UNC basketball makes unexpected splash by hiring former Nuggets coach
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – May 22: Michael Malone speaks before the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on May 22, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Malone’s key tie to UNC is through his daughter, who is a volleyball player in Chapel Hill, making this a reunion of sorts. However, the hiring has much more to do with adding some gravitas to a men’s basketball program that was limping along under Davis in both recruiting and performance, with UNC boosters and insiders growing increasingly frustrated with the program falling further and further behind Duke.
This move gives the Tar Heels some serious chops at head coach. Malone was unfairly fired by the Sacramento Kings to start his NBA tenure, before the Denver Nuggets saw potential in him as a tactician and team builder. Aided in large part by the emergence of Nikola Jokic, Malone helped lead the Nuggets to an NBA Championship in 2022-23.
The all-time winningest coach in Nuggets history, Malone was fired by the team in April of 2025 along with GM Calvin Booth, under the belief from ownership that a new coach and front office could lead to more playoff success than the feuding Booth and Malone.
A truly fascinating hire, Malone hasn’t had experience coaching college basketball since 2001 as an assistant for Manhattan. The bulk of his time has been spent in the NBA, which will lead to some fascinating recruiting challenges for the Tar Heels moving forward. Tactically and organizationally, this feels like a home run hire in a cycle where many top coaches committed to staying with their programs, even while the pitfall of Malone not having college experience is clear.
This is a new era for Tar Heel basketball, and it’s going to be fascinating to see it unfold.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – May 22: Michael Malone speaks before the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on May 22, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Even with the long list of possible names rumored for the vacant UNC men’s basketball job, the program still managed to make a hire nobody expected. It is now being reported that Mike Malone, former coach of the Denver Nuggets, will become the 20th coach in the history of the program, succeeding Hubert Davis, who was fired by the Tar Heels during the NCAA tournament after their upset loss to VCU.
Malone’s key tie to UNC is through his daughter, who is a volleyball player in Chapel Hill, making this a reunion of sorts. However, the hiring has much more to do with adding some gravitas to a men’s basketball program that was limping along under Davis in both recruiting and performance, with UNC boosters and insiders growing increasingly frustrated with the program falling further and further behind Duke.
This move gives the Tar Heels some serious chops at head coach. Malone was unfairly fired by the Sacramento Kings to start his NBA tenure, before the Denver Nuggets saw potential in him as a tactician and team builder. Aided in large part by the emergence of Nikola Jokic, Malone helped lead the Nuggets to an NBA Championship in 2022-23.
The all-time winningest coach in Nuggets history, Malone was fired by the team in April of 2025 along with GM Calvin Booth, under the belief from ownership that a new coach and front office could lead to more playoff success than the feuding Booth and Malone.
A truly fascinating hire, Malone hasn’t had experience coaching college basketball since 2001 as an assistant for Manhattan. The bulk of his time has been spent in the NBA, which will lead to some fascinating recruiting challenges for the Tar Heels moving forward. Tactically and organizationally, this feels like a home run hire in a cycle where many top coaches committed to staying with their programs, even while the pitfall of Malone not having college experience is clear.
This is a new era for Tar Heel basketball, and it’s going to be fascinating to see it unfold.
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#UNC #basketball #unexpected #splash #hiring #Nuggets #coach
Oba Femi beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania in the opener, and WWE made the right decision. Rumor has it that Brock Lesnar picked Oba Femi to be his WrestleMania opponent and put him over. The Nigerian Giant opened Monday Night Raw, the crowd strutted along to his entrance and serenaded him. Femi said, “The Ruler Has Arrived,” and the mic dropped. Short, sweet, and to the point. Where he goes from here is anybody’s guess but expect a clash with Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight title at SummerSlam or before the year is out.
The ‘Mania Match that Should’ve Happened
It’s a shame Iyo Sky vs Asuka (even adding Kaire Sane) didn’t happen at WrestleMania. Instead, Sky made an appearance in Rhea’s title match and celebrated Ripley’s victory. According to reports, the creative team didn’t want to rush this match and instead gave it time to develop. That same team put Gunther and Seth Rollins together in less than three weeks. On Raw, Sky and Ripley took down Asuka and Sane in the first match of the show. Hopefully, we will get Iyo Sky and Asuka at Backlash. It’s ridiculous that one of the greatest female wrestlers on the planet couldn’t get on the WM card.
The N(E)XT Generation is Here
Every year after WrestleMania, WWE calls up the best and brightest stars from NXT. Ethan Page and Sol Ruca made their debuts on Raw, while Fatal Influence was involved in two segments on SmackDown. Page looks to have found his place in the IC title picture, while Ruca stood toe-to-toe with WWE Raw Women’s Champion Liv Morgan. Meanwhile, Fatal Influence got involved in the tag team title bout before Jacy Jayne hit Rhea Ripley with her best shot. Joe Hendry is scheduled to have a concert on Raw, while Blake Monroe and Ricky Saints will be making their debuts soon.
All Gas No Breaks
When Roman Reigns won their first World Heavyweight Championship, fans wondered what was next for the Tribal Chief. Would it be Rock, Bron Breakker, or Oba Femi? None of the above. In the last segment of Raw, Jacob Fatu interrupted Reigns and the Usos looking for a title opportunity. It looks like WWE fans are going to see Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu at Backlash in Tampa. Fatu will likely lose to Reigns, but if they add a stipulation that he must join the Bloodline as a result. Things could get interesting. It’s great to see the Samoan Werewolf get his flower and confront the Tribal Chief. Let’s hope there are bigger things for him on the horizon.
Spring Cleaning
There’s no easy way to put it. Days after WWE/TKO announced WrestleMania 42 was the highest-grossing event in company history, over 20 superstars were released. Most notable were Santos Escobar, Apollo Crews, Kaire Sane, Aleister Black, along with his wife, Zelina Vega, and the Wyatt Sicks. The strange part of all of this is WWE aired a vignette for the Wyatt Sicks during a SmackDown commercial break despite them being released. Something must have gotten lost in translation along the way. Fans might be under the impression that TKO is responsible for this happening, but that lies with Triple H. Hoping all the talent find another home sooner than later.
Returns and Departures
We got Paige, Bron Breakker, and Street Profits back in the last week. Paige is a Women’s Tag Team champion, while Breakker is targeting Seth Rollins. The Street Profits mysteriously disappeared from WWE television but returned to take out the Vision. Here’s to hoping they take the tag titles off the Vision immediately.
On the flip side, a match planned for Backlash has been cancelled. Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll have departed from WWE on their own accord. After harsh backlash (pun fully intended), the two went to their social media platforms and announced their departure from the company. Cody Rhodes on SmackDown said, “To those outside forces that kept interceding and interjecting into my WrestleMania plans… You guys are 0-3. Send your best or count your money and mind your damn business.” He refers to WM 40, where Rock almost took his spot, WM 41 with Travis Scott, and finally Pat McAfee at WM 42. Expect a rematch between Orton and Rhodes for the belt without any shenanigans, and for Orton to win his 15th title. The American Nightmare isn’t medically cleared, so fans will have to wait and see when these two will clash.
One last thing before I forget, Tiffany Stratton is the new Women’s US champion after beating Guilia. Don’t worry if you forgot about this title; so, did Triple H and the rest of the creative team. They seem to only care about it when the belt is on Chelsea Green, who is nursing a broken foot and will be out for several months.
With new talent in the spotlight, WWE may have found its formula for success. Unfortunately, dozens have lost their jobs in the past few days. Let’s see what Triple H and co. have in store for this next chapter.
Oba Femi beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania in the opener, and WWE made the right decision. Rumor has it that Brock Lesnar picked Oba Femi to be his WrestleMania opponent and put him over. The Nigerian Giant opened Monday Night Raw, the crowd strutted along to his entrance and serenaded him. Femi said, “The Ruler Has Arrived,” and the mic dropped. Short, sweet, and to the point. Where he goes from here is anybody’s guess but expect a clash with Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight title at SummerSlam or before the year is out.
The ‘Mania Match that Should’ve Happened
It’s a shame Iyo Sky vs Asuka (even adding Kaire Sane) didn’t happen at WrestleMania. Instead, Sky made an appearance in Rhea’s title match and celebrated Ripley’s victory. According to reports, the creative team didn’t want to rush this match and instead gave it time to develop. That same team put Gunther and Seth Rollins together in less than three weeks. On Raw, Sky and Ripley took down Asuka and Sane in the first match of the show. Hopefully, we will get Iyo Sky and Asuka at Backlash. It’s ridiculous that one of the greatest female wrestlers on the planet couldn’t get on the WM card.
The N(E)XT Generation is Here
Every year after WrestleMania, WWE calls up the best and brightest stars from NXT. Ethan Page and Sol Ruca made their debuts on Raw, while Fatal Influence was involved in two segments on SmackDown. Page looks to have found his place in the IC title picture, while Ruca stood toe-to-toe with WWE Raw Women’s Champion Liv Morgan. Meanwhile, Fatal Influence got involved in the tag team title bout before Jacy Jayne hit Rhea Ripley with her best shot. Joe Hendry is scheduled to have a concert on Raw, while Blake Monroe and Ricky Saints will be making their debuts soon.
All Gas No Breaks
When Roman Reigns won their first World Heavyweight Championship, fans wondered what was next for the Tribal Chief. Would it be Rock, Bron Breakker, or Oba Femi? None of the above. In the last segment of Raw, Jacob Fatu interrupted Reigns and the Usos looking for a title opportunity. It looks like WWE fans are going to see Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu at Backlash in Tampa. Fatu will likely lose to Reigns, but if they add a stipulation that he must join the Bloodline as a result. Things could get interesting. It’s great to see the Samoan Werewolf get his flower and confront the Tribal Chief. Let’s hope there are bigger things for him on the horizon.
Spring Cleaning
There’s no easy way to put it. Days after WWE/TKO announced WrestleMania 42 was the highest-grossing event in company history, over 20 superstars were released. Most notable were Santos Escobar, Apollo Crews, Kaire Sane, Aleister Black, along with his wife, Zelina Vega, and the Wyatt Sicks. The strange part of all of this is WWE aired a vignette for the Wyatt Sicks during a SmackDown commercial break despite them being released. Something must have gotten lost in translation along the way. Fans might be under the impression that TKO is responsible for this happening, but that lies with Triple H. Hoping all the talent find another home sooner than later.
Returns and Departures
We got Paige, Bron Breakker, and Street Profits back in the last week. Paige is a Women’s Tag Team champion, while Breakker is targeting Seth Rollins. The Street Profits mysteriously disappeared from WWE television but returned to take out the Vision. Here’s to hoping they take the tag titles off the Vision immediately.
On the flip side, a match planned for Backlash has been cancelled. Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll have departed from WWE on their own accord. After harsh backlash (pun fully intended), the two went to their social media platforms and announced their departure from the company. Cody Rhodes on SmackDown said, “To those outside forces that kept interceding and interjecting into my WrestleMania plans… You guys are 0-3. Send your best or count your money and mind your damn business.” He refers to WM 40, where Rock almost took his spot, WM 41 with Travis Scott, and finally Pat McAfee at WM 42. Expect a rematch between Orton and Rhodes for the belt without any shenanigans, and for Orton to win his 15th title. The American Nightmare isn’t medically cleared, so fans will have to wait and see when these two will clash.
One last thing before I forget, Tiffany Stratton is the new Women’s US champion after beating Guilia. Don’t worry if you forgot about this title; so, did Triple H and the rest of the creative team. They seem to only care about it when the belt is on Chelsea Green, who is nursing a broken foot and will be out for several months.
With new talent in the spotlight, WWE may have found its formula for success. Unfortunately, dozens have lost their jobs in the past few days. Let’s see what Triple H and co. have in store for this next chapter.
#WrestleMania #Fallout #WWE #Shakeups #Releases #Whats #Deadspin.com">WrestleMania 42 Fallout: WWE Shakeups, Releases, and What’s Next | Deadspin.com
WrestleMania 42 is in the rearview mirror and will go down as one of the most polarizing of its kind. Ads were galore, the ESPN app kept crashing, and the longest match across the board was 33 minutes long. On the bright side, almost everyone’s favorite won last weekend. Randy Orton was originally supposed to win his 15th title, but Triple H decided to keep his rivalry going with Cody Rhodes. Long story short, WWE wanted to hit the reset button and rid the filth of TKO’s meddling with the insertion of Pat McAfee.
The Ruler Has Arrived
Oba! Oba! Oba! Oba!
Oba Femi beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania in the opener, and WWE made the right decision. Rumor has it that Brock Lesnar picked Oba Femi to be his WrestleMania opponent and put him over. The Nigerian Giant opened Monday Night Raw, the crowd strutted along to his entrance and serenaded him. Femi said, “The Ruler Has Arrived,” and the mic dropped. Short, sweet, and to the point. Where he goes from here is anybody’s guess but expect a clash with Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight title at SummerSlam or before the year is out.
The ‘Mania Match that Should’ve Happened
It’s a shame Iyo Sky vs Asuka (even adding Kaire Sane) didn’t happen at WrestleMania. Instead, Sky made an appearance in Rhea’s title match and celebrated Ripley’s victory. According to reports, the creative team didn’t want to rush this match and instead gave it time to develop. That same team put Gunther and Seth Rollins together in less than three weeks. On Raw, Sky and Ripley took down Asuka and Sane in the first match of the show. Hopefully, we will get Iyo Sky and Asuka at Backlash. It’s ridiculous that one of the greatest female wrestlers on the planet couldn’t get on the WM card.
The N(E)XT Generation is Here
Every year after WrestleMania, WWE calls up the best and brightest stars from NXT. Ethan Page and Sol Ruca made their debuts on Raw, while Fatal Influence was involved in two segments on SmackDown. Page looks to have found his place in the IC title picture, while Ruca stood toe-to-toe with WWE Raw Women’s Champion Liv Morgan. Meanwhile, Fatal Influence got involved in the tag team title bout before Jacy Jayne hit Rhea Ripley with her best shot. Joe Hendry is scheduled to have a concert on Raw, while Blake Monroe and Ricky Saints will be making their debuts soon.
All Gas No Breaks
When Roman Reigns won their first World Heavyweight Championship, fans wondered what was next for the Tribal Chief. Would it be Rock, Bron Breakker, or Oba Femi? None of the above. In the last segment of Raw, Jacob Fatu interrupted Reigns and the Usos looking for a title opportunity. It looks like WWE fans are going to see Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu at Backlash in Tampa. Fatu will likely lose to Reigns, but if they add a stipulation that he must join the Bloodline as a result. Things could get interesting. It’s great to see the Samoan Werewolf get his flower and confront the Tribal Chief. Let’s hope there are bigger things for him on the horizon.
Spring Cleaning
There’s no easy way to put it. Days after WWE/TKO announced WrestleMania 42 was the highest-grossing event in company history, over 20 superstars were released. Most notable were Santos Escobar, Apollo Crews, Kaire Sane, Aleister Black, along with his wife, Zelina Vega, and the Wyatt Sicks. The strange part of all of this is WWE aired a vignette for the Wyatt Sicks during a SmackDown commercial break despite them being released. Something must have gotten lost in translation along the way. Fans might be under the impression that TKO is responsible for this happening, but that lies with Triple H. Hoping all the talent find another home sooner than later.
Returns and Departures
We got Paige, Bron Breakker, and Street Profits back in the last week. Paige is a Women’s Tag Team champion, while Breakker is targeting Seth Rollins. The Street Profits mysteriously disappeared from WWE television but returned to take out the Vision. Here’s to hoping they take the tag titles off the Vision immediately.
On the flip side, a match planned for Backlash has been cancelled. Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll have departed from WWE on their own accord. After harsh backlash (pun fully intended), the two went to their social media platforms and announced their departure from the company. Cody Rhodes on SmackDown said, “To those outside forces that kept interceding and interjecting into my WrestleMania plans… You guys are 0-3. Send your best or count your money and mind your damn business.” He refers to WM 40, where Rock almost took his spot, WM 41 with Travis Scott, and finally Pat McAfee at WM 42. Expect a rematch between Orton and Rhodes for the belt without any shenanigans, and for Orton to win his 15th title. The American Nightmare isn’t medically cleared, so fans will have to wait and see when these two will clash.
One last thing before I forget, Tiffany Stratton is the new Women’s US champion after beating Guilia. Don’t worry if you forgot about this title; so, did Triple H and the rest of the creative team. They seem to only care about it when the belt is on Chelsea Green, who is nursing a broken foot and will be out for several months.
With new talent in the spotlight, WWE may have found its formula for success. Unfortunately, dozens have lost their jobs in the past few days. Let’s see what Triple H and co. have in store for this next chapter.
#World #Team #Table #Tennis #Championships #Preview #Indians #target #group #dominance #era #begins">World Team Table Tennis Championships Preview: Indians target group dominance as new era begins
India’s men’s and women’s teams head into the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships, beginning in London on Tuesday, with a familiar mix of promise and pressure.
Placed in Group 7, the Indian men’s team—featuring Manav Thakkar (WR No. 38), G. Sathiyan (42), Manush Shah (51), Harmeet Desai (80) and Payas Jain (127)—will start as the clear favourite against Slovakia, Tunisia and Guatemala.
On paper, the rankings tilt heavily in India’s favour, particularly against a Slovak line-up led by Lubomir Pistej (149) and Yang Wang (184).
Yet, the absence of now-retired Sharath Kamal’s experience in crunch ties could test India’s composure, especially in tight five-match encounters.
The women’s team finds itself in Group 6, alongside Ukraine, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Led by Manika Batra (WR No. 49), India also has Yashaswini Ghorpade (88), Diya Chitale (92), Sutirtha Mukherjee (120) and Syndrela Das (175), who at 16 is the youngest from the country to play at the worlds.
Ukraine, spearheaded by Margaryta Pesotska (51), presents a more tangible threat, making the group a closer contest than the men’s draw.
India’s recent history at this event offers both encouragement and caution. At the 2024 edition in Busan, both teams advanced to the knockout stage but exited in the Round of 32.
The women’s team impressed with a second-place group finish that included narrow wins over Hungary and Spain, while pushing China in a close 2-3 loss.
The men, meanwhile, showed resilience with wins over Chile and Kazakhstan but faltered against stronger opposition, going down 0-3 to South Korea in the knockouts.
The format in London raises the stakes further.
Only group winners are guaranteed direct entry into the main draw, while second-placed teams face a complicated qualification route based on match ratios.
For the men, depth remains a strong suit.
Sathiyan and Thakkar bring consistency, while Shah’s upward trajectory adds firepower.
The women’s side, on the other hand, appears more balanced than before, with Manika’s big-match temperament complemented by a young core gaining international exposure.
If India can convert its numerical advantage into clinical performances and avoid slipping into the uncertainties of second place, a deeper run than 2024 is well within reach.
A century after the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships took place in England in 1926, the sport returns to where it all began for a truly historic centenary celebration.
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) tackles Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
The Minnesota Vikings exercised their fifth-year option for wide receiver Jordan Addison on Monday.
The No. 23 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft will earn a guaranteed $18 million during the 2027 season.
Addison, 24, posted the worst numbers of his career with 42 catches for 610 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games (12 starts) last season. He was suspended for the first three games for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.
Addison has 175 receptions for 2,396 yards and 22 touchdowns in 46 career games (41 starts).
Vikings executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski indicated at last month’s owners meetings in Arizona that the team would make this move.
“He’s a really important player for us, an impact player,” Brzezinski said.
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