Month: March 2025

The NCAA Tournament selection committee had make tough decisions with the SEC.

The SEC set a new record with 14 bids in the 2025 March Madness bracket. Never before has a single conference sent so many teams to the NCAA Tournament. It was a historic season for the deepest and most competitive league in college basketball, and the volume of postseason-caliber squads in the expanded conference created what selection committee chair Bubba Cunningham called “a real challenge” in building the bracket.

The selection committee upholds a handful of principles with regard to placing teams from one conference into the bracket. Limiting head-to-head matchups and spreading those teams evenly across the field is of the utmost importance, but doing so with 14 participants is no straightforward task.

“We spent a lot of time on that today,” Cunningham said on CBS. “We didn’t move anybody off of a seed line, but we really had to move people around to minimize the conflict early. When you have four different regions, we made sure we only had, at most, four teams in one region so that we could spread them out the best we could.”

The previous record for most teams from one conference to make the NCAA Tournament was 11. The Big East was responsible for that accomplishment in 2011. Both this year’s SEC and the 2011 Big East had 16 members, so the former sent a larger percentage of its footprint to the tournament.

“We had a couple of contingency brackets,” said Cunningham. “We actually had five. So we had to go back and try to rework the bracket a little bit, again, keeping everyone on the same seed line to move them apart the best that we could. 14 teams, one league, in a 68-team bracket is a real challenge to get everybody in there and meet all the principles that we have about trying to keep the teams apart.”

Auburn secured the No. 1 overall seed despite its losses in three of its last four games, and Florida joined the Tigers on the top seed line. Those two headline their respective regions, both of which include other conference foes.

South Carolina and LSU are the only two teams from the SEC to miss the Big Dance. Texas, meanwhile, scooted into the field as one of the last four in. The Longhorns were part of a heated battle on the bubble, which took center stage as the committee unveiled the bracket.

The SEC accounts for four of the top 10 teams in the latest AP Top 25 rankings, and that is reflected in the bracket with Auburn, Florida, Alabama and Tennessee standing on the top two seed lines. The Gators are the hottest squad of that bunch, and they defeated the Volunteers in the conference tournament championship game just hours prior to the bracket unveil.

 

How does a coach turn a program that went 0-18 in conference play into an NCAA Tournament team just one season later? Dennis Gates did it, and now his No.

21-ranked Missouri Tigers are headed back to the Big Dance. With a 22-11 (10-8 SEC) record, the No. 6-seeded Tigers are officially headed to Wichita for the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. They’ll play No.

11 Drake in the West Region. Mizzou’s draw is roughly in line with its projection via Bracket Matrix, which tracked 109 “Bracketology” sites across the country.

The site has the Tigers averaging a 6.77 seed. As for Drake, the Bulldogs clinched their automatic bid to the tournament with a 63-48 win over Bradley in the championship game of the Missouri Valley tournament.

The Tigers are returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2022-23 season, when they lost to 15-seed Princeton in the second round.

I’m sorry to hear about the recent developments concerning Myles Stute and the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball team. However, based on the information available up to March 17, 2025, there is no evidence to suggest that Myles Stute has left the team or that any misunderstanding with his coach has led to such an outcome.

Myles Stute, a forward for the Gamecocks, has faced challenges this season, including being sidelined indefinitely due to a blood clot diagnosis. This medical issue has led to adjustments in the team’s lineup, with players like Arden Conyers stepping up to fill the gap left by Stute’s absence.

Head coach Lamont Paris has expressed regret over the situation, stating, “Unfortunate how it shook out for Myles.”

While the team has had to adapt to Stute’s absence, there is no indication that he has left the team due to any misunderstanding with the coaching staff. The focus remains on supporting Stute through his recovery and adjusting the team’s strategy to navigate the challenges posed by his absence.

It’s important to rely on verified information from reputable sources to avoid the spread of misinformation. As of now, Myles Stute continues to be a valued member of the South Carolina Gamecocks, and any reports suggesting otherwise are unfounded.

 

Sad News: Indiana Hoosiers Player Oumar Ballo Declines $95 Million to Leave Blue After a Misunderstanding with His Coach

In a surprising turn of events, Indiana Hoosiers basketball player Oumar Ballo has announced that he will be leaving the team, opting to decline a potential $95 million offer that would have cemented his place in one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the country. This decision comes after a critical misunderstanding between Ballo and his coach, which led to irreconcilable differences that have rocked the Hoosiers’ basketball community.

Ballo, who had been a key player for the Hoosiers this season, had garnered significant attention with his exceptional performances on the court. Standing tall at 6’9″, the young forward had the potential to be a dominant force in college basketball, earning high praise for his athleticism, defensive prowess, and versatility. With NBA scouts closely watching his every move, the news of the $95 million deal was initially seen as a huge opportunity for Ballo to further his career, but that would soon be overshadowed by internal conflicts.

Sources close to the situation reveal that the misunderstanding between Ballo and the coaching staff was centered around conflicting views on his role within the team and his future development. While Ballo believed that he had the potential to be more than just a role player for the Hoosiers, there were reports that his coach had different ideas for how to utilize him. Tensions began to rise when Ballo felt that he was being underappreciated and misused on the court, with his minutes and responsibilities fluctuating unexpectedly.

Despite the massive financial offer that had been extended to him, Ballo made the bold decision to leave Indiana rather than continue in an environment where he felt undervalued. The $95 million, which had been structured as part of a multi-year deal aimed at securing him as a foundational player for the Hoosiers, was a staggering sum that many believed could have secured Ballo’s future in the sport for years to come. However, his commitment to his personal growth and ensuring he felt respected and properly utilized outweighed the monetary gains in this instance.

This decision has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, particularly among the Hoosiers’ loyal fanbase, who had hoped to see Ballo lead the team to greater heights. His departure has left a significant void in the team’s roster, as the coaching staff now faces the difficult task of rebuilding the team chemistry and finding a player who can fill the massive gap left by Ballo’s absence. The Hoosiers, who were aiming for a deep run in the upcoming tournament, will now have to re-adjust their strategy moving forward.

Ballo, for his part, has expressed a desire to continue his basketball career elsewhere, though his next destination remains uncertain. His decision to prioritize personal development and his relationship with his coach speaks to a growing trend in the sport where players are no longer solely driven by financial incentives but also by the importance of feeling valued and part of a long-term vision.

The saga of Oumar Ballo serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between financial rewards, personal aspirations, and professional relationships in the world of sports. As more details about the fallout between Ballo and his coach emerge, the larger basketball community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and how it might impact the future of both players and coaches alike.

It seems there may have been some confusion or misinformation regarding Cooper Flagg, the highly regarded Duke Blue Devils player. As of the most recent reports and news, there have been no credible sources confirming that Cooper Flagg declined an $87 million offer to leave Duke after a misunderstanding with his coach.

Cooper Flagg, known for his incredible talent on the basketball court, is considered one of the top prospects in college basketball and is highly anticipated as a future NBA star. His skillset has earned him widespread attention, not just for his abilities in the game, but for his potential as one of the next big players to emerge from the collegiate level into the professional ranks. He has been hailed as a prodigy, impressing with his scoring, defense, and leadership on the floor.

However, this claim about declining a substantial offer to leave the Duke program seems to stem from confusion or unverified rumors. Cooper Flagg, who plays for Duke under head coach Jon Scheyer, has enjoyed a strong relationship with his coaching staff and has committed to his time at the university. His performance on the court has reflected this, with his dedication to the team being a focal point of his development. Any significant change in his trajectory, especially involving such a large sum of money, would likely be headline news across reputable sports outlets, but no such report has surfaced.

Regarding misunderstandings between Flagg and his coach, there has been no official confirmation of any discord. Duke’s program, under the leadership of Jon Scheyer, is known for its solid team culture and successful player development. Scheyer has expressed strong support for Flagg and has praised his work ethic and potential. The situation described in your request doesn’t align with the known facts about Flagg’s relationship with his coach or his commitment to the program.

It is possible that this claim about Flagg declining an $87 million deal may have been a misunderstanding or a rumor that got misinterpreted. Rumors and misinformation can spread quickly, especially when dealing with high-profile athletes who are constantly in the public eye. The idea of a player of Flagg’s caliber declining an astronomical sum of money to leave their program would make headlines, yet this hasn’t been reported by any established news outlet.

It’s essential for fans and observers to stay informed by checking credible sources when it comes to updates about young athletes. Flagg’s future in basketball, whether it be at Duke or potentially transitioning to the NBA, will certainly remain a topic of much discussion in the coming years. But until verified information surfaces, it’s best to treat such reports with skepticism and focus on his actual achievements and progress within the game.

In conclusion, while Cooper Flagg is undoubtedly a rising star in basketball, there is no verified information confirming that he turned down a multi-million-dollar offer due to a misunderstanding with his coach. Fans and media alike should continue to support the young talent as he works toward his goal of succeeding both in college and potentially in the NBA.

 

Разбити мечти на Григор Димитров: Българската звезда претърпя съкрушителна загуба в мач, определящ кариерата му, остави феновете в неверие

Former NFL Rookie of the Year Paul Flatley of the Minnesota Vikings has died, the team said Sunday. He was 84.

Flatley died on Saturday, according to the team.

Flatley played the first five of his eight NFL seasons (1963-70) with the Vikings before finishing up with the Atlanta Falcons. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 1966.

He burst on the scene with a then-franchise record 51 catches for 867 yards and four touchdowns in a 14-game season in 1963.

Flatley caught 50 passes two other times for the Vikings. He established career bests of 896 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches in 1965.

Overall, Flatley caught 306 passes for 4,905 yards and 24 touchdowns in 106 NFL games (96 starts).

Flatley played college football at Northwestern. He was a fourth-round pick in the 1963 draft.

Overall, Flatley caught 306 passes for 4,905 yards and 24 touchdowns in 106 NFL games (96 starts).

Flatley played college football at Northwestern. He was a fourth-round pick in the 1963 draft.

–Field Level Media

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Gabbie Garcia homered twice, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas launched a three-run home run and Sam Landry continued her dominance in the circle to close the game as No. 1/1 Oklahoma (26-0, 6-0 SEC) overcame a 3-0 deficit to complete the sweep against No. 15/12 Arkansas (20-6, 1-5 SEC) Sunday, March 16.

Oklahoma put up six runs in the second inning en route to a 10-7 victory, OU’s third double-digit scoring performance in six Southeastern Conference games.

Arkansas took the lead first for the second time this weekend, using a three-run home run from Courtney Day in the first inning.

The Sooner bats responded immediately, beginning with a Garcia solo home run to right field on the second pitch she saw in the second inning. Ailana Agbayani walked and Hannah Coor doubled her home, cutting the deficit to 3-2. After Abigale Dayton worked a free pass, McEnroe-Marinas belted a 3-2 pitch to the berm in left for a 5-3 OU lead. The advantage became 6-3 after Garcia plated Ella Parker following her four-pitch walk.

Arkansas got within one in the bottom of the third after Bri Ellis hit a two-run homer to center.

Once again, Garcia answered for the Sooners, scoring Kasidi Pickering with a two-run homer to right center in the top of the fourth to bring OU’s lead to 8-5.

Oklahoma came up with more helpful insurance in the fifth inning. After Dayton walked, McEnroe-Marinas doubled to right center and later scored on a Parker single up the middle.

Ellis hooked a two-run homer to left, cutting OU’s lead to 10-7 in the fifth, but Landry worked 2.1 scoreless innings to seal the sweep.

Mark Pope loves Milwaukee.

He didn’t just play for the Milwaukee Bucks, he was a starter for the Milwaukee Bucks.

In fact, of the 153 games Pope played for four NBA teams over six seasons, all 57 of his starts were as a member of the Bucks spread over the 2000-01 and 2001-02 campaigns.

“I have so many memories,” the Kentucky basketball coach said Sunday after learning that his Wildcats will open NCAA Tournament play at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

“It’s a really special place to me. George Karl was the only coach — sorry George — dumb enough to actually start me in the NBA.

Started most of the season there on a great team (2000-01) that made an epic run to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 7.”

A look at the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional — which includes the No. 3 seed Kentucky Wildcats:

Meet UK’s first foe Kentucky (22-11, 10-8 SEC regular season) will open NCAA Tournament play against Sun Belt Conference Tournament champion Troy (23-10, 13-5 regular season) in Milwaukee at 7:10 p.m. EDT Friday.

The Trojans rampaged through their league tournament, winning their three games by an average margin of 16 points.I

n a highly anticipated matchup, Mark Pope’s BYU Wildcats will enter the NCAA Tournament’s Midwest Regional, where they will face off against several teams they’ve encountered throughout the season. With a roster boasting returning players and a coaching staff that has built solid relationships across the conference, BYU’s journey through the tournament promises to be an exciting challenge.

The Wildcats have already faced stiff competition this year, and Pope’s experience in high-pressure games will be key as they look to make a deep run in the postseason. The Midwest Regional is known for its competitive field, with several top-ranked teams vying for a chance at the Final Four.”

Facing these teams again is an opportunity for us to show how much we’ve grown,” said Pope in a recent press conference. “We’ve played some tough teams in our conference, and we’ve learned a lot from those games. Now, we’re ready to take on anyone in our path.

“BYU has been firing on all cylinders this season, with key players stepping up in both offensive and defensive roles. Pope, known for his strategic game plans, is focused on making the most of his team’s familiarity with their opponents, using their prior matchups to inform their approach in the tournament.

With a deep roster and a wealth of experience in high-stakes games, the Wildcats are poised to make a statement in the Midwest Regional, hoping to secure a spot in the next round and ultimately challenge for the championship.

Fans are excited to see how their beloved team fares, as BYU looks to continue their momentum and prove they can compete with the nation’s best. The Wildcats’ first game of the tournament is scheduled for later this week, with more familiar faces set to test their mettle on the national stage.