Deadspin | Rays defeat Cubs in return to Tropicana Field Apr 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Chandler Simpson (14) greets catcher Nick Fortes (40) after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Cedric Mullins and Jonathan Aranda crushed two-run homers, and the Tampa Bay Rays returned to their renovated domed stadium Monday afternoon with a 6-4 home-opening win over the Chicago Cubs in St. Petersburg, Fla. Back in the dome across the bay from Tampa, the Rays rallied from a two-run deficit to claim their third straight win. It was their first game at Tropicana Field in 19 months after the destruction from Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9, 2024 – 561 days ago. Junior Caminero hit a solo shot for the second straight game, and Yandy Diaz (stolen base) and Chandler Simpson (two stolen bases) had two hits apiece, with Simpson reaching base for the 10th straight game to tie Randy Arozarena’s club record to start a season. Starter Shane McClanahan lasted four innings and allowed two runs on just one hit. He struck out five and walked four. Matt Shaw homered in the ninth, and Nico Hoerner drove in two runs as the Cubs mustered four hits and lost for the second straight time. In a six-inning start, Chicago’s Jameson Taillon yielded seven hits and four runs (three earned). He fanned four without a walk but surrendered two homers. Making his first start in the dome since July 22, 2023, the oft-injured McClanahan fought control problems early, walking Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson to start the second inning before loading the bases by issuing another to Miguel Amaya with two outs. The patience paid off when Hoerner lined a two-run single to left for a 2-0 lead as the southpaw’s pitch-count climbed to 51 over the two frames. Mullins evened it in the second when he roped a 3-2 changeup from Taillon down the right field line and over the fence to plate Simpson, who singled and stole two bases. The Rays took their first home lead on Diaz’s two-out infield single and throwing error by shortstop Swanson. Caminero boomed a 401-foot blast to left for a 4-2 advantage in the third, but Michael Busch got one back with a sacrifice fly in the sixth to score Ian Happ, who opened with a double. Aranda ripped a two-run long ball off Phil Maton, hammering a 76 mph curve to right center for a 6-3 lead in the seventh. Kevin Kelly (1-1) and Bryan Baker (first save) reversed their roles from Sunday’s series-earning victory in Minnesota. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rays #defeat #Cubs #return #Tropicana #Field

Deadspin | Rays defeat Cubs in return to Tropicana Field
Deadspin | Rays defeat Cubs in return to Tropicana Field Apr 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Chandler Simpson (14) greets catcher Nick Fortes (40) after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Cedric Mullins and Jonathan Aranda crushed two-run homers, and the Tampa Bay Rays returned to their renovated domed stadium Monday afternoon with a 6-4 home-opening win over the Chicago Cubs in St. Petersburg, Fla. Back in the dome across the bay from Tampa, the Rays rallied from a two-run deficit to claim their third straight win. It was their first game at Tropicana Field in 19 months after the destruction from Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9, 2024 – 561 days ago. Junior Caminero hit a solo shot for the second straight game, and Yandy Diaz (stolen base) and Chandler Simpson (two stolen bases) had two hits apiece, with Simpson reaching base for the 10th straight game to tie Randy Arozarena’s club record to start a season. Starter Shane McClanahan lasted four innings and allowed two runs on just one hit. He struck out five and walked four. Matt Shaw homered in the ninth, and Nico Hoerner drove in two runs as the Cubs mustered four hits and lost for the second straight time. In a six-inning start, Chicago’s Jameson Taillon yielded seven hits and four runs (three earned). He fanned four without a walk but surrendered two homers. Making his first start in the dome since July 22, 2023, the oft-injured McClanahan fought control problems early, walking Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson to start the second inning before loading the bases by issuing another to Miguel Amaya with two outs. The patience paid off when Hoerner lined a two-run single to left for a 2-0 lead as the southpaw’s pitch-count climbed to 51 over the two frames. Mullins evened it in the second when he roped a 3-2 changeup from Taillon down the right field line and over the fence to plate Simpson, who singled and stole two bases. The Rays took their first home lead on Diaz’s two-out infield single and throwing error by shortstop Swanson. Caminero boomed a 401-foot blast to left for a 4-2 advantage in the third, but Michael Busch got one back with a sacrifice fly in the sixth to score Ian Happ, who opened with a double. Aranda ripped a two-run long ball off Phil Maton, hammering a 76 mph curve to right center for a 6-3 lead in the seventh. Kevin Kelly (1-1) and Bryan Baker (first save) reversed their roles from Sunday’s series-earning victory in Minnesota. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rays #defeat #Cubs #return #Tropicana #FieldApr 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Chandler Simpson (14) greets catcher Nick Fortes (40) after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Cedric Mullins and Jonathan Aranda crushed two-run homers, and the Tampa Bay Rays returned to their renovated domed stadium Monday afternoon with a 6-4 home-opening win over the Chicago Cubs in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Back in the dome across the bay from Tampa, the Rays rallied from a two-run deficit to claim their third straight win.

It was their first game at Tropicana Field in 19 months after the destruction from Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9, 2024 – 561 days ago.

Junior Caminero hit a solo shot for the second straight game, and Yandy Diaz (stolen base) and Chandler Simpson (two stolen bases) had two hits apiece, with Simpson reaching base for the 10th straight game to tie Randy Arozarena’s club record to start a season.

Starter Shane McClanahan lasted four innings and allowed two runs on just one hit. He struck out five and walked four.

Matt Shaw homered in the ninth, and Nico Hoerner drove in two runs as the Cubs mustered four hits and lost for the second straight time.


In a six-inning start, Chicago’s Jameson Taillon yielded seven hits and four runs (three earned). He fanned four without a walk but surrendered two homers.

Making his first start in the dome since July 22, 2023, the oft-injured McClanahan fought control problems early, walking Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson to start the second inning before loading the bases by issuing another to Miguel Amaya with two outs.

The patience paid off when Hoerner lined a two-run single to left for a 2-0 lead as the southpaw’s pitch-count climbed to 51 over the two frames.

Mullins evened it in the second when he roped a 3-2 changeup from Taillon down the right field line and over the fence to plate Simpson, who singled and stole two bases. The Rays took their first home lead on Diaz’s two-out infield single and throwing error by shortstop Swanson.

Caminero boomed a 401-foot blast to left for a 4-2 advantage in the third, but Michael Busch got one back with a sacrifice fly in the sixth to score Ian Happ, who opened with a double.

Aranda ripped a two-run long ball off Phil Maton, hammering a 76 mph curve to right center for a 6-3 lead in the seventh.

Kevin Kelly (1-1) and Bryan Baker (first save) reversed their roles from Sunday’s series-earning victory in Minnesota.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rays #defeat #Cubs #return #Tropicana #Field

Sports news

Apr 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Chandler Simpson (14) greets catcher Nick Fortes (40) after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Cedric Mullins and Jonathan Aranda crushed two-run homers, and the Tampa Bay Rays returned to their renovated domed stadium Monday afternoon with a 6-4 home-opening win over the Chicago Cubs in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Back in the dome across the bay from Tampa, the Rays rallied from a two-run deficit to claim their third straight win.

It was their first game at Tropicana Field in 19 months after the destruction from Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9, 2024 – 561 days ago.

Junior Caminero hit a solo shot for the second straight game, and Yandy Diaz (stolen base) and Chandler Simpson (two stolen bases) had two hits apiece, with Simpson reaching base for the 10th straight game to tie Randy Arozarena’s club record to start a season.

Starter Shane McClanahan lasted four innings and allowed two runs on just one hit. He struck out five and walked four.

Matt Shaw homered in the ninth, and Nico Hoerner drove in two runs as the Cubs mustered four hits and lost for the second straight time.

In a six-inning start, Chicago’s Jameson Taillon yielded seven hits and four runs (three earned). He fanned four without a walk but surrendered two homers.

Making his first start in the dome since July 22, 2023, the oft-injured McClanahan fought control problems early, walking Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson to start the second inning before loading the bases by issuing another to Miguel Amaya with two outs.

The patience paid off when Hoerner lined a two-run single to left for a 2-0 lead as the southpaw’s pitch-count climbed to 51 over the two frames.

Mullins evened it in the second when he roped a 3-2 changeup from Taillon down the right field line and over the fence to plate Simpson, who singled and stole two bases. The Rays took their first home lead on Diaz’s two-out infield single and throwing error by shortstop Swanson.

Caminero boomed a 401-foot blast to left for a 4-2 advantage in the third, but Michael Busch got one back with a sacrifice fly in the sixth to score Ian Happ, who opened with a double.

Aranda ripped a two-run long ball off Phil Maton, hammering a 76 mph curve to right center for a 6-3 lead in the seventh.

Kevin Kelly (1-1) and Bryan Baker (first save) reversed their roles from Sunday’s series-earning victory in Minnesota.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Rays #defeat #Cubs #return #Tropicana #Field

Previous post

Google News<ol><li><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikwFBVV95cUxNNE5CSnA5VzhBV3ZHZmNYbVBtUTJnZHR1ZDRLQzFGRVQ5OThZS0pnZUNrNUlZNlZEbFlfWWR1ekZwTDN4TnRXUkhmaEdKdEtjZ1pBbWU1WklEbWRfYnc1WnJFRnd6WkoycDNTN25LM2ZqM1lWREhyOVVZa2dQemlVSkZjSEFkRHJqUHotdEhwVExZNEE?oc=5" target="_blank">Supreme Court sides with Steve Bannon in bid to dismiss Jan. 6 conviction</a>  <font color="#6f6f6f">The Washington Post</font></li><li><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMihAFBVV95cUxNVGNDMlB1RWp4ZVhPQXljaktXRTgwT3hiVWRxdjhXOUN4RXFuWHcxQThvNTdxcXhqeXVfYWFkLXFfbGFManJGOFBTNHhLd3M2bzFIeVp5Vkc4VWozZ1hSR2o4VkdSYjlJaExQRDRYNkpLbl9CRmhzX1JKNkdURkNxT21kVnM?oc=5" target="_blank">Supreme Court Clears the Way for Dismissal of Bannon Conviction</a>  <font color="#6f6f6f">The New York Times</font></li><li><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMic0FVX3lxTE5NNlhTbjlqYkhZT3d0cXE5YlhkZHpJQmhLOWlSS3U1UGtBT3dPd054R3RFOXgyemxETk9hNWpqZ1dSdGxNOFVzQjl2dUphQ0hQV2VmVkVBU20wbFE2NlRSNV9oOHE1VFZ1bkczUUNZN2V3RDg?oc=5" target="_blank">Supreme Court clears path for Trump’s DOJ to dismiss criminal case against Steve Bannon</a>  <font color="#6f6f6f">CNN</font></li><li><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMic0FVX3lxTE9tU2dHMnp4VlpsM21jelJsQ1hKalJUX1NCNXpUa1BnS1BtNVR0OTVGaFo2ZXFuc2hyNERDVUNmU2g0MDM4TTdDN3N3WU9GVER4czFTM3h5VTdWdENoSWZwOXY2TThVQmMzUVRXTGc1cjNmemM?oc=5" target="_blank">Supreme Court clears the way for Bannon contempt case to be dismissed</a>  <font color="#6f6f6f">NPR</font></li><li><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivwFBVV95cUxPeWxSZVA0MEN3ZjVoUGNXd25SUVJyRHk1bGlFOWswYk5XVnQ4UHc0ZGVwbjRuMVdodkZLbjJfOVBGdUZiM21nbHltZWJmbmdabFBUUDAxS0xieEctT1BDUDhIN2dVR3VtdjNQRzNxZ3pDc2FQcGhKVmlwZDhGYkRYQmNPQlg3eUNWTV9BclZJSV8wZVFmaklXaXZ2dlVja0RLNU1HeEtmYW16bHZwR0piN2x5M1ptZnV5aHp4cEJtOA?oc=5" target="_blank">Court allows Steve Bannon to move forward on dismissal of criminal charges against him</a>  <font color="#6f6f6f">SCOTUSblog</font></li></ol>#Google #News

Next post

Court Rules Abercrombie Must Face Deceptive Pricing Complaint

Related Posts

Deadspin | Katherine Legge enters Indy 500 with AJ Foyt Racing Katherine Legge signs autographs on May 26, 2024 during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Katherine Legge will make her return to the Indianapolis 500 on May 24 in the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports in partnership with AJ Foyt Racing, the team announced Monday. It will be the fifth Indy 500 for the 45-year-old Englishwoman, the only female driver competing in the 110th edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” “We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted,” said Legge, who last entered the race in 2024. “I’m beyond grateful to e.l.f. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena — including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. “It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the ‘500.’ Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes, not just to compete here but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event.” Legge is one of just nine women ever to compete in the crown jewel of American open-wheel racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “This is a tremendous opportunity for HMD Motorsports and an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with our organization,” HMD Motorsports president Mike Maurini said. “We have worked hard to establish HMD as a leader in driver development, and to now be part of an Indianapolis 500 program alongside AJ Foyt Racing and Katherine Legge is something very special. “Katherine brings a wealth of experience, AJ Foyt Racing brings unmatched history, and together we believe we have assembled a program that can make a strong impression throughout the Month of May.” Legge’s best finish in the Indy 500 was 22nd in her first appearance in 2012. During qualifying in 2023, she set records for the fastest one-lap qualifying speed (231.627 mph) and fastest four-lap average qualifying speed (231.070 mph) for a female driver. “We’ve already seen what this partnership can do on the INDY NXT side with the speed, poles and race wins we’ve earned this season,” AJ Foyt Racing president Larry Foyt said. “HMD Motorsports has built an outstanding reputation and having them involved with this Indianapolis 500 effort adds another layer of depth to our program. Katherine is a talented and determined racer, and we’re excited to work together to bring this effort to life on the sport’s biggest stage.” Practice sessions for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 begin at the fabled 2.5-mile oval on May 12. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Katherine #Legge #enters #Indy #Foyt #RacingKatherine Legge signs autographs on May 26, 2024 during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Katherine Legge will make her return to the Indianapolis 500 on May 24 in the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports in partnership with AJ Foyt Racing, the team announced Monday.

It will be the fifth Indy 500 for the 45-year-old Englishwoman, the only female driver competing in the 110th edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

“We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted,” said Legge, who last entered the race in 2024. “I’m beyond grateful to e.l.f. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena — including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve.

“It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the ‘500.’ Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes, not just to compete here but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event.”

Legge is one of just nine women ever to compete in the crown jewel of American open-wheel racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.


“This is a tremendous opportunity for HMD Motorsports and an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with our organization,” HMD Motorsports president Mike Maurini said. “We have worked hard to establish HMD as a leader in driver development, and to now be part of an Indianapolis 500 program alongside AJ Foyt Racing and Katherine Legge is something very special.

“Katherine brings a wealth of experience, AJ Foyt Racing brings unmatched history, and together we believe we have assembled a program that can make a strong impression throughout the Month of May.”

Legge’s best finish in the Indy 500 was 22nd in her first appearance in 2012. During qualifying in 2023, she set records for the fastest one-lap qualifying speed (231.627 mph) and fastest four-lap average qualifying speed (231.070 mph) for a female driver.

“We’ve already seen what this partnership can do on the INDY NXT side with the speed, poles and race wins we’ve earned this season,” AJ Foyt Racing president Larry Foyt said. “HMD Motorsports has built an outstanding reputation and having them involved with this Indianapolis 500 effort adds another layer of depth to our program. Katherine is a talented and determined racer, and we’re excited to work together to bring this effort to life on the sport’s biggest stage.”

Practice sessions for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 begin at the fabled 2.5-mile oval on May 12.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Katherine #Legge #enters #Indy #Foyt #Racing">Deadspin | Katherine Legge enters Indy 500 with AJ Foyt Racing Katherine Legge signs autographs on May 26, 2024 during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Katherine Legge will make her return to the Indianapolis 500 on May 24 in the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports in partnership with AJ Foyt Racing, the team announced Monday. It will be the fifth Indy 500 for the 45-year-old Englishwoman, the only female driver competing in the 110th edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” “We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted,” said Legge, who last entered the race in 2024. “I’m beyond grateful to e.l.f. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena — including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. “It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the ‘500.’ Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes, not just to compete here but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event.” Legge is one of just nine women ever to compete in the crown jewel of American open-wheel racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “This is a tremendous opportunity for HMD Motorsports and an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with our organization,” HMD Motorsports president Mike Maurini said. “We have worked hard to establish HMD as a leader in driver development, and to now be part of an Indianapolis 500 program alongside AJ Foyt Racing and Katherine Legge is something very special. “Katherine brings a wealth of experience, AJ Foyt Racing brings unmatched history, and together we believe we have assembled a program that can make a strong impression throughout the Month of May.” Legge’s best finish in the Indy 500 was 22nd in her first appearance in 2012. During qualifying in 2023, she set records for the fastest one-lap qualifying speed (231.627 mph) and fastest four-lap average qualifying speed (231.070 mph) for a female driver. “We’ve already seen what this partnership can do on the INDY NXT side with the speed, poles and race wins we’ve earned this season,” AJ Foyt Racing president Larry Foyt said. “HMD Motorsports has built an outstanding reputation and having them involved with this Indianapolis 500 effort adds another layer of depth to our program. Katherine is a talented and determined racer, and we’re excited to work together to bring this effort to life on the sport’s biggest stage.” Practice sessions for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 begin at the fabled 2.5-mile oval on May 12. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Katherine #Legge #enters #Indy #Foyt #Racing

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli became the first batter to score 9000 runs in the Indian Premier League during an IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals on Monday.

Kohli, playing his 275th IPL game, achieved the feat in last ball of the sixth over with a single to long off against DC skipper Axar Patel.

The Indian batter has eight hundreds and six fifties in the tournament.

Only one other batter has scored more than 7000 IPL runs – Mumbai Indians opener Rohit Sharma.

  • 9000 runs – Virat Kohli*
  • 7183 runs – Rohit Sharma*
  • 6769 runs – Shikhar Dhawan
  • 6565 runs – David Warner
  • 5579 runs – KL Rahul

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHZKfnILQsI[/embed]

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Virat #Kohli #crosses #IPL #runs #RCB #IPL #match">Virat Kohli crosses 9000 IPL runs during DC vs RCB IPL 2026 match Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli became the first batter to score 9000 runs in the Indian Premier League during an IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals on Monday.Kohli, playing his 275th IPL game, achieved the feat in last ball of the sixth over with a single to long off against DC skipper Axar Patel.The Indian batter has eight hundreds and six fifties in the tournament.Only one other batter has scored more than 7000 IPL runs – Mumbai Indians opener Rohit Sharma. 9000 runs – Virat Kohli* 7183 runs – Rohit Sharma* 6769 runs – Shikhar Dhawan 6565 runs – David Warner 5579 runs – KL Rahul [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHZKfnILQsI[/embed]Published on Apr 27, 2026 #Virat #Kohli #crosses #IPL #runs #RCB #IPL #match

Deadspin | 5-star Finnish forward pushes Arkansas class to No. 1 Jan 3, 2025; Gilbert, AZ, USA; Arizona Compass Prep forward Miikka Muurinen (1) against CIA Bella Vista (AZ) during the Hoophall West High School Invitational at Highland High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Five-star Finnish 7-footer Miika Muurinen committed to Arkansas and elevated John Calipari’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 1 in the country, according to ESPN. Muurinen, 19, who played at multiple U.S. high schools, took an official visit to Arkansas in 2024 before signing to play professionally in Serbia at Partizan Belgrade. “Since my visit a year and a half ago, they’ve been consistent and committed to recruiting me,” Muurinen told ESPN on Monday. “They’ve always shown interest. They’ve been very consistent, and they’ve gotten to know me as a person. That’s been very important to me. “When I left my Arkansas visit, I was not only excited about the program but also about the people, and I said to myself, those are the type of people I want to be around on a daily basis.” Muurinen gives the Razorbacks four potential five-star prospects in the 2026 class along with guard Jordan Smith Jr., forward JaShawn Andrews and wing Abdou Toure. “Miikka is very excited to play for Arkansas. He already knows the other three freshmen well and can’t wait to play with them,” said Muurinen’s agent, Teddy Archer of TAA Sports. “He wants to be held to a high standard, held accountable, taught pro habits, and, most of all, win a championship.” Muurinen, who has represented Finland’s senior national team 15 times, said his relationship with Calipari clinched his commitment. “The thing about Coach Calipari that stood out was that he kept it real with me,” Muurinen told ESPN. “He has had so much success with so many one-and-done players, and I really like his coaching style both on and off the court. He’ll push me hard on the court, and he won’t give up on me off the court. Cal is a funny guy off the court; he keeps it light.” Muurinen played at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kan., in 2023-24 and at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Ariz., in 2024-25. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #5star #Finnish #pushes #Arkansas #classJan 3, 2025; Gilbert, AZ, USA; Arizona Compass Prep forward Miikka Muurinen (1) against CIA Bella Vista (AZ) during the Hoophall West High School Invitational at Highland High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Five-star Finnish 7-footer Miika Muurinen committed to Arkansas and elevated John Calipari’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 1 in the country, according to ESPN.

Muurinen, 19, who played at multiple U.S. high schools, took an official visit to Arkansas in 2024 before signing to play professionally in Serbia at Partizan Belgrade.

“Since my visit a year and a half ago, they’ve been consistent and committed to recruiting me,” Muurinen told ESPN on Monday. “They’ve always shown interest. They’ve been very consistent, and they’ve gotten to know me as a person. That’s been very important to me.

“When I left my Arkansas visit, I was not only excited about the program but also about the people, and I said to myself, those are the type of people I want to be around on a daily basis.”


Muurinen gives the Razorbacks four potential five-star prospects in the 2026 class along with guard Jordan Smith Jr., forward JaShawn Andrews and wing Abdou Toure.

“Miikka is very excited to play for Arkansas. He already knows the other three freshmen well and can’t wait to play with them,” said Muurinen’s agent, Teddy Archer of TAA Sports. “He wants to be held to a high standard, held accountable, taught pro habits, and, most of all, win a championship.”

Muurinen, who has represented Finland’s senior national team 15 times, said his relationship with Calipari clinched his commitment.

“The thing about Coach Calipari that stood out was that he kept it real with me,” Muurinen told ESPN. “He has had so much success with so many one-and-done players, and I really like his coaching style both on and off the court. He’ll push me hard on the court, and he won’t give up on me off the court. Cal is a funny guy off the court; he keeps it light.”

Muurinen played at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kan., in 2023-24 and at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Ariz., in 2024-25.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #5star #Finnish #pushes #Arkansas #class">Deadspin | 5-star Finnish forward pushes Arkansas class to No. 1 Jan 3, 2025; Gilbert, AZ, USA; Arizona Compass Prep forward Miikka Muurinen (1) against CIA Bella Vista (AZ) during the Hoophall West High School Invitational at Highland High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Five-star Finnish 7-footer Miika Muurinen committed to Arkansas and elevated John Calipari’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 1 in the country, according to ESPN. Muurinen, 19, who played at multiple U.S. high schools, took an official visit to Arkansas in 2024 before signing to play professionally in Serbia at Partizan Belgrade. “Since my visit a year and a half ago, they’ve been consistent and committed to recruiting me,” Muurinen told ESPN on Monday. “They’ve always shown interest. They’ve been very consistent, and they’ve gotten to know me as a person. That’s been very important to me. “When I left my Arkansas visit, I was not only excited about the program but also about the people, and I said to myself, those are the type of people I want to be around on a daily basis.” Muurinen gives the Razorbacks four potential five-star prospects in the 2026 class along with guard Jordan Smith Jr., forward JaShawn Andrews and wing Abdou Toure. “Miikka is very excited to play for Arkansas. He already knows the other three freshmen well and can’t wait to play with them,” said Muurinen’s agent, Teddy Archer of TAA Sports. “He wants to be held to a high standard, held accountable, taught pro habits, and, most of all, win a championship.” Muurinen, who has represented Finland’s senior national team 15 times, said his relationship with Calipari clinched his commitment. “The thing about Coach Calipari that stood out was that he kept it real with me,” Muurinen told ESPN. “He has had so much success with so many one-and-done players, and I really like his coaching style both on and off the court. He’ll push me hard on the court, and he won’t give up on me off the court. Cal is a funny guy off the court; he keeps it light.” Muurinen played at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kan., in 2023-24 and at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Ariz., in 2024-25. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #5star #Finnish #pushes #Arkansas #class

Post Comment

Wolfnewss | Powered By SpiceThemes