By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports
Sports
Way-Too-Early 2026-27 Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Outlook
With the 2025-26 campaign in the rearview mirror for the nine teams of the new Pac-12, let’s take an early look at next season.
It’s a basketball conference that ceased to exist for the past two years, with the Beavs and Cougs playing in the WCC, and the other 10 legacy Pac-12 teams bolting.
That sets up an exciting and unpredictable re-emergence in 2026-27.
New to the party are five former Mountain West schools—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State—along with Gonzaga from the WCC, and Texas State from the Sun Belt.
The Zags are certain to be the preseason favorites, with the Aggies and Aztecs expected to be their most likely pursuers.
But the new consortium of teams is bound to produce plenty of surprises.
Here are my way-too-early outlooks.
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Gonzaga (31-4)
The Zags immediately become the flagship brand of Pac-12 basketball, and their performance will shape the reputation of the new conference.
To play up to their usual standards, they’ll need to replace Graham Ike.
His experience in the paint will be difficult to replicate, but Braden Huff returns from injury, and he’s an elite scorer at the post position.
Huff can shoot, has a good handle for his size, and is a high-IQ player. He should be able to make up for the scoring lost by Ike, but they’re very different players.
Other notable returners for the Bulldogs include Mario Saint-Supery and Davis Fogle. While Fogle gets a lot of attention, Saint-Supery should prove more important.
Recent Hall of Fame inductee Mark Few will need to involve multiple players, particularly in the early season, to build team chemistry.
If Saint-Supery can provide stability, it will take pressure off Davis and allow him to be the highlight that he is.
This is Gonzaga’s conference to lose.
Utah State (29-7)
For some teams, the Pac-12 feels like a brand-enhancing deal, but for the Aggies, it’s an opportunity to solidify themselves as a reputable name.
Utah State made the NCAA Tournament the previous two years, but former head coach Jerrod Calhoun is out after taking the Cincinnati job, and Ben Jacobson is in.
Calhoun and Jacobson have similar styles, but there will be some differences. Calhoun prefers an in-your-face defense, while Jacobson prefers more structure.
Jacobson, who built Northern Iowa into a high-level mid-major, likes to slow the pace, protect the ball, and be highly efficient on offense.
Utah State’s success next season, however, will likely depend on the return of Mason Falslev, who excels on both sides of the ball.
Falslev averaged 16 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 3.1 assists, and was selected the Mountain West Player of the Year in 2025-26.
USU’s not on Gonzaga’s level, but they feel like the second-place team this upcoming season.
San Diego State (22-11)
Everyone knows what to expect from San Diego State basketball—a solid defense complemented by a spotty offense. Things will remain the same in the Pac.
The key for the Aztecs is to score enough points to hang with Gonzaga and Utah State. SDSU’s defense should continue to dominate as long as Magoon Gwath returns.
Gwath, a 7-foot big man with solid shot-blocking skills, averaged 1.5 rejections per game a year ago. His skill set should prove transferable.
The main concern for SDSU entering the Pac-12 is finding enough offensive firepower. In particular, they’ll need buckets from Elzie Harrington and Zach White.
San Diego State lost a lot of scoring to the portal and graduation.
Miles Byrd recently announced he was leaving, which also stings. He was the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and a double-digit scorer.
White, a three-star prospect from Sherman Oaks, might be able to make up for the team’s lost production.
Colorado State (21-13)
People may be sleeping on Colorado State. This is a squad that has won at least 20 games six years in a row, minus the Covid campaign.
The 2026-27 season should prove exciting for the Rams, who return their top three scorers in Brandon Rechsteiner, Kyle Jorgensen, and Carey Booth.
The trio provides experience, which should prove a nice balance alongside one of CSU’s best recruiting classes.
Colorado State nabbed a plethora of quality three-star recruits from around the region, most notably, guards Kaiden Bailey and Eli Sancomb, and power forward Ethan Harris.
CSU could sneak up the conference standings, along with some other teams in transition, such as Washington State, San Diego State, and Boise State.
The Rams might even buck a few top teams this season.
Oregon State (17-16)
Oregon State underwent a year of transition, firing Wayne Tinkle after 12 years at the helm. Tinkle’s Beavers did alright this year, finishing 17-16, but they lacked the “it” factor.
OSU didn’t put together any long winning streaks, had no star player, and only a few signature wins. If not for the new conference and a desire to start fresh, the athletic department might have stayed with him.
Josiah Lake II was OSU’s best player last season, leading the team with 13.1 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals.
He also finished tied for the team lead in defensive rebounds with 3.8 per contest. That was an area of concern at one point, considering he’s a 6-foot-2 guard.
The junior isn’t a traditional star, but he fueled OSU a year ago as a First-Team All-WCC selection.
Other noteworthy players for Oregon State last season included Isaiah Sy and Dez White. White was an All-WCC Honorable Mention selection after averaging 9.7 points per game.
Looking to generate more excitement in the new conference, OSU hired Michigan assistant Justin Joyner in the off-season. It’s his first head coaching gig, but he’s expected to be the opposite of Tinkle.
Previously an associate head coach at Saint Mary’s, Joyner is known for a fast-paced, high-volume three-point offense. He’ll need strong guard play to make the system work, so Lake’s return would prove pivotal.
If Lake returns, along with Sy and White, giving the Beavers three experienced seniors, they could find themselves in the upper tier of the Pac-12.
Boise State (20-12)
Some analysts believe Boise State can make a run in the new Pac, but that seems unlikely—at least for next season.
In fact, the Broncos could slip to the bottom of the conference.
They lost most of their guards in the transfer portal, and it feels like too much to overcome, with Drew Fielder, RJ Keene II, and Dylan Andrews all departing.
It’s unsettling because BSU was on average on defense a year ago, ranking 330th in blocks per game and 167th in points allowed nationally.
The Broncos were still solid in 2025-26, finishing 20-12, but declined an invitation to play in the NIT.
They have a lot of holes to fill in the offseason. Aginaldo Neto and Julian Bowie return, but can’t be expected to make a huge jump.
If Boise State can find a decent big man, a reliable point guard, and some no-fear scorers, they might be alright.
It would be a cool season to make some noise, as they’re upgrading their student section, known as “Blue Chaos.”
Washington State (12-20)
Washington State had an unsettling year, suffering unfathomable losses to Portland, Pepperdine, and San Diego.
Head coach David Riley seemed lost during his second season on the Palouse.
He’s probably lucky that the school is in a financial crisis, or else he could have found himself looking for a new job.
The Cougars ended their campaign on a four-game losing streak, including a loss to the Pilots in their first game in the WCC Tournament.
After impressive showings against Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s earlier in the year, WSU seemed set for a respectable season—until they blew a 17-point lead in Corvallis.
Three things hindered the Cougars from realizing their potential last season: a porous defense, a tendency to blow big leads, and difficulty winning on the road.
Wazzu ranked 279th in points allowed per game, despite solid post play from ND Okafor, and self-imploded down the stretch.
Entering the new Pac-12, a bounce-back season depends on whether Ace Glass returns.
The Cougs have already lost most of their roster from a season ago in Rihards Vavers and Okafor. If Glass leaves also, they’re making pizza from scratch.
It’s hard to imagine he’ll stay, given the roster depletion, but WSU’s still in a decent position, oddly.
If Riley fumbles the bag in the non-conference next year, it might be enough for him to get fired.
On the other stirrup, an entirely new roster could prove to be a blessing, considering the results last year.
Texas State (19-13)
Due to their lack of basketball history, Texas State might be getting overlooked.
The Bobcats aren’t going to be a top team anytime soon, but they could finish near the middle of the conference with a few breaks.
TXST, the coolest acronym ever, returns DJ Hall, who is everything for them.
Hall, the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year last season, averaged 15.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per contest.
The Bobcats also have an experienced coach in Terrence Johnson, who won back-to-back Sun Belt championships earlier in his tenure.
The big caveat with Texas State, though, is that they’ll be playing a more difficult schedule than they’re accustomed to.
They’ll probably get mollywhapped a few times, but the combination of Hall and Johnson should keep this team competitive.
Fresno State (13-19)
Fresno State is improving, but the Bulldogs aren’t quite there yet.
Vance Walberg did a good job in his second year with the program. But having taken over a team that went 12-21 the year before, it’s gonna take a while.
And things are just gonna get more difficult.
Fresno State has already lost key players in the transfer portal, including DeShawn Gory and Zaon Collins. And a slew of other players are projected to leave as well.
FSU also graduated its leading scorer, Jake Heidbreder, who led the team in scoring at 17 points per game.
He was also the glue guy, playing 37 minutes per contest.
Without him, and eight players potentially dipping, this could prove a tough year for Fresno State basketball.
The Bulldogs could well be a bottom-of-the-pack team.
Writes about football and basketball as a Senior Writer and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Show” for SuperWest Sports.
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Since Shakur Stevenson was stripped in early February, the WBC lightweight world title has remained vacant.
Stevenson won the belt in November 2023 by beating Edwin De Los Santos. He defended it against Artem Harutyunyan, Josh Padley and William Zepeda before moving up to super-lightweight to challenge for Teofimo Lopez’s WBO strap.
Though he expressed interest in keeping his belt and returning to 135lbs, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said that Stevenson’s team did not follow the correct protocol and failed to pay a sanctioning fee. The title was declared vacant shortly after the 28-year-old beat Lopez
Despite having an interim champion in Jadier Herrera, the sanctioning body has opted to order a fight between number one and two contenders, Lamont Roach Jr and William Zepeda, for the full title.
In its latest divisional round-up, the WBC has confirmed that the fight is being targeted for June. It is expected to land on a Golden Boy Promotions card, and the winner will be ordered to face Herrera next.
Zepeda’s second crack at the belt, after giving Stevenson what he regards as the trickiest match-up of his campaign, comes against a man who many feel should already be champion in the division.
Roach faced Gervonta Davis for the WBA belt at 135 last year, fighting to a draw which many felt was unfair on the challenger, particularly since ‘Tank’ Davis took a knee mid-fight and was not deducted a point.
The match-up is an intriguing prospect, with Mexico’s Zepeda being one of the sport’s most prolific volume punchers against a slick and smart operator in Roach. Provided there are no obstacles, an official announcement won’t be far in the future. Roach, speaking on X, has teased something ‘coming soon.’
Sports
Where to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Thursday, April 2
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Los Angeles Lakers in a meeting of two of the Western Conference’s top championship contenders. The Thunder hold a two-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the NBA and the West’s No. 1 playoff seed. The Lakers are currently seeded third in the West. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic are also two of the top contenders for the MVP award.
How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
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Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT
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Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Team records
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Los Angeles Lakers: 50-26 (No. 1 in Pacific Division)
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Oklahoma City Thunder: 60-16 (No. 1 in Northwest Division)
Odds
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Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder -9.5
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Moneyline: Oklahoma City Thunder -350 / Los Angeles Lakers +280
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Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad LIVE Score, IPL 2026: Mustafizur Rahman’s Replacement Removes Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan In Same Over
Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (capt), Cameron Green*, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine*, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Blessing Muzarabani*, Kartik Tyagi
Impact Subs: Finn Allen*, Manish Pandey, Tejasvi Singh, Saurabh Dubey, Rovman Powell*
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head*, Ishan Kishan (capt & wk), Heinrich Klaasen*, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Salil Arora, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, David Payne*, Jaydev Unadkat
Impact Subs: Harshal Patel, Liam Livingstone*, Eshan Malinga*, R Smaran, Sakib Hussain
Germany beat Switzerland and Ghana in their March friendlies and it’s now less than two months until their World Cup squad will be announced. Who will be in the final 26-man selection? The core group of players is clear, but who made the most of the last international break before World Cup preparation begins and who did not?
Winners
- Kai Havertz — With nearly 60 caps, Havertz is a key part of this team. Having been out with injury for a long time, his starting place was no longer secure but a return to fitness and form is timely. His combination play in Switzerland was impressive, and his roar after confidently dispatching a penalty against Ghana was the sign of a player beginning to hit his stride again. If there were any doubts about his role in the starting eleven, Havertz dispelled them swiftly in these two games.
- Florian Wirtz — Another player who is guaranteed a ticket to the United States this summer but who still excelled. His two goals and two assists in Basel speak for themselves. It was an exceptional display and in Stuttgart he helped set the tone, often brave with his choices on the ball. It felt significant that the 22-year-old delivered this display in the absence of Jamal Musiala, the player who he combined so well with at Euro 2024. It’s clear that even on his own, Wirtz can be the man for Germany when they need a spark.
- Lennart Karl — The 18-year-old looked steady off the bench in Basel, but in Stuttgart he exploded into life. Bayern Munich’s newest jewel gave German coach Julian Nagelsmann a lot of good reasons to have him in the squad this summer. The agile playmaker worked hard to win the ball back and ran at the Ghana defense at every opportunity. His desire to take on players is exciting to watch and an all-too rare a sight for Germany these days. He should have capped his performance off with a goal, but he sent the ball wide. Nevertheless, Karl looks destined to be on the plane now.
- Nathaniel Brown — Perhaps it is too generous to say a player who only played 60 minutes against a largely defensive Ghana side was a winner during this international break, but such is the concern around the left-back spot for Germany that it might just be enough. The Frankfurt defender looked more than competent when called upon. A spot in the squad looks almost certain for the 22-year-old now, and given David Raum has not exactly made the spot his own, there is a possibility that even more gametime awaits Brown.
Losers
- Angelo Stiller — He might be Stuttgart’s midfield conductor and darts prodigy Luke Littler’s favorite German player, but Stiller did not make the most of an unexpected chance. Called up after injuries to others, Stiller started both games but looked a little uncertain with the ball at times. He was also slow to close down Switzerland for their opener in Basel, a point that did not go unnoticed by Julian Nagelsmann. Pascal Gross’s decent showing in Stuttgart means it looks like this World Cup might come too soon for Stiller.
- Nico Schlotterbeck — Despite starting both games and clearly being one half of the favored central defensive pairing with Jonathan Tah, the Dortmund defender struggled. He was sloppy in Switzerland, twice making mistakes in the build-up play that proved costly. In Stuttgart he was a bit more stable, but still looked a little out of sorts at times. He will travel and will likely start, but this might have given Nagelsmann food for thought over the recent decision to make Antonio Rüdiger a back-up.
- Nick Woltemade The plan was for the Newcastle striker to gain some confidence this break after enduring a tricky spell in England. Nagelsmann even spoke about how it made more sense to play a striker needing a boost rather than one in form (Deniz Undav). Sadly, the 24-year-old wasn’t able to make the most of it. In Switzerland, he did little with his 20 minutes off the bench other than head his one chance wide. In Stuttgart, he played almost 80 minutes but still couldn’t get on the scoresheet, missing a glorious chance in the first half and then hitting the bar in the second. He will almost certainly be in squad come May, but until then he needs to rediscover his form.
Edited by: Matt Pearson
In the latest fallout from Tiger Woods’ car crash, the 15-time major champion will not be the U.S. captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup.
The PGA of America delivered the news via a statement on Wednesday, saying that Woods had “shared with us that he will not serve” as captain for the U.S. team next year.
The decision ends months of speculation over whether Tiger would finally take the reins of the U.S. Ryder Cup team. It also leaves the PGA of America and the U.S. team without a captain with only 18 months to go until the 2027 event in Ireland.
PGA: Tiger withdraws from Ryder Cup captain job for 2027
Not long after the European team completed their second-straight Ryder Cup victory over the U.S. team at Bethpage Black, one thing was clear, though unofficial.
If Tiger Woods wanted to be the U.S. captain at the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, the job was his. Given his busy schedule and recovery from surgery, it was never a sure thing that Woods would take the job.
But with the event inching ever closer, a decision was expected soon. We may never know what Woods intended to do.
On Friday, March 27, Woods was involved in a rollover crash near his home in Jupiter, Fla., and arrested and charged with DUI. Woods later pled not guilty to the charges.
;)
Then on March 31, Woods announced he would be “stepping away” from golf and public life to “seek treatment and focus on my health.”
At that point, the Ryder Cup captaincy question was still up in the air, but the PGA of America provided us with an answer on Wednesday.
In a statement released on social media, the PGA of America confirmed Woods had decided not to take the U.S. Ryder Cup captain job.
“Tiger has shared with us that he will not serve as Captain of the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup Team and we support his decision,” the statement read.
“The PGA of America stands in full support of Tiger Woods as he steps away to focus on his health and well-being. During this time, we are keeping Tiger in our thoughts and prayers, with sincere hope for his strength, comfort, and recovery. Tiger has meant so much to our Association and to the game of golf.”
The PGA also commended Woods “for prioritizing his long-term health” and said they “deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision.”
The recent car crash aside, this episode closely resembles the process the PGA underwent to choose the U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2025. Woods was a top candidate for the job last year as well.
Tiger Woods says he’s ‘stepping away’ to seek treatment after arrest
;)
But in the end, Woods informed the PGA he would not accept the 2025 captaincy. Keegan Bradley took his spot.
In a statement read during the press conference announcing Bradley’s captaincy, Woods said, “With my new responsibilities to the [PGA] Tour and time commitments involved I felt I would not be able to commit the time to Team USA and the players required as a captain.”
The Pac-12 will enter 2026 as an eight-team football conference in its first season after the rebuild.
How long will they stay with those few teams when the American has 14?
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin discusses the new members of the CFP Committee.
Jeff Tedford and Gus Malzahn are the types of folks that should be on the Committee to pick the 12 playoff teams.
Arizona was a bit of a surprise team last year, and they still have QB Noah Fifita for his fourth year as a starter.
The Wildcats’ schedule does not lend itself to a Big 12 Championship season.
00:00 Conference expansion and basketball strength
05:13 North Dakota State football potential
07:19 Stabilizing and future team planning
14:01 College Football Playoff selection debates
18:41 College Football Playoff committee debate
29:26 Big 12 schedule analysis
30:03 Tough games in 2026
Apr 1, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the hoop between Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer (61) and center Omer Yurtseven (77) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Victor Wembanyama matched his season-high with 41 points and had a game-high 18 rebounds in a record-setting performance, propelling the San Antonio Spurs to a 127-113 romp over the short-handed Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night in San Francisco.
Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie chipped in with 15 points apiece for the Spurs (58-18), who used a 10th consecutive win to move within two games of the Oklahoma City Thunder atop the Western Conference standings.
Wembanyama’s 41 points came in just 29 minutes to match his season-best total from San Antonio’s previous game at home against the Chicago Bulls on Monday. Having totaled 16 rebounds in the Chicago game, Wembanyama became the first Spur to record consecutive 40-point double-doubles.
Nate Williams had 18 points, one off his career high, to lead seven players in double figures for the Warriors (36-40), who dropped 2 1/2 games behind the Portland Trail Blazers in their duel for ninth place in the West.
Celtics 147, Heat 129
Jaylen Brown tossed in a game-high 43 points and Jayson Tatum had a triple-double of 25 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists as visiting Boston beat Miami.
Sam Hauser made 5 of 7 3-point attempts and added 23 points for the Celtics, who made 21 of 44 3-point attempts (47.7%) and shot 58.3% from the floor.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 29 points and 10 rebounds, and Davion Mitchell added 21 points. Miami has lost eight of its last 10 and given up at least 121 points in each of the eight defeats.
76ers 153, Wizards 131
Paul George set a career high in a Sixers uniform with 39 points and visiting Philadelphia, playing without Joel Embiid, had an offensive outburst in a win over Washington.
George was 15 of 22 from the floor and made six 3-pointers while playing 30 minutes. Tyrese Maxey had 28 points and rookie VJ Edgecombe added 23 as the Sixers shot a season-high 61.6% from the floor, including 48.6% (17 of 35) from beyond the arc.
Anthony Gill had a team-high 21 points off the bench for the Wizards, including three treys. Will Riley scored 18 and Tristan Vukcevic added 17 as Washington shot 52.1% from the floor and 40% from deep.
Knicks 130, Grizzlies 119
New York shot a blistering 70.7% from the floor in the first half — including 81% in the opening quarter — to post a wire-to-wire victory over host Memphis and snap a three-game losing streak.
OG Anunoby scored 17 of his game-high 25 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Knicks, Mikal Bridges added 24 points and Karl-Anthony Towns posted a triple-double of 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Jalen Brunson sat out with a right ankle injury.
Memphis got 20 points from GG Jackson, 17 from Olivier-Maxence Prosper and 15 from Cedric Coward. The Grizzlies lost for the seventh time in their last eight games with an injury-depleted roster that had four players on 10-day contracts. Memphis was outrebounded 49-20.
Hawks 130, Magic 101
Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 32 points and Jalen Johnson flirted with a triple-double as Atlanta crushed host Orlando.
Alexander-Walker hit 11 of 16 from the floor and 5 of 9 from 3-point range as Atlanta won its third straight and 18th of 21 since the All-Star break to consolidate fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Johnson compiled 18 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu added 16 points, and Dyson Daniels paired 15 points with 13 boards.
Jamal Cain scored 17 points off the bench for the Magic, who were outscored 105-73 after the first quarter while losing for the eighth time in 10 games. Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter Jr. added 14 points each. Franz Wagner contributed 12 points in his return following a 22-game absence caused by a high ankle sprain. Nuggets 130, Jazz 117
Jamal Murray matched his career high of 10 3-pointers and scored 37 points in Salt Lake City as Denver defeated Utah for the 10th straight time.
Cameron Johnson had 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists and Christian Braun scored 18 points for the Nuggets, who won their seventh consecutive contest. Denver star Nikola Jokic recorded 15 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists for his 196th career triple-double.
Brice Sensabaugh made six 3-pointers and scored 28 points and Kyle Filipowski added 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Jazz, who lost their seventh straight game and 19th in the past 22. Pacers 145, Bulls 126
Pascal Siakam scored 25 points and rookie Ethan Thompson chipped in a career-high 24 to lead six Indiana players in double figures as the visiting Pacers rolled past slumping Chicago.
Indiana, which posted a season-high point total, swept the four-game season series against the Bulls while winning consecutive road games for just the second time this season.
The Bulls trailed by as many as 28 en route to losing their fifth straight. Guerschon Yabusele scored 20 points for Chicago, and Matas Buzelis collected 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Rockets 119, Bucks 113
Reed Sheppard scored 27 points, Alperen Sengun added 25 and host Houston fended off injury-depleted Milwaukee to extend its winning streak to four games.
Sheppard hit a career-high nine 3-pointers while Sengun shot 9-for-13 from the floor and grabbed nine rebounds. The Rockets led by 20 in the third but didn’t seal the victory until Kevin Durant (19 points, nine assists) sank two free throws with 6.3 seconds left to complete the scoring.
The Bucks were missing their top six scorers but didn’t relent. Ousmane Dieng (36 points), Cormac Ryan (25) and Pete Nance (23) all tallied career highs while Jericho Sims pulled down a career-best 20 rebounds. Dieng also posted seven rebounds and a career-high 10 assists. Kings 123, Raptors 115
DeMar DeRozan and Precious Achiuwa each scored 28 points as Sacramento stunned the pair’s former team, host Toronto.
DeRozan scored 26 of his points in the second half to give him 26,688. That vaulted him past Dominique Wilkins into 17th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Achiuwa finished with 19 rebounds as the Kings snapped a four-game skid.
RJ Barrett and Collin Murray-Boyles each scored 20 points for the Raptors, who have lost two straight. Jakob Poeltl scored 18 points and and Scottie Barnes logged 14 points and 10 assists –Field Level Media
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested on Wednesday in Arkansas on charges that include speeding and possession of a controlled substance.
“I’m aware of the report, but don’t have any comments,” Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters before the Grizzlies’ game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, per ESPN.
Clarke was booked into Cross County Jail on charges of improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance.
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Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers at FedExForum on Dec. 23, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Clarke, a seventh-year player out of Gonzaga, was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season after playing just two games.
JALEN BRUNSON’S SISTER BLASTS ESPN AFTER STEPHEN A SMITH KNICKS RANT: ‘UTTERLY RIDICULOUS’
He initially was out due to surgery needed on his right knee, but he also suffered a right calf strain that has forced him to miss most games this season.
The Grizzles announced late last month that Clarke was still rehabbing his injury, but recent tests showed that he needed more time to heal. He is expected to return next season.
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at FedExForum on March 3, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Clarke was the 21st overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he was traded to the Grizzlies, where he’s been ever since.
He made the 2019-20 All-Rookie team after averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, playing in a bench role for Memphis that year.
Clarke has primarily been a depth player for the Grizzlies throughout his career, earning 50 starts out of his 309 games played.
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum on Dec. 19, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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Throughout his seven seasons, Clarke has tallied 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
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“It’s not only harmony” – Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann breaks silence on Mikel Arteta’s decision to play Kepa backfiring in EFL Cup final loss
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has suggested Gunners manager Mikel Arteta took the right call by playing Kepa Arrizabalaga in last month’s 2-0 EFL Cup final defeat.
On March 22, Arteta’s side failed to maintain their quadruple charge after slumping to a EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London. Nico O’Reilly, who was playing as a left-back, scored a great brace in the second half to help the Cityzens win a trophy.
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Kepa, who left Chelsea to join the Gunners for £5 million last summer, endured an underwhelming night in the EFL Cup final. The 31-year-old goalkeeper allowed the ball to slip between his gloves for City’s opener in the 60th minute, causing fans to rue David Raya’s absence.
However, during a recent interaction with Clutch 9 Football, Lehmann asserted that Arteta was right in trusting his second-choice goalkeeper in the cup final. He stated (h/t Arsenal Insider):
“It’s not only harmony, but it’s also just (about respecting) the quality of the second goalkeeper, even the third goalkeeper sometimes… Because he got you to the final. So, you have to give him confidence and let him play, and I do not think I see such a big difference between the two of them (Kepa and Raya).”
Lehmann, who recorded 80 clean sheets in 200 appearances across competitions for the north London outfit, concluded:
“Like, I did not see a lot of differences between when I was playing and the number two at the time. So it’s only small margins, and I think it’s on a personal basis. As I said, they haven’t lost because of that. I think they’ve lost because they got a little bit too much pressure in the second half.”
Kepa, who will turn 32 this October, registered zero saves and completed 24 of his 32 passes in the EFL Cup final against Manchester City.
How have Kepa Arrizabalaga and David Raya performed for Arsenal this season?
Since departing Chelsea, Kepa Arrizabalaga has made 10 overall appearances for Arsenal. He has yet to play in the Premier League this campaign, but has kept four clean sheets in nine domestic cup starts so far.
On the other hand, David Raya is enjoying a sensational 2025-26 campaign for the north London outfit. The 30-year-old has registered an impressive 21 clean sheets in 40 total appearances, shipping just 25 goals.
Kepa is likely to start in Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-final match against Southampton at the EFL Championship side’s stadium this Saturday.
Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee
While the impact of last week’s new “Policy on the Protection of the Female (women’s) Category in Olympic Sport” has focused largely on trans athletes, medical experts and Olympians say the impact of the ban will be felt more keenly by those with Differences in Sexual Development (DSD).
New Zealander Laurel Hubbard is the only recorded trans athlete in Olympic history. The weightlifter failed to record a successful lift in the women’s +87 kilograms weightlifting in the delayed 2020 Olympics and crashed out early.
South Africa’s Caster Semenya was not at those Games in Tokyo to defend her 800 meters title from Rio in 2016 and London 2012 after falling foul of a tweaked World Athletics (then the IAAF) policy that female athletes must lower their testosterone levels below the prescribed 5 nmol/L threshold for at least six months before competition. Semenya refused.
Testosterone levels have long been the battleground for athletes who do not necessarily fit neatly in to either the male or female categories.
Trans and DSD athletes treated much the same in new policy
While the new IOC policy makes a “rare exception of athletes with a diagnosis of Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) or other rare differences/disorders in sex development (DSDs) who do not benefit from the anabolic and/or performance-enhancing effects of testosterone” it has otherwise reverted to SRY testing, comprising a cheek swab, which it used in the 1990s. SRY tests for the presence of the SRY gene, which is found on the Y or “male” chromosome.
Semenya has labeled the decision a “disgrace” in an article published on Wednesday for Time magazine.
“Genetic screening is not, and never has been, a way to protect girls and women in sports. To call it that is to mask a monster. Let’s call this what it is: exclusion, just with a different name. “
Under its previous boss, Thomas Bach, the IOC’s position was that there was “no one-size-fits-all solution” to the issue of gender testing.
A 2023 report from a number of scientists around the world stated that “in athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, men typically outperform women because of fundamental sex differences dictated by their sex chromosomes and sex hormones at puberty, in particular, testosterone.”
Athletic advantage for trans women but DSD cases more complex
While trans athletes can broadly be accepted to have distinct advantages as a result, individual cases are far from black and white, particularly for athletes with DSD. The condition makes genes, hormones and reproductive organs, including genitals, naturally develop differently, whereas trans people have an identity which does not match their sex and may have surgery or treatment to reflect that.
Semenya and boxer Imane Khelif, who won gold at Paris 2024, both have DSD. Professor Alun Williams, a sports scientist at Manchester Metropolitan University, told the BBC that they, and others like them, are in danger of being marginalized by the change.
“There are real ethical problems about genetic testing of a large number of people – many of whom are younger than 18 – and revealing potentially life-changing information to them about their personal biology,” he told the BBC.
“So, what we’re doing now is going back to the 1990s, a system that was tried and abandoned, and it does try to reduce biological sex down to the presence of a single gene on the Y chromosome which is an over-simplification.
“While the direct evidence of physical advantage in transgender people is pretty strong, the evidence of advantage for those with DSD, even though they have a Y chromosome, is highly disputed.”
Semenya feels failed by IOC chief Coventry
The IOC now mirrors World Athletics (WA) in its policies regarding the female category. After WA changed their rules last year, Semenya told DW she felt targeted.
“When you’re born with your differences, those are your differences and they don’t make you a great athlete,” she said.
“You are a great athlete through training, hard work, showing up every day, dedication. Not because of your given body.”
That decision was taken by WA chief Sebastian Coe, a double Olympic gold- medal-winning distance runner like Semenya. Like the new IOC chief, former Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry, Coe made the changes soon after taking charge. Coventry said her organization’s policy was based on science and fairness.
“At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe,” she said in a statement.
“Every athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes will need to be screened only once in their lifetime. There must be clear education around the process and counselling available, alongside expert medical advice.”
Semenya, who was invited to give her perspective when the IOC were weighing up the ban, finds this difficult to take.
“Like me, IOC President Kirsty Coventry is a woman from Africa. I hoped she would be different,” she wrote in Time. “Instead, she failed us.”
Edited by: Chuck Penfold
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