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Louisville lands transfer portal’s top overall player and elite point guard in massive haul  


	
	TEMPE, AZ – MARCH 3: Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) looks on during the college basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 3, 2026 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images	

The Louisville Cardinals became the biggest winner of the transfer portal in men’s college basketball with a 1-2 punch that could immediate vault them into position as one of the top teams in the country for the 2026-2027 season. 

Flory Bidunga was by far the top player available in the transfer portal, and he chose Louisville over Duke, Michigan, and St. John’s on Sunday. Bidunga also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, so it’s possible he never steps foot on campus, but it feels more likely than not that he ends up with the Cardinals. The bouncy 6’10 big man is coming off a terrific sophomore year at Kansas where he emerged as one of the country’s best rim protectors as well a terrifying lob threat and dominant presence on the offensive glass. Bidunga is considered a fringe first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he would likely get significantly more money from Louisville than at his draft slot. 

Louisville also landed a commitment from former Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad on Sunday. Shelstad only played 12 games last season with a hand injury, but he looked like one of the better lead guards in the country last time he played a full season as a sophomore. The 6-foot guard ripped 38 percent of his threes in his last full season in 2024-25, and he seemed to be making a big leap as a playmaker before the injury. Shelstad is reportedly applying for a medical redshirt, so it’s possible he’ll have two years of college elibility left. 

Bidunga and Shelstad’s commitments were framed as a packaged deal by ESPN. The Cardinals were also one of the biggest winners of last year’s transfer portal, but still couldn’t win a game in the NCAA tournament as star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was limited with a back injury. Louisville is expected to return Adrian Wooley, who could also be in for a breakout junior season. 

Cards head coach Pat Kelsey hit a grand slam in the transfer portal. With Duke lacking a star on the level of Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer next season, and North Carolina just starting to rebuild with new coach Mike Malone, it’s possible Louisville just became the preseason favorites in the ACC as long as Bidunga doesn’t jump to the draft.   #Louisville #lands #transfer #portals #top #player #elite #point #guard #massive #haul

Louisville lands transfer portal’s top overall player and elite point guard in massive haul
Louisville lands transfer portal’s top overall player and elite point guard in massive haul  


	
	TEMPE, AZ – MARCH 3: Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) looks on during the college basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 3, 2026 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images	

The Louisville Cardinals became the biggest winner of the transfer portal in men’s college basketball with a 1-2 punch that could immediate vault them into position as one of the top teams in the country for the 2026-2027 season. 

Flory Bidunga was by far the top player available in the transfer portal, and he chose Louisville over Duke, Michigan, and St. John’s on Sunday. Bidunga also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, so it’s possible he never steps foot on campus, but it feels more likely than not that he ends up with the Cardinals. The bouncy 6’10 big man is coming off a terrific sophomore year at Kansas where he emerged as one of the country’s best rim protectors as well a terrifying lob threat and dominant presence on the offensive glass. Bidunga is considered a fringe first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he would likely get significantly more money from Louisville than at his draft slot. 

Louisville also landed a commitment from former Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad on Sunday. Shelstad only played 12 games last season with a hand injury, but he looked like one of the better lead guards in the country last time he played a full season as a sophomore. The 6-foot guard ripped 38 percent of his threes in his last full season in 2024-25, and he seemed to be making a big leap as a playmaker before the injury. Shelstad is reportedly applying for a medical redshirt, so it’s possible he’ll have two years of college elibility left. 

Bidunga and Shelstad’s commitments were framed as a packaged deal by ESPN. The Cardinals were also one of the biggest winners of last year’s transfer portal, but still couldn’t win a game in the NCAA tournament as star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was limited with a back injury. Louisville is expected to return Adrian Wooley, who could also be in for a breakout junior season. 

Cards head coach Pat Kelsey hit a grand slam in the transfer portal. With Duke lacking a star on the level of Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer next season, and North Carolina just starting to rebuild with new coach Mike Malone, it’s possible Louisville just became the preseason favorites in the ACC as long as Bidunga doesn’t jump to the draft.   #Louisville #lands #transfer #portals #top #player #elite #point #guard #massive #haul
TEMPE, AZ – MARCH 3: Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) looks on during the college basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 3, 2026 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Louisville Cardinals became the biggest winner of the transfer portal in men’s college basketball with a 1-2 punch that could immediate vault them into position as one of the top teams in the country for the 2026-2027 season.

Flory Bidunga was by far the top player available in the transfer portal, and he chose Louisville over Duke, Michigan, and St. John’s on Sunday. Bidunga also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, so it’s possible he never steps foot on campus, but it feels more likely than not that he ends up with the Cardinals. The bouncy 6’10 big man is coming off a terrific sophomore year at Kansas where he emerged as one of the country’s best rim protectors as well a terrifying lob threat and dominant presence on the offensive glass. Bidunga is considered a fringe first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he would likely get significantly more money from Louisville than at his draft slot.

Louisville also landed a commitment from former Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad on Sunday. Shelstad only played 12 games last season with a hand injury, but he looked like one of the better lead guards in the country last time he played a full season as a sophomore. The 6-foot guard ripped 38 percent of his threes in his last full season in 2024-25, and he seemed to be making a big leap as a playmaker before the injury. Shelstad is reportedly applying for a medical redshirt, so it’s possible he’ll have two years of college elibility left.

Bidunga and Shelstad’s commitments were framed as a packaged deal by ESPN. The Cardinals were also one of the biggest winners of last year’s transfer portal, but still couldn’t win a game in the NCAA tournament as star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was limited with a back injury. Louisville is expected to return Adrian Wooley, who could also be in for a breakout junior season.

Cards head coach Pat Kelsey hit a grand slam in the transfer portal. With Duke lacking a star on the level of Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer next season, and North Carolina just starting to rebuild with new coach Mike Malone, it’s possible Louisville just became the preseason favorites in the ACC as long as Bidunga doesn’t jump to the draft.

#Louisville #lands #transfer #portals #top #player #elite #point #guard #massive #haul

TEMPE, AZ – MARCH 3: Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) looks on during the college basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 3, 2026 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Louisville Cardinals became the biggest winner of the transfer portal in men’s college basketball with a 1-2 punch that could immediate vault them into position as one of the top teams in the country for the 2026-2027 season.

Flory Bidunga was by far the top player available in the transfer portal, and he chose Louisville over Duke, Michigan, and St. John’s on Sunday. Bidunga also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, so it’s possible he never steps foot on campus, but it feels more likely than not that he ends up with the Cardinals. The bouncy 6’10 big man is coming off a terrific sophomore year at Kansas where he emerged as one of the country’s best rim protectors as well a terrifying lob threat and dominant presence on the offensive glass. Bidunga is considered a fringe first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he would likely get significantly more money from Louisville than at his draft slot.

Louisville also landed a commitment from former Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad on Sunday. Shelstad only played 12 games last season with a hand injury, but he looked like one of the better lead guards in the country last time he played a full season as a sophomore. The 6-foot guard ripped 38 percent of his threes in his last full season in 2024-25, and he seemed to be making a big leap as a playmaker before the injury. Shelstad is reportedly applying for a medical redshirt, so it’s possible he’ll have two years of college elibility left.

Bidunga and Shelstad’s commitments were framed as a packaged deal by ESPN. The Cardinals were also one of the biggest winners of last year’s transfer portal, but still couldn’t win a game in the NCAA tournament as star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was limited with a back injury. Louisville is expected to return Adrian Wooley, who could also be in for a breakout junior season.

Cards head coach Pat Kelsey hit a grand slam in the transfer portal. With Duke lacking a star on the level of Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer next season, and North Carolina just starting to rebuild with new coach Mike Malone, it’s possible Louisville just became the preseason favorites in the ACC as long as Bidunga doesn’t jump to the draft.

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#Louisville #lands #transfer #portals #top #player #elite #point #guard #massive #haul

Deadspin | Rookie Parker Messick dominant as Guardians shut out Braves  Apr 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) walks off the field against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images   Parker Messick continued the impressive start to his career by tossing 6 2/3 strong innings Saturday night, earning the win as the Cleveland Guardians beat the host Atlanta Braves 6-0 in the middle contest of a three-game interleague series.  Jose Ramirez homered in the first for the Guardians, who have won three of four. Five players had a hit apiece for the Braves, who had their three-game winning streak snapped.  Messick (2-0) gave up four hits and walked two while striking out five. The Braves built their lone threat against the left-hander in the fifth, when Ronald Acuna Jr. tripled with two outs before Messick struck out Drake Baldwin.  The 25-year-old rookie lowered his ERA this season to 0.51 and dropped his career ERA to 2.04 in 10 starts dating back to last year.  Right-hander Connor Brogdon got the final out of the seventh before Erik Sabrowski threw a perfect eighth and Shawn Armstrong struck out two in a one-hit ninth to complete the Guardians’ first shutout victory of the season.  The Braves were blanked for the first time this year.   Cleveland’s Rhys Hoskins had an RBI groundout in the sixth and Chase DeLauter laced a run-scoring double in the eighth before Cleveland added three insurance runs in the ninth in unusual fashion.  Steven Kwan walked with two outs and stole second base, took third when catcher Jonah Heim couldn’t find the ball in the dirt and scored when Heim’s throw to third sailed into left field. Angel Martinez and Ramirez walked, then Daniel Schneemann then hit a two-run single.  Ramirez and Martinez had two hits apiece. Ramirez swiped a pair of bases while Martinez also had a theft.  Atlanta starter Martin Perez (0-1) took the hard-luck loss after allowing one run on two hits and three walks while striking out two over five innings. The 35-year-old left-hander, who is pitching for his seventh big league team, lowered his ERA to 3.14 in three games (two starts).  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rookie #Parker #Messick #dominant #Guardians #shut #BravesApr 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) walks off the field against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Parker Messick continued the impressive start to his career by tossing 6 2/3 strong innings Saturday night, earning the win as the Cleveland Guardians beat the host Atlanta Braves 6-0 in the middle contest of a three-game interleague series.

Jose Ramirez homered in the first for the Guardians, who have won three of four. Five players had a hit apiece for the Braves, who had their three-game winning streak snapped.

Messick (2-0) gave up four hits and walked two while striking out five. The Braves built their lone threat against the left-hander in the fifth, when Ronald Acuna Jr. tripled with two outs before Messick struck out Drake Baldwin.

The 25-year-old rookie lowered his ERA this season to 0.51 and dropped his career ERA to 2.04 in 10 starts dating back to last year.

Right-hander Connor Brogdon got the final out of the seventh before Erik Sabrowski threw a perfect eighth and Shawn Armstrong struck out two in a one-hit ninth to complete the Guardians’ first shutout victory of the season.


The Braves were blanked for the first time this year.

Cleveland’s Rhys Hoskins had an RBI groundout in the sixth and Chase DeLauter laced a run-scoring double in the eighth before Cleveland added three insurance runs in the ninth in unusual fashion.

Steven Kwan walked with two outs and stole second base, took third when catcher Jonah Heim couldn’t find the ball in the dirt and scored when Heim’s throw to third sailed into left field. Angel Martinez and Ramirez walked, then Daniel Schneemann then hit a two-run single.

Ramirez and Martinez had two hits apiece. Ramirez swiped a pair of bases while Martinez also had a theft.

Atlanta starter Martin Perez (0-1) took the hard-luck loss after allowing one run on two hits and three walks while striking out two over five innings. The 35-year-old left-hander, who is pitching for his seventh big league team, lowered his ERA to 3.14 in three games (two starts).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rookie #Parker #Messick #dominant #Guardians #shut #Braves">Deadspin | Rookie Parker Messick dominant as Guardians shut out Braves  Apr 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) walks off the field against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images   Parker Messick continued the impressive start to his career by tossing 6 2/3 strong innings Saturday night, earning the win as the Cleveland Guardians beat the host Atlanta Braves 6-0 in the middle contest of a three-game interleague series.  Jose Ramirez homered in the first for the Guardians, who have won three of four. Five players had a hit apiece for the Braves, who had their three-game winning streak snapped.  Messick (2-0) gave up four hits and walked two while striking out five. The Braves built their lone threat against the left-hander in the fifth, when Ronald Acuna Jr. tripled with two outs before Messick struck out Drake Baldwin.  The 25-year-old rookie lowered his ERA this season to 0.51 and dropped his career ERA to 2.04 in 10 starts dating back to last year.  Right-hander Connor Brogdon got the final out of the seventh before Erik Sabrowski threw a perfect eighth and Shawn Armstrong struck out two in a one-hit ninth to complete the Guardians’ first shutout victory of the season.  The Braves were blanked for the first time this year.   Cleveland’s Rhys Hoskins had an RBI groundout in the sixth and Chase DeLauter laced a run-scoring double in the eighth before Cleveland added three insurance runs in the ninth in unusual fashion.  Steven Kwan walked with two outs and stole second base, took third when catcher Jonah Heim couldn’t find the ball in the dirt and scored when Heim’s throw to third sailed into left field. Angel Martinez and Ramirez walked, then Daniel Schneemann then hit a two-run single.  Ramirez and Martinez had two hits apiece. Ramirez swiped a pair of bases while Martinez also had a theft.  Atlanta starter Martin Perez (0-1) took the hard-luck loss after allowing one run on two hits and three walks while striking out two over five innings. The 35-year-old left-hander, who is pitching for his seventh big league team, lowered his ERA to 3.14 in three games (two starts).  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rookie #Parker #Messick #dominant #Guardians #shut #Braves

Kieron Pollard was unequivocal in his assessment of Jasprit Bumrah. Addressing the media on the eve of Mumbai Indians’ home game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the batting coach insisted the franchise was not “looking too much” into Bumrah’s wicket-less run.

“When the time comes to get wickets, he’ll get wickets. If not, and he’s economical, we’ll accept that as well,” Pollard said, backing the spearhead to come good.

But as the two heavyweight team clashed at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, Bumrah’s lean patch continued. He returned figures of 0 for 35 in four overs (economy 8.75), the most economical among the six bowlers used, yet unable to provide the breakthroughs Mumbai Indians desperately needed as RCB piled up a daunting 240.

Against a star-studded batting unit, Mumbai’s bowlers were put under sustained pressure from the outset. Bumrah, often relied upon to break partnerships or stem the flow of runs, found himself operating in damage-control mode.

He began with a 10-run over, with Virat Kohli welcoming him with a deft boundary over short third. While he managed to keep things tight thereafter, the early opportunity to make an inroad slipped by.

Reintroduced in the sixth over, shortly after Mitchell Santner conceded 22 runs, Bumrah briefly restored control, giving away just six. It was a reminder of his discipline and control, even on a night when the margins were unforgiving.

However, wickets remained elusive. With Phil Salt and Kohli setting the tempo and attacking relentlessly, Mumbai Indians struggled to find a way through.

In his second spell, Bumrah delivered a tidy seven-run over, but the penultimate over tilted the balance again. Tim David took him on, striking a four and a six as Bumrah conceded 13 runs, a rare sight for a bowler who usually thrives at the death.

So far this season, Bumrah has conceded 123 runs in four matches without a wicket, an unusual stretch for a bowler of his calibre. The last time he endured a similar phase was back in 2014, when he went four matches without a breakthrough.

For Mumbai Indians, the concern is not just the lack of wickets, but the absence of those decisive interventions Bumrah has so often provided, the breakthroughs that halt momentum and shift matches.

The tournament, though, is still young. And the team would hope for Bumrah to rediscover his rhythm, because as history suggests, when Bumrah strikes, the balance often shifts with MI.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Bumrahs #wicketless #run #strange #confrontation #Mumbai #Indians">MI vs RCB, IPL 2026 — Bumrah’s wicket-less run a strange confrontation for Mumbai Indians  Kieron Pollard was unequivocal in his assessment of Jasprit Bumrah. Addressing the media on the eve of Mumbai Indians’ home game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the batting coach insisted the franchise was not “looking too much” into Bumrah’s wicket-less run.“When the time comes to get wickets, he’ll get wickets. If not, and he’s economical, we’ll accept that as well,” Pollard said, backing the spearhead to come good.But as the two heavyweight team clashed at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, Bumrah’s lean patch continued. He returned figures of 0 for 35 in four overs (economy 8.75), the most economical among the six bowlers used, yet unable to provide the breakthroughs Mumbai Indians desperately needed as RCB piled up a daunting 240.Against a star-studded batting unit, Mumbai’s bowlers were put under sustained pressure from the outset. Bumrah, often relied upon to break partnerships or stem the flow of runs, found himself operating in damage-control mode.He began with a 10-run over, with Virat Kohli welcoming him with a deft boundary over short third. While he managed to keep things tight thereafter, the early opportunity to make an inroad slipped by.Reintroduced in the sixth over, shortly after Mitchell Santner conceded 22 runs, Bumrah briefly restored control, giving away just six. It was a reminder of his discipline and control, even on a night when the margins were unforgiving.However, wickets remained elusive. With Phil Salt and Kohli setting the tempo and attacking relentlessly, Mumbai Indians struggled to find a way through.In his second spell, Bumrah delivered a tidy seven-run over, but the penultimate over tilted the balance again. Tim David took him on, striking a four and a six as Bumrah conceded 13 runs, a rare sight for a bowler who usually thrives at the death.So far this season, Bumrah has conceded 123 runs in four matches without a wicket, an unusual stretch for a bowler of his calibre. The last time he endured a similar phase was back in 2014, when he went four matches without a breakthrough.For Mumbai Indians, the concern is not just the lack of wickets, but the absence of those decisive interventions Bumrah has so often provided, the breakthroughs that halt momentum and shift matches.The tournament, though, is still young. And the team would hope for Bumrah to rediscover his rhythm, because as history suggests, when Bumrah strikes, the balance often shifts with MI.Published on Apr 12, 2026  #RCB #IPL #Bumrahs #wicketless #run #strange #confrontation #Mumbai #Indians

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