Author: Gabby Har

In a devastating blow to Duke University’s basketball program, key player Maliq Brown has suffered an injury that will end his playing career. Brown, a standout forward, was a crucial part of the Blue Devils’ lineup this season, showing remarkable skill and versatility on both ends of the court. Unfortunately, the severity of his injury has left medical professionals with no option but to advise him against continuing to play.

Sources close to the team confirm that Brown sustained a serious injury during a recent practice session. After undergoing extensive testing and evaluations, it was determined that the damage to his knee is irreparable, forcing the 6’8″ player to step away from the game. Doctors have stated that returning to play would pose significant risks to his long-term health, leading to the decision to retire from competitive basketball.

Brown’s departure marks a painful end to what had been a promising career. The freshman had made an immediate impact on the court, averaging impressive numbers in both scoring and rebounding. His leadership and energy were felt by his teammates, and his presence was seen as vital to Duke’s aspirations this season.

The Blue Devils’ coaching staff and fans are heartbroken by the news. Head coach Jon Scheyer expressed his support for Brown, praising his work ethic and resilience both on and off the court. “Maliq is a tremendous player and an even better person. We are all devastated for him, but we will support him in every way possible moving forward,” Scheyer said.

Though his playing career has been tragically cut short, Brown’s legacy at Duke will endure, and his impact on the program will not be forgotten. The Blue Devils are expected to adjust their lineup and continue their season in honor of Brown’s dedication and contributions.

Duke basketball freshman phenom Cooper Flagg put on a show once again for the Blue Devils in an 80-62 win at Virginia (13-13, 6-9 ACC) last night with a game-high 17 points to go along with 14 rebounds on 8-of-16 shooting from the field.

The Blue Devils are now 23-3 overall and 15-1 in conference play.

Flagg also broke two more ACC records over the last day to add to add to his fantastic freshman campaign at Duke.

The freshman was named ACC Rookie of the Week for the tenth time this season this week, tying the ACC record for the most times earning the accolade.

Flagg joins Georgia Tech’s Kenny Anderson (1990), UNC’s Tyler Hansbrough (2006), and fellow Blue Devil Jabari Parker (2014) as the only ACC freshman to earn the award ten times.

Flagg will hold the record on his own if he can do so one more time over the last three weeks of the regular season.

The superstar averaged 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 55.6% shooting from the field and 50% shooting from three-point range in Duke’s 2-0 week with a 78-57 win over California (12-14, 5-10 ACC) and a 106-70 victory over Stanford (16-10, 8-7 ACC), both at home.

Along with his historic season among ACC freshman, Flagg also cemented himself with having one of the best single seasons in conference history.

Flagg is the first ACC player in the last 25 years to collect 500 points, 100 assists, and 30 blocks in the regular season.

While playing in just 26 career games, he’s accomplished a feat no other ACC player has been able to do over the course of the last quarter century.

Flagg is averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, four assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.6 steals a game on 48.6% shooting from the field and 36.6% shooting from beyond the arc. He leads the Blue Devils in all five of those major statistical categories.

He remains the frontrunner for the John Wooden National Player of the Year award with Auburn’s Johni Broome right on Flagg’s tail.

Flagg is currently -170 to win the award with Broome at +120 odds per ESPNBET. Flagg overtook Broome earlier in the season as the leader after Broome missed some time with a severe ankle sprain.

Next up for the Blue Devils is a huge non-conference matchup at Madison Square Garden against Illinois (17-9, 9-7 Big 10) on Saturday night (8:00pm ET, FOX). The Blue Devils are 0-2 on neutral courts this season with losses to Kentucky and Kansas.

The Duke basketball team is still searching for answers when it comes to Maliq Brown’s dislocated shoulder, or at least that is what Jon Scheyer is saying publicly.

Following an 18-point victory over Virginia on Monday, Scheyer revealed to reporters after the game that Brown suffered a dislocated left shoulder in the first half but did not have any further details other that he would undergo more imaging.

“It’s just going to take some time to see how he heals and recovers,” the Duke head coach said on Tuesday during an appearance on The Field of 68.

“We probably won’t know anything definitive this week. We’ll see about his status in the next week or so.”

Brown logged just ten minutes before his exit from the game and had two points, one rebound, and two assists. He returned to the Blue Devil bench during the second half with his arm in a sling.

It feels certain that Duke will not have its defensive wizard when it battles Illinois on Saturday night (8:00 p.m. ET, FOX) inside Madison Square Garden to conclude its non-conference slate of games based on Scheyer’s comments.

This will be the second time that Maliq Brown has missed multiple games with an injury this season after sitting four consecutive games with a toe injury.

Khaman Maluach, Duke’s starting center, did not put together his best performance against the Cavaliers with just two points and four rebounds following his 17-point showing against Stanford last week.

The Blue Devils could rely on fellow freshman Patrick Ngongba II to play more of a role in Brown’s absence, similar to what he did during his first injury absence of the season. Ngongba posted eight points in 11 minutes on Monday night.

Duke’s next ACC game is slated for Tuesday, February 25 (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN) against Miami.

As of February 19, 2025, there are no credible reports or news articles indicating that Oklahoma softball star Jayda Coleman is in trouble or that head coach Patty Gasso has threatened her. In fact, recent coverage highlights the positive impact of Jayda Coleman’s leadership on the Oklahoma softball program.

In an article published eight months ago, Sports Illustrated emphasized that Jayda Coleman’s influence will resonate for the next generation of Oklahoma softbSooners.

Additionally, Heartland Sports reported in April 2024 that Coleman’s offensive performance earned her national recognition, extending the Sooners’ winning streak.

Furthermore, Coach Patty Gasso has expressed confidence in the team’s direction, stating that the Sooners are “starting to roll” in the right direction.

Given the lack of credible information supporting the claim of Jayda Coleman being in trouble or threatened by Coach Gasso, it is advisable to verify the authenticity of such news before drawing conclusions.

We’re going to be saying constantly regarding OU softball and 2025. It’s just a different feeling. Spots you knew from the last few years are now up for grabs.

It’s one of the goals of the Battle Series and fall ball. The Battle Series takes a break this week as OU heads to Texas A&M-Commerce on Wednesday evening for a scrimmage.

OU has had two Battle Series events so far.

And here is what head coach Patty Gasso and players Sam Landry and Ella Parker had to say about last week’s matchup and the progress so far.

pretty much anywhere. Ella can play the outfield, she can play first, she can pitch. They all do a lot of things very well so much of our decision-making is going to come from who’s on the mound and the matchups that happen because right now everybody can handle themselves really well on defense. I was really having fun watching Tia Milloy tonight. I liked her in the leadoff and she just moves, I mean she really does. There’s just so much… It’s going to be really, I hope, you would think, very fun to watch this team as we start to figure ourselves out a bit.”

little raw back there still.

“But everything else… Our pitchers were not great tonight, and I know Coach Rocha let them know that, which I loved, but you’re also facing a very good offense, and we get to see them a lot. So you got to, as a pitcher, you have to really have thick skin in the fall because you just keep facing very good hitters that pretty much know what you’ve got. That’s why to have any of our pitchers get a shutout in their innings is a big deal.”

“It’s good, it feels good. She reminds me so much of Syd Romero, and that’s a very good comparison and something that I think she would be excited to hear. She’s still a redshirt — she’s a freshman, not completely though. But she’s fallen in and is really fighting for that spot. So I’m really excited for that for Nelly.”

“I thought she caught it really well tonight. I tried to run on her a little bit. She’s been working at practice on delivering the ball a little quicker. She did really well at that tonight. She takes big swings. I can hear the fans go ooh when she swings and misses. It was good to see her get some super solid contact tonight. I think that was good for her.”

“When freshmen come here, they come in pretty intimidated. You’re walking into a program that has just won the last four national championships. They come in here and go, I’m not good enough, not worthy to be here. You have to get them to understand that they are. Because otherwise you’re telling us we don’t know how to recruit. Get them on the field and throw them right in the mix with everybody. What’s really important for our program is culture.

“They don’t have to be best friends, but they have to respect each other and freshmen sometimes come in and are youthful and silly. That’s OK until it becomes a distraction. I think our team has done a good job, the elders, of letting them get that out and said, OK, but here’s where you need to stop doing that. Our freshmen are going to be a very integral part of this program and this season. We need them, and they’re falling in very well.”

“It’s definitely been a different role, but just appreciate what we had last year and just taking all the lessons that I learned into now and just kind of trying to be really welcoming to all the freshmen and the transfers. It’s a new year, new team, same goal. We’re really excited.”

“It’s actually been a lot better than I anticipated, which is really good. I’m really big with my family so being away from them was hard. But this is one of the best teams I’ve ever been on and they’re going to invite you to do everything or they’re just going to show up to your house and hang out with you. Which I love that, so it’s been really good. Working with Coach Rocha is just a blessing in itself. She’s a very confident person which gives me a lot of confidence when I go out there. So I’m loving it.”

“I think I blacked out. I would say a lot of what we talked about was faith which is really big to me. I’m big into my faith and anybody that will sit there and have a 45-minute conversation with you and most of it is about your faith, that’s where you want to be.”

Oklahoma softball’s offense proved to be too much for Texas, winning Game 2 of the WCWS Championship Series 8-4, securing the Sooners’ fourth straight national title.

Thursday night’s matchup had similar events to the night before. Oklahoma led early and was supplemented by fantastic offense in the middle innings, stifling a late comeback attempt by the Longhorns.

Oklahoma led by one after the second inning before Texas initially started to come to life. In a small-ball two-out rally, Texas captain Alyssa Washington drove in shortstop Viviana Martinez, tying the game in the top of the third. With the bases still loaded, DH Joley Mitchell had a chance to give Texas its first major advantage of the tournament.

Working a 2-0 count, Texas looked in control. Two more balls and the Longhorns walked in a run, which meant Oklahoma’s Karlie Keeney had to throw a strike. Keeney, however, battled through the at-bat, forcing a 3-2 count. In a battle that was likely to dictate the momentum for the rest of the game, Keeney forced a week grounder to the right side, an easy play for the Sooners as the Longhorns left three on base.

Texas would take the lead in the top of the fourth thanks to center fielder Kayden Henry’s speed and some luck with an error by Oklahoma, but the bottom of the fourth was where the Sooners truly broke the game open.

With starting pitcher Mac Morgan out of the game for the Longhorns after just three innings, reliever Estelle Czech was tasked with getting through the Sooners lineup. Oklahoma struck quickly, loading the bases in 16 pitches with just one out on the board. Another massive payoff pitch came in the at-bat between Czech and first baseman Cydney Sanders, with both players battling into a 3-2 count. Czech choose a pitch low in the zone and Sanders turned on it, sending the ball into the right-center gap. The bases cleared, and what felt like a home crowd in Oklahoma City erupted as Oklahoma was now up twoTexas would take the lead in the top of the fourth thanks to center fielder Kayden Henry’s speed and some luck with an error by Oklahoma, but the bottom of the fourth was where the Sooners truly broke the game open.

With starting pitcher Mac Morgan out of the game for the Longhorns after just three innings, reliever Estelle Czech was tasked with getting through the Sooners lineup. Oklahoma struck quickly, loading the bases in 16 pitches with just one out on the board. Another massive payoff pitch came in the at-bat between Czech and first baseman Cydney Sanders, with both players battling into a 3-2 count. Czech choose a pitch low in the zone and Sanders turned on it, sending the ball into the right-center gap. The bases cleared, and what felt like a home crowd in Oklahoma City erupted as Oklahoma was now up two. .

It wasn’t until the sixth inning that action resumed, as Texas began to knock on the door once again. The Longhorns found unexpected power from nine-hole hitter Ashton Maloney, whose double brought Mitchell to third after her walk. Texas had the tying run on second with just one out and the top of the order coming up.

First stepped Bella Dayton, the leadoff batter and arguably one of the most consistent hitters on the team. Dayton worked a 1-1 count but swung hard and missed on relief pitcher Nicole May’s changeup. Frazzled, Dayton would whiff on the next pitch, setting up third baseman Mia Scott with a two-out RBI chance.

But Scott wouldn’t face May. A familiar face emerged from the Sooner bullpen after a mound visit, Kelly Maxwell. The Oklahoma State transfer had dominated in the previous night’s matchup, and the veteran was being asked to finish the final four outs of the Sooners’ potential fourpeat.

Scott quickly fell behind 0-2, with the hopes of the Longhorn fans dwindling. On the 0-2 pitch, Scott chopped a ball to the right side, forcing a tough play for second baseman Avery Hodge. Safe was Scott, as was Mitchell at home, and Texas had brought the game within one, two runners still on base.

But as the camera panned to the celebrating Longhorns, a random eruption came from the Oklahoma fans. Out number three was called, and panic ensued. Scott, for seemingly no apparent reason, decided to step into the basepaths between first and second. Either a mental lapse or a misjudgment from the senior meant she couldn’t react in time to being tagged out. Texas’ rally had been quieted by an uncharacteristic mistake, and from there the wheels fell off.

The Sooners added three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, pushing the lead to four. With all the momentum on their side, Texas had no hopes of defeating Maxwell and getting back into the game. A 1-2-3 top of the seventh ended the Longhorns season in second place, a fantastic accomplishment for the team, but a frustrating result at the hands of its most bitter rival.

Duke University is reportedly expressing interest in a promising basketball prospect: the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer. Carlos Boozer, who played for the Blue Devils from 1999 to 2002 and was part of their 2001 national championship team, has a son, Cameron Boozer, who is making waves in high school basketball.

Cameron Boozer, a 6-foot-9 power forward, currently attends Christopher Columbus High School in Westchester, Florida. In his sophomore year, he averaged 21.1 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and two blocks per game, leading his team to a state championship. His exceptional performance earned him the Gatorade National Player of the Year award in 2023, as well as the Florida Mr. Basketball and Mr. Basketball USA honors. In 2024, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the FIBA Under-17 World Cup, further solidifying his status as a top prospect. citeturn0search25

Cameron’s twin brother, Cayden Boozer, is a 6-foot-4 point guard who also plays at Christopher Columbus High School. Cayden has been equally impressive, earning a spot in the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game and being selected as a consensus five-star recruit. citeturn0search21

Both brothers have committed to play college basketball at Duke, following in their father’s footsteps. Their commitment to the Blue Devils was announced in October 2024, marking a significant moment in the program’s recruiting history. citeturn0search6

Duke’s interest in the Boozer twins underscores the university’s ongoing efforts to recruit top-tier talent, particularly those with strong basketball pedigrees. The legacy of Carlos Boozer, combined with the exceptional skills of his sons, positions the Boozer family as a significant addition to the Blue Devils’ future roster.

As the Boozer twins prepare to join Duke’s basketball program, their high school careers continue to garner attention, with both brothers expected to make an immediate impact on the collegiate level. Their commitment to Duke not only honors their father’s legacy but also sets the stage for a new chapter in Blue Devils basketball.

A pair of Oklahoma softball players were named co-players of the week in the SEC.

Sophomore Ella Parker was named SEC Co-Player of the Week and senior Sam Landry was selected as SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week for their performances over the weekend in helping the No. 3 Sooners improve to 10-0 on the season with a pair of victories each over Baylor and Hofstra in the Getterman Classic hosted by Baylor.

Parker hit safely in all four of OU’s games over the weekend, going 9-12 with nine runs, six runs batted in, a pair of home runs and three walks. She homered twice in an 8-0 run-rule win over Hofstra on Saturday.

Parker leads the SEC while batting .647 through 10 games and also leads the conference with 22 hits and seven doubles. She has hit safely in all 10 of Oklahoma’s games and scored at least once in nine of them.

Landry, a senior transfer from Louisiana, mowed down Baylor, pitching a perfect game in an 8-0 win over the No. 23 Bears on Sunday. The left-hander faced the minimum 15 hitters, allowing no runs, no hits and striking out eight. She also retired the one batter she faced in closing out a 9-1 win over the same Baylor team the day before.

Landry threw 61 total pitches over her two weekend appearances. Forty-two of her 56 pitches in Sunday’s perfect game were strikes. The OU newcomer and former All-Sun Belt First-Team selection is 2-0 in five appearances this season with a 1.72 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.

Parker shared SEC Player of the Week honors with Arkansas infielder Bri Ellis. Texas sophomore Teagan Kavan was the dual honoree along with OU’s Landry as SEC Pitcher of the Week.

It is Parker’s second weekly selection in as many weeks and Landry’s first as an Oklahoma Sooner. She was a seven-time pitcher of the week honoree at Louisiana, though, before transferring to Oklahoma.

Malik Reneau tried to console him. Walking near midcourt at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Reneau offered a hug, a pat on the chest and words of encouragement.

But Mackenzie Mgbako couldn’t shake the sting of what had happened moments prior. After grabbing an offensive rebound with 10 seconds remaining, Mgbako watched his game-tying layup attempt trickle around the rim and miss. From the bench, Gabe Cupps stood with his hands on his head in disbelief.

Roughly three seconds later, the ball was again in Mgbako’s hands, again with a chance to tie or take the lead. He spotted up from beyond the arc — not a defender in sight to contest — and launched what could’ve been the game-winning triple.

The ball rimmed out. Indiana fell 72-68 Friday night to UCLA, marking a fourth consecutive loss in Bloomington.

It was the look Indiana wanted.

It still wasn’t enough.

“That’s a shot he normally makes,” Woodson said postgame. “He just didn’t make it.”

Such has been the theme of the Hoosiers’ late-game misfortunes this season. Shots that should be made aren’t. Plays that should be made aren’t. Take Indiana’s loss to Maryland on Jan. 26. Myles Rice was supposed to curl around a screen from Reneau on the final possession, but he stayed in the corner and hurled a hotly contested 3-pointer instead.

The Hoosiers had their chances against Northwestern in a 79-70 loss four days prior. Then had even more chances in West Lafayette against Purdue. Then, against Michigan. Then…

The picture should be pretty clear. Indiana players were not available to the media Friday night, leaving Woodson to try to explain why this keeps occurring: how, in late-game situations, the Hoosiers just can’t seem to find a solution.

“I wish I had the answer,” Woodson said, echoing the same sentiment he’s offered in recent weeks. “I go back to the Northwestern game, the Maryland game, Purdue game, Michigan game — all winnable games. If you win one or two of them, you’re feeling good about yourself when you’re in close games. Nine out of ten times, you make the plays that you need to make.”

Mike Woodson’s coaching tenure at Indiana will end upon the conclusion of this season as he eyes retirement. But the Hoosiers still have five regular season games remaining, plus any potential Big Ten and NCAA Tournament games with Woodson leading the Hoosiers.

It’s a situation that cannot be easy for anyone involved, including the players and coaching staff. However, in an attempt to send Woodson out on a high note, the Hoosiers are trying to rally and make one last push for the NCAA Tournament, which mark three March Madness appearances in four years under Woodson.

“If we can go out the right way for Coach Woodson and be in the tournament three out of four years here, I’m fine with that,” IU associated head coach Kenya Hunter said on a Monday radio show.

Indiana has work to do if it’s going to be in contention for an NCAA Tournament bid on Selection Sunday, though. According to Bracket Matrix, IU is currently included in only four NCAA Tournament projections out of 97 updated brackets. As of Tuesday morning, IU sits at No. 57 in the NET rankings with a 2-11 record against Quad-1 opponents.

“Our goal is still to make it to the NCAA Tournament,” Hunter said. “I look back and I say this is our fourth year here with Coach Woodson, and our goal was to make it to the NCAA Tournament. And if we can leave Coach Woodson — he would’ve been to the NCAA Tournament three out of the four years here at Indiana, when is the last time that’s been done at Indiana? It’s been a while.”

During Woodson’s coaching tenure, Indiana made consecutive NCAA Tournaments in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons after missing the Big Dance in the previous five seasons before his arrival. The Hoosiers struggled in the 2023-24 season and received an NIT invitation, which it ultimately declined.

The Hoosiers still have a chance to get back to the NCAA Tournament this season, but it will necessitate a bounce-back effort after losing eight of its last 10 games. IU has two more Quad-1 opportunities in the regular season against No. 13 Purdue on Sunday and at Oregon on March 4, coupled with potential Big Ten Tournament matchups.

“I think if we take care of business in these last five games and we go to the tournament and we’re able to make the tournament,” Hunter said, “then that’s three out of four years (Woodson) has gone to the tournament, knowing that last year we had injuries that hampered us and still was very close to making the tournament. That’s a hell of an accomplishment for him, and that’s the way we’d like to send him out.”

Indiana still hasn’t given up on this season despite the circumstances currently facing it. While IU’s on-court results continue to struggle and its coaching search rolls along, the Hoosiers are trying to remain positive and keep the NCAA Tournament at the front of their minds.

“As far as our coaching staff, that’s something that we’ve mentioned and talked about,” Hunter said. “And I think it would be a hell of a thing if we can accomplish that in these last five games.”