By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Sports
Dane Miller’s Week 14 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings
It can all change in an instant.
Just ask New Mexico.
It may still be February, but it’s crunch time for many teams in the West.
Arizona remains dominant with expectations of a Final Four run, while the rest of the region looks shaky.
Gonzaga dropped a shocking game, BYU is soul-searching, and UCLA is wavering.
At the same time, USC is surging, Utah State has set itself apart, and Santa Clara is positioned for an at-large bid.
Here’s how I view the Top 10 College Basketball Teams in the West after the first week of February.
1. Arizona (23-0, 10-0)
The only thing that matters is March. Nobody is going to remember this Arizona team in a positive light if it falls short in the Big Dance.
At this point, anything less than a run to the Final Four would be a failure. It’s been a long time since UA had a team this good.
It’s on Tommy Lloyd and his players to deliver the run.
2. Gonzaga (23-2, 11-1)
The defeat on the road to Portland was one of the worst losses in program history. It destroyed Gonzaga’s chances at a 1-seed.
Now, the Zags’ entire resume comes under scrutiny. Mark Few’s team isn’t fully healthy, partially excusing the loss.
But the perceived ceiling of this year’s team just took a nosedive.
3. BYU (17-6, 5-5)
Kevin Young’s team is at a crossroads. There seems to be two paths forward.
In one direction, Young makes starting lineup changes that result in the team getting better. Or down the other direction, the team’s culture falls apart with each player focusing on themselves to improve their draft stock.
Young must step up to the plate to guide the team down the right path.
4. Utah State (20-3, 11-2)
Destroying New Mexico at The Pit was impressive.
With victories over UNM and San Diego State, the Aggies have established themselves as the top dogs in the Mountain West.
How that translates in the NCAA Tournament remains to be seen. All Utah State can do is keep winning so that it avoids the unfavorable 8- or 9-seed line.
5. Saint Mary’s (21-4, 10-2)
Randy Bennett’s squad bounced back after losing to Gonzaga. The Gaels handled business against San Diego and San Francisco in convincing fashion.
But the program remains uncomfortably close to the cutoff line. Any surprise losses would be devastating.
It’s still a few weeks away, but the final two games of the regular season against Santa Clara and Gonzaga could determine Saint Mary’s at-large hopes.
6. UCLA (17-7, 9-4)
It’s make-or-break time in Westwood. The Bruins play at Michigan and at Michigan State this week.
If UCLA finds a way to split the road trip, the at-large chances become much stronger. But get swept on this trip, and the pressure gets ramped up.
With zero nonconference resume wins, this week is pivotal for the Bruins.
7. USC (18-6, 7-6)
The Trojans are playing their way into the NCAA Tournament. Moving from the wrong side of the Bubble into the projected field, Eric Musselman must feel positive.
But one week can change everything.
USC heads to Ohio State for its only game of the week. Win that one, and the question becomes more about seeding than simply making the tourney.
8. San Diego State (17-6, 11-2)
The Aztecs did their job against the lower end of the Mountain West last week.
Looking at their resume now, the victories over New Mexico, Boise State, and Nevada are respectable wins.
But the elephant in the room remains. If it comes down to it, the early-season loss to Troy could be a deciding factor on Selection Sunday.
9. Santa Clara (21-5, 12-1)
With a half-game hold on first place in the WCC, the Broncos are in position.
Joe Lunardi’s most recent projection has three teams from the Conference getting in the field. That would be a minor coup for a league that’s perpetually stuck on two bids.
But let’s see what Santa Clara is really made of when it faces Gonzaga this Saturday.
10. New Mexico (18-6, 9-4)
How quickly things change. It took one week for New Mexico to go from the perceived top of the Mountain West to outside of the projected field.
That goes to show how precarious the MWC’s reputation is this year due to an awful nonconference season. If the Selection Show were held right now, the WCC would likely get more bids.
The Lobos can’t afford any more losses.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
Latest posts by Dane Miller (see all)
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Dane Miller’s Week 14 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings
> How the region’s best teams stack up across the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, MW, Pac-12, and WCC
– February 9, 2026 -
Dane Miller’s Week 13 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings
> How the region’s best teams stack up across the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, MW, Pac-12, and WCC
– February 1, 2026 -
Dane Miller’s Week 12 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings
> How the region’s best teams stack up across the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, MW, Pac-12, and WCC
– January 26, 2026
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fired back at boxer Jake Paul on Monday after the fighter called Bad Bunny a “fake American citizen” and vowed to boycott the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was among those fawning over the Grammy Award-winning artist’s act during a game that saw the Seattle Seahawks take home their second Super Bowl title in a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks to reporters at Newark Liberty International Airport on June 21, 2025. (Michael Karas/NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“A ‘fake American citizen?’ Didn’t you MOVE to Puerto Rico to avoid paying your taxes while kids across America go hungry?” the congresswoman wrote on X.
“Meanwhile Benito actually funds low income kids’ access to arts and sports programs, while you defund them. Of course you’re mad. He makes you look small.”
Paul later clarified that he was rebuking Bad Bunny because of his stance against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations despite being an American citizen.
Jake Paul fights Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight bout at Kaseya Center on Dec. 19, 2025, in Miami, Florida. (Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Netflix)
SEAHAWKS FANS PUT ON RAUCOUS CELEBRATION IN SEATTLE AFTER TEAM’S SUPER BOWL WIN
“To clarify: I wasn’t calling anyone a ‘fake citizen’ because they’re from Puerto Rico. I live in Puerto Rico, and I love Puerto Rico. I have used my platform to support Puerto Rico time and time again and will always do so,” Paul wrote on X. “But if you’re publicly criticizing ICE who are doing their job and openly hating on America, I’m going to speak on it. Period. That’s the same reason I called out Hunter Hess.
“If you benefit from a country and the platform it gives you, but publicly disrespect it at the same time, that’s what I mean by being a fake citizen. And I agree love is more powerful than hate. Love America.”
Bad Bunny prominently spoke out against ICE when he received his Grammy Award for Album of the Year earlier this month.
Bad Bunny performs during halftime of Super Bowl LX, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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“ICE out,” he said. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens — we are humans, and we are Americans.”
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Travis Kelce NFL retirement rumors rife as football star set to play Pebble Beach Pro Am 2026
Travis Kelce’s retirement rumors have once again been fueled since the end of the 2026 NFL season. In 2025, too, it was rumored that the TE was considering leaving the league after the Kansas City Chiefs failed to make history after their loss in Super Bowl LIX. Later, he responded to the allegations and revealed his decision to stay for at least one more season.
This year, the rumors resurfaced again following the announcement of his increased involvement in golf. According to recent announcements, Travis Kelce will headline the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and tee off on the field. The tournament has a history of celebrity and amateur golfers matching up with pros for the first two rounds, but this season’s event is focusing more on the professional side of the game, thus there aren’t many celebs scheduled.
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Until February 9, Travis Kelce is the sole celebrity confirmed to attend the event, as reported by the Pebble Beach Pro-Am’s Instagram page. The caption on this post said,
“Keeping it 100 at the @attproam. Special guest @killatrav officially joins the field next Thursday and Friday at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.”
Kelce’s participation in this tournament has fueled speculation that if he decides to retire from football, he may be able to play golf more frequently. His contract with the Chiefs was for two years and valued at $34.25 million. This deal expires at the end of the 2026 season, and Kelce will be eligible for free agency starting from this March.
Aside from all of these considerations, Travis Kelce was also present at the WM Phoenix Open, where he swung one of the top shots on the course. Interestingly, before his involvement in this tournament, he also had an important conversation with his fiancée.
Taylor Swift gives Travis Kelce some critical advice concerning the WM Phoenix Open
Travis Kelce was present at the TPC Scottsdale, which hosted the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. He was participating in a pro-am event and made a great shot on the par-3 hole 16. This hole is regarded as one of the most difficult due to the buildup of pressure caused by the course being surrounded by fans. Interestingly, Kelce’s tee ball landed only a few shots from the hole. The Golf Channel’s X page reported on this with the caption,
“TRAVIS KELCE WITH AN ABSOLUTE DART ON THE 16TH. 🔥🎯 The 3x Super Bowl champ sticks it to within a few feet and wins the gold WM chain!”
Following this shot, the TE added that his fiancee Taylor Swift, offered him some critical advice before the event to enjoy. Kelce discussed it in an interview, and according to Newsweek, he stated:
“Just go and have fun, sweetie. That’s the only advice she can give on a day like today.”
For his impressive shot, Kelce also received the WM Phoenix Open’s iconic golf chain.
Edited by Anurag Bhardwaj
Sports
Winter Olympics live: Latest updates from Milan-Cortina 2026 as Mouat and Dodds in curling semi-final
Mixed doubles curling semi-final: GB 3-3 Sweden
Dodds wants to commit to the tough shot – it’s high risk but very high reward.
She needs to just shave that yellow, and her coach and Mouat seem a bit apprehensive.
She goes for it… and gets it! It’s a superb shot, knocking the yellows out of the button and the four foot.
It’s advantage GB, but Sweden still have one stone – they need to get it into the four foot.
It looks like they’re going to get it with Rasmus Wranå looking all but certain to sweep it home, but no! It just edges out and GB get the steal!
Will Castle9 February 2026 18:07
Mixed doubles curling semi-final: GB 2-3 Sweden
Sweden with the hammer, and it’s not the best start from GB as their first two shots go a little heavy.
It’s met by a wonderful Swedish shot that gets their stone into the button.
Mouat gets his next red into a good position, even if he could have gone a bit heavier to knock the yellows further away from the centre.
And while a Sweden’s next shot curls into the button, it actually proves a bit regrettable as it allows Mouat to launch his red into the two closely-placed Swedish stones, rearranging the house and leaving just one lonely yellow in the centre. “Great shot,” says Dodds.
Sweden get their next stone into the four foot, leaving Dodds with a pivotal but difficult shot. As such, the Brits have called a time-out…
Will Castle9 February 2026 18:03
Winter Olympics organisers investigating medal malfunctions
Organisers are investigating reported issues with Olympic medals detaching from their ribbons.
Women’s downhill champion Breezy Johnson revealed her medal had separated during her post-race celebrations, while figure skater Alysa Liu posted a clip on social media of her detached medal.
Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer, said: “We are fully aware of the situation.
“You all saw the pictures. We are looking into exactly what the problem is.
“We are going to pay maximum attention to the medals. Obviously, this is something we want to be perfect, because when a medal is handed over, this is one of the most important moments for the athletes.”
Will Castle9 February 2026 18:00
Mixed doubles curling semi-final: GB 2-3 Sweden
We enter the halfway point, and its the Swedish underdogs who are doing well for themselves.
Mouat and Dodds have work to do – and Sweden have the hammer next.
Will Castle9 February 2026 17:54
Mixed doubles curling semi-final: GB 2-3 Sweden
It’s again Team GB with the hammer and the Brits start well, with a perfectly weighted and swept shot creeping into the button.
Sweden then go a bit light with their next effort before Mouat also sweeps into the house, opening the door for the Rasmus Wranå to launch one to clear out the reds.
A powerful straight shot sees GB’s two outer stones knocked out by they respond by pulling out a beautiful draw into the four foot.
Sweden go for the guard leading to Dodds and Mouat to go for an audacious effort, knocking off a yellow into the button.
And it’s an inch too thin from Mouat, knocking the yellow out of contention but just failing to creep into the button, instead spinning out of the house.
After one more guard shot from Sweden, it’s just the one for GB as their final shot goes a tad heavy. Just the one point back.
Will Castle9 February 2026 17:49
Mixed doubles curling semi-final: GB 1-3 Sweden
The Brits with the hammer now but it’s Sweden who take advantage, getting a stone in the button.
Dodds tries to knock them out but her effort spins just out, allowing Sweden to capitalise and get two stones in a strong position.
Mouat launches a straight shot hard but gets really unlucky, knocking the guard but failing to rid Sweden from the button as they get fortunate with the ricochet.
He tries the same with his next shot and sees a bit more action, but Team GB still have all the work to do with two more stones to go.
“If we miss this, we’re in trouble,” Mouat says. But with his third clean-out shot, Mouat absolutely smashes it, getting all the dangerous yellows out of the four foot.
Sweden respond by getting their final stone into the four foot, giving GB a tough shot, whether they go through the two reds or curl in by hitting the yellows.
They go for the less risky shot and so nearly pull it off, knocking the yellow out of the four foot – but their stone drifts out as well, and with GB outnumbered in the house, Sweden get the steal!
That could be a telling blow for the Brits.
Will Castle9 February 2026 17:37
Mixed doubles curling semi-final: GB 1-2 Sweden
Back in action here and it’s Sweden with the hammer.
Mouat’s shot with the third stone lands just in the house, hoping to protect the other two stones (one of which is in the button at present).
But Sweden’s third effort is also a good one, knocking Dodd and Mouat out of the button for now.
Mouat’s next shot doesn’t have the desired effect and GB have work to do here…
Another well-placed Swedish stone lands in the button and they could go 3-1 up here…
Dodds takes the final GB shot of this round. Plenty of pace on it – it knocks two Swedish stones away but won’t be enough for a win.
Sweden land another in the button and it’s 2-1!
Chris Wilson9 February 2026 17:25
Coach Svindal hails ‘brave’ Vonn and reveals incredible gesture towards champion Johnson
Lindsey Vonn’s coach Aksel Lund Svindal has spoken out for the first time following the American’s horror crash yesterday, hailing her bravery before revealing what she said before being airlifted to hospital.
He wrote on Instagram: “Lindsey. You’re incredibly brave. You inspire people that follow your journey and us that work closely with you every day.
“Yesterday was a tough day on the mountain. For everyone, but most of all for you.
“Still something happened that I think says everything. “Tell Breezy congrats and good job.” Your teammate was in the lead, and that’s the message you wanted the US ski team coaches to remember before you got airlifted to the hospital. Real character shows up in the hard moments.”
Will Castle9 February 2026 17:21
Mixed doubles curling semi-final: GB 1-0 Sweden
Not a bad first shot from Sweden, finding the house but not in the button.
And a decent retort from GB, Dodds landing a stone right in between the two Swedish shots.
A brilliant second shot from Sweden gets them almost right into the middle of the button, and they’ll have the upper hand for now.
GB go for the disruptove option as they try to knock the Swedish stones out, and they get two of them out of the way though a final stone remains.
Mouat’s next shot is a good effort too, slowly approaching before landing in the button, though Sweden knock it out on their next shot.
But a superb shot from Sweden throws a spanner in the works, knocking out GB and leaving them with work to do to take anything from this first round.
Dodds with the final shot – it’s there! Superbly placed into the button while knocking Sweden out for 1-0!
Chris Wilson9 February 2026 17:14
Mixed doubles curling semi-final: GB vs Sweden
We’re just about ready to begin here, and Mouat and Dodds will have the hammer to start with in this semi-final.
Chris Wilson9 February 2026 17:06
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Dutch female speedskater Jutta Leerdam lived up to the high expectations that were set for her on Monday and captured the gold medal in 1,000-meter speedskating at the Winter Olympics.
Leerdam, the fiancée of boxer Jake Paul, set an Olympic record with a time of 1:12.31. She eclipsed the record that was set by her Dutch teammate Femke Kok just moments before she hit the ice.
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Jutta Leerdam celebrates winning the gold medal in the women’s 1,000 meters speedskating race at the Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The 27-year-old speedskating star was in tears as she skated around the track, waving to her friends and family in the stands. Paul was in tears as he celebrated with her family. It’s Leerdam’s first Olympic gold medal and second Olympic medal overall.
She came all the way from nearly missing making the Olympic team to calling herself a champion.
SANDERS CALLS OLYMPIC SKIER ‘PROUD AMERICAN’ DESPITE HAVING ‘MIXED EMOTIONS’ ABOUT REPRESENTING US
Jake Paul cries after his fiancée, Jutta Leerdam, won the gold medal in women’s 1,000 meters speedskating at the Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Kok blazed a trail right before her with a time of 1:12.59. She picked up the silver medal and is expected to be in contention for a gold medal at the 500-meter race later in the Games.
Japan’s Miho Takagi finished in third place with a time of 1:13.95.
American Erin Jackson was sitting in first place before the rest of the pairs began. But her time of 1:15.00 quickly fell. Her teammate Brittany Bowe finished fourth, just behind Takagi with a time of 1:14.55.
Jutta Leerdam in shock after winning the gold at the Winter Olympics, in Milan, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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Team USA has only two medals so far during the Winter Olympics – both gold.
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New details emerged Monday in the arrest of Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr.
Pearce was arrested outside of Miami last week and is facing several felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police. Pearce was involved in a domestic dispute with his WNBA girlfriend, Doral police said.
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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
He posted $20,500 bond on Sunday and was released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Facility. He was ordered to stay away from his girlfriend.
Pearce allegedly crashed his vehicle into another car being driven by his girlfriend and struck a police officer while he tried to flee law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dade County state attorney’s office.
The alleged victim told police that she noticed Pearce was following her in a white luxury vehicle and when she stopped at a red light, the NFL player tried to open her vehicle. The victim said she started to drive toward the Doral Police Department, while Pearce allegedly followed her. As she got closer to the station, she said Pearce cut her off and collided with her head on.
PATRIOTS’ WILL CAMPBELL AVOIDS QUESTIONS FOLLOWING SUPER BOWL LX LOSS
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Doral police officers responded to the scene, according to ESPN. An officer reportedly pulled a gun on Pearce to try to force him to get on the ground and end the incident, but he allegedly got back into his car and drove away. He allegedly struck an officer as he drove away.
Pearce later crashed his vehicle and was accused of resisting arrest.
“We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s Office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth,” Pearce’s lawyers told ESPN. “Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story. We look forward to vigorously defending our Client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well.”
The Falcons said they were “gathering more information” about the incident, but face the decision of whether to keep him rostered as the official start of the 2026 NFL season is weeks away.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) is interviewed after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, on Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
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Pearce was third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and was at the NFL Honors on Thursday night in California.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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“Who’s taking such decisions?” – Fans fume as in-form Indian batter ignored in BCCI’s annual central contract for 2025-26 season
Team India star opener Ishan Kishan failed to make a cut as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the annual central contract for the 2025-26 season (October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026) on Monday, February 9. The wicketkeeper-batter was ignored despite being part of the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup.
After making his T20I comeback last month, the 27-year-old emerged as the leading run-getter against New Zealand in the last bilateral T20I series, amassing 215 runs in four innings, including a century.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson was included in Grade C of the annual retainer list. With Samson out of form, Kishan opened alongside Abhishek Sharma against the USA in India’s opening game of the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Fans on X were unhappy as Ishan Kishan failed to make a cut in the 30-member players’ list named in the BCCI’s annual central contract this season. One user wrote:
“Seriously? No Ishan Kishan? Who’s taking such decisions?”
Another user commented:
“How Ishan Kishan is not given the Central Contract? He is in our world cup XI & also has avg of 42 in ODIs & definitely gonna be India’s backup opener & wk at 2027 ODI WC. Don’t say, it is given on basis of previous year. He should have been included!”
A third user added:
“Ishan Kishan still without a central contract! Strange.”
Here are a few more reactions:
Ishan Kishan was previously ignored in the 2023-24 central contract, while he was not part of international cricket during 2-24-25 season. The southpaw was included in Grade C during the 2022-23 season. He will next be seen in action as the Men in Blue will face Namibia in their next 2026 T20 World Cup game in Delhi on Thursday, February 12.
BCCI scraps Grade A+ as 30 players included across three grades in annual central contract; Ishan Kishan notable absentee
The BCCI scrapped Grade A+ as 30 players, including three and 11 players, were categorized in Grade A and B, respectively, for the 2025-26 season. India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja were included in Group A. Interestingly, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were demoted to Grade B. Meanwhile, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav retained his spot in the same grade.
Click here to check out the full list of players retained for the 2025-26 season.
Edited by James Kuanal
Jul 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder MJ Melendez (1) makes a diving attempt for a fly ball in the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images The New York Mets are signing free agent outfielder MJ Melendez to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million with an additional $500,000 in incentives, according to multiple reports on Sunday.
Melendez, 27, batted just .083 (5-for-60) last season with one home run and one RBI in 23 games with the Kansas City Royals.
He batted .261 with 20 homers and 64 RBIs in 107 games at Triple-A Omaha last season.
After leading all of minor league baseball with a combined 41 homers for the Royals’ Double-A and Triple-A affiliates in 2021, Melendez was rated Kansas City’s second-best prospect 2022, behind only shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Melendez had spent his entire professional baseball career with the Royals, who selected him as a catcher in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft. The left-handed batter is a career .215 hitter with 52 homers and 163 RBIs in 435 games for Kansas City from 2022-25. Perhaps his best campaign was 2023, when he batted .235 with 16 homers and 56 RBIs with a .316 on-base percentage and .398 slugging percentage in 148 games.
–Field Level Media
Over the last several years, Fujikura’s Ventus line of shafts has cornered the driver shaft market by helping players find the center of the face.
But with more and more players opting for drivers with more forgiving and efficient driver faces, is finding a shaft that gives you more clubhead speed now more important?
That’s what Fully Equipped co-hosts Johnny Wunder and Jake Morrow discussed on this week’s episode of the show, as Jake shared his first impressions testing the shaft.
“It felt like to me you had to be super late before you started to move your wrists forward or started to do any movement basically towards impact, which for me is not good at all, but it’s really great for people that want to generate speed and guys that are super, super wide and laggy,” Morrow said. “When I was able to do that and time it up properly and produce that swing, it was fast. I mean, it was like a good 1.5, almost 2 mph on some swings, faster. Clubhead speed.”
;)
Best drivers in 2026 for your game: Ultimate buyer’s guide | Fully Fit
Morrow was surprised the shaft felt so tight in the handle, saying it was stiffer at the top than even the new Ventus TR Blue with VeloCore+. Part of that may have been how he prepped the shaft by tipping it one inch and butt cutting to 45″.
“I think that bump in the EI curve moves up significantly once you cut the shaft,” Morrow said. “So I don’t know that the handle itself is actually super tight, or if the midsection transition is just way further up than you would think it is. And by the time you grip it and you put your hands on it, where that stiffness actually falls is so close to the hands that I think that’s what’s happening.”
Wunder said he’d heard similar feedback from Tour reps and that for the right player, they were getting swing speed gains out of the new shaft.
With driver heads being so good now, Wunder pointed out that it could be shafts like the new Titan that end up being where the next frontier of speeds come from.
“The only way to really crack speed to separate them is with a shaft that you swing faster,” he said.
For more from Morrow and co-host Johnny Wunder, listen to the full episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped here, or watch it below.
Want to find the best golf shaft for your game in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
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Real Housewives alum Jill Zarin has criticized Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime show performance. The Puerto Rican rapper created history as he became the first Latin artist to perform solo at the Super Bowl Halftime show.
Speaking on Instagram after Bunny’s performance, Jill Zarin expressed her dissatisfaction with the halftime show. He said:
“Now, we all agree. I said it before that, it was the worst halftime show ever, and it’s 250 years that we’re celebrating right now in the United States, and I just don’t think it was appropriate to have it in Spanish. And quite frankly, I didn’t see him grabbing his you know, G area. I think it was totally inappropriate. You’ve got all these young kids watching the Super Bowl, and he doesn’t have to be grabbing himself every five seconds. Is he so insecure?”
Zarin added:
“Seriously, I didn’t understand. I don’t speak Spanish. I would have liked to have known the words he was saying to me. It looked like a political statement, because there were literally no white people in the entire thing. I think it was a political statement, and I’m not taking a side one way the other. I just do.”
Zarin also alleged that Bad Bunny’s performance was an “ICE thing” and criticized Lady Gaga, who made a special appearance during the halftime show. She added:
“I think it was an ICE thing. And I just think that the NFL sold out. And it’s very sad, because 75 years and, you know, shame, shame. And Lady Gaga got a facelift. I didn’t recognize her. I literally had to google her face to Google her face to see who it was, because we all couldn’t agree who it was. So that was kind of fun in the middle of halftime, at least it gave me something to do, because it was so hard to watch.”
Despite the controversial response, Bad Bunny‘s Super Bowl halftime show has garnered over 135 million views. The rapper created history as he delivered the halftime show in complete Spanish. In the end, the performance also delivered a message about the only thing being stronger than “hate” is “love”, allegedly interpreted as a message against ICE and Trump’s immigration policy.
Former Real Housewives star Taylor Armstrong opens up on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime show
In an Instagram story dated February 8, Taylor Armstrong also criticized Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime show, since it was completely in Spanish and featured a Cuban flag. She wrote:
“Were you entertained? I am embarrassed for the NFL and Apple for the Super Bowl halftime show totally in Spanish with a Cuban flag!!”
Apart from the Real Housewives and multiple other celebrities, President Donald Trump also expressed his dissatisfaction about the Super Bowl Halftime show. He described Bunny’s dancing as “disgusting” and called the performance “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, EVER.”
Apart from Bad Bunny’s headlining show, many other artists also made guest appearances during the performance. There was a set including Cardi B, Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, and Alix Earle. Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars performed a salsa version of their hit track, Die With A Smile. Ricky Martin also took the stage to perform Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii.
Earlier this month, Bad Bunny also became the first Latin artist to win the Album of the Year at the Grammys. His album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, became the first Spanish-language album to win the honor.
Edited by Pratyasha Sarkar
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