<rss xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0">
    	<channel>
		<title>Latest College Basketball News &amp; Videos from FOX Sports</title>
		<link>https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball</link>
		<description>Breaking NCAA College Basketball news, videos, articles, and stories from FOX Sports.</description>
		<image>
			<title>Latest College Basketball News &amp; Videos from FOX Sports</title>
			<url>https://b.fssta.com/uploads/application/fscom/fox-sports-logo-black.png</url>
			<link>https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball</link>
		</image>
		<pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:30:08 -0400</pubDate>
		<copyright>Copyright 2026 FOX Sports</copyright>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<atom:link href="https://api.foxsports.com/v2/content/optimized-rss?partnerKey=MB0Wehpmuj2lUhuRhQaafhBjAJqaPU244mlTDK1i&amp;tags=fs/cbk" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
		<atom:link rel="hub" href="https://foxsports.superfeedr.com"/>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Legislation Overhauling College Sports Faces Major Test In The Senate]]>
				</title>
				<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.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:28:26 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/billh1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/128/72/billh1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[New Faces, Same Standard: Despite Turnover, UConn's Identity Remains Intact]]>
				</title>
				<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.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:24:07 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/16x9coach-dan-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/128/72/16x9coach-dan-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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."]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[NC State Investigating Potential Legal Claims Against LSU Over Will Wade Exit]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/wadefront.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/128/72/wadefront.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[College Basketball Rankings: St. John's Storms Into Top 10, Kentucky Enters Top 25]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/artboard_1_720.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/128/72/artboard_1_720.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Top 10 Returning Players In College Basketball Ahead Of The 2026-27 Season]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/top10_returningplayers_cbb-16x9-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/128/72/top10_returningplayers_cbb-16x9-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[FOX Sports, TBT Announce Extension For New-Look, $2M Tournament]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/16x9_720.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/128/72/16x9_720.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Who Stayed? Who Left? And How It Shapes The 2026-27 College Basketball Season]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/artboard_11m_720.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/128/72/artboard_11m_720.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[College Basketball 2025-2026 Buzz: Green Bay Extends Doug Gottlieb]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/college-basketball-2025-2026-buzz</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/college-basketball-2025-2026-buzz</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 2025-2026 season.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 00:36:40 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/greenbayh1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/128/72/greenbayh1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[A big-time performance — or a key injury — can be the difference for teams in March Madness, which is already upon us. We're keeping track of notable injuries, news and happenings across men's and women's college basketball as the 2026 NCAA Tournament ensues. 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. May 7 Michigan and Florida headline new Players Era fields The Players Era will expand from 18 to 24 teams this year and split into two tournaments, with the two most recent national champions headlining a pair of loaded fields. Michigan, which won the national title in April, will be in the Players Era Sixteen on Thanksgiving week in Las Vegas. The Wolverines routed the Gonzaga Bulldogs, 101-61, to win last year's Players Era title. They are expected to contend again next season for the national championship even with nine newcomers on the roster. Florida, which won the national title a year ago and could be the No. 1 team heading into next season, will be in the Players Era Eight a week earlier. The Gators should have the nation's top frontcourt with the returns of Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon, as well as Rueben Chinyelu if he opts out of the 2026 NBA Draft. Florida was not in the Players last year, but opened its season in Las Vegas with a 93-87 loss to the Arizona Wildcats. The Players Era and ESPN also announced a multiyear agreement for the men's tournaments, though details weren't released. There also was a women's tournament last year, but there has been no announcement regarding another one. In the Players Era Eight, joining Florida will be Auburn, Houston, Kansas, Notre Dame, Rutgers, UNLV and West Virginia. Michigan's field in the Players 16 includes Alabama, Baylor, Creighton, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Kansas State, Louisville, Maryland, Miami, Oregon, St. John’s, San Diego State, Tennessee, Texas Christian and Texas Tech. April 29 Otzelberger signs 10-year extension with Iowa State Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger has agreed to a 10-year contract extension that will increase his annual salary to $6 million, athletic director Jamie Pollard announced Wednesday. Otzelberger led the Cyclones to a 29-8 record and their third NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in five years this past season. He is 124-53 since becoming head coach in 2021-22. "Coach Otzelberger has elevated our men’s basketball program into a perennial NCAA Tournament and Top 25 team,' Pollard said. 'This contract extension demonstrates Iowa State University’s commitment to him by making him one of the highest paid basketball coaches in the country. We are excited to reward him for the success we have enjoyed during his first five years leading the Cyclones and we look forward to continued success under his leadership." The Cyclones have appeared in 52 consecutive Associated Press Top 25 polls and were No. 8 in the final rankings. Otzelberger inherited a program coming off a 2-22 season in 2020-21 and has since led it to five straight NCAA Tournament bids. He is the only coach in program history to lead multiple teams to the Sweet 16, and his 30 wins over Top 25 opponents is a school record. "We are humbled and grateful to continue leading a program that means so much to us,' Otzelberger said. 'Iowa State is home for my family, and we are excited to be part of the community for years to come." April 28 Michigan adds three from portal, six recruits to roster Michigan has reloaded, shooting to repeat as college basketball national champions with nine newcomers. Wolverines coach Dusty May announced Tuesday that three players have been added from the transfer portal and two incoming freshman are joining four high school seniors who were signed in November. May had to add an influx of talent because All-America player Yaxel Lendeborg exhausted his eligibility while Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr. and Elliot Cadeau declared for the NBA draft. Michigan landed three players from the portal: Moustapha Thiam, a 7-foot-2 center from Cincinnati; J.P. Estrella, a 6-foot-11 forward from Tennessee; and Jalen Reed, a 6-foot-10 forward from LSU. Brandon McCoy, a guard who is ranked as the No. 14 prospect in the country by 247Sports, joins forward Lincoln Cosby to cap a recruiting class with previously signed players: Quinn Costello, Joseph Hartman, Marcus Moller and Malachi Brown. The Wolverines won their second national championship and first since 1989 earlier this month and days later, May agreed to a deal that athletic director Warde Manuel said would put him under contract for many more years. April 27 All-Big 12 C Motiejus Krivas to Return to Arizona Not only are the Arizona Wildcats looking to build on their Final Four season, but the program is also bolstered by the return of big man Motiejus Krivas. He will be the seventh confirmed player back for coach Tommy Lloyd. Krivas is coming off a strong junior season, averaging 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while anchoring a defense that ranked among the best in the country. His rim protection and presence in the paint made him the centerpiece of the team’s defensive identity. Still, his impact goes well beyond the box score, as opponents shoot 7 percent worse from the field when Krivas is on the court compared to when he is off. Opposing teams also score 14 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. That level of impact on both ends of the floor positions him as one of the most valuable returning players in college basketball. With Krivas anchoring the interior, Arizona brings back a proven defensive force who changes games without needing to dominate the ball. His return gives Lloyd a reliable cornerstone as the Wildcats look to build on last season’s Final Four run. Calipari Lands Fourth Five-Star for 2026 with Mikka Muurinen The Arkansas Razorbacks continue to make national headlines under coach John Calipari. That momentum carried into Monday afternoon with the commitment of five-star forward Mikka Muurinen out of KK Partizan in Serbia. He chose Arkansas over programs including Utah, Michigan, BYU, and Alabama. Muurinen becomes the fourth commit in a loaded 2026 class for the Razorbacks, a group highlighted by three other five-star recruits. Muurinen is the fourth five-star to join the program and provides the prototypical size and versatility that John Calipari looks for. Playing against professional competition in the EuroLeague and ABA League, Muurinen posted modest raw numbers due to limited playing time but still flashed the high-upside potential of a stretch-four. Calipari’s track record of developing frontcourt talent, Muurinen fits the mold of a high-upside piece in Arkansas’ system. If his growth continues, he could become a key building block for this Razorback class. April 24 Peterson declares for NBA Draft Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson declared for the NBA draft on Friday, just as nearly everyone had expected he would ever since his arrival on campus, and the high-scoring guard figures to be among the first three players selected in June. The 6-foot-6 Peterson showed flashes of brilliance with the Jayhawks, but he also caused a lot of headaches for the team. He dealt with a severe full-body cramping issue that required hospitalization before the season, and additional injuries and illnesses caused him to miss 11 games, hurting his ability to build any continuity with the rest of his teammates. Peterson wound up averaging 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 38.2% from beyond the arc in 24 games. He started to hit his rhythm in the postseason, scoring 24 points against TCU and 14 against Houston in the Big 12 Tournament. He had 28 points in a first-round NCAA tourney win over Cal Baptist and 21 in a last-second loss to St. John's in the second round. "To my teammates, friends and everyone at the University of Kansas, a heartfelt thank you!" Peterson posted to social media Friday. "Your belief in me, your encouragement and your constant support have been invaluable every step of the way. This journey has been everything to me, and none of it would have been possible without your love, support and sacrifices." Most mock drafts have Peterson or BYU's A.J. Dybantsa going first overall, though Duke's Cameron Boozer also could be in the mix. April 22 Nate Oats inks extension The Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach Nate Oats have agreed to a six-year contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday. The deal links Oats to Alabam through 2032, and will increase his salary to an annual average value of $7.25 million. Oats has gone 170-73 over seven seasons in Tuscaloosca, and led Alabama to Final Four in 2024. Vanderbilt extends coach Shea Ralph Vanderbilt Commodores women’s basketball coach Shea Ralph has agreed to a contract extension following her fifth and best season yet in leading the Commodores to the Sweet 16 and earning AP Coach of the Year honors. Athletic director Candice Storey Lee announced the extension. Lee noted Ralph was hired just after the university launched the Vandy United program to renovate athletic facilities as part of a commitment to compete at the highest levels. "She has delivered on that vision and is the right leader to keep elevating our women’s basketball program while inspiring our broader community as we set the standard for women’s athletics," Lee said. "Her well-deserved recognition only reinforces what we see every day — she makes teams better, empowers women and brings people together." Terms of Ralph’s extension were not announced by the school, which is a private university. Ralph led a team that returned only one starter to the most successful season in school history. Vanderbilt went 29-5, with 13 of those wins coming in the regular season against a rugged Southeastern Conference schedule. The Commodores finished tied for second in the conference, which matched the best finish in program history. They earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and reached the Sweet 16. April 21 Thomas Haugh expected to return to Florida for senior season Not only are the Florida Gators entering next season with lofty expectations and a top ranking, but one of coach Todd Golden’s key players is also set to return. Forward Thomas Haugh is expected back in Gainesville for his senior season, per ESPN. Haugh’s decision to return comes as a surprise, as he was widely projected as a consensus lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. With his return now official, the Gators could quickly find themselves positioned as a legitimate contender to debut at No. 1 in the preseason rankings He averaged 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. That production solidified Haugh’s status as one of the most dependable two-way contributors and a key piece of the Gators’ offense heading into next season. The decision to forgo the NBA Draft marks the first time since 2017 that a projected lottery pick has opted to return to school. The last player to make such a move was Miles Bridges, who famously returned to Michigan State for his sophomore season. Haugh is now the third starter from last season’s team to announce his return. He will rejoin forward Alex Condon and guard Boogie Fland, while center Rueben Chinyelu could also return as he continues to maintain eligibility throughout the NBA Draft process. Solo Ball to miss all of next season The UConn Huskies guard and two-time All-Big East honoree will miss the 2026-27 season due to wrist surgery, the school announced. "Solo is a true Husky and a champion who would do anything to be out on the court," UConn head coach Dan Hurley said. "This guy has shown throughout his career what a warrior he is. Solo is going to use the season to get his wrist fully healthy and then come back next year as one of the best guards in America while cementing his legacy as an all-time great at UConn." The 2026-27 season will count as a medical redshirt year for Ball, who averaged 12.8 points per game last season, while shooting 39.2/30.0/85.2. The year prior (2024-25), he averaged 14.4 points per game, while leading the Big East with a 41.4% shooting percentage from behind the arc. Ball and the Huskies are coming off a season that saw them claim a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and reach the National Championship before losing to the No. 1-seeded Michigan Wolverines in the title game. April 20 Big East commissioner to retire before 2026-2027 season Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman will retire at the end of August, the conference announced Monday. Ackerman, 66, has served in that role since 2013, presiding over the rebirth of the conference following the decision a year earlier for the Big East to split. Ackerman led the negotiations that resulted in the return of UConn in 2020 from the American Athletic Conference. "It’s been an extraordinary honor for me to serve as the Commissioner of one of the most prestigious and storied organizations in college sports," Ackerman said in a statement. "I want to thank our Presidents for entrusting me with this one-of-a-kind leadership opportunity and for supporting the investments needed to maintain the Big East's stature and meet our schools’ high competitive and academic standards.' Big East men's basketball teams won four national championships during her tenure, with two by Villanova and two by UConn — more than any other Division I conference in that span. The UConn women's team won its 12th national title in 2025. "Speaking on behalf of all the BIG EAST Presidents, we announce Commissioner Val Ackerman’s retirement with a tinge of sadness and deep gratitude," said St. John’s president, the Rev. Brian J. Shanley, who is the chair of the conference's Board of Directors. "When we re-founded the BIG EAST in 2013 as a basketball-centric conference, our first task was to find a commissioner who could provide the strategic vision needed to position us as a basketball peer with the power football conferences and compete with the country’s best. We found that visionary leader in Val Ackerman.' She presided in the relocation of the conference headquarters to New York in 2014, and the Big East moved to the famed Empire State Building last year. Ackerman also ensured that the Big East men's basketball tournament will remain at Madison Square Garden until 2032, which would be the 50th anniversary of the event there. The women's tournament is set to be held at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut until 2029. Before coming to the Big East, Ackerman was the first president of the WNBA when it was launched in 1997 and was in charge of the league for eight years. She also held positions including president at USA Basketball. Ackerman played at Virginia and was a four-year starter, becoming the first 1,000-point scorer in program history. April 15 Illinois retains three key players Tomislav Ivisic and his twin brother, Zvonimir, announced their return to Illinois, along with forward Jake Davis on Wednesday. Their announcements came moments after fellow Illini David Mirkovic announced his intention to return. So after a Final Four run, Illinois will bring back a strong core, in addition to Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks. Two star forwards remain in college ranks Two star forwards with Final Four appearances chose to play another year of college basketball instead of declaring for the NBA Draft. Illinois' David Mirkovic and Florida's Alex Condon will reportedly return to their respective teams for the 2026-27 season. Mirkovic averaged 13.3 points and eight rebounds per game as a freshman at Illinois. Condon posted 15.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game during his sophomore season, and helped Florida win the national title in 2025. April 5 Alabama, Nate Oats agree to new contract Oats has agreed to a new deal with Alabama that will make him one of the top five highest-compensated men’s basketball coaches in the country, according to multiple reports. April 3 Tommy Lloyd signs new deal with Arizona Wildcats Lloyd has signed a new contract with the Wildcats that makes him one of the five highest-paid coaches in the sport, per ESPN. The new deal will pay Lloyd $7.5 million in average annual value over five years. Lloyd had been considered among the candidates to become the new head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. Arizona is in this year's Final Four, as it's set to take on the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday night. This season, the Wildcats are 36-2 overall and a combined 148-35 under Lloyd since he took over for the 2021-22 season. Alabama's Holloway plans to enroll in classes, rejoin team this fall Alabama 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 this fall, per ESPN. Holloway's arrest happened just days before the Crimson Tide tipped off March Madness competition, where they reached the Sweet 16 before their loss to Michigan. Holloway was a star for Alabama this season, where he averaged 16.8 points, 3.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds. Jason Neff, Holloway's attorney, emphasized that "Although it's not Aden's call to make, given the opportunity, his intent is to play basketball next year," Neff told ESPN. April 1 Bill Self provides clarity on his future Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self announced he will return to the Jayhawks for his 24th season, per a post on the team's social media account. After Kansas' season ended in a Round of 32 loss to St. John's on March 22, Self, 63, said he was going to discuss his future with his family. He missed a game against Colorado this season and the Big 12 Tournament last season for health reasons. Those issues were a part of his thinking process, but he decided to return "with renewed clarity and the ongoing support from our administration," Self said. Elliot Cadeau treated for allergic reaction ahead of Final Four Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau is receiving medical attention for a possible allergic reaction before traveling to Indianapolis for the Final Four, the team said Wednesday. Detroit radio station WWJ 950 posted a video on X on Wednesday showing a covered individual being wheeled out of Michigan’s player development center on a gurney and loaded into a Huron Valley ambulance. Michigan later confirmed it was Cadeau, who complained of a possible allergic reaction. "Before the team departed the Player Development Center today, Elliot alerted the medical staff that he may have had an allergic reaction to something that he ate," the team said in a statement. "The doctors evaluated Elliot and he is fine. Out of an abundance of caution, he is receiving medical supervision and will be traveling to Indianapolis later today." Cadeau will meet the team in Indianapolis, where Michigan is set to take on Arizona on Saturday in a Final Four clash between No. 1 seeds. Andrzejek steps down as Campbell coach John Andrzejek stepped down as Campbell's men's basketball coach on Wednesday, citing the school's shifted priorities in a post on social media. "Over the last 6 months, it has become clear that Campbell has made the decision to shift their commitment from basketball,' Andrzejek wrote. 'Simply put — the institution now has different priorities, and they are not compatible with putting the kind of team on the floor that you deserve. As difficult as this is, I respect the decision and understand it as one that the University feels it must make in what are unprecedented times in higher education." Andrzejek joined Campbell in 2025 after a two-year stint as an assistant at Florida, where he helped lead the Gators to a national title. In his sole season in Buies Creek, he led Campbell team to a 16-18 overall record and an 8-10 record in Colonial Athletic Association play. Campbell was eliminated in the semifinals of the CAA Tournament with a 74-64 loss to Monmouth. The coach said he explored several options with Campbell's athletic department in hopes to move forward with the team, but it became clear that the school cannot support the program. "Despite months of intense work and collaboration with AD Hannah Bazemore and our terrific athletics administration, and several creative options that were proposed and thoroughly explored, there are no pathways that the institution will support to fund the program appropriately moving forward," he wrote. Andrzejek will join Louisville as associate head coach, serving under coach Pat Kelsey, Campbell said in a statement. Mar. 31 NC State hires former player Justin Gainey as head coach Will Wade left NC State after one season, leaving the head coaching position open. After a five-day search, the Wolfpack hired Tennessee associate head coach — Justin Gainey. Gainey helped lead Tennessee to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost against Michigan in the Elite Eight. Though this is his first coaching stint with the Wolfpack, he previously played with NC State for four seasons as a point guard from 1996 until 2000. He averaged 6.9 points, starting 103 of his 128 games with the Wolfpack. St. Bonaventure hires MacDonald of D-II power Daemen St. Bonaventure has hired Mike MacDonald of Division II Daemen University to succeed the retired Mark Schmidt as men's basketball coach, the school announced Tuesday. MacDonald returns to his alma mater after leading Daemen, in nearby Amherst, to a 61-3 record over the last two seasons and an appearance in the Division II Elite Eight last week. MacDonald was named Division II national coach of the year in 2025. He previously was head coach at Division I Canisius and Division III Medaille and is the only coach in college basketball history to win at least 100 games at each NCAA level. "We are extremely excited to bring Mike back to St. Bonaventure," athletic director Bob Beretta said. "As we set out to identify the next leader of our men’s basketball program, we developed a list of more than 20 characteristics that we would look for in the person who would succeed Mark Schmidt as head coach. Mike checked every box.' Schmidt, the Bonnies' all-time wins leader with 341, retired after his 19th season. St. Bonaventure finished 17-17 this season after reaching the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Daemen went 33-2 in 2025-26, winning the school’s second regional championship over Saint Anselm to reach the Elite Eight. Thirty-one of Daemen’s 33 wins were by double digits, with 14 wins by 20-plus points and five by more than 30. The Wildcats’ only two losses were to national finalists Gannon and Lander. Mar. 30 Pitino, St. John's agree to extension St. John's says Hall of Fame basketball coach Rick Pitino has signed a new agreement that will keep him under contract with the school through the end of this decade. Pitino was hired in March 2023 and given a six-year contract through 2029. Several media outlets, citing anonymous sources, reported Sunday his restructured deal includes an additional year through the 2029-30 season and a raise that will make him the second-highest paid coach in the Big East behind Dan Hurley at UConn. "We’re thrilled that Coach Pitino has signed a new agreement to remain at St. John’s, a deal that will keep him in Queens through the end of the decade," athletic director Ed Kull said in a statement. "This extension reflects our strong confidence in his leadership, vision, and commitment to our student-athletes. "Coach Pitino has changed the culture of our community and we want his presence to be felt on this campus for years to come. We look forward to more Big East championships and NCAA Tournament runs with Coach Pitino at the helm." In three seasons with the Red Storm, the 73-year-old Pitino has led a remarkable resurgence for the New York City program, coaching the Johnnies to consecutive Big East regular-season and tournament championships. St. John's reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 27 years before losing 80-75 to No. 1 overall seed Duke on Friday night. Pitino earned his 900th career win on the court this season and said he'd like to reach 1,000. He is 81-25 at St. John's and coming off consecutive 30-win seasons. Utah State hires Northern Iowa's men's basketball coach Utah State has hired longtime Northern Iowa coach Ben Jacobson to be its men’s basketball coach, the school announced Monday. Jacobson, who agreed to a five-year deal with the Aggies, succeeds Jerrod Calhoun, who left to take over at Cincinnati. Jacobson becomes the fifth head coach in seven seasons at Utah State. He takes over an Aggies program that has reached the NCAA Tournament in four straight seasons. "I’m thankful for the opportunity to join Utah State as it enters its next chapter in the Pac-12," Jacobson said in a news release. "I’m grateful to Cameron Walker for trusting me to lead such a historic program and to continue its tradition as one of the top men’s basketball programs in the West." Jacobson spent 20 seasons at Northern Iowa and made five NCAA Tournament appearances with the Panthers — highlighted by a Sweet 16 appearance in 2010 as a No. 9 seed. He compiled a 397-259 record at Northern Iowa and had a school- record 31 wins in the 2014-15 season. Jacobson is the all-time leader in conference game victories (220) and conference tournament victories (24) in the Missouri Valley Conference. Calhoun guided the Aggies to a 55-15 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances over two seasons before leaving for Cincinnati, his alma mater. Utah State will move to the Pac-12 Conference from the Mountain West Conference, starting with the 2026-27 season. Mar. 27 Alabama's Holloway granted permission to travel out of state Alabama guard Aden Holloway, who was arrested on felony drug charges, was granted permission by a judge to leave the state on Friday as his team prepares to face Michigan in the Sweet 16 in Chicago. It was initially unclear whether the travel permission opened the door for Holloway to play in the NCAA Tournament game that is scheduled to tip off at 7:35 p.m. Eastern, but Alabama released a statement saying that, "Nothing has changed with regard to Aden's status with the team," per ESPN. The university removed him from campus last week "pending further investigation by the UA Office of Student Conduct." Holloway, Alabama’s No. 2 scorer, was arrested March 16 after authorities found 2.1 pounds of marijuana in his apartment. He was suspended indefinitely following the arrest, but coach Nate Oats has not ruled out the possibility of his return in the NCAA Tournament. Holloway's attorney, Jason Neff, had requested his client be allowed to travel "on a trip out of the state' — without specifying where — departing Friday and returning Tuesday. Tuscaloosa County District Court Judge Joanne Jannik approved that travel Friday morning, according to court documents. If Alabama were to win Friday night, it would play in the Elite Eight on Sunday. Mar. 26 Boston College hires Luke Murray Boston College men's basketball has hired Luke Murray as its next head coach. Murray had been an assistant coach at UConn since 2021. He helped the Huskies win back-to-back national titles in 2023 and 2024. LSU Tigers hire Will Wade (again) Let Act 2 begin! LSU is hiring Wade, previously the head coach of the NC State Wolfpack, for his second stint as the Tigers' head coach on a seven-year deal, according to The Field of 68. The Tigers are coming off a 15-17 overall season (3-15 in SEC play, good for last in the conference), which marked their second consecutive losing season and third in four years. LSU head coach Matt McMahon has been fired and is due over $8 million, per ESPN. LSU fired Wade in 2022 after a recruiting scandal came to light, with him later becoming the head coach of the McNeese Cowboys for the 2023-24 season. After McNeese made the NCAA Tournament in each of Wade's first two seasons, he left to become NC State's head coach for the 2025-26 season. The Wolfpack were eliminated by the Texas Longhorns in the First Round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament last week. Over Wade's five seasons as LSU's head coach (2017-18 to 2021-22), the Tigers went a combined 105-51. Mar. 25 USF hires Chris Mack The Bulls have hired former Louisville and Xavier coach Chris Mack as their next head coach. Mack had spent the last two seasons at College of Charleston before being hired at USF. He will succeed Bryan Hodgson, who took the head coach position at Providence, after one season at USF, in which he led the Bulls to an American Athletic Conference Tournament regular- and post-season title, and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Mack will be USF's fourth coach in four years. Butler hires Ronald Nored The Bulldogs have hired long-time NBA assistant coach and former Butler guard Ronald Nored as their new head coach, the school announced. "In a rapidly evolving college basketball landscape, our priority was identifying the absolute best leader to spearhead the future of Butler Basketball. Ronald Nored is that leader," Butler Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker said in a statement about hiring Nored. "Ron is a relentless worker with an elite basketball IQ and a proven track record of developing talent at the highest level of basketball. He is the ultimate competitor, and he will cultivate that same quality within his team and staff. He is a gifted relationship builder who commands respect through his character and his craft." Nored, who's in his third season as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, also has assistant NBA coaching stints with the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics under his belt, among other roles; he was the head coach of the Long Island Nets, the Brooklyn Nets' G League affiliate, for the inaugural two seasons of the program (2016-17 and 2017-18). Nored played four seasons at Butler (2008-09 to 2011-12), serving as a primary starter in each of his four seasons with the program. The four-year guard was a two-time Horizon Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-Horizon honors in his senior season. Mar. 24 Syracuse announces Gerry McNamara hire Syracuse announced that it has hired Gerry McNamara as its next head coach less than two weeks after firing Adrian Autry. McNamara spent two seasons at Siena, leading the Saints to a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2026. McNamara has deep Syracuse ties, spending 12 years as an assistant with the program (2011-2023) and playing for the school from 2002-2006 — highlighted by winning a national championship with the Orange in 2003 as a freshman alongside Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony. Mar. 23 Saint Mary's to promote associate HC Mickey McConnell After the recent departure of Saint Mary's head coach Randy Bennett, the team has tabbed its next head coach. The Gaels did not have to search long after settling on associate head coach Mickey McConnell. McConnell is no stranger to the Gaels as his first stint with them was as a player. He was recruited in 2007, where he played four seasons as a sharpshooter. He averaged 10 points and four assists on nearly 50% shooting and 46% from 3-point range. His first coaching gig came in 2019 where he held a position as assistant coach at Saint Mary's. Then in 2022, he earned his first promotion to associate head coach. After four strong years in that role, he earned his most recent elevation to head coach. Arizona State set to hire St. Mary's HC Randy Bennett After 25 seasons at St. Mary's, Randy Bennett is moving on. The 63-year-old head coach has agreed to a deal to become Arizona State's next head coach, CBS Sports reported Monday. Bennett had helped turn St. Mary's into one of the top non-power conference programs in college basketball during his tenure. The Gaels made the tournament 12 times during his tenure, including each of the last five seasons. Bennett went 589-228 during his time at St. Mary's. At Arizona State, Bennett will take over for Bobby Hurley, who was fired earlier in March. Hurley failed to lead Arizona State to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three seasons, and went 185-167 during his 11-year tenure. Cincinnati to hire Utah State HC Jerrod Calhoun Utah State's Jerrod Calhoun is going home. The Cincinnati alum will become the school's next men's basketball head coach, CBS Sports reported Monday. Calhoun, 44, has quickly risen up the coaching ranks in recent years. He became Utah State's head coach in 2024 following successful stints at Division II's Fairmont State and at Youngstown State. Utah State went 55-15 during Calhoun's tenure as head coach, making the NCAA Tournament in both seasons. Calhoun will replace Wes Miller, who failed to make the NCAA Tournament in his five seasons at Cincinnati. Creighton's McDermott retiring Greg McDermott announced Monday he would retire as Creighton's coach after the Bluejays' final game in the College Basketball Crown tournament next month. Alan Huss, who returned to his alma mater last year as associate head coach and head coach in waiting, will succeed McDermott. "It has been an incredible honor to lead the Creighton men’s basketball program for the past 16 years," the 61-year-old McDermott said in a statement. "I’m very proud of the young men that have proudly worn the Bluejay uniform and represented our program in a first-class manner. Witnessing their growth and development on and off the playing floor was especially gratifying. "I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family, our players, coaching staff and support staff, as well as the presidents, athletic directors, and all the University and athletic administrators. The support of the Omaha community consistently packing our arena with 17,000 fans has created many fond memories." McDermott is 365-188 at Creighton and 645-383 in 32 seasons as a head coach. He led Creighton to 14 seasons of 20-plus wins and 10 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including to the Elite Eight in 2023 and the Sweet 16 in 2021 and 2024. Creighton won the Big East regular-season title in 2020. The team is 15-17 this season. Huss played at Creighton from 1997-2001, was an assistant under McDermott from 2017-23 and then left to become head coach at High Point. He was 56-15 in two seasons and led High Point to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in its Division I history in 2025. "I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the head men’s basketball coach at Creighton University," Huss said. "This University has meant so much to me as a former player, as an alumnus and through the seven years I’ve spent serving this program. Creighton helped shape who I am, and the opportunity to now lead this program is something I do not take lightly.' Florida hires Rhode Island's Weiss Florida hired Rhode Island's Tammi Reiss as the program's next women's basketball coach Monday, tasking her with rebuilding the least-accomplished program on campus. Reiss, a three-time Atlantic 10 coach of the year, spent seven seasons with the Rams and led them to the NCAA Women's Tournament for the first time in 30 years earlier this month. Rhode Island lost to Alabama in the opening round. Nonetheless, the Rams won a school-record 28 games to go along with a share of the A-10 regular-season championship and the league tournament. Reiss, 55, played alongside Dawn Staley at Virginia and appeared in three consecutive Final Fours (1990, 1991 and 1992), including the 1991 national title game. She was part of eight NCAA Women's Tournament appearances as an assistant coach, including four at Syracuse, before arriving at Rhode Island. She replaces Kelly Rae Finley, who was fired two weeks ago while the Gators were poised to miss the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. The 40-year-old Finley went 93-75 in five seasons in Gainesville, including 30-50 in Southeastern Conference play. She put together one of the program’s best collections of talent in recent years, with Liv McGill, Me’Arah O’Neal and Laila Reynolds giving the team three McDonald’s All-Americans in its starting lineup. But the trio was unable to deliver enough wins in one of the country’s deepest leagues. The Rams tripled their average attendance during Weiss' tenure and raised the program’s first three conference banners. Her overall record is 138-73, including 96 wins over the last four seasons. She twice set the program record for victories. Charlotte hiring ex-Cincinnati coach Miller The Charlotte 49ers have hired Wes Miller as their basketball coach. Miller spent the past five seasons at Cincinnati before being fired on March 13 with three years left on his contract after failing to get the Bearcats to the NCAA Tournament. He was 100-74 at Cincinnati. The Bearcats finished 18-15 this season. They had recovered from a disappointing start to win seven of nine games down the stretch and were considered an NCAA Tournament bubble team heading into the Big 12 Tournament. But the Bearcats lost to UCF 66-65 in overtime in the second round after surrendering an eight-point lead in the final two minutes of regulation, paving the way for Miller's departure. The 43-year-old Miller has strong ties to North Carolina, leading the Tar Heels to a national championship as a player. He also coached a decade at UNC Greensboro, where he earned Southern Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2012 and 2018. He helped UNC Greensboro win 25 or more games in three consecutive seasons, won three conference titles and led the Spartans to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2018 and 2021. He left UNCG for Cincinnati considered one of the bright young coaches in the game after recording a school-record 185 wins, including an average of 25 wins per season over his final five years. Miller posted the most wins (217) by a coach by the age of 40. Athletic director Kevin White called Miller a "proven leader with a deep understanding of the game and strong ties to basketball in our state.' Kansas coach Self deciding whether to continue coaching Bill Self says he hasn't decided whether he will continue his Hall of Fame coaching career after the Kansas Jayhawks' season ended with a heartbreaking loss to St. John's in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. The 63-year-old Self has won two national championships and built a powerhouse during his 23 seasons in charge of the Jayhawks, but he has missed several games over the past few seasons due to heart issues and other health concerns. "I’ve gone through some stuff off the court, so I’ll get back and get with family and visit and see what’s going on," Self said. "I love what I do. I need to be able to do it where I’m feeling good and healthy to do it fairly well. I’ll get back home and it will all be discussed." Self most recently missed a game at Colorado in January after taking a precautionary trip to the hospital. He also had two stents inserted in his heart in 2023, and two more last year. Self has been one of college basketball's most successful coaches since he replaced Roy Williams in Lawrence in 2003. He joined the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017, and he became the winningest coach in Kansas history in November 2024, passing Phog Allen. "My career ain’t going to be based on one game," Self said when asked if it would be tough to end his career on such a crushing defeat. "I said I was going to get back and evaluate my health situation." Mar. 22 Joshua Jefferson injury update Iowa State star forward Joshua Jefferson was ruled out for the No. 2-seeded Cyclones' second-round game against No. 7 seed Kentucky. Jefferson sustained an ankle injury in Iowa State's game against Tennessee State on Friday, and was unable to recover in time for Sunday. If the Cyclones advance to the Sweet Sixteen, Jefferson will have five days to recover and prepare for the next opponent, which would be No. 6 seed Tennessee or No. 3 seed Virginia. Mar. 20 Georgia Tech hires HC Scott Cross The Yellow Jackets announced that they've hired Troy and former UT Arlington coach as their new head coach. Cross leaves Troy, which was a No. 13 seed in this year's NCAA Tournament before losing to No. 4 seed Nebraska on March 18, after posting a combined 125-99 record over seven seasons in his respective position. He takes over a Georgia Tech program coming off a season that saw it record an 11-20 overall record and a 2-16 record in ACC play; head coach Damon Stoudamire was fired after three seasons on the job, failing to produce a winning season. Mar. 18 Belmont hires Evan Bradds as its next head coach Belmont reportedly hired Evan Bradds as its next head coach on Wednesday. Bradds was most recently an assistant coach at Duke, where he spent one season. He played at Belmont for four years from 2013-17, averaging 20 points per game as a senior. Bradds also spent multiple seasons as a coach with the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz. Bradds, 31, becomes the second-youngest active head coach in Division I basketball, behind just Nicholls coach Tevin Saddler. He follows former Belmont coach Casey Alexander, who spent seven seasons at Belmont, leading the Bruins to three Missouri Valley Conference regular-season titles, before taking the position at Kansas State on March 13. Mar. 17 Louisville star Mikel Brown Jr. out the first weekend of the tournament The Cardinals' star freshman will miss the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament due to an ongoing back injury, the school announced. "I just don’t feel 100%," Brown said in the locker room, according to The Associated Press. "I don’t feel like I can play to our standard." Brown hasn't played since Feb. 28. Through 21 games this season, Brown is averaging 18.2 points, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 41.0/34.4/84.4. Louisville is a No. 6 seed in the East Region of the tournament and faces No. 11 seed South Florida in the first round on Thursday. Mar. 16 Alabama's Aden Holloway arrested on felony drug charge The second-leading scorer for the Crimson Tide was arrested on Monday morning, days before the NCAA tournament. He was booked after agents with the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force searched a home near the Alabama campus. It was there they found and "recovered more than a pound of marijuana, paraphernalia and cash" that belonged to Holloway, according to police spokesperson Stephanie Taylor's email to The Associated Press. Following the arrest, Holloway was reportedly "removed from campus" and will not be with the team as the UA Office of Student Conduct investigates his case, the school announced Monday. Holloway has had his best season, averaging 16.8 points, shooting a prolific 43.8% from beyond the arc. This could hurt Alabama in their NCAA tournament matchup on March 20 at 12:15 PM ET against Hofstra. Matta retiring from coaching Longtime college basketball coach Thad Matta announced Monday he is retiring after a career that included 13 NCAA Tournaments and a national title game appearance with Ohio State. Matta spent the past four seasons at Butler, his second stint at the helm of his alma mater. The Bulldogs suffered a season-ending 91-81 loss to Providence in the Big East Tournament. Matta, 58, will remain on staff as a special counselor to President Jim Danko and athletic director Grant Leiendecker. Butler officials said they have begun searching for his successor. "The love my wife, my daughters and I have for Butler is what brought us back four years ago, and it feels especially meaningful that I conclude my coaching career here," he said in a statement. "Butler has always meant more to us than just basketball — and that connection is why I’m grateful to continue working with the university and offering my help in any way I can. I want this program to compete at the highest levels of the Big East and national landscape, and I am excited to be part of what we continue to build here." Matta finishes his head coaching career with a 502-223 record, winning eight conference regular-season titles at three different stops — Butler, Xavier and Ohio State. He led the Buckeyes to two Final Fours, losing to Florida in the 2007 title game. He is Ohio State’s winningest coach, compiling 337 wins over 13 seasons. Mar. 13 Billikens extend coach Josh Schertz Second-year Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz has agreed in principle to a long-term contract extension, athletic director Chris May announced Friday before the Billikens' game in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament. The Billikens (27-4) tied with Virginia Commonwealth for the A-10 regular-season championship and were the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. May locked up Schertz as the coach's name was bandied for a number of jobs in power conferences. Saint Louis entered Friday one win away from tying its season record, and in January the Billikens made their first appearance in The Associated Press Top 25 since 2020-21. They were ranked as high as No. 18 and appeared in seven straight polls before dropping out Monday. Saint Louis hired Schertz away from Indiana State in 2024 after he led the Sycamores to their first Missouri Valley regular-season championship since 2000. The Billikens were 19-15 with an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament last season. Pitt keeping embattled Capel Athletic director Allen Greene announced Friday that Jeff Capel will be back for a ninth season with Pitt despite a disappointing 13-20 mark this year, that ended with a 98-88 loss to North Carolina State in the second round of the ACC tournament. "I believe our best path forward is leadership continuity paired with clear expectations and a willingness to evolve," Greene said in a statement. Capel, who has four years left on the contract extension he signed in 2024, is 127-127 at Pitt. The Panthers have made the NCAA tournament just once during Capel’s tenure, when the 2022-23 team won 24 games and advanced to the second round. Pitt narrowly missed the tournament in 2024 and saw a 12-2 start to the 2024-25 season turn into a sluggish 17-15 finish. Things weren't any better this winter, leading to a dwindling of fan support and speculation about Capel's job security. Greene put that speculation to rest, for now anyway. He pointed to the way the Panthers played down the stretch while winning four of their final seven games as proof that all is not lost. "They fought until the end and represented this university with toughness," Greene said. "Effort alone is not enough. We must be better going forward. I know it. Jeff knows it." Mar. 12 Syracuse introduces Bryan Blair as new AD Syracuse University hired Bryan Blair as its athletic director on Thursday, at a time the ACC school is searching to regain relevance and with its once-proud men’s basketball program in transition. The 40-year-old Blair takes over after spending the past four years holding the same job at Toledo, where in 2022 he was nation’s youngest AD. And Syracuse is counting on Blair’s youth and familiarity with the NCAA’s changing revenue landscape to guide Orange athletics into the future. "Bryan Blair is the athletics leader for this moment and for the future of Syracuse University," Syracuse chancellor-elect Michael Haynie said in a release. "He is a fierce competitor who knows how to build winning programs, a visionary who approaches the business of college athletics with genuine creativity and ingenuity." He will be replacing John Wildhack, who had previously announced his retirement in July following a 10-year tenure. One of Wildhack’s final decisions was firing men’s basketball coach Adrian Autry on Wednesday. Autry was fired after three largely unsuccessful seasons in which he struggled in replacing Jim Boeheim. Anderson slips, injured on Big 12 tournament glass floor Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson strained a muscle while slipping on the new glass floor at the Big 12 Tournament, leaving the all-conference player to watch from the bench as No. 7 Iowa State beat the No. 16 Red Raiders 75-53 on Thursday. Anderson was hurt on an inbounds pass when his foot slipped near his own free throw line with about 8 and a half minutes remaining in the game. He immediately grabbed at his groin area while Iowa State proceeded to score a basket and play was stopped. Anderson limped over to the end of the Texas Tech bench, was examined by a trainer and spent the rest of the game there. "I'm feeling good," Anderson said afterward. "Obviously the floor is a bit slippery, so I think I just kind of misstepped or did a movement that caused me to slip and kind of ended up in a little unnatural position. That's what it was." The innovative glass surface has drawn mixed reviews during the Big 12 women’s tournament last week and the first two days of the men’s tournament this week. It has been praised by coaches and players alike for its glitzy ability to display graphics and hype up the fans, but numerous players in both of the events have complained about its relatively slick nature. Mar. 11 Arizona State parts with Bobby Hurley The Sun Devils will be pivoting in another direction as Bobby Hurley's coaching tenure at ASU has finished after 11 seasons, according to Chris Karpman. He will be sent on paid administrative leave for the rest of his contract in June. Previously an NBA player, Hurley took his talents to the whiteboard in 2010, assisting his brother at Wagner College, 12 years after his time in the league. He then transitioned to a head coaching position at the University of Buffalo in 2013, before taking his most recent gig with the Arizona State Sun Devils in 2015. With the Sun Devils, Hurley went 185-167 overall and held a conference game record of 90-115. Syracuse fires Adrian Autry The Orange are turning the page at head coach, as they've fired Autry after three seasons at the helm, according to CBS Sports. Syracuse lost to SMU in the first round of the ACC Tournament on Tuesday night, 86-69. This season, they went 15-17 overall and 6-12 in ACC play, good for 14th in the conference. Over Autry's three seasons at Syracuse, the Orange went a combined 49-48. Autry, who played four seasons at Syracuse (1990-91 season to 1993-94 season) and was a two-time All-Big East honoree, was an assistant coach at Syracuse under Jim Boeheim for 13 seasons before succeeding his former head coach in 2023. Mar. 10 Injuries rock Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer revealed that junior guard Caleb Foster suffered a fracture in his right foot and is out for the foreseeable future following recent surgery for the matter, per ESPN. Scheyer also announced that sophomore center Patrick Ngongba II will miss this week's ACC Tournament due to foot soreness. This season, Foster is averaging 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, while shooting 44.2/40.2/58.5. Meanwhile, Ngongba is averaging 10.7 points, six rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 60.2% from the field. Duke (29-2, 17-1) is the No. 1 seed in the ACC. Mar. 6 North Carolina star Caleb Wilson's season is over UNC's star freshman forward broke his right thumb in a non-contact drill at practice on Thursday and will need surgery. As a result, Wilson's season is officially over. Wilson previously sustained a fractured left hand during the team's loss to Miami (Fla.) on Feb. 10. Through 24 games this season, Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting 57.8% from the field. Mar. 3 Tennessee Tech fires coach John Pelphrey Pelphrey is out after his seventh consecutive losing season ended with the Golden Eagles failing to qualify for the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. Pelphrey, 55, posted a 79-138 record that included a 13-18 mark this season. Tennessee Tech was the third head coaching stop for Pelphrey, who owns an overall record of 228-264 in 16 seasons. He posted an 80-67 record at South Alabama (2002-07) and went 69-59 at Arkansas (2007-11) before his seven-year run at Tennessee Tech. Pelphrey reached the NCAA Tournament with South Alabama in '06 and with Arkansas in '08. Michigan considers options at point guard Michigan lost the best backup point guard in college basketball, according to coach Dusty May, when L.J. Cason tore a knee ligament as the team clinched an outright Big Ten title with a win at then-No. 10 Illinois. The Wolverines will certainly miss the smooth-shooting sophomore, who averaged 8.4 points and more than one 3-pointer per game, but May said the injury will give guards an opportunity to play larger roles. Starting point guard Elliot Cadeau plays about 25 minutes a game, a number that may increase if he can avoid foul trouble. Freshman Trey McKenney, sixth-year player Nimari Burnett and senior Roddy Gayle each average about 20 minutes a game — and all of them will have a chance to be on the court more without Cason. Rutgers fires women's basketball coach Coquese Washington is out after Rutgers ended the season with 11 consecutive losses and failed to win 10 games for the second time in three years. Rutgers was 9-20 this season; its 1-17 Big Ten record was the worst in program history in conference play. Washington succeeded Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer, who retired in 2022. A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately, Keli Zinn, Rutgers' athletic director, said. Mar. 1 USC, Chad Baker-Mazara part ways The USC men's basketball team announced that guard Baker-Mazara is no longer a member of the program on Sunday. He sustained an injury during the Trojans' loss to Nebraska. It was USC's fifth consecutive loss as it continues to fall off the NCAA Tournament bubble. Baker-Mazara dealt with multiple injuries this season. He sustained a knee injury in a Feb. 3 game against Indiana, which kept him out three games. He returned for USC's games against Oregon and UCLA before getting re-injured against Nebraska and parting ways with the team. That said, there's no specific reason — injury or otherwise — that's been released as the cause of his departure. Baker-Mazara was a fifth-year senior, so this could mean the end of his college basketball career. His journey included multiple different spots — Duquense, San Diego State, Auburn and one season at the junior college level. Feb. 27 Tarleton State coach Billy Gillispie won't return Gillispie, who has been away from the bench for more than a month because of medical issues, won’t return next season, the school announced Friday. Glenn Cyprien was named acting head coach on Jan. 30, about two weeks after Gillispie stepped away. The 66-year-old Gillispie said earlier this month that he was dealing with heart and blood-pressure issues that have plagued him for years. The former Kentucky coach had a kidney transplant in 2018. Feb. 18 Texas Tech star JT Toppin has torn ACL Toppin was doing his usual work in the paint Tuesday night, pouring in buckets and grabbing rebounds against Arizona State in a tough road environment. Then, late in the second half, the junior forward drove to the basket before going down in a heap, holding his right leg. Toppin stayed down for a few minutes before needing assistance to gingerly limp off the court. The school announced on Feb. 18 that Toppin suffered a torn ACL, ending his season. Toppin finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks, and the Red Raiders were obviously shaken when he left the floor. He sat on the bench for a brief period before going back to the locker room. Texas Tech was trailing 61-56 at the time of the injury and fell behind 67-56 over the next few minutes. The Red Raiders regrouped and pulled to 70-67 in the final seconds, but Christian Anderson turned the ball over, costing them a chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer. San Diego fires Steve Lavin Lavin is out as the Toreros' head coach after three-plus seasons. In four combined seasons, San Diego went 46-79 under Lavin, including 11-17 this season. He had previous head-coaching stints at UCLA and St. John's. Feb. 16 Gonzaga forward Braden Huff injury update Huff will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 regular-season because of a left knee injury sustained in practice on Jan. 14. He was given an original timeline of 4-to-8 weeks, which meant there was a chance he'd return before the end of the regular season. However, on Feb. 16, Bulldogs coach Mark Few said that his return will likely be at least eight weeks, meaning he won't return until after the West Coast Conference Tournament concludes. Feb. 15 Kansas State fires coach Jerome Tang K-State fired Tang on Sunday "for cause," per the athletic department, citing Tang's "public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction." Moreso, athletic director Gene Taylor filed this statement as a reason to fire Tang for cause: "There’s language in his contract that addresses certain things that can potentially bring embarrassment," Taylor said. "Basically, his comments about the student-athletes and the negative reaction to those comments from a lot of sources, both nationally and locally, is where I thought we needed to make the decision." After K-State's 91-62 loss to Cincinnati on Feb. 11, Tang said his players "do not deserve to wear this uniform." "There will be very few of them in it next year," Tang added. "I’m embarrassed for the university, and I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is just ridiculous. We’ve got practice at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, and we will get this thing right. I have no answer and no words. … Right now, I’m like pissed." Tang defended those comments in a statement. "I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination," he wrote. "I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach." Tang coached at K-State for the better part of four seasons. He led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in 2023, his first season. Following that year, Kansas State rewarded him with a seven-year contract extension, starting with a $3.6 million base salary, including a $100,000 increase each year, and an $18.7 million buyout. The Wildcats were 10-15 overall at the time of Tang's for-cause firing. Feb. 14 BYU forward Richie Saunders sustains season-ending injury Saunders sustained a torn ACL during the Cougars' win against Colorado on Valentine's Day. The injury effectively ends the senior's college basketball career. He has played all four seasons at BYU and leads the team with 64 made 3-point shots this season. The Cougars had dropped four of their past five games previous to a 90-86 overtime victory against Colorado. They had also lost senior guard Dawson Baker to a season-ending ACL injury earlier this season. Saunders' injury is another obstacle contributing to BYU's dwindling national championship chances. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/fears_h.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/128/72/fears_h.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/16x9-65-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/128/72/16x9-65-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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."]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[From the NBA to LSU? Luis Jr.’s Return To College Raises Eligibility Questions]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/luish1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/128/72/luish1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2026 NBA Draft No. 1 Pick Odds: Dybantsa Favored to Land With Wizards]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/02/aj-219.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/02/128/72/aj-219.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Michigan Men's Basketball Announces 2026-27 Big Ten Opponents]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/dusty-may.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/128/72/dusty-may.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/5.08-patrick-everson-betmgm-16x9-1.png" expression="full" type="image/png" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/128/72/5.08-patrick-everson-betmgm-16x9-1.png" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/01/ncaa2.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/01/128/72/ncaa2.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[The Blueprint: How Michigan Built a Formula College Basketball is Racing to Copy]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/16x9-52.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/128/72/16x9-52.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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."]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Top 10 Decisions That Will Shape the 2026–27 College Basketball Season]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/jeremy_fears_morez_johnson_horizontal.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/05/128/72/jeremy_fears_morez_johnson_horizontal.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Men's College Basketball Rankings: Florida, Illinois Highlight Post-Portal Top 25]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/472c4507-artboard-1-85.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/472c4507-artboard-1-85.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Tyran Stokes Commits To Kansas, Ending Months Of Anticipation Around Recruitment]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/tyran_stokes_horizontal.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/tyran_stokes_horizontal.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/charlie_baker_horizontal.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/charlie_baker_horizontal.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/pac-12h1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<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"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/03/cameron-boozer.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/03/128/72/cameron-boozer.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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)]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/artboard-1-84.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<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"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/braylon-mullinss.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/braylon-mullinss.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Villanova, Notre Dame Hoops Off to Rome for 'Eternal City Tip-Off' Season Opener]]>
				</title>
				<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>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/ect-rome-horizontal-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/ect-rome-horizontal-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![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.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Michigan Basketball Coach Dusty May Has 'Already' Agreed to New Contract]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/ad-warde-manuel-michigan-already-signed-coach-dusty-may-new-contract</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/ad-warde-manuel-michigan-already-signed-coach-dusty-may-new-contract</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Michigan Wolverines athletic director Warde Manuel announced that the school has signed head coach Dusty May to a new contract.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:22:47 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/may1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/may1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Dusty May isn't going anywhere. Michigan Wolverines athletic director Warde Manuel shared that the school has "already reached an agreement" with its head men's basketball coach on a new contract in the wake of winning the 2026 national championship title. "He will be the leader of this basketball team for many years to come," Manuel said about May on Saturday. The Wolverines finished this season at 37-3 overall and 19-1 in regular-season Big Ten play, good for first in the conference. Michigan's championship triumph was its first since the 1988-89 men's college basketball season. Over May's two seasons at the helm of Michigan, the Wolverines are a combined 64-13 overall, 33-7 in Big Ten play and reached the NCAA Tournament in both seasons; last year, Michigan reached the Sweet 16. May was considered a candidate for North Carolina's head-coaching vacancy before informing Michigan that he wasn't pursuing other college positions; UNC ultimately hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone. Prior to taking over at Michigan, May was the head coach of Florida Atlantic for six seasons, a stint that featured a 126-69 combined record, reaching the Final Four in 2023 and making the NCAA Tournament in both 2023 and 2024.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Best NCAA Transfer Portal Fits for Kansas State G PJ Haggerty]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/transfer-portal-kentucky-lsu-texas</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/transfer-portal-kentucky-lsu-texas</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[K-State's PJ Haggerty entered the NCAA transfer portal. Here are the three best fits for the standout guard.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:02:18 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/pj_haggerty_horizontal.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/pj_haggerty_horizontal.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[PJ Haggerty could lead the nation in scoring during his fifth year of college basketball. Haggerty almost did that this past season, occasionally sitting on top of the the leaderboard before finishing the season averaging 23.4 points per game for Kansas State. That somehow was not enough to lead the Big 12 in scoring, however, as freshman phenom AJ Dybansta scored 25.5 points per game to pace not just the conference but the nation. Haggerty came in at fourth in Division I behind Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. and East Carolina's Jordan Riley in addition to Dybantsa, but ahead of the likes of the 2026 Naismith Player of the Year, Duke's Cameron Boozer – fourth isn't first, but it's still quite the accomplishment. Haggerty got there because he can score at all three levels, and do so efficiently, too, as he shot 48.9% from the field this past season. He has transferred after every season of his college career and will play out his final year of eligibility no differently, now with a fifth program. Kentucky The Wildcats lost guards Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen and Collin Chandler after the season ended, so finding new scorers is paramount. Haggerty will command an expensive paycheck, but Kentucky has the money to meet whatever it is the 6-foot-3 guard is asking for. He has experience playing in this part of the country, having already played for Memphis. But after a season basing his offense around high-volume on-ball guards, head coach Mark Pope might want to go in a different direction considering how 2025-2026 went for the Wildcats, too. LSU The Tigers are starting anew after re-hiring coach Will Wade following one season at NC State. Wade is a defensive-oriented coach, but landing a scorer like Haggerty could give him an offensive baseline to build around – and being around a defense-first coach could be good for Haggerty, as well, given his individual Defensive Rating has declined every year he has played, all the way to last season' 114.3 mark. LSU has also been a reported potential destination for Haggerty, so there's mutual interest between the two sides. He is also from Crosby, Texas, just west of the Louisiana border, and has a history playing in the south, with stints at Tulsa, Memphis and TCU. Texas The Longhorns were the highest seed to make the Sweet 16 this past season as a No. 11 team, but will lose guards Tramon Mark, Jordan Pope and Chendall Weaver to graduation, and Dailyn Swain to the NBA Draft. Haggerty would help replace some of that scoring and bring a similar punch to that of Mark and Swain, two offense-first guards. Haggerty is from Texas and this would be his second time playing at a school in his home state after starting his college career at TCU. One imagines things would be different for him this time around, given that version of Haggerty played just six games and averaged nine minutes per.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Best NCAA Transfer Portal Fits for Wake Forest G Juke Harris]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/transfer-portal-michigan-north-carolina-kentucky</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/transfer-portal-michigan-north-carolina-kentucky</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Wake Forest's Juke Harris entered the NCAA transfer portal. Here are the three best fits for the standout guard.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:24:15 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/juke_harris_horizontal-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/juke_harris_horizontal-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Can Juke Harris' scoring prowess translate to success in his junior season? After two years at Wake Forest, in which the Deamon Deacons missed the NCAA Tournament both times, Harris entered the transfer portal. He averaged 21.4 points per game as a sophomore, mastering the mid-range as he shot 55.5% from inside the arc. But Harris' numbers didn't lead to team-wide success. Harris will have two years of eligibility to turn that around, while also entering his name into NBA Draft consideration. Michigan The defending national champions already patched a hole in their frontcourt, adding Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella on Thursday. The Wolverines could dip back into the portal to fill the holes left with guard Nimari Burnett and Yaxel Lendeborg graduating. Harris' game is more similar to Lendeborg as he's a 6-foot-7 wing who thrives inside the arc. He doesn't have the size Lendeborg had, but has proven he can score in similar areas. Michigan isn't as desperate for a wing as it was for a player like Estrella, as the Wolverines could rely on returners Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney as well as freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. for backcourt production, but Harris would be a nice luxury to have if those guys can't entirely step up. For his individual future, Michigan is a great fit for Harris as it proved it could increase the NBA stock of an inside-scoring wing like Lendeborg. Harris has entered his name into the draft, but a destination like Michigan could help improve his standing in one season. North Carolina The Tar Heels fired coach Hubert Davis following the season, replacing him with former Denver Nuggets' coach and NBA champion Michael Malone. Malone has no experience with the NCAA transfer portal, but will likely get some quick, as UNC will need to make a bevy of moves as it lost its top three players — Henri Veesaar, Caleb Wilson and Seth Trimble — to graduation or the NBA Draft, and saw a handful of other key contributors enter the transfer portal, including guards Derek Dixon and Kyan Evans. Thus, Harris could remain in North Carolina – where he's from – and be the foundational piece for Malone to build around. The offense would likely be in his hands in a program with a history of winning, and a desire to get back to a destination that Harris, too, has yet to reach. Kentucky After bringing in a slew of transfers didn't yield an overly successful season, the Wildcats will return to the drawing board and aim to do the same this offseason. With the graduation of guard Otega Oweh, and the transfers of Denzel Aberdeen and Collin Chandler, offensive creation from the guard position is a key need for Kentucky. Harris would provide that. The Wildcats could get him and pair him with a more perimeter-based guard. Similar to UNC, Harris would be the foundational piece for Kentucky to build its roster around, but 3-point shooting was an issue for the Wildcats last season; if they go this direction, they'll have to find better shooting options to play alongside Harris.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Best NCAA Transfer Portal Fits for BYU G Robert Wright III]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/transfer-portal-arizona-duke-kentucky</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/transfer-portal-arizona-duke-kentucky</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[BYU's Robert Wright III entered the NCAA transfer portal. Here are the three best fits for the standout guard.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:42:49 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/rob_wright_horizontal.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/rob_wright_horizontal.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Robert Wright III could be one of the best downhill guards in college basketball Wright averaged 18.1 points and 4.6 assists per game as a sophomore at BYU. Following the season, he entered the transfer portal, making it a second consecutive offseason in which Wright will choose a new team, as he started his college career at Baylor. Wright is a quick and physical guard that can use both those traits to get in the lane and create for himself and his teammates. Here are the three best fits for Wright, who has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining. Arizona The Wildcats fell in the Final Four, and will lose guards Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries, to graduation and to the NBA Draft, respectively. Wright would fill a position of need for Arizona. He'd provide a smooth transition from the departure of Bradley, as he's a similar player in the way that his goal is to attack the lane on every possession and put pressure on the defense. Systematically, the Wildcats are a great fit. In some cases, it would be odd to see a player transfer from one rival to another, but Wright has already played for two Big 12 teams, so why not make it a third? Duke The Blue Devils' season came to an end in the Elite Eight against UConn because they collapsed with sloppy plays and turnovers. It's the second straight season in which this has been their downfall, and many argue it's a result of coach Jon Scheyer's strategy to build around freshmen and put the ball in their hands. While there's a chance guards Caleb Foster and Cayden Boozer return, adding Wright — a junior and veteran ball-handler — could help prevent that narrative from ending Duke's season in 2027. Duke doesn't often dip into the transfer pool, but it might course correct to avoid another devastating season-ending loss. And while Cameron Boozer is a forward, not a guard, points are points – the likely lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft scored 22.5 per game in 2025-2026, and the Blue Devils will have to replace those. Kentucky The Wildcats lost in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, and have now failed to advance past the Sweet 16 since 2019. That is unacceptable for one of the sport's most historic programs. Wright would be revered if he helped to change that, and he's capable of doing so. It's widely publicized how much Kentucky spent on its roster last season, the results that spending got them are widely criticized. Following that disappointing season, just about every high-minute player on the Wildcats either entered the transfer portal or declared for the draft, so Kentucky has to rebuild again. They have the money to do it, and getting a solid point guard would be a good place to start. The Wildcats will have no problem affording players, so to land Wright, he'll have to trust in coach Mark Pope and his staff's ability to bounce back and reverse this trend.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[College Basketball Crown: West Virginia’s Run Could Be a Springboard for What’s Next]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/crown-west-virginia-nebraska-march-madness</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/crown-west-virginia-nebraska-march-madness</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[West Virginia took home the 2026 College Basketball Crown, setting the stage for a much bigger leap forward under head coach Ross Hodge.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:19:32 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/artboard-1semi-2-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/artboard-1semi-2-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[LAS VEGAS — How drastically can the complexion of an entire season change in 64 seconds? For West Virginia, which arrived at this year’s College Basketball Crown with an overall record of just 18-14 and failed to win consecutive games since the third week in January, so much about the debut campaign for head coach Ross Hodge hinged on the answer to that question. His team trailed Stanford by six in the waning moments of an opening-round game at MGM Grand Garden Arena, the loser going home for good. The Mountaineers needed a frantic comeback. Layups by forwards DJ Thomas and Brenen Lorient gave way to three clutch free throws from guard Honor Huff with three seconds remaining to force overtime. From there, West Virginia staved off the Cardinal for an 82-77 victory that was equal parts thrilling and unexpected. Three days later — following additional wins over Creighton and tournament-favorite Oklahoma — the Mountaineers could call themselves deserving champions. They’d seen their season nearly fade to black before roaring back to cut down the nets at T-Mobile Arena. "Just to be able to will it out and win," Huff told me two days after the College Basketball Crown ended, "I think that was just a testament to us and our season. Just battling through all the things we had to prevail against to be in a position that we were in. "It’s tough because it could have went a whole other way in that last minute and a half. It really could have went south, and we would have been going home, basically. So to pull that out for our community, each other, I think it was just a great experience and just a testament to our whole season and resilience." Now, West Virginia's first year under Hodge includes: surpassing 20 wins for the first time since Bob Huggins was still prowling the sidelines in 2019-20, the program’s first postseason title of any kind since it won the Big East Tournament in 2010 and an incoming recruiting class that finished higher in the national rankings at No. 22 than any group the Mountaineers have signed since 2019. Not too shabby for someone who never held a job of any kind in the power conferences before taking over at West Virginia. This is the type of launching pad the College Basketball Crown can be for teams that are eager to keep playing despite missing the NCAA Tournament, a prospect made more enticing by $500,000 in total NIL prize money — $300,000 to West Virginia as the champion. As players and coaches have repeated ad nauseam here in Las Vegas over the last two years, having the chance to end a season victorious is special. A privilege reserved for winners of March Madness, the College Basketball Crown, the NIT and — in years when the event is actually held — the CBI. Nothing accelerates a program’s momentum and a fan base’s belief quite like lifting a trophy. "We all will remember this forever," Hodge said in his postgame news conference after beating Oklahoma in the championship game. "It’s not the ultimate goal as a program or a university, but it sets a great standard and expectation moving forward. When we are [eventually] playing in Final Fours and winning national championships, these guys will know that they started it. And they’ll look back on it, and they’ll know they laid the foundation for what is about to come." Though the College Basketball Crown is still in its infancy after just two iterations, it’s worth noting that there are loose correlations between participants and larger-scale success the following season. Three programs from last year’s original 16-team field jumped from the College Basketball Crown to the NCAA Tournament in Villanova, UCF and inaugural Crown champion Nebraska. "It might not be the NCAA Tournament championship, but it’s a postseason championship. We can still call ourselves champions," Nebraska forward Juwan Gary said in the postgame news conference following the 2025 title game. After cutting down the nets in Las Vegas last April, the Cornhuskers went on to enjoy the best season in program history, winning 28 games and advancing beyond the first round of the Big Dance for the first time, ultimately reaching the Sweet 16. There was an unlikeliness to Nebraska’s march through the College Basketball Crown that somewhat resembled the Mountaineers' experience last week. When head coach Fred Hoiberg and the Cornhuskers arrived at MGM Grand Garden Arena to begin what finished as an impressive run of four wins in seven days, they were mired in a string of five consecutive losses. But one victory begat another, and then another, and by the end of the week, even Hoiberg admitted the group had "played some pretty darn good basketball." "Down the line, the next [bunch of] years, we’re going to come back to Nebraska and people will know who this team was: Crown champions," Gary said in 2025. "That’s something that will be in my heart for sure." [CBB CROWN: 4 Takeaways From West Virginia's Title Game Comeback Win] In a reflection of college basketball’s modern era, when transfers seem to change schools on a whim, only three players who logged minutes in the Cornhuskers’ victory over UCF last April saw the floor in this year’s Sweet 16 appearance: guard Sam Hoiberg, forward Cale Jacobsen and center Burke Buyuktuncel — all of whom averaged more minutes per game in 2025-26 than they did the season before. A similar turnover is likely to occur at West Virginia, where Hodge and his staff must now replenish a roster that featured seven seniors, including all five starters against Oklahoma on Sunday. The Cornhuskers parlayed last year’s postseason uptick into a successful period of player acquisition that included high-level transfers like former Iowa forward Pryce Sandfort and former Rhode Island guard Jamarques Lawrence, two players who finished first and fourth on the team, respectively, in scoring. That is the kind of impact Hodge will search for now that five of his six leading scorers have exhausted their eligibility: Huff, Lorient, Chance Moore, Treysen Eaglestaff, Jasper Floyd and Harlan Obioha. Those players could have ended their collegiate careers with a humbling 20-point loss to BYU in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament, declining all postseason invites and moving forward with whatever comes next, be that in basketball or something else. Instead, they chose to rally around each other, around Hodge and around the Mountaineer fans for the chance to make this season special. Eventually, West Virginia cut down the nets. "To the media’s perspective or to a fan’s perspective, it doesn’t feel the same [as the NCAA Tournament]," Huff told me earlier this week. "But I would say for us, it feels the same because you’re getting to win special games and endure special experiences with the people that you love, you know what I’m saying? I think that is just as important."]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Point Guard Elliot Cadeau Agrees To Return To Michigan For Senior Year]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/star-point-guard-elliot-cadeau-agrees-another-year-wolverines-ncaa-basketball</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/star-point-guard-elliot-cadeau-agrees-another-year-wolverines-ncaa-basketball</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Point guard Elliot Cadeau has decided to remain at Michigan for his senior year.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:45:55 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/elliot_cadeau_horizontal.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/elliot_cadeau_horizontal.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[After winning a national championship with Michigan, Elliot Cadeau will run it back. On Thursday, he announced his return to the Wolverines for his senior year, per PeteThamel. Cadeau found his flow with Michigan, having his best season of his college career. Though the numbers seemed solid, the trust he had in his game saw the biggest improvement during his time at Ann Arbor. In an interview with CBS reporter Matt Norlander after the national championship win, he said, "You know, just them having confidence in me and them telling me I'm a national-championship-caliber point guard and it that just meant so much to me and that's why I committed here." During the NCAA tournament, he averaged 12.3 points and 7.5 assists per game. With these numbers and his constant intensity, he earned himself the Most Outstanding Player honor in the Final Four. His best performance was against UConn, as he scored a game-high 19 points in their emphatic win. Though his potential NBA career is put on hold, Michigan's chances at another title are in good hands with Cadeau's return.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Stanford Freshman and ACC Scoring Leader Ebuka Okorie Declares for NBA Draft]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/stanford-freshman-acc-scoring-leader-ebuka-okorie-declares-nba-draft</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/stanford-freshman-acc-scoring-leader-ebuka-okorie-declares-nba-draft</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Stanford star guard Ebuka Okorie will enter the NBA Draft after leading the ACC in scoring as a freshman.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:19:56 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/gettyimages-2260108419-scaled.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/gettyimages-2260108419-scaled.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Stanford star guard Ebuka Okorie will enter the NBA Draft after leading the ACC in scoring as a freshman. Okorie developed from an under-the-radar recruit out of New Hampshire into one of the top freshmen in the country in his one season with the Cardinal under coach Kyle Smith. Okorie thanked Smith and the coaching staff on Thursday in his announcement on social media to enter the draft. "A year ago, you guys took a chance on a kid from New Hampshire with zero high major offers, welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to be the best version of myself on and off the court," Okorie said. Okorie made a major impact right from the start, scoring 26 points in his debut against Portland State, setting a Stanford freshman record with 36 points in an upset win over North Carolina in January and scoring 40 points in a home win over Georgia Tech. Okorie finished eighth in the country in scoring at 23.2 points per game, with the only freshmen ahead of him being projected lottery picks AJ Dybantsa of BYU and Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas. His eight games on the season with at least 30 points broke the freshman record in the ACC set by Duke’s Marvin Bagley III. Okorie excelled at getting to the basket with penetration and drawing fouls. His outside shot also improved all season, and he shot 46.9% from 3-point range in his final 12 games. He is projected to be a late first-round pick. Okorie's 719 points scored in his lone season at Stanford are the third most ever for a Cardinal player in a season, trailing only Adam Keefe's 734 in 1991-92 and Chasson Randle's 724 in 2014-15. To close out his final game in a Stanford jersey, Okorie put up 34 points against West Virginia in the College Basketball Crown in Las Vegas. Okorie was a first-team all-ACC pick and was an honorable AP All-American, averaging 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. The last time any player hit the per-game marks Okorie had in points, rebounds, assists and steals came in 2018-19 when Ja Morant of Murray State and Jermaine Marrow of Hampton did it. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Best NCAA Transfer Portal Fits for Oregon G Jackson Shelstad]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/transfer-portal-arizona-louisville-gonzaga</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/transfer-portal-arizona-louisville-gonzaga</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Oregon's Jackson Shelstad entered the NCAA transfer portal. Here are the three best fits for the standout guard.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:22:00 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/jackson_shelstad_horizontalk.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/jackson_shelstad_horizontalk.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Jackson Shelstad could have a huge bounce-back season. Shelstad sustained a season-ending hand injury in December during his third year at Oregon, and entered the transfer portal when it opened on Tuesday after playing in just 12 games for the Ducks this past season. He averaged 15.6 points and 4.9 assists per game in those dozen games he played before the injury. He's an offensive engine who can create for himself, score at all three levels and set up his teammates. He makes up for his stature — 6-foot-1, 170-pounds — with blinding speed, precise change-of-direction and a quick release on his shot. Here are the three best fits for Shelstad, who could have two years of NCAA eligibility remaining. Arizona The Wildcats made their first Final Four since 2001, before getting blown out by eventual-champion Michigan. Arizona will lose both starting members of their backcourt as Jaden Bradley is graduating and Brayden Burries is a potential top-10 NBA Draft pick, so Shelstad would help replace their production. He is a West Coast kid, originally from Oregon and attending college there, too, so this move wouldn't be far for him. The fit itself would be interesting as the Wildcats, by design, don't attempt a ton of 3-point shots and are big on size; Shelstad hoisted 8.8 per game this past season, and, again, he's 6-1. Louisville The Cardinals won their first NCAA Tournament game since 2017, but flamed out in the next round. In his two seasons at Louisville, head coach Pat Kelsey has shown an affinity for, and success in, coaching high-usage guards, including Mikel Brown Jr., Ryan Conwell, Terrence Edwards Jr. and Chucky Hepburn; Shelstad would be the next in line. He will reportedly toured the school, per The Field of 68, so the interest in this move is there from both sides. The Cardinals' system is the antithesis of Arizona's, as Kelsey allows his guards to play freely and take difficult shots, rather than the Wildcats' outside-in structure. Shelstad could adapt to either, so it's down to his preference. Gonzaga The Bulldogs failed to make the Sweet 16 for a second consecutive season, losing to No. 11 seed Texas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga didn't have an elite guard on its roster this season, but has a history of sending ball-handlers to the NBA, such as Ryan Nembhard, Malachi Smith, Julian Strawther and Jalen Suggs. So, Shelstad would fill a gaping hole on the Bulldogs' roster, and play for a program that has developed guards with NBA aspirations. An obstacle here is that Gonzaga is not in a Power Four (or even Five) conference, although it is moving to the new-age Pac-12 from its longtime home of the West Coast Conference. Mid-major status has never deterred it under coach Mark Few, but the NIL era is a different animal, and Gonzaga might struggle to meet Shelstad's market and desired platform.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Big Ten Conference Earns Nearly $70M in March Madness Incentives]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/womens-college-basketball/big-ten-conference-earns-nearly-70m-march-madness-incentives</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/womens-college-basketball/big-ten-conference-earns-nearly-70m-march-madness-incentives</guid>
				<category>womens-college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The Big Ten amassed nearly $70 million in revenue from NCAA distributions awarded for team performances in the 2026 tournament.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:56:29 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/dusty2.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/dusty2.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[The Big Ten Conference amassed nearly $70 million from NCAA distributions that will be paid for team appearances and performances in the 2026 men's and women's basketball tournaments. That is by far the most among conferences, largely because the Big Ten swept the national championships — the Michigan Wolverines won the men's and the UCLA Bruins the women's — and had the Illinois Fighting Illini advance to the men's Final Four. The NCAA, which has multi-billion dollar broadcast deals for the two tournaments since 1991, has rewarded conferences for their number of tournament bids and how far those teams advance in the men’s tournament. A similar system for the women’s tournament began in 2025. The dollars are piling up: — For this year's tournaments, nine men's teams and 12 women's teams from the Big Ten combined to make at least $69.4 million, with $63 million coming from the men's side. — The Southeastern Conference, which had 10 teams in each tournament, totaled at least $56.2 million ($50.4 million for men, $5.8 million for women). — Distributions will total at least $42.9 million for the Big 12, $34.2 million for the Atlantic Coast Conference and $22.2 million for the Big East. The NCAA sends payments directly to the conferences, which distribute the money among their teams according to their policies. Payments for the 2026 tournament will begin in April 2027. How the NCAA pays tournament teams is based on ‘units’ Teams in each tournament earn what's known as a "unit" for making the field of 68 and an additional unit for each round in which it appears. The national champion is awarded an extra unit. The value of a unit increases each year. A portion of revenue from the tournaments' broadcast agreements is directed to distribution payments, 24% for the men and 41% for the women. The estimated value of a unit for the 2026 men’s tournament will be about $350,000, an NCAA spokeswoman said, and that amount will be paid annually for six years. So a single unit earned in 2026 would have a total value of at least $2.1 million over those six years and probably more because Division I distribution funds — including the basketball funds — are scheduled to increase each year, typically by 2.9%. For the women's tournament, full funding for units earned will be achieved in 2027. Payments for each unit earned will be made for three years rather than six. The unit value was $75,000 for 2026 and will decrease to about $63,000 next year as part of the NCAA’s formula for getting the fund fully up and running. Using $63,000 as an estimate for the 2028 value, a single unit earned in 2026 would be worth at least $201,000 by the time it is paid off over three years. Breaking down the money from 2026 March Madness The Big Ten's nine teams in the men's tournament appeared in 29 games. Michigan earned $14.7 million for the conference by playing in six games and receiving a seventh unit for winning the championship. Illinois earned five units for making the Final Four ($10.5 million), while the Iowa Hawkeyes and Purdue Boilermakers earned four apiece for reaching the Elite Eight ($8.4 million each). The Big Ten landed 12 teams in the women's tournament, and they combined to play in 31 games. UCLA earned just over $1.4 million by playing in six games and receiving an extra unit for winning the championship. Michigan's four games earned $804,000 and the Minnesota Golden Gophers' three earned $603,000. The championships in men's and women's basketball continued what's been a banner 2025-26 for the Big Ten. The Indiana Hoosiers won the conference's third straight College Football Playoff, and other national championships have been won in men's wrestling (Penn State), women's ice hockey (Wisconsin), men's water polo (UCLA), men's soccer (Washington) and field hockey (Northwestern). Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Best NCAA Transfer Portal Fits for Wisconsin G John Blackwell]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/transfer-portal-illinois-houston-ucla</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/transfer-portal-illinois-houston-ucla</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Wisconsin's John Blackwell has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Here are the three best fits for the standout guard.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:17:40 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/2ebb3f74-john_blackwell_horizontal.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/2ebb3f74-john_blackwell_horizontal.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[John Blackwell could be one of the top scorers in the nation next season. After three years at Wisconsin, Blackwell entered the transfer portal. He averaged 19.1 points per game, while shooting 38.9% from 3-point range, this past season. He's elite at creating his shot off the dribble, or scoring off his teammates' penetration. Here are the three best transfer portal fits for Blackwell, who has one year of NCAA eligibility remaining. Illinois While it would be devastating for Badgers' fans to see their three-year star transfer in-conference, a move to the Illini would make sense for Blackwell. Illinois is losing its top two guards with Keaton Wagler likely going to the NBA Draft and Kylan Boswell graduating. Illinois' elite offensive rebounding ability would compliment Blackwell's game, as he's a high-volume perimeter shooter who hasn't shot above 45.1% in any season of his career, so his misses wouldn't be as detrimental in Illinois. More so, his father, Glynn, played for Illinois from 1984-88. The Badgers were unable to advance out of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament in any of Blackwell's three seasons – the further Wisconsin got was the second round, in 2024-2025 – so he's looking to change that this year, and the Illini proved they were winners, making the Final Four this year. Houston Kelvin Sampson's NCAA title drought extended to a 13th season as the Cougars fell in the Sweet 16. Houston was led by its guard trio of Kingston Flemings, Emanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan, this past season. Each will move on — Flemings via draft, Sharp and Uzan via graduation. Blackwell is a perfect fit, not only because of the departures of those three guards, but because his offensive arsenal is similar to guards who have flourished under Sampson. Blackwell is a tough-shot taker and maker, just like Sharp and Flemings this season, and Jamal Shead, LJ Cryer and Marcus Sasser before them. Blackwell could still use some fine-tuning on defense, but his effort level gives Sampson a baseline to work with. Sampson has aired complaints about Houston's financial status in the name, image and likeness era of college sports, so the Cougars could struggle to afford Blackwell, but on-court fit-wise, this is a perfect marriage. UCLA The Bruins have failed to advance past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament for three seasons (and didn't even make The Dance in 2024). Blackwell could help change that. UCLA lost top scorers Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent to graduation, and guard Skyy Clark entered the transfer portal on Tuesday. With over 40 points per game of production to replace, Blackwell would be a necessary addition. He'd fit well alongside guard Trent Perry, and likely be the go-to scorer, but that duo would leave a little bit to be desired defensively. UCLA has gone all out for the top guard transfer before, doing so to land Dent last portal season when it pulled him from New Mexico. With the Bruins having a bevy of needs, they might not be able to match the market opposing suitors will pay for Blackwell, but if they do, the fit is clear.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Best NCAA Transfer Portal Fits for Kansas F Flory Bidunga]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-transfer-portal-duke-michigan-st-johns</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-transfer-portal-duke-michigan-st-johns</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Forward Flory Bidunga entered the NCAA transfer portal. Here are the three best fits for the former Kansas standout.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:19:18 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/flory_bidunga_horizontal.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/flory_bidunga_horizontal.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Flory Bidunga could anchor the next championship defense. After playing two seasons at Kansas, Bidunga entered the transfer portal, and will look for another suitor for his junior season. At 6-foot-9, 220-pounds, Bidunga's a versatile forward who can switch out onto the perimeter and protect the paint. He averaged a Big 12-best 2.6 blocks last season, while improving his offensive game as well. Here are the three best transfer portal fits for Bidunga, who has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining and will at least explore the NBA Draft, per ESPN. St. John's The Red Storm fell to Duke in the Sweet 16, a season-ending loss that was star center Zuby Ejiofor's final college game. With Ejiofor graduating, there's a gaping hole in the center of St. John's team on both sides of the ball. With his endless motor, Bidunga would bring a similar energy to Ejiofor, and could protect the rim at the same – or even better – level. Following in Ejiofor's footsteps would be very fitting as he transferred to St. John's from Kansas back in 2023, before Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino helped develop him into a two-way star. Bidunga has the defensive side of the ball down, and Pitino has proven he can improve a big man's offensive game. Bidunga is one of the top players in the portal and will be looking for a place where he is featured. St. John's offers the platform, coach and has a need at its position. The Red Storm are also reportedly one of Bidunga's final choices, per The Field of 68. Michigan Another one of the programs Bidunga is considering is the defending national champions. The Wolverines will likely lose all three starting frontcourt members — Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg — to the NBA Draft. Bidunga would be one of the replacements for those departures, and help Michigan recreate the No. 1 rated defense in KenPom's rankings. He would also be a great lob partner for point guard Elliot Cadeau, who is entering his senior year. Head coach Dusty May has a history of winning with elite big men, but Bidunga doesn't match the build of players May has coached. Mara and former Wolverines' center Vladislav Goldin are both taller than 7 feet, while Bidunga is more of an undersized athletic freak. That said, there's no reason to doubt May's ability to adapt and build a defense around a forward who, despite his differing stature, is as capable of a rim-protector – if not a better one – than Mara and Goldin. Duke The Blue Devils are also a top choice that Bidunga is weighing. Duke offered Bidunga a scholarship during the summer of 2022 before he chose Kansas, so there was prior interest. The Blue Devils will likely lose forwards Patrick Ngongba, Cameron Boozer and Maliq Brown to the NBA Draft, so Bidunga would be a solid and necessary replacement. Duke, however, did not have a transfer on their roster last season, and only had one in reserve forward Mason Gillis, last year. Maybe it's against coach Jon Scheyer's best interest to follow his peers and dip into the portal. But after a second consecutive season enduring a devastating tournament-ending loss, will Scheyer snap his trend in sight of a breakthrough? It seems that could be the case as the Blue Devils were also a reported finalist for Bidunga according to The Field of 68.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Frosted Flakes Drops Michigan Wolverines National Championship Cereal Box]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/frosted-flakes-michigan-wolverines-national-championship</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/frosted-flakes-michigan-wolverines-national-championship</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Kellogg's Frosted Flakes released a limited-edition Michigan Wolverines National Championship cereal box.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:18:48 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/11ab68de-um1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/11ab68de-um1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[As Tony the Tiger says, "They'rrre Michigan!" Wait, what? First, the Michigan Wolverines claimed their first men's college basketball championship in 37 years. Now, they're on the cover of a cereal box. Kellogg's Frosted Flakes revealed on Wednesday that it's selling a limited-edition Michigan championship-themed cereal box, according to WXYZ Michigan. There's no cereal inside, rather it's a box to commemorate the triumph. The Wolverines beat the UConn Huskies on Monday night, 69-63, to win the National Championship for the first time since the 1988-89 season. Elliot Cadeau finished with a game-high 19 points for Michigan, while Morez Johnson posted a double-double (12 points and 10 rebounds) and Yaxel Lendeborg scored 13 points on a bad ankle and a sprained MCL. In all, the Wolverines went 25 of 28 from the free throw line. [Cowherd: Transfer Portal, NIL Working for Michigan, Big Ten] Michigan ended the season 37-3 overall and 19-1 in Big Ten regular-season play, good for first in the conference. The Wolverines were first in the Big Ten in points (87.3 per game), field goal percentage (50.7%), opponent field goal percentage (38.2%) and opponent 3-point shooting percentage (30.4%), second in rebounds (40.1 per game) and third in 3-point shooting percentage (36.8%). As for individual standouts, Lendeborg, who averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game, won Big Ten Player of the Year honors; Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game; Cadeau averaged 10.5 points and 5.9 assists per game; center Aday Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and a Big Ten-high 2.6 blocks per game; Trey McKenney averaged 9.9 points in 22.1 minutes per contest, while shooting 39.1% from behind the arc.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Cowherd Buys Into NIL, Transfer Portal Impact After Michigan's National Title Win]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/the-herd-with-colin-cowherd/cowherd-buys-nil-transfer-portal-impact-after-michigans-national-title-win</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/the-herd-with-colin-cowherd/cowherd-buys-nil-transfer-portal-impact-after-michigans-national-title-win</guid>
				<category>the-herd-with-colin-cowherd</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The Michigan Wolverines were crowned national champions with a win over UConn on Monday. Here's what their secret to a title was.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:09:14 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/befunky-photo.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/befunky-photo.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[The No. 1-seeded Michigan Wolverines took home their first national title since 1989 after defeating the No. 2-seeded UConn Huskies 69-63. What made this Wolverines team merely unstoppable was their strategic use of the transfer portal and NIL. In Dusty May's second year leading the program, his starting lineup, composed entirely of first-year transfers, scored 90 points in five consecutive games leading up to the title game. In a world where NIL and the transfer portal may seem cruel to the future of college sports, May and the Wolverines showcased the power of utilizing both in their dominant win, while also pushing the standard for Big Ten dominance across various sports. "The other advantage Michigan had is the Big Ten. Illinois was outstanding, Iowa beat Florida, Purdue is always exceptional. Michigan State and Tom Izzo. I mean for years and years, the SEC always had an advantage because they played harder schedules," FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd said on Tuesday's edition of "The Herd." The Big Ten took home national titles in three different sports this year—Indiana in football, Michigan in men's basketball, and UCLA in women's basketball. The trio of titles makes the Big Ten the first Division I conference ever to win national championships in three sports in the same year. The conference dominance is rapidly growing, with Indiana becoming the first undefeated team to win a national championship, as well as a quarterback Heisman Trophy winner since LSU in 2019. UCLA women's basketball won its first national championship in just two seasons as a part of the conference, and Michigan took a men's basketball title for the program's first time since 1989, and the conference's first since 2002. - [WAY-TOO-EARLY TOP 25: Where Does Michigan Rank?] "So, I don’t know how the NIL and transfer portal are working for your conference, but they’re doing really well in the Big Ten," Cowherd said. "The Big Ten has always been their alumni: smart, affluent and strategic. The Big Ten has always taken great pride in their academics. The new model in college is not just about ‘hey, we get a bunch of really good athletes in our geographic footprint,’ that’s not what it’s about." To put it in perspective, the Wolverines spent roughly 10 million on this season's roster, with Yaxel Lendeborg receiving a $3 million NIL package to play for Michigan. The Hoosiers and Curt Cignetti constructed a team of former two-and three-star players into a $20 million NIL championship team, with Fernando Mendoza being the highest-paid player with $2.6 million NIL package. Even if NIL and the transfer portal have presented challenges, Cowherd emphasizes that this is the new norm in college sports. "But you can grumble about it, and convince yourself that the sports are broken. But I just watched the best national championship in college football I maybe ever saw. I saw unbelievable dedication, coaching passion last night," Cowherd said. "How about UCLA women’s basketball? 71-4 in two years? So you can grumble about it, but the train is moving with or without you."]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Big Bets Report: Michigan Helps Bettor Win 160k After Losing 75k]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/big-bets-report-michigan-helps-bettor-win-160k-after-losing-75k</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/big-bets-report-michigan-helps-bettor-win-160k-after-losing-75k</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[One bettor had a unique way of making sure they made money on Michigan. Patrick Everson breaks down that wild bet and more.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:53:28 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/artboard-1-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/artboard-1-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Shortly before the NCAA Tournament Championship Game tipped off on Monday night, a BetMGM customer decided to get involved. Like, really involved. Four bets totaling $325,000, all on Michigan, at various point spreads vs. UConn. The bettor batted .500, but spread the money around in a way that still netted a high-five-figure payday. More on those wagers, a million-dollar miss and other notable bets from March Madness, MLB and elsewhere as we recap the week that was in sports betting. 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. Michigan Money Michigan was a consensus 6.5-point favorite vs. UConn. But that point spread alone wasn’t quite enough to satisfy one bettor. So the customer mixed in alternate spreads, taking the Wolverines at four numbers: -4.5, -5.5, -6.5 and -7.5. Had all four tickets gotten there, the bettor would’ve netted approximately $229,400. But all four didn’t get there, as Michigan held on for a 69-63 win. The bettor won the first two wagers and lost the second two. However, the bigger bets were at -4.5 and -5.5. So, while the customer lost an eye-popping $75,000 on Michigan -6.5 and -7.5, the two winners totaled 159,663.86 in profit. Subtract the losers, and the bettor profited $84,663.86. Pretty fortuitous, but a pretty big sweat, as well. The bettor was one UConn bucket away from going 0-4. One Step Short Back on Feb. 15, well before most of us were thinking about March Madness, a DraftKings Sportsbook customer decided it was time to play big. The bettor put $77,000 on UConn +1300 to win the national title. To win a whopping $1.001 million. And it almost happened. The Huskies trailed by double digits multiple times in the second half, then clawed within four at 67-63 with 37 seconds remaining. Michigan then missed two free throws, so UConn had the ball with a chance to cut the lead to two or perhaps one. But that was the end of the line. The Huskies scored no more, and as noted above, Michigan won 69-63. Laser Beam FanDuel Sportsbook has a new prop bet it offers on MLB games: Player to hit a laser. What’s a laser, you might ask? Well, it’s a home run with an exit velocity of at least 110 mph. On Friday night, a FanDuel customer decided, why not craft a two-leg laser-beam parlay? The bettor put all of nine dollars on: The cumulative odds for this parlay: +106400, or in easier-to-read terms, 1064/1. Freeman was the much longer shot to hit a laser, but did so on a fifth-inning homer in the Dodgers’ 13-6 win over the Nationals. Rice’s laser came in the seventh inning of the Yankees’ 8-2 win over the Marlins. So that modest $9 turned into a hefty $9,585. That’s the kind of ROI we can all appreciate. Parlay Partay If you’re going to bet 23-leg parlays, then you’d be wise to keep that bet amount to a minimum. Even more so on 23-leg tennis parlays. Twenty dollars is more than adequate. That’s how much a Fanatics Sportsbook customer put down while bundling a bunch of ATP and WTA singles matches with a couple of doubles matches. Granted, every leg was a favorite, and in some cases a big favorite. Still, all it takes is one player to derail the whole train. Somehow, all 23 got there, at odds of +57029, or just beyond 570/1. So the bettor turned $20 into $11,425.80. Parlay Partay, Part II On Saturday, a Fanatics customer put $36 on a 12-leg parlay, covering an interesting array of sports: hockey, tennis, NBA and college basketball. The final leg was arguably the easiest. Michigan built a 30-point second-half lead vs. Arizona in Saturday’s Final Four showdown, and the Wolverines coasted to a 91-73 victory. At odds of +35029 — again, riding nothing but favorites — the bettor banked $12,453. Homerless Happiness Another MLB prop bet generating some interest this season: No home runs in a game. On March 31, a DraftKings customer compiled a three-leg no-homer parlay, on A’s-Braves, Yankees-Mariners and Pirates-Reds games. The odds of that happening were a huge +107900, or 1079/1. But the bettor then utilized a 50% parlay boost, hiking the odds to +161850, or just beyond 1618/1. Somehow, not a single baseball left the yard in those three games. And 10 bucks became $16,195. I Like Big Bets and I Cannot Lie There was no shortage of high-roller plays on the NCAA Tournament title game, along with some futures bets, as well. A few more notable tickets, all from DraftKings:]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Men's CBK AP Top 25: National Champion Michigan is Final No. 1 of 2025-2026]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-uconn-duke-arizona-march-madness</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-uconn-duke-arizona-march-madness</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Michigan is No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll for the 2025-26 season after winning the program’s first national championship in 37 years.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:51:05 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/michiganh1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/michiganh1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Michigan is No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll for the 2025-26 season after winning the program's first national championship in 37 years. The Wolverines (37-3) claimed all 57 votes in Tuesday's poll in the third year the AP has released its final rankings after the completion of the NCAA Tournament. Michigan beat UConn 69-63 in Indianapolis on Monday night to complete the winningest season in program history, along with winning its first NCAA title since 1989 and the Big Ten's first since 2000. Michigan spent a week at No. 1 in mid-February and didn't rank lower than fourth after November in its second season under Dusty May. UConn finished second, followed by Arizona, Duke and Illinois. The Huskies jumped five spots and the Fighting Illini eight after their runs to the Final Four. Purdue, Houston, Iowa State, Florida and St. John's rounded out the top 10. [Men's College Basketball Rankings: Illinois, Duke Highlight Way-Too-Early 2026-2027 Top 25] Iowa and Texas both wound up in the poll after being unranked heading into March Madness. The Hawkeyes finished the season ranked No. 15 after reaching the Elite Eight in a run that included a second-round upset of defending champion Florida, while the 22nd-ranked Longhorns went from the First Four to the Sweet 16. In addition to the 25 ranked teams, 15 others received votes in the final poll. UCLA and Saint Louis led the way with 51, followed by Utah State (45), 12-seed High Point (37) – which upset Wisconsin in the first round of March Madness – VCU (29), and Miami (OH) (26). Also picking up votes were BYU (15), North Carolina (14), Kentucky (14), TCU (9), Texas A&amp;M (7), Saint Mary's (7), Akron (3), Ohio State (2) and NIT champion Auburn (1). Here is the full list of 25: 25. Wisconsin, 24-11, Big Ten24. Miami (FL), 26-9, ACC23. Louisville, 24-11, ACC22. Texas, 21-15, SEC21. Texas Tech, 23-11, Big 1220. Kansas, 24-11, Big 1219. Vanderbilt, 27-9, SEC18. Gonzaga, 31-4, WCC17. Virginia, 30-6, ACC16. Alabama, 25-10, SEC15. Iowa, 24-13, Big Ten14. Nebraska, 28-7, Big Ten13. Arkansas, 28-9, SEC12. Tennessee, 25-12, SEC11. Michigan State, 27-8, Big Ten10. St. John's, 30-7, Big East9. Florida, 27-8, SEC8. Iowa State, 29-8, Big 127. Houston, 30-7, Big 126. Purdue, 30-9, Big Ten5. Illinois, 28-9, Big Ten4. Duke, 35-3, ACC3. Arizona, 36-3, Big 122. UConn, 34-6, Big East1. Michigan, 37-3, Big Ten The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Everything Happening in the Big Ten Last Time Michigan Won NCAA Men's Tournament]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-march-madness-national-championship-big-ten</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-march-madness-national-championship-big-ten</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Michigan won the NCAA Men's Tournament for the first time since 1989; here's everything that was happening in the Big Ten 37 years ago.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:33 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/um2.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/um2.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[The Michigan Wolverines are atop the men's college basketball world for the first time in 37 years. By winning the 2026 NCAA Men's Tournament title game against UConn on Monday night, Michigan claimed its first national title since 1989 — and a whole lot was different in the sport back then. With that in mind, here's everything that was happening in the Big Ten Conference in 1989 – including with present-day Big Ten teams that weren't in the conference in the 1988-89 season.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[UConn Coach Dan Hurley on Alex Karaban: 'This Guy Changed My Life']]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/uconn-coach-dan-hurley-alex-karaban-this-guy-changed-my-life</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/uconn-coach-dan-hurley-alex-karaban-this-guy-changed-my-life</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[UConn coach Dan Hurley expressed how senior forward Alex Karaban "changed" his life following their national title loss.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:19:07 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/uconn1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/uconn1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Michigan got the best of UConn in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship on Monday night, and now the Huskies have to say goodbye to one of its best players in recent memory: Alex Karaban. UConn coach Dan Hurley is forever grateful for the senior forward's contributions to the program. "This guy changed my life [and] the staff's lives," Hurley said in his postgame press conference. "The joy he [has] brought to the university, the fan base, his decision to come to UConn. … He [has] helped make UConn, I think right now, probably the premier program in college basketball, having been to three out of four national championship games [and] having won two of them. He's put UConn in that rarefied place in college basketball. "Everyone owes everything to that guy, and I figured let me just play him into the ground one more time. Just one more 40-minute game for Alex. Let me just play that guy into the ground one more night like I have throughout his career. He deserved to play 40 minutes." Karaban finished the 69-63 loss with a team-high 17 points, 11 rebounds and two steals; he played all 40 minutes. The Huskies connected on nine 3-pointers and held the Wolverines to just two 3-balls, but Michigan went 25-for-28 from the free-throw line and led the entire second half. On the season, Karaban averaged 13.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.4/37.4/85.1. He led the Big East with 34.3 minutes per contest and played in every minute of three games this season and seven games altogether over his collegiate career. Karaban redshirted the 2021-22 college basketball season and was then a four-year starter for the Huskies, highlighted by being part of their 2023 and 2024 national title triumphs. Over the past three years, he averaged 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per season, while shooting a combined 46.6/36.7/85.0. Karaban stands first in UConn history with 292 3-pointers and 4,906 minutes played, fifth with 670 overall field goals and sixth with 1,880 points. He was a two-time All-Big East honoree.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[4 Takeaways From Michigan's NCAA Men's National Championship Game Win]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/takeaways-michigan-ncaa-mens-national-championship-game-win-over-uconn</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/takeaways-michigan-ncaa-mens-national-championship-game-win-over-uconn</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[From Michigan's suffocating defense to Yaxel Lendeborg's warrior-like effort, here are four takeaways from Michigan's win over UConn in the national title game.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:56:23 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/6569f1ce-4.07-takeaways-cbb-16x9-1.png" expression="full" type="image/png" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/6569f1ce-4.07-takeaways-cbb-16x9-1.png" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[As maize and blue confetti rained down from the rafters at Lucas Oil Stadium, Michigan senior Yaxel Lendeborg held up a sign. On a yellow background, written in navy blue letters, the message read: "SHOCK THE WORLD, BOYS. GO BLUE!" It was a fitting image for a small-town kid from Pennsauken, New Jersey, who dreamed of playing on college basketball’s biggest stage. A lightly recruited prospect who began his career at Arizona Western Community College, Lendeborg went on to spend two years at UAB before ultimately bypassing the NBA Draft to take a chance on Dusty May and the Michigan Wolverines. Lendeborg — who played through obvious pain in Monday night's national championship game after suffering a sprained MCL and a rolled ankle in the Final Four win over Arizona — developed into a first-team All-American under May. He became the driving force behind one of the most dominant national championship runs in recent memory, which concluded with a 69-63 victory over UConn. "We’re the hardest-playing team in basketball," Lendeborg said after the game, flanked by teammates in a celebratory gathering. "We are the best team in college basketball, and we want to be one of the greats ever." Shock the world. … Mission accomplished. Here are four takeaways from Michigan’s national championship victory. 1. Michigan showcases suffocating defense on college basketball's biggest stage Michigan entered Monday night's national championship game having put together one of the most impressive offensive runs through five games in NCAA Tournament history. The Wolverines scored 90 or more points in every game in the Big Dance, including an emphatic 91-73 win over Arizona in the Final Four — a matchup many viewed as the de facto national title game. Their closest contest was a 13-point win over fourth-seeded Alabama that, in hindsight, wasn’t even as close as the final score suggested. But the story in the title game wasn’t Michigan’s high-flying offense. It was the defense. And it was, simply put … suffocating. May’s team held UConn to just 31% shooting from the field and a measly 27% from 3-point range. The Wolverines also forced 11 turnovers and blocked six shots in a dominant display. But the most impressive stat of all? Michigan held each of its last four NCAA Tournament opponents to a season-low in field goal percentage — 30% in the Sweet 16 (Alabama), 19% in the Elite Eight (Tennessee), 35% in the Final Four (Arizona) and 27% in the national championship game. "These guys have done it all year," May said after the game. "When one side of the ball was letting us down, the other side picked it up. Our togetherness defensively ultimately got us over the hump." 2. Yaxel Lendeborg shows warrior-like effort in win Lendeborg, Michigan's senior leader, could barely move. But he made it abundantly clear: There was no way he was coming off the floor. It was evident early that Lendeborg was far from 100 percent. He admitted as much during a halftime interview, saying he felt "awful" and "super weak," adding that he "couldn’t make anything." Still, Lendeborg gutted it out, playing all 20 minutes of the first half and finishing with 36 total minutes, the most of any Michigan player. While clearly not at his best, he found ways to contribute, often using his size to exploit mismatches. He broke a 27-27 tie late in the first half by establishing position inside, catching a lob from Aday Mara and laying it in over an undersized Jayden Ross. Later came a floater through contact against UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr. And then, his most impactful play: a tip-in off his own miss with just over five minutes remaining, pushing Michigan’s lead to 10. It was a valiant effort from a player who wasn’t going to let injury keep him off the court on the sport’s biggest stage. "My teammates, they didn’t give up on me," Lendeborg said in a postgame interview. "I still sucked in the second half, but I made a little bit of a push." That push showed up on the defensive end. Tasked with guarding UConn’s sharpshooting freshman Braylon Mullins — the hero of wins over Duke and Illinois — Lendeborg delivered. He held Mullins to just 4-of-17 shooting from the field and 3-of-10 from beyond the arc. "It took a lot to get on the court, honestly, and stay on there," Lendeborg said to the media following the game. "I was dealing with a lot of mental issues today. These guys all leaned in on me and helped me dig myself out of a hole and just continue to keep fighting. "It just feels really good to be a champion and to be on top of the world." 3. UConn’s Achilles heel resurfaced at the worst possible time A problem that nagged UConn all season long — and reared its head again in the national title loss to Michigan — is fouling. The Huskies ranked 237th in the country in fouls per game (18.2), just a couple of whistles away from falling outside the top-300 programs in Division I. After averaging 18.6 fouls per game through their first five NCAA Tournament games, Dan Hurley’s team committed 22 on Monday night, and the Wolverines made them pay, knocking down 25 of 28 free throws, including a stretch of 20 straight. That ultimately proved to be the difference, as UConn attempted just 16 free throws and made 12. Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau, named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player, went 8-of-9 from the line and finished with a game-high 19 points in the win. There were other areas where UConn played well enough to win. The Huskies controlled the glass, 46-39, and held Mara — fresh off a 26-point, nine-rebound performance against Arizona — to just eight points and four boards in 30 minutes. But the free-throw disparity, combined with UConn’s cold shooting, ultimately defined the outcome. "It’s hard to have a level of disappointment where, literally, it just came down to we didn’t make enough shots in the basket," Hurley said after the game. "To be able to keep that team to under 40% from the field … this team has destroyed everyone in this tournament." 4. Michigan ends Big Ten's 26-year drought Take a bow, Michigan. The Wolverines have officially ended one of the most glaring and talked-about droughts in college basketball. It had been 26 years since a Big Ten program last won a national championship: Tom Izzo’s 2000 Michigan State team, led by an injured senior who also willed his team to victory — Mateen Cleaves. In the years since, 14 Big Ten teams have reached the Final Four. None could finish the job. Until now. Michigan finally broke through on Monday night in Indianapolis, putting an end to a narrative that had lingered for more than two decades. And in doing so, the Wolverines capped what has been a banner year for the conference. Not only did Michigan win the men’s basketball national title, but UCLA captured its first women’s championship, defeating South Carolina in dominant fashion. Indiana’s football program added to the haul, winning its first national title in the College Football Playoff. It marks the first time a conference has pulled off the trifecta in those three sports since the SEC in 2007. No conference in the country appears to be thriving in the NIL and transfer portal era quite like the Big Ten. 4½. What’s next? Michigan enters the offseason knowing it has its head coach in place, as Dusty May has reportedly informed university officials that he is not pursuing other college basketball jobs. The news comes after May emerged as an early target in North Carolina’s coaching search. With May set to remain in Ann Arbor, the focus now shifts to roster retention. Michigan is expected to lose Lendeborg to the NBA Draft, while both Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara must decide whether to return to school or declare early.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Men's College Basketball Rankings: Illinois, Duke Highlight Way-Too-Early Top 25]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/mens-way-too-early-top-25-rankings-michigan-duke-illinois</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/mens-way-too-early-top-25-rankings-michigan-duke-illinois</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[FOX Sports' Casey Jacobsen shares his way-too-early men's college basketball rankings for next season.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:07:08 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/artboard-1-40.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/artboard-1-40.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[The confetti has barely settled on the Michigan Wolverines' 2026 national championship — they topped UConn, 69-63, in a thrilling Men's NCAA Tournament title game Monday night — but it's never too early to look ahead. Can't help it… Both the Wolverines and the Huskies should come back strong next season, regardless of exactly how many players return or opt for the NBA Draft. They're both toward the top of my extra-early list — but not No. 1. Which players are expected to return, and who might be headed for the NBA or the transfer portal? Let's get into it. Here’s my way-too-early men's college basketball rankings for next season: VCU closed out the 2025-26 season with a bang, winning 15 of its last 16 games and notching a memorable upset win over North Carolina in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Losing Terrence Hill Jr. to the transfer portal hurts, but there are plenty of veterans returning to Phil Martelli Jr.'s team, which should make this group among the favorites in the A-10. What's next for Texas Tech's dynamic duo of Christian Anderson and JT Toppin? Both received All-American honors this past season, marking the first time the Red Raiders have had a pair of All-Americans in the same season. Both have massive decisions surrounding the upcoming NBA Draft. What they ultimately decide to do will dictate where Grant McCasland's team ranks as we get closer to next season. Sean Miller's team was one of the surprise stories of this year's NCAA Tournament. As a No. 11 seed, Texas upset BYU and Gonzaga before falling to Purdue in the Sweet 16. The Longhorns will welcome the No. 12-ranked recruiting class in the nation. Florida has four players that could depart early for the 2026 NBA Draft, which is what makes this such a difficult exercise. Thomas Haugh is a projected first-round pick and is expected to leave for the pros, but will Alex Condon, Boogie Fland and Rueben Chinyelu follow? There aren't many teams that will have to replace more talent next year than Purdue. 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 for Matt Painter's team. Freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa will likely be a top-3 pick in this spring's NBA Draft, while both Richie Saunders and Keba Keita were honored at this year's senior night. It will be interesting to see if Robert Wright returns to BYU next season, and if so, how he will gel with an incoming freshman class that ranks No. 16 in the country. John Blackwell sent shock waves through the college basketball world Monday morning when he announced his intention to enter the transfer portal while going through the NBA Draft process. Nolan Winter will have a chance to be a star for Greg Gard's program next season. Vanderbilt's roster was built around a group of seniors, outside of standout guard Tyler Tanner. Will he forgo the NBA Draft and return to school for his junior season? If so, Mark Byington will have one of the top guards in the country leading the show next time around. Fresh off the most successful year in program history, can Fred Hoiberg build on the success his team had this past season? Pryce Sandfort, who earned All-Big Ten honors, is expected to return next season for Nebraska and should be one of the top players in the conference. Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp are set to graduate, while Chris Cenac and Kingston Flemings are both expected to be first-round NBA Draft picks. That means a bigger role for forward Joseph Tugler. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson will also bring in the top-ranked center prospect in the nation in 7-foot-1 big man Arafan Diane. The Tar Heels will usher in a new era in Chapel Hill with former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone being named the school’s next head coach. Malone hasn’t coached in college since he was an assistant at Manhattan back in 2001. He will be tasked with keeping the team’s 2026 recruiting class intact, which includes a pair of blue-chip prospects in point guard Dylan Mingo and small forward Maximo Adams. With freshman phenom Darryn Peterson likely off to the NBA and forward Flory Bidinga announcing he will test the NBA waters or potentially transfer elsewhere, this will be a new-look team for Bill Self. Don't be surprised to see the Jayhawks make a big splash or two in the portal this offseason. The Cavaliers are one of the few teams in college basketball that can say this: They 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 season. Rick Barnes’ team enjoyed a memorable run to the Elite Eight this season, but it will be tasked with replacing standout guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie and likely Nate Ament, who is projected to be a first-round pick. Look for veteran forward J.P. Estrella to take a big step next season. Rick Pitino made it clear that it will be near impossible to replace a player like Zuby Ejiofor, who defined everything this program is about. The Red Strom will also have to replace Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell in the front court, but look for Pitino to go to the portal and fill those voids this offseason. Ian Jackson will need to take another step next season if this group is going to compete for a Final Four next year. Losing Darius Acuff Jr.and Meleek Thomas is a bummer, but Arkansas fans don’t need to worry. D.J. Wagner, Karter Knox, and Billy Richmond III return, and coach John Calipari has added the No. 2-ranked player in the nation in guard Jordan Smith Jr. In T.J. Otzelberger we trust! Iowa State lost hometown leaders Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson, but the return of Milan Momcilovic and Killyan Toure is a great place to start. The Cyclones also are bringing in a top-20 recruiting class with four freshmen. The Zags move to the new Pac-12, and they bring big man Braden Huff back for a senior season. The backcourt combo of Braeden Smith and Mario Saint-Supéry need to take a big step forward. It might be disrespectful to have UConn this low on any ranking, but the Huskies will be losing Alex Karaban — aka "Captain America" — Tarris Reed Jr. and Braylon Mullins. If Solo Ball and Silas Demary Jr. stick around, UConn's backcourt should be solid, and center Eric Reibe is ready for his close-up. Alabama coach Nate Oats got a contract extension over the weekend. Even though he’ll lose Lebaron Philon Jr., I expect Amari Allen to return and be poised for a great season. Aden Holloway, Aiden Sherrell and a top-10 recruiting class have me excited about the Crimson Tide. A core group of returnees led by Ivan Kharchenkov and Mo Krivas is enough to justify a top-5 ranking here for Arizona. Dwayne Aristode is expected to break out and five-star shooting guard prospect Caleb Holt is legit. A couple of transfers are needed, but I trust coach Tommy Lloyd to have another stellar group. Tom Izzo's top initiative this offseason will be to retain All-American point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., as well as fellow backcourt mate Jordan Scott and forward Coen Carr. The combination of those three players and a top-5 recruiting class should have Michigan State in position to compete for a Big Ten title next season. Assuming that either Aday Mara or Morez Johnson Jr. return, I think Michigan is a top-3 team. If both head to the NBA, then incoming five-star Brandon McCoy must deliver immediately. The backcourt of Elliot Cadeau, L.J. Cason, and Trey McKinney will be excellent. Duke coach Jon Scheyer is bringing in another top recruiting class, highlighted by Cameron Williams and Bryson Howard, to go along with returnees Cayden Boozer, Caleb Foster and Dame Sarr. Yes, Illinois will lose Keaton Wagler, but if David Mirkovic, Andrej Stojakovic and Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic return, this is going to be one of the best and most experienced teams in the land.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2026-27 Men's National Title Odds: Duke Favored; Michigan Second on Board]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-27-mens-march-madness-national-championship-odds</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-27-mens-march-madness-national-championship-odds</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Even though it's a year out, the 2026-27 NCAA Tournament is now in our sights. See the odds for next year's champion.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:20:55 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/artboard-11m-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/artboard-11m-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[This college basketball season is kaput, with the Wolverines scratching their way to a national title. Now, next season is right in front of us. Let's check out the odds for next season's national championship winner at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 6. 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. Men's NCAA Tournament champion 2026-27 Duke: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)Michigan: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)Florida: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)Arizona: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)Michigan State: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)Kansas: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)Illinois: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)Houston: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)Arkansas: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)UConn: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)Texas Tech: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)Alabama: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)North Carolina: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)Purdue: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) Here's what to know about this oddsboard: The Favorites: Duke has suffered heartbreak each of the past two seasons, losing in the Final Four two years ago and falling to UConn in dramatic fashion this past season. Still, the Blue Devils are favored to win it all next season. We know they will lose Cameron Boozer to the NBA, but who might return? Caleb Foster? Dame Sarr? Isaiah Evans? Oh, don't forget, Duke has the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, featuring top-five recruit Cameron Williams. Second on the board is this year's champion Michigan. It will presumably lose Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson and Aday Mara in the NBA Draft, but will return a few key pieces from this year's title team, as well as bring in a top-10 recruiting class. The Contenders: Also near the top of the board is Florida, which won the national championship a season ago. The Gators figure to lose big man Thomas Haugh to the NBA, but who else? It looks like a returning roster stacked with talent and experience. Then there is Arizona, which landed top-five recruit Caleb Holt, and could possibly return reigning Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship Game: Top Storylines]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/ncaa-mens-basketball-national-championship-game-top-storylines</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/ncaa-mens-basketball-national-championship-game-top-storylines</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Who will cut down the nets in Indy? Here are the top storylines to know ahead of Monday night's national championship game.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:16:21 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/dan-hurley-dusty-may.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/dan-hurley-dusty-may.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[A spot in the college basketball history books is on the line Monday night in Indianapolis as Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies will face the No. 1-seeded Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship. The Wolverines – chasing their first national title since 1989 – have been a dominant force throughout the Big Dance, winning five games by an average of 22 points per game. They are led by senior standout Yaxel Lendeborg, who sprained his left MCL and left ankle in the first half against Arizona on Saturday night, but is expected to play.UConn is looking to capture its third national championship in four years under Hurley. The Huskies are led by the senior duo of Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban, but are also dealing with an injury of their own to Solo Ball. The junior guard was in a walking boot after the team's Final Four win over Illinois, but he appears good to go for Monday night's championship game. Here are the top storylines ahead of Monday night's title game: UConn Huskies 1. UConn's Alex Kabaran going for third title with Huskies Alex Karaban has been with the Huskies since he stepped foot into the college basketball world. A two-time national champion, Karaban has never once thought about leaving UConn. "I’ve never considered the portal," Karaban said. "You win and start on two national championship teams here, freshman and sophomore year, it’s going to be tough going into the office and being like, ‘Coach I want to leave.’" What Karaban has now is a chance to go for a third title to close out his time with the Huskies. Karaban has been a star for UConn for four straight seasons, something unheard of in today's transfer portal world. 2. Mullins' Michigan alliance shifting ahead of title game UConn freshman Braylon Mullins hit the shot heard around the world, a 30-foot 3-pointer to help the Huskies advance to the Final Four with a win over Duke. Now, the Mullins family, who were loyal to the Michigan Wolverines, have shifted their alliance to the Huskies ahead of the game. Mullins was born and raised in Greenfield, Indiana, and grew up in a Michigan athletics household. Now, the chance to go up against his childhood team has extra meaning for the true freshman. "In my household, growing up, it was Michigan football, Michigan basketball," Mullins said Sunday. "That's what my family and friends were watching. So having people around me who are probably going to be rooting for Michigan means a little more in this game, just to be fun. But at the end of the day, it's just another game." 3. Huskies going for third title in four seasons UConn's dominance as a basketball program has led to this moment, competing for a third national championship in four seasons. The previous two titles came consecutively, in 2023 when they defeated San Diego State, and in 2024, beating Purdue. Hurley has accumulated an 18-1 record in the NCAA Tournament and is 199-74 in eight seasons. If the Huskies clinch their third title in four years, it'll make them the first program to do so since the dominant UCLA run under John Wooden. Michigan Wolverines 1. Can Michigan stay dominant with Yaxel Lendeborg's injury? Yaxel Lendeborg is a pivotal piece when it comes to the Wolverines' starting lineup. The senior forward suffered a sprained MCL and rolled ankle that sidelined him for a large portion of the team's Final Four win over Arizona. While the Wolverines still took care of the Wildcats, 91-73, to advance to their first title game since 2018, the concern now turns to Lendeborg's health against the Huskies. Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season. 2. Dusty May competing for first-ever national championship May, who led FAU to the Final Four in 2023, is set to make his first-ever appearance in a national title game. "What makes Dusty May special as a coach is obviously his eye for talent, his ability to construct a roster, the fact that he insulates himself with an excellent coaching staff, and his ability to build team and culture," Hurley said of May. "He’s got a special eye for how to put together a great team." The Wolverines' season-long dominance has caught the eyes of many, notably when they knocked a powerful Arizona team out of title contention, leading by 30 points at one point in the game. Michigan's title win would tie the B1G single-season win record. 3. Michigan's starting lineup shows the power of the transfer portal In the midst of the transfer portal era, the Wolverines have proven that, when done right, the perfect portal class can lead to success. The Wolverines boast Lendeborg from UAB, Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina, Morez Johnson Jr. from Illinois and Aday Mara from UCLA. Collectively, this lineup has produced five consecutive 90-point games leading up to the title game, the most since by any team in a single tournament. Michigan's strength is its interior size, as the trio of Lendeborg, Johnson and Mara have combined to average 13.5 points and seven rebounds per game this season. The Associated Press contributed to this report]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2025-26 March Madness Odds: Will Underdog UConn Upset Michigan?]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/uconn-vs-michigan-championship-best-bet</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/uconn-vs-michigan-championship-best-bet</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Is UConn poised to pull a huge upset over Michigan in the championship game? Here's how Will Hill is wagering Monday's title tilt.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:01:14 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/dan-hurley_odds_march-madness_title-game.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/dan-hurley_odds_march-madness_title-game.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[The trophy will be in the building on Monday night in Indianapolis, and the storylines are great for this one, with the UConn Huskies looking for their third national title in four years. Still, they're coming into this game as the underdogs, despite all of their recent success as a program. That's because they will take on a Michigan juggernaut that has obliterated everyone in its path. After demolishing Arizona on Saturday night — where even the 18-point final margin of victory doesn’t do justice to how lopsided that game was — it’s hard to bet against the Wolverines. But on the other hand, the Huskies have now covered an incomprehensible 18 out of their last 19 Tournament games and also won 18 of their last 19 Tournament matchups, while improving to 13-1 all-time in the Final Four as a program. 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. Both sides have some injury concerns ahead of this one. UConn guard Solo Ball is dealing with a foot sprain that had him miss practice Sunday. Ball is going to play, and it should be noted that he finished Saturday’s game despite the injury and threw down an emphatic dunk late to help seal the victory. Michigan star forward Yaxel Lendeborg will also play but limped off the court after an ankle injury in the win over Arizona. He maintained a noticeable limp, despite returning later in the game. It’s scary to bet against the Wolverines right now, and their path to the title game reminds me of Indiana’s dominant run to the CFP championship, that culminated with a blowout of Oregon before eventually winning it all. But as scary as it is to bet against Michigan, the alternative is going against a coach that is 18-1 in his last 19 Tournament games. This is what makes this game so fun. Ultimately, I like UConn getting the 7 points. From a matchup standpoint, the Huskies are one of the best teams in the country at limiting transition opportunities, which is a must for slowing down this high-flying Michigan team. The Huskies play at a slow pace and can implement a similar approach to how they beat Illinois, shooting a high volume of 3s. They were 12 of 33 from beyond the arc against Illinois and will need a similar number of attempts — and probably a couple more makes — if they’re going to pull off the upset. UConn held Illinois to a season low of 61 points when the squads met in November. Then, on Saturday, the Huskies limited Illinois to just 62 points, a reflection of how prepared the UConn coaching staff is. Michigan is the rightful favorite here, but UConn has the coach and the style to keep this game close. This would be the biggest upset in the title game since Duke lost in 1999 to — you guessed it — UConn. In that game, the Blue Devils were 9.5-point favorites. In what hopes to be a classic championship game, I’m taking the points with Dan Hurley and the Huskies, although I think they will fall short of pulling off an outright upset. PICK: UConn (+7) to lose by fewer than 7 points or win outright]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[In a Surprising Move, UNC Will Reportedly Hire Michael Malone as Next Head Coach]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/unc-will-reportedly-hire-michael-malone-next-head-coach</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/unc-will-reportedly-hire-michael-malone-next-head-coach</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[UNC is turning to the NBA to find its successor to Hubert Davis.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:15:30 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/michael-malone.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/michael-malone.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[North Carolina is hiring a coach with an NBA background to be its next men's basketball head coach. However, it isn't the NBA coach that many had speculated could become the next head man of the Tar Heels. Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is expected to be hired as UNC's next head coach, ESPN reported Monday. Malone, who helped coach the Nuggets to an NBA title in 2023, has never been a head coach at the college level, and hasn't coached in the college game since 2001. Malone's reported hire is a bit of a surprise. He wasn't even speculated by most insiders as a potential candidate for the job, and there hadn't been any credible reports indicating that UNC was interested in hiring him. Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan had been rumored as the top candidate for the job after Michigan's Dusty May and Arizona's Tommy Lloyd reportedly withdrew their names from consideration. Malone does have a connection to UNC's athletic department, though. His daughter, Bridget, plays for the university's women's volleyball team. The reported hiring of Malone came nearly two weeks after UNC opted to fire head coach Hubert Davis after five seasons. Davis, who also played college basketball at UNC, went 125-54 over his tenure with the program, helping the Tar Heels play in the national championship game in his first season at the helm. But UNC opted to fire Davis after it blew a large lead to VCU in its upset loss in the first round of this year's NCAA Tournament. It marked the second straight year that UNC failed to advance past the first round. Malone, 54, was widely regarded as one of the top head coaches in the NBA over his 10-year stint with the Nuggets. He's gone 510-394 in his NBA head coaching career, helping Denver become a playoff mainstay by the end of his tenure before he was abruptly fired just days before the start of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Malone was also previously the head coach of the Sacramento Kings, but was fired not long into his second season with the team in 2014. Prior to becoming an NBA assistant head coach in 2001, Malone was an assistant coach at Oakland, Providence and Manhattan.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2025-26 Men's National Title Odds: Michigan Favored Over UConn]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2025-26-mens-march-madness-odds</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2025-26-mens-march-madness-odds</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[It's down to Michigan and UConn. See the odds for Monday's national title game.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:00:26 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/03/artboard-1title-odds-m.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/03/128/72/artboard-1title-odds-m.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[And just like that, it's time for the title game. Here’s a look at the odds for the men's NCAA Tournament winner at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 6. 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. No. 2 UConn vs. No. 1 Michigan Spread: Michigan -6.5Moneyline: Michigan -285, UConn +230O/U: 145.5 Michigan is the only thing that stands in the way of UConn making history. The last time a team won three titles in four years was UCLA way back in the John Wooden days. The Huskies have won two of the last three, and will look to make it three out of four come Monday night. It hasn't been an easy road for UConn, so it will surely be battle-tested heading into the title game. It beat Duke in dramatic fashion in the Elite Eight, after trailing by as many as 19 points. That was after beating Michigan State by just four in the Sweet 16. Then, in the Final Four, the Huskies led by just four with under a minute left in the game, before hanging on to take down Illinois. Now, they get the Wolverines. Michigan has had no such difficulties so far in the Tournament. It beat Alabama by 13 in the Sweet 16, Tennessee by 33 in the Elite Eight and Arizona by 18 in the Final Four. The last time the Wolverines won the national championship was way back in 1989. Lastly, both Michigan and UConn have covered four consecutive Tournament games after failing to cover in the Round of 64.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[4 Takeaways From West Virginia's Comeback Win in College Basketball Crown Title Game]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/west-virginia-oklahoma-college-basketball-crown-championship-analysis</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/west-virginia-oklahoma-college-basketball-crown-championship-analysis</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Breaking down West Virginia's Crown victory against Oklahoma, from Honor Huff's heroics to heartbreak for Nijel Pack.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 22:10:24 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/0226f496-3bfa-468f-994e-4e8cf106642e.jpeg" expression="full" type="image/jpeg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/0226f496-3bfa-468f-994e-4e8cf106642e.jpeg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[T-MOBILE ARENA (LAS VEGAS) — After nearly two and a half hours of seesawing leads and pendulum-esque momentum swings, after an overtime session in which one team scored six consecutive points and the other — the eventual winner — reeled off the final 13 to capture the second annual College Basketball Crown, a celebration befitting this city awaited anyone and everyone associated with West Virginia. Out came the championship hats and necklaces. Out came the cell phone cameras and social media apps for live broadcasting directly from center court. Out came the finger-rubbing money gestures from seemingly every player on the Mountaineers’ roster. And through it all, moments before the blue and yellow confetti rained down on the would-be recipients of $300,000 in NIL prize money, the lyrics to "We Fly High" by rapper Jim Jones blared through the sound system. We stay fly, no lie, and you know this… ballin'! Hips and thighs, oh my, stay focused! To the victors went the spoils and the crown: West Virginia 89, Oklahoma 82. "Like this group can do and has shown an ability to do all year long," head coach Ross Hodge said in the post-game news conference, "when it looked like we were just about done for, you know, their competitive spirit and their competitiveness and love for each other kicks in." Here are my takeaways from the championship game of the College Basketball Crown: 1. West Virginia point guard Honor Huff steals the show When the actual crown that doubles as the trophy for this event was brought to center court amid the championship celebration, the Mountaineers attempted to place it on Honor Huff’s head. Huff, a diminutive point guard generously listed at 5-foot-10, had poured in a game-high 38 points while splashing eight 3-pointers and making all 12 of his free-throw attempts. He was, simultaneously, the smallest and best player on the floor. "Some of the shots they hit, you’ve just got to tip your hat to Honor Huff," Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser said during the post-game news conference in response to my question about West Virginia’s perimeter shooting. "I mean, he made some incredible shots. We talked about, ‘What could we do?’ Our ball-screen defense needed to be better. And you can’t take a swimmer’s breath on him. He’ll get separation. He doesn’t need much separation. He’s hitting step-backs, he’s flying off screens. I mean, [he scored] 38." It was more than enough for Huff to be named the Most Valuable Player, an award that came with a shimmering necklace containing two gold dice. He was dubbed King of the Crown and flashed his newly won chain for all to see in the post-game photos. The only reason his teammates didn’t succeed in placing the crown on his head was because Huff already donned a championship hat. Minutes earlier, one Mountaineer fan had screamed "West Virginia, baby!" as Huff stepped to the free-throw line with 55.2 seconds remaining in overtime. When he arrived at the stripe again 18 seconds later — by which time the Sooners were intentionally fouling — another West Virginia supporter shouted, "Oklahoma is choking!" Still, Huff’s facial expression never changed. Even as he dribbled out most of the clock in the waning seconds, he wouldn’t allow himself to smile. But when Huff walked toward the West Virginia bench and was engulfed by coaches and teammates alike, an ear-to-ear grin stretched across his face. He’d willed his team to a win, a championship and a hefty payday with the third 30-point game of his collegiate career. "He’s a really great shooter," Mountaineers power forward Brenen Lorient said during the post-game news conference in response to my question about watching Huff’s performance. "Probably the best shooter I ever played with. I’m just happy I was here to play with him." 2. Unexpected 3-point prowess propels the Mountaineers to victory When this year’s College Basketball Crown began, there was very little about West Virginia’s analytic profile that suggested the Mountaineers would become 3-point marksmen here in Las Vegas. The Mountaineers entered the championship game ranked 251st nationally in 3-point field goal percentage (32.5%) and only relied on perimeter jumpers for 32.9% of their total points, which ranked 137th overall, according to KenPom. They were, by a fairly wide margin, the worst 3-point shooting team during Big 12 conference play, trailing 15th-place TCU by nearly two full percentage points. And yet, following a decidedly poor shooting effort in an opening-round win over Stanford (2-for-20 from beyond the arc), the Mountaineers ignited over the final two games of the tournament. Hodge’s team buried 12 of its 30 attempts (40%) to pull away from Creighton, 87-70, in the semifinals on Saturday afternoon. A day later, West Virginia scorched from the opening tip by making seven of its first nine attempts by the 11:47 mark to build a double-digit lead before Oklahoma seemed to realize the game had begun. [CBB CROWN RECAP: How WVU Outlasted Oklahoma in OT] The barrage started with Huff, a 34.6% shooter, who made five consecutive 3s in an instant, matching the point total for the entire Sooners’ team with nine minutes remaining in the half. When his fifth straight attempt swished through the hoop, to the slack-jawed disbelief of everyone along the Oklahoma bench, Huff bounced on his toes with glee while the Mountaineer faithful roared. "Honor led the country in 3s last year," Hodge said during the post-game news conference in response to my question about the Mountaineers’ perimeter shooting. "He didn’t make one in the first game, so law of averages tells you he’s going to make a couple." A couple, as Hodge phrased it, wound up being eight in the championship game alone — all of them necessary. The rest of Huff’s teammates combined to make seven triples on an afternoon when West Virginia outscored its opponent by 21 points from beyond the arc. By the time this tournament ended, the Mountaineers had drilled 27 3-pointers over their final two outings combined. It’s a number they only reached once in any other two-game stretch this season. 3. Elite Oklahoma offense can only carry the team so far In addition to having the strongest overall résumé of any team in this year’s College Basketball Crown, one of the reasons why Oklahoma was such a popular pick to win the event centered around the Sooners’ prolific offense. Moser’s team entered the tournament with an offense that ranked among the top 20 nationally in efficiency, according to KenPom, and the group entered Sunday’s title game at No. 20 exactly. That’s a better ranking than the offenses for teams like Iowa State, Michigan State, Tennessee and UConn, all of whom made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. Such potency at the end of the floor was on full display in Sunday’s title game against West Virginia. The Sooners were blitzed from the 3-point line early, falling behind by double digits at the midway mark of the first half. But then the free-flowing group that performed so well all season flashed its might. Oklahoma unleashed a breathtaking 24-4 run in the span of eight minutes to stun the Mountaineers and upend the original script. When extended to the early portion of the second half, the Sooners enjoyed a run of 15 made field goals in 18 attempts to build a 10-point lead of their own. "Just an incredible basketball game," Hodge said in the post-game news conference. "A lot of ebbs and flows." Slowly but surely, though, an Oklahoma defense that now ranks 99th nationally in efficiency began to splinter. In addition to the Sooners’ struggles defending Huff, who was remarkable, they allowed the Mountaineers to shoot 52% from the floor in the second half. At one point, West Virginia made seven of eight field goals to begin digging out of a double-digit deficit. There were only two instances in the entire second half and overtime when Moser’s team forced more than two consecutive missed shots. 4. Long and winding career for Sooners guard Nijel Pack ends in defeat It’s amazing to think about much has changed since Oklahoma point guard Nijel Pack, a well-traveled redshirt senior, made his original collegiate commitment to Kansas State on June 12, 2019, as a four-star prospect and the No. 126 overall player in the country. Back then, the COVID-19 pandemic was still six months from arriving en masse in the United States. Bruce Weber, who resigned from Kansas State following the 2022 season, was still the head coach of the Wildcats and the man who recruited Pack. His tenure has since given way to Jerome Tang, interim coach Matthew Driscoll and, presently, Casey Alexander, formerly of Belmont. The Big Ten had yet to annex Oregon, Washington, USC and UCLA. The SEC hadn’t snared Oklahoma and Texas from the SEC. Heck, NIL didn’t even exist. Between then and now, Pack spent two seasons at Kansas State (first-team All-Big 12 in 2022) and three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes (including a Final Four in 2023) before ultimately landing at Oklahoma, where he averaged 16.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists this season. The championship game for the College Basketball Crown marked his 159th collegiate game and his 158th start. Only a select group of players, all of whom benefited from an extra year due to the pandemic, have ever logged more appearances. "And every one of those games, he gave his all," Moser said during the post-game news conference in response to my question about Pack’s career. "He gave every practice his all. I mean, he practices and he prepares unbelievably. He’s an extraordinary teammate, extraordinary teammate. He’s crushed right now. He just played his last game. But man, extraordinary teammate [and an] unbelievable career." Though his team ultimately fell short, Pack did all he could to keep the Sooners afloat down the stretch. He scored a team-high 24 points on 50% shooting and dished out a game-high seven assists. It was his 3-pointer with 1:28 remaining in regulation that, for a moment, seemed like a potential capstone for an incredible career. But overtime soon arrived, and Oklahoma quickly wilted. 4½. What’s next? Three teams that participated in last year’s College Basketball Crown used that experience as a launching point to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in 2026: Villanova, UCF and Nebraska, which enjoyed the best season in program history and reached the Sweet 16. Based on the way Oklahoma and West Virginia performed over the last few days in Las Vegas, handling opponents with relative ease in the semifinals, it’s certainly possible for both teams to make similar leaps next season. The Sooners, who have publicly committed to giving Moser more NIL resources, will need to invest heavily in the transfer portal to replenish a roster that includes six seniors. Moser’s high school recruiting class for 2026 only includes one player in four-star power forward Gage Mayfield (No. 72 overall, No. 12 PF). West Virginia also is losing the core of its roster, which featured seven players listed as seniors or older at the College Basketball Crown. But Hodge has put together the nation’s 23rd-ranked recruiting class thus far, led by five-star point guard Miles Sadler (No. 23 overall, No. 3 PG) and two additional prospects rated among the top 200 nationally. That’s a strong nucleus to build around. The transfer portal opens on April 7.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Michigan-UConn Betting Report: 'Public is Gonna Ride This Michigan Team']]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-uconn-betting-report-public-gonna-ride-michigan-team</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-uconn-betting-report-public-gonna-ride-michigan-team</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[After that performance against Arizona? It's no wonder the public is on Michigan to win the title. Patrick Everson has the report.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:24:23 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/mara-45.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/mara-45.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[It’s been said that the public betting masses remember what they saw last, and respond accordingly. In March Madness odds, that last visual was Michigan flattening Arizona in the Final Four on Saturday. As of Sunday evening, that’s reflected in action on NCAA Tournament Championship Game odds for Monday’s UConn vs. Michigan final. "We’ve taken quite a lot of Michigan money early, and rightfully so," Caesars Sports head of college basketball trading Rich Zanco said. With 24 hours or so until tipoff, oddsmakers help break down Monday’s title game and recap the Final Four. Plus, one bettor is looking a million-dollar win square in the face. 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. Huskies a Big Dog In a matchup of No. 1 seeds, Michigan led Arizona by 30 points in the second half on Saturday, before letting off the gas in a 91-73 rout. The Wolverines improved to 36-3 straight up (SU) and 19-20 against the spread (ATS). No. 2 seed UConn (34-5 SU/17-22 ATS) was certainly impressive in its 71-62 win over No. 3 seed Illinois, in Saturday’s first semifinal. But oddsmakers were much more impressed with Michigan. Caesars Sports opened the Wolverines as 7-point favorites for Monday’s 8:50 p.m. ET tipoff. And though the spread hasn’t moved yet, it’s clear where the masses are heading. "I think the public is gonna continue to ride this Michigan team," Zanco said. "We’ve taken some moneyline bets on the underdog, which makes sense, because you’re getting close to 3/1. But most of the action is on Michigan. We’re gonna end up needing UConn." That’s not necessarily a bad place to be. The Huskies — who won the title in 2023 and 2024 — are a March Madness bettor’s best friend, currently on runs of 11-0 ATS in the Sweet 16 or later, and 15-0 ATS in the Round of 32 or later. Futures Forecast The March Madness championship futures market is in play Monday night, as well. Customers have been betting into those odds for 12 months, ever since Florida beat Houston in the 2025 title game. So it’s not just action on the game itself that determines a sportsbook’s need. Futures liability could reinforce that need, lessen that need or perhaps create an opposite need. BetMGM is in a unique spot. UConn is BetMGM’s only futures liability. Therefore, Michigan at least winning Monday’s final — even if the Wolverines don’t cover the spread — is a desired outcome. However, as noted above, Michigan is expected to be well-bet right up until tipoff. Which could make a UConn upset easier to absorb. "With the way Michigan played against Arizona, along with BetMGM’s presence in Michigan, I would guess we’ll end up with a lot of Michigan money. So that will help offset the UConn futures liability," BetMGM trading manager Christian Cipollini. Caesars has no such concerns or needs. For Zanco’s risk room, it’s just a matter of winning — or winning more. "We do well to the futures market with both teams. We win more to Michigan, but we still do extremely well to UConn, too," Zanco said. One Million Dollars If you don’t have a dog in Monday’s fight, then perhaps it’s worth rooting for a DraftKings Sportsbook customer who’s going for a seven-figure win. Some time ago, well before the NCAA Tournament began, a high-roller dropped a $77,000 beton UConn +1300 to win it all. If UConn cuts down the nets, then that $77,000 wager will profit just over $1 million (total payout $1.078 million). BetMGM also has a notable futures ticket out there: $25,000 on UConn +900 to win the title. A Huskies victory nets that customer $225,000 (total payout $250,000). Final Four Recap At Caesars Sports, the public betting masses were riding UConn’s hot hand for Saturday’s semifinal vs. Illinois. However, that was offset by several large wagers on Illinois, along with sharp action on the Fighting Illini. "The pros and the bigger bets were on Illinois. All the four- and five-digit bets were on Illinois. So even though the public was on UConn, we did well to the game," Zanco said. Caesars also did well to Michigan’s blowout of Arizona. "A lot of late love came in on Arizona, an hour or two before tipoff — a lot of bigger bets," Zanco said. "So we ended up needing Michigan. It wasn’t a huge decision, but overall, it was a good one. It probably would’ve been better to have Arizona going for us in the futures. But we do well to Michigan, too, so no complaints there." I Like Big Bets and I Cannot Lie There were a few noteworthy major wagers on the two Final Four matchups. And the largest one nabbed a near-six-figure win: Without a doubt, there’ll be some five- and six-figure plays on Monday’s final. But those are high-rollers who can afford the downside of such decisions. Keep your expectations and your bet size reasonable. Enjoy the game!]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[UNC Head Coach Rumors: Who Will Be Tar Heels Next Head Coach?]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/unc-head-coach-rumors-who-will-tar-heels-next-head-coach</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/unc-head-coach-rumors-who-will-tar-heels-next-head-coach</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Here are the latest rumors surrounding the possible candidates for the UNC job.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:20:51 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/dusty-may.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/dusty-may.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Who will be the next head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels' men's basketball team? Nearly two weeks after the program fired Hubert Davis, there seems to be a lot of unknowns about who'll be the next head coach of one of college basketball's blue bloods. Let's take a closer look at some of the rumored candidates to replace Davis, and who might remain in the running to become the next head coach of North Carolina. Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls head coach Donovan, who hasn't coached the college game in over a decade, might be the favorite to become UNC's next head coach. In fact, Donovan is one of the Tar Heels' primary targets, CBS Sports reported. If UNC wants to hire Donovan, though, it might have to wait a little longer than it might like to. The Bulls' regular season doesn't end until April 12, which is several days after the transfer portal opens on April 7. But there have been hot-seat rumors about Donovan's future in Chicago as the Bulls are set to miss the playoffs for a fourth-straight season. Donovan, 60, was one of the top coaches in college basketball before he left for the NBA in 2015. He helped Florida win back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007, posting a 467-186 record in 19 seasons in Gainesville. Dusty May, Michigan head coach May was the latest head coach to pull out of the running to become North Carolina's next head coach. May has informed Michigan officials that he won't pursue other college basketball jobs this offseason, ESPN reported Sunday. May, 49, has quickly become one of the top coaches in the sport over the last five years or so. He led Florida Atlantic to the Final Four in 2023 and has quickly turned Michigan around. The Wolverines are on the precipice of winning a national championship as they prepare to face UConn in the national championship game on Monday night in May's second year at the helm. Prior to Sunday, May had been among the top names speculated as a potential candidate to replace Hubert Davis. Nate Oats, Alabama head coach Oats was another speculated candidate for the North Carolina job. However, he is no longer in the running. Oats has signed a new contract that will make him one of the five-highest-paid coaches in the sport, ESPN reported Sunday. In his seven seasons at Alabama, Oats has helped the Crimson Tide become one of the more consistent programs in college basketball this decade. Alabama has reached the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament in five of the last six seasons, including a Final Four appearance in 2024. Tommy Lloyd, Arizona head coach Lloyd said he turned down a larger offer from North Carolina before signing an extension with Arizona on April 3. Prior to the extension, Lloyd was UNC's top choice for the job, CBS Sports reported. Lloyd, 51, has quickly helped Arizona become one of the top teams in college basketball again. The former Gonzaga assistant has a 148-36 record in five seasons, making the NCAA Tournament in all five seasons he's been with the Wildcats. Arizona went 36-3 in 2025-26, reaching its first Final Four since Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Stevens quickly removed his name from consideration to be North Carolina's next head coach, CBS Sports reported on March 25. Stevens was widely regarded as one of the top coaches in college basketball after he led Butler to two straight national championship games in 2010 and 2011. However, he's remained out of the college game since he became the Celtics' head coach in 2013. He became the team's president of basketball operations in 2021.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[National Championship Game: Latest on Michgan's Yaxel Lendeborg, UConn's Solo Ball]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/national-championship-game-latest-michgans-yaxel-lendeborg-uconns-solo-ball</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/national-championship-game-latest-michgans-yaxel-lendeborg-uconns-solo-ball</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Here's the latest on the statuses of Yaxel Lendeborg and Solo Ball ahead of Monday's national championship game.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:07:19 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/lendeborg-ball.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/lendeborg-ball.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[UConn and Michigan are dealing with some injury concerns to key players ahead of Monday night's national championship game, but Wolverines star Yaxel Lendeborg seems more likely to play than Huskies guard Solo Ball. Ball missed Sunday's practice because of a sprained foot. He said he expects to play, but UConn head coach Dan Hurley said Ball's status is uncertain as his foot remains in a walking boot. "Just doing everything I can to prepare for tomorrow," said Ball, who hurt his left foot when he got tangled with teammate Tarris Reed Jr. in the first half of UConn's semifinal win over Illinois. "So, it's a bump in the road, but I'm still going to play." Lendeborg, meanwhile, hurt his left ankle and wore a protective brace covering his left knee in the second half of Saturday's 91-73 rout of Arizona. But the All-American has quickly stated that he'll play in Monday's game. "Absolutely not," Lendeborg said when asked whether he would miss Monday night's game. "Unless I wake up and I get up and fall off my feet, I’m going to be in that game." Ball was wearing a boot on his left foot less than 24 hours after playing 28 minutes and scoring 13 points in the 71-62 victory over the Illini. The Huskies advanced to their third national championship game in four years. Ball said adrenaline helped him get through the rest of the game and "I'm doing everything I can to prepare" for the game against the Wolverines on Monday night. Ball started all 38 games he's played, averaging 12.9 points. Coach Dan Hurley was noncommittal to whether his junior guard would play Monday night, saying he would know more about Ball's status after an MRI. As for Lendeborg, he played five minutes in the first half before reinjuring his left ankle. Team officials later announced he had hurt his knee as well. But Lendeborg returned in the second half and made two key 3-pointers to propel the Wolverines to their first title game since 2018. Michigan head coach Dusty May said that he's "sure" Lendeborg will give it a go and play against UConn on Monday. "He played the second half like a 38-year-old at the YMCA," May told reporters of Lendeborg. "And a really good 38-year-old at the YMCA." The Wolverines have lost four consecutive championship games since beating Seton Hall in overtime in 1989 for the school's only national title. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[4 Takeaways From the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/takeaways-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-final-four</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/takeaways-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-final-four</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[From UConn's status as a modern-day dynasty to Michigan looking like a team of destiny, here are four takeaways from the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:59:27 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/cbb-16x9v3-2.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/cbb-16x9v3-2.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[UConn’s Braylon Mullins let out a radiant, triumphant smile before exchanging a high-five and locking foreheads with head coach Dan Hurley, a moment of pure joy as the Huskies marched on to their third national title game in four years. Mullins, a 6-foot-6, slim-built five-star freshman, was just six days removed from authoring one of the most unforgettable shots in NCAA Tournament history — a buzzer-beating 3 to eliminate top-seeded Duke in the Elite Eight. On Saturday night, he delivered yet another defining moment, burying a cold-blooded dagger 3 with under a minute remaining to seal a 71-62 win over third-seeded Illinois. "The start to the game, and then the finish to the game," Hurley said of his freshman star, glancing back at the roaring crowd behind him. "He’s amazing." Just like that, the Huskies are headed back to the national championship, where they will take on No. 1-seeded Michigan, fresh off a dominant win over Arizona. Here are four takeaways from the Final Four. 1. UConn’s status as a modern-day dynasty is no longer debatable There was no shortage of eye-popping stats circulating on social media ahead of Saturday’s Final Four matchup between UConn and Illinois. One centered on senior Tarris Reed, who entered the game averaging 22 points and 13.5 rebounds through four NCAA Tournament games, putting himself firmly in the conversation for Most Outstanding Player if the Huskies finished the job. Another highlighted UConn’s suffocating defense, which had held every opponent under 66 points per game during the tournament and hadn’t allowed a team to score more than 75 since Creighton did it back on Feb. 18. But the most staggering stat of all? UConn is now 12-1 in Final Four games. CBS play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle summed it up perfectly as the final horn sounded and the Huskies punched their ticket to a third national championship game in four years: "They are the bluest of bloods in college basketball right now." It’s hard to argue that. For years, the sport’s blue-blood conversation has been dominated by programs like Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Kansas. It’s time to officially add UConn into that mix. Outside a Round of 32 loss last year to No. 1 seed Florida — the eventual national champion — UConn has been as dominant as any program in the country in recent memory. The Huskies have won 19 straight games in the Sweet 16 or later and, remarkably, have captured all six of their national championships since 1999. That’s more than triple the combined total of this year’s other Final Four participants: Michigan, Arizona, and Illinois. "You’re set up for success at UConn," Hurley said in a postgame interview. "I’ve got the best staff in the country and an incredible group of players. There’s nothing like that bus ride to the stadium on Monday night when you’re one of the last two teams standing." 2. The Huskies won with a complete team effort There’s a lot of truth to the following sentiment: brackets set the stage for March Madness, but the NCAA Tournament is often defined by its superstars. We saw it last year with Florida All-American Walter Clayton, and in past runs from Anthony Davis, Kemba Walker, Carmelo Anthony, and countless others who carried their teams on the sport’s biggest stage. But that hasn’t been the formula for this UConn group. Yes, Tarris Reed Jr. has been the Huskies’ most productive player throughout the tournament. Yes, Alex Karaban ranks among the most accomplished players in program history. But UConn’s ability to hold off Illinois’ second-half comeback on Saturday had far more to do with balance than individual stars. The Huskies had four players score nine or more points, yet none finished with more than 17. Mullins — coming off that buzzer-beating 3 to eliminate Duke in the Elite Eight — set the tone early. He knocked down three of his five attempts from beyond the arc in the first half and led all scorers with 12 points before the break. Mullins cooled off in the second half, but that’s when UConn’s depth took over. Junior guard Solo Ball had a strong second half, finishing with 13 points while going 5-of-11 from the field, but the real difference came on the defensive end. UConn held Illinois to just 34% shooting from the field and 23% from 3-point range while holding Andrej Stojakovic and David Mirkovic — Illinois' second- and third-leading scorers — to just 15 combined points on 6-of-17 shooting. The most telling stat: this marked just the second time all season Illinois has been held under 65 points. The first? A 74-61 loss to UConn back on Nov. 28. "This year hasn’t been a joyride," Hurley said in the postgame press conference. "We haven’t been a machine of destruction. We’ve been a team that’s had to grind out games like this." 3. Michigan was ready for the moment. Arizona wasn’t. In a game billed as a heavyweight fight — and by some as the de facto national championship — Dusty May’s team looked composed and in control from the opening tip. Arizona, meanwhile, never seemed comfortable on the big stage. Michigan raced out to a 10-1 lead and pushed the margin to 16 in the first half, immediately setting the tone. Point guard Elliot Cadeau, who faced questions all week about how the Wolverines would handle Arizona’s dynamic back court of Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries, proved to be the most poised guard on the floor, playing under control and dictating the tempo throughout. Michigan's Aday Mara established his presence down low early on and never let up. The 7-foot-3 junior big man controlled the paint on both ends, outplaying Arizona’s interior duo of Motiejus Krivas and Koa Peat. Mara, a transfer from UCLA, finished with a career-high 26 points and nine rebounds in a dominant performance. All season, Arizona has thrived by attacking the rim, scoring more than 56% of its points from inside the arc, a mark that ranked 14th nationally and easily led all Final Four teams, according to KenPom. But Michigan completely disrupted the Wildcats' identity, holding them to just 37% shooting and forcing 14 turnovers, their highest total of the tournament and eight more than they committed in their Elite Eight win over Purdue. "They had us on our heels all night, and we could never get into a rhythm," Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said in the postgame press conference. "No one’s been able to do that to us all year." 4. Michigan looks like a team of destiny In today’s college basketball landscape, where NIL and the transfer portal have reshaped roster building, it’s nearly impossible to label a true preseason favorite. That is especially true for a team like Michigan, whose top four players — Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., Mara and Cadeau — were all playing elsewhere last season. But as the year progressed and Dusty May’s group began to gel, it became clear this was a really talented team. The Wolverines opened the year 14-0, outscoring opponents by an average of 28 points per game, then tore through the Big Ten to a 19-1 record, winning the conference by four games. Their dominance has only intensified in March. Entering Saturday night, Michigan had won its first four NCAA Tournament games by an average of 22.5 points, the closest being a 13-point win over Alabama in the Sweet 16. That trend continued in the Final Four, where a 91–73 win over Arizona added yet another emphatic chapter to their storybook run. Michigan has now beaten all five tournament opponents by double digits, becoming the first team in NCAA Tournament history to score 90 or more points in five games in the Big Dance. And perhaps most impressive, they did it Saturday without a fully healthy Lendeborg, who played just 14 minutes after suffering an injury in the first half. Lendeborg called it "a weird feeling," but added, "there’s no way I miss the game on Monday night." The Big Ten’s national title drought has loomed over this tournament, with the conference’s last championship coming in 2000, when Tom Izzo led Michigan State to a national title. This Michigan group looks like a team of destiny, and one poised to end that drought. 4½. What’s next? No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 2 UConn (Monday) — After overpowering Arizona and controlling the game for all 40 minutes Saturday, Michigan advanced to the national championship with a chance to secure the program’s second title (1989). Standing in their way is a UConn team chasing its seventh national championship, all since 1999. The Huskies haven't lost an NCAA Tournament game beyond the opening weekend since 2009. With one more win, they would break a tie with North Carolina for the third-most titles in history, trailing only UCLA (11) and Kentucky (eight). This game has all the makings of an instant classic.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[4 Takeaways From Day 3 of the 2026 College Basketball Crown]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/takeaways-day-3-2026-college-basketball-crown</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/takeaways-day-3-2026-college-basketball-crown</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[FOX Sports' Michael Cohen offers up four takeaways from the semifinal round of the College Basketball Crown.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:13:56 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/cbb-16x9v2.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/cbb-16x9v2.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[T-MOBILE ARENA (LAS VEGAS) — As Oklahoma center Mohamed Wague extended an arm to help lift teammate Derrion Reid off the floor, a smile stretched across his face. "That’s my block!" Wague shouted, lobbying for another tally on the stat sheet. Reid could only laugh in response as Wague hauled him to his feet. Seconds earlier, the two collided near the rim for what looked like a joint rejection of an attempted layup by Baylor guard Isaac Williams IV. It was unclear whether Wague or Reid had been the one to actually swat the shot, but with a double-digit lead in the waning moments, the Sooners were comfortably in position to enjoy the comedy of a two-man block. The official scorekeeper ultimately credited Wague with the stuff, but by that point, the Sooners had done enough to punch their ticket to the championship game of the second annual College Basketball Crown, pulling away from Baylor down the stretch for an eventual 82-69 win. Oklahoma will now face West Virginia on Sunday afternoon with $300,000 in prize money on the line (5:30 p.m. ET on FOX). The Mountaineers defeated Creighton, 87-70, in the second semifinal. Here are my takeaways from Day 3 of the College Basketball Crown: 1. Unprecedented era for Creighton comes to an end Only Doug McDermott, the Bluejays' head coach, knows exactly when the hollow reality of Saturday’s outcome washed over him for good. Perhaps it happened when West Virginia forward DJ Thomas, who only averages 6.3 points per game, spun and twisted through the lane for a layup that extended the Mountaineers’ lead to nine with 12:13 remaining. Or maybe the recognition set in when guard Honor Huff ran a beautiful pick-and-roll with center Harlan Obioha that resulted in a traditional three-point play, pushing the margin to 14 points with 10:03 remaining. If it wasn’t either of those moments, then surely he knew it by the 5:18 mark when Huff buried a stepback 3 from the left wing that pushed Creighton’s deficit to 14, forcing McDermott to hang his head and turn around for a slow walk toward the bench. "I've been thinking about it," McDermott said in the postgame news conference, "but you don't ever want it to end. You'd like it to end with a win, especially for the guys. This team has been through a lot this season, and they've stayed incredibly close and they've had each other's back during some really difficult times." A blowout loss in his final game did little to overshadow the enormity of McDermott’s success in 16 seasons with the Bluejays. He tallied 366 victories with a .659 winning percentage. He made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. He reached three Sweet 16s and one Elite Eight. He won a Big East championship and three Missouri Valley Conference tournament titles. He produced six NBA Draft picks. When news of McDermott’s impending retirement went public last month, the school announced that associate head coach Alan Huss would take over once the season concluded. In Huss, the Bluejays are now elevating one of the more respected assistant coaches in the country. He began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant at New Mexico (2014-17) before joining McDermott’s staff for a seven-year run (2017-23) that included five trips to the NCAA Tournament. Huss was named head coach at High Point ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. He spent two seasons with the Panthers, one of which included an appearance in the Big Dance, before returning to Creighton as the heir apparent. He has immense shoes to fill. "When [McDermott] announced his retirement, I sent him a long text," Oklahoma head coach and Creighton alum Porter Moser said in response to my question about the legacy McDermott built at Creighton. "And I said, ‘As a colleague: Congratulations, man. Congratulations on a Hall-of-Fame career. Congratulations on everything you did.’ And then I said, ‘As a former player who wore that Bluejay jersey: Thank you for elevating the program. Thank you for everything you’ve done, you know, putting that program in the national spotlight and making it that kind of a name.’ "Great man, great coach." 2. West Virginia flexes ferocious defense In contrast to Oklahoma, which arrived at the College Basketball Crown with the best offense in this year’s field, the Mountaineers came into the event far more accomplished on the opposite end of the floor. West Virginia entered Saturday’s semifinal against Creighton ranked 17th in the country in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom, and flashed its prowess in a throttling of the Bluejays. Creighton shot 42.9% from the floor and 31.3% from beyond the arc in the opening half — numbers that would be considered on the low end of acceptable for most offenses — but what happened around the rim told the real story. As West Virginia racked up 22 points in the paint and made 10 of 14 shots on layups or dunks, the Bluejays were hardly able to get close to the rim. They only generated four layup attempts in the entire half, making three of them, and did not record a dunk. "I just think we did a really good job of showing our hands," West Virginia forward Brenen Lorient said in response to my question about the defensive effort. "Coach [Ross Hodge] emphasized just staying solid and showing our hands and limiting the catch-and-shoot 3s." That effort matched the ferocious defensive style West Virginia has played all season under Hodge, formerly of North Texas. Hodge’s group entered the weekend ranked 12th nationally in opponent 2-point field goal percentage, limiting foes to a paltry 45.9% on attempts that originate inside the arc. The Mountaineers successfully protect the paint as well as anyone in college basketball. Their challenge now will be facing an elite Oklahoma offense that has flashed an ability to score both inside and out. 3. Sooners solve tricky 1-3-1 zone to pull away from Baylor Everything about the tenor of Saturday’s semifinal matchup between Baylor and Oklahoma changed when the Bears shifted their defensive philosophy. Having watched his defense get shredded to the tune of 45 points on 51.4% shooting in the first half, Baylor head coach Scott Drew instructed his team to unfurl an aggressive 1-3-1 zone after the break. He deployed 6-foot-9 center Caden Powell along the baseline and allowed athletic guards Tounde Yessoufou and Cameron Carr — both potential first-round picks in the NBA Draft — to stymie huge swaths of the 3-point line with their imposing wingspans. The effect was equal parts profound and immediate. Dysregulated and disoriented, the Sooners misfired on 10 of their first 14 field goal attempts to begin the second half. A double-digit advantage seemed to shrink in an instant once Baylor ignited from beyond the arc, with Carr and Williams combining to hit three triples in a little less than four minutes. And once Yessoufou flew coast to coast for a transition layup after pinning a blocked shot against the glass, the Bears climbed in front by a point with 13:16 remaining. "We knew Baylor was a championship program with Scott [Drew], a Hall-of-Fame coach, that they’d come out in the second half and give it everything they had," Moser said during the postgame news conference. "They punched us in the face the first five minutes." Once the under-12 media timeout came and went, Moser’s team began exploiting some of the cracks in Baylor’s zone. Oklahoma found creative ways to isolate Powell or fellow big man James Nnaji alone in the post, which created several easy baskets from close range. The Sooners enjoyed a run of eight made field goals in 11 attempts to reclaim control of the game, surging in front with a lead they would never relinquish. They outscored the Bears by 13 points over the final 10 minutes. "I thought we just stayed with it," Moser said in response to my question about finding late-game success. "We made some shots, kept with what we were doing and you’re going to have that against a zone. The thing about the zone is you’ve just got to stay aggressive, stay confident in it. You can’t get hesitant. We were getting the ball where we needed to in the middle. I thought they did a really good job." 4. Xzayvier Brown continues strong tournament run for Oklahoma Oklahoma guard Xzayvier Brown played a key role as the Sooners erased an eight-point second-half deficit against Colorado on Wednesday, forcing overtime and holding off the Buffaloes. He scored 11 of his 17 points after the half to ensure that the Sooners, who entered this year’s event as the overwhelming favorite to cut down the nets, avoided an upset in the quarterfinals. Two days later, Brown played even better in the victory over Baylor, pairing the same scoring punch he packed earlier in the week with remarkable efficiency and distribution. He poured in 16 points in the first half alone, beguiling the Bears from all parts of the court: He hit a pull-up jumper from the left baseline, an easy transition layup ahead of the pack, a leaner through contact in the lane to produce a traditional three-point play and a triple from beyond the arc. Brown scored or assisted on exactly half of his team’s 18 field goals in the opening half, which speaks to his all-around floor game. He also shot 5-of-5 from the free-throw line as the Sooners built a 10-point halftime advantage. "X has been great for us all year," forward Tae Davis said in response to my question about Brown’s performance. "A floor general, he does it in every way. It’s huge for us because he does so much on both ends of the floor. He creates, and he can create for himself. So that’s just been a huge boost for us in every game." Brown’s impact was felt even amid a relatively quiet second half in which he went more than 13 minutes without scoring another point. His 3-pointer from the right wing with 4:37 remaining extended Oklahoma’s lead back to double digits and all but assured the Sooners a spot in the championship game. He finished with a game-high 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists. 4½. What’s next? Here are a few storylines to watch ahead of the championship game: Oklahoma vs. West Virginia (Sunday) — With eight wins over their final 11 games heading into the College Basketball Crown, the Sooners were always the most popular choice to reach the championship game and, ultimately, win it. An overtime scare against Colorado in the quarterfinals gave way to a much more controlled victory over Baylor in the semis. Now, Oklahoma has a chance to cut down the nets on Sunday after being arguably the biggest snub from this year’s NCAA Tournament. West Virginia, meanwhile, rallied back from an eight-point deficit in the closing moments against Stanford to force overtime and survive the quarterfinals. From there, the Mountaineers picked apart Creighton in a dominant semifinal victory that limited the Bluejays to just 33 points in the second half. Now, the stage is set for a championship game between the tournament’s best offense (Oklahoma) and its best defense (West Virginia).]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2026 NCAA Men's Tournament: Last Time Final Four Teams Made National Championship]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-ncaa-mens-tournament-last-time-final-four-teams-made-national-championship</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-ncaa-mens-tournament-last-time-final-four-teams-made-national-championship</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The Final Four is upon us in the 2026 NCAA Men's Tournament. Here's the last time the four teams reached the National Championship.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:07:26 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/natty1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/natty1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[On the fourth day of the fourth month of the year, we're down to four teams in the 2026 NCAA Men's Tournament. No. 2 seed UConn will face off against No. 3 seed Illinois in the Final Four on Saturday night, while a pair of No. 1 seeds go up against each other when Arizona meets Michigan. Here's the last time each of the four teams that reached this year's Final Four played in a national championship. Note: Schools are mentioned in alphabetical order. Arizona – 2001 Following consecutive seasons of being eliminated from the NCAA Tournament in the opening weekend, the Wildcats went on a run to the national title in 2001. Among its best wins in the 2001 tournament, No. 2 seed Arizona took down No. 1 seed Illinois, Michigan State — in an 80-61 victory over the then-defending champions — and No. 3 seed Ole Miss en route to reaching the title game. Led by future three-time All-NBA honoree All-Star Gilbert Arenas, Michael Wright and Richard Jefferson, among others, the Wildcats reached their second title game in five years (they were also in the 1997 national championship). That said, Jay Williams, Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer and No. 1 seed Duke bested Arizona in the championship game. Illinois – 2005 Illinois was a force to be reckoned with in the 2004-05 season. Losing just one game in the regular season, the Fighting Illini won both the Big Ten regular-season title and the Big Ten Tournament. After No. 1 seed Illinois played a trio of contested games in the first three rounds of the NCAA Tournament, future NBA star Deron Williams, Luther Head, Dee Brown &amp; Co. proceeded to get a one-point overtime victory over No. 3 seed Arizona in the Elite Eight and beat No. 4 seed Louisville with conviction in the Final Four. Top-seeded North Carolina was the end of the road for Illinois. The 2004-05 season marks the only time that the Illini have reached the title game. Michigan – 2018 Michigan earned a No. 3 seed in the 2018 NCAA Tournament and ultimately made its second national championship appearance in six years (it made the 2013 national title game). The Wolverines defeated No. 14 seed Montana, No. 6 seed Houston, No. 7 seed Texas A&amp;M, No. 9 seed Florida State and surging No. 11 seed Loyola to reach the national championship. Moritz Wagner, Charles Matthews and Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman led the way for Michigan, which also had future NBA starters Jordan Poole and Duncan Robinson, among other pro players, on the roster. But Jay Wright's Villanova squad — which featured future NBA star Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Donte DiVincenzo — at the height of their reign awaited Michigan and got the best of the Wolverines in the championship game. UConn – 2024 After winning the 2023 national title, UConn put together an even better campaign in the 2023-24 season. Losing just three games in the regular season, the Huskies won both the Big East regular-season title and the Big East Tournament — and then they annihilated the competition in the NCAA Tournament. Among its more impressive tournament victories, top-seeded UConn beat No. 5 seed San Diego State — who the Huskies beat in the 2023 title game — in the Sweet 16 (82-52), No. 3 seed Illinois in the Elite Eight (77-52), No. 4 seed Alabama in the Final Four (86-72) and No. 1 seed  Purdue in the championship (75-60). UConn beat its six tournament opponents by an average of 23.3 points per game. The Huskies went on to have two players selected within the top 10 picks of the 2024 NBA Draft (Stephon Castle at No. 4 and Donovan Clingan at No. 7) and four players selected altogether (Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer were selected in the second round).]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Game Changers: Carr, Yessoufou Power Baylor’s Run at College Basketball Crown]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/cameron-carr-tounde-yessoufou-power-baylors-run-college-basketball-crown</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/cameron-carr-tounde-yessoufou-power-baylors-run-college-basketball-crown</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Baylor's Cameron Carr and Tounde Yessoufou form the most talented duo at the College Basketball Crown, giving the Bears an excellent chance to win it all.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:11:12 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/24dba4f4-4.03-cbb-game-changers-16x9-1.png" expression="full" type="image/png" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/24dba4f4-4.03-cbb-game-changers-16x9-1.png" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[LAS VEGAS — In a 35-second span midway through the first half Wednesday night, with Baylor trailing Minnesota in the opening round of the College Basketball Crown, freshman guard Tounde Yessoufou authored an exhilarating sequence that encapsulated why so many NBA scouts and executives are awaiting his decision to turn pro or remain with the Bears for another season. The flurry began with Yessoufou peeling off his man defensively to snag a rebound following a missed 3-point shot by the Gophers. He dribbled across midcourt and dished to a teammate before settling into position near the free-throw line against the Minnesota zone. After ensuring the rest of Baylor’s players were properly aligned, Yessoufou popped out beyond the 3-point line, caught a pass, pump faked and glided into the lane for an acrobatic layup through contact, tying the game before landing painfully on the hardwood. Undeterred, Yessoufou hopped back up, grimacing and grasping at his left hip all the while. He retreated into a defensive position and tracked his man across the baseline to make a leaping block on an attempted 3-pointer, swatting the ball into the stands directly in front of the Baylor bench. His teammates rose from their seats to bellow, flex and roar. From that point on, the Bears never trailed in an eventual 67-48 win that propelled them into a semifinal matchup with Oklahoma on Saturday (1:30 pm ET on FOX). "It’s a blessing to play in April," Baylor head coach Scott Drew told me after the game. "I know our guys are really excited. All of them took it real serious, obviously, and stayed in shape, worked out and wanted to come here and compete. I’m proud of how we fought the first game. And [I’m] also proud that everybody not only wanted to keep playing for Baylor University, but they wanted to split the [prize] money up and make it even and do it as a team. As a coach, you just love that." Having his entire team buy into the postseason tournament here in Las Vegas was particularly meaningful for Drew after what can only be described as a disappointing regular season. Despite fielding an extremely talented roster that includes two potential first-round picks in Yessoufou (17.9 points per game) and fellow wing Cameron Carr (19 points per game), the Bears could only muster a 16-16 overall record entering the College Basketball Crown, sinking into a tie for 13th in the Big 12 standings. It would have been easy — and perhaps even understandable — for Drew’s future pros to simply wash their hands of Baylor’s downtrodden campaign after bowing out in the conference tournament, focusing instead on the pre-draft process and their impending decisions. Instead, both players have chosen to remain fully committed for however long the Bears’ season lasts. Yessoufou, who was battling sickness on Wednesday night, scored a team-high 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds against the Gophers. Carr, who turned an ankle early in the first half but still logged 37 minutes, added 15 points and a team-high nine rebounds. As a pair, Yessoufou and Carr form what is unquestionably the most talented duo remaining in this year’s field, and that alone gives Baylor an excellent chance to win it all. "I think it just speaks to their character," Drew told me after Baylor's win on Wednesday night. "Wanting to play for Baylor, wanting to have a chance to win a championship, that speaks volumes to them. I know everybody is entitled to their own decisions — and every situation is different — but I know we’re excited that they’re playing. "Tounde was under the weather. I mean, he could have said he wasn’t ready to play tonight. You saw that he loves to play, he loves to compete, loves to support his team and did a great job. Cam tweaked his ankle early and could have just sat it down. And he wanted to compete, wanted to play for his team. As a coach, you’re really proud of that." Yessoufou is a complicated evaluation for NBA scouts and executives. A former five-star recruit in the 2025 cycle, he has an NBA-ready physique, despite being one month shy of his 20th birthday. The broad and brawny shoulders on his 6-foot-5, 215-pound frame give way to rippling biceps that are in keeping with Yessoufou’s bullying play style, muscling through defenders as an aggressive slasher. He ranks 13th among freshmen in the PRPG! metric on Torvik, which calculates how many points per game an individual contributes to his team beyond what a replacement-level player would provide. But Yessoufou doesn’t shoot the ball well enough from the perimeter (29.5% on 3s, 0-for-4 vs. Minnesota) to be viewed as a multidimensional scoring threat at this juncture in his career. And he’s not quite big enough to play either forward spot in the NBA. An argument can be made that Yessoufou could benefit significantly from another year in college dedicated to improving his 3-point shot. "Regardless of whatever the decision may be, whether it’s me going or not, I will always play," Yessoufou told me when asked about his decision to participate in the College Basketball Crown. "I’m a competitive guy. I always want to compete at a high level. And if I have the chance to wear this jersey one more time, who knows, I’m willing to do it any time of day." Carr, a redshirt sophomore, is viewed by most evaluators as having the higher NBA ceiling and a player likely to be selected in the low- to mid-20s should he choose to enter the draft. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, he possesses a massive wingspan that has been measured at greater than seven feet. When paired with his eye-catching, pogo-stick athleticism — evidenced by one high-flying alley-oop finish against the Gophers and an array of body-contorting finishes around the rim — it’s easy to appreciate his lofty potential. Originally a four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle, Carr spent his first two collegiate years in a reserve role at Tennessee. He made just 14 appearances as a true freshman and only four as a sophomore before leaving the Volunteers near the midway point of last season, ultimately landing at Baylor in time for the 2025-26 campaign. Carr’s production skyrocketed once he assumed a more prominent role for the Bears: He scored at least 20 points in 15 games this season and shot 38.5% from beyond the arc — all while grading out as Baylor’s best defender, according to EvanMiya.com. The argument for Carr to turn pro is far clearer. But first, Carr and Yessoufou are aiming to rewrite the end to Baylor's season by hoisting the College Basketball Crown. Their decisions about whether to enter the NBA Draft can wait a while longer. "I really feel like the best impression is the last impression," Baylor guard Obi Agbim told me after the win over Minnesota. "So just us leaving a really good last impression, I feel like it would mean a lot to us to be able to cut down a net and leave as winners instead of losers. I really think that’s a big emphasis for us to finish our season." In Game Changers, we offer the playbook on the characters you need to know, on the court and off.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2025-26 Men's Final Four Odds: Back Both Underdogs to Bark]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/final-four-odds-back-the-underdogs</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/final-four-odds-back-the-underdogs</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Will Hill is filling his betslip with underdogs for this weekend's Final Four matchups. Here's why.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:17:28 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2024/06/hurley1-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2024/06/128/72/hurley1-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Four teams are left, and three games remain before a national champion is crowned on Monday night in the men’s NCAA Tournament. While this tournament was not as unpredictable and full of upsets as it has been in past years — and perhaps that’s going to be the norm after all 1-seeds made up the Final Four last year — we are set for two outstanding matchups on Saturday night in Indianapolis. Let’s take a look at each game and find some best bets. 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. No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 UConn Back in November, UConn head coach Dan Hurley told the media his team was going to be celebrating Thanksgiving on Wednesday instead of Thursday, and that tryptophan would not get in the way of the team’s Black Friday showdown against Illinois. That approach paid off, as UConn won 74-61 in Madison Square Garden. Four months later, they meet again, with the winner of this one heading to the national title game. In the first meeting, Illinois often got lost defensively trying to defend UConn’s endless motion and screening, leading to offensive success and a win for the Huskies. But that version of Illinois was different than the one that we’ll see Saturday. This specifically pertains to Keaton Wagler, the freshman sensation for Illinois who only saw the floor for 14 minutes and attempted three shots in that November meeting. Now, Wagler has emerged as one of the nation’s best players and will likely be a lottery pick in June’s NBA Draft. This is not the vintage UConn team that won back-to-back titles in ‘23 and ‘24, and the Huskies have not shot the 3-pointer well for the majority of this Tournament. But betting against Hurley in March (in this case, April) is like betting against Patrick Mahomes in January. Hurley has won 17 out of his last 18 Tournament games. He has also covered 17 of his last 18 Tournament games. I’m betting that Monday night, UConn will take the floor determined to qualify for its third national title game in four years. PICK: UConn (+2) to lose by fewer than 2 points or win outright No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 1 Arizona Buckle up for this one, as two juggernauts square off in the late game Saturday night. These teams have combined to lose only five games all year, and both teams are dominant on each end of the floor. In all of Michigan’s three losses, the Wolverines shot poorly from beyond the arc. They were 8-for-25 in a loss to Wisconsin, 6-for-25 in a loss to Duke and 7-for-24 in the Big Ten title game loss to Purdue. Simply put, if the Wolverines are making their 3s, they’re very tough to beat. If they’re not, they can be vulnerable. Meanwhile, Arizona has only two losses and one of them came in a game where star freshman and projected lottery pick Koa Peat got injured against Texas Tech. Both of these teams have won every Tournament game by double digits and are so dominant that it’s almost hard to believe one of them will not make it to the title game on Monday night. Ultimately, in what is a coin-flip game, I’m going with Arizona because you’re getting 1.5 points in a game I think is evenly matched. Arizona has a plethora of NBA bodies, and the Wildcats' size and strength around the rim is why I’m picking them to advance. PICK: Arizona (+1.5) to lose by fewer than 1.5 points or win outright]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2025-26 Men's Final Four Odds: Spreads, Lines, What to Know About National Semis]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-mens-final-four-odds</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-mens-final-four-odds</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Check out the odds for the Final Four and what to know about both games.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:38:23 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/03/artboard-1final4.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/03/128/72/artboard-1final4.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[The men's Final Four is here. Who is favored to make the national title game? Let's check out the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 3, as well as what to know about both games. 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. SATURDAY, APRIL 4 No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 1 Arizona Spread: Michigan -1.5Moneyline: Michigan -122, Arizona +102O/U: 157.5 What to know: Unsurprisingly, this one is essentially a pick ‘em, considering both teams have dominated their competition during the Tournament and over the course of the entire season. The Wolverines appear invincible heading into the Final Four, winning their four Tournament games by an average of 22.5 points, including a 33-point mauling of Tennessee in the Elite Eight. And offensively? Michigan is averaging 95.3 points per game. That’s a lot. As for Arizona, it has been no slouch during the Tournament either, winning its four postseason contests by 20.5 points per game, and scoring 89.5 points per game. In short, there will be no difference when it comes to recent form between these two teams. However, take this for what it's worth: Michigan ended the regular season with an 8-point, Big Ten Championship Game loss to Purdue. The Wildcats beat Purdue by 15 in the Elite Eight. Something? Nothing? You be the judge. No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 UConn Spread: Illinois -1.5Moneyline: Illinois -130, UConn +110O/U: 139.5 What to know: Wow. Duke had UConn, until it didn't. Now, the Huskies are one step closer to making their third title game in four years, should they get past the Illini. Illinois, somewhat surprisingly, opened as the favorite. UConn has arguably the best win of the Tournament to date, with that upset victory over Duke. The Huskies also know how to win tight ones, considering they beat Michigan State by four in the Sweet 16 and Duke by one in the Elite Eight. Will UConn's momentum carry it past the Illini? The last time a team won three titles in four years was UCLA way back in the John Wooden days. History is inching closer.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[4 Takeaways From Day 2 of the 2026 College Basketball Crown]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/takeaways-day-2-2026-college-basketball-crown</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/takeaways-day-2-2026-college-basketball-crown</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[FOX Sports' Michael Cohen offers up four takeaways from Day 2 of the 2026 College Basketball Crown.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:47:51 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/cbb-16x9v1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/cbb-16x9v1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA (LAS VEGAS) — With 7:23 remaining in a game that felt more and more like a foregone conclusion, a fan behind the Creighton bench held up a sign for all to see. On a white background and written in blue letters, the message was equal parts clear and concise: "THANK YOU Coach Mac!!!" The sign, of course, referred to Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott, who won his 366th game for Creighton on Thursday night by pulling away from Rutgers, 82-69, in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown. Last month, the 61-year-old McDermott announced his intention to retire at the end of this year, calling it quits on an exceptional career that included 10 NCAA Tournament appearances with the Bluejays and 14 seasons featuring at least 20 victories. For now, though, McDermott’s legendary run continues thanks to a second-half surge against the Scarlet Knights. His team will move on to face West Virginia in the semifinals on Saturday. Here are my takeaways from Day 2 of the College Basketball Crown: 1. Creighton comes to life in the second half to prolong Greg McDermott’s tenure Because of when the College Basketball Crown takes place each year — roughly three weeks removed from the end of most conference tournaments — there is an element of strategy involved when it comes to preparation. Some coaches have chosen to afford their players extra time off following a grueling five-month season. Others have preferred to parlay whatever momentum their programs might have into additional practices that can play an important role in player development. There is no universal, or universally accepted, approach. How and when Creighton might prepare for this year’s event was draped with an extra layer of uncertainty once McDermott shared his decision to retire at the campaign’s end. That meant it was fair to wonder about the Bluejays’ collective level of focus given the impending transition from McDermott, who has been at the helm since 2010, to associate head coach Alan Huss, previously named the coach in waiting. "Obviously, there's a little emotion involved," McDermott said during the postgame news conference in response to my question about what the last few weeks have been like. "Last practice in the facility back home and all that. But like I told the guys when we decided to do this, ‘We’re going to have fun with this.' We did a lot of workouts, we had a few practices, we wanted them to enjoy this experience. We're gonna be around for the weekend now — at least for a couple more days — so we're going to have fun together." And they certainly had fun after halftime on Thursday night, exploding for 51 second-half points and shooting a sizzling 61.5% from the floor. Everything, it seemed, ran through the hands of point guard Nik Graves, who poured in a season-high 28 points and also dished out eight assists. Graves had 25 of those points in the second half, which underscores just how much of an influence he had down the stretch, repeatedly irritating Rutgers' defenders with pump fakes that drew fouls. Now, the Bluejays have an opportunity to win back-to-back games for the first time since late December — and perhaps send McDermott out with a championship. [CBB CROWN: 4 Takeaways From Day 1] 2. Talented freshman class gives Steve Pikiell a strong foundation at Rutgers Unlike the two freshman phenoms who were clearly one-and-done prospects from the moment they stepped foot on Rutgers’ campus last season — guard Dylan Harper and forward Ace Bailey, the Nos. 2 and 5 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft — the Scarlet Knights have a collection of rookies that should develop quite nicely in the years to come. The backcourt trio of Harun Zrno (6.6 points per game), Lino Mark (5.6 points per game) and Kaden Powers (6.1 points per game) all made at least 28 appearances this year and averaged at least 15.7 minutes of playing time per outing. Together, they should enter next season as one of the more promising young cores in the Big Ten — assuming head coach Steve Pikiell can keep them together once the transfer portal opens next week. "We have a new administration and a new president, and our resources have changed," Pikiell said during the postgame news conference in response to my question about keeping his roster together. "I'm looking forward to a lot of these guys returning. We're going to add some pieces for sure, going in the portal. But I think it was a valuable experience this year for those guys that logged a lot of minutes. They got better as the year went on with everything. I'm very hopeful in this new era that good things are going to happen for us and we'll be able to compete in the market." Though the Scarlet Knights were ultimately upended by Creighton on Thursday night, running out of gas in the second half after leading by as many as 10 in the early stages, the freshmen offered yet another glimpse of their collective potential. Mark chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds, pacing the offense at times with his speed and explosiveness in the open court. Powers scored six points and snagged three rebounds, flashing a comfortable mid-range pull-up that followed a quick first step. Zrno, who did not play until the second half, scored three points in limited action. The biggest challenge facing Pikiell and his staff between now and the end of the month could be keeping those three players from entering the transfer portal. Rutgers will need them to avoid a fourth consecutive losing season next winter. 3. Ebuka Okorie needs more help if he returns to Stanford There were so many possessions on Thursday night when Stanford point guard Ebuka Okorie, the ACC’s leading scorer at 22.8 points per game, searched and probed and hunted for openings on the offensive end. He maneuvered around screens at the top of the key, gave the ball up just to get it back seconds later and worked tirelessly off the ball to create separation from whichever West Virginia defender was hounding him on that particular possession. In some respects, nothing about the nature of Okorie’s effort was unusual. He arrived at the College Basketball Crown as Stanford’s only healthy player averaging more than 11.1 points per game and owned the 13th-highest usage rate in the country among freshmen this season, according to Torvik. His collegiate résumé already included seven 30-point games and first-team All-ACC honors for a program that finished 20-12 overall and 9-9 in the conference. In the 82-77 overtime loss to West Virginia, he scored a game-high 34 points and dished out five assists on a night when no other teammate topped 12 points. "Ebuka is an incredible player," West Virginia head coach Ross Hodge told me after the game. "He’s everything we thought he was going to be. We did everything we could to keep the ball out of his hands, and he still had 34 points." Whether Okorie will return to Stanford for another year has been a popular topic of conversation in college basketball circles. He could choose to enter the NBA Draft, where he projects as a second-round pick given his relatively slender frame (6-foot-2, 185 pounds). He could choose to explore his options in the transfer portal, where other power-conference schools would certainly throw seven-figure offers Okorie’s way. But a source close to the Cardinal believes Okorie will either remain at Stanford or turn pro. Should head coach Kyle Smith and his staff be fortunate enough to retain Okorie, they’ll need to surround the budding star with more scoring punch than what Stanford had this season. A high school recruiting class that ranks No. 16 nationally represents an excellent start. The Cardinal have already signed four players rated among the top 165 nationally, according to 247Sports, including four-star forward Aziz Olajuwon, the No. 62 overall prospect. Olajuwon chose Stanford over Houston, Vanderbilt and Cincinnati, among others. 4. The future of West Virginia's program hasn’t arrived yet One of the biggest statistical disparities between West Virginia and Stanford entering Thursday’s game came in a category most fans wouldn’t typically consider: maturity. The Mountaineers were the second-oldest team in college basketball this season, according to KenPom, with 2.86 years of Division I experience per player. The Cardinal rank just 268th in that same category with only 1.07 years of Division I experience per player. For first-year head coach Ross Hodge, formerly of North Texas, the group he brought to Las Vegas this week included six seniors and one fifth-year senior — meaning there will be significant roster churn for the Mountaineers in the coming weeks, especially once the transfer portal opens on April 7. The team that Hodge puts on the floor next fall is going to look markedly different than the one that finished the regular season 18-13 overall and 9-9 in the Big 12, unable to win consecutive games after Jan. 21. Regardless of what Hodge accomplishes in the transfer portal, the player to watch is incoming freshman point guard Miles Sadler, a five-star prospect and the No. 23 overall player in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Sadler committed to the Mountaineers over Tennessee and Oklahoma, among others, and instantly became the highest-rated signee in program history, according to 247Sports. If Sadler lives up to expectations, then Hodge will have an elite floor general to build around as West Virginia chases its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2023 and first March Madness victory since 2021. "When we put this team together," Hodge told me after the game, "when we started hitting the portal, we wanted to recruit guys that had been part of winning and loved basketball and loved each other. If that’s kind of your makeup, and you really love basketball and you love being around other people, then you have an ability to stay together through really tough times. This group has embodied that and really set a standard for future teams in the program." 4½. What’s next? Here are a few storylines to watch ahead of the semifinals: Oklahoma vs. Baylor (Saturday) — One did it the easy way, one did it the hard way. Oklahoma trailed an undermanned Colorado team by double digits early and needed overtime to finally dispose of the upset-minded Buffaloes, leaning on a strong defensive effort to reach the semifinals. Baylor, meanwhile, coasted through its quarterfinal game against Minnesota thanks to balanced scoring from each member of the Bears’ leading trio: Tounde Yessoufou (19 points), Obi Agbim (17 points) and Cameron Carr (15 points). West Virginia vs. Creighton (Saturday) — Over the course of McDermott’s highly successful tenure at Creighton, his teams have ranked among the top 35 in offensive efficiency 10 times. And while this year’s group hasn’t quite reached that threshold — the Bluejays entered The Crown ranked 73rd nationally — nobody would dare question the program’s prowess at that end of the court. Such a pedigree sets the stage for a fascinating semifinal clash with West Virginia, whose defense ranks 17th in overall efficiency after beating Stanford on Thursday night.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2025-26 Final Four Betting Report: Public Split on Michigan-Arizona]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/final-four-betting-report</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/final-four-betting-report</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Books are seeing two-way action on Michigan-Arizona. Patrick Everson breaks down Final Four betting, along with the scoop on some big bets.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:35:54 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/arizona-42.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/arizona-42.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Final Four odds feature a semifinal showdown that, to hear oddsmakers tell it, is happening one round too early. Michigan and Arizona both spent time at No. 1 in the AP poll this season. Both have been favored at various junctures in March Madness futures odds. Both are No. 1 seeds rolling through the NCAA Tournament. "Michigan vs. Arizona is probably the best game on the docket all year, on paper. It’s kind of a shame that it’s not the last game," Caesars Sports head of college basketball trading Rich Zanco said. Two days before tipoff, Zanco helps break down Final Four betting, and we check in on major wagers and potential big payouts. Plus, we’re monitoring a potential million-dollar-or-more bet on Illinois from Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale. 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. Nightcap of No. 1s Michigan vs. Arizona is the second game of Saturday’s Final Four docket, tipping off at 8:49 p.m. ET. Arizona is 36-2 straight up (SU) and a respectable 24-14 against the spread (ATS), covering the number a money-making 63.2% of the time. Michigan is 35-3 SU but a less-than-satisfactory 18-20 ATS. However, the Wolverines have scored 90 points or more in all four NCAA Tournament games thus far. Michigan also covered in its last three games, including Sunday’s 95-62 rout of 6-seed Tennessee as an 8.5-point favorite. And after opening as a 1-point underdog, Michigan moved to a 1.5-point favorite by Monday at Caesars. "Michigan has gotten bet up a little bit. But this is a two-way game," Zanco said. "The public is on both sides. It’s a big matchup with a small spread, so you’re gonna have action on both teams." So Caesars might not have a clear preference, on the game itself or in the championship futures market. "We’re in a good position on this side of the bracket, with Arizona and Michigan," Zanco said. "But we’ll need the Under on Saturday night." The total opened at 157 and went to 157.5 in short order Sunday, with no movement since. But the public betting masses will assuredly be on the Over, as they always are. Pros vs. Joes No. 3 seed Illinois (28-8 SU/20-18 ATS) meets No. 2 seed UConn (33-5 SU/16-22 ATS) in the first semifinal, at 6:09 p.m. ET Saturday. The Huskies are coming off their incredible 73-72 comeback win over 1-seed Duke on Sunday. That’s going to linger in the minds of the public betting masses, who often bet off what they last saw. But sharp bettors are looking at the short favorite so far, likely making this a Pros vs. Joes battle among bettors. Illinois has bounced between -1.5 and -2.5 a few times this week at Caesars. As of Thursday afternoon, the Fighting Illini are -1.5 (-115). "The professional money is on Illinois. They’ve been on Illinois all year," Zanco said. "I anticipate the betting public will come in on UConn. The public did that last weekend vs. Duke, and even some of the sharps were on UConn, as well." Usually, oddsmakers are on the same side as the sharp bettors. But when factoring championship futures into the Illinois-UConn matchup, Zanco said that might not be the case on Saturday. "Illinois is the one team in the futures market that we don’t do well to," he said. "So we’re rooting for UConn a little bit." McIngvale’s Millions Houston furniture magnate Jim McIngvale is no stranger to major wagers on March Madness futures odds. In particular, he likes to bet on his beloved Houston Cougars. But the Cougars lost to Illinois 65-55 in the Sweet 16, which made McIngvale’s 2026 strategy prove even more prescient. Pre-NCAA Tournament, McIngvale said: "I don’t know which team I’m gambling on this year. I’m gonna run a promotion that says the team closest geographically to Houston that gets in the Final Four will be the team." In this case, the Illinois campus is the closest to Houston, at 951 miles. Yep, even closer than Houston is to Arizona’s Tucson campus (1,066 miles). However, as of Thursday evening, McIngvale hasn’t revealed his bet. For those unfamiliar, there are almost always two elements to McIngvale’s wagers: the bet itself and the corresponding promotion for his furniture store. The bet is a hedge against the promotion. In this instance, customers who purchase a mattress set of $4,000 or more will get it free, if the Final Four team closest to Houston wins the title. It’s a win-win for Mattress Mack or at least a break-even proposition: If his bet wins, he pockets that cash to cover the losses from the bedding purchases. If his bet loses, then his store pockets the mattress set profits. Major Coin on UConn The Final Four is certainly familiar territory for UConn, which won back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024. If the Huskies make it three titles in four years, then a DraftKings Sportsbook customer will turn a seven-figure profit. Some time ago, well before the NCAA Tournament began, a high-roller put a healthy $77,000 on UConn +1300 to win it all. Two more wins, and that $77,000 bet will net just over $1 million (total payout $1.078 million). There are also some noteworthy bets involving Arizona, including a $500 three-leg parlay that tied the College Football Playoff champion to the Super Bowl and March Madness. Add up those odds, and you’ve got +32700, or in easier-to-digest terms, 327/1. Indiana took care of Leg 1 when it beat Miami 27-21 in the CFP final on Jan. 19. Then the Seahawks dispatched the Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl 60 on Feb. 8. If Arizona finishes it off by cutting down the nets on Monday night, then that $500 bet becomes $164,000. That certainly makes a months-long wait well worth it. Finally, late in the regular season, a BetMGM customer put $50,000 on Arizona +450 to win the title. That bet stands to profit $225,000 (total payout $275,000), if the Wildcats go the distance.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Elliot Cadeau Joins Michigan at Final Four After Accidental Exposure to Nuts]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-starter-elliot-cadeau-final-four-allergies</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-starter-elliot-cadeau-final-four-allergies</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Michigan starting point guard Elliot Cadeau has rejoined the Wolverines for the Final Four after an allergic reaction.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:07:58 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/cadeau_h.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/cadeau_h.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Michigan starting point guard Elliot Cadeau rejoined his teammates for the Final Four and said Thursday his allergic reaction that required hospitalization a day earlier was due to an accidental exposure to nuts. "I just ate something I was allergic to," the junior said as he sat at his locker at Lucas Oil Stadium, two days before the Wolverines meet fellow No. 1 seed Arizona in the national semifinals. Coach Dusty May said Cadeau, who averages 10.2 points and 5.8 assists, is "fine." Cadeau's treatment came as his teammates were flying to the Final Four, though Cadeau said a Michigan staffer had driven him to Indianapolis to rejoin teammates ahead of Thursday's locker-room interviews and other pregame promotional activities. Cadeau described it as "just a minor inconvenience for me." "I just had a little bit of hives so that’s why I went to the hospital, just to prevent anything further from happening," he said. Detroit radio station WWJ 950 posted a video on X on Wednesday showing a covered individual sitting upright while being wheeled out of Michigan’s player development center on a gurney and loaded into an ambulance. Michigan later confirmed it was Cadeau, who had complained of a possible allergic reaction and received medical supervision "out of an abundance of caution." "If it’s the worst thing that happens to us, then we’re very blessed," May said Thursday. "It also just shows him how much he means to his teammates. They were very concerned, obviously, like we all would be for a reaction like that. "But just grateful that he’s fine. We have great medical care, and he’s back with us. Dude is a warrior. He’ll be fine." Reported by The Associated Press.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2025-26 March Madness Odds: Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica’s Final Four Best Bets]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/chris-the-bear-fallica-final-four-best-bets-mens-hoops</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/chris-the-bear-fallica-final-four-best-bets-mens-hoops</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Chris "The Bear" Fallica is back with his best bet for the Final Four, along with some Bear Bytes about the Tournament.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:43:55 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/bear-anything_16x9-8.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/bear-anything_16x9-8.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA["Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making. Here we are, down to the last four teams. It's been fun watching the madness of March, but it's somewhat bittersweet that it will all be over soon. But not before we get another wager in! Here's where I'm putting my money for the UConn-Illinois game, and some historical Bear Bytes about the tourney. 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. No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 UConn I know the Big East wasn’t very good this year outside of Connecticut and St. John’s, and I guess, to an extent, Villanova. The Huskies already have an early-season win over Illinois, a game in which Tarris Reed played 15 minutes, Braylon Mullins 10 and Keaton Wagler just 14 (scored three points). There’s been a lot of talk this week about how Wagler wasn't Wagler yet. However, the same can be said for the Huskies, whose two biggest players in the Tournament had minimal, if any impact in that game. The Illini were 6-for-29 from 3-point range in that game, too. In the regional, Reed was 18-for-32 from the field with 46 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. He’s been a monster. Will the Illini's size negate some of that? UConn beat Duke despite missing 17 of its first 18 3-point shots. Surely the Huskies won’t have that poor a shooting performance again, will they? In addition to the win over Duke and over Michigan State in the regional, UConn has Kansas, Florida and Texas wins from the regular season and a 4-point loss to Arizona in a game which the Huskies led with 1:30 left, despite Reed and Mullins not playing at all. I know all the analytics and sites that track power ratings have the Illini favored here, but I just don’t see it. Here's an interesting nugget: Illinois went 2-6 against the other top seven teams in the Big Ten, granted four of the losses came in OT. Would it surprise me if Illinois won? Of course not. But there’s something about a Dan Hurley team come tourney time that just clicks. I’ll take the points here. PICK: UConn (+2) to lose by fewer than 2 points or win outright Bear Bytes]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[4 Takeaways From Day 1 of the 2026 College Basketball Crown]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/takeaways-day-1-2026-college-basketball-crown</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/takeaways-day-1-2026-college-basketball-crown</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[FOX Sports' Michael Cohen offers up four takeaways from the opening day of the College Basketball Crown.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:39:16 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/cbb-16x9v3-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/cbb-16x9v3-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA (LAS VEGAS) — As the national anthem reached its conclusion on Wednesday evening, moments before Oklahoma and Colorado tipped off to begin the second annual College Basketball Crown, a call-and-response chant of "Boomer! …. Sooner!" rang out across the building for all to hear. Scores of fans proudly sporting crimson and cream dominated the crowd as this year’s tournament began, eager to support head coach Porter Moser and a squad that arrived in Sin City having won eight of its last 11 games. On the strength of that run, along with strong roster retention ahead of the transfer portal opening next week, Oklahoma entered as the overwhelming favorite to win the event — though the Sooners didn’t play that way for most of the evening. A double-clutch 3-pointer from redshirt freshman forward Kuol Atak (16 points) leveled the score with 9:12 remaining, eliciting an eruption from the Oklahoma faithful. Another 3-pointer from senior guard Nijel Pack (20 points) on the following possession finally nudged the Sooners in front. Slowly but surely, the most accomplished team in the field awoke in time to survive, 90-86, in overtime. Oklahoma will now face Baylor in the semifinals on Saturday. Here are my takeaways from Day 1 of the College Basketball Crown. 1. Oklahoma defense clamps down when it matters When Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser was running rampant at Loyola Chicago, guiding the Ramblers to the Final Four in 2018 and the Sweet 16 in 2021, his program was revered for its miserly defense. Two of Moser’s last four teams before taking over the Sooners finished among the top 17 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to KenPom, including a second-place finish in his final year. The leap in competition from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big 12 — and now the SEC — has been accompanied by a slight regression in Moser’s defensive potency. His first three teams at Oklahoma all ranked among the top 48 nationally, but last year’s group sunk to 60th and this year’s squad entered Wednesday night having plummeted to 108th overall. It looked that way when the Sooners allowed Colorado to shoot nearly 54% from the field in the opening half. But with the second half came a renewed focus and intensity on the defensive end, one that challenged the Buffaloes on seemingly every shot and conceded almost nothing around the rim. Moser’s group, which trailed by as many as 10, clawed back by limiting Colorado to just 24% shooting after the break, including a dreary 2-for-10 from beyond the arc. Twice, the Sooners forced strings of at least seven consecutive missed shots. "The last 10 games, we’ve really relied on each other playing more protect-the-paint defense," Moser said during the postgame news conference in response to my question about the second-half improvement. "I thought we really protected the paint. They put so much pressure on you because they go downhill very hard, and then they can draw fouls. They got us in the bonus fast. For us to play that physical, still, through that foul [trouble], I thought was a credit to those guys playing together defensively." [COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Expert Predictions and Analysis for Crown] 2. Colorado battles attrition with early transfer departures Even though the transfer portal doesn’t officially open until April 7, one day after the national championship game in Indianapolis, the Buffaloes were dealt a trio of early blows from players announcing their intention to leave. That saddled head coach Tad Boyle and his staff with the challenge of reshuffling rotations and playing time ahead of the College Basketball Crown. The Buffaloes arrived in Las Vegas without the services of leading scorer Isaiah Johnson (16.9 points per game), third-leading scorer Sebastian Rancik (12.3 points per game) and fourth-leading scorer Bangot Dak (11.5 points per game). All three players made their transfer decisions public within a four-day span the week before this event began. "We’ve had a few weeks now to prepare for this," Boyle told me after the game. "We started, obviously, when we found out that those three guys weren’t playing. I knew it would give guys opportunities that hadn’t maybe been in the rotation up to this point." Without most of its top-end firepower, Colorado leaned heavily on guard Barrington Hargress (14.2 points per game), the only other double-figure scorer still on the roster. Hargress scored a team-high 31 points on Wednesday against the Sooners, including 13 in the first half on an array of impressive shots: a transition 3-pointer from the top of the key, a difficult baseline turnaround and a crossover-turned stepback on the left wing. But after a sizzling first half that saw the Buffaloes shoot 53.6% from the floor, both Hargress and his teammates cooled significantly after the break. Colorado went more than five minutes without a field goal from the 17:47 mark to the 12:19 mark of the second half, during which time their slim advantage dwindled and, ultimately, disappeared for good. Boyle’s team bowed out after missing 24 of their final 30 field goal attempts. 3. Flashes from Baylor stars underscore looming draft decisions When the Big 12 released its preseason basketball poll in mid-October, the Bears were picked seventh in the 16-team league. There were reasons to be optimistic about what Baylor could do during the 2025-26 campaign after head coach Scott Drew signed a recruiting class that finished 25th nationally and added seven players via the transfer portal, two of whom were ranked among the top 40 by 247Sports. But five months later, when the regular season mercifully ended, the Bears had sunk to 14th in the conference standings with just six Big 12 wins. It was a shocking outcome for a team that includes multiple future pros in guards Cameron Carr (19.2 points per game) and Tounde Yessoufou (17.8 points per game). Both project as late first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. Their presence at the College Basketball Crown made Baylor one of the more intriguing teams in Las Vegas, where NBA personnel got an extra chance to watch them before draft decisions are eventually made. What those evaluators saw against Minnesota on Wednesday night were two players whose physical and athletic profiles remain wildly enticing, even if consistency eludes them at times. Carr, who scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds, soared for an alley-oop dunk in which his 7-foot-1 wingspan seemed to scrape the ceiling and exhibited dynamic body control for two acrobatic layups. Yessoufou, who scored 19 points and snagged seven rebounds, flashed versatility by operating out of the high post against the Gophers’ zone and showed his open-floor ability with back-to-back buckets on fast breaks early in the second half. "As a coach, you want to start the season together and you want to finish the season together," Baylor head coach Scott Drew told me after the game. "I think it just speaks to their character, wanting to play for Baylor, wanting to have a chance to win a championship. That speaks volumes to them. I know everybody is entitled to their own decisions and every situation is different, but I know we’re excited that they’re playing." 4. Obi Agbim breaks out of shooting slump for the Bears There’s no question that Baylor guard Obi Agbim, a transfer from Wyoming, is a 3-point specialist. Last season, 80 of his 184 made field goals originated beyond the arc during his lone campaign with the Cowboys. And this year, his first with the Bears, he splashed 72 of his 112 field goals from 3-point range entering the College Basketball Crown. However, Agbim arrived in Las Vegas on a cold streak from downtown: He’d only made six of his last 27 attempts (22.2%) across Baylor’s last four games, two of which were losses. That changed immediately in the Bears’ opening-round blowout of Minnesota on Wednesday night when Agbim exploded for 17 points, his highest point total since scoring 19 against Colorado on Feb. 4. Agbim buried five of eight shots from beyond the arc to tie his season high for most 3s in a single game. He made more perimeter jumpers by himself than Minnesota did as a team. "Just slowing down a little bit," Agbim told me after the game when asked what contributed to his strong shooting performance. "Playing with a pace that I’ve always played with. In the games before this, I was kind of rushing my shot a little bit. So just slowing down, taking my time when I shoot the ball. I feel like that affected my jumper really well today." 4½. What’s next? Here are a few storylines to watch as we move toward Thursday’s action: Stanford vs. West Virginia — Had Stanford not lost to Pittsburgh in its opening game at the ACC Tournament, the Cardinal might have been in position to reach the Big Dance given their uptick over the final month. Led by head coach Kyle Smith, the Cardinal won six of their last eight regular season games, including four in a row to end the year. The Mountaineers, meanwhile, finished 18-14 overall and 9-9 in the Big 12 under new head coach Ross Hodge, who previously guided North Texas to consecutive NIT appearances the last two seasons. Rutgers vs. Creighton — This week marks the end of an era for Creighton head coach Greg McDermott, who is retiring after 16 seasons with the program. He guided the Bluejays to incredible heights during that span with 365 victories and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, headlined by three trips to the Sweet 16. Now, McDermott will face a Rutgers team that bounced back from a lengthy losing streak in the middle of the season to win five of its previous nine games before traveling to Las Vegas.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Kansas Coach Bill Self Will Return For A 24th Season With the Jayhawks]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/kansas-coach-bill-self-is-returning-for-a-24th-season-with-the-jayhawks</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/kansas-coach-bill-self-is-returning-for-a-24th-season-with-the-jayhawks</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Kansas basketball coach Bill Self is returning for a 24th season with the Jayhawks.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:31:24 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/sefieh.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/sefieh.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Kansas basketball coach Bill Self is returning for a 24th season with the Jayhawks. The program released a statement from Self on Wednesday confirming his return for another year with the program he has led to 21 regular-season conference championships, four Final Fours and a pair of national championships. "With renewed clarity and the ongoing support from our administration, I remain focused and committed to Kansas Basketball competing for a national championship," Self said. "I look forward to seeing and hearing the best fans in college basketball next season at Allen Fieldhouse." The 63-year-old Self has a record of 840-272, not including the 15 wins that were vacated by the NCAA, putting him 12th on the career list. He passed Phog Allen as the winningest coach at Kansas with a 77-69 win over Michigan State on November 12, 2024, and finished with a record of 633-167 while leading one of college basketball’s most storied programs. Kansas' season ended March 22 against St. John’s and fellow Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks rallied from a 13-point deficit with 7 1/2 minutes left, tying it with 13.1 seconds to go, only for the Red Storm’s Dylan Darling to hit a layup as time expired to end their season. The Jayhawks have not survived the opening weekend of the tournament since 2022, when Self won his second national title. "I’ve gone through some stuff off the court, so I’ll get back and get with family and visit and see what’s going on," Self said following the loss in San Jose, California. "I love what I do. I need to be able to do it where I’m feeling good and healthy to do it fairly well. I’ll get back home and it will all be discussed." Self's health has been a factor to monitor. He was hospitalized just before the Big 12 Tournament in 2023 after feeling unwell, and had two stents inserted into his heart, which forced him to miss the NCAA tourney. Self had two more stents inserted last year, and this past January, he missed a game at Colorado after doctors advised him not to travel following a precautionary trip to the hospital. "When you get to be doing it as long as I’ve done it, I looked at it in five-year increments. Now I’m probably looking at it in more two-year increments, so to speak," he said. "So I try to focus on this season and try to get us to a second weekend — which we failed at — so I’ll go back now and break it down and see where that leads." Self won national titles at Kansas in 2008 and 2022. And he's been especially good at Allen Fieldhouse, historically one of college basketball’s toughest venues. He is 27-6 against top-10 opponents at home, and his 131-81 record against Top 25 opposition is the third-best winning percentage among Division I coaches. He also has sent 43 players to the NBA, and more could be on the way. Darryn Peterson is expected to be among the first three players to hear his name called in June, while Flory Bidunga and others could also be selected in the upcoming NBA draft. Self was selected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. Reporting by the Associated Press.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[How to Watch the 2026 College Basketball Crown: Bracket, Channel, Results]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/how-watch-2026-crown-bracket-channel-results</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/how-watch-2026-crown-bracket-channel-results</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The 2026 College Basketball Crown tips off Wednesday in Las Vegas. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the postseason tournament.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:29:14 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/03/crown-horiz.png" expression="full" type="image/png" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/03/128/72/crown-horiz.png" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[The men's college basketball season is coming to an emphatic end with the College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas, where drama, buzzer-beaters and everything in between is all but guaranteed. The second-year tournament will tip off on Wednesday with the elimination-style bracket leading up to the championship game Sunday. The new College Basketball Crown format features eight teams, all from power conferences, and will include a $500,000 NIL prize pool. Below is everything you need to know about this year's tournament, from the official bracket to ticket information. Who is in the 2026 College Basketball Crown tournament? The College Basketball Crown tournament is made up of an eight-team field. Below are this year's participants: [COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Expert Predictions and Analysis for Crown] Where is the 2026 College Basketball Crown? The 2026 College Basketball Crown will take place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in the quarterfinals and T-Mobile Arena for the semifinals and final. Where can I watch the College Basketball Crown? The 2026 College Basketball Crown will air on FOX, FOX One and FS1, with the quarterfinals broadcast on FS1 and the semifinals and final on FOX. [COLLEGE BASKETBALL CROWN: Purchase Tickets Here] College Basketball Crown Schedule and Bracket Crown Quarterfinals Wednesday, April 1Oklahoma vs. Colorado (8 p.m. ET on FS1)Baylor vs. Minnesota (10:30 p.m. ET on FS1) Thursday, April 2Stanford vs. West Virginia (8 p.m. ET on FS1)Rutgers vs. Creighton (10:30 p.m. ET FS1) Crown Semifinals Saturday, April 41:30 p.m. ET: TBD vs. TBD (FOX)4 p.m. ET: TBD vs. TBD (FOX) Crown Finals Sunday, April 55:30 p.m. ET: TBD vs. TBD (FOX) How do I purchase tickets to the College Basketball Crown? Vivid Seats will serve as the official ticket provider of the College Basketball Crown. Tickets for all match-ups can be purchased using this link.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2025-26 March Madness Odds: Best Bets for Illinois-UConn, Michigan-Arizona]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/best-bets-for-the-mens-hoops-final-four</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/best-bets-for-the-mens-hoops-final-four</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Sammy P is back with his best bets for the men's Final Four. Here are the player props he's backing, along with his pick for Michigan-Arizona.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:13:11 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/yaxel_odds_horizontal_april-1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/yaxel_odds_horizontal_april-1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Get your popcorn ready. Arizona, Illinois, Michigan and UConn are the last four teams standing in this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament and the Final Four tips off Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. As somebody that grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, it’s impossible for me to give you an unbiased side in the first game. I’ll be rooting for the Illini but don’t feel responsible advising you to bet ‘em when I spent years drinking blue guys at Kams and making orange BORGs at parties. C’est la vie. Here are three bets I do like this Saturday: Illinois (-2, O/U 139.5) vs. UConn While I truly believe Illinois has the better roster, Danny Hurley’s squad has been a cash-making freight train the last few tournaments. The Huskies are 17-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 18 tourney games, and now they are catching points in a game they could easily win. It should be obvious what I want to happen, but rooting and betting should never be parlayed together. Enter player props. After Braylon Mullins swished one of the most memorable shots in NCAA history to beat Duke, you’re paying a premium on his points prop. Sportsbooks are dealing him at O/U 12.5 juiced to the Under. He’s a sharpshooter with a bright future, but let’s be real — he’s UConn’s fourth option. I like Under 12.5 points at -130. On the other sideline, Andrej Stojakovic — yes, Peja’s kid — is a bucket getter. Thing is, the Huskies are so good defending the perimeter, and they do an incredible job harassing shooters. Sure, Stojakovic could score 20, but given his feast-or-famine range, I think the number is a smidge too high. He’s got the same line, albeit cheaper at -115. PICK: Braylon Mullins (-130) Under 12.5 pointsPICK: Andrej Stojakovic (-115) Under 12.5 points 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. Michigan (-1.5, O/U 157.5) vs. Arizona This is the unquestioned game of the Tournament. Most pundits are calling it the de facto championship game, and it’s tough to poke holes in that assessment. Michigan and Arizona are complete teams that are dominant on both sides of the ball. Illinois has an elite offense, UConn has a top-tier defense. These two are extraordinary on both sides. As I wrote before March got mad, I love the Wolverines’ size, defense, shot making and experience. It’s the total package. They’ve been the best team from the nation’s best conference all season long, and there’s no player in America I trust more with the game on the line than Yaxel Lendeborg. Fundamentally, I refuse to lay 1.5 points in a college basketball game. My friend Bill Krackomberger always talks about paying the extra price to win these Tournament games and I wholeheartedly agree. I’ll pay the extra 10 cents just in case Arizona decides to bank in a 3 at the buzzer to lose by 1. Go Blue. PICK: Michigan (-120) moneyline]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[2026 College Basketball Crown: Expert Predictions and Analysis]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-college-basketball-crown-expert-predictions-analysis</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-college-basketball-crown-expert-predictions-analysis</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[FOX Sports college basketball experts reveal their brackets for the 2026 College Basketball Crown.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:03:29 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/artboard-1-77.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/artboard-1-77.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Buckle up, college basketball fans. The second edition of the College Basketball Crown is set to get underway this week in Las Vegas. Eight power-conference programs will take the court in the single-elimination tournament, which tips off with first-round games on Wednesday, followed by the semifinals on Saturday and the championship game on Sunday. The tournament will be played at MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena with a $500,000 NIL prize pool. The complete bracket features Oklahoma, Colorado, Baylor, Minnesota, Stanford, West Virginia, Rutgers and Creighton. From freshman superstars to a Big East head coach looking to close out his career on a high note, there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines as the tournament gets set to tip off. Before the first game gets underway, our experts have filled out their brackets and made their predictions for how the 2026 College Basketball Crown will unfold. Here’s a look at our experts’ picks. Allison Williams, FOX Sports sideline reporter Opening Round: Oklahoma over Colorado, Baylor over Minnesota, West Virginia over Stanford, Creighton over Rutgers Semifinals: Oklahoma over Baylor, Creighton over Stanford Championship: Creighton over Oklahoma Why Creighton will win the championship: Oklahoma has a really connected group of five players who have started every game together this year. The Sooners were playing their best basketball at the end of the season. But I believe Creighton will win this tournament. Head coach Greg McDermott announced that he will retire after the season ends. I think you'll see a motivated Creighton team that wants to send their head coach out a champion after 16 years with the Bluejays. Michael Cohen, FOX Sports college football and basketball writer Opening Round: Oklahoma over Colorado, Baylor over Minnesota, Stanford over West Virginia, Creighton over Rutgers Semifinals: Oklahoma over Baylor, Creighton over Stanford Championship: Oklahoma over Creighton Why Oklahoma will win the championship: Despite a lengthy losing streak in the middle of the season, Oklahoma still had a strong case to be included in this year's NCAA Tournament given its résumé. The Sooners scored victories against five teams that qualified for the Big Dance, including Sweet 16 participant Texas. They also have one of the most potent offenses in the country (16th nationally in efficiency, per KenPom), which should translate well to a postseason tournament where points flowed freely last season. Oklahoma will arrive in Las Vegas as the best team in the field and will exit Sin City that way, too. [COLLEGE BASKETBALL CROWN: Schedule, Bracket, Teams] Casey Jacobsen, college basketball studio and game analyst Opening Round: Oklahoma over Colorado, Baylor over Minnesota, Stanford over West Virginia, Creighton over Rutgers Semifinals: Oklahoma over Baylor, Stanford over Creighton Championship: Oklahoma over Stanford Why Oklahoma will win the championship: The Sooners have won six of their last seven games and were the last team left out of this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament field. That means this team will be motivated. The inaugural College Basketball Crown Tournament was won by Nebraska, a team that was led by two seniors – Brice Williams and Juwan Gray – that wanted to finish their careers on a high note. I feel the same way about Nijel Pack and Tae Davis.  While my heart wanted to take my alma mater, Stanford, my head tells me that Oklahoma is the clear team to beat. Rob Stone, FOX Sports studio host Opening Round: Oklahoma over Colorado, Baylor over Minnesota, Stanford over West Virginia, Creighton over Rutgers Semifinals: Oklahoma over Baylor, Stanford over Creighton Championship: Stanford over Oklahoma Why Stanford will win the championship: The Cardinal have a game-changer at guard in Ebuka Okorie. They notched five wins over NCAA Tournament teams this year and are a program on the rise. Like Nebraska last year at The Crown, the Cardinal will use this tournament to propel them toward big things next season. LaPhonso Ellis, FOX Sports college basketball analyst Opening Round: Oklahoma over Colorado, Baylor over Minnesota, West Virginia over Stanford, Creighton over Rutgers Semifinals: Oklahoma over Baylor, West Virginia over Creighton Championship: Oklahoma over West Virginia Why Oklahoma will win the championship: Oklahoma is the hottest team in this tournament, winning six of its last seven games due to much-improved defensive play. The Sooners' defense, combined with its efficient offense and explosive backcourt duo of Nijel Pack and Xzayvier Brown, is why the Sooners will be the 2026 College Basketball Crown champions. Nick Bahe, FOX Sports college basketball analyst Opening Round: Oklahoma over Colorado, Baylor over Minnesota, West Virginia over Stanford, Creighton over Rutgers Semifinals: Oklahoma over Baylor, Creighton over West Virginia Championship: Creighton over Oklahoma Why Creighton will win the championship: Creighton gets its 3-point shooters rolling and wins a fast-paced, high-scoring game over the Oklahoma Sooners. In doing so, the Bluejays deliver the proper sendoff for Greg McDermott's final game as head coach, winning the College Basketball Crown. [COLLEGE BASKETBALL CROWN: Top 10 Players] Tim Brando, FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Opening Round: Oklahoma over Colorado, Baylor over Minnesota, West Virginia over Stanford, Creighton over Rutgers Semifinals: Oklahoma over Baylor, Creighton over West Virginia Championship: Oklahoma over Creighton Why Oklahoma will win the championship: There was never any doubt that the Sooners were coming to this event. They were the last team left out of the NCAA Tournament by the selection committee. This team has an edge to them when it comes to winning it all in Las Vegas. They have all the players they had throughout the year and played great down the stretch. Mike Hill, FOX Sports studio host Opening Round: Oklahoma over Colorado, Baylor over Minnesota, Stanford over West Virginia, Creighton over Rutgers Semifinals: Oklahoma over Baylor, Creighton over Stanford Championship: Oklahoma over Creighton Why Oklahoma will win the championship: There was never any doubt that the Sooners were coming to this event. They were the last team left out of the NCAA Tournament by the selection committee. This team has an edge to them when it comes to winning it all in Las Vegas. They have all the players they had throughout the year and played great down the stretch.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo: It Was 'Hard' Turning Down Suns Job in 2025]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-state-tom-izzo-phoenix-suns-nba</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/michigan-state-tom-izzo-phoenix-suns-nba</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo revealed that he had discussions with the Phoenix Suns about their 2025 head-coaching vacancy.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:59:48 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/tom2.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/tom2.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[Tom Izzo is the Michigan State Spartans, but did he almost leave East Lansing for the NBA last year? "I've had more than a couple job offers in the NBA, and I looked at one last year with [the] Phoenix [Suns]," Izzo revealed in a Wednesday appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show." "My former player, [Suns owner] Mat Ishbia, that was a hard thing to turn down because, No. 1, I kind of wanted to go with him … We talked seriously about it, let's say that. And then, No. 2, I've been pretty vocal about it: I don't like what's going on in college athletics. But, by the way, neither do 99.8% of the football and basketball coaches in America. "I think the kids are going to still find out before it's done that it's not best for them, either. But, in the meantime, you got to do what you got to do." UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley revealed last week on "The Dan Patrick Show" that he consulted with Izzo in 2024 when Hurley had discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers about their head-coaching vacancy, which Hurley ultimately turned down. Izzo said in the aforementioned interview he told Hurley that he "didn't want to lose him in college basketball" because he's "so good" for the sport but also stated they "got to keep an eye on what's happening" in their "profession." Of course, Izzo's Spartans lost to Hurley's Huskies in the Sweet 16 round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Tournament last week. It ended a 2025-26 season that saw Michigan State go 27-8 overall and 15-5 in Big Ten play, good for fourth in the conference. [More Hurley: UConn Men's Basketball Hoping For Championship Transfer Magic Once Again] As for what's next for the 71-year-old Izzo, the Michigan State coach expressed that he has no plans to retire in the near future, saying he's focused on "trying to win a national championship." Regarding the connection to the Suns, Ishbia played for Izzo at Michigan State for three seasons (1999-2000 season to 2001-02 season), including for the Spartans' 1999-2000 national title team. The Suns ended up hiring former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Jordan Ott as their head coach last summer, marking the franchise's third coaching hire in as many years (Frank Vogel, Mike Budenholzer and Ott). This season, Phoenix is 42-34, good for the seventh seed in the Western Conference.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[Top 10 Players in the 2026 College Basketball Crown Tournament]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/top-players-2026-crown-oklahoma-baylor-creighton</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/top-players-2026-crown-oklahoma-baylor-creighton</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The eight-team bracket for the College Basketball Crown is set! Check out the top players in the postseason tournament.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:37:14 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/03/artboard-1semi-7.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/03/128/72/artboard-1semi-7.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[An eight-team field. Loaded with talent. Half-a-million in NIL money on the line. The College Basketball Crown returns to Las Vegas this week with some must-see stars and matchups. Several all-conference performances will take the court in the single-elimination tournament, which tips off with first-round games scheduled for April 1-2, followed by the semifinals on April 4 and the championship game on April 5. The tournament will be played at MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena with a $500,000 NIL prize pool. The complete bracket features Oklahoma, Colorado, Baylor, Minnesota, Stanford, West Virginia, Rutgers and Creighton. Who are the top names in this year's College Basketball Crown, and what should fans expect to see this weekend in the desert? Here is a breakdown of the top-10 players to watch in this year's event. [COLLEGE BASKETBALL CROWN: Schedule, Bracket, Teams] Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford This 6-foot-2, 182-pound guard from New Hampshire is an elite-level scorer with the potential to be the star of this tournament. He averaged 22.8 points per game, which ranked eighth among Division I players, joining BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. and Duke’s Cameron Boozer as the only first-year players to average more than 22 points per contest this season. Okorie scored at least 30 points on seven occasions this season, including a memorable 40-point outing in Stanford’s 95-72 win over ACC foe Georgia Tech back on Feb. 7. He is the best pure scorer in the field and has the ability to lead the Cardinal on a run to the College Basketball Crown title. Cameron Carr, G, Baylor After spending the past two seasons at Tennessee, Carr transferred to Baylor and made an immediate impact in Waco. The 6-foot-5 redshirt sophomore leads the Bears in scoring at 19.2 points per game while also contributing 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocks per contest. He shoots 51% from the field and sports a 39% clip from 3-point range. Carr has put up 21 or more points in four of Baylor’s last five games heading into the College Basketball Crown, including a 25-point outing against Arizona State in the opening round of the Big 12 Tournament. Tounde Yessoufou, G, Baylor A five-star recruit out of Benin, Yessoufou has lived up to his billing during his first year on campus. The 6-foot-5 guard is averaging 17.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game en route to being named All-Big 12 honorable mention this season. He has elite physical strength for a guard, but he has shown to be inconsistent at times on the defensive end of the court. His best game of the season came in a mid-February matchup against BYU when he put up 37 points and six rebounds on 12-of-19 shooting from the floor and 5-of-8 from 3-point range. [CBB CROWN: How to Bet the Crown's First Round] Barrington Hargress, G, Colorado With Colorado freshman guard Isaiah Johnson reportedly set to enter the transfer portal, a massive opportunity awaits for Hargress, who was the team's second-leading scorer behind Johnson this season.  Hargress, a 6-foot-1 junior guard from Inglewood, California, put up 14.2 points and a team-best 4.5 assists this season for the Buffaloes. He is coming off one of the best games of his career, an 18-point, nine-rebound, four-assist showing against Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament. Look for Hargress to step into a leading role for the Buffs in Las Vegas this week. Josh Dix, G, Creighton Dix spent the first three seasons of his college career at Iowa and made the decision to transfer to Creighton last offseason. He has made an instant impact, averaging a team-high 13 points per game on the season. Dix has topped the 20-point mark in three of his last six games heading into the Crown, including a memorable 21-point, eight-rebound performance in Creighton’s 91-84 upset win over UConn back on Feb. 18. Cade Tyson, G, Minnesota Tyson is on his third stop in four years after spending the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Belmont with a year at North Carolina in between. He has developed as the Gophers’ most consistent offensive threat in his senior season, averaging a team-high 19.6 points per game, the sixth-highest average in the Big Ten. He is also an above-average 3-point shooter, hitting at a 42% clip from beyond the arc. Tariq Francis, G, Rutgers Francis, a junior guard out of Pittsburgh, is one of the top bucket-getters in this tournament. He is a crafty scorer who averaged 16.9 points per game this season, which led the Scarlet Knights. He had 30 or more points on three separate occasions this season, as well as a 29-point showing on 5-of-7 shooting from downtown in a Big Ten Tournament win over fellow Crown participant, Minnesota. Honor Huff, G, West Virginia Huff is not only one of the top 3-point shooters in this year's College Basketball Crown, but the 5-foot-10 senior guard is also one of the most successful shooters from downtown in West Virginia program history. Huff knocked down 109 3s this season, which ranked third among Big 12 players this season. He led the Mountaineers in scoring at 15.8 points per game and has scored in double-figures in eight straight games. Nijel Pack, G, Oklahoma Pack is a sixth-year senior who began his career at Kansas State, where he played for two years before transferring to Miami. He spent three years at Miami and is now in his final year at Oklahoma. The 5-foot-10 senior guard has been a scoring threat throughout his collegiate career, totaling more than 2,300 points. He led the Sooners in scoring this season, averaging 16.5 points per game while shooting 47% from the field and 45% from 3-point range. Xzayvier Brown, G, Oklahoma After playing his freshman and sophomore year at S. Joe's, Brown transferred to Oklahoma this offseason and became a full-time starter in the Sooners' backcourt, averaging 15.3 points per game, which ranked second on the team. He led the Sooners in both assists (3.2) and steals (1.3), while shooting 46% from the field.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
					<item>
				<title>
					<![CDATA[UConn Men's Basketball Hoping For Championship Transfer Magic Once Again]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/uconn-final-four-march-madness</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/uconn-final-four-march-madness</guid>
				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[UConn is in the Final Four for the third time in four years, and is once again hoping key transfers bring it yet another national title.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:02:53 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/uconnh1.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/04/128/72/uconnh1.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
														</media:content>
												<content:encoded>
				    <![CDATA[In the days and weeks after Silas Demary Jr. arrived on the next stage of his basketball career, he sought out the one UConn men’s player who was navigating a similar path coming from another power conference school. The year before Demary left Georgia to try to help the Huskies win their third national title in a four-year span, Tarris Reed Jr. made a jump from Michigan to UConn. Demary received support and assurances that they both made the right decision and great things were ahead. "He was somebody I leaned on a lot when I first got here asking him how were your first couple of weeks here, was it always this tough?" Demary said. "I was leaning on him a lot through the whole season." Reed only started one game during the 2024-25 season at UConn as he played behind Samson Johnson, who was part of two national championship teams. Demary had no such grace period. He started from the first game of the season, teaming with Dayton transfer Malachi Smith to handle the point guard duties. "You are expected to do all these great things from the jump," Reed said. "It is tough, they set the bar so high that you can’t reach it some days. Credit to Silas for hanging in. Talking to him that all you are going through right now is what I went through last year." Reed seems to be figuring things out at the perfect time. Since the start of the Big East Tournament, he is averaging 18.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He opened the NCAA Tournament with a 31-point and 27-rebound game against Furman. He joined Elgin Baylor, Elvin Hayes and Zach Edey as the only players to enter the Final Four with at least 80 points and 50 rebounds. "This is it," Reed said. "I am going to go for it. The St. John’s game, I learned that we have to go out with honor - win, lose or draw, I am going down swinging. Every game that is my approach and our approach as a team." The last time UConn won the national championship the team also had two players (Cam Spencer and Hassan Diarra) who had transferred in from the power conferences UConn coach Dan Hurley saw different situations with his latest power conference arrivals. Demary’s father, a former Arena League Football player, told Hurley that he expected his son to be coached hard by Hurley and his staff. If that was not the case, they would be talking again. It was a different vibe when Reed landed at UConn. "He needed UConn with how hard we fight, the fire that I coach with, the fire that this program plays with," Hurley said. "The intensity that we go about basketball here, he needed that injected into his veins. That was probably the knock on him, that he was incredibly talented but a little bit of an enigma in terms of what he was able to do in his first two years at Michigan." [Dan Hurley on Viral Moment With Ref: 'Thought He Was Coming Over to Chest-Bump Me'] The 6-foot-4 Demary was looking for a program that could make a deep March Madness run and a coach that would help him realize his dream of playing in the NBA. With the Huskies looking to address the perimeter defensive issues that cost them multiple games during the 2024-25 season as well as a bigger guard, it seemed like the perfect match. Hurley has said on multiple occasions that the arrival of Demary changed the UConn defense. It was Demary who deflected Cayden Boozer’s pass late in the Elite Eight game that resulted in freshman Braylon Mullins hitting a ldeep 3-pointer that capped a 19-point comebackt and sent the Huskies to the Final Four. "Going to a program where I knew that winning was a big part of it," Demary said. "Making it to the tournament, being able to go deep into the tournament and somebody who is going to coach me hard and prepare me for the next level, UConn had everything I wanted and then some. The plan they had for me was perfect." Demary’s 220 assists are more than he had 70 games at Georgia. He is also posting career-high marks in field goal, 3-point and free throw shooting percentage. [College Basketball Crown: Top 10 Players in The 2026 Tournament] The Huskies face Illinois in the first semifinal on Saturday. Demary had a quiet game in UConn’s 74-61 win over the Fighting Illini in Madison Square Garden during the regular season. With the rematch taking place on an even bigger stage, Demary can’t wait to realize one of his basketball dreams. "It will be crazy," Demary said. "Getting there I will be a little emotional being a kid, always dreaming about playing in the Final Four, being in March Madness. I think definitely it will be emotional, but just being happy and excited to be with this group of guys going in." Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
			    </content:encoded>
							</item>
			</channel>
</rss>
