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Madrid Open 2026: Sinner criticises schedule after surging into quarterfinals  Jannik Sinner suggested the Madrid Open organisers should reconsider their tournament scheduling to avoid late-night finishes like the one Rafael Jodar experienced in the third round on Sunday.In a rare 11:00 am start on Tuesday, Sinner moved past British 19th seed Cameron Norrie 6-2, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals.He explained he was put on first on Manolo Santana Stadium so that Jodar, his potential next opponent, would be scheduled in the afternoon to give the Spaniard time to recover from his three-set win over Joao Fonseca that ended at 1:00 am on Monday morning.“It’s quite unusual for me,” Sinner told        Tennis TV about his early kick-off.“I don’t know the last time I played at 11. But for me it doesn’t matter what time. I try to do my best. For me, there was a question if it would be me or Jodar to play at 4. But I think it’s right he plays at 4, because he finished very, very late.“But at the same time, I feel like we need to make some adjustments to the scheduling of the day. Two matches (starting) from 8pm is very late. Even though you have one day in between. But still it’s very, very late. You finish at 1:30am, and you need to eat, you need to have treatment, so it’s very late. But we try to adapt ourselves, our bodies, our minds, so from my side it was a good performance today.”In his first-ever meeting with Norrie, Sinner won 81 percent of his first-serve points, and 63 percent of the points behind his second delivery on his way to notching a 25th consecutive victory at the Masters 1000 level.“We know each other quite well. We practised a lot in the last tournaments, also. So, we both knew what to expect. I was serving well today in the important moments,” said Sinner, who awaits Jodar of Vit Kopriva in the last-eight stage.The Italian World No. 1 is just the second man in series history to win his first 20 Masters 1000 matches of the season, joining Novak Djokovic, who achieved that feat twice, in 2011 and 2015.Sinner is competing in Madrid for just the fourth time in his career and is bidding to reach the semifinals for the first time in the Spanish capital.“This surface is very, very different than all the other surfaces, so it’s very tough to get the right feedback,” Sinner said after his win over Norrie.“Sometimes you feel like you’re not playing your best but from the outside it seems that you are, and sometimes it’s also the opposite. But I’m very happy to be in the quarters again. It’s a tournament I haven’t played a lot, so it means a lot to me and I’m happy to be through in two sets.”Meanwhile, last week’s Barcelona champion Arthur Fils advanced to the quarterfinals at the Caja Magica with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Argentine 25th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry.Fils, seeded 21 in Madrid, has made the quarter-finals in six of the seven tournaments he has contested so far in 2026 .The Frenchman will take on Lorenzo Musetti or Jiri Lehecka for a place in the final four.Published on Apr 28, 2026  #Madrid #Open #Sinner #criticises #schedule #surging #quarterfinals

Madrid Open 2026: Sinner criticises schedule after surging into quarterfinals

Jannik Sinner suggested the Madrid Open organisers should reconsider their tournament scheduling to avoid late-night finishes like the one Rafael Jodar experienced in the third round on Sunday.

In a rare 11:00 am start on Tuesday, Sinner moved past British 19th seed Cameron Norrie 6-2, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals.

He explained he was put on first on Manolo Santana Stadium so that Jodar, his potential next opponent, would be scheduled in the afternoon to give the Spaniard time to recover from his three-set win over Joao Fonseca that ended at 1:00 am on Monday morning.

“It’s quite unusual for me,” Sinner told Tennis TV about his early kick-off.

“I don’t know the last time I played at 11. But for me it doesn’t matter what time. I try to do my best. For me, there was a question if it would be me or Jodar to play at 4. But I think it’s right he plays at 4, because he finished very, very late.

“But at the same time, I feel like we need to make some adjustments to the scheduling of the day. Two matches (starting) from 8pm is very late. Even though you have one day in between. But still it’s very, very late. You finish at 1:30am, and you need to eat, you need to have treatment, so it’s very late. But we try to adapt ourselves, our bodies, our minds, so from my side it was a good performance today.”

In his first-ever meeting with Norrie, Sinner won 81 percent of his first-serve points, and 63 percent of the points behind his second delivery on his way to notching a 25th consecutive victory at the Masters 1000 level.

“We know each other quite well. We practised a lot in the last tournaments, also. So, we both knew what to expect. I was serving well today in the important moments,” said Sinner, who awaits Jodar of Vit Kopriva in the last-eight stage.

The Italian World No. 1 is just the second man in series history to win his first 20 Masters 1000 matches of the season, joining Novak Djokovic, who achieved that feat twice, in 2011 and 2015.

Sinner is competing in Madrid for just the fourth time in his career and is bidding to reach the semifinals for the first time in the Spanish capital.

“This surface is very, very different than all the other surfaces, so it’s very tough to get the right feedback,” Sinner said after his win over Norrie.

“Sometimes you feel like you’re not playing your best but from the outside it seems that you are, and sometimes it’s also the opposite. But I’m very happy to be in the quarters again. It’s a tournament I haven’t played a lot, so it means a lot to me and I’m happy to be through in two sets.”

Meanwhile, last week’s Barcelona champion Arthur Fils advanced to the quarterfinals at the Caja Magica with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Argentine 25th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

Fils, seeded 21 in Madrid, has made the quarter-finals in six of the seven tournaments he has contested so far in 2026 .The Frenchman will take on Lorenzo Musetti or Jiri Lehecka for a place in the final four.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Sinner #criticises #schedule #surging #quarterfinals

Jannik Sinner suggested the Madrid Open organisers should reconsider their tournament scheduling to avoid late-night finishes like the one Rafael Jodar experienced in the third round on Sunday.

In a rare 11:00 am start on Tuesday, Sinner moved past British 19th seed Cameron Norrie 6-2, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals.

He explained he was put on first on Manolo Santana Stadium so that Jodar, his potential next opponent, would be scheduled in the afternoon to give the Spaniard time to recover from his three-set win over Joao Fonseca that ended at 1:00 am on Monday morning.

“It’s quite unusual for me,” Sinner told Tennis TV about his early kick-off.

“I don’t know the last time I played at 11. But for me it doesn’t matter what time. I try to do my best. For me, there was a question if it would be me or Jodar to play at 4. But I think it’s right he plays at 4, because he finished very, very late.

“But at the same time, I feel like we need to make some adjustments to the scheduling of the day. Two matches (starting) from 8pm is very late. Even though you have one day in between. But still it’s very, very late. You finish at 1:30am, and you need to eat, you need to have treatment, so it’s very late. But we try to adapt ourselves, our bodies, our minds, so from my side it was a good performance today.”

In his first-ever meeting with Norrie, Sinner won 81 percent of his first-serve points, and 63 percent of the points behind his second delivery on his way to notching a 25th consecutive victory at the Masters 1000 level.

“We know each other quite well. We practised a lot in the last tournaments, also. So, we both knew what to expect. I was serving well today in the important moments,” said Sinner, who awaits Jodar of Vit Kopriva in the last-eight stage.

The Italian World No. 1 is just the second man in series history to win his first 20 Masters 1000 matches of the season, joining Novak Djokovic, who achieved that feat twice, in 2011 and 2015.

Sinner is competing in Madrid for just the fourth time in his career and is bidding to reach the semifinals for the first time in the Spanish capital.

“This surface is very, very different than all the other surfaces, so it’s very tough to get the right feedback,” Sinner said after his win over Norrie.

“Sometimes you feel like you’re not playing your best but from the outside it seems that you are, and sometimes it’s also the opposite. But I’m very happy to be in the quarters again. It’s a tournament I haven’t played a lot, so it means a lot to me and I’m happy to be through in two sets.”

Meanwhile, last week’s Barcelona champion Arthur Fils advanced to the quarterfinals at the Caja Magica with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Argentine 25th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

Fils, seeded 21 in Madrid, has made the quarter-finals in six of the seven tournaments he has contested so far in 2026 .The Frenchman will take on Lorenzo Musetti or Jiri Lehecka for a place in the final four.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

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Deadspin | World Series star Trey Yesavage rejoins Blue Jays to face Red Sox <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28208779.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28208779.jpg" alt="MLB: Toronto Blue Jays-Workouts" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Feb 11, 2026; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) throws a bullpen session for spring training practice at Blue Jays Player Development Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Trey Yesavage will try to duplicate his magic from late in 2025 when he makes his season debut Tuesday night against the visiting Boston Red Sox.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Blue Jays dropped the opener of the three-game series against Boston 5-0 on Monday when they were held to two hits.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Yesavage began the season on the injured list with impingement in his right shoulder. He completed a minor league rehabilitation assignment, splitting four games (three starts) between Class-A Dunedin and Triple-A Buffalo, going 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“He checked all of the boxes that we had hoped for,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “I wasn’t really looking at results, more looking at his stuff and the plan we had laid out since spring training.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Yesavage went from Class-A to the majors in one swoop last season. He found himself back in the minors to start this season while working his way back to health, but this time he knew he would soon be back with Toronto.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I think I’ve handled it well,” Yesavage told Sportsnet. “My mindset was kind of like how I was in the minors, play so they have to bring you up here and whatnot, so just still having that competitive nature and being able to prove that I should be here. The toughest part is it’s kind of slow. I wish I could have been up here sooner.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>In three regular-season starts in 2025, Yesavage went 1-0 with a 3.21 and 16 strikeouts in 12 innings. In the postseason, he posted a 3-1 mark with a 3.58 ERA in six games (five starts), including a 1-0 record and a 2.08 ERA in the World Series, when he struck out 12 and walked one in 8 2/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Yesavage has not faced the Red Sox, who will start Payton Tolle (0-0, 1.50 ERA). The left-hander allowed one run in one inning in relief in his only appearance against Toronto, last Sept. 24.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Boston has won three straight for the first time this season, the past two for interim manager Chad Tracy, who replaced the fired Alex Cora.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suarez allowed one hit and one walk with a season-best 10 strikeouts in eight shutout innings on Monday. In three career appearances (two starts) against Toronto, he is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 17 1/3 innings.</p> </section> <section id="section-11"> <p>“Today is who he is,” said Boston catcher Carlos Narvaez, who homered in the eighth inning. “That’s who has been the last five, six, seven years. We used all pitches, all locations, so that is fun.”</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The Red Sox continued the process of reorganizing the coaching staff after six were let go with Cora’s departure.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>One of the moves was shifting Jose David Flores from first base coach to bench coach, a position he held from 2022-24 at Triple-A Worcester, where Tracy was the manager.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“One of our most experienced guys left here as far as baseball knowledge,” Tracy said before the game on Monday. “So having him with me, next to me, as well as (pitching coach) Andrew Bailey in there, is important. He’s a great baseball man and one of my closest friends, so the combination of those two and having him by my side is huge.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Pablo Cabrera will take over as first base coach and Jack Simonetty will become an assistant hitting coach.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Toronto put starter Max Scherzer on the injured list on Monday due to right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>“Doctor’s order was just get rest,” Scherzer said on Monday. “There’s nothing structurally wrong.”</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Chase Lee was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo, and he allowed the homer to Narvaez in a 1 1/3-inning outing during his Toronto debut.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #World #Series #star #Trey #Yesavage #rejoins #Blue #Jays #face #Red #Sox

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Deadspin | Munetaka Murakami blasts 3-run homer to spark Angels’ rally past White Sox <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28828007.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28828007.jpg" alt="MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Chicago White Sox" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 27, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Bryce Teodosio (22) runs after hitting an RBI-double against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Munetaka Murakami belted a go-ahead three-run home run and Miguel Vargas followed with a solo shot to key a seven-run seventh inning and lift the host Chicago White Sox to an 8-7 victory against the skidding Los Angeles Angels on Monday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Chicago regrouped from a sluggish start to send the Angels to their fourth straight loss and eighth defeat in nine games.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Grant Taylor allowed two runs in the ninth, including a Nolan Schanuel bloop double with two outs that brought the Angels within the final margin. Bryan Hudson retired Adam Frazier on a groundout to second with two runs in scoring position to earn his first save.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The White Sox trailed by four runs entering the seventh. Tristan Peters started the rally with an RBI single and Andrew Benintendi added a two-run double to put two men aboard for Murakami, who greeted reliever Drew Pomeranz with his major league-leading 12th home run.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Vargas connected one batter later.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Showing little hesitation in a game that began after a three-hour rain delay, the Angels scored a run in the first inning, two in the second and another in the fourth.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Jorge Soler opened the scoring against White Sox left-hander Anthony Kay with a sacrifice fly. Bryce Teodosio doubled home a run in the second before Zach Neto followed with an RBI single.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Vaughn Grissom sent a run-scoring sacrifice fly with the bases loaded to make it 4-0 in the fourth.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz was sharp behind the early run support. After yielding first-inning singles to Murakami and Colson Montgomery, he allowed just one baserunner over the next three innings.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Benintendi’s RBI forceout in the fifth drew Chicago to within 4-1 but the Angels got the run back on Soler’s solo home run in the seventh.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Mike Trout, Grissom, Schanuel and Teodosio had two hits apiece for Los Angeles while Soler contributed three RBIs. Murakami had two hits and three RBIs, Benintendi drove in three runs and Peters had two hits.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Kay scattered four runs and seven hits in four innings with two walks and two strikeouts.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Kochanowicz spaced three runs, two earned, and five hits in six-plus innings. He walked one and struck out five.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Osvaldo Bido (2-0) allowed one run and two hits over three innings.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Nick Sandlin (0-1) allowed three runs in the seventh without recording an out.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-16"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Munetaka #Murakami #blasts #3run #homer #spark #Angels #rally #White #Sox

Why Top NBA Draft Prospects Aren’t Guaranteed Stars | Deadspin.com  Feb 25, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives to the basket as Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) defends during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images   For most of the season, the consensus top three players in the draft have been AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer. Dybantsa has been my consensus top prospect for the entire season, and he will likely be the top pick come draft time. Prediction markets currently give Dybantsa a 75% chance of going first overall, with Peterson and Boozer close behind. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball  Peterson and Boozer were stars in college, but I’m not entirely sold on either one of them at the NBA level. My issues with the two guys are different, but I believe there are other players closely behind them on big boards that do what they can, but better.The issues with Peterson are pretty simple: Does he have the mentality of an NBA player? Offensively, he has all the skills in the world and is freakishly athletic. There aren’t many guys I have as much faith in to apply consistent rim pressure like he does. He also has a well-developed jumper and can score at all three levels.Aside from his durability and off-court mentality, he isn’t a high-motor defender, and his playmaking leaves a lot to be desired. I think if you’re okay taking a risk on that changing with a full 82-game NBA schedule, then you can take him second overall. If not, Darius Acuff might be a more enticing offensive first guard.Acuff has a lot to work on defensively, but a shooting prospect like him does not come around too often. He can’t provide the rim pressure that Peterson does, but he’s a much better facilitator off the dribble. Offensively, he’s such a complete prospect and should be getting way more top-five buzz.The next guy likely to go top three could not be much different than Peterson. Boozer has an NBA body and looks like a guy who could play all 82 games for the next decade. Unlike Dybantsa or Peterson, Boozer feels like a guy who will be ready to provide real value right away. I’m just not sold on his ceiling.You’re taking a top-three pick because you think they’ll turn into an All-Star, not just an everyday starter. Boozer relied on way too much back-to-the-basket offense at Duke, and he’s just not going to get touches like that in the NBA. Even if he did, he’d be far less efficient.UNC’s Caleb Wilson can provide that same level of post-production, but with far more athleticism. Wilson has work to be done on his jumper, but it’s still fundamentally strong, and I think he can at least be a threat from the outside once he gets further into his professional career. Defensively, versatility is so valuable at the NBA level, and I think Wilson’s explosive play style makes him an equally high-floor option at forward.The 2026 NBA draft class is incredibly deep. If you don’t love the guys at the top of the board, this could be the year to move back and still get a great player for the future. Acuff and Wilson are the guys I’d move back for. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball   #Top #NBA #Draft #Prospects #Arent #Guaranteed #Stars #Deadspin.comFeb 25, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives to the basket as Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) defends during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

For most of the season, the consensus top three players in the draft have been AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer. Dybantsa has been my consensus top prospect for the entire season, and he will likely be the top pick come draft time. Prediction markets currently give Dybantsa a 75% chance of going first overall, with Peterson and Boozer close behind.

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Peterson and Boozer were stars in college, but I’m not entirely sold on either one of them at the NBA level. My issues with the two guys are different, but I believe there are other players closely behind them on big boards that do what they can, but better.

The issues with Peterson are pretty simple: Does he have the mentality of an NBA player? Offensively, he has all the skills in the world and is freakishly athletic. There aren’t many guys I have as much faith in to apply consistent rim pressure like he does. He also has a well-developed jumper and can score at all three levels.

Aside from his durability and off-court mentality, he isn’t a high-motor defender, and his playmaking leaves a lot to be desired. I think if you’re okay taking a risk on that changing with a full 82-game NBA schedule, then you can take him second overall. If not, Darius Acuff might be a more enticing offensive first guard.

Acuff has a lot to work on defensively, but a shooting prospect like him does not come around too often. He can’t provide the rim pressure that Peterson does, but he’s a much better facilitator off the dribble. Offensively, he’s such a complete prospect and should be getting way more top-five buzz.

The next guy likely to go top three could not be much different than Peterson. Boozer has an NBA body and looks like a guy who could play all 82 games for the next decade. Unlike Dybantsa or Peterson, Boozer feels like a guy who will be ready to provide real value right away. I’m just not sold on his ceiling.

You’re taking a top-three pick because you think they’ll turn into an All-Star, not just an everyday starter. Boozer relied on way too much back-to-the-basket offense at Duke, and he’s just not going to get touches like that in the NBA. Even if he did, he’d be far less efficient.

UNC’s Caleb Wilson can provide that same level of post-production, but with far more athleticism. Wilson has work to be done on his jumper, but it’s still fundamentally strong, and I think he can at least be a threat from the outside once he gets further into his professional career. Defensively, versatility is so valuable at the NBA level, and I think Wilson’s explosive play style makes him an equally high-floor option at forward.

The 2026 NBA draft class is incredibly deep. If you don’t love the guys at the top of the board, this could be the year to move back and still get a great player for the future. Acuff and Wilson are the guys I’d move back for.

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#Top #NBA #Draft #Prospects #Arent #Guaranteed #Stars #Deadspin.com">Why Top NBA Draft Prospects Aren’t Guaranteed Stars | Deadspin.com  Feb 25, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives to the basket as Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) defends during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images   For most of the season, the consensus top three players in the draft have been AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer. Dybantsa has been my consensus top prospect for the entire season, and he will likely be the top pick come draft time. Prediction markets currently give Dybantsa a 75% chance of going first overall, with Peterson and Boozer close behind. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball  Peterson and Boozer were stars in college, but I’m not entirely sold on either one of them at the NBA level. My issues with the two guys are different, but I believe there are other players closely behind them on big boards that do what they can, but better.The issues with Peterson are pretty simple: Does he have the mentality of an NBA player? Offensively, he has all the skills in the world and is freakishly athletic. There aren’t many guys I have as much faith in to apply consistent rim pressure like he does. He also has a well-developed jumper and can score at all three levels.Aside from his durability and off-court mentality, he isn’t a high-motor defender, and his playmaking leaves a lot to be desired. I think if you’re okay taking a risk on that changing with a full 82-game NBA schedule, then you can take him second overall. If not, Darius Acuff might be a more enticing offensive first guard.Acuff has a lot to work on defensively, but a shooting prospect like him does not come around too often. He can’t provide the rim pressure that Peterson does, but he’s a much better facilitator off the dribble. Offensively, he’s such a complete prospect and should be getting way more top-five buzz.The next guy likely to go top three could not be much different than Peterson. Boozer has an NBA body and looks like a guy who could play all 82 games for the next decade. Unlike Dybantsa or Peterson, Boozer feels like a guy who will be ready to provide real value right away. I’m just not sold on his ceiling.You’re taking a top-three pick because you think they’ll turn into an All-Star, not just an everyday starter. Boozer relied on way too much back-to-the-basket offense at Duke, and he’s just not going to get touches like that in the NBA. Even if he did, he’d be far less efficient.UNC’s Caleb Wilson can provide that same level of post-production, but with far more athleticism. Wilson has work to be done on his jumper, but it’s still fundamentally strong, and I think he can at least be a threat from the outside once he gets further into his professional career. Defensively, versatility is so valuable at the NBA level, and I think Wilson’s explosive play style makes him an equally high-floor option at forward.The 2026 NBA draft class is incredibly deep. If you don’t love the guys at the top of the board, this could be the year to move back and still get a great player for the future. Acuff and Wilson are the guys I’d move back for. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball   #Top #NBA #Draft #Prospects #Arent #Guaranteed #Stars #Deadspin.com

his durability and off-court mentality, he isn’t a high-motor defender, and his playmaking leaves a lot to be desired. I think if you’re okay taking a risk on that changing with a full 82-game NBA schedule, then you can take him second overall. If not, Darius Acuff might be a more enticing offensive first guard.

Acuff has a lot to work on defensively, but a shooting prospect like him does not come around too often. He can’t provide the rim pressure that Peterson does, but he’s a much better facilitator off the dribble. Offensively, he’s such a complete prospect and should be getting way more top-five buzz.

The next guy likely to go top three could not be much different than Peterson. Boozer has an NBA body and looks like a guy who could play all 82 games for the next decade. Unlike Dybantsa or Peterson, Boozer feels like a guy who will be ready to provide real value right away. I’m just not sold on his ceiling.

You’re taking a top-three pick because you think they’ll turn into an All-Star, not just an everyday starter. Boozer relied on way too much back-to-the-basket offense at Duke, and he’s just not going to get touches like that in the NBA. Even if he did, he’d be far less efficient.

UNC’s Caleb Wilson can provide that same level of post-production, but with far more athleticism. Wilson has work to be done on his jumper, but it’s still fundamentally strong, and I think he can at least be a threat from the outside once he gets further into his professional career. Defensively, versatility is so valuable at the NBA level, and I think Wilson’s explosive play style makes him an equally high-floor option at forward.

The 2026 NBA draft class is incredibly deep. If you don’t love the guys at the top of the board, this could be the year to move back and still get a great player for the future. Acuff and Wilson are the guys I’d move back for.

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#Top #NBA #Draft #Prospects #Arent #Guaranteed #Stars #Deadspin.com">Why Top NBA Draft Prospects Aren’t Guaranteed Stars | Deadspin.com
Why Top NBA Draft Prospects Aren’t Guaranteed Stars | Deadspin.com  Feb 25, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives to the basket as Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) defends during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images   For most of the season, the consensus top three players in the draft have been AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer. Dybantsa has been my consensus top prospect for the entire season, and he will likely be the top pick come draft time. Prediction markets currently give Dybantsa a 75% chance of going first overall, with Peterson and Boozer close behind. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball  Peterson and Boozer were stars in college, but I’m not entirely sold on either one of them at the NBA level. My issues with the two guys are different, but I believe there are other players closely behind them on big boards that do what they can, but better.The issues with Peterson are pretty simple: Does he have the mentality of an NBA player? Offensively, he has all the skills in the world and is freakishly athletic. There aren’t many guys I have as much faith in to apply consistent rim pressure like he does. He also has a well-developed jumper and can score at all three levels.Aside from his durability and off-court mentality, he isn’t a high-motor defender, and his playmaking leaves a lot to be desired. I think if you’re okay taking a risk on that changing with a full 82-game NBA schedule, then you can take him second overall. If not, Darius Acuff might be a more enticing offensive first guard.Acuff has a lot to work on defensively, but a shooting prospect like him does not come around too often. He can’t provide the rim pressure that Peterson does, but he’s a much better facilitator off the dribble. Offensively, he’s such a complete prospect and should be getting way more top-five buzz.The next guy likely to go top three could not be much different than Peterson. Boozer has an NBA body and looks like a guy who could play all 82 games for the next decade. Unlike Dybantsa or Peterson, Boozer feels like a guy who will be ready to provide real value right away. I’m just not sold on his ceiling.You’re taking a top-three pick because you think they’ll turn into an All-Star, not just an everyday starter. Boozer relied on way too much back-to-the-basket offense at Duke, and he’s just not going to get touches like that in the NBA. Even if he did, he’d be far less efficient.UNC’s Caleb Wilson can provide that same level of post-production, but with far more athleticism. Wilson has work to be done on his jumper, but it’s still fundamentally strong, and I think he can at least be a threat from the outside once he gets further into his professional career. Defensively, versatility is so valuable at the NBA level, and I think Wilson’s explosive play style makes him an equally high-floor option at forward.The 2026 NBA draft class is incredibly deep. If you don’t love the guys at the top of the board, this could be the year to move back and still get a great player for the future. Acuff and Wilson are the guys I’d move back for. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball   #Top #NBA #Draft #Prospects #Arent #Guaranteed #Stars #Deadspin.comFeb 25, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives to the basket as Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) defends during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

For most of the season, the consensus top three players in the draft have been AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer. Dybantsa has been my consensus top prospect for the entire season, and he will likely be the top pick come draft time. Prediction markets currently give Dybantsa a 75% chance of going first overall, with Peterson and Boozer close behind.

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Peterson and Boozer were stars in college, but I’m not entirely sold on either one of them at the NBA level. My issues with the two guys are different, but I believe there are other players closely behind them on big boards that do what they can, but better.

The issues with Peterson are pretty simple: Does he have the mentality of an NBA player? Offensively, he has all the skills in the world and is freakishly athletic. There aren’t many guys I have as much faith in to apply consistent rim pressure like he does. He also has a well-developed jumper and can score at all three levels.

Aside from his durability and off-court mentality, he isn’t a high-motor defender, and his playmaking leaves a lot to be desired. I think if you’re okay taking a risk on that changing with a full 82-game NBA schedule, then you can take him second overall. If not, Darius Acuff might be a more enticing offensive first guard.

Acuff has a lot to work on defensively, but a shooting prospect like him does not come around too often. He can’t provide the rim pressure that Peterson does, but he’s a much better facilitator off the dribble. Offensively, he’s such a complete prospect and should be getting way more top-five buzz.

The next guy likely to go top three could not be much different than Peterson. Boozer has an NBA body and looks like a guy who could play all 82 games for the next decade. Unlike Dybantsa or Peterson, Boozer feels like a guy who will be ready to provide real value right away. I’m just not sold on his ceiling.

You’re taking a top-three pick because you think they’ll turn into an All-Star, not just an everyday starter. Boozer relied on way too much back-to-the-basket offense at Duke, and he’s just not going to get touches like that in the NBA. Even if he did, he’d be far less efficient.

UNC’s Caleb Wilson can provide that same level of post-production, but with far more athleticism. Wilson has work to be done on his jumper, but it’s still fundamentally strong, and I think he can at least be a threat from the outside once he gets further into his professional career. Defensively, versatility is so valuable at the NBA level, and I think Wilson’s explosive play style makes him an equally high-floor option at forward.

The 2026 NBA draft class is incredibly deep. If you don’t love the guys at the top of the board, this could be the year to move back and still get a great player for the future. Acuff and Wilson are the guys I’d move back for.

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#Top #NBA #Draft #Prospects #Arent #Guaranteed #Stars #Deadspin.com

Punjab Kings players were spotted wearing black armbands during their IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur on Tuesday.

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer confirmed at toss that this gesture was to pay respect to Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who recently lost his mother.

“I want to share [my] condolences to Azmat and his family,” said Shreyas.

The PBKS franchise, through a social media post, had earlier expressed its condolences.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Azmatullah Omarzai on the loss of his mother. The entire Punjab Kings family stands with him and his loved ones during this difficult time,” read the post.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

#Punjab #Kings #players #wearing #black #armbands #IPL #match #Rajasthan #Royals">Why are Punjab Kings players wearing black armbands during IPL 2026 match vs Rajasthan Royals?  Punjab Kings players were spotted wearing black armbands during their IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur on Tuesday.PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer confirmed at toss that this gesture was to pay respect to Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who recently lost his mother.“I want to share [my] condolences to Azmat and his family,” said Shreyas.The PBKS franchise, through a social media post, had earlier expressed its condolences.“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Azmatullah Omarzai on the loss of his mother. The entire Punjab Kings family stands with him and his loved ones during this difficult time,” read the post.Published on Apr 28, 2026  #Punjab #Kings #players #wearing #black #armbands #IPL #match #Rajasthan #Royals

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