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Deadspin | Kyle Tucker, Dodgers take aim at Rockes in opener of 4-game set Apr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker runs the bases after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Dodgers have started strong in defense of their second straight World Series championship. They will look to continue that success when they open a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night in Denver. Los Angeles will send Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 4.00 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 2.16) in a matchup of right-handers. The Dodgers completed a 5-1 homestand to improve to 14-4 this season. They won 11 of the 13 games against the Rockies in 2025 and are 31-8 against them since 2022. Glasnow is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against Colorado. He will pitch in hitter-friendly Coors Field for the first time. Batting in altitude could benefit the Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker, who was one of the biggest free-agent signings of the winter. He has struck out 17 times in 67 at-bats this season (25.4%) after fanning just 88 times in 500 at-bats last season (17.6%) with the Chicago Cubs. “He’s not a guy that typically chases down below, but he’s chasing a lot more down below, for me,” manager Dave Roberts said. “… Typically when guys chase, they’re trying to do a little bit too much.” Tucker acknowledges he has been chasing pitches. He is batting only .239, with two homers and 11 RBIs. “Sometimes you just find yourself chasing more; you just have to try and just narrow your zone a little bit and look in certain parts in the zone, rather than just like swinging at whatever’s thrown,” he said. Tucker has faced Sugano once in his career, going 0-for-3 last year while Sugano was pitching for Baltimore. Sugano took the loss in his lone career encounter against the Dodgers, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in three innings. Sugano is three starts into his first season with Colorado and second one in the majors. He pitched 12 seasons for Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants before signing first with the Orioles and then with the Rockies on a one-year, .1 million deal. The 36-year-old has pitched well for a team that has stumbled at the start of the season. “When you throw strikes, you’re usually efficient, and Sugano attacks the strike zone,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He’s done it in at least the first three outings (with the Rockies), and he’s done it his whole life.” Sugano will try to pitch Colorado to its second straight win overall and its fifth in a row at home. The Rockies lost the first six games of the road trip to San Diego and Houston before squeaking out a 3-2 victory over the Astros on Thursday night. The bullpen was sharp even though Colorado lost the first two games of the series, throwing 18 scoreless innings against the Astros. Hunter Goodwin hit a solo homer on Thursday, marking the third time he had gone deep in the series vs. Houston. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kyle #Tucker #Dodgers #aim #Rockes #opener #4game #set

Deadspin | Kyle Tucker, Dodgers take aim at Rockes in opener of 4-game set
Deadspin | Kyle Tucker, Dodgers take aim at Rockes in opener of 4-game set Apr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker runs the bases after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Dodgers have started strong in defense of their second straight World Series championship. They will look to continue that success when they open a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night in Denver. Los Angeles will send Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 4.00 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 2.16) in a matchup of right-handers. The Dodgers completed a 5-1 homestand to improve to 14-4 this season. They won 11 of the 13 games against the Rockies in 2025 and are 31-8 against them since 2022. Glasnow is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against Colorado. He will pitch in hitter-friendly Coors Field for the first time. Batting in altitude could benefit the Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker, who was one of the biggest free-agent signings of the winter. He has struck out 17 times in 67 at-bats this season (25.4%) after fanning just 88 times in 500 at-bats last season (17.6%) with the Chicago Cubs. “He’s not a guy that typically chases down below, but he’s chasing a lot more down below, for me,” manager Dave Roberts said. “… Typically when guys chase, they’re trying to do a little bit too much.” Tucker acknowledges he has been chasing pitches. He is batting only .239, with two homers and 11 RBIs. “Sometimes you just find yourself chasing more; you just have to try and just narrow your zone a little bit and look in certain parts in the zone, rather than just like swinging at whatever’s thrown,” he said. Tucker has faced Sugano once in his career, going 0-for-3 last year while Sugano was pitching for Baltimore. Sugano took the loss in his lone career encounter against the Dodgers, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in three innings. Sugano is three starts into his first season with Colorado and second one in the majors. He pitched 12 seasons for Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants before signing first with the Orioles and then with the Rockies on a one-year, .1 million deal. The 36-year-old has pitched well for a team that has stumbled at the start of the season. “When you throw strikes, you’re usually efficient, and Sugano attacks the strike zone,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He’s done it in at least the first three outings (with the Rockies), and he’s done it his whole life.” Sugano will try to pitch Colorado to its second straight win overall and its fifth in a row at home. The Rockies lost the first six games of the road trip to San Diego and Houston before squeaking out a 3-2 victory over the Astros on Thursday night. The bullpen was sharp even though Colorado lost the first two games of the series, throwing 18 scoreless innings against the Astros. Hunter Goodwin hit a solo homer on Thursday, marking the third time he had gone deep in the series vs. Houston. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kyle #Tucker #Dodgers #aim #Rockes #opener #4game #setApr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker runs the bases after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers have started strong in defense of their second straight World Series championship.

They will look to continue that success when they open a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night in Denver.

Los Angeles will send Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 4.00 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 2.16) in a matchup of right-handers.

The Dodgers completed a 5-1 homestand to improve to 14-4 this season. They won 11 of the 13 games against the Rockies in 2025 and are 31-8 against them since 2022.

Glasnow is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against Colorado. He will pitch in hitter-friendly Coors Field for the first time.

Batting in altitude could benefit the Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker, who was one of the biggest free-agent signings of the winter. He has struck out 17 times in 67 at-bats this season (25.4%) after fanning just 88 times in 500 at-bats last season (17.6%) with the Chicago Cubs.

“He’s not a guy that typically chases down below, but he’s chasing a lot more down below, for me,” manager Dave Roberts said. “… Typically when guys chase, they’re trying to do a little bit too much.”

Tucker acknowledges he has been chasing pitches. He is batting only .239, with two homers and 11 RBIs.


“Sometimes you just find yourself chasing more; you just have to try and just narrow your zone a little bit and look in certain parts in the zone, rather than just like swinging at whatever’s thrown,” he said.

Tucker has faced Sugano once in his career, going 0-for-3 last year while Sugano was pitching for Baltimore. Sugano took the loss in his lone career encounter against the Dodgers, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in three innings.

Sugano is three starts into his first season with Colorado and second one in the majors. He pitched 12 seasons for Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants before signing first with the Orioles and then with the Rockies on a one-year, $5.1 million deal.

The 36-year-old has pitched well for a team that has stumbled at the start of the season.

“When you throw strikes, you’re usually efficient, and Sugano attacks the strike zone,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He’s done it in at least the first three outings (with the Rockies), and he’s done it his whole life.”

Sugano will try to pitch Colorado to its second straight win overall and its fifth in a row at home. The Rockies lost the first six games of the road trip to San Diego and Houston before squeaking out a 3-2 victory over the Astros on Thursday night.

The bullpen was sharp even though Colorado lost the first two games of the series, throwing 18 scoreless innings against the Astros.

Hunter Goodwin hit a solo homer on Thursday, marking the third time he had gone deep in the series vs. Houston.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kyle #Tucker #Dodgers #aim #Rockes #opener #4game #set

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Apr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker runs the bases after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers have started strong in defense of their second straight World Series championship.

They will look to continue that success when they open a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night in Denver.

Los Angeles will send Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 4.00 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 2.16) in a matchup of right-handers.

The Dodgers completed a 5-1 homestand to improve to 14-4 this season. They won 11 of the 13 games against the Rockies in 2025 and are 31-8 against them since 2022.

Glasnow is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against Colorado. He will pitch in hitter-friendly Coors Field for the first time.

Batting in altitude could benefit the Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker, who was one of the biggest free-agent signings of the winter. He has struck out 17 times in 67 at-bats this season (25.4%) after fanning just 88 times in 500 at-bats last season (17.6%) with the Chicago Cubs.

“He’s not a guy that typically chases down below, but he’s chasing a lot more down below, for me,” manager Dave Roberts said. “… Typically when guys chase, they’re trying to do a little bit too much.”

Tucker acknowledges he has been chasing pitches. He is batting only .239, with two homers and 11 RBIs.

“Sometimes you just find yourself chasing more; you just have to try and just narrow your zone a little bit and look in certain parts in the zone, rather than just like swinging at whatever’s thrown,” he said.

Tucker has faced Sugano once in his career, going 0-for-3 last year while Sugano was pitching for Baltimore. Sugano took the loss in his lone career encounter against the Dodgers, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in three innings.

Sugano is three starts into his first season with Colorado and second one in the majors. He pitched 12 seasons for Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants before signing first with the Orioles and then with the Rockies on a one-year, $5.1 million deal.

The 36-year-old has pitched well for a team that has stumbled at the start of the season.

“When you throw strikes, you’re usually efficient, and Sugano attacks the strike zone,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He’s done it in at least the first three outings (with the Rockies), and he’s done it his whole life.”

Sugano will try to pitch Colorado to its second straight win overall and its fifth in a row at home. The Rockies lost the first six games of the road trip to San Diego and Houston before squeaking out a 3-2 victory over the Astros on Thursday night.

The bullpen was sharp even though Colorado lost the first two games of the series, throwing 18 scoreless innings against the Astros.

Hunter Goodwin hit a solo homer on Thursday, marking the third time he had gone deep in the series vs. Houston.

–Field Level Media

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Kenyon Sadiq goes to Buccaneers at pick No. 15 thanks to Bucs Nation in SB Nation’s community mock draft <div id="cyclone-embed-body-ea2bd107-eca8-4b7b-b302-bf67e8918ac9"><p>TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon</p><p>The Buccaneers taking Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq would signal a clear shift in how this offense plans to evolve post–Mike Evans. Sadiq isn’t just a traditional tight end—he brings athleticism and pass-catching upside that could help fill some of the production void left by Evans’ departure. While he won’t replicate Evans’ elite outside presence, he could become a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field and in the red zone. For a Buccaneers offense looking to retool, adding a versatile weapon like Sadiq could open up new layers in the passing game. It also gives quarterback Baker Mayfield a reliable safety valve, something that becomes even more critical without a dominant WR1. If developed correctly, this pick could quietly become one of the more impactful moves in reshaping Tampa Bay’s offensive identity.</p></div> #Kenyon #Sadiq #Buccaneers #pick #Bucs #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft

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भोजशाला केस में हाई कोर्ट की बड़ी टिप्पणी- ‘सभी धर्मों का सम्मान ही संविधान की खूबसूरती’, इस मांग को किया खारिज

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The Illinois Fighting Illini reached the Final Four of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005. Illinois ended up losing a tight game to the UConn Huskies before Michigan cut down the nets in the national championship game. Most programs as successful as Illinois was this past season are scrambling right now to replace the loss of key players to the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. The Illini are the exception, and it’s setting them up for another big year next season.

Andrej Stojakovic announced he was returning to Illinois for his senior season on Friday afternoon. Stojakovic’s announcement follows commitments to return earlier this week from teammates David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis. The Illini will lose Keaton Wagler to the 2026 NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be a top-7 pick, but they’re bringing back almost everyone else.

Wagler is a significant loss, but Illinois found what feels like a perfect replacement for him in Providence guard Stefan Vaaks in the transfer portal. Like Wagler, Vaaks is a tall (6’7), skinny guard who is at his best shooting threes off the dribble. Vaaks made 35 percent of his threes on 91-of-260 shooting from behind the arc last year as a freshman. More than 35 percent of those shots were unassisted.

Illinois found a winning formula this past season by launching threes at will and hitting the offensive glass hard. The Illini took 49.7 percent of their field goal attempts from three-point range, which ranked No. 15 in DI. They grabbed 39.2 percent of their misses, which ranked No. 3 overall in offensive rebound rate. The offense ended the year at No. 2 in efficiency by scoring an incredible 131.2 points per 100 possessions.

This type of roster retention for an elite team is incredibly rare in the transfer portal era. Last year’s average was 31 percent roster retention, according to Evan Miyakawa. The Illini are bringing back five players who played at least 42 percent of the available minutes last year. Most college teams need to build continuity early in the season. The Illini will already have it.

Illinois could be No. 1 team in college basketball’s preseason poll for 2026-27

I don’t see a team that deserves to be ranked ahead of Illinois right now for the 2026-27 season. I’ll predict the Illini will rank No. 1 in the AP Poll preseason poll when it’s released closer to the season.

Losing Wagler to the NBA and Kylan Boswell to graduation is a big deal, but it shouldn’t matter. Illinois is keeping its ridiculously talented front court in place that features two 7’1 guys who can shoot it and protect the rim in the Ivisic twins, plus a 6’9 brawler in Mirkovic who cleans the glass, stretches the floor, and can even run a little bit of offense with the ball in his hands. Davis is a veteran wing who hits 40 percent of his threes and doesn’t turn the ball over. Stojakovic is a deadly slasher and stout perimeter defender with a big body for a wing.

Add in Vaaks’ pull-up shooting and the addition of incoming freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo, and this Illinois team should be really, really good.

Vaaks will need to take a playmaking leap. Coleman is a four-star recruit with a skinny frame and shooting ability, and it will be interesting to see if Brad Underwood can develop him in a similar way to Wagler. Morillo is a 6’7 wing with a mean streak defensively who can also run some offense with the ball in his hands. The Illini are still in the mix for Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who we ranked as a top-5 portal player available, and if they get him that would be an embarrassment of riches.

Illinois will have competition for No. 1 in the polls. Florida is bringing back Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon as two players who would have been drafted in June if they turned pro. UConn is also crushing the portal by landing Najai Hines and retaining guard Silas Demary. Michigan is expected to lose Aday Mara and Morez Johnson to the NBA, but if they somehow brought both back, the Wolverines would have to be No. 1 in the polls. Louisville deserves consideration after bringing in Flory Bidunga and two other stud transfers.

Most of the traditional powerhouses have work to do. Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina have all had a quiet offseason. The balance of power might be shifting in men’s college basketball. At least going into next season, the Illini are as good as anyone.

#Illinois #mens #college #basketball #preseason #rankings #retaining #top #players">Illinois looks like No. 1 in men’s college basketball preseason rankings after retaining top players The Illinois Fighting Illini reached the Final Four of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005. Illinois ended up losing a tight game to the UConn Huskies before Michigan cut down the nets in the national championship game. Most programs as successful as Illinois was this past season are scrambling right now to replace the loss of key players to the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. The Illini are the exception, and it’s setting them up for another big year next season.Andrej Stojakovic announced he was returning to Illinois for his senior season on Friday afternoon. Stojakovic’s announcement follows commitments to return earlier this week from teammates David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis. The Illini will lose Keaton Wagler to the 2026 NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be a top-7 pick, but they’re bringing back almost everyone else.Wagler is a significant loss, but Illinois found what feels like a perfect replacement for him in Providence guard Stefan Vaaks in the transfer portal. Like Wagler, Vaaks is a tall (6’7), skinny guard who is at his best shooting threes off the dribble. Vaaks made 35 percent of his threes on 91-of-260 shooting from behind the arc last year as a freshman. More than 35 percent of those shots were unassisted.Illinois found a winning formula this past season by launching threes at will and hitting the offensive glass hard. The Illini took 49.7 percent of their field goal attempts from three-point range, which ranked No. 15 in DI. They grabbed 39.2 percent of their misses, which ranked No. 3 overall in offensive rebound rate. The offense ended the year at No. 2 in efficiency by scoring an incredible 131.2 points per 100 possessions.This type of roster retention for an elite team is incredibly rare in the transfer portal era. Last year’s average was 31 percent roster retention, according to Evan Miyakawa. The Illini are bringing back five players who played at least 42 percent of the available minutes last year. Most college teams need to build continuity early in the season. The Illini will already have it.Illinois could be No. 1 team in college basketball’s preseason poll for 2026-27I don’t see a team that deserves to be ranked ahead of Illinois right now for the 2026-27 season. I’ll predict the Illini will rank No. 1 in the AP Poll preseason poll when it’s released closer to the season.Losing Wagler to the NBA and Kylan Boswell to graduation is a big deal, but it shouldn’t matter. Illinois is keeping its ridiculously talented front court in place that features two 7’1 guys who can shoot it and protect the rim in the Ivisic twins, plus a 6’9 brawler in Mirkovic who cleans the glass, stretches the floor, and can even run a little bit of offense with the ball in his hands. Davis is a veteran wing who hits 40 percent of his threes and doesn’t turn the ball over. Stojakovic is a deadly slasher and stout perimeter defender with a big body for a wing.Add in Vaaks’ pull-up shooting and the addition of incoming freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo, and this Illinois team should be really, really good.Vaaks will need to take a playmaking leap. Coleman is a four-star recruit with a skinny frame and shooting ability, and it will be interesting to see if Brad Underwood can develop him in a similar way to Wagler. Morillo is a 6’7 wing with a mean streak defensively who can also run some offense with the ball in his hands. The Illini are still in the mix for Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who we ranked as a top-5 portal player available, and if they get him that would be an embarrassment of riches.Illinois will have competition for No. 1 in the polls. Florida is bringing back Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon as two players who would have been drafted in June if they turned pro. UConn is also crushing the portal by landing Najai Hines and retaining guard Silas Demary. Michigan is expected to lose Aday Mara and Morez Johnson to the NBA, but if they somehow brought both back, the Wolverines would have to be No. 1 in the polls. Louisville deserves consideration after bringing in Flory Bidunga and two other stud transfers.Most of the traditional powerhouses have work to do. Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina have all had a quiet offseason. The balance of power might be shifting in men’s college basketball. At least going into next season, the Illini are as good as anyone. #Illinois #mens #college #basketball #preseason #rankings #retaining #top #players

Michigan cut down the nets in the national championship game. Most programs as successful as Illinois was this past season are scrambling right now to replace the loss of key players to the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. The Illini are the exception, and it’s setting them up for another big year next season.

Andrej Stojakovic announced he was returning to Illinois for his senior season on Friday afternoon. Stojakovic’s announcement follows commitments to return earlier this week from teammates David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis. The Illini will lose Keaton Wagler to the 2026 NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be a top-7 pick, but they’re bringing back almost everyone else.

Wagler is a significant loss, but Illinois found what feels like a perfect replacement for him in Providence guard Stefan Vaaks in the transfer portal. Like Wagler, Vaaks is a tall (6’7), skinny guard who is at his best shooting threes off the dribble. Vaaks made 35 percent of his threes on 91-of-260 shooting from behind the arc last year as a freshman. More than 35 percent of those shots were unassisted.

Illinois found a winning formula this past season by launching threes at will and hitting the offensive glass hard. The Illini took 49.7 percent of their field goal attempts from three-point range, which ranked No. 15 in DI. They grabbed 39.2 percent of their misses, which ranked No. 3 overall in offensive rebound rate. The offense ended the year at No. 2 in efficiency by scoring an incredible 131.2 points per 100 possessions.

This type of roster retention for an elite team is incredibly rare in the transfer portal era. Last year’s average was 31 percent roster retention, according to Evan Miyakawa. The Illini are bringing back five players who played at least 42 percent of the available minutes last year. Most college teams need to build continuity early in the season. The Illini will already have it.

Illinois could be No. 1 team in college basketball’s preseason poll for 2026-27

I don’t see a team that deserves to be ranked ahead of Illinois right now for the 2026-27 season. I’ll predict the Illini will rank No. 1 in the AP Poll preseason poll when it’s released closer to the season.

Losing Wagler to the NBA and Kylan Boswell to graduation is a big deal, but it shouldn’t matter. Illinois is keeping its ridiculously talented front court in place that features two 7’1 guys who can shoot it and protect the rim in the Ivisic twins, plus a 6’9 brawler in Mirkovic who cleans the glass, stretches the floor, and can even run a little bit of offense with the ball in his hands. Davis is a veteran wing who hits 40 percent of his threes and doesn’t turn the ball over. Stojakovic is a deadly slasher and stout perimeter defender with a big body for a wing.

Add in Vaaks’ pull-up shooting and the addition of incoming freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo, and this Illinois team should be really, really good.

Vaaks will need to take a playmaking leap. Coleman is a four-star recruit with a skinny frame and shooting ability, and it will be interesting to see if Brad Underwood can develop him in a similar way to Wagler. Morillo is a 6’7 wing with a mean streak defensively who can also run some offense with the ball in his hands. The Illini are still in the mix for Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who we ranked as a top-5 portal player available, and if they get him that would be an embarrassment of riches.

Illinois will have competition for No. 1 in the polls. Florida is bringing back Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon as two players who would have been drafted in June if they turned pro. UConn is also crushing the portal by landing Najai Hines and retaining guard Silas Demary. Michigan is expected to lose Aday Mara and Morez Johnson to the NBA, but if they somehow brought both back, the Wolverines would have to be No. 1 in the polls. Louisville deserves consideration after bringing in Flory Bidunga and two other stud transfers.

Most of the traditional powerhouses have work to do. Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina have all had a quiet offseason. The balance of power might be shifting in men’s college basketball. At least going into next season, the Illini are as good as anyone.

#Illinois #mens #college #basketball #preseason #rankings #retaining #top #players">Illinois looks like No. 1 in men’s college basketball preseason rankings after retaining top players

The Illinois Fighting Illini reached the Final Four of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005. Illinois ended up losing a tight game to the UConn Huskies before Michigan cut down the nets in the national championship game. Most programs as successful as Illinois was this past season are scrambling right now to replace the loss of key players to the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. The Illini are the exception, and it’s setting them up for another big year next season.

Andrej Stojakovic announced he was returning to Illinois for his senior season on Friday afternoon. Stojakovic’s announcement follows commitments to return earlier this week from teammates David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis. The Illini will lose Keaton Wagler to the 2026 NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be a top-7 pick, but they’re bringing back almost everyone else.

Wagler is a significant loss, but Illinois found what feels like a perfect replacement for him in Providence guard Stefan Vaaks in the transfer portal. Like Wagler, Vaaks is a tall (6’7), skinny guard who is at his best shooting threes off the dribble. Vaaks made 35 percent of his threes on 91-of-260 shooting from behind the arc last year as a freshman. More than 35 percent of those shots were unassisted.

Illinois found a winning formula this past season by launching threes at will and hitting the offensive glass hard. The Illini took 49.7 percent of their field goal attempts from three-point range, which ranked No. 15 in DI. They grabbed 39.2 percent of their misses, which ranked No. 3 overall in offensive rebound rate. The offense ended the year at No. 2 in efficiency by scoring an incredible 131.2 points per 100 possessions.

This type of roster retention for an elite team is incredibly rare in the transfer portal era. Last year’s average was 31 percent roster retention, according to Evan Miyakawa. The Illini are bringing back five players who played at least 42 percent of the available minutes last year. Most college teams need to build continuity early in the season. The Illini will already have it.

Illinois could be No. 1 team in college basketball’s preseason poll for 2026-27

I don’t see a team that deserves to be ranked ahead of Illinois right now for the 2026-27 season. I’ll predict the Illini will rank No. 1 in the AP Poll preseason poll when it’s released closer to the season.

Losing Wagler to the NBA and Kylan Boswell to graduation is a big deal, but it shouldn’t matter. Illinois is keeping its ridiculously talented front court in place that features two 7’1 guys who can shoot it and protect the rim in the Ivisic twins, plus a 6’9 brawler in Mirkovic who cleans the glass, stretches the floor, and can even run a little bit of offense with the ball in his hands. Davis is a veteran wing who hits 40 percent of his threes and doesn’t turn the ball over. Stojakovic is a deadly slasher and stout perimeter defender with a big body for a wing.

Add in Vaaks’ pull-up shooting and the addition of incoming freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo, and this Illinois team should be really, really good.

Vaaks will need to take a playmaking leap. Coleman is a four-star recruit with a skinny frame and shooting ability, and it will be interesting to see if Brad Underwood can develop him in a similar way to Wagler. Morillo is a 6’7 wing with a mean streak defensively who can also run some offense with the ball in his hands. The Illini are still in the mix for Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who we ranked as a top-5 portal player available, and if they get him that would be an embarrassment of riches.

Illinois will have competition for No. 1 in the polls. Florida is bringing back Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon as two players who would have been drafted in June if they turned pro. UConn is also crushing the portal by landing Najai Hines and retaining guard Silas Demary. Michigan is expected to lose Aday Mara and Morez Johnson to the NBA, but if they somehow brought both back, the Wolverines would have to be No. 1 in the polls. Louisville deserves consideration after bringing in Flory Bidunga and two other stud transfers.

Most of the traditional powerhouses have work to do. Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina have all had a quiet offseason. The balance of power might be shifting in men’s college basketball. At least going into next season, the Illini are as good as anyone.

#Illinois #mens #college #basketball #preseason #rankings #retaining #top #players

Chanmari FC completed a dominant performance with a 4-1 win against Namdhari FC, to keep its hopes alive for a top six spot in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.

Chanmari took the lead in the fourth minute through Pepe, who was making his first start of the season, and then doubled its advantage in the second half through Christopher Kamei. Lalruatsanga scored the third in the 58th minute before Adersh Mattummal pulled one back three minutes later. Lalthangliana added the fourth for the visitor to seal the match.

Chanmari FC has moved temporarily to fifth in the table with 11 points and a goal difference of -1, and will rely on the results of other matches to confirm its place in the top six. Meanwhile, Namdhari, in ninth place with seven points, has confirmed their place in the relegation zone.

Chanmari stunned Namdhari with an early breakthrough in just the fourth minute. Marlon Rangel launched a simple long ball from defence into space, picking out the run of Pepe. The midfielder outpaced two defenders, controlled the ball well, and calmly slotted it through the legs of the onrushing goalkeeper.

The Brazilian was once again at the heart of the action moments later and could have doubled Chanmari’s lead. Jota made a fine run down the left, but his cross initially failed to find a teammate inside the box. The ball was recycled by Lalthangliana, who delivered a low cross into the path of Pepe, but his effort curled just over the crossbar.

ALSO READ | Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Chanmari looked lively whenever they went forward, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana troubling the opposition defence with their pace. The latter missed a good opportunity midway through the half, heading over the bar after Marlon Rangel’s initial effort had been saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.

Namdhari, on the other hand, relied on long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Chanmari’s defence. Najib Ibrahim came close with one such attempt, and around the half-hour mark, Manvir Singh, who has already scored twice from the centre circle this season, tried another audacious effort from midfield, which sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia scrambling in goal.

The visitor controlled the midfield, with Namdhari showing little urgency to win back possession as Chanmari carried its one-goal lead into the break.

The visitor doubled its advantage in the fourth minute of the restart. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, and his attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper’s head, struck the post, and nestled in the back of the net.

ALSO READ | Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw

The side from Aizawl then scored its third goal with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga played a well-timed pass into the path of Lalruatsanga, who had made a clever run behind the defence. The striker, from an acute angle, beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful side-footed finish.

Moments later, the home side could have halved the deficit after Seilenthang Lotjem missed from point blank range after being setup by a low cross by Bhupinder Singh.

Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled a goal back through a long-range effort from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder controlled the ball between two defenders and, with a precise low shot, found the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.

Chanmari put the match to bed nine minutes from time with another well-taken goal, this time by substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch and struck a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

Chanmari saw off the remainder of the match with ease, confirming Namdhari’s position in the relegation zone and keeping its hopes alive for a place in the top six of the table.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IFL #Chanmari #thrashes #Namdhari #topsix #hopes #alive">IFL 2025-26: Chanmari thrashes Namdhari to keep top-six hopes alive Chanmari FC completed a dominant performance with a 4-1 win against Namdhari FC, to keep its hopes alive for a top six spot in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.Chanmari took the lead in the fourth minute through Pepe, who was making his first start of the season, and then doubled its advantage in the second half through Christopher Kamei. Lalruatsanga scored the third in the 58th minute before Adersh Mattummal pulled one back three minutes later. Lalthangliana added the fourth for the visitor to seal the match.Chanmari FC has moved temporarily to fifth in the table with 11 points and a goal difference of -1, and will rely on the results of other matches to confirm its place in the top six. Meanwhile, Namdhari, in ninth place with seven points, has confirmed their place in the relegation zone.Chanmari stunned Namdhari with an early breakthrough in just the fourth minute. Marlon Rangel launched a simple long ball from defence into space, picking out the run of Pepe. The midfielder outpaced two defenders, controlled the ball well, and calmly slotted it through the legs of the onrushing goalkeeper.The Brazilian was once again at the heart of the action moments later and could have doubled Chanmari’s lead. Jota made a fine run down the left, but his cross initially failed to find a teammate inside the box. The ball was recycled by Lalthangliana, who delivered a low cross into the path of Pepe, but his effort curled just over the crossbar.ALSO READ | Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of seasonChanmari looked lively whenever they went forward, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana troubling the opposition defence with their pace. The latter missed a good opportunity midway through the half, heading over the bar after Marlon Rangel’s initial effort had been saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.Namdhari, on the other hand, relied on long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Chanmari’s defence. Najib Ibrahim came close with one such attempt, and around the half-hour mark, Manvir Singh, who has already scored twice from the centre circle this season, tried another audacious effort from midfield, which sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia scrambling in goal.The visitor controlled the midfield, with Namdhari showing little urgency to win back possession as Chanmari carried its one-goal lead into the break.The visitor doubled its advantage in the fourth minute of the restart. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, and his attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper’s head, struck the post, and nestled in the back of the net.ALSO READ | Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 drawThe side from Aizawl then scored its third goal with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga played a well-timed pass into the path of Lalruatsanga, who had made a clever run behind the defence. The striker, from an acute angle, beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful side-footed finish.Moments later, the home side could have halved the deficit after Seilenthang Lotjem missed from point blank range after being setup by a low cross by Bhupinder Singh.Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled a goal back through a long-range effort from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder controlled the ball between two defenders and, with a precise low shot, found the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.Chanmari put the match to bed nine minutes from time with another well-taken goal, this time by substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch and struck a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.Chanmari saw off the remainder of the match with ease, confirming Namdhari’s position in the relegation zone and keeping its hopes alive for a place in the top six of the table.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #IFL #Chanmari #thrashes #Namdhari #topsix #hopes #alive

Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Chanmari looked lively whenever they went forward, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana troubling the opposition defence with their pace. The latter missed a good opportunity midway through the half, heading over the bar after Marlon Rangel’s initial effort had been saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.

Namdhari, on the other hand, relied on long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Chanmari’s defence. Najib Ibrahim came close with one such attempt, and around the half-hour mark, Manvir Singh, who has already scored twice from the centre circle this season, tried another audacious effort from midfield, which sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia scrambling in goal.

The visitor controlled the midfield, with Namdhari showing little urgency to win back possession as Chanmari carried its one-goal lead into the break.

The visitor doubled its advantage in the fourth minute of the restart. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, and his attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper’s head, struck the post, and nestled in the back of the net.

ALSO READ | Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw

The side from Aizawl then scored its third goal with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga played a well-timed pass into the path of Lalruatsanga, who had made a clever run behind the defence. The striker, from an acute angle, beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful side-footed finish.

Moments later, the home side could have halved the deficit after Seilenthang Lotjem missed from point blank range after being setup by a low cross by Bhupinder Singh.

Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled a goal back through a long-range effort from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder controlled the ball between two defenders and, with a precise low shot, found the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.

Chanmari put the match to bed nine minutes from time with another well-taken goal, this time by substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch and struck a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

Chanmari saw off the remainder of the match with ease, confirming Namdhari’s position in the relegation zone and keeping its hopes alive for a place in the top six of the table.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IFL #Chanmari #thrashes #Namdhari #topsix #hopes #alive">IFL 2025-26: Chanmari thrashes Namdhari to keep top-six hopes alive

Chanmari FC completed a dominant performance with a 4-1 win against Namdhari FC, to keep its hopes alive for a top six spot in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.

Chanmari took the lead in the fourth minute through Pepe, who was making his first start of the season, and then doubled its advantage in the second half through Christopher Kamei. Lalruatsanga scored the third in the 58th minute before Adersh Mattummal pulled one back three minutes later. Lalthangliana added the fourth for the visitor to seal the match.

Chanmari FC has moved temporarily to fifth in the table with 11 points and a goal difference of -1, and will rely on the results of other matches to confirm its place in the top six. Meanwhile, Namdhari, in ninth place with seven points, has confirmed their place in the relegation zone.

Chanmari stunned Namdhari with an early breakthrough in just the fourth minute. Marlon Rangel launched a simple long ball from defence into space, picking out the run of Pepe. The midfielder outpaced two defenders, controlled the ball well, and calmly slotted it through the legs of the onrushing goalkeeper.

The Brazilian was once again at the heart of the action moments later and could have doubled Chanmari’s lead. Jota made a fine run down the left, but his cross initially failed to find a teammate inside the box. The ball was recycled by Lalthangliana, who delivered a low cross into the path of Pepe, but his effort curled just over the crossbar.

ALSO READ | Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Chanmari looked lively whenever they went forward, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana troubling the opposition defence with their pace. The latter missed a good opportunity midway through the half, heading over the bar after Marlon Rangel’s initial effort had been saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.

Namdhari, on the other hand, relied on long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Chanmari’s defence. Najib Ibrahim came close with one such attempt, and around the half-hour mark, Manvir Singh, who has already scored twice from the centre circle this season, tried another audacious effort from midfield, which sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia scrambling in goal.

The visitor controlled the midfield, with Namdhari showing little urgency to win back possession as Chanmari carried its one-goal lead into the break.

The visitor doubled its advantage in the fourth minute of the restart. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, and his attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper’s head, struck the post, and nestled in the back of the net.

ALSO READ | Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw

The side from Aizawl then scored its third goal with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga played a well-timed pass into the path of Lalruatsanga, who had made a clever run behind the defence. The striker, from an acute angle, beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful side-footed finish.

Moments later, the home side could have halved the deficit after Seilenthang Lotjem missed from point blank range after being setup by a low cross by Bhupinder Singh.

Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled a goal back through a long-range effort from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder controlled the ball between two defenders and, with a precise low shot, found the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.

Chanmari put the match to bed nine minutes from time with another well-taken goal, this time by substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch and struck a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

Chanmari saw off the remainder of the match with ease, confirming Namdhari’s position in the relegation zone and keeping its hopes alive for a place in the top six of the table.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IFL #Chanmari #thrashes #Namdhari #topsix #hopes #alive

Bam Adebayo scored 83 points during the Miami’s Heat’s 150-129 triumph over the Washington Wizards on March 10. Two nights later Miami coach Erik Spoelstra used part of a press conference to defend the team’s decision to keep Adebayo on the court late in the fourth quarter against the Wizards, long after the outcome had been decided.

Some of Spoelstra’s comments unwittingly shined a light on a much bigger problem than Adebayo piling up points, however: Tanking.

“These are tricky games when you’re facing teams like that,” he said. “Teams that have nothing to lose and don’t play to win. … They’re not playing for anything. Their organization is trying to lose.”

Welcome to today’s NBA, where losing has become a strategic decision. The more a team loses, the better its chances are of selecting the league’s next superstar in the NBA Draft Lottery. And we’re not talking about a few teams at the bottom of the league standings tanking either. It’s much worse than that.

According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, the 2025-26 regular season was the first time in NBA history that at least eight of the league’s teams lost two-thirds of their games.There’s evidence to suggest many of those teams sacrificed victories to enhance their position in the lottery.

Tanking, coupled with load management, has created a public relations problem for the NBA, and something much worse: an integrity problem.

Attending an NBA game can be like going to a steak house, only to see no steak on the menu. Many superstars don’t play, and many teams don’t try. Fans often don’t get what they came for.

Load management is a problem NBA commissioner Adam Silver can tackle on another day. Right now dealing with the “tanking” issue is at the top of his to-do list.

“We are going to fix it,” Silver said at the league’s board of governors meeting last month. “Full stop.”

Suggestions have poured in regarding how to “fix” tanking. A few plans the NBA is reportedly considering were leaked by the media. Most of them will give you a popsicle headache.

One good solution was put forth by former NBA player Charles Barkley, who proposed that the league shouldn’t allow teams that finish below the .500 mark to raise ticket prices. That’s something we can all get behind. He also suggested that each team in the lottery should have an equal chance of obtaining the top overall pick, instead of rewarding the worst teams with a higher probability of drafting first overall.

How about we take it a step further and eliminate the lottery and all the dizziness that comes with it. If almost half of the teams in the NBA have a chance to land the top pick then each of those teams has an incentive to tank.

Admittedly, some tanking would remain, since adding a top draft pick can change the fortunes of a NBA franchise more than it would help a struggling team in the NFL or MLB. That’s why you see very little tanking – relatively speaking – in those sports, both of which allow teams to draft in reverse order of their regular season record.

It’s not a perfect solution, but it would be a significant step in the right direction.

If there’s a better idea out there we haven’t heard it. At least this way the NBA wouldn’t be rewarding bad behavior.

#NBA #Fix #Draft #System #Stop #Tanking #Deadspin.com">Why the NBA Must Fix Its Draft System to Stop Tanking | Deadspin.com Bam Adebayo scored 83 points during the Miami’s Heat’s 150-129 triumph over the Washington Wizards on March 10. Two nights later Miami coach Erik Spoelstra used part of a press conference to defend the team’s decision to keep Adebayo on the court late in the fourth quarter against the Wizards, long after the outcome had been decided.Some of Spoelstra’s comments unwittingly shined a light on a much bigger problem than Adebayo piling up points, however: Tanking.“These are tricky games when you’re facing teams like that,” he said. “Teams that have nothing to lose and don’t play to win. … They’re not playing for anything. Their organization is trying to lose.”Welcome to today’s NBA, where losing has become a strategic decision. The more a team loses, the better its chances are of selecting the league’s next superstar in the NBA Draft Lottery. And we’re not talking about a few teams at the bottom of the league standings tanking either. It’s much worse than that.According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, the 2025-26 regular season was the first time in NBA history that at least eight of the league’s teams lost two-thirds of their games.There’s evidence to suggest many of those teams sacrificed victories to enhance their position in the lottery.Tanking, coupled with load management, has created a public relations problem for the NBA, and something much worse: an integrity problem.Attending an NBA game can be like going to a steak house, only to see no steak on the menu. Many superstars don’t play, and many teams don’t try. Fans often don’t get what they came for.Load management is a problem NBA commissioner Adam Silver can tackle on another day. Right now dealing with the “tanking” issue is at the top of his to-do list.“We are going to fix it,” Silver said at the league’s board of governors meeting last month. “Full stop.”Suggestions have poured in regarding how to “fix” tanking. A few plans the NBA is reportedly considering were leaked by the media. Most of them will give you a popsicle headache.One good solution was put forth by former NBA player Charles Barkley, who proposed that the league shouldn’t allow teams that finish below the .500 mark to raise ticket prices. That’s something we can all get behind. He also suggested that each team in the lottery should have an equal chance of obtaining the top overall pick, instead of rewarding the worst teams with a higher probability of drafting first overall.How about we take it a step further and eliminate the lottery and all the dizziness that comes with it. If almost half of the teams in the NBA have a chance to land the top pick then each of those teams has an incentive to tank.Admittedly, some tanking would remain, since adding a top draft pick can change the fortunes of a NBA franchise more than it would help a struggling team in the NFL or MLB. That’s why you see very little tanking – relatively speaking – in those sports, both of which allow teams to draft in reverse order of their regular season record.It’s not a perfect solution, but it would be a significant step in the right direction.If there’s a better idea out there we haven’t heard it. At least this way the NBA wouldn’t be rewarding bad behavior. #NBA #Fix #Draft #System #Stop #Tanking #Deadspin.com

much bigger problem than Adebayo piling up points, however: Tanking.

“These are tricky games when you’re facing teams like that,” he said. “Teams that have nothing to lose and don’t play to win. … They’re not playing for anything. Their organization is trying to lose.”

Welcome to today’s NBA, where losing has become a strategic decision. The more a team loses, the better its chances are of selecting the league’s next superstar in the NBA Draft Lottery. And we’re not talking about a few teams at the bottom of the league standings tanking either. It’s much worse than that.

According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, the 2025-26 regular season was the first time in NBA history that at least eight of the league’s teams lost two-thirds of their games.There’s evidence to suggest many of those teams sacrificed victories to enhance their position in the lottery.

Tanking, coupled with load management, has created a public relations problem for the NBA, and something much worse: an integrity problem.

Attending an NBA game can be like going to a steak house, only to see no steak on the menu. Many superstars don’t play, and many teams don’t try. Fans often don’t get what they came for.

Load management is a problem NBA commissioner Adam Silver can tackle on another day. Right now dealing with the “tanking” issue is at the top of his to-do list.

“We are going to fix it,” Silver said at the league’s board of governors meeting last month. “Full stop.”

Suggestions have poured in regarding how to “fix” tanking. A few plans the NBA is reportedly considering were leaked by the media. Most of them will give you a popsicle headache.

One good solution was put forth by former NBA player Charles Barkley, who proposed that the league shouldn’t allow teams that finish below the .500 mark to raise ticket prices. That’s something we can all get behind. He also suggested that each team in the lottery should have an equal chance of obtaining the top overall pick, instead of rewarding the worst teams with a higher probability of drafting first overall.

How about we take it a step further and eliminate the lottery and all the dizziness that comes with it. If almost half of the teams in the NBA have a chance to land the top pick then each of those teams has an incentive to tank.

Admittedly, some tanking would remain, since adding a top draft pick can change the fortunes of a NBA franchise more than it would help a struggling team in the NFL or MLB. That’s why you see very little tanking – relatively speaking – in those sports, both of which allow teams to draft in reverse order of their regular season record.

It’s not a perfect solution, but it would be a significant step in the right direction.

If there’s a better idea out there we haven’t heard it. At least this way the NBA wouldn’t be rewarding bad behavior.

#NBA #Fix #Draft #System #Stop #Tanking #Deadspin.com">Why the NBA Must Fix Its Draft System to Stop Tanking | Deadspin.com

Bam Adebayo scored 83 points during the Miami’s Heat’s 150-129 triumph over the Washington Wizards on March 10. Two nights later Miami coach Erik Spoelstra used part of a press conference to defend the team’s decision to keep Adebayo on the court late in the fourth quarter against the Wizards, long after the outcome had been decided.

Some of Spoelstra’s comments unwittingly shined a light on a much bigger problem than Adebayo piling up points, however: Tanking.

“These are tricky games when you’re facing teams like that,” he said. “Teams that have nothing to lose and don’t play to win. … They’re not playing for anything. Their organization is trying to lose.”

Welcome to today’s NBA, where losing has become a strategic decision. The more a team loses, the better its chances are of selecting the league’s next superstar in the NBA Draft Lottery. And we’re not talking about a few teams at the bottom of the league standings tanking either. It’s much worse than that.

According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, the 2025-26 regular season was the first time in NBA history that at least eight of the league’s teams lost two-thirds of their games.There’s evidence to suggest many of those teams sacrificed victories to enhance their position in the lottery.

Tanking, coupled with load management, has created a public relations problem for the NBA, and something much worse: an integrity problem.

Attending an NBA game can be like going to a steak house, only to see no steak on the menu. Many superstars don’t play, and many teams don’t try. Fans often don’t get what they came for.

Load management is a problem NBA commissioner Adam Silver can tackle on another day. Right now dealing with the “tanking” issue is at the top of his to-do list.

“We are going to fix it,” Silver said at the league’s board of governors meeting last month. “Full stop.”

Suggestions have poured in regarding how to “fix” tanking. A few plans the NBA is reportedly considering were leaked by the media. Most of them will give you a popsicle headache.

One good solution was put forth by former NBA player Charles Barkley, who proposed that the league shouldn’t allow teams that finish below the .500 mark to raise ticket prices. That’s something we can all get behind. He also suggested that each team in the lottery should have an equal chance of obtaining the top overall pick, instead of rewarding the worst teams with a higher probability of drafting first overall.

How about we take it a step further and eliminate the lottery and all the dizziness that comes with it. If almost half of the teams in the NBA have a chance to land the top pick then each of those teams has an incentive to tank.

Admittedly, some tanking would remain, since adding a top draft pick can change the fortunes of a NBA franchise more than it would help a struggling team in the NFL or MLB. That’s why you see very little tanking – relatively speaking – in those sports, both of which allow teams to draft in reverse order of their regular season record.

It’s not a perfect solution, but it would be a significant step in the right direction.

If there’s a better idea out there we haven’t heard it. At least this way the NBA wouldn’t be rewarding bad behavior.

#NBA #Fix #Draft #System #Stop #Tanking #Deadspin.com

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