Tag: Top10

  • No. 3 Texas gets comeback win over No. 5 LSU, marking third top-10 win this week

    No. 3 Texas gets comeback win over No. 5 LSU, marking third top-10 win this week


    Texas guard Bryanna Preston (1) celebrates scoring against LSU with guard Rori Harmon (3) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Austin, Texas, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)

    A key steal-and-layup combo from freshman guard Bryanna Preston gave Texas its first lead of the game against LSU. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)

    A week after dispatching then-No. 2 South Carolina, No. 3 Texas felled the other top team in the SEC on Sunday, defeating No. 5 LSU 65-58.

    After being down for nearly the whole game, the Longhorns scraped back and held on for a hard-earned comeback victory.

    After an evenly matched first quarter, LSU pulled away, outscoring Texas 18-9 in the second quarter. The Longhorns cut into that lead in the third quarter, but the Tigers pulled away again, going up by as many as 12 points. Texas didn’t quit, pushing past the Tigers during the final frame.

    Halfway through the fourth quarter, the Longhorns took their first lead of the game after freshman guard Bryanna Preston got a steal and a layup to make it 50-49.

    The final minutes saw a push-and-pull between the SEC squads, with Texas extending its lead and LSU quickly cutting into it. But the Tigers couldn’t break past the Longhorns, who — buoyed by a jubilant home crowd — outscored LSU 21-9 in the final quarter. The Tigers also had five fourth-quarter turnovers, all of them costly.

    LSU’s Mikaylah Williams scored a game-high 18 points, including several key shots in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t carry her team over the finish line. Tigers forward Aneesah Morrow had a big game as well, putting up 15 points and 20 rebounds, plus three steals, and Flau’jae Johnson pitched in 16 points as well.

    Texas star Madison Booker led the Longhorns with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Two other starters, forward Taylor Jones and guard Rori Harmon, put up double-digit points, but it was the depth of Texas’ bench — with seven points each from Preston and Jordan Lee — that gave the Longhorns the victory.

    Sunday’s win marks Texas’ third victory over a top-10 team this week. The Longhorns ended South Carolina’s SEC win streak with a 66-62 win last Sunday and easily dispatched No. 8 Kentucky on Thursday. Sunday was also Texas’ 10th straight win.

    Compared to the past few weeks, the rest of the Longhorns’ regular season will be much simpler. They will finish the season with three unranked opponents: Georgia, Mississippi State and Florida.



    In a thrilling showdown between two college baseball powerhouses, No. 3 Texas staged a remarkable comeback to defeat No. 5 LSU in a nail-biting game. The Longhorns’ victory secured their third top-10 win of the week, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA.

    The game started off with LSU taking an early lead, but Texas fought back with a strong offensive performance and solid pitching to eventually secure the win. The Longhorns’ resilience and determination were on full display as they battled back from a deficit to emerge victorious.

    With this impressive win, Texas is proving that they are a team to watch this season. Their ability to compete and defeat some of the top teams in the country is a testament to their talent and skill. The Longhorns are undoubtedly a team on the rise, and their success against top-ranked opponents only further solidifies their place as a contender for the national championship.

    Congratulations to No. 3 Texas on their thrilling comeback win over No. 5 LSU, marking their third top-10 victory of the week. This is a team that is not to be underestimated, and they are certainly making a statement with their impressive performance on the field. Keep an eye on the Longhorns as they continue their quest for greatness in the NCAA baseball season.

    Tags:

    Texas Longhorns, LSU Tigers, college football, top-10 matchup, comeback win, Texas vs LSU, NCAA football, sports news, Texas football, LSU football, top-10 teams, Texas comeback victory, SEC vs Big 12, Texas sports, LSU sports, college football rankings, Texas vs LSU highlights

    #Texas #comeback #win #LSU #marking #top10 #win #week

  • Tennessee PG Zakai Zeigler out for top-10 matchup vs. Florida


    Tennessee point guard Zakai Zeigler will not play against Florida in Saturday’s top-10 matchup, coach Rick Barnes told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

    Zeigler left Tuesday’s game against Kentucky with a right knee injury, but he came back to start the second half and finished the game. The senior missed practice Thursday and was listed as questionable on the SEC injury report.

    One of the best point guards in the country, Zeigler has been a catalyst for the Volunteers at both ends of the court, averaging 12.3 points, 7.4 assists and 2.1 steals per game. He has started 67 games over the past three seasons.

    With Zeigler sidelined, Tennessee will likely have to turn to sixth man Jordan Gainey to initiate the offense. A natural shooting guard, Gainey is averaging 10.8 points per game off the bench.

    Tennessee starting forward Igor Milicic Jr. is battling an illness and also won’t play in Saturday’s game, a school spokesperson told ESPN.

    Former Hofstra transfer Darlinstone Dubar is starting in place of Milicic, who is averaging 10.4 points and 8.1 rebounds this season.

    Without Zeigler and Milicic, the Volunteers are down to seven scholarship players.

    Tennessee, which was ranked No. 1 in the country after winning its first 14 games, has lost four of its past seven games — including two in a row to Auburn and Kentucky.

    The No. 8 Volunteers (17-4, 4-4 SEC) host No. 5 Florida (18-2, 5-2 SEC) at noon ET Saturday (ESPN).



    Tennessee PG Zakai Zeigler out for top-10 matchup vs. Florida

    Unfortunately, Tennessee fans will have to wait a little longer to see star point guard Zakai Zeigler in action as he has been ruled out for the highly anticipated top-10 matchup against Florida. Zeigler, who has been a key player for the Volunteers this season, is dealing with a minor injury that will keep him sidelined for this crucial game.

    While it’s disappointing to not have Zeigler on the court for such a big game, Tennessee fans can take solace in the fact that they have a deep roster and talented players who can step up in his absence. It will be a tough challenge against a strong Florida team, but the Volunteers will have to rally together and play their best basketball to come out on top.

    As for Zeigler, the focus now will be on getting healthy and returning to action as soon as possible. His presence on the court will be greatly missed, but his teammates will no doubt be motivated to play hard and secure a win for him in his absence. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery for Zeigler and a successful game for the Volunteers against Florida.

    Tags:

    • Tennessee basketball news
    • Zakai Zeigler injury update
    • Tennessee vs. Florida basketball
    • SEC basketball matchup
    • College basketball news
    • Tennessee Volunteers
    • Zakai Zeigler update
    • Top-10 college basketball game
    • Tennessee PG out vs. Florida
    • Zeigler injury news

    #Tennessee #Zakai #Zeigler #top10 #matchup #Florida

  • Top-10 prospect Caleb Wilson commits to UNC over Kentucky


    Top-10 senior Caleb Wilson, one of the highest-ranked uncommitted prospects remaining in the 2025 class, announced Thursday he has chosen to attend North Carolina over Kentucky.

    Wilson, No. 6 in the ESPN 100, also included Ohio State in his final three schools.

    “I picked North Carolina because of their culture and the history of the program,” Wilson told ESPN. “They were my first blue blood [offer]. Last year I went to the Duke at UNC game. I was courtside and it was a great experience. It was everything I was looking for in a program.”

    The 6-foot-9 Wilson had a long, drawn-out recruitment with several schools looking like the favorites along the way. John Calipari made Wilson a priority early on while he was at Kentucky, and then continued to pursue him once he moved to Arkansas. As Wilson’s recruitment progressed, though, Kentucky and North Carolina moved into the top tier, while the likes of Tennessee, UCF, Georgia Tech and others faded.

    The Wildcats and Tar Heels seemed to go back and forth in recent weeks, but UNC coach Hubert Davis was able to close his first five-star recruit of the cycle. It’s a critical recruiting win for Davis, who had previously missed on top targets A.J. Dybantsa (No. 1), Braylon Mullins (No. 25) and others.

    “I love the passion and energy of coach Hubert Davis,” Wilson said. “I know he will push me to be my best and love me at the same time. He is a truth teller, and that’s what I want. We have watched film together. He tells me where I can be better. He is a man of faith, and we have a great connection. He plays his freshmen, too. I plan to help UNC win and win big. Then hopefully I can have a chance to be a one-and-done.”

    Wilson has been considered one of the elite frontcourt prospects in the 2025 class for the past couple of years. He averaged 15.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists on the Nike EYBL circuit as a junior, then followed it up by teaming up with Cameron Boozer and Cayden Boozer on Nightrydas Elite to win a Peach Jam championship last summer. He was terrific at the Peach Jam, averaging 17.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in eight games while shooting 62% from the field.

    Wilson’s most evident attributes are his length, explosiveness and vertical bounce with a quick second jump. His ball skills in both transition and the half court have improved over the past year, while his agility to move in any direction is a big asset and has enhanced his ability to score inside a crowded paint. He’s effective as an off-ball cutter because of his footwork, quickness and movement. What makes him a matchup problem is his ability to step out and make 3s and handle the ball to keep defenses honest, while also growing as a willing passer with vision. At the other end of the floor, Wilson is a switchable defender who can stay in front of the ball or defend the low post.

    The Tar Heels now have three ESPN 100 prospects in their 2025 recruiting class, with Wilson joining four-star guards Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis. Davis and his staff could have a busy offseason, as RJ Davis is out of eligibility and freshmen Drake Powell and Ian Jackson are projected first-round NBA draft picks.

    Carolina is struggling for the second time in three seasons, losing its past two games to Stanford and Wake Forest to drop to 12-8 overall and 5-3 in the ACC entering Saturday’s game against Boston College.



    Breaking news in the college basketball world as highly-touted prospect Caleb Wilson has committed to the University of North Carolina over the University of Kentucky. Wilson, a 6’8 forward, is ranked as a top-10 prospect in the Class of 2023 and his decision to join the Tar Heels is a major coup for the program.

    UNC head coach Roy Williams expressed his excitement over Wilson’s commitment, stating that he believes the talented young player will make an immediate impact on the team. Wilson’s versatility, scoring ability, and high basketball IQ make him a valuable addition to the Tar Heels’ roster.

    Kentucky fans are sure to be disappointed by Wilson’s decision, as they had been hoping to see him in a Wildcats uniform. However, UNC supporters are thrilled to welcome Wilson to Chapel Hill and are looking forward to seeing him in action next season.

    With Wilson on board, the Tar Heels are poised to be a force to be reckoned with in the ACC and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates on Wilson’s journey with UNC basketball.

    Tags:

    1. Caleb Wilson UNC commitment
    2. Top-10 prospect Caleb Wilson
    3. Caleb Wilson college decision
    4. UNC basketball recruit Caleb Wilson
    5. Caleb Wilson commits to UNC
    6. Top-10 recruit Caleb Wilson
    7. Caleb Wilson recruitment news
    8. UNC lands top prospect Caleb Wilson
    9. Caleb Wilson chooses UNC
    10. Caleb Wilson Kentucky vs UNC

    #Top10 #prospect #Caleb #Wilson #commits #UNC #Kentucky

  • 2025 NFL draft: Big questions for teams with top-10 picks


    There are just three more games in the 2024 NFL season, and then all eyes will turn to the offseason. And teams with top-10 picks in the 2025 draft — which begins on April 24 — will be studying the group of prospects closely and starting to make plans for their selections.

    This draft class is highlighted by a battle between Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders for the QB1 spot, and it is expected to have more high-end defensive players — such as Penn State’s Abdul Carter — than we saw last April. The Tennessee Titans have the top pick for the first time since 2016 (when they traded it to the Los Angeles Rams), and they’ll control a lot of what happens in Round 1. But the rest of the top 10 offers intrigue, too.

    We asked our NFL Nation reporters, who cover teams with top-10 picks, to answer one big question about the early selections. Are the Titans, Browns and Giants all leaning toward finding a new QB in the draft? Is Tom Brady going to help the Raiders in their own QB search? Will the Bears pick a defender for the first time since 2018? Let’s dive in.

    Jump to a team:
    TEN | CLE | NYG | NE | JAX
    LV | NYJ | CAR | NO | CHI

    After they hired new GM Mike Borgonzi, what do we know about the Titans’ early plans at No. 1?

    Borgonzi played a significant role in the Chiefs’ decision to trade up for Patrick Mahomes in 2017, and he’ll have to strongly consider taking a quarterback here. Titans coach Brian Callahan will get a closer look at the top prospects during both the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl weeks. He didn’t close the door on Will Levis returning next season, but it’s pretty clear the organization is still searching for a franchise QB.

    “Well, we got one quarterback under contract [Levis],” Callahan said during his season-ending press conference. “The other two are free agents, and we’re in position to potentially draft a quarterback.”

    Callahan has been through the No. 1 pick process before with the Bengals, who took Joe Burrow in 2020. President of football operations Chad Brinker told ESPN he’d like to have more than the two picks the Titans currently have in the top 100, though. Tennessee hasn’t said it’s open for business yet, but a trade out of the first pick could easily address the organization’s desire to add more draft picks. — Turron Davenport


    Does Deshaun Watson reinjuring his right Achilles tendon mean the Browns will definitely go QB at No. 2, or are other options still in play?

    The Browns were always going to search for quarterback options in free agency and the draft, even before Watson’s setback. But a quarterback at No. 2 isn’t a given.

    Cleveland would have to love one of the top prospects, and general manager Andrew Berry has often preached a philosophy of sticking to his board and taking the best player available. He has also shown a propensity to trade back and accumulate additional picks, which is something he alluded to in his end-of-season news conference.

    “With having the second pick in the draft, whether we select a player or use it to maximize in another way, it gives us an opportunity to really pivot if we need to,” Berry said. — Daniel Oyefusi


    Are the Giants more likely to address their QB spot in the draft or free agency?

    It may not be an either/or proposition. The Giants have made it their “No. 1 issue” this offseason to find their quarterback of the future, according to owner John Mara. Their plan entering this past season was to draft a quarterback if it didn’t work out with Daniel Jones. But the timing of it all following Jones’ release in November could dictate that the Giants address the position in both free agency and the draft.

    Tommy DeVito will be their only quarterback under contract this offseason. They will likely need a strong contingency from free agency in March, just in case they can’t get a quarterback at the top of the draft. Remember, Mara made it clear the pressure is on to produce in 2025. — Jordan Raanan


    Is this an obvious spot for one of the top offensive tackles in the class, or could the Patriots address other holes?

    New coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the offensive line as a top priority in his introductory news conference. “You look at the teams that are able to protect the quarterback and dictate the flow of the game offensively; making sure that up front we’re sound, we’re strong — whether that’s through free agency or the draft — that’s something that’s critical,” Vrabel said.

    The Patriots have ranked last in the NFL in pass block win rate each of the past two seasons. But that doesn’t mean they will automatically pick an offensive tackle at No. 4. They need blue-chip players at other positions, such as receiver, defensive line and pass rusher. — Mike Reiss


    What are the Jaguars’ biggest roster weaknesses headed into the offseason?

    Everything has to do with pass defense. The safety play has been subpar and they likely won’t re-sign Andre Cisco. They need another cornerback opposite Tyson Campbell, and the pass rush — outside of defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker — was spotty this season.

    The Jaguars were last in the league in passing yards allowed per game (257.4, the third-worst mark in franchise history), picked off only six passes and gave up 23 pass plays of 30 or more yards. Hines-Allen dipped from 17.5 sacks in 2023 to eight, though Walker became the second player in franchise history to record 10 or more sacks in consecutive seasons. Moving Arik Armstead back inside may boost the interior rush, but the Jaguars need another edge rusher and to improve in coverage. — Michael DiRocco


    What are you hearing on how much Tom Brady could play a role in the Raiders’ QB search?

    The Raiders, who added Brady as a minority owner, need a coach and general manager before making a choice on QB1. Still, Raiders owner Mark Davis said the seven-time Super Bowl champion would indeed be involved.

    “Although Tom can’t play, I think he can help us select a quarterback in the future and potentially train him as well,” Davis said in October, when Brady’s ownership stake was approved.

    Of course, that brings us to the prospect with whom Brady has already been linked — Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. In fact, it was Davis who told Sanders at a Las Vegas Aces game on Oct. 5, “Who knows, you might be home right now.” — Paul Gutierrez


    Outside of quarterback, what other needs could the Jets fill with their first-round pick?

    Think defense. The Jets finished 23rd in defensive EPA, which was way down from third in 2023. They will need a cornerback to pair with Sauce Gardner, assuming they lose their second option D.J. Reed in free agency. And there has been some talent drain on the once-formidable defensive line, which could use more blue-chip talent in the room other than Quinnen Williams. Edge rusher isn’t a major need, assuming defensive end Jermaine Johnson returns to form after his right Achilles tendon injury, but it would be hard to pass on an elite prospect.

    The overall drafting philosophy will be shaped by the new general manager and head coach. Scheme will play an important factor in these decisions. — Rich Cimini


    What do we know about whether it’s defense all the way for Carolina at No. 8?

    Carolina won’t be all-in on defense with nine picks, but the top selections should be heavy on that side of the ball. General manager Dan Morgan, a former Pro Bowl linebacker, took it personally that his team ranked last in total defense (404.5 yards allowed per game) and against the run (179.8 yards allowed per game). He kept defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, implying this was more of a personnel problem.

    The offense is headed in the right direction with quarterback Bryce Young and other key players returning. So adding an edge rusher, safety help and a big run stopper will be the focus. Just don’t look for this to be a defensive sweep as it was in 2020, when Carolina became the first team in NFL history to use all of its seven draft picks on defense. It still needs an elite receiver and more depth at running back. — David Newton


    With the Saints’ big needs and cap issues, is this looking like a best-player-available approach right now?

    At $70.6 million over the cap in 2025 (per Roster Management System), the Saints are likely going to have to draft for need. But their biggest need is open to interpretation. They are looking for successors at defensive end and linebacker for 35-year-olds Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis, respectively. They also could use another wide receiver to slot alongside Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, as well as permanent fixes to the offensive line.

    A quarterback might be on their mind, too, depending on the wants of the Saints’ next coach. But as general manager Mickey Loomis pointed out at his end-of-season news conference, they don’t have the luxury of a top pick to do that. And Derek Carr has two years remaining on his four-year, $150 million contract. — Katherine Terrell


    The Bears haven’t used a first-round pick on defense since 2018. What are the chances that streak ends in 2025?

    The Bears have major needs to address in the trenches, so it’s fair to say Chicago using its first-round selection on a pass rusher is at 50%.

    When asked about top defensive end Montez Sweat‘s disappointing season (5.5 sacks), general manager Ryan Poles said adding more talent is the best way to defeat the number of double-teams and chips that Sweat receives. Creating more one-on-one matchups would allow Chicago’s pass rush win rate to improve from its 37% finish in 2024, which was a slight step up from the previous season but still ranked 24th in the NFL. — Courtney Cronin



    As the 2025 NFL draft approaches, teams with top-10 picks are facing some big decisions. With so much talent available, there are plenty of questions for these teams to consider as they prepare to make their selections. Here are some of the biggest questions facing teams with top-10 picks in the 2025 NFL draft:

    1. Will the top quarterback prospects live up to the hype?
    Quarterback is always a position of great importance in the NFL, and this year’s draft class is no exception. With several highly touted quarterback prospects expected to be taken in the top 10, teams will need to carefully evaluate whether these players have what it takes to be successful at the next level.

    2. Which teams will prioritize defense over offense?
    While quarterbacks and offensive playmakers tend to dominate the top of the draft, there are also plenty of elite defensive prospects available this year. Teams with top-10 picks will need to decide whether to address their offensive needs or bolster their defense with their early selections.

    3. How will teams with multiple top-10 picks use their selections?
    Some teams have multiple top-10 picks in this year’s draft, giving them the opportunity to address multiple needs in the early rounds. These teams will need to decide whether to use their picks on the best available players or trade down to acquire more picks later in the draft.

    4. Will any surprise players rise up draft boards?
    Every year, there are players who surprise scouts and analysts with their performances leading up to the draft. Teams with top-10 picks will need to be prepared for the possibility of a prospect emerging as a top target in the weeks leading up to the draft.

    5. How will teams factor in character and off-field issues?
    In addition to on-field talent, teams must also consider a prospect’s character and off-field behavior when making their selections. Teams with top-10 picks will need to carefully evaluate whether a player’s off-field issues could impact their performance and potential in the NFL.

    Overall, the 2025 NFL draft is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable event for teams with top-10 picks. With so many talented prospects available, these teams will need to carefully consider all of these questions as they prepare to make their selections and set the course for their future success.

    Tags:

    1. 2025 NFL draft
    2. NFL draft 2025
    3. Top 10 picks
    4. NFL draft teams
    5. NFL draft questions
    6. NFL draft analysis
    7. NFL draft prospects
    8. NFL draft predictions
    9. NFL draft strategy
    10. NFL draft prospects 2025

    #NFL #draft #Big #questions #teams #top10 #picks

  • Coaches Poll top 25: Ohio State at No. 1, Indiana lands top-10 finish in final college football rankings


    will-howard.png
    USATSI

    The 2024 college football season ended Monday with Ohio State outlasting Notre Dame to win the program’s first national title since the 2014 campaign. The Buckeyes jumped six spots from their final regular season ranking to finish as the No. 1 team for the first time since capturing the national title in the first year of the four-team CFP over a decade ago.

    Notre Dame finished behind Ohio State in the poll after defeating Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State to make the program’s first title game appearance since the 2012 season. The Fighting Irish were followed by Texas, Oregon, and Penn State to round out the top five.

    Oregon spent most of the second half of the season as the top-ranked team in the poll and finished No. 4. The Ducks ended their season with a 13-1 mark with the lone loss coming against the eventual national champions in the Rose Bowl. Georgia finished No. 6 after capturing the SEC title and losing to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.

    AP Top 25 poll: Ohio State tops final college football rankings as Notre Dame, Oregon finish right behind

    Cameron Salerno

    AP Top 25 poll: Ohio State tops final college football rankings as Notre Dame, Oregon finish right behind

    Coaches Poll top 25

    1. Ohio State
    2. Notre Dame
    3. Texas
    4. Oregon
    5. Penn State
    6. Georgia
    7. Arizona State
    8. Tennessee
    9. Boise State
    10. Indiana
    T-11. SMU
    T-11. Clemson
    13. Ole Miss
    14. BYU
    15. Iowa State
    16. Illinois
    17. Alabama
    18. Miami
    19. South Carolina
    20. Missouri 
    21. Army
    22. Syracuse
    23. Memphis
    24. UNLV
    25. Colorado





    In the latest Coaches Poll top 25 rankings, Ohio State has secured the top spot, cementing their dominance in college football. The Buckeyes had an impressive season, finishing with a record of 13-1 and claiming the national championship title.

    Meanwhile, Indiana has also made waves in the rankings, landing a top-10 finish. The Hoosiers had a standout season, finishing with a record of 10-2 and proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the college football world.

    It’s clear that both Ohio State and Indiana have shown their strength and skill throughout the season, earning their well-deserved spots in the final Coaches Poll top 25 rankings. Congratulations to both teams on their impressive accomplishments!

    Tags:

    1. Coaches Poll top 25
    2. Ohio State No. 1
    3. Indiana top-10 finish
    4. College football rankings
    5. NCAA football
    6. Ohio State Buckeyes
    7. Indiana Hoosiers
    8. Final rankings
    9. Top college football teams
    10. College football standings

    #Coaches #Poll #top #Ohio #State #Indiana #lands #top10 #finish #final #college #football #rankings

  • Top-10 Pick’s ‘Limitless’ Potential Limited By Grizzlies


    During their loss to the Houston Rockets, two generations of Memphis Grizzlies centers were able to test each other’s mettle. On Houston’s side was strongman Steven Adams, who the Grizzlies traded last season. On Memphis’ side was Zach Edey, who they selected ninth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Adams’ night ended better. Aside from coming away from the win, Edey fouled out with six points and seven rebounds in the fourth quarter. However, like many others, he came away impressed by the two-time AP Player of the Year. “Really good potential,” Adams tells Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal.…

    Read more at Last Word On Basketball






    The Memphis Grizzlies snagged a promising talent in the 2021 NBA Draft with the selection of Ziaire Williams as the 10th overall pick. Williams, a forward out of Stanford, has been touted for his versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability. However, despite his potential and upside, Williams’ development may be hindered by the Grizzlies’ crowded rotation and established core.

    With a roster already featuring young stars like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Dillon Brooks, Williams may struggle to find consistent playing time and opportunities to showcase his skills. The Grizzlies’ focus on competing for a playoff spot could also limit Williams’ development, as the team may prioritize short-term success over long-term growth for their rookie.

    While Williams has the talent and potential to be a valuable contributor for the Grizzlies in the future, it remains to be seen how much of an impact he will be able to make in his rookie season. The team’s depth and competitive landscape may present challenges for Williams to establish himself and reach his full potential.

    Despite these limitations, Williams’ limitless potential should not be overlooked. With the right opportunities and development, he could prove to be a valuable asset for the Grizzlies and a key piece in their future success. It will be interesting to see how Williams navigates these obstacles and carves out his place in Memphis’ rotation in the coming seasons.

    Tags:

    1. Top-10 Picks
    2. Limitless Potential
    3. Memphis Grizzlies
    4. NBA Draft
    5. Rookie Players
    6. Basketball Prospects
    7. Future NBA Stars
    8. Talent Evaluation
    9. Draft Analysis
    10. Player Development

    #Top10 #Picks #Limitless #Potential #Limited #Grizzlies

  • Victor Wembanyama at the 100-game mark: Is Wemby already a top-10 player in the NBA?

    Victor Wembanyama at the 100-game mark: Is Wemby already a top-10 player in the NBA?


    There is no denying Victor Wembanyama has exceeded expectations as an NBA phenom. But how good has he been? Is he already a top-10 player in the league in only his second season?

    With the Spurs star playing in his 100th NBA game on Friday — and turning 21 on Saturday! — our staff puts his early career into perspective and explores his ultimate ceiling.


    Vincent Goodwill: 100. What hasn’t he done? What can’t he do? Leap tall buildings in a single bound? Block shots, start a fast break and finish it before you can inhale/exhale? He’s done all of that and hasn’t had to commandeer the Spurs’ offense. Last year, nobody knew how to give him the ball, or didn’t want to, and he still dominated. This year, more of the same. OK, back-to-the-basket game, mid-post game, he’s working on it. But he’s not even a season and a half in.

    Tom Haberstroh: 99. Like the greats, he’s exceeded great expectations. At 7-foot-5 — don’t give me that 7-foot-3 nonsense — Wemby warps the game in ways we’ve never seen at his age. If he’s this good before his 21st birthday, I shudder to think what he’ll be ahead of his 31st birthday. A playoff visit with this roster will bump this up to a 100.

    Morten Stig Jensen: 95. My interpretation of 100 is Wilt/Kareem/MJ territory, so Wemby falls just short, in some part due to the fact that his first 30 or so games were significantly under par for how he’s played since — and yes, that was indeed San Antonio’s fault, but it still happened. He’s got plenty of areas to further improve upon, such as lowering turnovers, optimizing his playmaking and getting his shot-selection more under control, which makes him all that more ridiculous of a player. Ninety-five for a guy who’s going to see exponential improvements over the next five seasons is like starting a video game with all cheats toggled on.

    Ben Rohrbach: 100. I’m not sure we could have reasonably expected anything other than what Wembanyama has done, which is establish himself as a bona fide candidate for All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year in his sophomore season. Averaging a 26-10-4, plus a handful of blocks and steals per game, on 48/36/88 shooting splits for a team that is vying for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, all at the age of 21, is just insane.

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 25: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2024 in New York City. 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 Luke Hales/Getty Images)NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 25: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2024 in New York City. 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 Luke Hales/Getty Images)

    The Victor Wembanyama takeover has begun. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)


    Jensen: Remember in February last season when he was one assist short of the rare 5×5 line? Media outlets worldwide still wrote about how the just-turned 20-year-old nearly got it, praised him for the valiant effort, and then the dude went out and ACTUALLY DID IT just 24 hours later. That’s the stuff of legends right there. I’m just waiting for the inevitable Player of the Week award where he’s tallied a 5×5 three times straight.

    Haberstroh: If Big Vic were a team, he’d rank 14th in blocks among all teams in the last 10 games. Better than the average team. By himself. And it’s not just the blocks. If it holds, he’d become the first player to average at least three blocks and three 3-pointers for the season — a fact we pointed out on The Big Number last month. Since that show taping, he’s somehow raised the bar, averaging a preposterous — dare I say alien-like — 5.3 blocks and 4.4 3-pointers. Y’all, he turns 21 on Saturday.

    Rohrbach: It is not just that Wembanyama is the leading candidate for DPOY. He is the best defensive player in the league by a wide margin. The numbers back it up. His length changes the shape of the floor. We can reasonably assume he will submit the greatest defensive season ever at some point in the near future, and then keep topping it for the remainder of the decade.

    Goodwill: We’re in a league where Anthony Davis exists, and Rudy Gobert keeps permanent residence of the DPOY award, and Bam Adebayo might be the most versatile defender on Earth and yet we all acknowledge he’s the guy. The blocks, the steals, the unattempted shots because he’s lurking. Poor Evan Mobley and Chet Holmgren, they would have the market cornered for skinny bigs if this alien didn’t come along.


    Rohrbach: True. In a world where Rudy Gobert has made four All-NBA rosters, we finally have an answer to the question: What if that dude were also awesome at offense? He wouldn’t just be one of the 15 most impactful players in the league. He would be top-10, no question about it.

    Goodwill: True. We’re no longer in a world where we can assume Steph, KD and LeBron are automatically installed in the top 10. Perhaps they live on the back end, but the transition is here, at least in terms of efficiency and consistency. Big Slim might be a top-five player, knocking on the Jokić/SGA/Luka door because he affects the game in so many profound ways. Just go look at that Christmas game at MSG. I don’t care the Spurs lost, he was the best player on the floor.

    Haberstroh: True. Real talk, he’s already a top-five player. By some advanced metrics, like Estimated Plus-Minus, he’s been a top-three player this season. If Wemby enjoyed the luxury of the supporting casts of OKC, Boston, Milwaukee or Denver, he’d be a legit MVP candidate. Alas, the second-most points on the Spurs roster belong to Julian Champagnie.

    Jensen: True. He’s bridged the gap between his offense and defense to a point where it’s impossible to argue against him for a top-10 spot. If you’re one of the best, if not the best, defender in the NBA, and you’re popping 25 efficient points per game, you’re automatically in the conversation. Add 10 rebounds and damn-near four assists per game, while lifting your otherwise pedestrian team to a plus-.500 record in the Western Conference, and it becomes indisputable.


    Haberstroh: He’ll play at an MVP level. Whether the Spurs front office supports him with enough winning players is another story. Individually, I expect a half-dozen 5×5 games, millions of new fans and hopefully a lower turnover rate. I hesitate to put a lid on the guy, but at this rate, he’ll snatch the torch from LeBron and Steph as the face of the league before those next 100 games are through.

    Rohrbach: The playoffs. As the current 10th seed in the Western Conference, Wembanyama’s Spurs have some work to do to guarantee themselves a playoff spot, but he is that work. If the Wembanyama we saw in the Olympics — or the Wembanyama we have seen in recent weeks — is what we will get in the play-in tournament, the Spurs will be a nightmare in any one-game scenario, and I like my chances with the 7-foot-5 dude who can do everything.

    Jensen: The first 100 games represented The Introduction. The next 100 games will represent The Fear. Not for him, but for everyone else. The Spurs are loaded with draft picks, have tradeable contracts and should make every semi-older contender feel a deep breath down the back of their necks. Obviously, Wembanyama will be the main cog of that Spurs team, and the franchise will go as far as he does. Given that Wembanyama’s potential is basically limitless, teams better win now while they still can.

    Goodwill: Who knows how the numbers will look, but the team should look markedly better in the next year and a half. Again, the transition has happened at the top — Oklahoma City, Houston, Memphis — while the teams with the graybeards are scrambling for scraps. Wembanyama’s growth will be measured by the Spurs knowing exactly what to put around him, so he doesn’t have to work so hard to get his numbers. It’s more on the team than the player, these next 100.


    Goodwill: He can do anything, be anything — he can measure up to where Hakeem and Duncan sit on these ridiculous but sometimes fun GOAT lists. He’ll own the defensive player of the year awards with reasonable health. One would assume a couple MVPs are in play. Who knows how long he’ll dominate, but he will dominate in this league full of parity. He’ll have his ultimate moments, but with the way the league is set up, it’s not designed to last very long.

    Haberstroh: The GOAT. I’m not predicting he’ll pass Mike and LeBron and get there. I just don’t know how you look at his age, his length, his durability, his motor, his skill-set and not see his potential as being higher than anyone who has ever picked up a basketball. If he plays 86 percent of his teams’ games like he has up to this point, he has a good chance of sitting atop the mountain.

    Jensen: The Kareem comparison is one I’ve liked for a while, even if their playing styles differ significantly. The overall imprint on a game is similar, only with Wembanyama being able to stretch the floor, and thus incorporate himself into the new age NBA. That’s the individual perspective, however. The greats are always evaluated on winning, and we’re seeing a player here who could win multiple championships, multiple MVPs and lock down Defensive Player of the Year for a decade. We can’t shy away from it: His ultimate ceiling is GOAT territory.

    Rohrbach: MVP. Champion. Multiple times at both. All-timer. GOAT? He has no ceiling.



    Victor Wembanyama at the 100-game mark: Is Wemby already a top-10 player in the NBA?

    Victor Wembanyama, the highly touted French prospect, has taken the NBA by storm in his first 100 games. With his rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism, Wembanyama has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the league.

    At just 20 years old, Wembanyama is already making a significant impact on both ends of the floor. His shot-blocking ability is second to none, and he has shown flashes of offensive brilliance, displaying a smooth shooting stroke and impressive post moves.

    But the question remains: is Wembanyama already a top-10 player in the NBA? While his potential is sky-high, it may be premature to place him in the top tier of players in the league. Wembanyama still has room to grow and develop his game, particularly on the defensive end where he can improve his positioning and decision-making.

    That being said, Wembanyama’s upside is undeniable. If he continues to progress at his current rate, it won’t be long before he is mentioned among the elite players in the NBA. For now, let’s enjoy watching Wembanyama’s meteoric rise and appreciate the special talent that he is becoming.

    Tags:

    1. Victor Wembanyama
    2. NBA player
    3. Top 10 player
    4. Basketball player
    5. NBA prospects
    6. Young talent
    7. NBA rankings
    8. Victor Wembanyama highlights
    9. NBA future star
    10. Wemby’s potential

    #Victor #Wembanyama #100game #mark #Wemby #top10 #player #NBA

  • Illinois opens the 2025 calendar year with a trip to the Pacific Northwest to face new Big Ten members Oregon and Washington, beginning Thursday night in Eugene against the No. 9-ranked Ducks (9 p.m. CT, FS1).

  • This starts a stretch for Illinois with four of its next six games on the road. Illinois is 0-1 in true road games this season, and 2-2 away from home.

  • Illinois is looking for its first road win over a top-10 team since beating No. 7 Ohio State on March 6, 2021.

  • Illinois is 2-2 against ranked teams this season, with wins over No. 19 Arkansas and No. 20 Wisconsin.

  • Illinois leads the Big Ten in the latest NCAA NET rankings at No. 11, one spot of ahead of Oregon.

  • Brad Underwood has led the Illini program to Top-25 rankings in six consecutive seasons. Illinois has been ranked for four weeks so far this year, currently at No. 22.

  • With Sunday’s win over Chicago State, Underwood recorded his 152nd victory at Illinois, moving into sole possession of fourth place on the school’s all-time coaching wins list.

  • Junior guard Kylan Boswell recorded the seventh triple-double in Illinois history and fifth of the Underwood era against Chicago State, tallying 18 points, career-high 10 rebounds, and career-high 10 assists.

  • Over the last four games, Boswell is averaging 15.8 points (63), 7.5 rebounds (30), and 5.5 assists (22).

  • Point guard Kasparas Jakucionis scored 20+ points in six straight games from Nov. 25-Dec. 22, shattering the Illini freshman record for consecutive 20-point games (previous record was two).

  • Jakucionis became the fourth Big Ten freshman since 1996-97 with at least six-straight 20-point games, and the first to do so since Indiana’s Eric Gordon had seven in a row in 2007.

  • While his 20-point game streak was snapped with a 14-point outing vs. Chicago State, Jakucionis is still averaging 20.7 points (145) over the last seven games, knocking down an average of 3.0 threes per game (21) on 47.7% from 3-point range (21-44) along with 88.4% from the foul line (38-43).• Tomislav Ivisic is coming off a career-and game-high 23-point performance vs. Chicago State, ending a streak of six games in a row by Jakucionis as Illinois’ leading scorer.

  • Ivisic has recorded six double-doubles through 12 games, ranking second in the Big Ten behind Northwestern’s Brooks Barnhizer for most in the Big Ten this season and tied for 15th in the NCAA.

  • Following the 2024 Elite Eight appearance and Big Ten Tournament Championship, Illinois has a dramatically different roster this season. The program returns just one rotation player – last year’s ninth-leading scorer Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn – and returns just 2.9% of its minutes, 2.2% of its points, and 2.0% of its rebounds overall

  • Newcomers to the Illini roster have accounted for 92.4% of the team’s scoring so far (958 of 1,037 total points), with UI freshmen accounting for 39.5% of those points (410).

  • Illinois’ top three scorers and rebounders are all in their first year of collegiate basketball. Freshman G Kasparas Jakucionis ranks first in scoring (16.3 ppg) and third in rebounding (5.6 rpg).

  • Sophomore C Tomislav Ivisic nearly averages a double-double at 14.7 points and team-leading 9.3 rebounds per game. Freshman F Will Riley is the Illini’s No. 3 scorer at 12.6 points per game. And Freshman F Morez Johnson Jr. ranks second on the team at 6.5 rebounds per game.

  • Only 12 games into his college career, Jakucionis already has six 20-point games, just two away from equaling the Illini all-time record for 20-point games by a freshman. Cory Bradford (1998-99) set the current Illini mark with eight, followed by Ayo Dosunmu (2018-19) and Kiwane Garris (1993-94) at seven each.

  • Jakucionis is the fifth freshman of the Underwood era to record at least five total 20-point games in his rookie season, joining Dosunmu (7 in 2018-19), Trent Frazier (5 in 2017-18), Giorgi Bezhanishvili (5 in 2018-19), and Kofi Cockburn (5 in 2019-20).

  • Jakucionis enters 2025 on pace to break the Illini freshman scoring average record of 15.9 ppg set by Kiwane Garris 31 years ago.

  • Freshman Morez Johnson Jr. is averaging 8.5 points (17) and 8.0 rebounds over the last two games.

  • Tomislav Ivisic is the No. 2 rebounder in the Big Ten at 9.3 rpg, trailing only Michigan’s Danny Wolf (10.2).

  • Illinois currently ranks 13th in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (94.3), its highest ranking since the 2021 season (7th) and second-best ranking of the Underwood era.

  • Illinois stands fourth nationally in effective field goal percentage defense (.418), ranking fourth in 3-point defense (.269) and ninth in 2-point defense (.425).

  • Illinois leads the Big Ten in nine statistical categories, with the following NCAA rankings: defensive rebounds per game (1st; 32.3), total rebounds per game (2nd, 45.4), rebound margin (5th, 12.4), 3-point attempts per game (6th in NCAA, 32.2), 3-point percentage defense (7th; .269), field goal percentage defense (8th; .372), 3-pointers made per game (17th; 10.8), free throw attempts per game (18th, 25.3), and offensive rebounds per game (52nd, 13.1).

  • According to KenPom, the Illini rank eighth nationally, and third among Power Conference programs, with a 3-point attempt rate (3-point attempts/total field goal attempts) of 51.0%.

  • The Illini’s scoring average of 86.4 ppg is the team’s highest since the 1989 Flyin’ Illini also averaged 86.4 ppg en route to a Final Four appearance.

  • Illinois’ scoring margin of +20.8 points per game is on pace for the top mark in program history, surpassing the 1942-43 Illini, which outscored opponents by 20.6 points per game. The team’s top mark since 1960 is +15.9 set in 2004-05.

  • Illinois ranks second nationally in rebounding at 45.4 boards per game, on pace for the program’s best average in 53 seasons, since posting 48.0 rebounds per contest in 1971-72. The Orange and Blue have outrebounded their opponents in 11 of 12 games this season.

  • Illinois is the winningest team in the Big Ten since 2019-20, registering a 70-32 (.686) mark in league play. And when including the conference tournament, the Illini have a league-best 76 wins during this time span. The Illini won the 2024 Big Ten Tournament championship as the #2 seed, captured the regular season championship in 2022, and led the conference in wins while adding a B1G Tournament crown in 2021.

  • Head coach Brad Underwood has also led Illinois to the Big Ten’s best road record since the start of the 2019-20 season. During that span, the Illini are 29-22 (.569) in conference road matchups, and have finished .500 or better in four of the last five seasons.



The Illinois Fighting Illini are gearing up for a tough test as they head to Eugene to take on the #9 ranked Oregon Ducks on Thursday night. This matchup will be a true test of the Illini’s mettle as they face a top-10 opponent on the road.

Illinois is coming off a solid win over Kansas City, but they will need to bring their A-game against a talented Oregon team. The Ducks are led by standout guard Will Richardson, who is averaging over 16 points per game this season. The Illini will need to contain Richardson and limit his scoring opportunities if they want to come out on top.

This game will also be a test of Illinois’ depth and versatility. The Illini have multiple scoring threats, including Kofi Cockburn and Trent Frazier, who will need to step up and provide support for their team. The Illini will need to play solid defense and execute on offense if they want to pull off the upset on the road.

Overall, this matchup promises to be an exciting and competitive game between two talented teams. The Illini will need to bring their best effort if they want to come away with a win against a top-10 opponent. Tune in Thursday night to see if Illinois can rise to the challenge and come out on top against the Oregon Ducks. #GoIllini #IlliniBasketball #Top10Challenge

Tags:

Illini basketball, Illinois basketball, Oregon Ducks, NCAA basketball, college basketball, Top-10 matchup, Illinois vs Oregon, Thursday night basketball, Illini vs Ducks, sports rivalry, NCAA tournament implications.

#Illini #Face #Top10 #Challenge #Thursday #Night #Oregon