Tag: Didnt

  • NBA Rumors: Jazz’s Ainge Didn’t Know Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis Were in 3-Team Trade | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors


    SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 27:  Danny Ainge the CEO of the Utah Jazz laughs as he watches warmups before their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Delta Center on October 27 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

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    Utah Jazz president and former Boston Celtics legend Danny Ainge reportedly didn’t know he was helping his once-hated rival Los Angeles Lakers acquire one of the biggest stars in the NBA in Sunday’s three-team trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić.

    According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon, the Jazz “didn’t know Dončić and [Anthony] Davis were a part of the deal until about an hour before it was completed, league sources said,” and Ainge “had only about 30 minutes notice, sources said, that Los Angeles was about to acquire Dončić to be the new face of its franchise.”

    The Jazz acquired two second-round picks and 2023 No. 17 overall pick Jalen Hood-Schifino to help facilitate the deal between the Lakers and Mavs.

    Coincidentally, Utah was in negotiations with the Los Angeles Clippers for a trade involving veteran forward PJ Tucker. Shelburne and MacMahon noted that the Lakers “had asked the Jazz to complete the trade involving Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills by the time they” finished Saturday night’s game against the New York Knicks. Los Angeles reportedly “had several backup plans if the Jazz option fell through.”

    The deal between the Jazz and Clippers was completed on Saturday afternoon, allowing the Lakers to move forward with negotiations with the Mavs.

    “Shortly after the Jazz completed their business with Mills, they learned of the magnitude of the trade they were about to be involved in. All that did was buy them an extra hour to digest its ramifications,” Shelburne and MacMahon stated.

    The Lakers now have one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. Dončić will be the clear successor to LeBron James once the 40-year-old ends his legendary career, shifting the balance of power in the Western Conference.

    The Jazz, meanwhile, rank last in the West with a record of 11-36 entering Monday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers (27-20). Utah will be in the running for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, and Ainge and company will certainly be hoping to land a player who can lead the franchise back to prominence.





    The NBA world was left stunned today as reports emerged that Utah Jazz general manager Danny Ainge was completely unaware that star players Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis were involved in a blockbuster three-team trade.

    Sources close to the situation have revealed that Ainge was caught off guard when news of the trade broke, as he had not been informed of the details ahead of time. The trade reportedly involved Dončić being sent to the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, and multiple draft picks changing hands between the teams.

    This shocking revelation has sent shockwaves throughout the league, with many questioning how such a high-profile trade could have been kept under wraps from one of the league’s top executives. Ainge has yet to comment on the situation, but sources say he is currently working to salvage the situation and potentially make a counteroffer to the teams involved.

    As the NBA world waits for more information to come to light, fans and analysts alike are left wondering how this trade will impact the landscape of the league moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    NBA Rumors, Jazz, Ainge, Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis, 3-Team Trade, News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, Rumors

    #NBA #Rumors #Jazzs #Ainge #Didnt #Luka #Dončić #Anthony #Davis #3Team #Trade #News #Scores #Highlights #Stats #Rumors

  • BRAVE NEW WORLD Star Harrison Ford On Why He Didn’t Turn To Mark Ruffalo For Hulk Advice


    It was a big enough surprise when Harrison Ford agreed to return to the Star Wars franchise as Han Solo, so the fact he’s joined the MCU – as a Red Hulk, no less – is still pretty mind-blowing. 

    Making his debut in Captain America: Brave New World next month, the actor appears excited to board a franchise he’s watched many of his contemporaries have fun in. Beyond that, only time will tell whether Red Hulk is a one-and-done villain or a key part of future stories. 

    Ford isn’t the first actor to play Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross as the late William Hurt was originally cast as the antagonist in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. He took an extended break from the MCU before returning in Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow

    Talking more about following in Hurt’s footsteps, the iconic actor said, “It…becomes your responsibility to fill out the shoes that have walked before you… [I had] a lot of help from the script because the character’s life becomes more complicated and interesting, perhaps.”

    He’d go on to describe Captain America: Brave New World as “operatic,” and added, “the level of dramatic involvement is very high.”

    Asked if he ever turned to Mark Ruffalo about transforming into the Red Hulk, Ford said the Bruce Banner actor “wasn’t available for a consultation.” Instead, he “just had to wing it” but acknowledged that he hopes Ruffalo “[isn’t] disappointed” before suggesting they should one day square off to see who’s “hulkier.”

    We’d imagine Red Hulk will factor into plans for that long-delayed World War Hulk movie. However, assuming he survives the events of Captain America: Brave New World, Ross would surely help turn the tide in the impending Multiversal battle with Doctor Doom when Avengers: Doomsday rolls around. 

    You can hear more from Ford in the video below.

    In Captain America: Brave New World, after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford in his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, Sam Wilson finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.

    The movie stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, with Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. The movie is directed by Julius Onah and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore. Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serve as executive producers.

    Captain America: Brave New World opens in U.S. theaters on February 14, 2025.





    In a recent interview, Harrison Ford opened up about why he didn’t seek advice from Mark Ruffalo when preparing for his role in the upcoming film BRAVE NEW WORLD.

    Ford, who plays a gritty, no-nonsense character in the dystopian world of BRAVE NEW WORLD, explained that he wanted to bring his own unique perspective to the role without being influenced by other actors’ performances.

    “I have the utmost respect for Mark Ruffalo and his portrayal of the Hulk in the Marvel movies, but I felt it was important for me to approach this character in my own way,” Ford said. “I wanted to bring something fresh and unexpected to the role, and I didn’t want to be swayed by anyone else’s interpretation.”

    Ford’s decision to forge his own path in preparing for his role in BRAVE NEW WORLD speaks to his dedication to his craft and his commitment to delivering a standout performance. Fans can look forward to seeing Ford’s take on this complex character when the film hits theaters next year.

    Tags:

    Harrison Ford, Brave New World, Mark Ruffalo, Hulk, advice, actor, interview, film, Hollywood, Marvel, entertainment, celebrity

    #BRAVE #WORLD #Star #Harrison #Ford #Didnt #Turn #Mark #Ruffalo #Hulk #Advice

  • Jim Gaffigan: “It’s Sad I Didn’t Play in the NFL” | FOX Sports Radio


    Stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan joins Dan Patrick on The Dan Patrick Show to talk about his “Everything Is Wonderful!” tour and his recently released comedy special “The Skinny.” He shares his biggest influences in comedy and details his struggles breaking into the business. And he laments his lack of NFL career despite only having two weeks of experience as a walk-on at Purdue.

    Jim Gaffigan: “There’s a picture of me when I walked on at Purdue but I was literally there for two weeks and now people are like, ‘Yeah, he’s a Big Ten football player…’ It’s just sad that I didn’t play in the NFL even though I didn’t really even play Division 1.”





    Popular comedian Jim Gaffigan recently opened up about his regrets of not pursuing a career in the NFL. In an interview with FOX Sports Radio, Gaffigan admitted, “It’s sad I didn’t play in the NFL. I think I could have been a great receiver or maybe a kicker. But hey, I guess it’s never too late to join a flag football league, right?”

    Gaffigan’s self-deprecating humor and love for sports have always been a big part of his comedy, so it’s no surprise that he would joke about his hypothetical football career. While he may not have made it to the NFL, Gaffigan continues to entertain audiences with his stand-up specials, TV shows, and movies.

    Fans of Gaffigan can catch his latest comedy routines and projects, while also imagining what could have been if he had pursued his football dreams. Who knows, maybe we’ll see him on the field one day, making tackles and scoring touchdowns in his signature deadpan style.

    Tags:

    Jim Gaffigan, NFL, comedian, football, dreams, aspirations, FOX Sports Radio, interview, career, goals, humor, entertainment, athlete, sports comedy.

    #Jim #Gaffigan #Sad #Didnt #Play #NFL #FOX #Sports #Radio

  • Woodstock Willie didn’t see his shadow, predicts early spring



    CBS News Chicago

    Live

    CHICAGO (CBS) — Woodstock Willie has once again predicted an early spring Sunday morning during the 2025 Groundhog Day celebration in northwest suburban Woodstock. 

    A large crowd gathered to see if they would need to hold onto their coats for a few more weeks or start getting their spring clothes.

    The annual event took place at the site of the iconic movie Groundhog Day, which starred Bill Murray.   

    Last year, Willie also predicted an early spring. 

    Willie’s prediction is opposite Punxsutawney Phil, who predicted six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow at Gobbler’s Knob.



    Woodstock Willie, the beloved groundhog from Woodstock, Illinois, did not see his shadow this morning on Groundhog Day, February 2nd. This means that according to folklore, we can expect an early spring this year.

    The tradition of Groundhog Day dates back to ancient European weather lore, where it was believed that if a groundhog emerged from its burrow and saw its shadow, there would be six more weeks of winter. If it did not see its shadow, an early spring was predicted.

    Woodstock Willie, who has been making weather predictions for over 30 years, delighted the crowd gathered to see him this morning when he did not see his shadow. This news has brought joy to many who are tired of the cold winter weather and are ready for warmer days ahead.

    So, let’s celebrate this good news and start looking forward to an early spring! Thank you, Woodstock Willie, for bringing us this hopeful forecast. #WoodstockWillie #EarlySpring #GroundhogDay

    Tags:

    Woodstock Willie, Groundhog Day, early spring prediction, weather forecast, Woodstock Illinois, shadow sighting, springtime prediction, seasonal outlook, weather prediction, Groundhog Day tradition

    #Woodstock #Willie #didnt #shadow #predicts #early #spring

  • Canelo Didn’t Hesitate When Asked Who Wins Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson: “My Money’s On Him”


    A lightweight unification between Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson may be the hardest bout in boxing to call, but unified super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez has backed a winner.

    Stevenson embodies the phrase ‘hit and don’t get hit,’ utilising stellar movement, defence and speed to frustrate opponents on his way to comfortable points wins. Though he has been critised for being less than entertaining in his last two bouts, he has told fans that he will show his best when he is in with the best.

    Enter ‘Tank’ Davis, who has been taken the distance just twice in 30 fights. The knockout artist from Baltimore has one of the most impressive highlight reels in the sport and has been said to have seriously hurt men much heavier than him in the gym.

    Could he decode Stevenson, close the distance and land his significant power punches? Canelo believes so, telling Sway in the Morning that he respects both men but backs Davis.

    “Shakur Stevenson is a good fighter, he moves a lot and it’s very difficult to hit him but I like Gervonta Davis, he’s a really good fighter. He hits hard and he knows how to go forward. I put my money on Gervonta.”

    Both men have fights in the coming weeks, with Stevenson defending his WBC belt against hot prospect Floyd Schofield in Saudi Arabia on February 22 before ‘Tank’ puts his WBA strap on the line against Lamont Roach Jr in Brooklyn on March 1.

    Should they come through as expected, there is no better match-up in the division to be made. That does not mean that negotiations will be easy, however, with the fight struggling to get made in the past and Davis adamant he will be retiring at the end of this year.



    Canelo Didn’t Hesitate When Asked Who Wins Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson: “My Money’s On Him”

    In a recent interview, boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez was asked for his thoughts on the potential matchup between Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson. Without hesitation, Canelo confidently declared, “My money’s on him,” indicating that he believes Stevenson would come out victorious in a bout against Davis.

    This bold statement from Canelo adds even more hype to a potential showdown between two of the sport’s rising stars. Stevenson, a highly skilled and technically sound fighter, has been making waves in the featherweight and super featherweight divisions, while Davis, known for his explosive power and aggressive style, has been a dominant force in the super featherweight and lightweight divisions.

    Fans are eagerly anticipating a matchup between these two talented fighters, and with Canelo’s endorsement of Stevenson, the excitement for a potential showdown is only growing. While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, one thing is for sure – if these two fighters do step into the ring together, it’s sure to be an explosive and highly entertaining fight.

    Tags:

    Canelo Alvarez, Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, boxing, fight prediction, Canelo prediction, sports news, boxing champions, boxing match, professional fighters, boxing analysis

    #Canelo #Didnt #Hesitate #Asked #Wins #Gervonta #Davis #Shakur #Stevenson #Moneys

  • Paul Finebaum sides with Bret Bielema on ‘disingenuous fraud’ Jim Harbaugh: ‘Michigan didn’t want him to stay’


    Late Tuesday night, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema didn’t mince words about Jim Harbaugh and Michigan after a report said UM planned to fight the allegations in the Connor Stalions scandal. Less than 24 hours later, SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum sided with Bielema.

    Bielema raised eyebrows Tuesday when he quoted an old clip of Harbaugh – then the San Francisco 49ers head coach – talking about his desire to be “above reproach” and avoid cheating. The Fighting Illini head coach then asked why Harbaugh ran to the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers.

    Bielema’s series of tweets came after Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported Michigan’s plan to fight the NCAA’s allegations in the Stalions investigation. Finebaum agreed with him, though, and called Harbaugh a “disingenuous fraud” in the process.

    “I’ve always liked Bret,” Finebaum said on The Paul Finebaum Show Wednesday. “He was fun when we were together. But he is right. Harbaugh is just a disingenuous fraud about all the things he used to say. He didn’t want to face the music. By the way, Michigan didn’t really want him to stay.”

    A few minutes after his initial tweet, Bielema found another clip of an old Harbaugh quote. This one was Harbaugh explaining it’s important to tell the truth, especially when being considered a leader. He used an example of his favorite daytime television judge to get his point across too. Bielema chose three emojis to make his point in a repost.

    “Be honest,” Harbaugh said in the video. “Tell the truth. If I want them to tell the truth then I have to tell the truth all the time when you’re in a leadership position. Judge Judy, I got 90 episodes of Judge Judy tivoed on my TV and that’s what I watch. One thing about her courtroom is — if you lie in Judge Judy’s courtroom, it’s over.”

    According to the 137-page document obtained by Yahoo Sports, Michigan pushed back on many of the allegations. The school also accused the NCAA of “grossly overreaching” and “wildly overcharging” the program with a lack of credible evidence about the alleged sign-stealing scheme run by Stalions. The person who tipped off the NCAA to the situation came from UM’s campus and, at one point, worked for the school, the document said.

    Michigan received an official Notice of Allegations from the NCAA in August, but the school said it made “numerous factually unsupported infractions, exaggerates aggravating factors and ignores mitigating facts,” according to the document. UM also asked the NCAA to treat the case as a “Level II standard case” instead of a Level I infraction – which is the most severe NCAA violation – and apply “common sense and [a] commitment to fairness.”

    Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.



    In a surprising turn of events, SEC analyst Paul Finebaum has come out in support of former Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema’s recent comments about Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

    Bielema, now the defensive line coach for the New York Giants, called Harbaugh a “disingenuous fraud” in a recent interview with The Athletic. He claimed that Michigan didn’t want Harbaugh to stay and that he was only using the school as a stepping stone to get back to the NFL.

    Finebaum, known for his controversial opinions and heated debates on his radio show, took to Twitter to express his agreement with Bielema’s assessment of Harbaugh. He tweeted, “I have to agree with Bret Bielema on this one. Jim Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan has been underwhelming, and it’s clear that the school didn’t do everything in its power to keep him there. Harbaugh’s time in Ann Arbor may be coming to an end soon.”

    This unexpected support from Finebaum is sure to stir up even more controversy and debate among college football fans. It remains to be seen how Harbaugh and Michigan will respond to these damning accusations from two respected figures in the football world. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. Paul Finebaum
    2. Bret Bielema
    3. Jim Harbaugh
    4. Michigan football
    5. Disingenuous fraud
    6. College football controversy
    7. Coaching drama
    8. SEC vs. Big Ten
    9. College football news
    10. Finebaum opinions

    #Paul #Finebaum #sides #Bret #Bielema #disingenuous #fraud #Jim #Harbaugh #Michigan #didnt #stay

  • Rachael Kirkconnell Confirms Infidelity Didn’t Cause Matt James Split


    Rachael Kirkconnell
    No Infidelity in Matt James Split …
    But Reconciliation Off the Table!!!

    Published
    |
    Updated




    Rachael Kirkconnell, former contestant on “The Bachelor,” has finally addressed the rumors surrounding her split from Matt James. In a recent interview, Kirkconnell confirmed that infidelity was not the cause of their breakup.

    After months of speculation and tabloid rumors, Kirkconnell set the record straight, stating that their split was due to a variety of reasons unrelated to cheating. She emphasized that their relationship simply ran its course and that they both realized they were not meant to be together in the long run.

    Kirkconnell expressed her gratitude for the time she spent with James and the lessons she learned from their relationship. She also wished him nothing but happiness and success in the future.

    Fans of the former couple have been eagerly awaiting this confirmation from Kirkconnell, and many have expressed their support and understanding of her decision. Despite the end of their romance, it seems that both Kirkconnell and James have moved on amicably and are focused on their individual growth and happiness.

    Tags:

    Rachael Kirkconnell, Matt James, split, breakup, infidelity, relationship, confirmation, Bachelor, Bachelor Nation, reality TV, love, heartbreak, reconciliation

    #Rachael #Kirkconnell #Confirms #Infidelity #Didnt #Matt #James #Split

  • Michael Irvin isn’t happy the Cowboys didn’t hire Deion Sanders: ‘We lost an opportunity here’


    The Dallas Cowboys have hired Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach to replace Mike McCarthy, and one famous Cowboys alumnus isn’t happy with the decision.

    Michael Irvin, the Hall of Fame wide receiver who spent his entire 12-year career in Dallas, laid into his former team on Saturday in a video posted to his YouTube channel, lamenting their decision to hire someone who was already on staff instead of Irvin’s top choice of Deion Sanders, another Cowboys alumnus.

    “Here’s my issue. We lost an opportunity here. I don’t know what happened with Coach Schottenheimer and the Cowboys, but Jerry [Jones, team owner and GM] is a shrewd, shrewd businessman, and this opportunity, I’m shocked he did not see. I was pushing for Deion Sanders to be the next head coach, and I still stand 10 toes down on that push.

    “Let me break it down. We have two NFC East teams in the NFC championship game being played tomorrow. All eyes on them. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders. Our enemies on all fronts. And they’re in a position that we haven’t held in 30 f***ing years. The longest drought by any NFC East team. Thirty years. … You bring in someone who’s already inside for head coach. You lose things there that you can’t grab back that I’m worried about.

    “We’re losing ground in the NFC. … It was time to bring somebody in here that could shake things up and grab this last leg of Cowboys Nation. If we’ve got 30 years right now, and life expectancy is 100 years, that means by math one third of Cowboys Nation has never felt or lived the glory of a championship story. Don’t even know about it. How the hell can they pass something down when they don’t even know about it?

    “Worse yet, that generation has seen total domination from a team named the Kansas City Chiefs. Who in that span is running up on winning three in a row. So not only are you losing football games over here and opportunities over here and divisions over here, you’re about to get our moniker snatched off our backs.”

    ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 28: NFL hall of fame Michael Irvin walks the sideline during a college football game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the UCF Knights on September 28th, 2024 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 28: NFL hall of fame Michael Irvin walks the sideline during a college football game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the UCF Knights on September 28th, 2024 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    Michael Irvin, the Hall of Fame Cowboys receiver, isn’t happy that Jerry Jones didn’t hire his former teammate, Deion Sanders, as the team’s new head coach. (Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    The moniker Irvin speaks of is America’s Team, which the Cowboys earned in the 1990s during their last run of success that included three Super Bowl titles.

    Irvin laid out his issues with hiring someone from the inside, focusing on what he believes are problems with team discipline.

    “I know what we needed,” Irvin said. “They don’t have curfew. They don’t have discipline. We were fourth in penalties this year. So how you do fix that? … How do you do that when you’re coming from inside?”

    Sanders has experienced success as a college coach in Colorado, where he’s been for two seasons, coaching his son, QB Shedeur Sanders, and Heisman winner Travis Hunter, and taking the Buffaloes to a bowl game. Early in the head coach hiring cycle, Sanders expressed interest in the Las Vegas Raiders opening, but nothing came of that (the Raiders recently hired Pete Carroll as their new head coach).

    Jones had reportedly spoken to Sanders about the Cowboys’ head coaching job several weeks ago, but Jones decided to go a different way, much to Irvin’s displeasure.



    It’s no secret that Michael Irvin bleeds Dallas Cowboys blue, and he’s not afraid to speak his mind when it comes to his beloved team. The Hall of Fame wide receiver recently expressed his disappointment in the Cowboys’ decision not to hire Deion Sanders as their head coach.

    In a recent interview, Irvin shared his thoughts on the missed opportunity, saying, “We lost an opportunity here. We lost an opportunity to bring in someone who knows what it takes to win, who knows the game inside and out, and who has a passion for this team like no one else.”

    Irvin, who played alongside Sanders during their time in Dallas, knows firsthand the impact Prime Time can have on a team. With Sanders now thriving as the head coach at Jackson State University, many Cowboys fans were hoping he would bring his winning ways back to Dallas.

    While the Cowboys ultimately decided to go in a different direction with their coaching search, Irvin can’t help but wonder what could have been with Sanders at the helm. One thing is for sure, the Cowboys may have missed out on a game-changing opportunity by not bringing Prime Time back to Big D.

    Tags:

    • Michael Irvin
    • Deion Sanders
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • NFL
    • Football
    • Sports
    • Coaching
    • Hiring
    • Disappointment
    • Opportunity
    • Player turned coach
    • Team dynamics
    • NFL news
    • Football commentary

    #Michael #Irvin #isnt #happy #Cowboys #didnt #hire #Deion #Sanders #lost #opportunity

  • Why didn’t Mark Sears play 2nd half for Alabama basketball vs. LSU?


    When Alabama basketball came out for the second half of Saturday’s win over LSU, regular starting point guard Mark Sears wasn’t on the floor. The Muscle Shoals native did not appear in the entire second half, during which the Crimson Tide pulled off a 80-73 victory after the game was tied at 40 entering halftime.

    UA head coach Nate Oats avoided addressing a reason for the absence. When he was asked what led to Sears sitting, Oats was short.

    “We just played the guys we thought gave us the best chance to win that second half,” Oats said.

    Sears finished the game with 17 minutes, all in the first half. He went 0-for-5 from the field, and finished -1.

    After the game, Oats began his press conference by alluding to a desire for more defensive effort.

    “We went with the guys in the second half (who) we thought gave us the best chance to win this game,” Oats said. “And we won the game and our defense was significantly better than the first half. And we haven’t done that very often this year, so that’s all I’m going to say about that stuff.”

    Oats went on to praise UA center Cliff Omoruyi, who he said drastically improved in the second half. Oats said Omoruyi’s effort after the break earned him the team’s “Hard Hat” award, despite the Rutgers transfer not starting the second half.

    Alabama’s coach was asked what he wanted to see from Sears moving forward, with a trip to Mississippi State coming Wednesday.

    “Same response Cliff gave us in the second half,” Oats said. “Be all about doing the stuff we need to win basketball games.”

    The Crimson Tide moved to 17-3 on the season with the LSU win, 6-1 in SEC play. Alabama and Mississippi State are scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. CT Wednesday in Starkville, with the game aired on the SEC Network.



    There has been speculation and confusion surrounding the absence of Mark Sears in the second half of the recent Alabama basketball game against LSU. Many fans have been wondering why the talented guard did not see any playing time after halftime.

    One possible explanation is that Sears may have been dealing with an injury or some other physical issue that limited his ability to play. It is not uncommon for coaches to hold players out of games if they are not at full strength in order to prevent further injury.

    Another possibility is that the coaching staff made a strategic decision to bench Sears in favor of other players who they felt were better equipped to handle the match-up against LSU. Basketball is a game of matchups, and coaches often make changes to their lineups based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team.

    Regardless of the reason for Sears’ absence in the second half, it is important to trust in the decisions of the coaching staff and support the team as a whole. Hopefully, Sears will be back on the court soon and able to contribute to the team’s success in future games.

    Tags:

    • Mark Sears Alabama basketball
    • Mark Sears playing time
    • Alabama vs LSU basketball game
    • Alabama basketball player rotation
    • Mark Sears benching decision
    • Alabama basketball lineup changes
    • Mark Sears absence in 2nd half
    • Alabama basketball coaching decision
    • Mark Sears performance vs LSU
    • Alabama basketball player substitutions

    #didnt #Mark #Sears #play #2nd #Alabama #basketball #LSU

  • AO semifinals: With an opportunity to win, Swiatek, unusually, didn’t


    “For sure she made less mistakes, less mistakes than on those matches I won against her. I also played against her in Cincinnati where she also kind of played perfectly, and I had nothing to say,” said Swiatek, referring to Keys’ 6-3 6-4 win on hard courts in 2022.

    “I know she could do both. I didn’t know which one she’s going to be (on Thursday). I think she was just more solid than when we played these matches that I won.”

    IN FOCUS: Another year, another home-grown AO champion to look forward to

    In assessing her own game, Swiatek lamented her serve.

    “I think maybe I would have won it sometimes if I could win easy points with my serve as she did kind of,” said Swiatek, who hit seven double faults and claimed just 53 per cent of her first-serve points.

    “She could always come back from being in trouble with the serve, but I didn’t serve as well. So maybe that would make a difference.”

    The character that she is, Swiatek alongside newish coach Wim Fissette, is bound to keep on exploring ways to make her already potent game even better, after tweaking her service action early last year.

    Keys became the fourth consecutive power baseliner to top Swiatek at the Australian Open, following Linda Noskova, Elena Rybakina and Keys’ pal, Danielle Collins in the previous three years.

    Still, Swiatek did take heart from her successful Australian summer, which began at the United Cup.

    ANALYSIS: Swashbuckling Swiatek soaring at AO 2025

    “Overall, pretty positive,” said Swiatek. “As a person, I’ve been feeling a bit better than previous years here.

    “For sure United Cup always brings a lot of positive emotions, but here I always felt tense and really, I don’t know, just like not always happy. This year it was different. For sure it gives me a positive vibe for the rest of the season.

    “Obviously for sure I wanted more. I already played a semifinal. I wanted to win this one, but I think if I keep working hard, I’ll have more chances in the future, and maybe I’ll use them as I didn’t use my match point.”



    Many tennis fans were surprised to see Iga Swiatek, the reigning French Open champion and world number four, fall short in the Australian Open semifinals. Swiatek, known for her aggressive playing style and mental toughness, seemed to struggle with nerves and missed opportunities against her opponent.

    Despite being the favorite to win the match, Swiatek was unable to capitalize on key moments and ultimately lost to her opponent in straight sets. Many fans were left wondering what went wrong for the young Polish player, who has shown incredible promise in recent years.

    While Swiatek’s loss was unexpected, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest level. As Swiatek continues to develop and improve her game, fans can expect to see her bounce back stronger than ever in future tournaments.

    The Australian Open semifinals may not have gone as planned for Swiatek, but with her talent and determination, there is no doubt that she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the WTA tour.

    Tags:

    AO semifinals, Swiatek, Australian Open, tennis, semifinal match, Grand Slam, opportunity to win, underdog, upset, unexpected outcome, sports, athlete, competition, tournament, championship, victory, performance, player, upset alert.

    #semifinals #opportunity #win #Swiatek #unusually #didnt