward Koa Peat will remain in the NBA Draft, per 247sports. Peat was one of the best freshman in the nation during the 2025-26 season, averaging 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, while helping Arizona make a Final Four run. Peat will join fellow Wildcat Brayden Burries in hoping to hear his name called during the NBA Draft. Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner will return for his third season with the Commodores, per On3. Tanner averaged 19.5 points and 5.1 assists per game during the 2025-26 season, both significant improvements from his freshman year, as he led Vanderbilt to its first NCAA Tournament win since 2012. After this decision to return, Tanner and the Commodores will look to build off that success. Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic will stay in the NCAA for another season with the Illini, he announced. He averaged 13.5 points per game during his junior season, while starting 21 games. He helped Illinois make a Final Four run. Arkansas wing Billy Richmond III will reportedly return to the NCAA for his third season at Arkansas. Richmond averaged 11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, coming off the bench in 19 of the Razorbacks' 37 games during the 2025-26 season. Alabama guard Amari Allen has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will return to the Crimson Tide, per On3. Allen averaged 11.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game during his freshman season in Tuscaloosa. He tested the NBA waters, ultimately deciding to stay in the NCAA ahead of Wednesday's withdrawal deadline. May 26 Texas Tech guard Christian Andreson will remain in the NBA Draft pool, per Jeff Borzello. Anderson played two seasons with the Red Raiders, averaging 18.5 points and 7.4 assists in 2025-26. He will take the momentum from that strong sophomore year and turn it into draft capital. Santa Clara forward Allen Graves will remain in the NBA Draft pool, per Jonathan Givony. Graves played one season of college basketball, with the Broncos. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 22.6 minutes per game. In fact, he started just four games all season for Santa Clara. Regardless, he'll take his talents to the professional level. North Carolina commit Matt Able has withdrawn from the NBA Draft, per On3. Able averaged 8.8 points per game in 21.8 minutes during his freshman season at North Carolina State. Following the season, he entered the transfer portal and committed to the Tar Heels. He also opted to participate in pre-NBA draft activities, attending the combine in Chicago and performing at a Pro Day in Los Angeles. After consideration, he decided to return to college, and confirm his transfer to UNC for his second season. Kentucky center Malachi Moreno has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will return to college to play for the Wildcats. Moreno averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 22.6 minutes per game during his freshman season. He will look to build on that, returning to Kentucky for his sophomore season. May 22 Former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell is withdrawing from the NBA draft and will play at Duke next season. Blackwell announced his decision Friday on Instagram. Blackwell averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game last season, teaming with Nick Boyd to give Wisconsin one of the nation’s top backcourt tandems. The 6-foot-4 guard shot 39% from 3-point range, helping the Badgers go 24-11 and reach the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season. Blackwell had some of his most productive performances against Wisconsin’s toughest opponents. He scored 26 points in a road win over eventual national champion Michigan and averaged 27.5 points in the Badgers’ two victories over Final Four participant Illinois. He had 25 points in a late-season road win over Purdue, an NCAA regional finalist. Blackwell had 22 points and 10 rebounds in Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament first-round loss to High Point. He averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in 2024-25. May 21 Florida center Rueben Chinyelu has withdrawn from the NBA Draft, Jon Rothstein reported. Chinyelu has been widely projected as a first-round pick, which would mean he'd receive a guaranteed contract from the NBA team that selects him. Instead, he opted to return to Florida for his fourth year of college, and take the guaranteed NIL money. Despite a season cut short after a loss to No. 9 seed Iowa in the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, Chinyelu becomes the second projected first-round pick to return to the Gators as Thomas Haugh made that same decision on April 21. Florida has now retained five key players from its 2024-25 national title run, including Chinyelu, Haugh, Alex Condon, Urban Klavzar and Isaiah Brown. Florida was ranked No. 1 overall in FOX Sports' Casey Jacobsen's latest "Post-Portal Top 25." Chinyelu's decision only solidifes that. Emily Ryan, one of the most productive point guards in women's college basketball history when she played for Iowa State, has been hired as a full-time assistant at her alma mater, coach Bill Fennelly announced Thursday. Ryan played for the Cyclones from 2020-25 and was a graduate assistant last season. She finished her career with 993 assists, a school record and seventh all-time in Division I. She was just the third NCAA women's player to record at least 1,500 points, 900 assists and 600 rebounds in a career. She also ranks in the top five in program history in steals and blocks. "Emily made a tremendous impact on our program as a player and that will continue as a coach,' Fennelly said in a statement. 'Emily’s loyalty and commitment to Iowa State women’s basketball has been truly special. Our players will be learning the ‘Iowa State’ Way from one of the best Cyclones ever!" Ryan was voted to the All-Big 12 first team in 2022 and second team in 2023 and was on the league's all-defensive team in 2021. May 20 Kentucky and Gonzaga have mutually agreed to discontinue a men's college basketball series that had been scheduled to run for two more seasons. The two schools made a joint announcement Wednesday that said the move was made "to allow each program freedom to re-evaluate future scheduling priorities, including conference obligations and nonconference opportunities." Kentucky had been scheduled to host Gonzaga during the 2026-27 season. Gonzaga would have been the home team for the 2027-28 matchup. Gonzaga had gone 3-1 against Kentucky over the last four seasons, including a 94-59 triumph on Dec. 5 in Nashville, Tennessee. May 19 Flory Bidunga officially signed with Louisville, Matt Zenitz reported. The Kansas transfer had committed to the Cardinals program on April 12, but was testing the NBA Draft waters. With eight days remaining before the deadline to withdraw from the draft, Bidunga has made his decision to stay in college for his junior year. New LSU basketball coach Will Wade is finding creative ways to fill out his roster. A month ago today, when the deadline for players to enter the transfer portal closed, the Tigers had only one player solidly committed to their roster — Kentucky transfer Mouhamed Dioubate. So with time running out, Wade went in a number of directions to add to his roster. LSU received the commitment of three typical college transfers including, UTSA transfer Austin Nunez, Kansas State's Abdi Bashir Jr. and Michigan State's Divine Ugochukwu. Wade is also attempting to add former St. John's guard RJ Luis, who committed to the 2025 NBA Draft, but wasn't selected. They received the commitment of multiple other professional level basketball players — Israeli guard Yam Madar, and EuroLeague players Saliou Niang, Brice Dessert and Marcio Santos. Wade has pushed the boundaries of college basketball numerous times over the last 10 years, and is doing so again to fill out his roster. With the age and professional experience of Luis, Madar, Niang, Dessert and Santos, each must file an injunction with the NCAA to gain eligibility. There's no guarantee they'll be able to play for LSU this upcoming season, despite Wade's wishes. Therefore, Wade and LSU are from finished looking for pieces to fill out their 2026-27 roster. Former Michigan star Morez Johnson Jr. has left his name in the NBA Draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, Johnson announced on X. Johnson started all 40 games for the Wolverines leading up to their national title win. With the news of Johnson officially heading to the Draft, the Wolverines now lose Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg and Johnson from last year's starting lineup. Johnson transferred to Michigan from Illinois and instantly became a star, where he averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds. "From day one, Coach May told us he was going to help develop us on and off the court, and the goal was to win a national championship," Johnson said. "We accomplished that mission." The Wolverines finished the year 37-3 with Big Ten and national title wins in coach Dusty May's inaugural season. May 15 Illinois and coach Brad Underwood have agreed to new financial terms on his current six-year contract that runs through 2031-32, and the deal could extend through 2035-36 based on the team's performance over the next four seasons. Athletic director Josh Whitman made the announcement Thursday, about six weeks after the Illini's season ended with the program's first NCAA Final Four appearance in 21 years. Contract terms were not announced. The agreement requires approval of university trustees. "Thanks to Brad Underwood‘s tireless leadership and relentless pursuit of championships, our men’s basketball program has established itself as one of the nation’s premier programs while rewriting much of our record book," Whitman said. "He has revitalized a proud fan base and elevated our program to new heights while competing in the most dynamic, high-stakes environment in college sports history.' The Illini won the fourth-most games in program history with an overall record of 29-8 and they finished in a three-way tie for second in the Big Ten at 15-5. They won each of their first four NCAA Tournament games by double digits before losing 71-62 to UConn in the national semifinals. "Illinois is a special place, and we’re coming off a special year with a trip to the Final Four,' Underwood said. "But we know there is still more to achieve. Our focus remains competing at the highest level in pursuit of a national championship. I am more motivated than ever to help bring that title home to the University of Illinois." Underwood is 193-110 in nine seasons at Illinois with six straight NCAA appearances. Ali Jaques has been hired as the women's basketball coach at Campbell, after a season in which she helped Rhode Island win a program-record 28 games. The hiring was announced Friday. Jaques was the associate head coach at Rhode Island under Tammi Reiss, who is now the coach at Florida. Jaques has also worked at George Washington and Seton Hall in recent years, both of those stops following a nine-season run as Siena's head coach. "Campbell is a great place and that was evident from the moment I stepped on campus," Jaques said. "I knew right away this is where I wanted to be and this is the program that I want to lead." Campbell went 20-12 this past season and 13-5 in the CAA. "Ali is ready to lead her own program and I have no doubt she will turn Campbell into a championship program," Reiss said. Jaques was an elite student-athlete in college, playing both soccer and basketball at New York University. She helped lead NYU to the 1997 Division III basketball title, along with a Final Four appearance the season before. She has also coached at Northwestern, Dayton, Furman, Sacred Heart and Rider during a nearly three-decade career. May 8 The Hawkeyes have extended their head coach on a six-year deal, according to ESPN. McCollum's new deal comes in the wake of Iowa reaching the Elite Eight for the time since 1987 as a No. 9 seed, a run that saw them beat the No. 1-seeded and defending national champion Florida Gators in the second round of the tournament. Iowa finished the 2025-26 season, its first with McCollum as head coach, at 24-13 overall and 10-10 in Big Ten play, good for ninth in the conference. McCollum was previously the head coach of Drake for one season, with the Bulldogs going 31-4, reaching the NCAA Tournament and him winning 2024-25 Missouri Valley Coach of the Year honors. McCollum was previously the head coach of the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats for 15 years. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
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					<![CDATA[What Dusty May's Stunning Exit Means For Michigan Basketball]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/dusty-may-stunning-exit-means-michigan-basketball</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/dusty-may-stunning-exit-means-michigan-basketball</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Even after Dusty May’s departure, Michigan has the roster and infrastructure to remain a national contender — a testament to the foundation he built in two seasons.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:08:34 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[When the following social media post hit people’s timelines at 5:29 p.m. on April 5, the night before Michigan would appear in the national championship game against UConn, anxious Wolverines fans exhaled: "Sources:" ESPN college sports insider Pete Thamel wrote, "Dusty May has informed Michigan officials that he’s not pursuing any college basketball jobs. … May had been an initial target at North Carolina, but that never materialized because of Michigan advancing in the NCAA Tournament." By then, rumors and speculation surrounding May’s potential candidacy at North Carolina, considered by many to be the most enticing job in college basketball, were running rampant following the Tar Heels’ dismissal of head coach Hubert Davis. In just two seasons at Michigan, where May inherited a mucky mess from predecessor Juwan Howard, he’d lifted the Wolverines to incredible heights: twenty-seven victories and a trip to the Sweet 16 in his debut campaign, followed by a Big Ten regular-season title and a national championship while setting a school record with 37 wins in Year 2. May accomplished all of this while embracing NIL, the transfer portal, analytics and NBA-style roster construction, a formula that only enhanced his standing across the sport. He was, at 49 years old, seen by many as the ideal modern coach, someone capable of sustaining Michigan’s success to a dynastical degree. A week later, during the Wolverines’ banner-raising ceremony at Crisler Center, athletic director Warde Manuel told The Athletic he believed May will "be the leader of this basketball team for many years to come." Manuel added the two sides had agreed on a contract extension designed to keep May at Michigan for the foreseeable future, though nothing had been officially signed. Still, the forcefulness of Manuel's comments — he said the contract would be on May’s desk by the following weekend — quelled some of the lingering concerns. But on Monday morning came the stunning news that May was finalizing a deal to become head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, leaving one of the most coveted jobs in college basketball at an unusual time in the calendar for a chance to compete at the sport’s highest level. Rather than pursuing a second consecutive national championship at Michigan, May will take over a rebuilding franchise that bid farewell to All-NBA guard Luka Dončić partway through the 2025 season and has since replaced him with former Duke star Cooper Flagg — the No. 1 overall pick last summer and the league’s reigning Rookie of the Year. The Mavericks also have two more first-round selections in this week’s NBA Draft, one of which falls in the top 10. May’s replacement, at least temporarily, will be current Michigan assistant Mike Boynton Jr., according to additional reporting from ESPN. Boynton was the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator the last two years and was previously the head coach at Oklahoma State from 2017-24, guiding the Cowboys to one NCAA Tournament appearance and two trips to the NIT. He’s expected to be named interim coach for the upcoming season in an effort to preserve a roster that includes the nation’s No. 4 high school recruiting class and the No. 12 transfer haul. Michigan’s players will be given a 15-day window to enter the transfer portal that begins five days after May’s replacement is hired or publicly announced. For such a jaw-dropping move to take place during the third week of June, by which time most programs have already begun their summer workouts, is merely the latest reminder that stability in collegiate athletics no longer exists — even after winning a national championship. Instead, May becomes the first college coach to leave for an equivalent role in the NBA since former Michigan head coach John Beilein was hired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019. He’s also the first coach to walk away after cutting down the nets since Larry Brown departed Kansas in 1988 for a return to the pros. Perhaps the warning signs were there all along. Or at least since Thamel’s carefully worded message entered the discourse in early April, the one specifying that May wouldn’t pursue other college basketball jobs but made no mention of how he’d respond to interest from the NBA. Such a unique syntactical choice — coupled with the fact that May’s contract extension remains unsigned — feels like a set of clues that were largely overlooked amid the good vibes and wishful thinking sparked by Michigan’s first national championship in nearly 40 years. It’s easy to understand why fans would have trouble picturing someone like May walking away from a program that is so well-positioned for lasting success in the modern era. But with the modernization of collegiate athletics has come a tediousness in the coaching profession that never used to exist. There’s a constant turning of the hamster wheel in an industry where nothing about the system can sustain. Rosters are churning like never before. Player compensation soars on an annual basis. Whichever rules actually remain are difficult to understand and even harder to enforce. Imagine telling Dean Smith or Mike Krzyzewski that they’d be learning the names of local judges. Who can really blame May for bailing on the blur? And yet, somewhat paradoxically, the aggressiveness of Michigan’s transformation under May means the infrastructure is there for the Wolverines to remain among college basketball’s elite. He radicalized everything from practice habits and player acquisition to fundraising and on-court philosophy, all of which could be largely maintained with Boynton in charge. Not only are the Wolverines loaded with talent for the 2026-27 campaign — pending the success of Boynton’s retention efforts — but there are only a handful of teams around the country that can match Michigan’s financial commitment year over year. An assembly line of high-level transfers-turned-pros from the last two seasons is all the proof recruits should need. Which is why, even after Monday’s shocking news, Michigan’s reputation should continue to swell in the coming days when three of May’s former players are drafted: Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr., all of whom are projected first-round picks. Together, they entrusted May with their development and won a national championship because of it, dominating the sport on both ends of the floor. There's little question that they'd vouch for the quality of program he's leaving behind. With or without May, the Wolverines have pieces in place that suggest they'll be fine. And that's a credit to everything he built across two seasons Michigan fans will never forget.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Michigan Coach Dusty May Heading To NBA, Reportedly Agrees To Deal With Mavericks]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-coach-dusty-may-going-pro-reportedly-agrees-deal-mavericks</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-coach-dusty-may-going-pro-reportedly-agrees-deal-mavericks</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Two months after leading Michigan to a national championship, Wolverines head coach Dusty May is going pro.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:44:49 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Two months after leading Michigan to a national championship, Wolverines head coach Dusty May is going pro. May has accepted an offer to become the next head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, ESPN reported Monday morning. The terms of the deal aren't known yet. May, 49, quickly turned around Michigan in his two years in Ann Arbor. He went 64-13 since becoming the Wolverines' head coach in 2024, going 27-10 in his first year at the helm. That season ended with a Sweet 16 appearance, setting the stage for Michigan to make the jump as contenders in 2025-26. The Wolverines did that, going 37-3 en route to winning the Big Ten regular season title and national championship. While May was only at Michigan for a couple of seasons, he helped develop a few players into NBA prospects. Big man Danny Wolf was a first-round pick after his one season with May in Ann Arbor, getting drafted by the Brooklyn Nets last season. A few prospects from Michigan's national championship-winning team could be taken in the lottery in Tuesday's draft, with mock drafts having center Aday Mara, forward/center Morez Johnson Jr. and forward Yaxel Lendeborg all being first-round picks. Even though Michigan will lose a few first-round prospects, it was still expected to be one of the top teams in the nation in 2026-27 prior to May's departure. It landed former Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam, former Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella and former LSU forward Jalen Reed in the transfer portal, giving it the 12th-best portal class in the nation, per 247 Sports. On top of that, Michigan was able to keep guard Elliot Cadeau after he declared for the NBA Draft. After winning the award for the Final Four's most outstanding player, May and his staff successfully persuaded Cadeau to remain in Ann Arbor for another season. With May and Cadeau set to return and after landing some major reinforcements in the transfer portal, Michigan was ranked third in FOX Sports college basketball analyst Casey Jacobsen's most recent top 25 poll. "It’s unfair to expect the Wolverines to match last year’s defensive dominance, but don’t underestimate May’s ability to build another elite unit," Jacobsen wrote. Now, Michigan will have to find a new head coach who'll be tasked with doing that relatively late in the offseason. The Wolverines also lost assistant coach Justin Joyner this offseason, as he became the head coach of Oregon State, potentially taking out one name from the mix to replace May. Prior to becoming Michigan's head coach, May went 126-69 in five seasons at Florida Atlantic, leading the Owls to a surprise Final Four run in 2022-23.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Legislation Overhauling College Sports Faces Major Test In The Senate]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/ncaa-legislation-player-pay-coach-movement</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/ncaa-legislation-player-pay-coach-movement</guid>
				<category>college-football</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[A bipartisan bill top lawmakers and athletic leaders have described as the best chance to stabilize college sports is facing a key test in the Senate.]]>
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				<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:28:26 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[A bill that top lawmakers and athletic leaders have described as the best chance to stabilize college sports faces a key test in the Senate on Thursday as sponsors roll out a revised version after weeks of input from schools, conferences and athletes. The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act aims to regulate payments to players, limit them to one free transfer over their careers and create a rule to restrict coaches from changing jobs during a season. The Senate Commerce Committee will debate the latest version of the bill on Thursday before potentially voting on whether to send it to the full Senate for consideration. The legislation is the product of months of negotiations between Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, the top lawmakers on the Senate Commerce Committee, and comes when lawmakers in both chambers of Congrlaneess are grappling with whether it's time for them to intervene in college sports. The Senate bill has won backing from several athletic conferences as well as the NFL and its players' union and the United States Olympic &amp; Paralympic Committee. But the two most powerful conferences in college sports — the Southeastern Conference, based in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Big Ten Conference, based in Rosemont, Illinois — have not endorsed it. The Olympic committee’s support comes as the revised bill is expected to add further protections for women’s and Olympic sports. Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the Olympic and Paralympic committee, told Cruz and Cantwell in a letter this week that she looks forward to Thursday's action by the Senate panel and encouraged it to advance the bill without delay. Support for the bill does not fall neatly along party lines, reflecting the national reach of SEC and Big Ten schools and broader divisions in Congress. While President Donald Trump has backed the bill, some fellow Republicans oppose it. Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican and former Auburn football coach, has opposed the measure, saying, "If we get involved in it, if you look at everything else we do, it doesn’t work." He has introduced his own bill. Senate Democrats have been especially quiet on the issue. On the eve of the committee action, some Democrats on the Senate Commerce Committee were still on the fence about the bill. Further changes are still possible, with lawmakers expected to consider amendments during the hearing. "I have not made up my mind," Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth said. Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan said he is also "still up in the air" on the bill. Michigan is home to two prominent Big Ten schools — the University of Michigan and Michigan State University — and Peters said he has been in contact with the conference. "We still are trying to get some changes that the Big Ten would like to see," Peters told The Associated Press. Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[New Faces, Same Standard: Despite Turnover, UConn's Identity Remains Intact]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/new-faces-same-standard-despite-turnover-uconns-identity-remains-intact</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/new-faces-same-standard-despite-turnover-uconns-identity-remains-intact</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Caught between heartbreak and history, Dan Hurley embraces change as UConn reloads for another title run. FOX Sports' Michael Cohen has the story.]]>
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				<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:24:07 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[STORRS, Conn. — It's toward the end of his grueling incline-run workouts when UConn head coach Dan Hurley feels the familiar yearning for some self-inflicted pain. As he runs, sweat spewing, Hurley cues up "One Shining Moment" on his phone, the annual highlight video that accompanies each NCAA Tournament. The Huskies make their first appearance after exactly 90 seconds, with forward Alex Karaban embracing a teammate following the Round of 32 victory over UCLA. Hurley’s face flashes across the screen moments later, twisted into a comedic sideline expression. Next comes center Tarris Reed Jr. flicking home a hook shot. And then there’s freshman Braylon Mullins burying perhaps the greatest shot in program history: a 3-point buzzer beater against Duke that propelled the Huskies to another Final Four, their third in the last four seasons. For Hurley, the palatable portion of the video ends shortly thereafter. He relives UConn’s win against Illinois in the national semifinals and then quickly taps his screen to exit. Treadmill session over. He still can’t stomach the way this particular montage ends: scenes of Michigan prevailing in the championship game. Even for a coach who built his career on suffering, who thought he was the failure of the famed Hurley basketball family, the self-inflicted anguish can only go so far. "You’re disappointed because you were pretty close to winning three out of four championships," Hurley told me last week. "Sending Tarris out with a ring and a parade, [sending] Alex out as the most decorated college basketball player of his generation. So that part of it is crushing. And then you look at the historical context of being in that game three out of four years [and realize] we are doing things as a program that haven’t been done since the ’90s. And we’re doing it during a really volatile time. "So I think two things can be true, you know? The run that we’ve been on has been historic, but man, it sucked that we didn’t win it." This is the headspace Hurley occupies on a scorching afternoon in mid-June, partway through the Huskies’ first week of their first summer session, the de facto beginning of another championship pursuit. As a perpetually tortured soul, Hurley’s journey toward fulfillment always seems to land at the crossroads between overly critical introspection and the healthy acceptance that even seasons ending in defeat can be enjoyed. It's a lesson imparted on him by colleague Geno Auriemma, head coach of the UConn’s women's team. So here Hurley stands, halfway between the loss to Michigan and the blank slate of a fresh campaign, reconciling those conflicting parts amid widespread changes to the program. Though nothing about his hunger for a third national title has waned, so much of what’s around Hurley is different. Gone are Karaban and Reed, the two leading scorers and two most important players from last year’s team. Gone, too, is assistant coach Luke Murray, an offensive mastermind and ace recruiter now in charge at Boston College. Shooting guard Solo Ball, who would have been the Huskies’ most experienced returner, is taking a medical redshirt as he recovers from wrist surgery. Seven newcomers arrived via the transfer portal, two more from the high school ranks, and there are fresh names within both Hurley’s staff and the strength and conditioning department alike. "Parts of it do feel different: new faces, new guys," point guard Silas Demary Jr. told me last week. "But it’s still the same standard. It’s still the same [level of] holding everybody accountable, running through every line. It’s still some of the same rules we’ve had even before the changes that are now in place." Much of that approach can be attributed to the way Hurley is wired — his unflinching competitiveness quickly flipping from one season to the next within a few hours of the final buzzer against Michigan, at which point the transfer portal had already opened. Once the Huskies boarded their return trip from Indianapolis the following day, still wounded from a six-point loss that separated them from a seventh national title, Hurley began asking general manager Tom Moore for an overview of how to retool the roster. It was the same thing Hurley had done the year prior on the way home from Raleigh, North Carolina, after losing to eventual national champion Florida in the Round of 32. By then, Moore and a group of support staffers had spent months working the phones to better understand how the transfer market was likely to unfold dollar-wise and which players were keen on entering the fray. His small council included graduate assistant Andrew Hurley — one of Dan’s sons — along with student managers Khaliq Young and Jack Richason. Additional insight came from assistant coaches Murray, Kimani Young and Mike Nardi, though Murray’s involvement curtailed once he accepted the job at Boston College. Still, Hurley and Murray traded names of potential transfer targets on the flight back from the Final Four, a reflection of their extremely tight bond. While the pros of reaching the national championship game will always outweigh the cons, making three such appearances in quick succession has complicated the Huskies’ involvement in the transfer portal. Moore estimates that UConn and other teams participating in the Final Four are often entering the race for high-profile transfers two or three weeks later than their competitors, which is reflected by lofty price tags that suggest bidding began a good while earlier. He jokes that the program would be flush with cash if the Huskies received a fundraising dollar for every time an agent told Moore, "You’re late — but we’ll let you in because you’re UConn," which is a tradeoff the staff is happy to make. "Our athletic director, Dave Benedict, is extremely supportive of us and our efforts and finding a way," Moore told me last week. "It’s not easy anywhere. Everyone is trying to figure the thing out as best they can. But we’ve had about five offseasons in this new model. We always go into it with an idea of what [the roster cost] might be in December. And then we sort of have to up it a little as we sort of start to talk to people in February. Then it seems like we go back to Dave again in March with another [request]. And then we have to go to him again in April and May when we’re in the heart of it and say, ‘It may be even more." "And he’s never, ever once pushed back. He’s sympathetic of what we’re facing, and he’s in our corner. He understands that to have championship goals, you really have to have championship aspirations in terms of fundraising and revenue generation." There also needs to be conviction — particularly when the Huskies have faced such pronounced time crunches for identifying, scouting and hosting players in the wake of sustained postseason success. This, according to Moore, is another area where Hurley excels. He watches film, pores over statistics and dives into the analytics of each potential transfer target before making a "strong, firm decision" that prevents the program from getting "paralyzed by guys wanting to take a visit and the whole thing," Moore told me, which can begin to feel performative. Hurley’s unprecedented success in the modern era, when NIL and the transfer portal conspire to make roster construction more difficult than ever, has only strengthened his belief in the general framework fueling UConn’s ascent. He described his approach to building next year’s team as "almost slotting people in to fit the type of pieces that we’ve had success with here."The product on display during practice last week certainly reflects such an endeavor. The power forward spot that was manned for ages by Karaban now belongs to Duke transfer Nik Khamenia, whom Hurley described as having "a lot of attributes that Alex had in terms of the feel, the size, the versatility, the competitiveness, the love of the game, the shooting." The center position will be anchored by another hulking bruiser in Seton Hall transfer Na'jai Hines, whose 6-foot-10, 260-pound frame is in keeping with the imposing presence Reed provided over the last two seasons. His primary backup, Stanford center Oskar Giltay, complements that strength with similar athleticism and shot-blocking that former UConn big man Samson Johnson offered both of Hurley’s national championship teams. The ultra-confident, self-assured perimeter shooter is now Wofford transfer Nils Machowski, who steps into an archetype once filled by players like Cam Spencer and Joey Calcaterra in recent years, both portal gems. The instant-impact freshman is expected to be forward Colben Landrew, a rugged wing with enough talent for Hurley to place him in the same category as recent first-year standouts Stephon Castle, Liam McNeeley and Mullins, all of whom were five-star recruits. So while there have been plenty of changes at UConn ahead of the 2026-27 season, with new faces in new places at seemingly every turn, the Huskies' profile still looks and feels largely the same. And if recent history is any indication, that might be enough for Hurley to reach another Final Four. Perhaps he'll even win it all and watch the entire "One Shining Moment" video next spring. "You never want to lose championship people," Hurley told me last week. "But I think that the change is refreshing, it’s invigorating, it gets you excited to do it with new people that haven’t experienced the way we do it, you know? You’re exposing new people to the UConn way of doing it. It’s kind of fun."]]>
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					<![CDATA[NC State Investigating Potential Legal Claims Against LSU Over Will Wade Exit]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/nc-state-investigating-potential-legal-claims-against-lsu-over-will-wade-exit</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/nc-state-investigating-potential-legal-claims-against-lsu-over-will-wade-exit</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[N.C. State is investigating potential legal claims against LSU tied to men’s basketball coach Will Wade leaving for a second stint coaching the Tigers.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:17:47 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[N.C. State is investigating potential legal claims against LSU tied to men’s basketball coach Will Wade leaving for a second stint coaching the Tigers. That includes whether LSU violated a North Carolina state law. N.C. State vice chancellor and general counsel Allison B. Newhart wrote to LSU counterpart Carlton Jones last week about the matter, a development first reported by WRAL in Raleigh. The letter was later obtained by The Associated Press in a records request. According to N.C. State, it has received three email messages from LSU asking the school to "sign a release of claims" against LSU in the Wade matter. Letter Cites a State Law With Potential Financial Damages Newhart's letter from last Thursday states the school "has not agreed — and does not agree now — to release LSU from any liability" tied to Wade’s departure after one season with the Wolfpack in March. "Instead, N.C. State is investigating whether LSU improperly induced Coach Wade to breach his Employment Agreement, induced Coach Wade to terminate his Employment Agreement, and interfered with the timing of termination of the Employment Agreement to result in lower liquidated damages – all to N.C. State’s detriment," Newhart wrote. That includes whether LSU violated the state’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act; violations can result in financial damages and attorney fees. Reached by the AP on Wednesday, N.C. State spokeswoman Lauren Barker said the school had no additional comment beyond the letter's contents. LSU spokesman Michael Bonnette declined comment to the AP. The Timing of Wade's Buyout Payment is a Key Factor LSU hired Wade on March 26, two weeks after Wade publicly stated he was determined to win big at N.C. State in Year 2. The buyout in Wade’s contract was for $5 million, but was scheduled to drop to $3 million after April 1. At the time, athletic director Boo Corrigan said the school agreed to lower that to $4 million to close the matter and not delay the search for a successor that landed former Wolfpack player and Tennessee assistant Justin Gainey in less than a week. Newhart’s letter states the N.C. State received a $4 million wire from LSU on May 8 for Wade's buyout. But she also writes that N.C. State considers the issue resolved "only as to Coach Wade’s personal obligations" and that the payment "does not absolve LSU from potential legal exposure." Specifically, the letter states N.C. State "has reason to suspect "LSU may have influenced efforts to avoid or delay" notifying the school of the pursuit to trigger the lower buyout payment from after April 1. Reporting for the Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[College Basketball Rankings: St. John's Storms Into Top 10, Kentucky Enters Top 25]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/college-basketball-rankings-st-johns-storms-top-10-kentucky-enters-top-25</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/college-basketball-rankings-st-johns-storms-top-10-kentucky-enters-top-25</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[With the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline in the rearview mirror, FOX Sports' Casey Jacobsen shares his updated men's college basketball rankings.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:06:55 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The wait is finally over. After months of transfer portal movement, recruiting battles and NBA Draft decisions, last week's withdrawal deadline brought some clarity. Fans learned which standout players would be returning to campus, who would be moving on to the pros and what rosters will actually look like entering the 2026-27 season. There are still a few dominoes left to fall, but the picture is much more clear than it was last month. With that in mind, here's a look at my updated men's college basketball Top 25 for the 2026-27 season. Previous Ranking: NR Big Blue Nation was starting to worry that Kentucky wouldn't have a top-25 roster. The late addition of Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic changes that. He was the top-ranked transfer available in May, and Kentucky landed him. The retention of Malachi Moreno, who averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds per game last season, is also huge. He's due for a breakout year. A projected starting five of Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, Momcilovic, Ousmane N'Diaye, and Moreno looks very solid and should have Kentucky firmly in the top-25 conversation. Previous Ranking: 24 Losing the program's all-time leading scorer, Bruce Thornton, to graduation certainly hurts, but the talent is there for Jake Diebler's team to make some noise in the Big Ten next season. Diebler is set to welcome a strong transfer class, highlighted by former Cal guard Justin Pippen, who will join returnee John Mobley Jr. in the starting backcourt. He'll also welcome five-star freshman Anthony Thompson, the highest-rated recruit to arrive in Columbus since Jared Sullinger in 2010. Previous Ranking: 23 After taking a second look at rosters, it’s become clear that the Cornhuskers are worthy of a spot in the Top 25. Utah Valley transfer Trevan Leonhardt is a passing wizard and a strong offensive fit in a backcourt that also features Braden Frager and Pryce Sandfort. Belmont transfer Sam Orme adds valuable shooting at the four spot. This team will score, but the question remains: can they defend? Previous Ranking: 22 Robert Wright III's decision to return for his junior season dramatically changes the Cougars' 2026-27 outlook, giving them one of the best floor generals in the sport. He will be joined by five-star freshman standout Bruce Branch III, who is widely regarded as one of the top 2026 prospects in the nation. The Cougars will also welcome in Collin Chandler, who is set to return home after two years playing for Mark Pope and Kentucky. Previous Ranking: 21 Miami head coach Jai Lucas should have one of the best rosters in the ACC heading into next season, but how quickly it all comes together remains to be seen. Shelton Henderson is a rising star, with the look of a future pro. He’ll be joined by a loaded transfer class, highlighted by a pair of standout additions in Villanova transfer Acaden Lewis and former Georgia big man Somto Cyril. Previous Ranking: 20 Vanderbilt's offseason revolved around the decision of star point guard Tyler Tanner. The good news for Mark Byington's team is that Tanner withdrew from the NBA Draft and will return next season as a likely preseason first-team All-American. The not so good news is that starting forward AK Okereke, who was seeking an additional year of eligibility, will not return next year. Still, Byington had an exceptional year in the transfer portal, bringing in an impressive five-man class that includes T.O. Barrett (Missouri), Berke Buyuktuncel (Nebraska), Bangot Dak (Colorado), Ace Glass (Washington State) and Sebastian Williams-Adams (Auburn). Previous Ranking: 19 Indiana head coach Darian DeVries completely retooled his roster this offseason, assembling a six-man transfer class that ranks sixth in the nation, per 247Sports. The group is headlined by a dominant frontcourt duo in Aiden Sherrell (Indiana) and Samet Yigitoglu (SMU). They'll be joined by former Notre Dame standout Markus Burton, who could be one of the top newcomers in the Big Ten next season if he can stay healthy. Previous Ranking: 18 Houston coach Kelvin Sampson faces the challenge of replacing four starters from last year's team. The Cougars will need Chase McCarty and Mercy Miller to step into bigger roles next season, and will look to returning forward Joseph Tugler to take a jump into an alpha role. Sampson is set to bring in a trio of impact transfers: Dedan Thomas Jr. (LSU), Delrecco Gillespie (Kent State) and Corey Hadnot II (Purdue Fort Wayne), along with a top-25 recruiting class highlighted by five-star big man Arafan Diane. Previous Ranking: 17Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes is known for being one of the top defensive coaches in the nation, but the 71-year-old Barnes is set to bring in the No. 3-ranked portal class in the nation this year, and it's loaded with plenty of offensive firepower. Barnes' haul includes three players – Juke Harris (Wake Forest), Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU) and Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame) – ranked among the top 25 transfers in this country. Previous Ranking: 16 Alabama forward Amari Allen withdrew from the NBA Draft and will provide the Crimson Tide with a steadying force on the perimeter. Beyond that, there is plenty of uncertainty surrounding Alabama's roster. Big man Aiden Sherrell transferred to Indiana, while standout guard Aden Holloway, who was arrested on felony drug charges on March 16, has announced plans to return to the university and hopes to rejoin the team. Jaxon Richardson and Qayden Samuels are both highly touted recruits who will arrive next season, but their impact remains to be seen. Previous Ranking: 15 Continuity has been a central theme for the Cavaliers this offseason. Virginia returns four of its top six scorers from last year, including Thijs De Ridder, a 6-foot-9 forward from Belgium who led the team in scoring as a freshman. His combination of versatility and experience gives the Cavaliers a reliable offensive foundation, while returning guard Chance Mallory will be asked to take on a larger role as the team's lead initiator and playmaker. Previous Ranking: 14 Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Ames through 2036, but Iowa State will enter 2026-27 with a different roster. The departures of Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic leave significant holes to fill, though the return of guards Killyan Toure and Jamarion Batemon, coupled with a five-player transfer haul, should help. Previous Ranking: 12 Guard Rodney Rice is returning from injury, while Alijah Arenas enters his sophomore season with the benefit of a full offseason in the weight room. Jacob Cofie is back to anchor the frontcourt, and the additions of KJ Lewis from Georgetown, Eric Reibe from UConn, and three top-30 freshmen give the Trojans one of the nation's most fascinating rosters. How quickly coach Eric Musselman can mold that talent into a contender will be one of the sport's biggest storylines. Previous Ranking: 10 The exit of Meleek Thomas to the NBA hurt, but the return of Billy Richmond III was significant. This team should still be a lot of fun. Arkansas has Elite Eight potential thanks to its mix of veteran talent and the nation's top recruiting class, which includes four top-25 prospects, led by guard Jordan Smith Jr. Previous Ranking: 11 Texas' ceiling depends on returning center Matas Vokietaitis becoming a star, but the pieces around him are in place. The Longhorns were aggressive in the transfer portal, landing David Punch from TCU and Isaiah Johnson from Colorado. Punch should pair with Vokietaitis to give Texas a strong frontcourt, while Johnson provides a steady hand at point guard. Previous Ranking: 10 Gonzaga will get a huge boost from Braden Huff, one of the most talented players in the country, returning from an injury that kept him out of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Around Huff, coach Mark Few and the Bulldogs added Massamba Diop from Arizona State and Isiah Harwell from Houston. Both endured disappointing freshman seasons and will look to bounce back in Spokane. Previous Ranking: 9 After making the Final Four for the first time since 2001, Arizona lost four key pieces, including freshman standout Koa Peat, who opted to remain in the NBA Draft. Head coach Tommy Lloyd will rely on returning starters Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov, who give the Wildcats a high floor, especially on defense. The backcourt of North Carolina transfer Derek Dixon and five-star freshman Caleb Holt will give the offense a new look. Previous Ranking: 11 The Red Storm come bursting their way into the top 10. I already loved their roster last month, but the surprising addition of Baylor transfer Tounde Yessoufou is exactly what they needed. He’s a big-bodied guard who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, averaging 18 points and 6 rebounds per game last season. Previous Ranking: 7 Michigan State’s star point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. will return after withdrawing from the NBA Draft. Fears, an extension of coach Tom Izzo on the court, could be a candidate for the Bob Cousy Award. He is the Spartans’ floor general, but for them to go the distance, forwards Coen Carr and Cam Ward, along with shooting guard Kur Teng, will need to step up. Anton Bonke, a transfer from Charlotte, could help offset the departures of Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler. Previous Ranking: 7 Head coach Dan Hurley convinced freshman standout Braylon Mullins to return to UConn after a magical run to the 2026 national title game. Point guard Silas Demary Jr. and forward Jayden Ross are also back. Transfers Nikolas Khamenia and Najai Hines should help fill the void left by the departures of Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban. Previous Ranking: 5 The Cardinals went out and spent a lot of money to put together a team that I think is title worthy. Let’s start with the best defensive center in the country: Flory Bidunga. He’s flanked by Iowa transfer Alvaro Folgueiras, fresh off his clutch NCAA Tournament performances. In the backcourt, Oregon transfer Jackson Shelstad runs the point and Arkansas wing transfer Karter Knox rounds out a roster that has a little bit of everything. Previous Ranking: 4 Duke's roster blends star power and depth. The headliner is Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who withdrew from the NBA Draft and will help replace the loss of Isaiah Evans. Head coach Jon Scheyer also brought in a new class of five-star freshmen, as well as heralded international prospect Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje from Spain. The foundation is Duke's returning group: Caleb Foster, Cayden Boozer, Dame Sarr and Patrick Ngongba II. Previous Ranking: 3 One year after relying on an elite frontcourt, the core of this Michigan team will reside in its returning backcourt of Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney. Head coach Dusty May had to replace a trio of forwards projected to be first-round NBA Draft picks, and he did so with JP Estrella from Tennessee and Moustapha Thiam from Cincinnati. It’s unfair to expect the Wolverines to match last year’s defensive dominance, but don’t underestimate May’s ability to build another elite unit. Previous Ranking: 2 Illinois head coach Brad Underwood should feel good about this group after Andrej Stojakovic withdrew from the NBA Draft and returned to the Illini. Alongside David Mirkovic and Tomislav Ivisic, Stojakovic gives Illinois one of the nation's top frontcourts. The addition of Stefan Vaaks from Providence should help offset the loss of Keaton Wagler. Previous Ranking: 1 The Gators vaulted to No. 1 after their entire frontcourt elected to return. Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, all key contributors on Florida's 2025 national championship team, are back after last season ended in a Round of 32 loss to Iowa. Guards Boogie Fland and Urban Klavzar will also return to Gainesville.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Top 10 Returning Players In College Basketball Ahead Of The 2026-27 Season]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/top-10-returning-players-college-basketball-ahead-2026-27-season</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/top-10-returning-players-college-basketball-ahead-2026-27-season</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[From Jeremy Fears Jr. to Elliot Cadeau, FOX Sports' Michael Cohen lists the top returning players in men's college basketball ahead of the 2026-27 season.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:07:33 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[For certain coaches and fans around the country, many of whom had been waiting with bated breath, last week's NBA Draft withdrawal deadline finally afforded them the chance to exhale. The collective sigh you might have heard originated in places like East Lansing, Michigan, where point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. allowed the Spartans to breathe easier, and extended to Nashville, Tennessee, where point guard Tyler Tanner's choice to return to school should propel Vanderbilt into the Top 25. Elsewhere, the reactions were far more tempered — crushed, even. Arizona bid farewell to star forward Koa Peat, a five-star freshman who made the surprising decision to remain in this year's NBA Draft. And at Arkansas, whose coach, John Calipari, is accustomed to rebuilding efforts, the Razorbacks will need to replace standout guard Meleek Thomas. The draft giveth and the draft taketh away. With that in mind — and now that rosters are finally, sort of, almost complete — here's a look at the top returning players in the sport ahead of the 2026-27 season, in no particular order: Height: 6-foot-2Weight: 190 poundsClass: Redshirt juniorPrevious schools: None Last season: 15.2 points, 9.4 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 32.4 minutes per game It’s anything but hyperbolic to say the trajectory of Michigan State’s upcoming season hinged on whether Fears, a second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten performer, would decide to remain in the NBA Draft. He kept the Spartan faithful waiting until the absolute last minute, stretching his contemplative period — and the accompanying speculation on social media — all the way to the withdrawal deadline day. In the end, though, with most prognosticators viewing Fears as an early second-round pick, he decided to return for another year alongside head coach Tom Izzo. Though his on-court demeanor remains divisive, Fears should enter the 2026-27 campaign as arguably the best point guard in college basketball after leading the nation in assists last season. Fears will be counted on to demonstrate legitimate growth in maturity and leadership following the departures of veteran big men Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, both of whom exhausted their eligibility. This team belongs to Fears. Height: 6 feetWeight: 175 poundsClass: JuniorPrevious schools: None Last season: 19.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals in 33.5 minutes per game An incredible ascent from zero-star recruit to one of the more prolific scoring guards in the country vaulted Tanner into a legitimate draft prospect this spring, with most experts viewing him as a fringe first-round pick. Undeterred by an undersized frame, Tanner flashed strength on both ends of the court by earning first-team All-SEC honors while simultaneously being named to the conference’s All-Defensive Team last season. He was also inches away from connecting on a half-court heave against Nebraska that would have lifted Vanderbilt into the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2007. As with Michigan State, the Commodores’ outlook changes quite significantly with Tanner returning for another season. His presence alone should be enough to earn Vanderbilt a spot in most preseason rankings and keep the program in the upper half of what projects as an incredibly competitive SEC landscape. Head coach Mark Byington has a chance to lead the Commodores to a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance for just the second time in school history. Height: 6-foot-9Weight: 215 poundsClass: SeniorPrevious schools: None Last season: 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 33.3 minutes per game For Haugh and his teammates, the dream of winning back-to-back national championships was shattered with a stunning second-round loss to No. 8 Iowa last March. In many ways, it was a defeat that could have signaled the end of an era for Florida, whose exceptional frontcourt trio of Haugh, Alex Condon and Reuben Chinyelu all faced individual decisions about the NBA Draft. With one expert after another projecting Haugh — a consensus second-team All-American last season — as a surefire first-round pick and likely lottery choice, his time in college seemed finished. But on April 21, more than a month before the NBA’s withdrawal deadline, Haugh announced his intention to return for another year, matching Condon’s decision from the week prior. And when Chinyelu decided to join them by removing his name from the draft last month, head coach Todd Golden’s band was officially back together. Now, the Gators will almost certainly enter the 2026-27 campaign as prohibitive national title favorites and the presumptive No. 1 team in the country. Height: 6-foot-8Weight: 225 poundsClass: SeniorPrevious schools: Iowa State Last season: 16.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1 assist in 30.5 minutes per game Momcilovic faced two monumental choices in quick succession as the calendar inched from spring toward summer. First, the sharpshooting forward needed to decide whether to remain in the NBA Draft, where he projected as an early second-round pick. Once Momcilovic removed his name from consideration in late May, he was tasked with selecting a new collegiate destination after moving on from Iowa State. The dust finally settled late Monday evening when Momcilovic, a second-team All-Big 12 selection, committed to Kentucky over Louisville and Arizona. It’s easy to understand why 247Sports rated Momcilovic as the No. 2 overall player in this year’s transfer portal, trailing only former Kansas center Flory Bidunga, now at Louisville. He led the nation in both 3-point field goal percentage (48.7%) and 3-pointers made (136) for an Iowa State team that finished tied for third in a brutally difficult Big 12 and then reached the Sweet 16. Momcilovic chipped in at least three made 3s in 23 of 37 appearances for the Cyclones and reached a season-high eight 3-pointers on four separate occasions. Height: 6-foot-4Weight: 195 poundsClass: SeniorPrevious schools: Georgia Last season: 10.1 points, 5.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 28.4 minutes per game After head coach Dan Hurley and his squad pushed No. 1 Michigan to the brink in this year’s national championship despite significant injuries to Demary (ankle) and guard Solo Ball (wrist), it left many UConn fans wondering what might have been. The Huskies never complete their stunning comeback against top-seeded Duke in the Elite Eight without Demary’s two 3-pointers in the waning moments. Nor do they reach the title game without his seven points, seven assists and nine rebounds against Illinois in the Final Four. Still, those performances paled in comparison to what Demary offered at his best during the regular season. Time and again, Hurley credited Demary for instilling the team with levels of toughness and defensive intensity that raised UConn’s ceiling. Coaches around the conference seemed to agree: Hurley’s peers voted Demary first-team All-Big East and also placed him on the league’s All-Defensive Team. Demary and guard Braylon Mullins should form one of the sport’s best backcourts. Height: 6-foot-4Weight: 203 poundsClass: SeniorPrevious schools: Wisconsin Last season: 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 33.8 minutes per game One year removed from a near-silent transfer portal cycle in which head coach Jon Scheyer only added reserve center Ifeanyi Ufochukwu, the Blue Devils made much more of a splash this spring. In addition to signing former Belmont star Drew Scharnowski, the No. 31 overall transfer and No. 8 power forward in the portal, Scheyer also secured one of the sport’s best pure scorers in Blackwell. Any concerns about whether Blackwell would ever make it to Duke were erased on May 22 when he withdrew from the NBA Draft. A former three-star recruit, Blackwell developed into a highly effective three-level scorer during an impressive career with the Badgers. He increased his scoring average from 8 points per game as a freshman, to 15.8 per game as a sophomore, to a career-best 19.1 per game last season, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors. Potency from beyond the arc (38.9%) and at the free-throw line (85.9%) made Blackwell a coveted option in this year’s portal cycle. Height: 6-foot-11Weight: 236 poundsClass: SeniorPrevious schools: None Last season: 15.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game The statistic that most people referenced when discussing the impact of Florida’s mammoth frontcourt — which included Condon at power forward, Thomas Haugh at small forward (6-9, 215 pounds) and Reuben Chinyelu at center (6-10, 265 pounds) — was offensive rebounding rate. Those three players spearheaded a relentless assault on the glass that led to the Gators recouping more than 43% of their field goal attempts, second nationally behind only Tennessee. As a result, no team finished with a better rebounding margin than Florida’s mark of plus-14 per game. Having that kind of size proved equally beneficial on the defensive end, where the Gators ranked sixth nationally in adjusted efficiency and eighth in opponent 2-point field goal percentage. Condon's two-way versatility was a major reason why. He finished as the team’s top player in Bayesian Performance Rating, according to EvanMiya.com, which is a metric that tracks an individual’s overall value whenever he’s on the floor. Height: 6-foot-9Weight: 250 poundsClass: SophomorePrevious schools: None Last season: 13.3 points, 8 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 29.5 minutes per game Though Illinois fans could be forgiven for not knowing much about Mirkovic when he committed to head coach Brad Underwood, the coaches and scouts who closely follow international basketball were already overly familiar with his game. By then, Mirkovic had averaged 22.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game at the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championships while playing for his native Montenegro. The following year, he averaged 8.9 points and 4.1 rebounds across seven games in the 2023 U20 European Championship, where he was the youngest player. And in 2024 — not long before signing with Illinois — Mirkovic made his debut for Montenegro’s senior national team in a FIBA EuroBasket qualifier. Mirkovic’s versatility and overall feel for the game translated seamlessly to college, where he entrenched himself as a day-one starter for Underwood. He finished the season ranked 12th nationally among freshman in the PRPG! metric on Torvik, which calculates how many points per game an individual contributes beyond what a replacement-level player would offer. He should be among the Big Ten’s elite this season. Height: 7-foot-2Weight: 260 poundsClass: SeniorPrevious schools: None Last season: 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 25.3 minutes per game There were times during Arizona’s remarkable 2025-26 campaign, which included the program’s first trip to the Final Four in a quarter-century, when it seemed all but impossible for opposing teams to score around the rim. Player after player — regardless of size, independent of position — would simply be turned away by Krivas, a mountainous presence adept at applying the sport’s famed principle of verticality to avoid being called for fouls. He finished the season with an incredible ratio of 73 blocked shots and only 103 fouls, driving the Wildcats toward a second-place finish in adjusted defensive efficiency behind Michigan. The only players with better individual defensive ratings than Krivas, according to EvanMiya.com, were Yaxel Lendeborg of Michigan, Reuben Chinyelu of Florida, Aday Mara of Michigan, Flory Bidunga of Kansas and Joseph Tugler of Houston. Krivas is now the unquestioned anchor for a team that needs to replace its three leading scorers in Brayden Burries (16.1 points), Koa Peat (14.1 points) and Jaden Bradley (13.3). How much, or how little, Krivas’ own offensive repertoire expands in the coming months might serve as a good barometer for Arizona’s ceiling next season. He’ll need to make more than 3.5 field goals per game for the Wildcats to remain among the sport’s elite. Height: 6-foot-1Weight: 180 poundsClass: SeniorPrevious schools: North Carolina Last season: 10.5 points, 5.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 27.3 minutes per game What a luxury for head coach Dusty May to retain the Most Outstanding Player from this year’s Final Four. Though Cadeau entered his name in the NBA Draft earlier this spring, the expectation among Michigan’s coaching staff was always that he would return for his senior season. In fact, Cadeau’s presumptive presence as the central figure on next year’s roster became a key selling point for the Wolverines when pursuing new faces in the transfer portal. May and his assistants soon realized that quite a few players, especially rim-running centers, were eager to play with Cadeau. Given the departures of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara, all of whom are expected to become first-round picks later this month, there’s an opportunity for Cadeau to assume more of a scoring role next season. He and shooting guard Trey McKenney, who was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team after averaging 9.9 points per game, should give Michigan one of the strongest, most experienced backcourts in the league.]]>
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					<![CDATA[FOX Sports, TBT Announce Extension For New-Look, $2M Tournament]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/fox-sports-tbt-announce-extension-new-look-2m-tournament</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/fox-sports-tbt-announce-extension-new-look-2m-tournament</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is returning to FOX Sports, announcing a two-year extension to air the new-look tournament, which will include a $2 million championship prize.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 21:00:54 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Mark your calendars, college basketball fans. The Basketball Tournament is returning to FOX Sports, announcing a two-year extension to air the new-look tournament, which will include a $2 million championship prize. An annual tournament featuring college basketball alumni competing for a cash prize, is entering its 13th year of competition. FOX Sports will air 20 games across FOX, FS1, and FS2, including the championship game on Aug. 2. "We are excited to return to Fox Sports for two more years," TBT CEO Jon Mugar said. "Last year’s championship game was our most watched and highest attended ever. With double the prize, and only sixteen teams, our 2026 event will be our most competitive ever." The 2026 iteration of the TBT will feature a 16-team bracket, including eight alumni teams and eight non-alumni teams competing on separate sides of the bracket. The first round will be a best-of-three before returning to single-elimination games. The $2 million winner-take-all prize money is the largest purse since 2019. Here is the alumni bracket: La Familia (Kentucky alumni) vs. The Ville (Louisville alumni): July 18-22 JHX Hoops (Kansas alumni) vs. Purple Reign (Kansas State alumni): July 21-24 Boeheim’s Army (Syracuse alumni) vs. Hall In (Seton Hall alumni): July 21-24 AfterShocks (Wichita State alumni) vs. The Enchantment (New Mexico alumni): July 20-24 Notable players set to participate in this year’s tournament include Michael Beasley (Kansas State), Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky), Frank Mason III (Kansas), Russ Smith (Louisville), Donovan Dent (New Mexico, UCLA), Isaiah Whitehead (Seton Hall), and Buddy Boeheim (Syracuse). TBT’s eight non-alumni teams will compete in the Vegas Bracket at the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas from July 22-30. The Vegas Bracket will be headlined by a team entry from two-time NBA All-Star Baron Davis. The winner of the Vegas Bracket will play the winner of the Alumni Bracket on Aug. 2 at the Alumni Bracket championship’s home gym.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Who Stayed? Who Left? And How It Shapes The 2026-27 College Basketball Season]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/who-stayed-who-left-2026-27-college-basketball</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/who-stayed-who-left-2026-27-college-basketball</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Who is set to head back to college, who will move on to the pros, and how will their decisions alter the landscape of college basketball next year?]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 14:52:47 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Stay or go. That was the question facing a handful of key players in college basketball who entered their names into the 2026 NBA Draft pool. Players such as Flory Bidunga, Rueben Chinyelu, and John Blackwell entered the NBA Draft process this spring while preserving their college eligibility. All three standouts ultimately decided to return to college, while others waited until just before the Wednesday, May 27, deadline to announce their final decisions. Who is set to head back to college, who will move on to the pros, and how will their decisions alter the landscape of college basketball heading into the 2026-27 season? Decision: Fears will return to Michigan State. (source) Impact: Fears announced he will return to the Spartans for his fourth season. The All-American point guard averaged 15.9 points and a nation-leading 9.4 assists per game in 2025-26. His decision to stay in East Lansing significantly boosts Michigan State’s outlook, as the Spartans will enter the year as a top-10 team and a legitimate national championship contender. Decision: Yessoufou will return to college and transfer to St. John's. (source) Impact: After waiting until the final minutes to enter the transfer portal, Yessoufou followed suit and didn't announce his decision to stay in college or enter the NBA Draft until after the deadline. Then, in a surprising move, it was reported that not only would Yessoufou return to college, but he would transfer to St. John's to play for legendary head coach Rick Pitino. With a core of returning guard Ian Jackson, Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman and Yessoufou, St. John's possesses the firepower to once again be one of the top teams in the Big East next season. Decision: Peat will remain in the NBA Draft. (source) Impact: Peat will take his talents to the NBA, officially becoming a one-and-done standout. The former five-star prospect enjoyed a successful freshman season at Arizona, averaging 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while helping the Wildcats reach their first Final Four since 2001. Peat joins fellow freshman Brayden Burries as a 2026 NBA Draft hopeful. Meanwhile, Arizona must replace several key departures, including Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka and Anthony Dell'Orso. The Wildcats will lean on returners Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov, along with North Carolina transfer Derrick Dixon, Washington transfer JJ Mandaquit and incoming freshman Caleb Holt. Decision: Momcilovic will return to college and transfer from Iowa State. (source) Impact: The nation’s best 3-point shooter will return for his fourth season of college basketball. Momcilovic spent three years at Iowa State, averaging 16.9 points per game while leading the nation in 3-point shooting at 48.7% during his junior season with the Cyclones. Following the season, he entered both the NBA Draft pool and the NCAA transfer portal. With his decision to remain in college, Momcilovic becomes one of the top uncommitted transfers on the market. He will provide his next team with elite shooting and veteran leadership capable of altering the outlook of the top contenders for the 2026-27 season. Decision: Tanner will return to Vanderbilt. (source) Impact: Tanner will remain in college for his third season with the Commodores. He made one of the biggest leaps of any sophomore last season, improving from 5.7 points per game to 19.5 and from 1.9 assists per game to 5.1. He led Vanderbilt to its first NCAA Tournament win since 2012, though the run ended after his half-court buzzer-beater rattled out in a loss to Nebraska. Tanner could also enter the season as a candidate for the Bob Cousy Award, given annually to the nation’s top point guard. After four of Vanderbilt’s top five players in minutes played graduated, the Commodores added Washington State transfer Ace Glass, Missouri transfer T.O. Barrett and Nebraska transfer Berke Buyuktuncel. Still, Tanner’s return is the most significant development, as it substantially raises Vanderbilt’s ceiling for the 2026-27 season. Decision: Allen will return to Alabama. (source) Impact: Allen gained feedback from NBA scouts but ultimately decided to return to Alabama for his sophomore season. He could follow a similar path to Labaron Philon Jr., who tested the professional waters after his freshman year with the Crimson Tide, returned to school, and now projects as a likely lottery pick. A versatile guard with good size, Allen averaged 11.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as a freshman. With Philon departing, he is expected to take on a featured role in Alabama’s backcourt. Decision: Richmond will return to Arkansas. (source) Impact: Arkansas wing Billy Richmond III will reportedly return to college for his third season. Richmond averaged 11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while coming off the bench in 19 of the Razorbacks’ 37 games during the 2025-26 season. A versatile player, Richmond showcased intensity and effort on the defensive end while displaying a high basketball IQ offensively. He will also provide a veteran presence for a roster featuring highly touted freshmen Jordan Smith Jr., JJ Andrews and Abdou Toure. Decision: Thomas will remain in the NBA Draft (source) Impact: Thomas waited until after the official NBA Draft withdrawal deadline to announce his decision, but the freshman standout ultimately chose to remain in the draft and begin his professional career. A former five-star prospect, Thomas averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 43.5% shooting from the field in his lone season at Arkansas. Head coach John Calipari will look to a talented freshmen class to once again lead the way for his team next season. Decision: Able will stay in college and transfer from NC State to North Carolina. (source) Impact: After one season with the Wolfpack, Able will head roughly 25 miles west to Chapel Hill to play for the Tar Heels. He averaged 8.8 points in 21.8 minutes per game while coming off the bench in every game for NC State last season. However, it was a tumultuous year in Raleigh that ended with first-year head coach Will Wade — who recruited Able — departing for LSU immediately after the season. Amid the instability, Able never fully showcased his potential, though he still earned praise from NBA scouts. A second college season and a change of scenery could help turn that promise into greater production, and ultimately, higher draft capital. Decision: Stojakovic will return to Illinois. (source) Impact: Stojakovic will stay in college for another season with the Illini. After stops at Stanford and Cal, he transferred to Illinois, where he averaged 13.5 points per game during his junior season. After starting 21 of the team’s first 23 games in 2025-26, Stojakovic embraced and flourished in a sixth-man role as the Illini made a Final Four run. With his decision to return, Illinois retains the majority of its core outside of guards Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell and will look to build on its deep postseason push.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Michigan State Guard Jeremy Fears Jr. Returns For 2026-27 Season]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-state-jeremy-fears-return-spartans-impact-tom-izzo</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-state-jeremy-fears-return-spartans-impact-tom-izzo</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Jeremy Fears Jr. will be back with Michigan State for the 2026-27 season.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 23:27:14 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. will return for his fourth season with the Spartans, CBS reported. After averaging 15.2 points per game and leading the nation with 9.4 assists per game during the 2025-26 season, Fears entered his name into the NBA Draft pool. He tested the professional waters up until just before the deadline — Wednesday, May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET — to withdraw, ultimately sticking in East Lansing for another year. Fears epitomizes the culture head coach Tom Izzo has built at Michigan State. In an era where many players transfer, Fears experienced a gradual development under Izzo. As he returns, he'll join players who have followed a similar path, such as Coen Carr and Kur Teng. Rising sophomores Jordan Scott and Cam Ward will also be key members of the 2026-27 roster, as will Kaleb Glenn, who redshirted after transferring from FAU. With the Spartans having such a strong history of retention, they don't often utilize the transfer portal. However, Michigan State saw guard Divine Ugochukwu transfer to LSU, while forwards Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler graduated after the season. So they dipped into the portal, landing Charlotte transfer Anton Bonke, who similarly to Fears, entered the NBA Draft pool, and ultimately returned to Michigan State. Fears, who was voted to the 2025-26 All-Big Ten First Team, will likely be a candidate to win the Bob Cousy Award for the nation's best point guard in the 2026-27 season. Had he remained in the NBA Draft, it would have greatly diminished Michigan State's chances to contend for a national title.]]>
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					<![CDATA[The Blueprint: How Elliot Cadeau Became The Centerpiece Of Michigan's Offseason]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/how-elliot-cadeau-became-centerpiece-michigans-offseason-reload</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/how-elliot-cadeau-became-centerpiece-michigans-offseason-reload</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[FOX Sports' Michael Cohen details how Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau emerged as the centerpiece of the Wolverines’ portal-driven offseason.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 17:13:11 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[For Michigan head coach Dusty May and his coaching staff — which had already lost one key figure during the early stages of this year’s carousel — the irony of presiding over the finest campaign in school history was preparing for an offseason that might be among the program’s worst. Figuratively speaking, of course. There’s nothing desultory about the afterglow of winning a national championship. May knew he was losing assistant Justin Joyner to the head-coaching job at Oregon State, a move that was finalized nearly a month before Michigan cut down the nets in Indianapolis. He knew it was becoming increasingly likely that Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara would all turn pro following revelatory seasons out of the transfer portal. It’s now widely expected that the Wolverines will produce three first-round picks in a single year for just the second time in school history. "We tried to anticipate the worst-case scenario," Michigan assistant coach Drew Williamson told me earlier this month, "which would be all those guys leaving. And so we kind of put a game plan together for trying to find the best fits that were similar to how we wanted to play. And the guys that we knew were returning, using their strengths to put guys around them [from the portal]." That approach quickly rendered point guard Elliot Cadeau the central figure to Michigan’s rebuilding efforts — even as Cadeau joined some of his teammates in declaring for the NBA Draft, launching into the pre-draft process while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. The understanding among the Wolverines’ coaches was that Cadeau, who had just completed his junior season, was more interested in gathering feedback from scouts and executives than actually turning pro. Sure enough, Cadeau withdrew his name from the draft’s list of early entrants over the weekend, reaffirming his commitment to Michigan. That was precisely the outcome May and his staff envisioned when they observed just how integral Cadeau was to landing the program's latest batch of frontcourt reinforcements: former Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam, former Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella and former LSU forward Jalen Reed. As eager as Cadeau was to work with Michigan’s coaches in identifying portal targets — constantly peppering them with names he’d seen and heard — the Wolverines soon discovered that just as many high-level transfers were eager to be his teammate. "A pass-first point guard," May told me earlier this month, "that’s the biggest sell in today’s climate. To not have a high-volume scoring point guard helps the chemistry. When we took this job, we said, ‘We’re gonna get a good big [man] and a pass-first point guard.’ And we were going to try to make sure we have that every year. Everything else, in between, we felt like we could figure out a way to be successful." That Michigan’s coaching staff coaxed such refinement from Cadeau emphatically squashed any external concerns surrounding both his ceiling as an elite guard and his long-range consistency following two uneven seasons at North Carolina. He completed his first season with the Wolverines averaging a career-high 10.5 points per game while also ranking 11th nationally in assists (5.9 per game) among players from the power conferences. When the stakes were highest — as the Wolverines steamrolled one opponent after another during the NCAA Tournament — Cadeau’s assist rate of 35.3% ranked fourth among guards who reached the second weekend or beyond, culminating in his selection as the Most Outstanding Player in the Final Four. Isolating and extracting the things Cadeau and his NBA-bound teammates had excelled at soon became the coaching staff’s primary goal once the transfer portal officially opened in early April. May understood that the chances of signing three more future first-round picks were exceedingly slim, especially once the prices for post players began to soar on the open market, but the Wolverines had two seasons’ worth of data that emphasized the benefits of high-level, fear-inducing positional size. Replicating that formula seemed like an obvious choice, with Cadeau and fellow returning guard Trey McKenney offering plenty of backcourt continuity from the title-winning group. [THE BLUEPRINT: Michigan Built A Formula Teams Are Racing To Copy] "Our phones are ringing more than they were before," assistant coach Mike Boynton told me earlier this month, "with guys reaching out saying, ‘Hey, we’re watching what you guys have been able to do with this particular type of player and we have a guy who we think has a similar game, similar skill set, and we’d like to talk to see if there’s mutual interest.’" So which of those skills did the coaches believe would mesh most seamlessly with Cadeau moving forward? May told me his early studies of the Big Ten underscored the importance of having quality screeners, a category into which he grouped ex-Wolverine center Tarris Reed Jr. and Purdue standout Trey Kaufman-Renn. That realization led Michigan toward Estrella, who averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds per game at Tennessee, another program known for its physicality and toughness under head coach Rick Barnes. When the Wolverines studied Estrella’s high school tape, they saw shooting mechanics solid enough to believe he could eventually expand his repertoire to include pick-and-pop opportunities with Cadeau next season. Then there were the alley-oops, a trademark of Michigan’s offense whenever Mara was on the floor. Williamson told me the staff identified a handful of transfer centers with the requisite size and mobility to "fit that mold a little bit," even if nobody could quite match Mara’s monstrous 7-foot-3, 255-pound frame — though the Wolverines certainly came close to finding a plug-and-play replacement in Thiam. A former top-60 recruit in the 2024 cycle, Thiam now stands 7-foot-2 and weighs 255 pounds after adding a considerable amount of muscle during stints at UCF and Cincinnati. He averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game for the Bearcats last season before head coach Wes Miller got fired. He preempted those numbers with an eye-catching 15-point effort against Michigan in an exhibition game at Crisler Center on Oct. 17. The chance for Thiam to be on the receiving end of passes from Cadeau was exactly what he’d hoped to find after back-to-back seasons in which his team’s point guards averaged 4.3 assists or fewer per game. "He saw enough, and I think we were able to give him enough evidence that Elliot could be maybe the best facilitator in the country," Boynton told me. "And we [explained to him how] that will make the game easier on you. You will have more baskets where you literally just have to catch it close enough to the basket to lay it in, instead of having to fight against a post defender, making a move and trying to create things yourself through double teams. You’re going to get, probably, two to three lobs per game. You’re going to be able to play in space a little bit more. You’re going to be able to get some throw-aheads because that’s the way that Elliot sees the game. "I think that was probably the thing that put us over the top versus some of the other schools that he was considering, is that he watched how we all believe Elliot helped Morez [Johnson] and Aday [Mara] make the game easier and put themselves in the position that they’re in now." For all of those portal additions to unfold while Cadeau was still technically entered in the NBA Draft speaks to the trust that runs from May to his point guard and back again, an understanding that neither side would burn the other. Michigan’s coaches even went as far as consulting with Cadeau on potential targets, drawing on film the guard himself had studied or opponents he had faced earlier in his career. Eventually, Cadeau began sending names directly to assistant coach Akeem Miskdeen, according to Williamson, because he "wanted to have a little skin in the game." That dynamic made Cadeau the most important figure in Michigan’s offseason and its bid for a second consecutive national championship. Some of his teammates might be departing, but Cadeau was always intent on running it back. "His clips and his highlights were involved in a lot of our recruiting pitches this offseason," Williamson told me. "I think that was an easy sell."]]>
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					<![CDATA[From the NBA to LSU? Luis Jr.’s Return To College Raises Eligibility Questions]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/rj-luis-committed-lsu-tigers-college-basketball-eligibility</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/rj-luis-committed-lsu-tigers-college-basketball-eligibility</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Former 2025 Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. has committed to LSU after time in the NBA and G League, but major eligibility questions remain.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 15:34:20 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[As college basketball continues navigating the rapidly evolving NIL and transfer portal era, another major eligibility situation has emerged. Former St. John’s standout and 2025 Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. has reportedly committed to LSU after spending time in the NBA and G League ranks with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics. Following his breakout 2024-25 campaign with the Red Storm in which he averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, Luis entered both the transfer portal and the NBA Draft. Despite drawing significant NIL interest to remain in college basketball at the time, the 6-foot-7 wing elected to keep his name in the draft beyond the NCAA withdrawal deadline. Luis went undrafted before signing a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. He later was traded to the Boston Celtics organization and eventually signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Maine Celtics, Boston’s NBA G League affiliate. However, injuries prevented Luis from appearing in a game during his time with Maine before he was ultimately waived. Luis has now landed at LSU, where he would join a Tigers program entering its first season back under head coach Will Wade. Wade previously coached the program from 2017-22 before returning to Baton Rouge in March. On top of the addition of Luis, Wade and LSU have aggressively targeted players with unique professional and eligibility backgrounds this offseason. That reportedly includes Israeli guard Yam Madar, a former second-round pick of the Boston Celtics in the 2020 NBA Draft. While Madar never officially signed an NBA contract or suited up for the Celtics, he played in three 2021 NBA Summer League games. So how is this allowed and what comes next? That is where the situation becomes significantly more complicated. The NCAA has previously ruled that players who sign NBA contracts, including two-way contracts, are ineligible to return to college basketball. NCAA president Charlie Baker reiterated that stance publicly last year amid another high-profile eligibility case involving former Alabama center Charles Bediako back in December. Like Luis, Bediako declared for the NBA Draft, went undrafted and later signed a two-way NBA contract with the San Antonio Spurs before attempting to return to the college ranks. Bediako challenged the NCAA’s ruling in court and briefly played in five games for Alabama after receiving a temporary restraining order, though a judge later denied his request for a preliminary injunction and ended his eligibility case. Luis, and potentially Madar, will likely have to follow a similar path to Bediako in order to gain eligibility. This case will likely depend on how the legal process and NCAA eligibility proceedings ultimately play out.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 NBA Draft No. 1 Pick Odds: Dybantsa Favored to Land With Wizards]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/2026-nba-draft-no-1-pick-odds</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/2026-nba-draft-no-1-pick-odds</guid>
				<category>nba</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Check out the odds for who is going first in the 2026 NBA Draft, now that we know the draft order.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 16:53:20 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[We know which franchise has the No. 1 pick. Let's check out the odds for whom the Washington Wizards will take with the first selection at FanDuel Sportsbook as of May 18. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. NBA Draft No. 1 pick odds AJ Dybantsa: -280 (bet $10 to win $13.57 total)Darryn Peterson: +230 (bet $10 to win $33 total)Cameron Boozer: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)Caleb Wilson: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)Darius Acuff Jr.: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total) It's long been known that the first pick would likely be Dybantsa, Peterson or Boozer. The three freshman were outstanding last season. Dybantsa and Boozer were both consensus first-team All-Americans, and Boozer was the National Player of the Year. He averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds for Duke. As for Dybantsa, he was also the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and NCAA scoring champion, after putting up 25.5 points per game for BYU, alongside 6.8 rebounds. Peterson, who battled injury for the majority of the season, was second-team All-Big 12 after averaging 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds for Kansas. Now that we know the 2026 NBA Draft order, fans and analysts can begin to take a deeper look at team needs, beginning with the Wizards. Washington landed the first pick after finishing with the worst record in the NBA last season (17-65). At No. 2 is Utah, which had the fourth-worst record (22-60), and third is Memphis, which had the sixth-worst record (25-57). Chicago will pick fourth, and the Clippers will pick fifth.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Michigan Men's Basketball Announces 2026-27 Big Ten Opponents]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-mens-basketball-announces-2026-27-big-ten-opponents</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-mens-basketball-announces-2026-27-big-ten-opponents</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Michigan men's basketball has revealed its 2026-27 Big Ten opponents. Here's what you need to know about the Wolverines' conference slate.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 20:26:08 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Just over a month after Maize and Blue confetti filled Lucas Oil Stadium following their national championship win, Dusty May and the Michigan Wolverines have turned their attention to next season, announcing their Big Ten opponents for the 2026-27 campaign. Michigan will play 20 conference games in 2026, with home-and-home matchups against Minnesota, Ohio State and Michigan State. The Wolverines’ home slate features a group of Big Ten contenders, including Illinois, Purdue and Maryland. On the road, Michigan is set to face Wisconsin, UCLA and Indiana. Below are Michigan's Big Ten opponents for the 2026-27 season: Home Opponents: 2025-26 Record: 28-9 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Stefan Vaaks Key Returners: Andrej Stojaković (testing NBA Draft waters), Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, Jake Davis 2025-26 Record: 24-13 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Ty’Reek Coleman, Andrew McKeever Key Returners: Kael Combs, Cam Manyawu and Cooper Koch 2025-26 Record: 12-21 Key Transfer Portal Additions: DJ Wagner, Tomislav Buljan Key Returners: Andre Mills, Pharrell Payne 2025-26 Record: 27-8 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Anton Bonke Key Returners: Jeremey Fears Jr. (testing NBA Draft waters), Coen Carr, Jordan Scott 2025-26 Record: 15-18 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Malachi Palmer, Kyan Evans Key Returners: Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, Isaac Asuma 2025-26 Record: 15-19 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Jack Karasinski, LA Pratt Key Returners: Angelo Ciaravino, Jake West 2025-26 Record: 21-13 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Andrija Jelavic, Justin Pippen Key Returners: John Mobley Jr., Amare Bynum 2025-26 Record: 12-20 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Dwayne Aristode, Tyrone Riley Key Returners: Sean Stewart 2025-26 Record: 30-9 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Caden Pierce Key Returners: C.J. Cox, Daniel Jacobsen 2025-26 Record: 16-17 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Ryan Beasley, LeJuan Watts Key Returners: Wesley Yates III, Lathan Sommerville Away Opponents: 2025-26 Record: 18-14 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Markus Burton, Aiden Sherrell Key Returners: Trent Sisley 2025-26 Record: 27-8 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Anton Bonke Key Returners: Jeremey Fears Jr. (testing NBA Draft waters), Coen Carr, Jordan Scott 2025-26 Record: 15-18 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Malachi Palmer, Kyran Evans Key Returners: Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, Isaac Asuma 2025-26 Record: 28-7 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Damon Wilkinson, Sam Orme Key Returners: Pryce Sandfort, Braden Frager 2025-26 Record: 21-13 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Andrija Jelavic, Justin Pippen Key Returners: John Mobley Jr., Amare Bynum 2025-26 Record: 12-20 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Brant Byers, Thomas Allard Key Returners: Ivan Juric 2025-26 Record: 14-20 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Christian Gurdak, Dorin Buca Key Returners: Tariq Francis, Darren Buchanan Jr. 2025-26 Record: 24-12 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Jaylen Petty, Filip Jovic Key Returners: Trent Perry, Eric Dailey Jr. 2025-26 Record: 18-14 Key Transfer Portal Additions: KJ Lewis, Eric Reibe Key Returners: Jacob Cofie (testing NBA Draft waters), Alijah Arenas, Rodney Rice 2025-26 Record: 24-11 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Eian Elmer, Trey Autry Key Returners: Nolan Winter, Austin Rapp]]>
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					<![CDATA[Big Bets Report: Fan Waves White Flag on Lakers, Pockets $13k]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/big-bets-report-lakers-thunder-knicks-nhl-wnba</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/big-bets-report-lakers-thunder-knicks-nhl-wnba</guid>
				<category>nba</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Patrick Everson breaks down how one bettor cashed in their chips on a potential $500k payout. That and more in this week's big bets.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 19:25:51 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[When making futures bets, it pays to have patience. An outcome could be weeks or months away. But it can also pay to know when to say when. A FanDuel Sportsbook customer believes that point has arrived for the Lakers and got a five-figure payday for bailing out early. More on that wager and other notable futures bets on NBA and NHL playoffs, along with some WNBA action, as that league’s 2026 season tips off. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Take a Free Ride This story begins on April 4, when Illinois met UConn and Michigan faced Arizona in the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four. The FanDuel bettor, who goes by @Indiana_Cers on X, put together a three-leg parlay, starting with those NCAA Tourney tilts: UConn moneyline +136 vs. Illinois, Michigan moneyline -111 vs. Arizona. But those two outcomes would’ve gotten only a nominal payout. So, to make it far juicier, the bettor added Lakers +50000 to win the NBA title. That’s 500/1, in easier-to-digest terms. Better still, the customer utilized a $250 bonus bet for the transaction. Granted, those types of promotional bets are earned over time — and surely some losing wagers — but still, this parlay was basically a free ride. At huge odds of +224654 — just shy of 2247/1 — the potential payout was a massive $561,635. UConn beat Illinois 71-62, and Michigan pounded Arizona 91-73. Then began the wait to see what the Lakers would do. Los Angeles was shorthanded in the first round, with no Luka Dončić and mostly no Austin Reaves. But LeBron James &amp; Co. had enough to beat Houston 4-2 in a best-of-7 series. However, that led to a second-round date with the defending NBA champion Thunder, who went a league-best 64-20 in the regular season and swept the Suns 4-0 in the first round. In Game 1 on Tuesday, the Lakers tumbled 108-90. That was L.A.’s fifth game this season vs. Oklahoma City, and the Lakers lost all five by an average margin of 27 points. So it was decision time — take a chance on the Lakers somehow making this series interesting or accept FanDuel’s cashout offer of $12,599.26. Said the bettor on X: "The white flag was waived." So a bonus bet that took nothing out the customer’s pocket became a nice five-figure boost to the bank account, which looked like an even smarter move after the Lakers dropped Game 2 125-107 on Thursday. Knicks of Time Entering the NBA playoffs, the Celtics had the best NBA championship odds of any Eastern Conference team, in the +500 to +600 range. But Boston bowed out early, blowing a 3-1 lead vs. the 76ers in losing the best-of-7 series 4-3. So that leaves the Knicks (+750) with the best title odds of the four remaining teams from the East. That has a DraftKings Sportsbook customer in a potentially pretty good position. The bettor put a relatively modest $67 on a seven-leg parlay that combined a bundle of sports: three MLB games, a hockey game, a soccer match, and of all things, a snooker match on the pool table. The first six legs are in, including Shaun Murphy over John Higgins in what was apparently a dramatic snooker battle. So now it’s down to the Knicks, who already have a 2-0 second-round lead over the 76ers. Granted, there’s a long way to go and should New York reach the NBA Finals, there’s the probable issue of either the Thunder or Spurs waiting on the other side. But if somehow the Knicks run the table, with that ticket’s odds of +82937 (just beyond 829/1), that 67 bucks turns into $55,634.79. Even right now, the bettor could cash out for a few thousand dollars. That cashout amount will surely grow if the Knicks do as oddsmakers expect and reach the Finals. We’ll keep you posted. Hockey Hopes The Canadiens were +195 underdogs to beat the Lightning in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. But by stealing Game 1 on the road 4-3, Montreal certainly upped its chances to advance. The two teams traded victories over the first six games, setting up Game 7 in Tampa on Sunday. And the Canadiens claimed a second road win, 2-1, to close out the series. That’s got a high-rolling BetMGM customer in a better-than-expected position. Before the first round, the bettor put $25,000 on Canadiens +1100 to win the Eastern Conference. At the moment, Montreal trails Buffalo 1-0 in a best-of-7 second-round series. That bet certainly has life, though. If the Canadiens manage to reach the Stanley Cup Final, then the bettor bags $275,000 profit (total payout $300,000). WNBA Plays The WNBA kicks off its 2026 campaign Friday, drawing some bettors to championship futures and player awards futures. At DraftKings, the New York Liberty are +220 favorites to win the title, followed by the defending champion Las Vegas Aces at +390. The Aces have won three of the last four WNBA crowns. Behind Caitlin Clark, Indiana is the +450 third choice in WNBA futures odds. But one DraftKings customer looked further down the board a few weeks ago, to a potentially up-and-coming squad. On April 4, the bettor put $1,200 on the Dallas Wings +8000 (80/1). Leading the way for Dallas is Paige Bueckers, the 2025 Rookie of the Year. And the Wings took Azzi Fudd, another UConn standout, with the No. 1 overall pick in the recent WNBA Draft. So since that bet was made, the Wings have cut their odds by more than half, now sitting at +3000, the co-seventh choice to win it all. If Dallas indeed lifts the trophy, then the bettor profits $96,000 (total payout $97,200). Related, a DraftKings customer put $1,000 on Bueckers +2000 to win the MVP award. That bet could profit $20,000.]]>
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					<![CDATA[March Madness: NCAA Tournament, Men's and Women's, Will Expand to 76 Teams]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/march-madness-ncaa-tournament-expansion-mens-womens-76-teams</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/march-madness-ncaa-tournament-expansion-mens-womens-76-teams</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The NCAA will expand both its men's and women's March Madness tournaments to 76 teams for next season.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 15:46:10 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The NCAA announced Thursday that it will expand its two March Madness tournaments by eight teams each next season, a move that will drop more early-round games into the first week of the highly popular and lucrative showcase without substantially changing its overall form. The new 76-team brackets will jam eight extra games — for a total of 12 games involving 24 teams — into the front half of the first week of the men's and the women's tournaments, turning what’s now known as the First Four into a bigger affair. It is the first expansion of the tournaments in 15 years, when they were bumped to 68 teams each. The 12 winners will move into the main 64-team bracket that will begin, as usual, on Thursday for the men and Friday for the women. Most of the eight new slots are expected to go to teams in the power conferences that were already commanding the lion's share of entries in thebracket. Two years ago, the SEC placed a record 14 teams in the men’s bracket. Last season, the Big Ten had nine. The move is a product of the times, which include massive expansion — the ACC, for instance, has grown from nine to 17 teams since 1996 — and the reality that mid-major schools with top-notch players will often see those players plucked away by programs with bigger budgets and the ability to pay them through revenue sharing. Cinderella? There will still be room for those, though not a single mid-major advanced past the first weekend of either tournament the last two seasons. This hardly registers as a concern of the decision-makers anymore, who will point to the TV ratings that traditionally spell out fans’ preference for Duke and North Carolina over St. Peter’s and San Diego State, especially once the Sweet 16 starts. What matters more to the biggest schools is that their teams have a chance to compete in what remains the best postseason in college sports and that they aren't iced out by lower conference champions who earn automatic bids. "You’ve got some really, really good teams who are going to end up in that 9, 10, 11 [seed] category that I think should be moved into the" 64-team bracket, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said last year in discussing how he favored expansion. There is also money at stake: Conferences earn "units" — which amounted to about $350,000 per unit for the men’s tournament last season — for placing teams in the bracket and then for every round those teams advance. The Big Ten made nearly $70 million from both tournaments, won by conference members Michigan (men) and UCLA (women). Leaders in the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC have all acknowledged that the smaller teams help make March Madness what it is, all the while steadily expanding their own power in NCAA decision-making. That brings with it the tacit threat of fracturing the single thing the NCAA does best — the basketball tournament. This move might forestall that. What it isn't expected to do is generate much more revenue. The current deal for the men's tournament is worth $8.8 billion and runs through 2032. Adding a few extra games between mid-level Power Four teams on Tuesday and Wednesday won't change that much. One reason this took as long as it did was the NCAA negotiations with CBS and TNT, which themselves have been in negotiations over their own ownership. The more drastic option of expanding the tournament to 96 teams or beyond would involve adding an extra week to a tournament that has thrived in part because of the symmetry of a six-round bracket that gets whittled down over three weeks. That basic shell began in 1985, with only slight tweaks, the latest of which came in 2011 when it was upped to 68. Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[The Blueprint: How Michigan Built a Formula College Basketball is Racing to Copy]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/how-michigan-built-formula-college-basketball-racing-copy</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/how-michigan-built-formula-college-basketball-racing-copy</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Michigan’s national title run is fueling a frontcourt-driven blueprint college basketball is rushing to copy. FOX Sports' Michael Cohen has the story.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 13:35:19 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[There was a moment during the three-week window between winning the national title on April 6 and the official announcement of his new roster on April 28 when Michigan basketball coach Dusty May toyed with making wholesale changes to a strategy that had worked wonders. Towering positional size and NBA-caliber talent in the frontcourt propelled the Wolverines to the sport’s apex, securing just the second championship in program history. Michigan’s triumph marked the fourth time in as many years that college basketball’s eventual champion tore through the competition by deploying one of the tallest rosters in the country, overwhelming opponents at the rim and in the paint. Coaches everywhere had noticed and were adjusting their roster-building strategies accordingly. But an obvious chasm separating supply from demand for elite big men in this spring’s transfer portal meant replicating that construction was akin to joining a highly competitive auction. "Let’s just put it this way," May told me last week, "this would be a great time to be the financial advisor of a quality post player, or the agent. There have been times this spring, before we were able to finish our class, where we thought that the market was so inflated. We considered kind of leaving and going a little bit smaller again. Maybe even try to sign a bunch of [wings] with a point guard and spread you out, just because we felt the bigs were so overvalued." That was before the Wolverines knew they would land former LSU forward Jalen Reed (6-foot-10, 230 pounds) and former Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam (7-foot-2, 250 pounds) on consecutive days in late April, building on a prior commitment from Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella (6-foot-11, 240 pounds). Just like that, any discussion about potentially abandoning the build that fueled arguably the greatest season Michigan has ever had was quickly scuttled. In its place was the chance to recreate what May believes is an exemplary formula, even if the individual talents might differ next season. "There's certainly an element of that," Michigan assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. told me last week. "It's never completely just swapping out guys and it will be the exact same. But there is a certain skill set that Dusty has a great appreciation for and [he has] a great way of unlocking the potential that's in some guys." So why wouldn’t May want that? By winning 64 games since joining the Wolverines ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, May is now tied with former Kentucky and current Arkansas coach John Calipari for the most victories in college basketball history through a coach’s first two seasons at a program. His two big men from that debut season — Danny Wolf (6-foot-11, 250 pounds) and Vladislav Goldin (7-feet, 255 pounds) — are both playing in the NBA. And now, as this year's draft approaches, all three members of his indomitable frontcourt trio from the national championship-winning squad are projected first-round picks: Yaxel Lendeborg (6-foot-9, 240 pounds); Aday Mara (7-foot-3, 255 pounds); Morez Johnson Jr. (6-foot-9, 250 pounds). If that happens, Michigan will match its program record for most first rounders in a single draft. Former Wolverine greats Rumeal Robinson (No. 10), Loy Vaught (No. 13) and Terry Mills (No. 16) were all first-round selections in 1990, a year after they won the school's only other national championship. "I think we’re going to have [signed] five bigs in two years out of the portal," May told me, "and I anticipate all five will be playing in the NBA next year. That hit rate is pretty high, and I think agents and players are aware." That reputational shift for May, whose stock has never been higher amid legitimate interest from NBA head coaching vacancies, began when he secured a commitment from Wolf via the transfer portal two years ago, elevating the former All-Ivy League performer at Yale into the No. 27 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Though May enjoyed tremendous success as the head coach at Florida Atlantic from 2018-24, guiding the Owls to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and a trip to the Final Four, none of his players were drafted during that span. This opened the door for agents, opposing coaches and handlers in the recruiting space to discourage certain high-end prospects from joining the Wolverines early in May's tenure at Michigan, according to Boynton. May eventually began to address that perception through on-court innovation, most notably by deploying Wolf as a pseudo-point guard to unlock the ball skills and playmaking ability coveted by NBA front offices, all while pairing him with Goldin in oversized lineups that were initially questioned around the sport. That approach ultimately helped May fill one of the few perceived gaps on his résumé. The effects were noticeable almost immediately, with May telling me that "it felt like any and every big [man] in the portal, they were at least intrigued or interested," as Michigan began assembling what proved to be a championship-level roster last spring. In Lendeborg, the Wolverines knew they were acquiring someone who was, by most accounts, already capable of playing in the NBA. He was the highest-rated player in the transfer portal following two standout campaigns at UAB and projected as a fringe first-round pick before enrolling at Michigan. Fast-forward to the present, and Lendeborg, who became a consensus first-team All-American and was named Big Ten Player of the Year this past season, is now "a lock lottery guy," as Boynton described him. Still, it’s the growth May and his staff elicited from Lendeborg’s lesser-known teammates that continues to open more doors for the Wolverines in recruiting, according to Boynton and fellow assistant Drew Williamson. Transforming Mara from a bit-part player at UCLA, where he averaged 6.4 points and 4 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 campaign, into a double-figure scorer and arguably the most fearsome rim protector in the country represents masterful talent identification and coaching. As does the impressive expansion of Johnson’s repertoire to harness the athletic gifts that shimmered in a smaller role with Illinois but blossomed in full at Michigan, evidenced by 10 double-doubles and a spot on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team. "[They] probably weren’t expecting to be in the position that they’re in now," Boynton told me when asked about Mara and Johnson, both of whom are navigating the pre-draft process. "And again, because of the work that they were willing to do and the commitment that Dusty had to them not only helping our team win, but to their own individual development, [that] gave us a chance to have sort of a blueprint to tell guys like Moustapha Thiam and Jalen Reed and J.P. Estrella that we may be able to do [it] with them." Added Williamson: "I do believe we had a little proof of concept to where we were more appealing, maybe, than some other places." While the Wolverines understand the role their own success has played in radicalizing the finances for post players — whom multiple college basketball staffers said were commanding the highest fees in this year’s transfer portal — they are far from the only team to "screw up the market," as Boynton playfully described it to me. He pointed to the back-to-back championship teams at UConn in 2023 and 2024 as having tremendous positional size, headlined by eventual lottery pick Donovan Clingan (7-foot-2, 280 pounds). The same goes for last year’s winner, Florida, which utilized a frontcourt rotation that featured four players listed at 6-foot-9 or taller, with the Gators finishing sixth nationally in defensive efficiency. Seven teams that reached the Elite Eight this past March were ranked among the top 42 nationally in height, according to KenPom, including every school that advanced to the Final Four. Subsequent activity in the transfer portal, where 19 of the 41 highest-rated players are either power forwards or centers, reflected the sport’s burgeoning obsession with size — both in Ann Arbor and beyond. Those frontcourt players have spread their high-priced commitments to 15 different schools and counting, with two more still uncommitted as they weigh NBA decisions. The only two programs to land multiple players from that group are Indiana and Michigan, which signed Thiam (No. 13 overall, No. 3 C) and Estrella (No. 23 overall, No. 7 PF) to headline May’s portal haul and adhere to the championship-winning blueprint. For the Wolverines, there was no better proof of concept than cutting down the nets in Indianapolis last month. "It wasn't [just] because we were big," May told me. "It was that our bigs were really good and versatile. Just getting bigger is not the answer. It's getting bigs who are as good as the last four national champions."]]>
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					<![CDATA[Top 10 Decisions That Will Shape the 2026–27 College Basketball Season]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/top-10-decisions-will-shape-2026-27-college-basketball-season</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/top-10-decisions-will-shape-2026-27-college-basketball-season</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Here are 10 undecided players whose choices will have the biggest impact on the 2026–27 men’s college basketball season.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 15:24:05 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[It’s decision time for many of college basketball’s biggest stars. The deadline for early entrants to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft and retain NCAA eligibility is May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET, giving those prospects who are "testing the waters" one final window to return to school after going through the pre-draft process. In the weeks leading up to that deadline, events like the NBA Draft Lottery and NBA Combine will help shape some of the biggest choices of the offseason. This year, 71 underclassmen declared for the draft, which is a notable drop from 106 a year ago, and part of a steady decline since 2021. The trend is a direct reflection of the new landscape in college basketball, where NIL opportunities have made returning to school a far more viable option. With that, here are the 10 undecided players whose choices will have the biggest impact on the 2026–27 men’s college basketball season. Status: Okorie intends to stay at Stanford if he doesn't remain in the NBA Draft. Impact: Okorie was one of the best pure scorers in college basketball this past season, leading the ACC with 23.2 points per game as a freshman. If he returns to college, he’ll look to expand his game beyond scoring and help guide his team to an NCAA Tournament appearance. The transfer portal has been relatively quiet for Stanford. The Cardinal have not added any players and lost only one key contributor. If Okorie returns, they would largely be running it back after a 20-13 season that ended in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown. Status: Graves entered the transfer portal and declared for the NBA Draft. Impact: Graves is seen as a stronger NBA Draft prospect than his production might suggest during the 2025–26 college season. As a freshman at Santa Clara, he came off the bench and averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, but his shooting (41.3% from three) and size (6-foot-9) are highly covered at the next level. If Graves returns to college, he would likely make the jump to a Power 4 program in search of a starting role and more on-ball responsibility. Status: Thomas would return to Arkansas if he doesn't stay in the NBA Draft. Impact: Thomas is an NBA first-round talent who averaged 15.6 points per game as a freshman, though he was often viewed as secondary to Darius Acuff Jr. in Arkansas’ offense. If he returns, he would likely step into a featured role for the Razorbacks. Arkansas is adding freshmen Abdou Toure and Jordan Smith to the backcourt but lost both D.J. Wagner and Acuff, positioning Thomas as the go-to option with a young supporting cast around him. That trio could make for a smooth transition as the Razorbacks look to build on their 2026 Sweet 16 run. Status: Tanner would return to Vanderbilt if he doesn't remain in the NBA Draft. Impact: Tanner was one of the most improved players in college basketball last season, jumping from 5.7 points and 1.9 assists per game to 19.5 and 5.1, respectively, as a sophomore at Vanderbilt. If he returns for his junior year, he could emerge as one of the top guards in the SEC. Tanner has yet to advance past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, most recently falling to No. 4 seed Nebraska in heartbreaking fashion when his halfcourt buzzer-beater rattled out. His return would give Vanderbilt a strong backcourt, especially with the additions of Missouri transfer T.O. Barrett and Washington State transfer Ace Glass. Status: Blackwell has committed to Duke, but could still remain in the NBA Draft Impact: Blackwell was one of the top scoring guards in the country last season, averaging 19.1 points per game as a junior at Wisconsin. He has since committed to transfer to Duke for his senior year while also testing the NBA Draft waters. If Blackwell returns to college and suits up for the Blue Devils, Duke could boast one of the most loaded backcourts in the nation. Blackwell would likely start alongside Cayden Boozer, with Caleb Foster and freshman Deron Rippey Jr. providing depth off the bench. Another year in college would give Blackwell the opportunity to further develop as an initiator, facilitator and defender, which could help improve his NBA stock. He would also aim to help Duke make a deep NCAA Tournament run after Wisconsin’s first-round exit in 2026. Status: Chinyelu would return to Florida if he doesn't remain in the NBA Draft. Impact: Chinyelu’s return to Florida would significantly boost the Gators’ chances of getting back to the national championship after failing to advance past the first weekend in 2026. Florida already returns forwards Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon, but neither provides the same level of defensive presence that Chinyelu does. For a Florida team that was ranked No. 1 in FOX Sports' Casey Jacobsen's Post-Portal Top 25, Chinyelu's return would only solidify that projection. Status: Johnson would return to Michigan if he doesn't remain in the NBA Draft. Impact: Similar to Mara, Johnson would significantly boost Michigan’s chances of defending its 2026 national title. He was one of the most improved players in college basketball last season, averaging 13.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game as a sophomore, yet was often just the Wolverines’ third or fourth option. If he returns, and Mara stays in the draft, Johnson could step into a featured role in the frontcourt. A rotation of Johnson, Thiam and Estrella would be as formidable as any in the country. Status: Mara intends to return to Michigan for his senior season if he doesn't remain in the NBA Draft. Impact: Mara’s return to Michigan would put the Wolverines firmly in the national title conversation. He boosted his NBA Draft stock with a standout run, leading Michigan to the 2026 national championship. As the most highly touted prospect in this group, a return to college would be surprising, but if he does come back, Michigan would have an even deeper frontcourt than it did last season. The Wolverines added Moustapha Thiam and J.P. Estrella through the transfer portal and could also welcome back Morez Johnson Jr. The ability to rotate those three alongside Mara would give Michigan a potentially dominant interior presence. Status: Fears intends to return to Michigan State for his redshirt junior season if he doesn't remain in the NBA Draft. Impact: Fears’ decision could make or break Michigan State’s ceiling. This past season, Fears was the Spartans’ only true initiator on offense. He is a reliable perimeter defender and, in many ways, an extension of head coach Tom Izzo on the floor. Fears averaged 15.2 points per game and led the nation with 9.4 assists, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. Those are not easy numbers to replace, and Michigan State has not added any guards through the transfer portal. If Fears remains in the NBA Draft, it would leave a significant hole in the Spartans’ backcourt. Status: Momcilovic entered the transfer portal and declared for the NBA Draft after his junior season at Iowa State. Impact: Momcilovic could raise a team’s ceiling to that of a national title contender if he decides to return, as few players possess his unique skill set. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 16.9 points per game for the Cyclones in 2026 and led the nation in 3-point shooting at 48.8%. With many top programs having already allocated the bulk of their NIL budgets, the pool of teams that can realistically afford Momcilovic might be limited. But if he does decide to return to college, whatever team he lands with will immediately become a legitimate threat entering the 2026–27 season.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Men's College Basketball Rankings: Florida, Illinois Highlight Post-Portal Top 25]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/mens-college-basketball-rankings-florida-illinois-highlight-post-portal-top-25</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/mens-college-basketball-rankings-florida-illinois-highlight-post-portal-top-25</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[With the portal closed and the NBA early-entry deadline in the rearview mirror, FOX Sports' Casey Jacobsen shares his way-too-early men's college basketball rankings.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:38:54 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[More than 2,500 players flooded the men's college basketball transfer portal this offseason, triggering a seismic shakeup across the sport. But amid all the movement, programs like Florida, Duke and Illinois worked to retain key pieces. Now, with the portal closed and the NBA early-entry deadline in the rearview mirror, the picture for next season is finally coming into focus. Who’s poised to rise, and who took a step back? Let’s get into it. Here’s my updated way-too-early men’s college basketball rankings for next season: Previous Ranking: 21 Gone are Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kauffman-Renn, who contributed more than 52% of the team's scoring this past season. C.J. Cox and Omer Mayer will be looked at to take a big step forward, while Princeton transfer Caden Pierce — the 2023-24 Ivy League Player of the Year — is expected to take over one of the starting spots in the frontcourt. Previous Ranking: NR Despite losing the program’s all-time leading scorer, Bruce Thornton, to graduation, Jake Diebler should still field one of the most talented teams in the Big Ten next season. He’s bringing in a strong transfer class, highlighted by former Cal guard Justin Pippen, who is expected to join returner John Mobley Jr. in the starting backcourt. Diebler also landed five-star freshman Anthony Thompson, the highest-rated recruit to arrive in Columbus since Jared Sullinger in 2010. Losing forward Devin Royal will hurt, but rising sophomore Amare Bynum looks ready to take the next step. Previous Ranking: 17 Fresh off the most successful year in program history, Fred Hoiberg will look to build on the success his team had this past season. Pryce Sandfort, who earned All-Big Ten honors this past season, should be one of the top players in the conference next year. Hoiberg is set to bring in multiple new faces via the transfer portal. That group includes Boden Kapke (Boston College), Trevan Leonhardt (Utah Valley) and Sam Orme (Belmont), all of whom could end up in the starting five. Previous Ranking: 20 After entering the transfer portal, point guard Robert Wright III announced that he will be back at BYU for his junior season in 2026-27. He will be joined by five-star freshman standout Bruce Branch III, who is widely regarded as one of the top 2026 prospects in the nation. The Cougars will also get a boost with the addition of transfer guard Collin Chandler, who is set to return home after spending his first two seasons playing at Kentucky. Previous Ranking: NR After leading the Hurricanes to a 26-9 mark and a Round of 32 appearance in the NCAA Tournament in his first season, Jai Lucas will have an even better roster in Year 2. Lucas landed the No. 7-ranked portal class in the nation, highlighted by a pair of standout additions in Villanova transfer Acaden Lewis and former Georgia big man Somto Cyril. They will join forward Shelton Henderson, who was one of the top freshmen in the ACC last season. Previous Ranking: 18 Whether standout guard Tyler Tanner remains in the NBA Draft or not will determine how high the ceiling is for this Vanderbilt team next season. If Tanner does return to Nashville, he should be a preseason All-American and an early front-runner for SEC Player of the Year. He would be joined by an impressive five-man transfer class that includes T.O. Barrett (Missouri), Berke Buyuktuncel (Nebraska), Bangot Dak (Colorado), Ace Glass (Washington State) and Sebastian Williams-Adams (Auburn). Previous Ranking: NR Indiana head coach Darian DeVries completely retooled his roster this offseason, bringing in a six-man transfer portal class that currently ranks third in the nation, according to 247Sports.com. The class is highlighted by a dominant frontcourt duo of Aiden Sherrell (Indiana) and Samet Yigitoglu (SMU). They will be joined by former Notre Dame standout Markus Burton, who should be one of the top newcomers in the Big Ten next season if he can remain healthy. Previous Ranking: 16 Houston coach Kelvin Sampson will have to replace four starters from a team that finished 30-7 last season. That means a bigger role for forward Joseph Tugler, who averaged 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in his junior year. The Cougars do bring in the top-ranked center prospect in the nation in 7-foot-1 big man Arafan Diane. Previous Ranking: 12 Rick Barnes’ team enjoyed a memorable run to the Elite Eight last season, but the Volunteers will be tasked with replacing standout guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie and freshman Nate Ament, who is projected to be a first-round pick. Barnes brought in a loaded transfer portal class, highlighted by Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU) and Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame). Previous Ranking: 6 Alabama coach Nate Oats got a contract extension earlier this month. That is perhaps the only certain thing pertaining to this roster next season. Standout guard Aden Holloway, who was arrested on felony drug charges on March 16, announced he plans to enroll at the university, with hopes to rejoin the team. Freshman forward Amari Allen is testing the NBA Draft waters, but will he stay in the draft or return to Tuscaloosa? Jaxon Richardson and Qayden Samuels are both elite recruits who will join them next season. Previous Ranking: 11 St. John's head coach Rick Pitino made it clear that it would be near impossible to replace a player like Zuby Ejiofor, who defined everything this program is about. However, Pitino always seems to find success in the portal, and that should be no different this offseason. He has already landed an elite-level scorer in Donnie Freeman (Syracuse) and will pair European point guard Quinn Ellis with returning guard Ian Jackson. Look for Pitino to add at least one or two more players via the portal. Previous Ranking: 13 The Cavaliers are set to return their leading scorer and rebounder next season. Thijs De Ridder, a 6-foot-9 forward from Belgium, enjoyed a breakout freshman campaign and should be one of the top interior players in the sport next year. Look for Chance Mallory to take over the starting point guard role for Ryan Odom's team. Previous Ranking: 9 After guiding Iowa State to its third Sweet 16 appearance in five years, head coach T.J. Otzelberger agreed to a new contract that will keep him leading the Cyclones through 2036. He will have to replace Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic, which will not be easy, but bringing back Killyan Toure and welcoming in a five-man portal class is a great place to start. Previous Ranking: NR The Trojans might be the most interesting team in college basketball this offseason. Guard Rodney Rice is returning from injury, while standout freshman Alijah Arenas is back for his sophomore season and should benefit from a full summer in the weight room. Forward Jacob Cofie returns in the frontcourt, and the additions of Georgetown transfer KJ Lewis and UConn transfer Eric Reibe have me excited to see how Eric Musselman pieces this roster together. Previous Ranking: 23 Texas head coach Sean Miller needs center Matas Vokietatis to make the jump from good to great next season, but he won’t be alone. TCU transfer David Punch should provide valuable support up front, while Colorado transfer Isaiah Johnson is one of the best unknown players in the nation. Previous Ranking: 8 Gonzaga head coach Mark Few is returning three of his top-five scorers from a year ago, led by Braden Huff. Houston transfer Isiah Harwell is looking for a breakout sophomore campaign and the Zags always have a few diaper dandies waiting in the wings. Previous Ranking: 10 Arkansas is losing standout guard Darius Acuff, but if Meleek Thomas decides to return to college, he will join forward Billy Richmond III to make up a solid core from last year's Sweet 16 team. Five-star freshman Jordan Smith Jr looks like the real deal. I think the Hogs are loaded. Previous Ranking: 4 Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has the best point guard in the nation in Jeremy Fears Jr. But if this team wants to reach its full potential, Izzo will need forwards Coen Carr and Cam Ward, along with shooting guard Kur Teng, to take another step forward. Charlotte transfer Anton Bonke could provide valuable help down low as well. Previous Ranking: 5 Arizona is losing a lot of talent, but head coach Tommy Lloyd has managed to retain two starters in Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov, which means this group will have a very high floor. North Carolina transfer Derek Dixon will be given some freedom to create, while five-star freshman Caleb Holt could be special. Previous Ranking: 7 Freshman standout Braylon Mullins turned down the NBA for another chance at a national title with UConn. He will be joined by point guard Silas Demary and forward Jayden Ross as key veterans. Add in Duke transfer Nikolas Khamenia and Dan Hurley has real weapons at every position. Previous Ranking: NR The Cardinals went out and spent a lot of money to put together a team that I think is title worthy. Let’s start with the best defensive center in the country: Flory Bidunga. He’s flanked by Iowa transfer Alvaro Folguieras, fresh off his clutch NCAA Tournament performances. In the backcourt, Oregon transfer Jackson Shelstad runs the point and Arkansas wing transfer Karter Knox rounds out a roster that has a little bit of everything. Previous Ranking: 2 The Blue Devils are set to return three starters next year, but I just feel like this group relied on Cameron Boozer so much that it’s hard for me to put them higher. Snagging Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell will help replace the scoring of Isaiah Evans, and head coach Jon Scheyer is bringing in a new crop of five-star freshman. It’s another "Final Four or Bust" year in Durham. Previous Ranking: 3 With a returning backcourt of Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney, Dusty May has the foundation for another strong team. Tennessee transfer JP Estrella and Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam were brought in to replace Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara in the frontcourt. It’s hard to see them matching last year’s defensive dominance, but it will be interesting to see how it all comes together. Previous Ranking: 1 I had Illinois as the No. 1-ranked team in my way-too-early top 25 last month, but I think head coach Brad Underwood should still feel good about this group at No. 2 after returning six of his top nine scorers, led by Andrej Stojakovic and David Mirkovic. The addition of Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks should help fill the void left by Keaton Wagler’s departure. Previous Ranking: 22 The Gators jumped up to No. 1 after forwards Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon announced they would return to Gainesville next season. Center Rueben Chinyelu is testing the NBA waters, but is expected to return as well. Adding Kentucky transfer Denzel Aberdeen to their backcourt makes them the top team in the land on paper.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Tyran Stokes Commits To Kansas, Ending Months Of Anticipation Around Recruitment]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/recruit-tyran-stokes-commits-to-bill-self-and-kansas-over-kentucky</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/recruit-tyran-stokes-commits-to-bill-self-and-kansas-over-kentucky</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The No. 1 college basketball recruit, Tyran Stokes, committed to Kansas on Tuesday, choosing the Jayhawks over Kentucky.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:33:58 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Tyran Stokes, the consensus No. 1 men's basketball recruit for next season, announced his commitment to Kansas on Tuesday, ending a long, drawn-out recruitment that hinged on everything from who his coach would be to what sneaker he would be wearing. Stokes made the announcement during "Inside the NBA" on ESPN. The 6-foot-7 forward from Ranier Beach High School in Seattle has long been consider the top prospect in his class. With an uncanny ability to drive to the basket, Stokes scored 63 points in a game against West Seattle this past season, and he was one of the stars of the McDonald's All-American, putting up 12 points and nine boards in leading the West team to victory. "Honestly it's been a long process, ever since I got my first offer, I think going into high school," he said. "Ever since then it's been having like, college coaches talking to me, having good relationships with different coaches. It takes a lot." Stokes had trimmed his list to Oregon, Kansas and Kentucky, but the Ducks recently dropped out of the running, leaving the race for the likely one-and-done prospect a showdown between two of college basketball's bluebloods. "Rock chalk, man. Rock Chalk," Stokes said. The Jayhawks, who landed the nation's top-ranked recruit a year ago in Darryn Peterson, had been considered the favorite ever since Stokes visited campus about a year ago. But one of the questions was whether Stokes, who signed a multi-year NIL deal with Nike last year, would play for one of the flagship schools of its biggest rival, adidas. There also was the question of whether Jayhawks coach Bill Self would return for another season amid several health issues in recent years. The Hall of Famer put that to rest when he announced earlier this month that he would be back for his 24th season. Kentucky, a high-profile Nike school, recently had Stokes back on campus for another unofficial visit, raising hopes that coach Mark Pope could land the difference-maker. Pope even reportedly offered ex-NBA player Jamal Crawford, who had served as an assistant on Stokes’ high school team, a position on his own staff for the upcoming season. The Jayhawks certainly needed Stokes in the lineup. Not only did they lose Peterson to the NBA, as expected, they also watched top big men Flory Bidunga (Louisville) and Bryson Tiller (Missouri) leave through the transfer portal along with guards Elmarko Jackson (Georgetown) and Jamari McDowell (Wake Forest). They shored up some of the roster by landing Utah forward Keanu Dawes, Toledo guard Leroy Blyden Jr. and 7-foot-2 center Christian Reeves of Charleston. They also have one of the nation's top high school classes in the fold, headlined by five-star point guard Taylen Kinney and four-star prospects Davion Adkins, Trent Perry and Luke Barnett. Still, the Jayhawks were missing the kind of scoring punch that Stokes could provide their reshaped roster. Kentucky also has been busy rebuilding its roster, adding Washington transfer Zoom Diallo, Furman's Alex Wilkins and international prospect Ousmane N'Diaye to go with prep recruits Mason Williams and Zyon Hawthorne. But like the Jayhawks, the Wildcats had hoped Stokes could make up for what they've lost. That includes floor leader Denzel Aberdeen (Florida), Andrija Jelavic (Ohio State), Mouhamed Dioubate (LSU) and Brandon Garrison (Alabama), among others. Reporting by the Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[NCAA On Track To Expand To 76-team March Madness Bracket For Next Season]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/ncaa-to-expand-to-76team-field-march-madness-bracket-for-2027-next-season</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/ncaa-to-expand-to-76team-field-march-madness-bracket-for-2027-next-season</guid>
				<category>other</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The NCAA is still deliberating expanding March Madness on both the men’s and women’s sides to 76 teams for next season]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:27:28 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The NCAA is still deliberating expanding March Madness on both the men's and women's sides to 76 teams for next season — a much-expected development that's been in the works for years. The NCAA released a brief statement Tuesday in the wake of an ESPN report that cited unnamed sources saying a decision to add eight teams to the bracket is a mere formality that's expected in May. "Expanding the basketball tournaments would require approval from multiple NCAA committees, including the men’s and women’s basketball committees, and no final recommendations or decisions have been made at this time," the statement said. Earlier this month at the Final Four, NCAA President Charlie Baker said the committees would, in fact, return to discussing the expansion once this year's tournament was over. The tournaments have been at 68 teams since 2011, when four play-in games were added to the beginning of the first week of play. The new format would add eight more at-large teams and take eight more teams out of the main bracket for play-in games. The expansion isn't expected to generate a lot more income because it will only add games early in the first week. The current TV deal runs through 2032 and could be tweaked slightly. Regardless of finances, the expansion would give power conferences more chances to place teams in the bracket — a growing concern as those conferences seek more power and control over college sports in the era of name, image and likeness compensation and the transfer portal. Reporting by the Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[The New-Look Pac-12 Unveiled a New-Look Logo]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/pac-12-logo-gonzaga-san-diego-state</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/pac-12-logo-gonzaga-san-diego-state</guid>
				<category>college-football</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The Pac-12 will be fully revamped for the 2026-2027 academic year, and it has a new logo to go with all the new members.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:24:35 -0400</pubDate>
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										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/pac-12h1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
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				    <![CDATA[The Pac-12 Conference has just two members for the 2025-2026 academic year, but in July it's going to see a massive change when seven other schools join the revamped conference. To go with the new-look membership, the Pac-12 revealed a brand new logo for the conference. It retains the shield-shaped design of the original – compare to the image above – but the letters are significantly different now, somehow both rounder and sharper at the same time, and the border around it all has been removed so that the interior of the logo is also its exterior. If getting your logo news from a social media embed isn't good enough, consider receiving it by way of a conference mascot holding up a t-shirt instead: The current full members of the Pac-12 are Oregon State and Washington State, but these two will be joined by Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State and Gonzaga on July 1, 2026. Of those nine schools, eight field football teams, which allows the Pac-12 to be an FBS, rather than FCS, conference. Gonzaga, the crown jewel of the conference's basketball program, is the exception, as it hasn't had a football team since suspending play during World War II. In Aug. 2024, 10 of the 12 members of the Pac-12 left, which left it sponsoring just six sports, but the infusion of seven additional members for the 2026-2027 academic year means it is up to 19 sports in addition to retaining its FBS status.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 NBA Draft Declarations Tracker: Duke's Cameron Boozer Declares]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-nba-draft-declarations-tracker</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-nba-draft-declarations-tracker</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Here are the notable college basketball players who have declared for the 2026 NBA Draft.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:25:40 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[It's that time of the year in college basketball! Some players are declaring for the NBA Draft, others are entering the transfer portal — and some are doing both. Here's who has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, as of April 10: Duke F Cameron Boozer (source) Arizona G Brayden Burries (source) Kansas G Darryn Peterson (source) Tennessee F Nate Ament (source) BYU F AJ Dybantsa (source) Florida C Rueben Chinyelu (source) Michigan F Yaxel Lendeborg (source) Washington F Hannes Steinbach (source) Baylor G Cameron Carr (source) North Carolina F Caleb Wilson (source) Arkansas G Meleek Thomas (source) Iowa State F Milan Momcilovic (source) Baylor G Tounde Yessoufou (source) Michigan State G Jeremy Fears Jr. (also entering portal for college eligibility) Stanford G Ebuka Okorie (source) Houston F Chris Cenac Jr. (source) Texas G Dailyn Swain (source) Alabama G Labaron Philon Jr. (source) Santa Clara F Allen Graves (also entering portal for college eligibility) Arizona G Jaden Bradley (source) Louisville G Ryan Conwell (source) Wisconsin G John Blackwell (also entering portal for college eligibility) Butler F Michael Ajayi (source) Texas Tech F LeJuan Watts (also entering portal for college eligibility) Tulane G Rowan Brumbaugh (also entering portal for college eligibility) California G Dai Dai Ames (also entering portal for college eligibility) Elon G Chandler Cuthrell (source) Kentucky G Malachi Moreno (also entering portal for college eligibility) Villanova G Acaden Lewis (also entering portal for college eligibility) Kansas F Flory Bidunga (also entering portal for college eligibility) North Carolina F Caleb Wilson (source) Texas Tech G Christian Anderson (source) Radford G Dennis Parker Jr. (also entering portal for college eligibility) Louisville G Mikel Brown Jr. (source) Wake Forest G Juke Harris (also entering portal for college eligibility)]]>
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					<![CDATA[Ranking the Top 20 Players in the Men's College Basketball Transfer Portal]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/mens-college-basketball-transfer-portal-rankings</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/mens-college-basketball-transfer-portal-rankings</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The NCAA men's college basketball transfer portal is officially open. Here are the top 20 players who have entered.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:43:12 -0400</pubDate>
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										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/artboard-1-84.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
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				    <![CDATA[Shortly after the maize and blue confetti fell in celebration of Michigan's win over UConn in the national championship game, college basketball's transfer portal was officially opened. According to reports, over 2,000 Division I men's basketball players have already entered their names into the portal, which will be open for two weeks, from April 7 to April 21. It's a deep and talented pool of transfers who will have a significant impact on the outcome of the 2026-27 college basketball season. We ranked the top 20 transfers to keep an eye on over the next two weeks as transfer decisions unfold. Burton is a dual-threat scoring guard. He led the ACC in scoring with 21.3 points per game as a sophomore and then followed that up by averaging 18.5 points per game during his junior year at Notre Dame. After three seasons with the Fighting Irish, Burton enters the portal with one year of eligibility remaining. Update: Burton has committed to play for Indiana. Freeman is a budding star who can score at all three levels. He plays with a smoothness to his game, averaging 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game en route to earning honorable mention All-ACC honors. He was a former five-star recruit in the 2024 high school class, but he has battled injuries throughout his first two seasons at Syracuse. Freeman has two years of eligibility remaining. Update: Freeman has committed to play for St. John's Sherrell is a physical presence with a strong motor on the glass. He averaged 11.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per game as a sophomore at Alabama. In a system that emphasized high-volume 3-point shooting, his full skill set wasn’t on display. With two years of eligibility remaining, he could emerge as a do-it-all forward in a different role. Update: Sherrell has committed to play for Indiana. Diop is an athletic big man, and at 7-foot-1, he's a rim-protecting presence and a capable lob threat. He averaged 13.6 points and 2.1 blocks per game in his freshman season at Arizona State. He was born in Senegal and came to the United States from Spain before last season. At 21 years old, he has more experience than most rising sophomores. Lewis is a dynamic guard whose game is built on getting into the lane and creating for himself and his teammates. One of the best finishers in the nation, he averaged 12.2 points and 5.3 assists per game while leading Villanova to the NCAA Tournament. Lewis has three years of eligibility remaining but has also entered his name into NBA Draft consideration and the transfer portal. Update: Lewis has committed to play for Miami. Cyril is an imposing paint presence on both sides of the ball. He's an elite rim-protector and efficient pick-and-roll partner. He averaged 9.3 points and 2.2 blocks per game during his sophomore season at Georgia, while only playing 21.2 minutes per game. There's room for a breakout if the playing time increases, and Cyril has two years of eligibility remaining to prove that. Update: Cyril has committed to play for Miami (Fla.). Khamenia is a versatile wing and former top-20 recruit whose role was limited on a loaded Duke roster as a freshman. He averaged 5.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game. With expanded opportunity, he’s a strong candidate to make a major leap as a sophomore. Update: Khamenia has committed to play for UConn. Hill is another elite-level shot maker, overcoming his 6-foot-3 stature with a decisive dribble and high-arcing release. He left his mark on the 2026 NCAA Tournament, knocking down a game-winning shot to lift No. 11 seed VCU over No. 6 seed North Carolina in the first round. Hill averaged 15.0 points per game, shooting 37% from 3-point range en route to earning A-10 Sixth Man of the Year honors. He provided an offensive punch off the bench for the Rams but is certainly a starting caliber player at the high-major level with two years of eligibility remaining. Update: Hill has committed to play for Tennessee. Byrd is a standout on both ends of the floor. He withdrew his name from the NBA Draft last year and returned to San Diego State, where he averaged 10.4 points and 4.7 assists per game along with 1.2 blocks and 1.9 steals per contest. He was one of the top defenders in the nation this past season, earning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors. Update: Byrd has committed to play for Providence. Johnson is another go-to scoring guard. He separates himself with his ability to facilitate and initiate. He averaged 16.9 points and 3.0 assists per game, leading Colorado in scoring as a freshman while coming off the bench for the first half of the season. With three years of eligibility remaining, Johnson could emerge as the face of a program and the focal point offensively. Update: Johnson has committed to play for Texas. Thiam is a crafty big man with a traditional back-to-the-basket game. He's also an athletically-gifted defender, averaging a Big 12-best 2.6 blocks per game as a freshman at UCF and later helped Cincinnati finish 10th nationally in KenPom defensive efficiency. Entering his junior year, he’s a candidate to break out at his third program. Vaaks is an elite perimeter shooter with good size, standing at 6-foot-7, which will allow him to consistently get his shot off no matter what level he plays at. He averaged 15.8 points per game while shooting 35% from 3-point range as a freshman at Providence. He started 14 of the final 15 games of the season, increasing his numbers to 18.0 points per game. Update: Vaaks has committed to play for Illinois. Shelstad is an offensive engine, creating for himself at all three levels while also facilitating for his teammates. His endless range, blinding speed and timely decision-making makes up for his size (6-foot). He earned All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore but only played 12 games during his junior year at Oregon before sustaining a season-ending hand injury. He averaged 15.6 points and 4.9 assists per game for the Ducks. Update: Shelstad has committed to play for Louisville. Murauskas is a three-level scorer. He uses his height to score inside, but is also a talented perimeter shooter both off the catch and dribble. He averaged 18.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in his junior season at Saint Mary's. Murauskas started his college career at Arizona, then played two seasons with the Gaels, entering the portal after head coach Randy Bennett left for Arizona State. Update: Murauskas has committed to play for ASU. Haggerty is a high-level shot taker and maker, averaging 23.6 points per game on 48.9% shooting at Kansas State this past season. He previously led the American Conference in scoring at Memphis in 2024–25. Update: Haggerty has committed to play for Texas A&amp;M. Wright plays a downhill, attacking style, always looking to penetrate the lane with his dribble to create for himself and his teammates. He averaged 18.1 points and 4.6 assists per game for BYU during his sophomore season. He also improved as a shooter, increasing his 3-point percentage from 35.2% to 41.0%. It will be Wright's second consecutive offseason entering the transfer portal, as he went from Baylor to BYU and now will play for a third school in three years. Update: Wright has returned to play for BYU. Punch is a steady interior presence on both sides of the ball, with an especially-high IQ on offense. At 6-foot-7, 245 pounds, and without a 3-point shot in his arsenal, he's undersized and might not fit every system. However, he averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in his sophomore season at TCU. Update: Punch has committed to play for Texas. Harris averaged 21.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during his sophomore season at Wake Forest. He thrives in the mid-range, shooting 55.5% from inside the arc, but still has room to improve from the outside. Harris can be the lead scorer on a high-major team with two years of eligibility remaining. Blackwell averaged 19.1 points per game during his junior season at Wisconsin. In his three seasons in Madison, the Badgers were unable to advance past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, so Blackwell is seeking a place to compete for his final season of eligibility. Update: Blackwell has committed to play for Duke. Bidunga averaged 13.3 points and 2.6 blocks per game during his sophomore season at Kansas. His rim-protection prowess earned him Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors and a spot on the all-conference team. Bidunga entered his name into the NBA Draft, while keeping his portal options open. Update: Bidunga has committed to play for Louisville.]]>
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					<![CDATA[NCAA Tourney Star Braylon Mullins Opts To Stay at UConn, Chase National Title]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/ncaa-tourney-star-braylon-mullins-decides-to-chase-national-title-at-uconn-instead-of-heading-to-nba</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/ncaa-tourney-star-braylon-mullins-decides-to-chase-national-title-at-uconn-instead-of-heading-to-nba</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[NCAA Tournament star Braylon Mullins will stick around for one more season at UConn in hopes of winning a national championship.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:32:45 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[NCAA Tournament star Braylon Mullins will stick around for one more season at UConn in hopes of winning a national championship instead of heading straight to the NBA. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard made his announcement Saturday on his Instagram account with highlight clips of his biggest shots and the words "unfinished business." Mullins was projected to be a first-round pick. The 2025 IndyStar Indiana Mr. Basketball Award winner became a national sensation when he made a 35-footer with 0.4 seconds left to cap UConn's incredible comeback to beat top-seeded Duke 73-72 to win the East Region title, sending the Huskies to their third Final Four in four years. He had been a key player for the Huskies once he returned from an ankle injury that kept him out of UConn's first six games. He was fourth on the team in scoring at 12.0 points per game and also averaged 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals. He finished third on the team with 72 3-pointers, five behind Alex Karaban, who played in all 40 games, and Solo Ball, who played in 39. [2026 NBA Draft Declarations Tracker] Mullins scored 15 points in a victory over Illinois before finishing with 11 in the national championship game loss to Michigan — with both games being played about a 30-minute drive from his alma mater, Greenfield-Central High School. Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Villanova, Notre Dame Hoops Off to Rome for 'Eternal City Tip-Off' Season Opener]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/villanova-notre-dame-pope-rome-italy-eternal-city-tip-off</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/villanova-notre-dame-pope-rome-italy-eternal-city-tip-off</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Villanova and Notre Dame men's and women's basketball are set to appear in the "Eternal City Tip-Off" in Rome on Nov. 1 on FOX and FS1.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:40:47 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Villanova and Notre Dame men's and women's basketball teams are officially set for a one-of-a-kind season opener on an international stage. Pope included. The Fighting Irish's and Wildcats' teams will play in the "Eternal City Tip-Off" in Rome on Nov. 1 to start the 2026-27 season. The doubleheader will make history in a couple of categories: the first men's international season opener and the first Division I basketball game played in Italy. While next season officially begins on Nov. 2, the NCAA approved this special men's and women's event starting in Rome a day early. So why, specifically, are these two Catholic universities playing halfway across the world? Simply, Pope Leo XIV (whose real name is Robert Francis Provost). And, he plans to have an audience with the teams during their trip. The Pope — an American-born sports fan who resides in Vatican City in the heart of Rome — is an alumnus of Villanova in the class of 1977. What's more, his roots are in Chicago, which is relatively close to Notre Dame's campus in South Bend, Indiana. His recent election inspired the Eternal City Tip-Off. [MEN'S NCAA BASKETBALL: Illinois, Duke Highlight Way-Too-Early Top 25] The Villanova men's program has seven Final Four appearances and three national titles, with its most recent in 2018. Led by coach Niele Ivey, the Notre Dame women also have three national titles. The Fighting Irish clinched an Elite Eight appearance this season but ultimately fell to No. 1 seed UConn. The Eternal City Tip-Off will be the second time in four seasons the Notre Dame women's team has competed abroad. In 2023, The Fighting Irish played South Carolina in Paris. The men's teams will meet for the first time since 2016, and their game will air on FOX and lead into the network's NFL coverage. The women's team will play for the first time since 2018 with that matchup being broadcast on FS1.]]>
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