New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay appeared to take issue with “wrapping sports in the flag” as Team USA stars preached patriotism during the World Baseball Classic this month.
Paul Skenes, Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge were among the players who discussed what it meant to wear the USA on their chest. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa even brought in Robert J. O’Neill, the man credited with killing terrorist Usama bin Laden, into the locker room to speak to the players before their game against Canada in the quarterfinal.
Michael Kay during the New York Yankees Old Timers Day on Aug. 24, 2024 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.(Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kay said those types of things made him a “little uneasy.”
“The thing that makes me a little uneasy … I don’t like wrapping sports in the flag and preaching patriotism and bringing in SEAL Team 6 people. The only uniform that counts to me is the one that’s worn by the men and women of our military,” he said Wednesday on ESPN New York radio. “They decide wins and losses. You don’t represent me because you have USA on the chest. I don’t believe it.”
Sports columnist Mike Lupica, who was on with Kay, said bringing in a member of SEAL Team 6 was a “little dodgy” to him and added that anytime politics is brought in sports it opens up a “rabbit hole we don’t want to head down.”
United States Bryce Harper celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic against Venezuela, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Miami.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
“That was my decision to bring him in,” DeRosa said, via Defector. “He was brought in, actually, a couple of days in Houston. It wasn’t before the Canada game. I think for me there has to be … you never want it to get lost why you’re doing this. Whatever that ‘why’ is and a lot of people, like Paul Skenes said to me when he signed up for this, ‘I want to do this for every service man and woman that protects our freedom. That’s why we wear USA across our chest.’
“I just thought it would be like a time to kind of redirect and get those guys to understand that, although this is an unbelievable event, and you get a chance to share a locker room with the game’s greats, there’s a reason why you’re doing it and a reason why people protect our freedom at night. I just wanted to honor that.”
Kay made similar comments about the hype of players representing their country with fervent patriotism and making it more than it is. He said that he didn’t believe that “international competition is a referendum on my country.”
Advertisement
United States pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Dominican Republic during the semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park on March 15, 2026.(Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)
“There are people that represent the United States that really represent the United States, and you know who those people are? The men and women of the military,” he said, via Awful Announcing. “That’s what it all comes down to. They decide the greatness of this country. Their sheer bravery, how they fight for freedom and throw their lives on the line – that is significant to me. The United States winning the gold medal against Canada? Wonderful. Thrilled for them. Not a referendum on my country, it’s just not.
“But somehow, we’ve turned this into, my country is better than your country – stop it. Come on. Aren’t we getting a little bit nonsensical with this jingoistic stuff? … I’m glad that everybody’s brought in. Mark DeRosa brought in one of the Navy SEAL guys that was part of the group that killed Usama bin Laden. OK, whatever gets the people motivated … but to equate a baseball game to that, I don’t know.”
Advertisement
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
The Minnesota Vikings have made another addition to their quarterback room.
After signing Kyler Murray to a one-year contract last week, the Vikings announced they signed Carson Wentz to a one-year deal on Thursday. Wentz spent last season with the Vikings as a backup to J.J. McCarthy.
With the addition of Murray and the return of Wentz, the Vikings have added competition for McCarthy while ensuring they have quality backup quarterback options. Murray and McCarthy will compete for the starting quarterback job, while Wentz will serve as one of the team’s backups.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 23, 2025.(Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)
Wentz started five games last season, and the team went 2-3 in his starts. He completed 65.1% of his passes for 1,216 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. His season ended when he sustained a dislocated shoulder.
The 33-year-old tried to play through the injury before eventually undergoing surgery on the dislocation, a torn labrum, and a fracture in the shoulder.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) passes the ball during the first half of the NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on Oct. 5, 2025.(AP Photo/Ian Walton)
After Wentz got injured, and later McCarthy got injured for a second time last season, the Vikings were forced to start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer for two games, which were both losses. With Murray, Wentz, and McCarthy, the team is better equipped to survive quarterback injuries, which is pertinent because Murray and McCarthy both have lengthy injury histories.
Murray was limited to five games last season with a foot injury and has only played a full season once in the last four seasons, playing 11 games in 2022, 8 in 2023, 17 in 2024, and 5 last season.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) passes the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on Oct. 5, 2025.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
McCarthy, on the other hand, missed his entire rookie season after tearing his meniscus in the preseason. He missed six games at the beginning of last year with a high ankle sprain, one with a concussion, and another with a hairline fracture in his right hand.
Jan 3, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) reacts after a play against the Auburn Tigers during the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Georgia Bulldogs get a great 8/9 seed matchup against the Saint Louis Billikens. There’s a drastic difference in the level of competition for these teams, and I believe that’s going to be a huge factor in this game.
Saint Louis looked awesome early in the season, starting out 24-1 with their only loss being a 1-point neutral site loss to Stanford. They lost four of their last eight games, though, including an A10 Tournament matchup against Dayton.
Georgia saw plenty of ups and downs throughout the season, but they were generally consistent against any team besides Ole Miss. They also have several wins better than anything Saint Louis has put together this season.
Ultimately, Georgia should be able to control this game with free throws and turnovers. Saint Louis struggles in both areas, while the Bulldogs have found success in both. If they can gain extra possessions and free points throughout this game, it’s going to be tough for the Billikens to stick with them.
The other aspect is that Saint Louis wants to push the pace in their games, and their opponents generally struggle to keep that pace. Georgia is also one of the fastest teams in the NCAA, and I expect them to have the edge virtually everywhere in this matchup.
Advertisement
Where to Bet: Georgia moneyline | -140 at BetMGM Sportsbook
Our Current Best Offers
1
Underdog
Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!
T&Cs apply, 18+
Advertisement
2
ParlayPlay
100% up to $100
T&Cs apply, 18+
3
OwnersBox
100% up to $500
T&Cs apply, 18+
Advertisement
4
FanDuel Fantasy
$65 value with just a $10+ deposit
T&Cs apply, 18+
St. Mary’s vs. Texas A&M
This is a tough draw for Texas A&M, who could’ve made a run in the right matchups this tournament. Saint Mary’s is a tough style, and they’re going to play their game rather than get sucked into a track meet here.
The Gaels are going to have a massive edge in two areas in this game – free throws and rebounding. The Aggies are willing to foul their opponents, and Saint Mary’s ranks first in the NCAA in free-throw percentage (81.1%) this season. They don’t waste opportunities, with several of their players shooting over 80% from the line.
Advertisement
Texas A&M also struggles with allowing offensive rebounds, which gives their opponents extra offensive possessions. Saint Mary’s ranks 15th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage (37.4%).
The Aggies should have the edge in athleticism, and they’ve played much better competition throughout the season. I only believe that will matter if they can get this game to be played in their style, though, and I fully believe the Gaels are disciplined enough to slow this pace down and keep this from becoming a track meet.
Where to Bet: Saint Mary’s -2.5 spread | -120 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Our Current Best Offers
Advertisement
1
Underdog
Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price (RB15) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings have a full stable of running backs on the 2026 menu, with Jordan Mason, Aaron Jones, and Zavier Scott set to return once again. Meanwhile, the club could still add a rookie, and per Jadarian Price’s lips, he wouldn’t mind joining the purple team.
Minnesota’s RB plans may still include a Day 2 or Day 3 addition.
The Notre Dame tailback spoke with Kay Adams this week, and Minnesota is on his list.
Advertisement
Price’s Skill Set Fits Kevin O’Connell’s Offense
Fans would not be mad about Price as the running back of the future.
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price (24) bursts through a crease and accelerates downfield after breaking past the Pittsburgh defensive front on November 15, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, turning a routine carry into a chunk gain during first-half action as the Fighting Irish offense finds early rhythm against the Panthers defense. Mandatory Credit: Michael Longo-Imagn Images.
Price to Adams: Vikings Would Be Nice for Next Team
Price spoke with Adams, and naturally, the pair spoke about his future, as the draft is five weeks away.
Adams walked through possible destinations, and she asked about the Vikings. Price replied, “Minnesota, huh? That’d be nice. Kyler Murray, Texas boy — shout out to Texas. Justin Jefferson … the best receiver in the league.”
Advertisement
Of course, fans took that as a ringing endorsement, especially because Minnesota could be in the market for a rookie tailback. It hasn’t drafted a quality one since Dalvin Cook in 2017 and Alexander Mattison in 2019.
Where to Get Price in the Draft
Price is currently slated as a 2nd-Rounder in next month’s draft, with the Consensus Big Board listing him at No. 48 as of March 19th. Believe it or not, this is ideal for Minnesota, the club that currently possesses the 49th overall pick in Round 2. It’s the first time in four years that the Vikings haven’t traded their 2nd-Rounder before the draft.
If Minnesota has to wait on Price at No. 48, it will certainly have to sweat. Price is expected to be the second running back taken after his running back teammate, Jeremiyah Love, flies off the board in the Top 12 picks. RB-needy teams will circle Price as the next best thing after Love, so the likelihood of him tumbling to No. 49 will be a pressure cooker for Vikings fans on the second night of the draft — if Price falls that far at all.
Advertisement
Price’s Scouting Report
Price played second fiddle to Love at Notre Dame — go figure — but he banked 1,854 yards from scrimmage and 24 total touchdowns in three seasons, which included 41 games. He averaged 6.0 yards per attempt and is 5’11 and 205 pounds. Price logged a 4.49 forty at the Combine. He’s known for his smooth running style, vision, and breakaway ability. Fumbles may be a concern.
A fair historical comp is probably something between Tony Pollard and Javonte Williams.
NFL Draft Buzzon Price: “The Combine did Price no favors. His tape tells one story: a decisive, versatile weapon who presses holes with patience and punishes defenders who take bad angles. The measurables tell a slightly different one, that of a back who checked in lighter than expected and timed out in good-but-not-great territory at 4.49 in the forty.”
Advertisement
“The truth, as it usually does, probably sits somewhere in the middle. He is a talented back whose production benefited from a favorable situation, but whose instincts and contact balance are undeniably his own. His fit remains strongest in zone-heavy schemes that get backs to the perimeter and let them use their eyes.”
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price races upfield on a kickoff return and reaches the end zone for a touchdown on October 18, 2025, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, flipping momentum in the second half with a burst of speed and vision against Southern California’s coverage unit. Mandatory Credit: Michael Longo-Imagn Images.
Some have suggested the Seattle Seahawks could reach for Price at the end of Round 1 with the 32nd pick after Kenneth Walker III’s free-agent departure to the Kansas City Chiefs.
TBD continued, “Price presses the edge, waits for his blockers to develop leverage, and then plants and gets vertical with a burst that looked faster on film than his Combine number suggested.”
“He is not a back you hand the ball 25 times a game, but in a world where the NFL is moving toward committee approaches and valuing backs who stress defenses as receivers, Price checks a lot of boxes. His ability to split out wide and run routes from the slot is real, not just a projection.”
Other RB Options
Advertisement
Suppose the Vikings don’t land either Notre Dame runner and are forced to examine another rookie. Before the end of Round 4, according to the mock draft community, these tailbacks should be available:
Kaytron Allen (Penn State)
Jonah Coleman (Washington)
Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)
Nick Singleton (Penn State)
Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas)
Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) carries the ball through traffic during game action on October 11, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee, pushing forward against Tennessee defenders while showing balance and lower-body strength as he fights for extra yardage in a tightly contested SEC matchup on the road. Mandatory Credit: Saul Young-News Sentinel-Imagn Images.
Minnesota met with Johnson from Nebraska at the Combine and has also chatted with Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne, who is expected to be picked in Round 5.
NEW DELHI: India is set to host a major global athletics event, as the state of Odisha will stage the World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028. The announcement was made by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, marking a big moment for the country as it continues to grow its presence in international sports. This will be the first time India hosts a major event organised by World Athletics.
Watch
Cricket stars gather for Kuldeep Yadav’s grand wedding reception | Star-studded night
The championships are expected to take place in Bhubaneswar, which has modern facilities like the Kalinga Stadium complex, including an indoor arena. Coe, as quoted by news agency AFP, confirmed the decision, saying, “The World Athletics Council this morning awarded the next two editions of the event, the world indoor championships, to Odisha in India in 2028 and Astana, Kazakhstan, in 2030.”He added, “The future of the world indoor athletics championships is looking bright and assured.” This move highlights India’s growing ability to host top-level sporting events.“India will host the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Bhubaneswar. The global competition will be held at Kalinga’s Indoor Stadium,” the AFI president, Bahadur Singh Sagoo, stated.
Bigger plans for the future
India is also preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, which is seen as a stepping stone toward a possible bid for the Olympics in the future. Hosting these events shows the country’s long-term vision to become a major sports hub.Coe has previously supported this ambition, calling it a “powerful sign of a nation thinking boldly about its sporting future”.
Nov 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates after recording a sack against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field, reacting with energy as the Vikings defense generated pressure in a key divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
On March 3rd, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard could be made available via trade, and while no deal has materialized, the idea of Greenard’s ticket out of town isn’t dead. In fact, the Greenard trade sweepstakes could involve two teams: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts.
Philadelphia and Indianapolis have emerged as the loudest outside suitors.
That’s the word from The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis this week, with the draft five weeks away.
Advertisement
A Look at the Current State of the Greenard Trade Sweepstakes
The Vikings might be best served to keep Greenard, but a sweet deal could change their minds.
A Philadelphia Eagles helmet rests alone on the turf in the quiet moments after Super Bowl LIX on Feb 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, symbolizing the aftermath of a hard-fought championship clash with the Kansas City Chiefs and the weight of football’s biggest stage lingering in the stadium air. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.
Lewis on Greenard Trade Partners
The Greenard trade smoke has billowed for about two weeks. Lewis updated the situation this week, saying on his podcast, “I think over the course of the last week or last two weeks, it probably seemed more imminent than it was. I would say that the Minnesota Vikings have been very clear from the outset that they are doing this on their terms. So they are not going to trade a talented player that they’ve really liked having, Jonathan Greenard, unless it makes a lot of sense for them to do that.”
“I would say the Philadelphia Eagles definitely still need edge rusher talent. I mean, they have Jalyx Hunt, they signed Arnold Ebiketie, they have Nolan Smith Jr., but to have another elite edge rusher, it’s part of the reason they were in on Jaelan Phillips. And then I think the Indianapolis Colts are kind of in a similar vein.”
Advertisement
It’s worth noting that Greenard has been rather silent about the recent process, perhaps adding credence to the trade theory.
The Eagles’ Angle
Hunt, Smith Jr., and Ebiketie — mentioned by Lewis — do not represent a suitable EDGE group for a team that will outwardly profess a Super Bowl-or-bust or stakes in 2026. That trio is actually rather unbecoming for a serious Super Bowl contender.
And with men like Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson off the board, the Eagles are down to nubbins for EDGE help. It’s either the draft, a trade for a player like Greenard, or both.
Advertisement
The Eagles have their 1st-Rounder, a 2nd-Rounder, and three 3rd-Rounders, so PHI general manager Howie Roseman may be thinking two pass rushers or more before the clock hits Round 4. If he swung a deal for Greenard, his life would be easier; EDGE wouldn’t be mandatory in the draft.
Perhaps Roseman can send the 54th overall pick (2nd Round) to Minnesota and call it good.
The Colts’ EDGE Need
While Greenard would be a valuable addition to the Colts, their need for an EDGE rusher isn’t as pressing as it is for some teams.
Advertisement
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) chats with head coach Shane Steichen during the opening quarter on Oct 19, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, as the Colts settle into an early-game rhythm against the Los Angeles Chargers in a key regular season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Indianapolis has been quietly assembling a capable group. Rookie Laiatu Latu already shows significant potential as a key player, and Arden Key provides experience as a reliable starter. JT Tuimoloau flashed promise as a rookie, earning a 60.6 Pro Football Focus grade in limited snaps. Michael Clemons, Durell Nchami, and Viliami Fehoko Jr. add further depth, even if the group lacks a true game-changing disruptor.
Greenard would immediately inject energy into this EDGE group and elevate its overall performance.
However, draft capital presents a challenge. After trading its 2026 and 2027 first-round picks to the Jets for Sauce Gardner, Indianapolis’ long-term asset pool has been affected, which must be taken into account.
Here’s what the Colts have to work with in 2026:
2nd Round (No. 47 overall)
3rd Round (No. 78 overall)
4th Round (No. 113 overall)
5th Round (No. 154 overall)
6th Round (No. 214 overall)
7th Round (No. 249 overall)
7th Round (No. 254 overall)
Acquiring Greenard would likely require parting with the 2nd-Round pick, a potential sticking point. Trading it would further commit the Colts to an aggressive roster-building strategy that has already cost them two future 1st-Round selections.
The Draft as a Climax?
Advertisement
Greenard’s trade fodder felt hot and heavy in early March and during the first wave of free agency. Now, the drama has died down a bit. The draft is just five weeks away, and there’s a decent chance that he gets shipped to his new team sometime during the event, when other general managers can weigh the draftboard options in real time versus the prospect of adding Greenard, a veteran with six seasons of experience.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) takes off on a run while Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) closes in during first-half action on Oct 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, showcasing a moment of pressure as Herbert tries to extend the play under pursuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
It’s also worth noting that Minnesota would save an extra $6 million on the salary cap this season if it traded Greenard after June 1st. By then, teams will have their pass-rushing situation figured out, but it’s more advantageous to Minnesota’s books to trade Greenard this summer.
Or — the Vikings could just keep him. It’s not the worst idea in the world to keep the best defensive player on the roster … on the roster.
Mar 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Detroit Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time, ESPN reported Thursday.
Per the report, there is optimism that Cunningham will be back in time for the start of the playoffs, which begin on April 18. The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons (49-19) have 14 games remaining in the regular season.
It’s unclear exactly when Cunningham sustained the injury, however he exited the Pistons’ win on Tuesday with what the team labeled as back spasms early in the first quarter after falling on the floor in a bid to secure a loose ball. He already was ruled out for Detroit’s Thursday game against the host Washington Wizards prior to the report.
Cunningham, 24, is in contention for NBA Most Valuable Player honors. He is averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 61 games (all starts) this season.
Advertisement
A two-time All-Star, Cunningham is averaging 22.6 points, 7.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 269 career games (all starts) since the Pistons selected him with the top overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft.
The league that brought us the Fail Mary is already making plans for Fail Mary 2. Anyone who cares about pro football should be alarmed.
The concerns should commence with the players. In lieu of having games officiated and controlled by the best of the best, the NFL is willing to rely on less than the best.
Advertisement
For now, the NFL Players Association has no comment. At some point, the union must speak up — loudly.
Advertisement
Beyond the fact that the players have an immediate stake in the quality of the officiating is the reality of unions supporting other unions. The same league that is currently squeezing the officials has squeezed before, and will squeeze again, the players.
With the NFLPA currently standing silent on the subject, here’s what former NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith had to say: “Several years ago the Players stood with the officials when they were locked out an[d] was prepared to file a grievance that the NFL’s removal of the experienced and on-field first responders created an unreasonable health and safety risk. Still the right thing to do.”
Yes it is. And maybe there will be a time for it. With the NFLPA freshly installing a new executive director, and with months to go before a lockout of officials would start, the union likely believes it’s smarter to bide its time.
Advertisement
Advertisement
That said, there’s an argument to be made for anyone/everyone with a stake in the game to shout down a plan to use replacement officials again. It would be a COLOSSAL mistake, and here’s hoping we won’t be alone in saying so.
His ability to thrive in so many different roles suggests a natural feel for the game – something former England international midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who was also frequently used as a right-back, picked up on in his analysis of Gray’s performance against Atletico.
“When he wants, he can play quickly,” he said on TNT Sports. “I think sometimes in these games, players take too many touches. Archie did everything very quickly, and I thought he was incredibly effective.”
Like Hargreaves, Gray could potentially play for a number of nations at international level.
Despite his grandad Frank and great-uncle Eddie representing Scotland, Gray has opted for England, although he has yet to make a senior appearance for the Three Lions. A final decision on his international allegiance will have to be made soon if he continues this form, with a call-up likely on the cards.
Advertisement
For now, though, the focus cannot shift from Spurs and the focus that will be needed to pull clear of relegation trouble. Gray, perhaps more than anyone in the Tottenham squad, looks ready to face that fight head-on.
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia is set to be available for his side’s upcoming La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano after injuring himself in the recent 7-2 win over Newcastle United.
Earlier this Wednesday (March 18), Barcelona progressed to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after beating Newcastle in the second leg of the round of 16. They netted four goals in the second half of their 7-2 victory, but also lost Garcia to a calf injury in the 82nd minute.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
Now, the Blaugrana have confirmed that their €25 million summer signing will be fit to face Vallecano at Camp Nou on Sunday (March 22). An official statement read:
Advertisement
“Medical tests performed this Thursday on Joan Garcia have dismissed any possibility of injury. The goalkeeper will therefore be available for selection as normal by Hansi Flick for the next game.”
Garcia, who was replaced by Wojciech Szczesny in the recent win over Newcastle, has proved to be a brilliant signing for the Catalans this term. The 24-year-old has registered 14 clean sheets in 35 appearances across all competitions for his team, conceding 35 goals in the process.
The Espanyol academy graduate will be hoping to end the season on a good note as he is in contention to be named in Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Barcelona backed to succeed in Europe
Arsenal great Thierry Henry has lavished huge praise on his former club Barcelona following their resounding win over Newcastle United. The 48-year-old claimed (h/t Barca Universal):
“What happened isn’t a victory, it’s a global earthquake. (It was) a night that will go down in history. What a second half! A complete transformation, a different character, a lethal determination. This is the real Barcelona… when they want to, they can do anything. They’re an incredible team.”
Henry, who played for the Catalans from 2007 to 2010, added:
Advertisement
“You watch them play and think, ‘Wow, they look so convincing!’ Then you see them at home and it’s like… we’ve got Johan Cruyff’s dream team back! Newcastle completely collapsed in the face of this attacking onslaught. This is the face of Barcelona under Hansi Flick. We will overtake them on goal difference, come what may. Europe is beginning to feel the danger.”
Hansi Flick’s team will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals next month. After taking on Vallecano, they will first visit Atletico for a La Liga clash on April 4 before hosting Los Rojiblancos in the quarter-final first leg on April 8.
Year two in the Big Ten has produced another NCAA berth for the Bruins.
Despite Mick Cronin’s constant complaints about travel in the conference, UCLA is two-for-two, making the tournament each season in the Big Ten.
Here is my preview of UCLA’s First-Round matchup with UCF.
Advertisement
No. 10 UCF vs No. 7 UCLA
Friday, March 20 4:25 pm PT, TBS Philadelphia, PA
The Bruins have been very good with the basketball this season, turning it over on just 13.1% of offensive possessions, ranking 12th best in the country.
UCLA also led the Big Ten in three-point differential, shooting 37.7% while holding opponents to 31.6%.
That is a recipe for success, and if the Bruins can duplicate that effort in the tournament opener, they will get a chance to play a second game in Philadelphia.
UCLA seems to have found something down the stretch, winning six of their last eight games, including wins over Illinois, Nebraska, and Michigan State.
Advertisement
But this up-and-down season was not without its issues, which have been problematic at times, lacking the suffocating defensive that Cronin usually puts on the floor.
Opponents shot 52.7% on two-point FGs and 58.1% on non-blocked two-pointers.
Both of those defensive figures, which rank in the 220s nationally, have generally been a hallmark of Cronin’s teams in the past.
Another issue for this UCLA squad has been rebounding, as the Bruins are 203rd in the nation, gathering just 49.6% of the total rebounds on offer.
Advertisement
That could be a significant issue against the Knights, as UCF ranks 55th in the nation with a total rebound rate of 52.6%.
UCF connected on 36.3% of its three-point attempts in conference play to rank fourth in the Big 12.
Bruins HC Mick Cronin | David Banks/Imagn Images
While the Knights have shot well from deep, only 29.1% of their scoring has come from three-point baskets—that is decidedly in the bottom half of the nation.
So, the outcome might well come down to the Knights’ ability to get the mid-range jumpers to fall against the Bruins, who (as mentioned above have) been shaky in that department.
During UCLA’s three-game run in the Big Ten Tournament, they limited opponents to just 46.2% on two-point FGs.
Advertisement
If they can continue that trend, the Bruins should be able to severely limit UCF on offense.
A big reason for the late season surge for UCLA has been the play of Donovan Dent.
The guard has looked a lot more like his former self over the last month and a half than his first two and half months.
During the last eight games, he has tallied 55 assists while just turning it over six times and averaging over 14 points per game.
Advertisement
The Bruins will need more of that, if they hope to keep playing in March.
But the biggest thing to look for in this match up might be the health of both Dent and Tyler Bilodeau.
Dent exited the loss to Purdue with a calf injury while the Bruin’s leading scorer suffered a knee injury during the win over MSU and missed the Big Ten semifinal game.
Both are expected to play in the NCAA opener, but their effectiveness will be worth watching.
Advertisement
With a fully healthy pair of stars, I think UCLA gets the win comfortably. If they are hampered, the Bruins likely still get enough to advance, though it could be tight.
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
No. 10 UCF vs No. 7 UCLA
You must be logged in to post a comment Login