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IPL 2026 — How Rajasthan Royals is nurturing its talent at Talegaon High-Performance Centre Over the last decade or so, Talegaon, a tiny town located about 150 kms from Nagpur, has risen in prominence in Indian cricket.This surge in attention is all thanks to the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Centre (HPC) located there.Founded in 2010, it is a year-round establishment with over 25 pitches and a multitude of training facilities, aimed to function as a training base for the Royals – a sort of high-end cricketing garage aimed to reset and fine-tune their players.Rajasthan Royals performance coach Siddhartha Lahiri, though, described the HPC through a different technical spectrum during a press conference in Guwahati on Monday“I call it the ChatGPT of world cricket,” said Lahiri, making no effort to mask his pride.Lahiri didn’t go on to explain his analogy. But the idea was clear – it is an establishment where players are equipped with the resources to work out solutions to their problems.What Lahiri made clear, though, was his belief that the facility was a point of difference for Royals.“I think the huge advantage which we have is our high-performance centre, where we can absolutely have unrivalled practice. Players, with their calendars, playing at different times, it’s not always easy for them to get that practice.“For us, that’s a huge advantage. Anytime, anyone can go to Talegaon. We have enough infrastructure at Talegaon for coaches, even if they are not present, to work with the players and help them improve,” added Lahiri.The RR HPC’s functioning isn’t limited to the framework of the Indian Premier League. Royals have also used the facility to mimic conditions and manufacture match situations for their players to perform at almost any level.Wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal have utilised the facility extensively to prepare for Test cricket. Former captain Sanju Samson and current skipper Riyan Parag have trained in Talegaon ahead of the domestic season. This is all in addition to their pre-IPL season practice camps. Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour. | Photo Credit: Dhruv Jurel/Instagram Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour. | Photo Credit: Dhruv Jurel/Instagram At their disposal have been a wide range of pitches and an unrelenting battery of net bowlers, allowing them to train at high volume and variability.“The best thing about Rajasthan Royals is that they have an academy, which is open for 12 months. You can go there, you can call them, and they conduct everything from net bowlers to everything else,” hailed Jurel in 2025, while speaking in the AB de Villiers’ 360 Show.The latest player to be nourished extensively by the Royals HPC has been teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was signed by the side at the IPL 2025 auction for Rs. 1.10 crore.The left-handed batter took IPL by storm last season, when he scored a stunning hundred against Gujarat Titans. The 15-year-old has started IPL 2026 in a similar flamboyant fashion, scoring 122 runs from the first three games at a strike rate of 248.97.“Vaibhav spends a lot of time in our HPC,” said Lahiri. “So, we have different types of wickets, we have hundreds and hundreds of net bowlers. The practice which he gets there, he would not get anywhere else.”“There is a sync for us between our analytics team and our coaching team. The work is going on all through the year, and we always bring in a player with that confidence. So, I think we have a cutting edge in that,” added Lahiri.Published on Apr 08, 2026 #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #nurturing #talent #Talegaon #HighPerformance #Centre

IPL 2026 — How Rajasthan Royals is nurturing its talent at Talegaon High-Performance Centre

Over the last decade or so, Talegaon, a tiny town located about 150 kms from Nagpur, has risen in prominence in Indian cricket.

This surge in attention is all thanks to the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Centre (HPC) located there.

Founded in 2010, it is a year-round establishment with over 25 pitches and a multitude of training facilities, aimed to function as a training base for the Royals – a sort of high-end cricketing garage aimed to reset and fine-tune their players.

Rajasthan Royals performance coach Siddhartha Lahiri, though, described the HPC through a different technical spectrum during a press conference in Guwahati on Monday

“I call it the ChatGPT of world cricket,” said Lahiri, making no effort to mask his pride.

Lahiri didn’t go on to explain his analogy. But the idea was clear – it is an establishment where players are equipped with the resources to work out solutions to their problems.

What Lahiri made clear, though, was his belief that the facility was a point of difference for Royals.

“I think the huge advantage which we have is our high-performance centre, where we can absolutely have unrivalled practice. Players, with their calendars, playing at different times, it’s not always easy for them to get that practice.

“For us, that’s a huge advantage. Anytime, anyone can go to Talegaon. We have enough infrastructure at Talegaon for coaches, even if they are not present, to work with the players and help them improve,” added Lahiri.

The RR HPC’s functioning isn’t limited to the framework of the Indian Premier League. Royals have also used the facility to mimic conditions and manufacture match situations for their players to perform at almost any level.

Wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal have utilised the facility extensively to prepare for Test cricket. Former captain Sanju Samson and current skipper Riyan Parag have trained in Talegaon ahead of the domestic season. This is all in addition to their pre-IPL season practice camps.

IPL 2026 — How Rajasthan Royals is nurturing its talent at Talegaon High-Performance Centre Over the last decade or so, Talegaon, a tiny town located about 150 kms from Nagpur, has risen in prominence in Indian cricket.This surge in attention is all thanks to the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Centre (HPC) located there.Founded in 2010, it is a year-round establishment with over 25 pitches and a multitude of training facilities, aimed to function as a training base for the Royals – a sort of high-end cricketing garage aimed to reset and fine-tune their players.Rajasthan Royals performance coach Siddhartha Lahiri, though, described the HPC through a different technical spectrum during a press conference in Guwahati on Monday“I call it the ChatGPT of world cricket,” said Lahiri, making no effort to mask his pride.Lahiri didn’t go on to explain his analogy. But the idea was clear – it is an establishment where players are equipped with the resources to work out solutions to their problems.What Lahiri made clear, though, was his belief that the facility was a point of difference for Royals.“I think the huge advantage which we have is our high-performance centre, where we can absolutely have unrivalled practice. Players, with their calendars, playing at different times, it’s not always easy for them to get that practice.“For us, that’s a huge advantage. Anytime, anyone can go to Talegaon. We have enough infrastructure at Talegaon for coaches, even if they are not present, to work with the players and help them improve,” added Lahiri.The RR HPC’s functioning isn’t limited to the framework of the Indian Premier League. Royals have also used the facility to mimic conditions and manufacture match situations for their players to perform at almost any level.Wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal have utilised the facility extensively to prepare for Test cricket. Former captain Sanju Samson and current skipper Riyan Parag have trained in Talegaon ahead of the domestic season. This is all in addition to their pre-IPL season practice camps. Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour. | Photo Credit: Dhruv Jurel/Instagram Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour. | Photo Credit: Dhruv Jurel/Instagram At their disposal have been a wide range of pitches and an unrelenting battery of net bowlers, allowing them to train at high volume and variability.“The best thing about Rajasthan Royals is that they have an academy, which is open for 12 months. You can go there, you can call them, and they conduct everything from net bowlers to everything else,” hailed Jurel in 2025, while speaking in the AB de Villiers’ 360 Show.The latest player to be nourished extensively by the Royals HPC has been teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was signed by the side at the IPL 2025 auction for Rs. 1.10 crore.The left-handed batter took IPL by storm last season, when he scored a stunning hundred against Gujarat Titans. The 15-year-old has started IPL 2026 in a similar flamboyant fashion, scoring 122 runs from the first three games at a strike rate of 248.97.“Vaibhav spends a lot of time in our HPC,” said Lahiri. “So, we have different types of wickets, we have hundreds and hundreds of net bowlers. The practice which he gets there, he would not get anywhere else.”“There is a sync for us between our analytics team and our coaching team. The work is going on all through the year, and we always bring in a player with that confidence. So, I think we have a cutting edge in that,” added Lahiri.Published on Apr 08, 2026 #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #nurturing #talent #Talegaon #HighPerformance #Centre

Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour. | Photo Credit: Dhruv Jurel/Instagram

lightbox-info

Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour. | Photo Credit: Dhruv Jurel/Instagram

At their disposal have been a wide range of pitches and an unrelenting battery of net bowlers, allowing them to train at high volume and variability.

“The best thing about Rajasthan Royals is that they have an academy, which is open for 12 months. You can go there, you can call them, and they conduct everything from net bowlers to everything else,” hailed Jurel in 2025, while speaking in the AB de Villiers’ 360 Show.

The latest player to be nourished extensively by the Royals HPC has been teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was signed by the side at the IPL 2025 auction for Rs. 1.10 crore.

The left-handed batter took IPL by storm last season, when he scored a stunning hundred against Gujarat Titans. The 15-year-old has started IPL 2026 in a similar flamboyant fashion, scoring 122 runs from the first three games at a strike rate of 248.97.

“Vaibhav spends a lot of time in our HPC,” said Lahiri. “So, we have different types of wickets, we have hundreds and hundreds of net bowlers. The practice which he gets there, he would not get anywhere else.”

“There is a sync for us between our analytics team and our coaching team. The work is going on all through the year, and we always bring in a player with that confidence. So, I think we have a cutting edge in that,” added Lahiri.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #nurturing #talent #Talegaon #HighPerformance #Centre

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Over the last decade or so, Talegaon, a tiny town located about 150 kms from Nagpur, has risen in prominence in Indian cricket.

This surge in attention is all thanks to the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Centre (HPC) located there.

Founded in 2010, it is a year-round establishment with over 25 pitches and a multitude of training facilities, aimed to function as a training base for the Royals – a sort of high-end cricketing garage aimed to reset and fine-tune their players.

Rajasthan Royals performance coach Siddhartha Lahiri, though, described the HPC through a different technical spectrum during a press conference in Guwahati on Monday

“I call it the ChatGPT of world cricket,” said Lahiri, making no effort to mask his pride.

Lahiri didn’t go on to explain his analogy. But the idea was clear – it is an establishment where players are equipped with the resources to work out solutions to their problems.

What Lahiri made clear, though, was his belief that the facility was a point of difference for Royals.

“I think the huge advantage which we have is our high-performance centre, where we can absolutely have unrivalled practice. Players, with their calendars, playing at different times, it’s not always easy for them to get that practice.

“For us, that’s a huge advantage. Anytime, anyone can go to Talegaon. We have enough infrastructure at Talegaon for coaches, even if they are not present, to work with the players and help them improve,” added Lahiri.

The RR HPC’s functioning isn’t limited to the framework of the Indian Premier League. Royals have also used the facility to mimic conditions and manufacture match situations for their players to perform at almost any level.

Wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal have utilised the facility extensively to prepare for Test cricket. Former captain Sanju Samson and current skipper Riyan Parag have trained in Talegaon ahead of the domestic season. This is all in addition to their pre-IPL season practice camps.

Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour.
| Photo Credit:
Dhruv Jurel/Instagram

lightbox-info

Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour.
| Photo Credit:
Dhruv Jurel/Instagram

At their disposal have been a wide range of pitches and an unrelenting battery of net bowlers, allowing them to train at high volume and variability.

“The best thing about Rajasthan Royals is that they have an academy, which is open for 12 months. You can go there, you can call them, and they conduct everything from net bowlers to everything else,” hailed Jurel in 2025, while speaking in the AB de Villiers’ 360 Show.

The latest player to be nourished extensively by the Royals HPC has been teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was signed by the side at the IPL 2025 auction for Rs. 1.10 crore.

The left-handed batter took IPL by storm last season, when he scored a stunning hundred against Gujarat Titans. The 15-year-old has started IPL 2026 in a similar flamboyant fashion, scoring 122 runs from the first three games at a strike rate of 248.97.

“Vaibhav spends a lot of time in our HPC,” said Lahiri. “So, we have different types of wickets, we have hundreds and hundreds of net bowlers. The practice which he gets there, he would not get anywhere else.”

“There is a sync for us between our analytics team and our coaching team. The work is going on all through the year, and we always bring in a player with that confidence. So, I think we have a cutting edge in that,” added Lahiri.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

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Deadspin | Giants’ Daniel Susac hopes to continue fast start vs. Phillies <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28647808.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28647808.jpg" alt="MLB: New York Mets at San Francisco Giants" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Daniel Susac (6) looks on during an interview after the game against the New York Mets at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Daniel Susac’s start to his career has been so eye-opening that the rookie catcher has earned himself more at-bats.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Susac became the first player in Giants history to open his career with five consecutive hits, and San Francisco manager Tony Vitello indicated he’s ready to write Susac’s name on the lineup card more frequently.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The mystery is whether Susac will be in the lineup for the second straight day on Wednesday afternoon when the Giants close a three-game set with the visiting Philadelphia Phillies.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Susac, 24, went 3-for-4 with a two-run triple in Tuesday night’s 6-0 victory over the Phillies. When he started 2-for-2 for his fifth hit in a row this season, he was one safety away from becoming the first player to start his career 6-for-6 since Ted Cox of the Boston Red Sox in 1977.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Susac fell short of Cox when he flied out in the sixth inning. Still, the rookie surpassed a big name for the team mark in Hall of Famer Willie McCovey (4-for-4 in 1959).</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Susac is batting .857 while regular catcher Patrick Bailey is struggling at .129 with four hits (all singles) in 31 at-bats.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“I think he’s obviously earned the right to be out there for us more often,” Vitello said of Susac. “It would be good for those guys.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>“I think they have a good friendship and also a good working relationship. … It’s not an easy thing to go out there all the time. You’ll be seeing plenty of both guys as the season goes on.”</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Susac was a Rule 5 Draft pick in the offseason by the Minnesota Twins out of the Athletics’ organization. He later was traded to the Giants. He saw an opportunity with them and worked on his approach.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“A lot of it has to do with offseason changes I made,” Susac said. “Just being a lot calmer at the plate, smooth, seeing the ball a little better.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“Growing up, my strength was the opposite side of the field. So getting back to that … taking what they give me as well.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>Philadelphia had just four hits in Tuesday’s loss, and the defense had issues in the fifth inning.</p> </section> <section id="section-13"> <p>Star shortstop Trea Turner fumbled a grounder that appeared to be a double play. Later in the inning, left fielder Otto Kemp’s reaction time was slow as Matt Chapman’s RBI double sailed over his head.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“Hindsight, I wish I would have tried to beat the ball to the spot,” Kemp said. “Better chance to make that play rather than trying to jump up.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto exited in the bottom of the first inning due to a bruised right foot. He was hit with a foul ball off the bat of San Francisco’s Rafael Devers.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“X-rays were negative,” Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said. “We’ll re-evaluate (Wednesday).”</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Thomson said Rafael Marchan will start at catcher on Wednesday. Marchan was hitless in four at-bats Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Aaron Nola (1-0, 3.18 ERA) will start for the Phillies in the finale against fellow right-hander Tyler Mahle (0-2, 7.00) of the Giants.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Nola, 32, beat the Colorado Rockies on Friday when he gave up one run and five hits over 6 1/3 innings. He struck out nine and walked one in a 10-1 victory.</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Nola has struggled against San Francisco, going 3-3 with a 7.00 ERA in nine career starts. Willy Adames is just 1-for-19 with 10 strikeouts against him while Matt Chapman is 3-for-7.</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>Mahle, 31, served up two homers while allowing five runs and eight hits over five innings in a 10-3 loss to the New York Mets on Friday. He struck out four and walked two.</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>Mahle is 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA in three career starts against the Phillies. Kyle Schwarber (5-for-18) has homered twice off him.</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Giants #Daniel #Susac #hopes #continue #fast #start #Phillies

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Photos from the Masters Tournament <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Masters is here and it is utterly spectacular.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Wednesday brings actual playing in the Par 3 Contest, but obviously the full and total experience begins on Thursday.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Earlier this week I was fortunate to have an experience of my own. I took in the Masters on Monday and Tuesday, my second visit to the fabled grounds overall. While I’d been to the Masters before (I went on Saturday and Sunday in 2018) this was my first visit during practice rounds which meant I was allowed to have a camera on property for the first time in my life.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Here are some of my favorite photos.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Everybody knows about how you are not allowed to have your phone at the Masters. It truly is an experience that takes you back in time.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Being able to walk, admire, stop, take photos… it was among the most incredible days that I have had.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Augusta is a special place.</p></div> #Photos #Masters #Tournament

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We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time to take a look at how the 2026 draft class has fared thus far.

Full disclaimer: it’s early days, and a lot of this will change. Still, here’s a way-too-early glance at the Rookie fo the Year race.

1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

Draft Number: No. 2
Stats: 15.8 points (on 49.5% shooting), 6.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals
Minutes per game: 30.6

Olivia Miles has been incredible in the early days of the WNBA season. She leads all rookies in minutes, points, made field goals (5.4), and made free throws per game (4.7). The Lynx have outscored opponents by 12.1 points per game with her on the floor, and in turn, they have the league’s best record at 7-2. Miles has looked much more like a 10-year veteran than a rookie so far.

2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings

Draft Number: No. 1
Stats: 12.1 points (on 57.1% shooting and 43.8% from three), 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1 block
Minutes per game: 25.5

Azzi Fudd came off the bench to begin the season, but she’s been on an upward trajectory. The Dallas Wings, meanwhile, keep winning games. Fudd has scored at least 22 points in two of the last three games, and in double figures in four of the last six.

3. Kiki Rice, Toronto Tempo

Draft Number: No. 6
Stats: 13.1 points (on 55.2% shooting and 40.9% from three), 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Minutes per game: 27

The former UCLA standout has been awesome for the Tempo in her rookie campaign. She’s the second-leading scorer among rookies, the 5th-leading rebounder, and she’s been a critical part of the Tempo’s 5-4 start to the year. Rice has been shooting lights out from three, while showing versatility on both ends of the floor.

4. Pauline Astier, New York Liberty

Draft Number: Undrafted
Stats: 12 points (on 61.2% shooting and 47.1% from three), 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists
Minutes per game: 26.2

Pauline Astier, the 24-year-old undrafted rookie out of France, has been huge for the Liberty, particularly in the wake of so many early-season injuries. She’s the fifth-leading scorer among rookies and has been shooting lights out. Astier has started 8 of 9 games this season for the Liberty, and filled in well with Sabirna Ionescu sidelined.

5. Gabriella Jaquez, Chicago Sky

Draft Number: No. 5
Stats: 11.5 points (on 42.9% shooting and 33.3% from three), 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Minutes per game: 28.3

Lots of people wondered if Gabriella Jaquez was drafted too high at No. 5, calling into question whether UCLA’s recent title run had swayed WNBA front offices too much. But Jaquez has been every bit the player Jeff Pagliocca and the Sky front office envisioned when they selected her fifth overall. She’s scored in the double-figures in four of her last six games, and has been one of the top rebounders in the class. The only concern is that she’s been sidelined since May 23rd with a knee injury.

6. Jovana Nogic, Phoenix Mercury

Draft Number: Undrafted
Stats: 12.8 points (on 42.9% shooting and 50.9% from three), 1.5 assists, 1 rebound
Minutes per game: 21.9

It’s been an interesting season for Nogic, the 28-year-old rookie out of Serbia. On one hand, she’s been an offensive powerhouse — the third-leading scorer on the Mercury and third-leading scorer among rookies. On the other hand, she’s seen limited minutes on a Mercury squad that has been among the league’s worst (they’re currently one of two teams with a 2-8 record). Nogic will probably need to be better on the defensive end of the floor, but she’s already shown she can score with the best of them.

7. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm

Draft Number: No. 8
Stats: 11.9 points (on 31.2% shooting and 25% from three), 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Minutes per game: 26.2

Flau’jae Johnson was drafted 8th overall by the Golden State Valkyries and subsequently traded to the Seattle Storm on draft night in exchange for Marta Suarez, who was later waived. Johnson will probably benefit from that trade; she’s already playing the fourth-most among rookies, and is averaging the 6th-most points per game. But, Johnson hasn’t been very efficient — not unusual for a rookie WNBA guard. The Storm is a good landing spot for her to figure it all out.

8. Sydney Taylor, Chicago Sky

Draft Number: Undrafted
Stats: 9.2 points (on 32.7% shooting and 21.2% from three), 1.5 assists, 1.2 rebounds
Minutes per game: 13.9

Sydney Taylor has been one of the biggest surprises in the rookie class. The former Louisville standout went undrafted, signed with the Sky, and has since become a rotation player. Last Wednesday, she poured in a career-high 27 points in a loss to the Toronto Tempo. Like Johnson, Taylor hasn’t been particularly efficient, but she’s managed to find minutes on the roster and showed flashes of the scoring prowess that could keep her on the court.

#Olivia #Miles #Azzi #Fudd #WNBA #rookies #ranked">Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd and the 8 best WNBA rookies, ranked We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time to take a look at how the 2026 draft class has fared thus far.Full disclaimer: it’s early days, and a lot of this will change. Still, here’s a way-too-early glance at the Rookie fo the Year race.1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota LynxDraft Number: No. 2Stats: 15.8 points (on 49.5% shooting), 6.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 stealsMinutes per game: 30.6Olivia Miles has been incredible in the early days of the WNBA season. She leads all rookies in minutes, points, made field goals (5.4), and made free throws per game (4.7). The Lynx have outscored opponents by 12.1 points per game with her on the floor, and in turn, they have the league’s best record at 7-2. Miles has looked much more like a 10-year veteran than a rookie so far.2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas WingsDraft Number: No. 1Stats: 12.1 points (on 57.1% shooting and 43.8% from three), 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1 blockMinutes per game: 25.5Azzi Fudd came off the bench to begin the season, but she’s been on an upward trajectory. The Dallas Wings, meanwhile, keep winning games. Fudd has scored at least 22 points in two of the last three games, and in double figures in four of the last six.3. Kiki Rice, Toronto TempoDraft Number: No. 6Stats: 13.1 points (on 55.2% shooting and 40.9% from three), 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assistsMinutes per game: 27The former UCLA standout has been awesome for the Tempo in her rookie campaign. She’s the second-leading scorer among rookies, the 5th-leading rebounder, and she’s been a critical part of the Tempo’s 5-4 start to the year. Rice has been shooting lights out from three, while showing versatility on both ends of the floor.4. Pauline Astier, New York LibertyDraft Number: UndraftedStats: 12 points (on 61.2% shooting and 47.1% from three), 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assistsMinutes per game: 26.2Pauline Astier, the 24-year-old undrafted rookie out of France, has been huge for the Liberty, particularly in the wake of so many early-season injuries. She’s the fifth-leading scorer among rookies and has been shooting lights out. Astier has started 8 of 9 games this season for the Liberty, and filled in well with Sabirna Ionescu sidelined.5. Gabriella Jaquez, Chicago SkyDraft Number: No. 5Stats: 11.5 points (on 42.9% shooting and 33.3% from three), 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 stealsMinutes per game: 28.3Lots of people wondered if Gabriella Jaquez was drafted too high at No. 5, calling into question whether UCLA’s recent title run had swayed WNBA front offices too much. But Jaquez has been every bit the player Jeff Pagliocca and the Sky front office envisioned when they selected her fifth overall. She’s scored in the double-figures in four of her last six games, and has been one of the top rebounders in the class. The only concern is that she’s been sidelined since May 23rd with a knee injury.6. Jovana Nogic, Phoenix MercuryDraft Number: UndraftedStats: 12.8 points (on 42.9% shooting and 50.9% from three), 1.5 assists, 1 reboundMinutes per game: 21.9It’s been an interesting season for Nogic, the 28-year-old rookie out of Serbia. On one hand, she’s been an offensive powerhouse — the third-leading scorer on the Mercury and third-leading scorer among rookies. On the other hand, she’s seen limited minutes on a Mercury squad that has been among the league’s worst (they’re currently one of two teams with a 2-8 record). Nogic will probably need to be better on the defensive end of the floor, but she’s already shown she can score with the best of them.7. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle StormDraft Number: No. 8Stats: 11.9 points (on 31.2% shooting and 25% from three), 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assistsMinutes per game: 26.2Flau’jae Johnson was drafted 8th overall by the Golden State Valkyries and subsequently traded to the Seattle Storm on draft night in exchange for Marta Suarez, who was later waived. Johnson will probably benefit from that trade; she’s already playing the fourth-most among rookies, and is averaging the 6th-most points per game. But, Johnson hasn’t been very efficient — not unusual for a rookie WNBA guard. The Storm is a good landing spot for her to figure it all out.8. Sydney Taylor, Chicago SkyDraft Number: UndraftedStats: 9.2 points (on 32.7% shooting and 21.2% from three), 1.5 assists, 1.2 reboundsMinutes per game: 13.9Sydney Taylor has been one of the biggest surprises in the rookie class. The former Louisville standout went undrafted, signed with the Sky, and has since become a rotation player. Last Wednesday, she poured in a career-high 27 points in a loss to the Toronto Tempo. Like Johnson, Taylor hasn’t been particularly efficient, but she’s managed to find minutes on the roster and showed flashes of the scoring prowess that could keep her on the court. #Olivia #Miles #Azzi #Fudd #WNBA #rookies #ranked

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa did the double over five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen after beating the Norwegian in Round 8 of the ongoing Norway Chess 2026 tournament.

The Indian had gotten the better of Carlsen earlier in the competition as well, in the fourth round.

With two rounds left in the competition, Praggnanandhaa now sits third with 12 points, two off leader Wesley So of USA. Frenchman Alireza Firouzja is second with 13 points.

The other Indian in the fray in the Open section, D. Gukesh, suffered a loss against Firouzja. Gukesh is placed last with eight points, with Carlsen ahead by just a point.

More to follow…

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#Norway #Chess #Praggnanandhaa #beats #Carlsen #stay #hunt #title">Norway Chess 2026: Praggnanandhaa beats Carlsen to stay in hunt for title Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa did the double over five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen after beating the Norwegian in Round 8 of the ongoing Norway Chess 2026 tournament.The Indian had gotten the better of Carlsen earlier in the competition as well, in the fourth round.With two rounds left in the competition, Praggnanandhaa now sits third with 12 points, two off leader Wesley So of USA. Frenchman Alireza Firouzja is second with 13 points.The other Indian in the fray in the Open section, D. Gukesh, suffered a loss against Firouzja. Gukesh is placed last with eight points, with Carlsen ahead by just a point.More to follow…Published on Jun 03, 2026 #Norway #Chess #Praggnanandhaa #beats #Carlsen #stay #hunt #title

The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.

The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com">New England’s A.J. Brown Trade Comes With Huge Risk and Huge Reward | Deadspin.com The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. How the Patriots could win this tradeConsidering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking. #Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com

never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com">New England’s A.J. Brown Trade Comes With Huge Risk and Huge Reward | Deadspin.com

The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.

The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com

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