Elon Musk’s brain computer interface startup Neuralink closed a $650 million funding round, the company…
#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.
#Croatia #midfielder #Modric #undergo #surgery #cheek #fracture">Croatia midfielder Modric to undergo surgery on cheek fracture
Croatia midfielder Luka Modric will undergo surgery for a fractured left cheekbone, his Serie A club AC Milan said on Monday, weeks before the 40-year-old is due to participate in his fifth World Cup.
Modric suffered the injury in a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at the San Siro. He left the field with 10 minutes left.
Although clearly in pain, Modric remained on the bench until the end of the game without receiving medical treatment, but following an examination he will require an operation later on Monday.
Milan is third in the standings, 12 points behind leader Inter Milan with four games remaining, and Modric is doubtful to take any part in its season run-in. A protective mask may be needed should he recover in time for the World Cup.
The World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, starts on June 11, and Croatia will face England, Ghana and Panama in Group L.
