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Deadspin | Alex Cora to Red Sox fans: ‘Boston, we will miss you’ Feb 22, 2026; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) looks on during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Fired Red Sox manager Alex Cora sent a short farewell note to Boston via social media on Tuesday. “Boston, we will miss you,” he wrote. “Gracias for making us part of you. #RedSoxNation, you are the [heart emoji] of that team, keep believing, you really care and that’s what pushes everyone in the @RedSox to give it all day in and day out. “With respect and love, AC” Team officials dismissed Cora and five of coaches on Saturday after the Red Sox staggered out of the gate to start the season at 10-17. While Cora’s firing has been met with some support among fans, posts on social media show they largely place the blame for the team’s woes on management, especially owner John Henry and Craig Breslow, the chief baseball owner. After serving as bench coach for the 2017 world champion Houston Astros, Cora was hired as manager in Boston in 2018. He led the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 victories and a World Series title. However, after the 2019 campaign, Cora was implicated in an MLB investigation involving sign-stealing by the Astros. MLB undertook an investigation into the Red Sox practices, but Cora and the Red Sox mutually agreed to separate before the 2020 season. Cora, 50, was suspended for the 2020 season for his role in Houston, but returned to Boston as manager in 2021. After missing the playoffs from 2022-24, the Red Sox returned last season, but lost a American League wild-card series to the New York Yankees. Cora posted an eight-year regular-season record of 619-541 and postseason mark of 18-10. Chad Tracy has been elevated from manager at Triple-A Worcester to serve as interim manager of the Red Sox. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Alex #Cora #Red #Sox #fans #Boston

Deadspin | Alex Cora to Red Sox fans: ‘Boston, we will miss you’
Deadspin | Alex Cora to Red Sox fans: ‘Boston, we will miss you’ Feb 22, 2026; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) looks on during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Fired Red Sox manager Alex Cora sent a short farewell note to Boston via social media on Tuesday. “Boston, we will miss you,” he wrote. “Gracias for making us part of you. #RedSoxNation, you are the [heart emoji] of that team, keep believing, you really care and that’s what pushes everyone in the @RedSox to give it all day in and day out. “With respect and love, AC” Team officials dismissed Cora and five of coaches on Saturday after the Red Sox staggered out of the gate to start the season at 10-17. While Cora’s firing has been met with some support among fans, posts on social media show they largely place the blame for the team’s woes on management, especially owner John Henry and Craig Breslow, the chief baseball owner. After serving as bench coach for the 2017 world champion Houston Astros, Cora was hired as manager in Boston in 2018. He led the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 victories and a World Series title. However, after the 2019 campaign, Cora was implicated in an MLB investigation involving sign-stealing by the Astros. MLB undertook an investigation into the Red Sox practices, but Cora and the Red Sox mutually agreed to separate before the 2020 season. Cora, 50, was suspended for the 2020 season for his role in Houston, but returned to Boston as manager in 2021. After missing the playoffs from 2022-24, the Red Sox returned last season, but lost a American League wild-card series to the New York Yankees. Cora posted an eight-year regular-season record of 619-541 and postseason mark of 18-10. Chad Tracy has been elevated from manager at Triple-A Worcester to serve as interim manager of the Red Sox. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Alex #Cora #Red #Sox #fans #BostonFeb 22, 2026; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) looks on during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Fired Red Sox manager Alex Cora sent a short farewell note to Boston via social media on Tuesday.

“Boston, we will miss you,” he wrote.

“Gracias for making us part of you. #RedSoxNation, you are the [heart emoji] of that team, keep believing, you really care and that’s what pushes everyone in the @RedSox to give it all day in and day out.

“With respect and love, AC”

Team officials dismissed Cora and five of coaches on Saturday after the Red Sox staggered out of the gate to start the season at 10-17.

While Cora’s firing has been met with some support among fans, posts on social media show they largely place the blame for the team’s woes on management, especially owner John Henry and Craig Breslow, the chief baseball owner.


After serving as bench coach for the 2017 world champion Houston Astros, Cora was hired as manager in Boston in 2018. He led the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 victories and a World Series title.

However, after the 2019 campaign, Cora was implicated in an MLB investigation involving sign-stealing by the Astros. MLB undertook an investigation into the Red Sox practices, but Cora and the Red Sox mutually agreed to separate before the 2020 season.

Cora, 50, was suspended for the 2020 season for his role in Houston, but returned to Boston as manager in 2021.

After missing the playoffs from 2022-24, the Red Sox returned last season, but lost a American League wild-card series to the New York Yankees.

Cora posted an eight-year regular-season record of 619-541 and postseason mark of 18-10.

Chad Tracy has been elevated from manager at Triple-A Worcester to serve as interim manager of the Red Sox.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Alex #Cora #Red #Sox #fans #Boston

Sports news

Feb 22, 2026; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) looks on during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Fired Red Sox manager Alex Cora sent a short farewell note to Boston via social media on Tuesday.

“Boston, we will miss you,” he wrote.

“Gracias for making us part of you. #RedSoxNation, you are the [heart emoji] of that team, keep believing, you really care and that’s what pushes everyone in the @RedSox to give it all day in and day out.

“With respect and love, AC”

Team officials dismissed Cora and five of coaches on Saturday after the Red Sox staggered out of the gate to start the season at 10-17.

While Cora’s firing has been met with some support among fans, posts on social media show they largely place the blame for the team’s woes on management, especially owner John Henry and Craig Breslow, the chief baseball owner.

After serving as bench coach for the 2017 world champion Houston Astros, Cora was hired as manager in Boston in 2018. He led the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 victories and a World Series title.

However, after the 2019 campaign, Cora was implicated in an MLB investigation involving sign-stealing by the Astros. MLB undertook an investigation into the Red Sox practices, but Cora and the Red Sox mutually agreed to separate before the 2020 season.

Cora, 50, was suspended for the 2020 season for his role in Houston, but returned to Boston as manager in 2021.

After missing the playoffs from 2022-24, the Red Sox returned last season, but lost a American League wild-card series to the New York Yankees.

Cora posted an eight-year regular-season record of 619-541 and postseason mark of 18-10.

Chad Tracy has been elevated from manager at Triple-A Worcester to serve as interim manager of the Red Sox.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Alex #Cora #Red #Sox #fans #Boston

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Men’s college basketball top 25 rankings for 2026-27 with transfer portal closed <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There is still a ton of moving and shaking to take place over the weeks ahead, but for now, we have a decent idea of what the top rosters in college basketball are going to look like heading into the 2026-27 season.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Here are the 25 best … at the moment:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Second Round</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Assuming Rueben Chinyelu opts to spurn the NBA and return to school for one more year, Florida will return the same frontcourt that won a national title two seasons ago and earned a No. 1 seed in 2025. Bringing back point guard Boogie Fland — whose emergence in the second half of the season took the Gators from disappointment to legitimate national title contender — and reserve guard Urban Klavzar is enormous as well. Extremely capable two guard Denzel Aberdeen is also back after a season at Kentucky, but he’ll need a waiver to play in 2026-27.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">With or without Aberdeen, this is the best roster in college basketball at this point in the offseason, and that seems unlikely to change between now and early November.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>2. Illinois Fighting Illini </strong></h3></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Final Four</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Outside of star freshman guard Keaton Wagler, virtually every key contributor will be back from an Illinois team that took the program to its first Final Four since 2005. The addition of Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks should help alleviate the losses of Wagler and fellow guard Kylan Boswell. If Brad Underwood doesn’t bring in a transfer portal (or European) point guard, the big question for this team will be whether or not incoming freshman Quintin Coleman is good enough to replace Wagler and run the show.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Elite Eight</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The last two pursuits of national championships have ended just about as painfully as possible for the Blue Devils, but Jon Scheyer and company figure to be right back in the mix in 2027. Duke will return four of its top six scorers from last year’s No. 1 overall seed, while also adding top-rated Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, Belmont transfer Drew Scharnowski and five-star freshmen Cameron Williams, Deron Rippey Jr. and Bryson Howard.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: National Champions</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The reigning national champs have a very real chance to go back-to-back thanks in large part to the returns of top five scorers Morez Johnson Jr., Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney. That core will join forces with an exciting transfer portal class headlined by J.P. Estrella (Tennssee), Moustapha Thiam (Cincinnati) and Jalen Reed (LSU). Dusty May is also bringing in a loaded freshman class highlighted by five-star guard Brandon McCoy Jr.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: National Runners-Up</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Losing Solo Ball for the year due to wrist surgery is an enormous blow, but it’s one at least partially tempered by the announced returns of Silas Demary, NCAA Tournament hero Braylon Mullins, and Jayden Ross. Transfer portal additions Nikolas Khamenia (Duke), Najai Hines (Seton Hall) and Oskar Giltay (Stanford) should help offset the losses of Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This ranking is assuming that both Billy Richmond and Meleek Thomas eventually choose to pull out of the NBA Draft and return to Fayetteville. If that happens, John Calipari <em>should </em>have his most lethal Razorback team to date, even without departing stars Darius Acuff, Nick Pringle, Trevon Brazile and Karter Knox. Incoming freshman Jordan Smith should be up to the task of assuming the star freshman guard role left behind by Acuff, and he’ll get help from Georgia transfer Jeremiah Wilkinson, who was one of the best pure scorers in the SEC last season.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Final Four</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The returns of Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov are big, but Tommy Lloyd’s vaunted frontcourt took a huge hit with the losses of Koa Peat and Tobe Awaka. Replacing star freshman Brayden Burries and Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley are no small tasks either. Bringing in transfer portal guards Derek Dixon (North Carolina) and JJ Mandaquit (Washington), as well as top-five recruit Caleb Holt should shore up the perimeter, but the Wildcats could still use another capable body inside. At this point, the safe play is trusting Lloyd to make it work and have a squad that’s right back in the national title mix next winter.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Elite Eight</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Tennessee loses all five of its starters from a team that played in a third straight regional final, but Rick Barnes has gone out and landed transfer portal pieces that could give him his most offensively gifted squad in Knoxville to date. Tyler Lundblade (Belmont), Dai Dai Ames (Cal), Miles Rubin (Loyola Chicago), Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame) and Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU) are all established bucket-getters. The big question here is whether or not Barnes can get the group to play the same level of defense that UT fans have grown accustomed to seeing.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>9. Michigan State Spartans </strong></h3></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Roster retention remains the name of the game for Tom Izzo in this brave, new college basketball world. Point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. figures to be a preseason All-American, and returning forward Coen Carr will continue to be the sport’s pre-eminent human highlight reel. Fellow returnees Kur Teng, Jordan Scott and Cam Ward will all have to up their production for this team to be a legitimate national title contender. The addition of Charlotte transfer Anton Bonke and the return of senior forward Kaleb Glenn from injury should also provide a nice boost.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">A lot of people are going to take a “believe it when I see it” approach to Texas receiving a preseason top 10 ranking, but on paper, Sean Miller has put together an absolute squad this spring. David Punch (TCU) and Isaiah Johnson (Colorado) were two of the best available players in the transfer portal, and pairing them with returning big man Matas Vokietaitis should form a lethal core. Mikey Lewis (Vanderbilt) and Elyjah Freeman (Auburn) were both underrated adds, and if incoming freshman Austin Goosby is as good as advertised, there’s no reason for this Texas team to finish outside the top three or four in the SEC.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Until Kelvin Sampson gives us a reason to doubt his ability to reload and continue to produce top 10 (or just outside the top 10) caliber teams, we should all probably just assume it’s going to continue to happen. Getting Joseph Tugler back was huge, and there are reasons. to believe that Sampson will be able to get more out of fellow returnees Mercy Miller and Chase McCarty next season. Incoming transfer Dedan Thomas Jr. (LSU) will be asked to shoulder much of the scoring load in his first season as a Cougar.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Iowa State is another “trust the guy who has been getting it done for several years in a row” situation. T.J. Otzelberger loses stars Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic, but does return his next three leading scorers in Killyan Toure, Blake Buchanan and Jamarion Bateman. Otzelberger will have to find untapped potential from multiple members of his under-the-radar portal class of Jaquan Johnson (Bradley), Leon Bond III (Northern Iowa), Tre Singleton (Northwestern) and Ryan Prather Jr. (Robert Morris) in order to compete with the best of the best in the Big 12.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Second Round</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Pat Kelsey has once again made a push for the title of “portal king” after landing a loaded class highlighted by Flory Bidunga (Kansas), Jackson Shelstad (Oregon), Karter Knox (Arkansas), Alvoro Folgueiras (Iowa) and De’Shayne Montgomery (Dayton). The return of guard Adrian Wooley, who came on late last season when star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. was sidelined with a back injury, hasn’t received as much national attention but could prove to be just as crucial when it comes to Louisville’s chances of making its first NCAA Tournament second weekend since 2015.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Second Round</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Cavaliers are the rarest of rarities these days: A program that nearly a month into the offseason has not lost a player to the transfer portal or added a player from it. That will likely change in the weeks ahead, as UVA has to find some bodies to replace the five players who graduated from last year’s team. Still, a returning core of First Team All-ACC performer Thijs De Ridder, Sam Lewis, Chance Mallory, Johann Gunloh and Elijah Gertrude is enough to justify a top 15 ranking at this juncture.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Second Round</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Assuming Braden Huff gets back to full strength after recovering from the knee injury that cut his 2025-26 season short by three months, the Zags should be the team to beat in the first year of the new Pac-12. Mark Few has brought in a couple of nice transfer portal pieces, but could use a really big fish to solidify his squad’s status as a potential top-tier national title contender.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Second Round</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In his first season as a head coach, Jai Lucas proved he has what it takes to be one of the next big coaching stars in this sport. After taking Miami from seven wins in 2024-25 to 26 wins and a trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2025-26, Lucas now has the pieces needed to accomplish even more in year two. Shelton Henderson, Dante Allen and Marcus Allen are all back and will be bolstered by a very good portal class that features Villanova point guard transfer Acaden Lewis as well as DeSean Goode (Robert Morris) and Somto Cyril (Georgia).</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>17. St. John’s Red Storm</strong></h3></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Rick Pitino made sure to immediately land the point guard he was missing last season when he signed Quinn Ellis, a British professional who has spent the last couple of years serving as a floor general in the EuroLeague. He also brings back Ian Jackson and brings in talented Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman, who has the type of untapped potential that could thrive under the drive demanded by Pitino.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">As long as Adel Holloway is permitted to return to the team once his legal troubles are cleared up, Nate Oats should once again have one of the better squads in the SEC. There are some very legitimate questions outside of Holloway’s future, but the pieces from the portal — headlined by Boise State defector Drew Fielder — are plentiful enough to trust Oats to make the most of what he has.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: First Round</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is shaping up to be a “prove-it” season for Dennis Gates. Thankfully, he has the pieces to do just that. Bryson Tiller (Kansas), Jamier Jones (Providence) and Jaylen Carey (Tennessee) are an extremely formidable transfer portal trio. They’ll team up with one of the nation’s best recruiting classes, one headlined by McDonald’s All-Americans Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: First Round</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">What was widely referred to as “the most anticipated season in BYU basketball history” wound up being something of a disappointment, as A.J. Dybantsa (despite being as good as advertised) and company lost 12 times and failed to win a game in the NCAA Tournament. Kevin Young will try to accomplish more without the likely No. 1 pick in this summer’s NBA Draft, and has the chance to it thanks to the return of point guard Rob Wright and the additions of a deep portal class as well as five-star freshman Bruce Branch III.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">With the stigma of “only power conference program to have never won an NCAA Tournament game” now gone forever, Fred Hoiberg can now shift his focus to building a consistent contender in Lincoln. The return of All-Big Ten performer Pryce Sandfort and conference Sixth Man of the Year Braden Frager as well as the addition of a solid portal class should give Hoiberg the opportunity to do just that in 2026-27.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>22. Vanderbilt Commodores </strong></h3></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Second Round</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Commodores are here under the assumption that star guard Tyler Tanner will return to Nashville for the 2026-27 season. If Tanner keeps his name in the NBA Draft, you can go ahead and knock Mark Byington’s team out of these rankings. Even if that happens, expect Byington to prove once again that he’s one of the next big coaching stars in this sport by getting absolute most out of the roster he has.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: No Postseason</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Darian DeVries didn’t exactly set the world on fire in his first year in Bloomington, but his offseason transfer portal haul has ignited some renewed faith that he could wind up being the long-awaited savior of Indiana basketball. Aiden Sherrell (Alabama), Samet Yigitoglu (SMU), Markus Burton (Notre Dame), Darren Harris (Duke) and Jaeden Mustaf (Georgia Tech) give the Hoosiers one of the three or four best portal classes in the country.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: Second Round</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mick Cronin is once again all-in on the transfer portal and has brought in a solid group fronted by Sergej Macura (Mississippi State), Filip Jovic (Auburn), Jaylen Petty (Texas Tech) and Stink Robinson (Butler). If Cronin can reel in Baylor transfer Tounde Yessoufou, you can go ahead and bump the Bruins up a few sports on this list.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>2025-26 Finish</strong>: No Postseason</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Eric Musselman’s first two seasons in Los Angeles have been wildly disappointing, but there are reasons to believe year three will be better. Alijah Arenas is back, as are primary contributors Rodney Rice and Jacob Cofie. Portal additions KJ Lewis (Georgetown), Eric Reibe (UConn) and Jalen Cox (Colgate) are all talented, and don’t figure to bring any of the chemistry issues that Chad Baker-Mazara brought with him from Auburn last season. Toss in a trio of top 25 incoming freshmen, and there will be no excuse if Musselman once again fails to get USC into the field of 68.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">26. Saint Louis Billikens<br/>27. Purdue Boilermakers<br/>28. Ohio State Buckeyes<br/>29. Texas A&M Aggies<br/>30. Kansas Jayhawks<br/>31. North Carolina Tar Heels<br/>32. Iowa Hawkeyes<br/>33. Providence Friars<br/>34. Xavier Musketeers<br/>35. Arizona State Sun Devils</p></div></div> #Mens #college #basketball #top #rankings #transfer #portal #closed

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Deadspin | Fire, Cincinnati bring unbeaten streaks into rematch of draw Apr 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Fire FC forward Hugo Cuypers (9) scores a goal during the first half of an MLS match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images Two weeks after playing to a draw, the Chicago Fire and visiting FC Cincinnati battle again on Saturday. The 3-3 draw in Cincinnati on April 18 contributed to both teams’ ongoing unbeaten streaks in MLS play. FC Cincinnati (3-4-3, 12 points) are 1-0-3 in their last four regular-season matches, while the Fire are 4-0-1 in their last five. Chicago (5-2-2, 17 points) did suffer a 2-1 home loss on Wednesday, when St. Louis City SC eliminated the Fire in the U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16. The Fire held leads in all three of their losses in all competitions this season, and also led 3-1 through 78 minutes against Cincinnati before settling for the draw. Midfielder Anton Saletros told On Tap Sports Net on Wednesday that the Fire are “very, very hungry” for Saturday’s rematch. “We had the three points against Cincinnati and they slipped through our fingers. We are very eager to play at home again and to keep pushing,” Saletros said. In regular-season play, the Fire have outscored opponents 11-2 at home while posting a 4-1-0 record. FC Cincinnati are winless on the road this season (0-3-2), but unbeaten (4-0-1) in their last five matches in Chicago. Cincinnati is tied for fifth in the league with 19 goals, but the team’s 23 goals allowed are the fourth-highest total in MLS. Chicago is tied for 10th in goals scored (17) while allowing the sixth-fewest goals (eight) in the league. The April 18 result gives FC Cincinnati confidence that they can handle the well-rounded Fire. “It’s … looking at how do they gain advantages to put this really strong attacking group in positions to make plays, and that’s what our focus is,” Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan said. “Hopefully our attack continues and hopefully our defending improves to limit their strengths.” Nick Hagglund and Matt Miazga were in full training this week, and Noonan said the defenders could return from leg injuries Saturday. Hugo Cuypers leads Chicago with eight goals and Kevin Denkey leads Cincinnati with six. Both strikers have scored a brace in each of their last two regular-season matches. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Fire #Cincinnati #bring #unbeaten #streaks #rematch #drawApr 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Fire FC forward Hugo Cuypers (9) scores a goal during the first half of an MLS match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images

Two weeks after playing to a draw, the Chicago Fire and visiting FC Cincinnati battle again on Saturday.

The 3-3 draw in Cincinnati on April 18 contributed to both teams’ ongoing unbeaten streaks in MLS play. FC Cincinnati (3-4-3, 12 points) are 1-0-3 in their last four regular-season matches, while the Fire are 4-0-1 in their last five.

Chicago (5-2-2, 17 points) did suffer a 2-1 home loss on Wednesday, when St. Louis City SC eliminated the Fire in the U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16.

The Fire held leads in all three of their losses in all competitions this season, and also led 3-1 through 78 minutes against Cincinnati before settling for the draw.

Midfielder Anton Saletros told On Tap Sports Net on Wednesday that the Fire are “very, very hungry” for Saturday’s rematch.

“We had the three points against Cincinnati and they slipped through our fingers. We are very eager to play at home again and to keep pushing,” Saletros said.


In regular-season play, the Fire have outscored opponents 11-2 at home while posting a 4-1-0 record. FC Cincinnati are winless on the road this season (0-3-2), but unbeaten (4-0-1) in their last five matches in Chicago.

Cincinnati is tied for fifth in the league with 19 goals, but the team’s 23 goals allowed are the fourth-highest total in MLS. Chicago is tied for 10th in goals scored (17) while allowing the sixth-fewest goals (eight) in the league.

The April 18 result gives FC Cincinnati confidence that they can handle the well-rounded Fire.

“It’s … looking at how do they gain advantages to put this really strong attacking group in positions to make plays, and that’s what our focus is,” Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan said. “Hopefully our attack continues and hopefully our defending improves to limit their strengths.”

Nick Hagglund and Matt Miazga were in full training this week, and Noonan said the defenders could return from leg injuries Saturday.

Hugo Cuypers leads Chicago with eight goals and Kevin Denkey leads Cincinnati with six. Both strikers have scored a brace in each of their last two regular-season matches.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Fire #Cincinnati #bring #unbeaten #streaks #rematch #draw">Deadspin | Fire, Cincinnati bring unbeaten streaks into rematch of draw Apr 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Fire FC forward Hugo Cuypers (9) scores a goal during the first half of an MLS match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images Two weeks after playing to a draw, the Chicago Fire and visiting FC Cincinnati battle again on Saturday. The 3-3 draw in Cincinnati on April 18 contributed to both teams’ ongoing unbeaten streaks in MLS play. FC Cincinnati (3-4-3, 12 points) are 1-0-3 in their last four regular-season matches, while the Fire are 4-0-1 in their last five. Chicago (5-2-2, 17 points) did suffer a 2-1 home loss on Wednesday, when St. Louis City SC eliminated the Fire in the U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16. The Fire held leads in all three of their losses in all competitions this season, and also led 3-1 through 78 minutes against Cincinnati before settling for the draw. Midfielder Anton Saletros told On Tap Sports Net on Wednesday that the Fire are “very, very hungry” for Saturday’s rematch. “We had the three points against Cincinnati and they slipped through our fingers. We are very eager to play at home again and to keep pushing,” Saletros said. In regular-season play, the Fire have outscored opponents 11-2 at home while posting a 4-1-0 record. FC Cincinnati are winless on the road this season (0-3-2), but unbeaten (4-0-1) in their last five matches in Chicago. Cincinnati is tied for fifth in the league with 19 goals, but the team’s 23 goals allowed are the fourth-highest total in MLS. Chicago is tied for 10th in goals scored (17) while allowing the sixth-fewest goals (eight) in the league. The April 18 result gives FC Cincinnati confidence that they can handle the well-rounded Fire. “It’s … looking at how do they gain advantages to put this really strong attacking group in positions to make plays, and that’s what our focus is,” Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan said. “Hopefully our attack continues and hopefully our defending improves to limit their strengths.” Nick Hagglund and Matt Miazga were in full training this week, and Noonan said the defenders could return from leg injuries Saturday. Hugo Cuypers leads Chicago with eight goals and Kevin Denkey leads Cincinnati with six. Both strikers have scored a brace in each of their last two regular-season matches. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Fire #Cincinnati #bring #unbeaten #streaks #rematch #draw

Kuldeep Kumar set a new national record in pole vault by clearing 5.41m at the 1st Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competitions in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Kuldeep, the 21-year-old vaulter from Madhya Pradesh, surpassed the previous national record of 5.40m, held by statemate Dev Meena, who finished third.

He had three failed attempts at 5.46m, while the qualifying mark for the Asian Games is set at 5.45m.

The 21-year-old has been in impressive form. Earlier in April, he secured gold in Jaipur by clearing 5.25m, achieving the qualification mark for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

RESULTS

Gold – Kuldeep Kumar (Madhya Pradesh) – 5.41m

Silver – G Reegan (Tamil Nadu) – 5.25m.

Bronze – Dev Meena (Madhya Pradesh) – 5.20m

Published on May 02, 2026

#Kuldeep #Kumar #sets #national #pole #vault #record #Bhubaneswar">Kuldeep Kumar sets new national pole vault record in Bhubaneswar Kuldeep Kumar set a new national record in pole vault by clearing 5.41m at the 1st Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competitions in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.Kuldeep, the 21-year-old vaulter from Madhya Pradesh, surpassed the previous national record of 5.40m, held by statemate Dev Meena, who finished third.He had three failed attempts at 5.46m, while the qualifying mark for the Asian Games is set at 5.45m.The 21-year-old has been in impressive form. Earlier in April, he secured gold in Jaipur by clearing 5.25m, achieving the qualification mark for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. RESULTS Gold – Kuldeep Kumar (Madhya Pradesh) – 5.41m Silver – G Reegan (Tamil Nadu) – 5.25m. Bronze – Dev Meena (Madhya Pradesh) – 5.20m Published on May 02, 2026 #Kuldeep #Kumar #sets #national #pole #vault #record #Bhubaneswar

Deadspin | RJ Barrett’s heroics push Raptors-Cavaliers to Game 7 May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) celebrates after scoring the winning basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the overtime period in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images RJ Barrett made a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left in overtime Friday night as the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 to force Game 7 of the first-round playoff series. Barrett’s Kawhi-esque bucket from straight away hit the back of the rim, bounced high into the air and fell in between the mesh. The shot was from the same end of the court as Leonard’s four-bounce miracle during Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 playoffs. Barrett, the Mississauga, Ontario, native, finished with 24 points. Ja’Kobe Walter also scored 24 to set up the deciding game Sunday at Cleveland. Scottie Barnes had 25 points and 13 assists for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 17 points. Evan Mobley had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers in a series in which the home team has won each game. Donovan Mitchell added 24 points, and James Harden had 16 points, nine assists and four turnovers. Jarrett Allen scored 14 points, while Dean Wade contributed 10. Toronto took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter. After two Cleveland defensive stops, Mitchell nailed a corner three and then made a driving layup to reduce the margin to three with 6:54 to go. Mobley’s rebound and dunk cut the lead to one with 5:48 left. A Barnes free throw had Toronto up by two with 1:17 left. Toronto’s shot-clock violation gave Cleveland possession with 0:16 left. Mobley’s layup tied the game at 104 with a layup with 0:12 to play in regulation. Jamal Shead missed a 17-footer to set up overtime. After a Toronto turnover, Harden hit a 12-footer to give Cleveland a two-point lead. Barnes tied it at 108 with a floater with 1:25 left in overtime. Mitchell’s layup put Cleveland up by two with 0:34 left, and then Shead made one of two free throws to cut the lead to one. Mobley’s turnover gave Toronto the ball with 0:11 left to set up Barrett’s shot. The game was tied at 32 after one quarter. The Raptors led by nine points after Barnes spun around Harden before making a dunk with 7:04 left in the second quarter. Cleveland cut the lead to two before Toronto took a 61-51 halftime lead following Shead’s 3-pointer with 51 seconds remaining. A Cleveland turnover led to Barrett’s running layup and a 15-point lead with 5:02 to play in the third quarter. Toronto led 92-81 after three quarters. Toronto was without Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Barretts #heroics #push #RaptorsCavaliers #GameMay 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) celebrates after scoring the winning basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the overtime period in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

RJ Barrett made a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left in overtime Friday night as the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 to force Game 7 of the first-round playoff series.

Barrett’s Kawhi-esque bucket from straight away hit the back of the rim, bounced high into the air and fell in between the mesh. The shot was from the same end of the court as Leonard’s four-bounce miracle during Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 playoffs.

Barrett, the Mississauga, Ontario, native, finished with 24 points. Ja’Kobe Walter also scored 24 to set up the deciding game Sunday at Cleveland.

Scottie Barnes had 25 points and 13 assists for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 17 points.

Evan Mobley had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers in a series in which the home team has won each game.

Donovan Mitchell added 24 points, and James Harden had 16 points, nine assists and four turnovers. Jarrett Allen scored 14 points, while Dean Wade contributed 10.


Toronto took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter. After two Cleveland defensive stops, Mitchell nailed a corner three and then made a driving layup to reduce the margin to three with 6:54 to go. Mobley’s rebound and dunk cut the lead to one with 5:48 left. A Barnes free throw had Toronto up by two with 1:17 left. Toronto’s shot-clock violation gave Cleveland possession with 0:16 left. Mobley’s layup tied the game at 104 with a layup with 0:12 to play in regulation. Jamal Shead missed a 17-footer to set up overtime.

After a Toronto turnover, Harden hit a 12-footer to give Cleveland a two-point lead. Barnes tied it at 108 with a floater with 1:25 left in overtime. Mitchell’s layup put Cleveland up by two with 0:34 left, and then Shead made one of two free throws to cut the lead to one. Mobley’s turnover gave Toronto the ball with 0:11 left to set up Barrett’s shot.

The game was tied at 32 after one quarter.

The Raptors led by nine points after Barnes spun around Harden before making a dunk with 7:04 left in the second quarter. Cleveland cut the lead to two before Toronto took a 61-51 halftime lead following Shead’s 3-pointer with 51 seconds remaining.

A Cleveland turnover led to Barrett’s running layup and a 15-point lead with 5:02 to play in the third quarter. Toronto led 92-81 after three quarters.

Toronto was without Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Barretts #heroics #push #RaptorsCavaliers #Game">Deadspin | RJ Barrett’s heroics push Raptors-Cavaliers to Game 7 May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) celebrates after scoring the winning basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the overtime period in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images RJ Barrett made a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left in overtime Friday night as the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 to force Game 7 of the first-round playoff series. Barrett’s Kawhi-esque bucket from straight away hit the back of the rim, bounced high into the air and fell in between the mesh. The shot was from the same end of the court as Leonard’s four-bounce miracle during Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 playoffs. Barrett, the Mississauga, Ontario, native, finished with 24 points. Ja’Kobe Walter also scored 24 to set up the deciding game Sunday at Cleveland. Scottie Barnes had 25 points and 13 assists for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 17 points. Evan Mobley had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers in a series in which the home team has won each game. Donovan Mitchell added 24 points, and James Harden had 16 points, nine assists and four turnovers. Jarrett Allen scored 14 points, while Dean Wade contributed 10. Toronto took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter. After two Cleveland defensive stops, Mitchell nailed a corner three and then made a driving layup to reduce the margin to three with 6:54 to go. Mobley’s rebound and dunk cut the lead to one with 5:48 left. A Barnes free throw had Toronto up by two with 1:17 left. Toronto’s shot-clock violation gave Cleveland possession with 0:16 left. Mobley’s layup tied the game at 104 with a layup with 0:12 to play in regulation. Jamal Shead missed a 17-footer to set up overtime. After a Toronto turnover, Harden hit a 12-footer to give Cleveland a two-point lead. Barnes tied it at 108 with a floater with 1:25 left in overtime. Mitchell’s layup put Cleveland up by two with 0:34 left, and then Shead made one of two free throws to cut the lead to one. Mobley’s turnover gave Toronto the ball with 0:11 left to set up Barrett’s shot. The game was tied at 32 after one quarter. The Raptors led by nine points after Barnes spun around Harden before making a dunk with 7:04 left in the second quarter. Cleveland cut the lead to two before Toronto took a 61-51 halftime lead following Shead’s 3-pointer with 51 seconds remaining. A Cleveland turnover led to Barrett’s running layup and a 15-point lead with 5:02 to play in the third quarter. Toronto led 92-81 after three quarters. Toronto was without Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Barretts #heroics #push #RaptorsCavaliers #Game

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