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VIDEO | Hard work and self-belief helped me elevate my game, says Padikkal Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Devdutt Padikkal said a lot of hard work over the last few seasons has helped elevate his game, while also crediting the franchise management for his growth as a batter.Padikkal struck a stroke-filled 50 off 29 balls as the defending champion piled up a daunting 250 for 3 against the Chennai Super Kings.“Simply put it is a lot of hard work and a lot of self-belief that’s helped me get there. It wasn’t easy initially to make that change because it was something that I had to really change from the foundation that I have in terms of the type of cricket I wanted to play growing up, that’s a change that I have made consciously,” he told the media after the game.“RCB and the whole support staff have been really great and have been guiding me in the right way,” he added.Published on Apr 06, 2026 #VIDEO #Hard #work #selfbelief #helped #elevate #game #Padikkal

VIDEO | Hard work and self-belief helped me elevate my game, says Padikkal

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Devdutt Padikkal said a lot of hard work over the last few seasons has helped elevate his game, while also crediting the franchise management for his growth as a batter.

Padikkal struck a stroke-filled 50 off 29 balls as the defending champion piled up a daunting 250 for 3 against the Chennai Super Kings.

“Simply put it is a lot of hard work and a lot of self-belief that’s helped me get there. It wasn’t easy initially to make that change because it was something that I had to really change from the foundation that I have in terms of the type of cricket I wanted to play growing up, that’s a change that I have made consciously,” he told the media after the game.

“RCB and the whole support staff have been really great and have been guiding me in the right way,” he added.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#VIDEO #Hard #work #selfbelief #helped #elevate #game #Padikkal

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Devdutt Padikkal said a lot of hard work over the last few seasons has helped elevate his game, while also crediting the franchise management for his growth as a batter.

Padikkal struck a stroke-filled 50 off 29 balls as the defending champion piled up a daunting 250 for 3 against the Chennai Super Kings.

“Simply put it is a lot of hard work and a lot of self-belief that’s helped me get there. It wasn’t easy initially to make that change because it was something that I had to really change from the foundation that I have in terms of the type of cricket I wanted to play growing up, that’s a change that I have made consciously,” he told the media after the game.

“RCB and the whole support staff have been really great and have been guiding me in the right way,” he added.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

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Deadspin | Cardnals’ 4-run 5th denies Tigers 3-game sweep <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-900/28667061.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28667061.jpg" alt="MLB: St. Louis Cardinals at Detroit Tigers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Iván Herrera (48) drives in a pair of runs on a single against the Detroit Tigers in the fifth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Ivan Herrera’s tiebreaking two-run single capped a four-run, fifth-inning outburst as the visiting St. Louis Cardinals topped the Detroit Tigers, 5-3, on Sunday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Pedro Pages had an RBI single for the Cardinals, who salvaged the finale of a three-game series. St. Louis starter Kyle Leahy (1-1) gave up two runs and five hits in five innings. Riley O’Brien got the last three outs for his second save.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Kerry Carpenter hit a two-run homer for Detroit. Spencer Torkelson reached base four times.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Tigers starter Keider Montero (0-1) gave up three runs (two earned) and three hits in 4 1/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Montero was recalled from Triple-A Toledo on Saturday after Justin Verlander was placed on the 15-day injured list due to left hip inflammation. Verlander was scheduled on Sunday to make his first start at Detroit’s Comerica Park in a Tigers uniform since the 2017 season.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Detroit had a baserunner in the first inning and two more in the second. Leahy got out of the latter jam by inducing a Javier Baez groundout.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Leahy wasn’t as fortunate in the third. Colt Keith led off with a single. Two outs later, Carpenter hit a majestic shot over the center field wall for his second long ball in as many games.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>St. Louis grabbed the lead in the fifth. Nolan Gorman led off with a single and Thomas Saggese walked. After a fielder’s choice, Pages smacked a game-tying RBI single to end Montero’s night. </p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Enmanual De Jesus replaced him and Victor Scott executed a squeeze bunt to tie the game. De Jesus’ errant throw put runners in scoring position. With two outs, Herrera lined a single to right to knock in both runners for a 4-2 lead.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>The Tigers cut the Cardinals’ lead to 4-3 in the sixth. Reliever George Soriano issued walks to Dillon Dingler and Torkelson sandwiching a Parker Meadows single. Baez then hit a sacrifice fly.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>St. Louis scored a run in the eighth. JJ Wetherholt led off with a single and Herrera walked. One out later, Jordan Walker walked to load the bases and Nolan Gorman hit a sacrifice fly.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Cardnals #4run #5th #denies #Tigers #3game #sweep

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TEMPE, AZ – MARCH 3: Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) looks on during the college basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 3, 2026 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Louisville Cardinals became the biggest winner of the transfer portal in men’s college basketball with a 1-2 punch that could immediate vault them into position as one of the top teams in the country for the 2026-2027 season.

Flory Bidunga was by far the top player available in the transfer portal, and he chose Louisville over Duke, Michigan, and St. John’s on Sunday. Bidunga also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, so it’s possible he never steps foot on campus, but it feels more likely than not that he ends up with the Cardinals. The bouncy 6’10 big man is coming off a terrific sophomore year at Kansas where he emerged as one of the country’s best rim protectors as well a terrifying lob threat and dominant presence on the offensive glass. Bidunga is considered a fringe first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he would likely get significantly more money from Louisville than at his draft slot.

Louisville also landed a commitment from former Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad on Sunday. Shelstad only played 12 games last season with a hand injury, but he looked like one of the better lead guards in the country last time he played a full season as a sophomore. The 6-foot guard ripped 38 percent of his threes in his last full season in 2024-25, and he seemed to be making a big leap as a playmaker before the injury. Shelstad is reportedly applying for a medical redshirt, so it’s possible he’ll have two years of college elibility left.

Bidunga and Shelstad’s commitments were framed as a packaged deal by ESPN. The Cardinals were also one of the biggest winners of last year’s transfer portal, but still couldn’t win a game in the NCAA tournament as star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was limited with a back injury. Louisville is expected to return Adrian Wooley, who could also be in for a breakout junior season.

Cards head coach Pat Kelsey hit a grand slam in the transfer portal. With Duke lacking a star on the level of Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer next season, and North Carolina just starting to rebuild with new coach Mike Malone, it’s possible Louisville just became the preseason favorites in the ACC as long as Bidunga doesn’t jump to the draft.

#Louisville #lands #transfer #portals #top #player #elite #point #guard #massive #haul">Louisville lands transfer portal’s top overall player and elite point guard in massive haul TEMPE, AZ – MARCH 3: Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) looks on during the college basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 3, 2026 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Louisville Cardinals became the biggest winner of the transfer portal in men’s college basketball with a 1-2 punch that could immediate vault them into position as one of the top teams in the country for the 2026-2027 season. Flory Bidunga was by far the top player available in the transfer portal, and he chose Louisville over Duke, Michigan, and St. John’s on Sunday. Bidunga also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, so it’s possible he never steps foot on campus, but it feels more likely than not that he ends up with the Cardinals. The bouncy 6’10 big man is coming off a terrific sophomore year at Kansas where he emerged as one of the country’s best rim protectors as well a terrifying lob threat and dominant presence on the offensive glass. Bidunga is considered a fringe first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he would likely get significantly more money from Louisville than at his draft slot. Louisville also landed a commitment from former Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad on Sunday. Shelstad only played 12 games last season with a hand injury, but he looked like one of the better lead guards in the country last time he played a full season as a sophomore. The 6-foot guard ripped 38 percent of his threes in his last full season in 2024-25, and he seemed to be making a big leap as a playmaker before the injury. Shelstad is reportedly applying for a medical redshirt, so it’s possible he’ll have two years of college elibility left. Bidunga and Shelstad’s commitments were framed as a packaged deal by ESPN. The Cardinals were also one of the biggest winners of last year’s transfer portal, but still couldn’t win a game in the NCAA tournament as star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was limited with a back injury. Louisville is expected to return Adrian Wooley, who could also be in for a breakout junior season. Cards head coach Pat Kelsey hit a grand slam in the transfer portal. With Duke lacking a star on the level of Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer next season, and North Carolina just starting to rebuild with new coach Mike Malone, it’s possible Louisville just became the preseason favorites in the ACC as long as Bidunga doesn’t jump to the draft. #Louisville #lands #transfer #portals #top #player #elite #point #guard #massive #haul

Flory Bidunga was by far the top player available in the transfer portal, and he chose Louisville over Duke, Michigan, and St. John’s on Sunday. Bidunga also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, so it’s possible he never steps foot on campus, but it feels more likely than not that he ends up with the Cardinals. The bouncy 6’10 big man is coming off a terrific sophomore year at Kansas where he emerged as one of the country’s best rim protectors as well a terrifying lob threat and dominant presence on the offensive glass. Bidunga is considered a fringe first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he would likely get significantly more money from Louisville than at his draft slot.

Louisville also landed a commitment from former Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad on Sunday. Shelstad only played 12 games last season with a hand injury, but he looked like one of the better lead guards in the country last time he played a full season as a sophomore. The 6-foot guard ripped 38 percent of his threes in his last full season in 2024-25, and he seemed to be making a big leap as a playmaker before the injury. Shelstad is reportedly applying for a medical redshirt, so it’s possible he’ll have two years of college elibility left.

Bidunga and Shelstad’s commitments were framed as a packaged deal by ESPN. The Cardinals were also one of the biggest winners of last year’s transfer portal, but still couldn’t win a game in the NCAA tournament as star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was limited with a back injury. Louisville is expected to return Adrian Wooley, who could also be in for a breakout junior season.

Cards head coach Pat Kelsey hit a grand slam in the transfer portal. With Duke lacking a star on the level of Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer next season, and North Carolina just starting to rebuild with new coach Mike Malone, it’s possible Louisville just became the preseason favorites in the ACC as long as Bidunga doesn’t jump to the draft.

#Louisville #lands #transfer #portals #top #player #elite #point #guard #massive #haul">Louisville lands transfer portal’s top overall player and elite point guard in massive haul
Louisville lands transfer portal’s top overall player and elite point guard in massive haul TEMPE, AZ – MARCH 3: Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) looks on during the college basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 3, 2026 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Louisville Cardinals became the biggest winner of the transfer portal in men’s college basketball with a 1-2 punch that could immediate vault them into position as one of the top teams in the country for the 2026-2027 season. Flory Bidunga was by far the top player available in the transfer portal, and he chose Louisville over Duke, Michigan, and St. John’s on Sunday. Bidunga also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, so it’s possible he never steps foot on campus, but it feels more likely than not that he ends up with the Cardinals. The bouncy 6’10 big man is coming off a terrific sophomore year at Kansas where he emerged as one of the country’s best rim protectors as well a terrifying lob threat and dominant presence on the offensive glass. Bidunga is considered a fringe first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he would likely get significantly more money from Louisville than at his draft slot. Louisville also landed a commitment from former Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad on Sunday. Shelstad only played 12 games last season with a hand injury, but he looked like one of the better lead guards in the country last time he played a full season as a sophomore. The 6-foot guard ripped 38 percent of his threes in his last full season in 2024-25, and he seemed to be making a big leap as a playmaker before the injury. Shelstad is reportedly applying for a medical redshirt, so it’s possible he’ll have two years of college elibility left. Bidunga and Shelstad’s commitments were framed as a packaged deal by ESPN. The Cardinals were also one of the biggest winners of last year’s transfer portal, but still couldn’t win a game in the NCAA tournament as star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was limited with a back injury. Louisville is expected to return Adrian Wooley, who could also be in for a breakout junior season. Cards head coach Pat Kelsey hit a grand slam in the transfer portal. With Duke lacking a star on the level of Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer next season, and North Carolina just starting to rebuild with new coach Mike Malone, it’s possible Louisville just became the preseason favorites in the ACC as long as Bidunga doesn’t jump to the draft. #Louisville #lands #transfer #portals #top #player #elite #point #guard #massive #haul
TEMPE, AZ – MARCH 3: Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) looks on during the college basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 3, 2026 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Louisville Cardinals became the biggest winner of the transfer portal in men’s college basketball with a 1-2 punch that could immediate vault them into position as one of the top teams in the country for the 2026-2027 season.

Flory Bidunga was by far the top player available in the transfer portal, and he chose Louisville over Duke, Michigan, and St. John’s on Sunday. Bidunga also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, so it’s possible he never steps foot on campus, but it feels more likely than not that he ends up with the Cardinals. The bouncy 6’10 big man is coming off a terrific sophomore year at Kansas where he emerged as one of the country’s best rim protectors as well a terrifying lob threat and dominant presence on the offensive glass. Bidunga is considered a fringe first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he would likely get significantly more money from Louisville than at his draft slot.

Louisville also landed a commitment from former Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad on Sunday. Shelstad only played 12 games last season with a hand injury, but he looked like one of the better lead guards in the country last time he played a full season as a sophomore. The 6-foot guard ripped 38 percent of his threes in his last full season in 2024-25, and he seemed to be making a big leap as a playmaker before the injury. Shelstad is reportedly applying for a medical redshirt, so it’s possible he’ll have two years of college elibility left.

Bidunga and Shelstad’s commitments were framed as a packaged deal by ESPN. The Cardinals were also one of the biggest winners of last year’s transfer portal, but still couldn’t win a game in the NCAA tournament as star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was limited with a back injury. Louisville is expected to return Adrian Wooley, who could also be in for a breakout junior season.

Cards head coach Pat Kelsey hit a grand slam in the transfer portal. With Duke lacking a star on the level of Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer next season, and North Carolina just starting to rebuild with new coach Mike Malone, it’s possible Louisville just became the preseason favorites in the ACC as long as Bidunga doesn’t jump to the draft.

#Louisville #lands #transfer #portals #top #player #elite #point #guard #massive #haul

Virat Kohli was not seen on the field during the second innings of the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night.

Kohli had played a big role with the bat in the first innings by scoring a 38-ball 59 to help RCB post a mammoth 240 on the total. But Kohli, who is one of the best fielders in the RCB outfit, was notably absent when the visiting side took the field at the start of the second innings.

While there is no official confirmation as to what prompted the RCB management to take the decision, commentator Simon Doull was heard saying that Kohli is facing an ankle issue and was being rested as a precautionary measure.

It remains to be seen if that was in fact the reason why Kohli was not seen on the field in the second innings, and if that’s the case, to what extent the injury might affect his fitness.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Virat #Kohli #field #innings #Mumbai #Indians">MI vs RCB IPL 2026: Why is Virat Kohli not on the field in the second innings vs Mumbai Indians? Virat Kohli was not seen on the field during the second innings of the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night.Kohli had played a big role with the bat in the first innings by scoring a 38-ball 59 to help RCB post a mammoth 240 on the total. But Kohli, who is one of the best fielders in the RCB outfit, was notably absent when the visiting side took the field at the start of the second innings.While there is no official confirmation as to what prompted the RCB management to take the decision, commentator Simon Doull was heard saying that Kohli is facing an ankle issue and was being rested as a precautionary measure.It remains to be seen if that was in fact the reason why Kohli was not seen on the field in the second innings, and if that’s the case, to what extent the injury might affect his fitness.Published on Apr 12, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Virat #Kohli #field #innings #Mumbai #Indians

Deadspin | Wings sign defensive standout Alanna Smith to reported 3-year contract Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) fights for a rebound with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) during their WNBA semifinal playoff game at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025. The Dallas Wings have signed free agent forward Alanna Smith, the WNBA’s co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, the team announced on Saturday night. ESPN reported that Smith, who spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, has agreed to a three-year max contract, per her agent Sammy Wloszczowski of the Sports International Group agency. Smith, 29, shared honors with Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson for the individual award and also was selected to the All-Defensive first team in 2025. She was named to the second team in 2024. The 6-foot-4 Smith ranked third in blocked shots (80) and tied for 10th in steals (55) last season while helping Minnesota rack up the league’s best regular-season record (34-10) and rank second in scoring defense (76.7). “As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball,” Wings general manager Curt Miller said in a statement. “From a defensive standpoint, Alanna gives our coaching staff unbelievable versatility — she can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint. Offensively — we are excited to pair her with our outstanding guards, showcasing her ability to play inside or outside.” Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.9 blocks and 26.5 minutes in 42 regular-season games (all starts) for the Lynx last season. She also averaged 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.5 blocks and 23.5 minutes in six playoff games (all starts). For her career, the Australian is averaging 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 20.9 minutes in 183 regular-season games (117 starts) for the Phoenix Mercury (2019-21), Indiana Fever (2022), Chicago Sky (2023) and Lynx (2024-25). “It’s hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me,” Smith wrote in an Instagram post. “This team and this city embraced me and I am so grateful for all the love and support and how this Aussie girl was welcomed with open arms. Forever will hold a special place in my heart.” Phoenix selected Smith with the eighth overall pick of the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Stanford. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wings #sign #defensive #standout #Alanna #Smith #reported #3year #contractPhoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) fights for a rebound with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) during their WNBA semifinal playoff game at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025.

The Dallas Wings have signed free agent forward Alanna Smith, the WNBA’s co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, the team announced on Saturday night.

ESPN reported that Smith, who spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, has agreed to a three-year max contract, per her agent Sammy Wloszczowski of the Sports International Group agency.

Smith, 29, shared honors with Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson for the individual award and also was selected to the All-Defensive first team in 2025. She was named to the second team in 2024.

The 6-foot-4 Smith ranked third in blocked shots (80) and tied for 10th in steals (55) last season while helping Minnesota rack up the league’s best regular-season record (34-10) and rank second in scoring defense (76.7).


“As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball,” Wings general manager Curt Miller said in a statement. “From a defensive standpoint, Alanna gives our coaching staff unbelievable versatility — she can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint. Offensively — we are excited to pair her with our outstanding guards, showcasing her ability to play inside or outside.”

Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.9 blocks and 26.5 minutes in 42 regular-season games (all starts) for the Lynx last season. She also averaged 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.5 blocks and 23.5 minutes in six playoff games (all starts).

For her career, the Australian is averaging 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 20.9 minutes in 183 regular-season games (117 starts) for the Phoenix Mercury (2019-21), Indiana Fever (2022), Chicago Sky (2023) and Lynx (2024-25).

“It’s hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me,” Smith wrote in an Instagram post. “This team and this city embraced me and I am so grateful for all the love and support and how this Aussie girl was welcomed with open arms. Forever will hold a special place in my heart.”

Phoenix selected Smith with the eighth overall pick of the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Stanford.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Wings #sign #defensive #standout #Alanna #Smith #reported #3year #contract">Deadspin | Wings sign defensive standout Alanna Smith to reported 3-year contract Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) fights for a rebound with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) during their WNBA semifinal playoff game at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025. The Dallas Wings have signed free agent forward Alanna Smith, the WNBA’s co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, the team announced on Saturday night. ESPN reported that Smith, who spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, has agreed to a three-year max contract, per her agent Sammy Wloszczowski of the Sports International Group agency. Smith, 29, shared honors with Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson for the individual award and also was selected to the All-Defensive first team in 2025. She was named to the second team in 2024. The 6-foot-4 Smith ranked third in blocked shots (80) and tied for 10th in steals (55) last season while helping Minnesota rack up the league’s best regular-season record (34-10) and rank second in scoring defense (76.7). “As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball,” Wings general manager Curt Miller said in a statement. “From a defensive standpoint, Alanna gives our coaching staff unbelievable versatility — she can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint. Offensively — we are excited to pair her with our outstanding guards, showcasing her ability to play inside or outside.” Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.9 blocks and 26.5 minutes in 42 regular-season games (all starts) for the Lynx last season. She also averaged 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.5 blocks and 23.5 minutes in six playoff games (all starts). For her career, the Australian is averaging 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 20.9 minutes in 183 regular-season games (117 starts) for the Phoenix Mercury (2019-21), Indiana Fever (2022), Chicago Sky (2023) and Lynx (2024-25). “It’s hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me,” Smith wrote in an Instagram post. “This team and this city embraced me and I am so grateful for all the love and support and how this Aussie girl was welcomed with open arms. Forever will hold a special place in my heart.” Phoenix selected Smith with the eighth overall pick of the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Stanford. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wings #sign #defensive #standout #Alanna #Smith #reported #3year #contract

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