Connect with us
DAPA Banner
DAPA Coin
DAPA
COIN PAYMENT ASSET
PRIVACY · BLOCKDAG · HOMOMORPHIC ENCRYPTION · RUST
ElGamal Encrypted MINE DAPA
🚫 GENESIS SOLD OUT
DAPAPAY COMING

Sports

Ben Stokes determined to take England forward after ‘hardest period’ of captaincy

Published

on

Ben Stokes has admitted the past three months have been the “hardest period” of his time as England captain but he is adamant the current leadership group can take the Test team forward.

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould affirmed hours earlier the positions of Stokes, managing director Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum were safe despite the Ashes debacle.

Key rejected out of hand suggestions Stokes and McCullum had a falling out in Australia, despite the pair offering conflicting messages during a turbulent campaign in which they were soundly beaten 4-1.

But in an impassioned Instagram post, Stokes insisted he does not take his role as Test skipper, which he has held for nearly four years, lightly as he endorsed himself, Key and McCullum to learn from their mistakes.

Advertisement

Addressing England supporters, he wrote: “Being England captain is the greatest honour a player can be given and I do not take it for granted.

“It has its highs and it has its lows, it makes you want to smile, it makes you want to cry. It completely and utterly consumes you and feels like it’s the only thing in your life at times.

“The last 3 months has without a doubt been the hardest period of my captaincy journey, it’s tested me in so many different ways and I’m sure every other captain has gone through this as well.

“Baz, Rob and myself have the passion and desire to take this team forward, we are going to give you everything we have, we know we made mistakes along the way and we have learnt from those mistakes, you learn more from failure than success.”

Advertisement

England’s decision to have just one warm-up before taking on Australia was fiercely criticised, as was a break in Noosa between the second and third Tests, with reports of excessive drinking by players.

The revelation that white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a bouncer the night before he led England in a pre-series assignment to New Zealand led to questions over the culture under McCullum.

A midnight curfew has since been enforced, while the ECB are in the process of searching for a new national selector following Luke Wright’s resignation for family reasons.

Stokes has not played since suffering a groin injury in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney in January, but is set to turn out for Durham in the County Championship ahead of this summer’s Test programme.

Advertisement

England play three Tests against McCullum’s native New Zealand in June before another trio of matches against Pakistan in August and September.

Stokes added: “I have learnt a lot about myself but the most important thing that I want the fans to know is that….

“I F*****G love cricket, I F*****G love this team, I F*****G love being England captain and I have got so much more to give to this role and I’m so happy that I get to do it with Baz and Rob.

“We all appreciate every single person who supports us. We do what we do for many reasons but one of those reasons is to bring our supporters and fans happiness and a sense of pride and we will aim to do those things as much as we can in the future.

Advertisement

“See you all in June for the start of the Test Match summer.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Arteta Praises Referees After Arsenal Win Over West Ham

Published

on

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised the match officials for what he called a “brave decision” during his team’s victory over West Ham United on Sunday.

One of the biggest moments in the match came after a controversial foul decision that caused debate among players, fans and football analysts. After checking the incident, the referee decided to keep the original call, leading to different reactions inside the stadium.

Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted he has criticised referees in the past over inconsistency, but said the officials deserved praise for their decision in this match.

  • Eberechi Eze was the star of the show as Arsenal beat Tottenham 4–1 at the Emirates Stadium, with the midfielder scoring a stunning hat-trick to extend Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League.Eberechi Eze was the star of the show as Arsenal beat Tottenham 4–1 at the Emirates Stadium, with the midfielder scoring a stunning hat-trick to extend Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League.

Advertisement

“Sometimes I’ve been critical of referees or questioned consistency,” Arteta said. “Today they made a brave decision.”

The Spaniard also said the replay showed clearly that the referee made the correct call.

“When you watch it again clearly, it is obvious that it was a foul and the right decision. So, thank you,” he added.

Advertisement

Arteta’s comments have attracted attention because he has previously spoken strongly against officiating decisions in English football. His support for the referees after such a controversial moment has sparked discussion among supporters and pundits.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Knicks tie NBA Playoffs three-point records in Game 4 vs Sixers

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The New York Knicks seem to enjoy a nice rout in playoff series-clinching games.

It was a 51-point blowout against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of their First Round matchup earlier in these NBA Playoffs, and with a potential sweep on deck against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Sunday, the Knicks put on a historic shooting clinic from beyond the arc.

The Knicks tied three different NBA Playoffs single-game records for three-pointers made — first quarter, first half and game total — in a 144-114 dominant victory to move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Advertisement

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers watching as Miles McBride of the New York Knicks celebrates during a basketball game.

Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers watches as Miles McBride of the New York Knicks celebrates during the first quarter of Game Four in the second round of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on May 10, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

In the first quarter, the Knicks held a 43-24 lead after shooting 11-of-13 from three-point land, with Miles “Deuce” McBride going 4-for-4 to start his game and help New York race out to a substantial lead.

The Knicks didn’t stray from their gameplan in the second quarter. McBride knocked down two more three-pointers, going 6-of-7 for a team-high 20 points at halftime. But he wasn’t alone.

76ERS’ JOEL EMBIID TAKES THINLY-VEILED SHOT AT OFFICIALS AFTER KNICKS TAKE COMMANDING 3-0 LEAD IN PLAYOFFS

Advertisement

Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson was 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, Josh Hart made 3-of-5, Karl-Anthony Towns was 2-of-2 and Landry Shamet went 3-of-5 off the bench as New York sank 18 three-pointers, tying the NBA Playoffs first-half record on their way to an 81-57 lead at the half.

Shamet, who was solid from three-point territory in New York’s Game 3 victory, had a good look to break the first-quarter record, but he hit back iron on the rim for a miss just before the buzzer.

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks reacting during NBA playoff game in Philadelphia

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks reacts during the fourth quarter of Game Three in the second round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on May 8, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the 76ers couldn’t put out the Knicks’ fire with offense of their own. They shot just 4-of-15 from three-point land, and 51% overall (21-for-41). But their six turnovers resulted in 12 points for the Knicks.

Still, it’s hard to battle back after seeing a team shoot over 40% from three, let alone 62% like the Knicks shot. But the second half didn’t bode well for Philadelphia either. 

Advertisement

New York kept up the pressure to the point where all starters sat on the bench at the start of the fourth quarter. They did so sitting two shy of tying the total game record, and Jose Alvarado and a last-minute dagger from Pacome Dadiet got the total to 25 for the Knicks in the win. 

The Knicks shot 57% from three and 54% from the field, cementing their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. It’s their first time back since the 2024-25 season, where they fell to the Indiana Pacers. 

Now, New York waits to see what happens with the Detroit Pistons, the top seed in the East, and Cleveland Cavaliers, who secured its first win of the series with a strong fourth-quarter performance in Game 3 at home. Detroit, though, owns a 2-1 lead heading into Game 4 on Monday night.   

Miles McBride and Mikal Bridges celebrating during NBA playoff game at Xfinity Mobile Arena

Miles McBride and Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks celebrate after McBride’s 3-pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pa., on May 10, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

Perhaps, more history could be made with some fine shooting in the second half.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.   

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Man United know £26m Marcus Rashford transfer truth

Published

on

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is celebrating this week after Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-0 to win La Liga

Marcus Rashford is the toast of Barcelona after the Catalan club won La Liga on Sunday evening. A 2-0 victory for Hansi Flick’s side over Real Madrid ensured they couldn’t be caught by their biggest rivals, heaping more misery on the Spanish capital’s biggest club.

And Manchester United’s loanee set the tone early. His superb free kick deceived Thibaut Courtois and ignited Camp Nou. Ferran Torres doubled the advantage inside 18 minutes to seal the bragging rights and the title; completing Rashford and Barcelona’s season in the process. Now, attention turns to the future and what comes next for the winger.

Advertisement

Rashford’s time at United is done. Ruben Amorim may have left but too much water has gone under the bridge for the forward to return. His high wage is a contributing factor and the Reds’ co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to lower the squad bill considerably. But if leaving is a guarantee, it must be on United’s terms.

Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter

Barcelona, Rashford and United came to an agreement last summer to include a £26m buy clause to the deal. This expires on June 15 and if it is not activated, Rashford will not have his stay in Barcelona extended.

It is understood Barcelona are reluctant to pay £26m for Rashford. Instead, they have attempted to renegotiate that fee and, failing that, agree another loan for next season. Rashford’s Old Trafford contract expires in 2028 so agreeing to another loan for the 2026/27 campaign is not in United’s interests.

Advertisement

All this would do is push the issue to next summer. By which point, United’s negotiating position will have weakened and, once more, Barcelona would be seeking to get more money knocked off.

So what can United do? Well, they must hold their nerve. Rashford may have struggled to get going in the early stages of his Barcelona career but he is ending the season as a man in form. The 28-year-old has four goals in six La Liga matches and is showing signs of his best form.

A £26m fee is not unreasonable. If Barcelona are not willing to spend that much, United know they must seek an alternative buyer. They should not be coerced into agreeing a reduced rate because Barcelona are strapped for cash. Rashford may want to stay in Catalonia but United must think about what is best for them.

If they don’t stump up the cash, there will be plenty who will. All the Reds need to do is maintain patience.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

76ers’ season unravels in ugly sweep vs. Knicks, leaving Philly in familiar place

Published

on

After the Philadelphia 76ers lost the first three games of their second-round series to the New York Knicks, Paul George was asked what the message should be. His reply was simple: he cursed and said “win a game.”

[Narrator]: They did not win a game. 

That was to be expected. With the Sixers, you always know how it will end — badly, and usually sooner rather than later. Their annual summer vacation was slightly delayed this season when they upset the Celtics in the first round, beating Boston in the playoffs for the first time since 1982. Any goodwill accrued from that Game 7 win in Boston was undone in eight days by a no-show effort against the Knicks, who put the Sixers out of their misery and finished off the sweep on Sunday. Philly lost to New York by an average of 22.2 points per game. Game 2 — played without Joel Embiid who suddenly popped up on the injury report with knee and hip issues, because of course he did — was the only flicker of fight the Sixers showed in the series, and that faded quickly. As Embiid said when it was all over, the Knicks “were just better than us in everything.”

Adding insult to injury, Knicks fans swarmed South Philadelphia like locusts and comported themselves with roughly the same grace. (A Knicks fan interrupted a moment of silence for Sixers head coach Nick Nurse’s recently deceased brother and was booed for the lack of decorum.) The overall experience prompted more than one Sixers fan on social media to post something along the lines of how it would have been better to lose to the Celtics than get swept by the Knicks. The way the season ended for the Sixers was that deflating — but it wasn’t surprising. 

Advertisement

A familiar Philly feeling

Crashing out of the postseason in abject fashion has become a franchise hallmark. The Sixers have lost in the first or second round in each of the last nine seasons — except for last year, when they didn’t make the playoffs at all. They haven’t reached the conference finals since 2001. That remains one of the principal knocks against Embiid, who remains the only MVP in league history never to make it out of the second round. 

In fairness, Embiid playing in the Celtics series just 17 days after having an emergency appendectomy was remarkable. It was yet another entry in a long list of ailments suffered shortly before or during the postseason, including a bout with Bell’s Palsy, two orbital fractures, two torn meniscuses and a torn thumb ligament. Despite the latest medical procedure, he played well in four games against Boston, and they couldn’t have beaten the Celtics without him. But as with all things related to the Sixers and Embiid, the good times didn’t last. They never do. He played better than any of his teammates in Game 4 against the Knicks, but by then it didn’t matter anyway. It was too late. That’s how it invariably goes with the Sixers. 

Just a few months ago, there was cause for some optimism with regard to the Sixers. Or if not exactly optimism, then at least not the usual overarching dread that has defined the organization for so long. The season began with low-to-no expectations. Whatever the oft-injured Embiid and uneven Paul George could produce was seen as a bonus. The immediate and future focus instead shifted to the promising young backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, as dynamic a guard combination as Philly had ever seen.

During the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles, I asked Maxey about teaming up with Edgecombe. He replied that Edgecombe “is like a little brother to me” and said “he’s great, man. Not just basketball-wise, but for our team personality-wise and culture-wise for our organization.” After winning just 24 games the season before due to various injuries and a back-end tanking effort that ultimately resulted in drafting Edgecombe, Maxey added that “this year we’ve done a really good job of turning things around.”

Advertisement

[Narrator]: They did not, in fact, turn things around. 

That is not Maxey or Edgecombe’s fault. Maxey was an All-Star and is almost certain to make All-NBA, while Edgecombe finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting and even got one curious second-place vote, most likely cast from a pub in deep South Philly with spotty wifi.

The pair got some playoff experience together and even beat Boston. Those are positives to build on moving forward. But it’s also fair to wonder if that pair would have been better suited this season and long term if they were still a trio. 

So.., can anything change?

At the trade deadline, the Sixers opted to duck the luxury tax and ship underappreciated and underutilized fan favorite Jared McCain to the Thunder. At the time, President of basketball operations Daryl Morey said the Sixers were “playing well” and he was “trying to upgrade the team and add now” but “nothing materialized.” So instead of adding, they subtracted McCain. A lot of people had a hard time understanding that math. Morey took a lot of heat for that move — especially for smugly claiming he was “quite confident that we are selling high.” 

Advertisement

Anyone who has watched the Thunder since then has probably noticed McCain flourishing with his new team. He recently had 18 points in 18 critical minutes off the bench in a Game 3 win over the Lakers, then laughed in the postgame interview that the Sixers didn’t sell high enough. Ouch. No one is saying the Sixers would have beaten the Knicks if only they had McCain, but it certainly wouldn’t have hurt Philly to have a shooter of that caliber coming off its painfully thin bench. That the Thunder, inarguably the deepest team in the league, figured out how to use McCain when the Sixers let him atrophy before “selling high” was a gross indictment of the front office and Nurse, who might not be head coach for much longer. 

And so the Sixers enter another offseason with no easy answers. The obvious lever to pull is the head coach, who in terms of wins and losses was somehow less successful in the role than his much-maligned predecessor, Doc Rivers. Hard to imagine, but true. There’s an outside shot that the ownership group kicks Morey to the curb along with Nurse, but that seems less likely. Though there’s a case to be made for it. 

In addition to the McCain mess and a host of other questionable decisions, Morey is responsible for two of the worst contracts in the NBA. George still has two more years left on the four-year, $211 million deal that the team used to lure him away from LA. In retrospect, the luring should have cost a lot less. George will be 37 in the final year of the contract, which has a player option at $56.6 million. Meanwhile, Embiid — who has missed 150 games over the last three years and has never played more than 68 in a single season — has two more seasons remaining on his three-year, $187 million extension. In his final year, which is also a player option, the Sixers will pay the then-34-year-old $67.2 million. Toss up on which of those two contracts is worse, but they’re both basically unmovable. 

The Sixers also have decisions to make with some of their rotation pieces. Kelly Oubre, Quentin Grimes and Andre Drummond are all unrestricted free agents. They’d probably like to retain Oubre. Grimes is another matter that very much depends on the price point, which was an issue last offseason and the reason why he’s headed for free agency this summer. 

Advertisement

As for the draft pick situation, it could be worse. But, as with all things Sixers-related, it could also be better. They have the Rockets first-round pick in the upcoming draft, which will be 22nd overall. Astute draft watchers and the Philly faithful have pointed out that the team drafted Maxey one slot higher. Perhaps they get lucky again and land on someone talented in what has been touted as a loaded draft. 

Their own first-round pick, 17th overall, is owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder. That pick was top-four protected. Had the Sixers crashed out of the play-in and lost both games rather than advancing as the 7-seed, they would have had less than a 3% chance to land in the top four and keep their pick. In retrospect, even after beating the Celtics, that still might have been the better option, considering getting past Boston led to getting humiliated by New York. But who knows, maybe the draft gods will smile favorably on the Sixers this summer. Maybe they’ll make a series of inspired moves to bolster the bench and pad out the roster. Maybe George won’t get suspended next season and miss 25 games. Maybe Embiid will be (relatively) healthy. Maybe it will all finally fall into place for them.

[Narrator]: You don’t need a narrator to know how this will likely turn out

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Spurs lose Victor Wembanyama to first career ejection after violent elbow in Western Conference semis

Published

on

Victor Wembanyama is due for more sessions with those Shaolin monks. The French phenom found himself in early foul trouble of the worst kind on Mother’s Day.

Victor Wembanyama gestures during NBA playoff game at Target Center in Minneapolis

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs gestures during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Four of the Western Conference playoffs at Target Center in Minneapolis on May 10, 2026. (David Berding/Getty Images)

The San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was ejected from Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals after a heated exchange in the paint with Minnesota’s Naz Reid.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

The ejection occurred with 8:39 left in the first half at the Target Center.

Advertisement

Wembanyama was swinging, hoping to shield the ball after a rebound when he unleashed a high right elbow, which caught Reid squarely in the chin, sending the Timberwolves forward to the hardwood.

Spurs teammate Dylan Harper was left gobsmacked by the hit, just steps away from it.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 10, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 10, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) ((Photo by David Berding/Getty Images))

Officials initially called a common foul but moved to a video review as the Minnesota crowd grew restless.

After examining the replay, the call was upgraded to a Flagrant 2.

Advertisement

SPURS PHENOM VICTOR WEMBANYAMA MAKES NBA HISTORY WITH FIRST CAREER DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Wembanyama left the floor with just four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes of action. His absence left the Spurs without their primary defensive anchor in a pivotal road matchup.

Reid hit both resulting free throws.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

This marks the first time in Wembanyama’s professional career that he has been booted from a game.

The NBA will likely review the incident for potential further discipline.

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela 

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Did Tim David Show Middle Finger During Mumbai Indians Match? RCB Star’s Obscene Gesture Viral

Published

on




Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Tim David had a forgettable outing in the match against the Mumbai Indians (MI), his former side, on Sunday. David, who was dismissed for a golden duck, continued to cheer for his teammates from the RCB dugout. However, as the Rajat Patidar-led franchise defeated MI in a last-ball thriller, David’s middle-finger gesture left fans stunned. David, who has previously represented the Mumbai Indians, was understandably thrilled to register a win against his former team, but such a gesture in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was unexpected.

As the video of David’s gesture went viral on social media, NDTV was unable to verify the authenticity of the footage. It is also unconfirmed whether the gesture was made by the Australian batter during the RCB vs MI match in Raipur. No punishment for the gesture has yet been announced by the BCCI or the IPL. RCB coach Andy Flower, however, was penalised by the Governing Council over a heated argument with the fourth official, but no action has been taken against RCB’s Australian finisher yet.

Andy Flower Penalised By Tim David Spared

Advertisement

RCB head coach Andy Flower has been fined “15 per cent of his applicable match fee” for breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during the match.

IPL, in its statement, said, “Andy was found to have breached article 2.3 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which relates to ‘use of an audible obscenity during a match’”

The incident occurred in 17.2 over when Andy spoke aggressively with the fourth umpire after a contentious boundary call involving Krunal Pandya.

Facing AM Ghazanfar, Krunal lofted the ball towards wide long-on, where Naman Dhir took the catch near the ropes and parried it towards Tilak Varma while stepping over the boundary line. Tilak did not complete the catch and appeared to signal a six, perhaps mistaking Naman clipping one boot with the other for contact with the boundary cushions.

Advertisement

Replays, however, showed Dhir had not touched the cushions during the effort. Krunal, who was cramping up, did not attempt a run, and the delivery eventually resulted in a dot ball.

As per IPL code of conduct, Article 2.3 covers “the use of words commonly known and understood to be offensive, obscene and/or profane (in any language) and which can be heard by the spectators and/or the viewing public whether by way of the stump-microphone or otherwise. This conduct may include, for example, swearing in frustration at one’s own play or fortune.”

Andy has admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma.

With IANS Inputs

Advertisement


Featured Video Of The Day


IPL 2026 | Delhi Capitals Wins By 6 Wickets Against Mumbai Indians: Redemption For Sameer Rizvi

Topics mentioned in this article

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Longhorns Daily News: Texas softball’s Katie Stewart named SEC Player of the Year

Published

on

The SEC’s softball coaches announced late last week that Katie Stewart, a first baseman for Texas softball, is the conference’s latest Player of the Year.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

2026 NBA mock draft: AJ Dybantsa best fit for Wizards at No. 1 overall

Published

on

NCAA Basketball: Brigham Young at BaylorFeb 10, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dunks the ball ahead of Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr (43) during the first half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

After a much-maligned race to the bottom of the standings, the first round of the draft board is finally set. As the pre-draft process ramps up and NBA front offices get their ducks in a row, here is my initial post-lottery 2026 mock draft (assuming the lottery order is not beset by trades). The NBA draft will be held June 23-24 in New York.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa

Forward, BYU, freshman, 6-foot-9, 210 pounds, 19 years old

Washington signaled an intention to expedite their rebuild by buying low on Trae Young and Anthony Davis midway through the 2025-26 campaign, and their plea for lottery glory has finally come to bear.

While the Darryn Peterson vs. AJ Dybantsa conversation depends on the eye of the beholder, Dybantsa slots in perfectly between the Wizards’ incumbent youngsters and acquired stars as the keystone for their future. Dybantsa is a swingman with high-end potential as a dribble penetrator and mid-post savant, commanding defensive attention in the middle of the floor. He is equally effective attacking closeouts and slashing into openings. Most importantly, he can be brought along at his own pace and avoid being overburdened in D.C.

Advertisement

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson

Guard, Kansas, freshman, 6-5, 205, 19

The Jazz fell just short of first dibs on their hometown hero but wind up with a superb consolation prize in Peterson. After pushing several of their chips in for Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah is full steam ahead for a winning trajectory.

Peterson can thrive at either guard spot because of his boundless off-ball movement and willingness to coexist with other primary creators. The Jazz have a colossal front-line to free him up off screens, a dependable lead ball carrier in Keyonte George, as well as a burgeoning wing stopper in Ace Bailey. Peterson’s frenetic zip, shot-making variety, and hybrid M.O. will allow coach Will Hardy to truly tap into his offensive ingenuity after a multi-year rebuild.

Advertisement

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer

Forward, Duke, freshman, 6-9, 250, 18

If the Grizzlies were hellbent on making it work with Ja Morant, Caleb Wilson would be the pick here to expand Memphis’ stout, rangy supporting cast two through five. But all indicators point to a break-up and subsequent clean slate.

Boozer is a high-floor prospect with all the outlines of an offensive linchpin. His IQ, touch and floor game should provide offensive juice in the absence of a true first option, and the inside-outside nature of his skillset is compatible with Zach Edey — who Memphis has made clear is a pillar of their future. Boozer is the safest pick with projectable polish despite athletic limitations.

Advertisement

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson

Forward, North Carolina, freshman, 6-10, 215, 19

Chicago’s highest selection since 2020, there is a credible argument to pursue a lead-creator at this spot in Darius Acuff Jr. or Kingston Flemings — especially with spindly young forwards Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue in tow. However, this is a prime opportunity to take the best player available.

Wilson is a physical marvel with unmistakable all-defense potential. Bereft of a true interior force for more than a decade in the Windy City, Wilson blends interior ferocity, mid-range finesse and open floor dominance. His jump shot remains a lingering question, but he would serve as a valuable building block for a team in desperate need of competitive fervor.

Advertisement

5. Los Angeles Clippers: Keaton Wagler

Guard, Illinois, freshman, 6-6, 185, 19

The Clippers waited with baited breath for a 48% chance at pillaging Indiana’s pick, a gamble that should pay immense dividends for a franchise that does not own its first-round pick until 2030. Drafting a lead guard in Darius Acuff Jr. or Kingston Flemings would clash with the presence of true point guard Darius Garland, rendering Illinois’ Wagler a cleaner fit.

A late-blooming prospect that ascended as a freshman, Wagler is an off-guard that brings laser 3-point shooting and a refined off-the-dribble game. Despite his mid-tier athleticism and a slender build, Keaton profiles as an ideal secondary running mate to insert next to All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard and Garland.

Advertisement

6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff Jr.

Guard, Arkansas, freshman, 6-3, 190, 19

On the outside looking in once again, Nets general manager Sean Marks must make-do with his options in the mid-lottery for back-to-back drafts. Luckily for him, this range is littered with lead-initiators that check a lot of the boxes on Brooklyn’s wish list. Chief among them is Acuff, a potent scorer and on-ball self-starter who notched ridiculous counting stats and sterling efficiency under Razorbacks coach John Calipari.

The Nets have yearned for a go-to guy offensively since jettisoning Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Acuff just might be the answer as a three-level menace who can eviscerate the first line of defense — although his defensive drawbacks loom large. The 6-8 guard Egor Demin’s positional size would make for a fascinating dual-wield backcourt experiment for the Nets to build on going forward.

Advertisement

7. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings

Guard, Houston, freshman, 6-4, 190, 19

Death, taxes and lottery misery in Sac-Town. The Kings have lacked a gear-shifting guard presence since De’Aaron Fox forced his way out of town. Enter Flemings, a jitterbug lead-guard with the ball handling and creative dynamism to puncture halfcourt defenses as well as the defensive activity to remain viable on both sides of the ball.

Advertisement

Sacramento needs to dig itself out of a monumental, albeit entirely self-inflicted, organizational rut. Taking a swing on Flemings’ all-around scoring and facilitative upside is about as good a lifeline as you can hope for at No. 7.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans): Brayden Burries

Guard, Arizona, freshman, 6-4, 205, 20

Atlanta’s hopes of nabbing a bona fide fortune-shifting prospect ran dry when it wound up outside the top four. While most draft evaluators may pencil in a primary creator like Acuff, Flemings or Mikel Brown Jr., Burries as an ideal fit given the Hawks’ trajectory.

Advertisement

He boasts a largely ancillary skillset — spot-up shooting, straight-line driving, read-and-react playmaking — and, as such, theoretically has a lower ceiling. However, he makes perfect sense orbiting, and amplifying, Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels’ ever-growing facilitative qualities. Most importantly, Burries is a serial transition threat that could seamlessly weaponize Johnson’s affinity for early offense in a manner that few ever could.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Mikel Brown Jr.

Guard, Louisville, freshman, 6-5, 190, 20

Brown had glimpses that could have you falling head over heels for his long-term outlook. A 6-5 lead-guard with smooth shooting mechanics and shot-making fearlessness that is impossible to ignore, Brown’s draft stock is inherently divisive. On one hand, you have a tight handle, buoyant athleticism, instinctive passing chops and limitless 3-point range. On the other, you have reckless turnovers, iffy shot selection, and a wiry build.

Advertisement

In a more streamlined role, Brown could blossom into one of the league’s premier dribble pull-up shooters with downhill punch to match. The Mavs could use a perimeter wild card to pair with Cooper Flagg and lighten the offensive load.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament

Forward, Tennessee, freshman, 6-10, 207, 19

With their future in relative shambles, a swing for the fences feels apropos in light of the Bucks’ current standoff with franchise superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Not to mention this being their first lottery pick since Thon Maker in 2016. A 6-10 forward who can pass, dribble and shoot (at least in theory), Ament’s freshman season was a tale of two halves with his efficiency skyrocketing at the turn of the calendar.

Advertisement

While his offensive game is glaringly unpolished and he has plenty of bulking up to do, there are clear outlines of a capable dribble attacker, movement shooter and auxiliary facilitator that, if they eventually bolden, could provide Milwaukee with a foundational piece in the post-Giannis era.

11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg

Forward, Michigan, senior, 6-9, 240, 23

Fresh off clinching the national championship, Lendeborg is finally primed and ready to make the NBA leap after years in the draft consciousness. After extending coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors are faced with a harsh duality — maximizing Stephen Curry’s twilight years while keeping an eye to the future.

Advertisement

Despite turning 24 years old in September, Yaxel bridges that gap while addressing a positional need. He is a 6-10 (with shoes) forward that can scale up and down the positional spectrum defensively with his 7-4 wingspan and rock-steady base strength. Offensively, he can put the ball on the deck, set sturdy screens and improved his jump shooting to the tune of 37.2% as a super senior. Lendeborg is a seasoned, all-purpose, two-way force that can get in where he fits in for a well-traveled Warriors core.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Karim Lopez

Forward, Mexico/New Zealand Breakers, 6-9, 220, 19

With center Isaiah Hartenstein’s contract expiring in 2027, the stashing of 2025 first-round draft pick Thomas Sorber obviates an immediate need for frontcourt reinforcements. While Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky), Hannes Steinbach (Washington) or Aday Mara (Michigan) could each be a worthy successor, the Thunder’s rotation could use a combo-forward.

Advertisement

Lopez spent the past two seasons in New Zealand honing his sensibilities as a supplementary 3-and-D wing. Thunder general manager Sam Presti is familiar with the New Zealand Breakers pipeline, trading up to No. 11 in 2022 to select Ousmane Dieng. Lopez’s role player experience in a professional setting may well put him ahead of the developmental curve.

13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon Jr.

Guard, Alabama, sophomore, 6-4, 185, 20

Stuck in basketball purgatory with options aplenty from a team building perspective, Miami once again finds itself in the mid-first round. It is difficult to identify a specific need for such a competent-but-not-elite roster, but Philon’s on-ball brilliance and massive sophomore leap makes him a frontrunner in this range.

Advertisement

Philon is as shifty and surgical a ball handler as you’ll find in this class. He makes up for a lack of verticality with various dribble combinations, cunning tempo changes, and a trusty floater. If guard Tyler Herro is not long for Miami, Labaron is a great contingency plan in the backcourt who can theoretically play alongside Kasparas Jakucionis for a dual-creator look.

14. Charlotte Hornets: Hannes Steinbach

Forward/center, Washington, freshman, 6-11, 220, 20

The Hornets flexed a competent defense for the first time in eons. Aday Mara presents an intriguing man-in-the-middle option to add to their center rotation of Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner, but Charlotte should prioritize optionality above all else. Accordingly, Steinbach stands out from the pack.

Advertisement

A hybrid big that vacuums rebounds on both ends with physicality and inside positioning, Steinbach’s offensive upside is a major selling point. A sophisticated low-post repertoire, deft touch, elbow playmaking and, most notably, a hint of 3-point aptitude (18-for-53 at a 34% clip as a freshman) gives coach Charles Lee much-needed versatility to work with from the high post. If Steinbach’s 3-point range manifests, he could coexist with Diabate in unprecedented double-big lineup machinations.

–Ethan Ward, Field Level Media

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

IPL Owners Flouting Rules, Breaking Protocols: BCCI Warns Of Consequences

Published

on

Image for representative use© BCCI




Advertisement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken serious note of repeated violations of the guidelines issued to franchises participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As per the recently released directives by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, franchise owners were instructed to stay away from the playing area and refrain from making any physical or verbal contact with players or team staff during matches. However, these protocols were allegedly breached on multiple occasions by some team owners, leaving the BCCI displeased. 

According to a report by The Indian Express, the board has made it clear to all franchises that any further violations of the guidelines will invite strict action.

“One of the most worrying aspects has been the behaviour of the team owners. They have been flouting rules and haven’t been cooperating. By way of evidence, there are photographs of them near the dugout. Some even carry their phones to the ground. They have been warned but it hasn’t helped,” an official aware of the league’s policing process told The Indian Express.

Earlier, BCCI issued a formal communication to all 10 IPL franchises, warning of potential ‘honey-trap’ concerns during the 2026 season.

Advertisement

The board has adopted a stricter stance to prevent serious allegations, including sexual misconduct, against players or officials participating in the T20 league.

In the statement, Saikia told the franchises: “The BCCI draws the attention of all franchises to the well-documented risks of targeted compromise and honey-trapping that pervade high-profile sporting environments. The possibility of incidents giving rise to serious legal allegations, including those under applicable laws on sexual misconduct, cannot be discounted. IPL franchise management must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating such risks at all times,” Saikia stated in a seven-page guideline issued on Thursday.

A task force has been established, comprising members from the BCCI and the IPL Operations team. This team will be responsible for conducting hotel room checks. Any case of unauthorised access will be met with strong disciplinary action, with potential punishments already outlined.


Featured Video Of The Day


IPL 2026 | Delhi Capitals Wins By 6 Wickets Against Mumbai Indians: Redemption For Sameer Rizvi

Advertisement

Topics mentioned in this article

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Pacers president Kevin Pritchard apologizes after team loses draft pick

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The Indiana Pacers’ risky move backfired after the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery saw them lose their top pick altogether in a disastrous turn of events on Sunday afternoon.

Heading into the lottery, the Pacers, who went 19-63 just one season after reaching the NBA Finals out of the Eastern Conference, had a 52.1% chance of having a top-four pick.

However, when they didn’t see their team chosen in the first four picks – Indiana also had a 14% chance of getting the No. 1 overall pick – it was time to panic.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Kevin Pritchard speaking at a press conference indoors

Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard speaks during a press conference to announce center Miles Turner’s contract extension at Gainsbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Jan. 30, 2023. (Marc Lebryk/USA TODAY Sports)

The reason? The Pacers included their first-round pick in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for Ivica Zubac, but they only made it a top-four protected pick. That means, if the Pacers were chosen in the lottery as a top-four selection, they would be able to keep it.

But the Pacers were chosen as the No. 5 pick, and the Clippers now own the selection in next month’s draft.

NBA LOTTERY CHAOS: WASHINGTON WIZARDS STRIKE GOLD, PACERS PAY FOR TANKING GAMBLE NIGHTMARE

Advertisement

As a result, Pacers team president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard took full responsibility for the move, apologizing on social media.

“I’m really sorry to all our fans,” he wrote on X. “I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck. But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient.”

Signage displayed at the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery at Navy Pier in Chicago

Signage is displayed during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, on May 10, 2026. (Melissa Tamez/NBAE/Getty Images)

The Pacers were viewed as a team that were actively tanking despite the NBA’s attempt to crack down on such a season, with the lottery being one way of that. And it clearly worked this time around.

Pritchard was trying to be transparent and honest with the Pacers fan base, but people were quick to jump in the comments to make their thoughts, and gripes, known.

Advertisement

“You lose Myles Turner and add Zubac,” one X user began. “You lose [Benedict] Mathurin and the number 5 pick with absolutely nothing in return. This is why fans are upset, for a center who not even a top 5 center in the NBA. Who trades their future away for Ivan [sic] Zubac???”

Another X user called this a “generational draft,” and couldn’t fathom the Pacers won’t be picking from a deep class.

“If I were a Pacers fan and my team traded away a top 5 pick for Ivica Zubac in the middle of a tanking season I would be beyond devastated,” a fellow X user wrote.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton shooting basketball on court

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton shoots around on the court before an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Indianapolis on April 7, 2026. (Doug McSchooler/AP)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

The Pacers were without their All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton all season long after he suffered an Achilles injury during the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. But Indiana still has key members of that team returning next season, including Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith.

However, this 2026 draft class is quite the spectacle, with many believing it to be deep considering the talent of BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, UNC’s Caleb Wilson, and Duke’s Cam Boozer, among others.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025