59 mins. ago
The OKC Thunder agreed to a five-year, $139 million rookie-scale contract extension with Cason Wallace on Sunday. ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the news.
Wallace averaged career highs of 8.6 points and 2.6 **** ists last season on 43.2% shooting from the field (35.1% from deep). He also recorded a league-leading 150 steals and earned an All-Defensive second team selection.
More: Lu Dort reflects on OKC Thunder legacy as 'new chapter' with Atlanta Hawks begins
OKC had until Monday to sign Wallace to a new deal and avoid him hitting restricted free agency next summer. It's a sign of confidence in the 22-year-old guard, who'll serve as the Thunder's top point-of-attack defender now that Lu Dort is gone.
It's also a sign of commitment from OKC's ownership group after the team made cost-cutting moves this summer. The Thunder traded Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe in three separate deals for a combined seven second-round picks and didn't get any players in return. That helped it position itself $6.9 million underneath the second apron with one standard roster spot still open.
#sign #cason
Wallace averaged career highs of 8.6 points and 2.6 **** ists last season on 43.2% shooting from the field (35.1% from deep). He also recorded a league-leading 150 steals and earned an All-Defensive second team selection.
More: Lu Dort reflects on OKC Thunder legacy as 'new chapter' with Atlanta Hawks begins
OKC had until Monday to sign Wallace to a new deal and avoid him hitting restricted free agency next summer. It's a sign of confidence in the 22-year-old guard, who'll serve as the Thunder's top point-of-attack defender now that Lu Dort is gone.
It's also a sign of commitment from OKC's ownership group after the team made cost-cutting moves this summer. The Thunder traded Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe in three separate deals for a combined seven second-round picks and didn't get any players in return. That helped it position itself $6.9 million underneath the second apron with one standard roster spot still open.
#sign #cason
1 hr. ago
Well, that was quicker than expected. The Oklahoma City Thunder have reportedly signed Cason Wallace to a five-year, $139 million contract extension, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Eligible for a contract extension since the NBA offseason started, the Thunder get something done with less than a day to go. The contract extension deadline for 2023 first-round picks is on Monday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m. CT. Wallace had a breakout season last year as a first-time All-Defensive member. He's entering the final year of his rookie-scale deal.
Now, Wallace is under contract through the 2031-32 season. At around $27.8 million per year — which is a happy medium from the reported figures of around $25-to-$33 million per year. This is a great move by the Thunder. You get this potential distraction erased.
Now, the Thunder can go into Opening Night with clear heads. They've rolled out the blue-and-orange carpet for Wallace. He's expected to be a full-time starter and take a leap on offense with additional opportunities.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Report: OKC Thunder sign Cason Wallace to 5-year, $139 million contract extension
#thunder
Eligible for a contract extension since the NBA offseason started, the Thunder get something done with less than a day to go. The contract extension deadline for 2023 first-round picks is on Monday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m. CT. Wallace had a breakout season last year as a first-time All-Defensive member. He's entering the final year of his rookie-scale deal.
Now, Wallace is under contract through the 2031-32 season. At around $27.8 million per year — which is a happy medium from the reported figures of around $25-to-$33 million per year. This is a great move by the Thunder. You get this potential distraction erased.
Now, the Thunder can go into Opening Night with clear heads. They've rolled out the blue-and-orange carpet for Wallace. He's expected to be a full-time starter and take a leap on offense with additional opportunities.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Report: OKC Thunder sign Cason Wallace to 5-year, $139 million contract extension
#thunder
1 hr. ago
The OKC Thunder agreed to a five-year, $139 million rookie-scale contract extension with Cason Wallace on Sunday. ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the news.
Wallace averaged career highs of 8.6 points and 2.6 **** ists last season on 43.2% shooting from the field (35.1% from deep). He also recorded a league-leading 150 steals and earned an All-Defensive second team selection.
More: Lu Dort reflects on OKC Thunder legacy as 'new chapter' with Atlanta Hawks begins
OKC had until Monday to sign Wallace to a new deal and avoid him hitting restricted free agency next summer. It's a sign of confidence in the 22-year-old guard, who'll serve as the Thunder's top point-of-attack defender now that Lu Dort is gone.
It's also a sign of commitment from OKC's ownership group after the team made cost-cutting moves this summer. The Thunder traded Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe in three separate deals for a combined seven second-round picks and didn't get any players in return. That helped it position itself $6.9 million underneath the second apron with one standard roster spot still open.
#year #team
Wallace averaged career highs of 8.6 points and 2.6 **** ists last season on 43.2% shooting from the field (35.1% from deep). He also recorded a league-leading 150 steals and earned an All-Defensive second team selection.
More: Lu Dort reflects on OKC Thunder legacy as 'new chapter' with Atlanta Hawks begins
OKC had until Monday to sign Wallace to a new deal and avoid him hitting restricted free agency next summer. It's a sign of confidence in the 22-year-old guard, who'll serve as the Thunder's top point-of-attack defender now that Lu Dort is gone.
It's also a sign of commitment from OKC's ownership group after the team made cost-cutting moves this summer. The Thunder traded Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe in three separate deals for a combined seven second-round picks and didn't get any players in return. That helped it position itself $6.9 million underneath the second apron with one standard roster spot still open.
#year #team
1 hr. ago
Cason Wallace and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to a five-year, $139 million extension to his rookie contract, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.
The two sides beat Monday' deadline for players from the 2023 draft class to sign rookie scale extensions. Had they not reached a deal before the deadline, Wallace would have played the final year of his rookie contract on a team option, then entered the 2026-27 offseason as a restricted free agent.
With the deal, the Thunder secure a defensive anchor of their core as they seek to win a second NBA championship in three seasons.
This story will be updated.
#wallace #deadline
The two sides beat Monday' deadline for players from the 2023 draft class to sign rookie scale extensions. Had they not reached a deal before the deadline, Wallace would have played the final year of his rookie contract on a team option, then entered the 2026-27 offseason as a restricted free agent.
With the deal, the Thunder secure a defensive anchor of their core as they seek to win a second NBA championship in three seasons.
This story will be updated.
#wallace #deadline
1 month ago
Ajay Mitchell predicted to become one of the breakout players of the 2026-27 NBA season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have made some major changes ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Of course, the core players are still there, but it does mean that Ajay Mitchell is set for a bigger role. He will play a massive role in the backcourt alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It is yet to be decided whether he will be the starter alongside SGA, as he will be competing against Cason Wallace for that role. Even if he plays off the bench, Mitchell will be a big part of the Thunder's potential success in the 2026-27 season.
With rotation players like Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Lu Dort all leaving the Thunder, the team needs a boost from the remaining players. Mitchell must play a big role because they need his contributions on both sides of the floor.
He is a decent defender who can fill the Dort void, but he will be mainly relied upon for his offensive contributions. Mitchell is a natural scorer who can create his own opportunities, but he can also set his teammates up with good passes.
#play
The Oklahoma City Thunder have made some major changes ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Of course, the core players are still there, but it does mean that Ajay Mitchell is set for a bigger role. He will play a massive role in the backcourt alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It is yet to be decided whether he will be the starter alongside SGA, as he will be competing against Cason Wallace for that role. Even if he plays off the bench, Mitchell will be a big part of the Thunder's potential success in the 2026-27 season.
With rotation players like Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Lu Dort all leaving the Thunder, the team needs a boost from the remaining players. Mitchell must play a big role because they need his contributions on both sides of the floor.
He is a decent defender who can fill the Dort void, but he will be mainly relied upon for his offensive contributions. Mitchell is a natural scorer who can create his own opportunities, but he can also set his teammates up with good passes.
#play
2 months ago
The defending national champions have had their fair share of turnover and uncertainty this offseason, but Michigan recently made an important signing who should help them in their quest to win it all again.
USA TODAY's Detroit Free Press reports that the Wolverines have landed former All-Ivy League guard Kenny Noland, who will be entering his fifth season in college basketball.
Noland spent the last four seasons at Columbia, where he started 54 out of the 55 games he appeared in for the Lions in each of the last two seasons. As a senior last year, he averaged over 17 points per game to go along with nearly four **** ists and one and a half steals per contest.
Noland has also shot three-pointers at a shade below 38% throughout his college career.
He is expected to fill the spot vacated by guard LJ Cason, who transferred to Miami earlier in the offseason after former Wolverines head coach Dusty May left to take the Dallas Mavericks job.
#noland #former #seasons
USA TODAY's Detroit Free Press reports that the Wolverines have landed former All-Ivy League guard Kenny Noland, who will be entering his fifth season in college basketball.
Noland spent the last four seasons at Columbia, where he started 54 out of the 55 games he appeared in for the Lions in each of the last two seasons. As a senior last year, he averaged over 17 points per game to go along with nearly four **** ists and one and a half steals per contest.
Noland has also shot three-pointers at a shade below 38% throughout his college career.
He is expected to fill the spot vacated by guard LJ Cason, who transferred to Miami earlier in the offseason after former Wolverines head coach Dusty May left to take the Dallas Mavericks job.
#noland #former #seasons
2 months ago
At the start of the summer, big-time decisions had to be made. The Oklahoma City Thunder faced several roster dilemmas. This was always going to be a roster-changing offseason. But by the end of their NBA playoff run, most questions had answered themselves.
One being — who should OKC prioritize to keep, Lu Dort or Isaiah Hartenstein? The Thunder didn't need to split hairs on that. The latter proved to go from a luxury to a necessity. Meanwhile, Cason Wallace was ready to take over Dort's starting gig and responsibilities.
The Thunder made their choice. They signed Hartenstein to a three-year, $75 million deal. A fresh contract ensured he'd stay in OKC. All before he even had the chance to test the open market. Meanwhile, Dort's team option was picked up. But with the caveat of him being traded to the Atlanta Hawks a couple of weeks afterward.
Hartenstein recently told German media outlet 'Basket-World News' his reaction to OKC's busy offseason. The Thunder have lost some of their depth to avoid the second apron. But they made sure to keep the seven-footer for next season and beyond. He was too important to their success over the last two years. He talked about Dort's departure after previously being tied with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the longest-tenured Thunder player.
"There's always a human element involved. You probably spend more time with your teammates than with your own family over the course of the season. So you do grow very close," Hartenstein said. "But at the end of the day, we all know it's a business. I think Sam Presti at least put him in a good position. There are a lot of general managers who just send players off to some other team where they have no chance of winning or performing well. So at least I know he's in a good position and can play."
#meanwhile #offseason
One being — who should OKC prioritize to keep, Lu Dort or Isaiah Hartenstein? The Thunder didn't need to split hairs on that. The latter proved to go from a luxury to a necessity. Meanwhile, Cason Wallace was ready to take over Dort's starting gig and responsibilities.
The Thunder made their choice. They signed Hartenstein to a three-year, $75 million deal. A fresh contract ensured he'd stay in OKC. All before he even had the chance to test the open market. Meanwhile, Dort's team option was picked up. But with the caveat of him being traded to the Atlanta Hawks a couple of weeks afterward.
Hartenstein recently told German media outlet 'Basket-World News' his reaction to OKC's busy offseason. The Thunder have lost some of their depth to avoid the second apron. But they made sure to keep the seven-footer for next season and beyond. He was too important to their success over the last two years. He talked about Dort's departure after previously being tied with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the longest-tenured Thunder player.
"There's always a human element involved. You probably spend more time with your teammates than with your own family over the course of the season. So you do grow very close," Hartenstein said. "But at the end of the day, we all know it's a business. I think Sam Presti at least put him in a good position. There are a lot of general managers who just send players off to some other team where they have no chance of winning or performing well. So at least I know he's in a good position and can play."
#meanwhile #offseason
2 months ago
Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) said Monday he does not "make much" of reports that allege crew members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are suffering from declining mental health and supply shortages due to its long deployment.
In an appearance on Fox Business's "Mornings with Maria" anchored by Cheryl Casone, Fallon, a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, responded to the reports and calls for congressional oversight into the physical and mental state of crew members on the ship.
"These reports are just that. I haven't heard anything personally from our office, and I trust the Navy to do this as well. So, I don't make much of it, to be honest," he said.
Casone confirmed the congressman was not concerned about the reports but cited the aircraft carrier's deployment, saying "260 days is a long time, you know, for a deployment."
"There's no doubt about it," the lawmaker responded. "When I served, I always prefer to be stateside, if possible, but that's part of the job: to deploy."
#deployment #fallon #make #members
In an appearance on Fox Business's "Mornings with Maria" anchored by Cheryl Casone, Fallon, a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, responded to the reports and calls for congressional oversight into the physical and mental state of crew members on the ship.
"These reports are just that. I haven't heard anything personally from our office, and I trust the Navy to do this as well. So, I don't make much of it, to be honest," he said.
Casone confirmed the congressman was not concerned about the reports but cited the aircraft carrier's deployment, saying "260 days is a long time, you know, for a deployment."
"There's no doubt about it," the lawmaker responded. "When I served, I always prefer to be stateside, if possible, but that's part of the job: to deploy."
#deployment #fallon #make #members
3 months ago
The NBA is a year-round business, but some months are slower than others. Right now, we're at the quiet part of the calendar. The entire league is on vacation in August and September. Most of the offseason homework is done. Teams are prepped for the 2026-27 marathon to start.
Over the next couple of months, you're about to see NBA players develop the most. The downtime is when guys usually make their biggest leaps. That's arguably the biggest perk of not being forced to travel or play a game every other night.
Saying goodbye to a handful of longtime role players this summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder are banking on internal development to keep their championship window open. Cason Wallace and Jared McCain are two names who could be due for monstrous years. As long as they're willing, OKC is about to fill up their plates to the brim with responsibilities.
The best way to ensure your NBA arc plays out the way you hope? Spending time around a two-time MVP. That's what Wallace and McCain are doing. In the latter's recent two-hour YouTube documentary, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spent time in the gym with both Thunder teammates.
Gilgeous-Alexander will need more out of Wallace and McCain. They're two of the biggest beneficiaries with Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins gone. They must take this summer seriously. Especially since they're due contract extensions very soon.
#wallace #biggest #thunder #months
Over the next couple of months, you're about to see NBA players develop the most. The downtime is when guys usually make their biggest leaps. That's arguably the biggest perk of not being forced to travel or play a game every other night.
Saying goodbye to a handful of longtime role players this summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder are banking on internal development to keep their championship window open. Cason Wallace and Jared McCain are two names who could be due for monstrous years. As long as they're willing, OKC is about to fill up their plates to the brim with responsibilities.
The best way to ensure your NBA arc plays out the way you hope? Spending time around a two-time MVP. That's what Wallace and McCain are doing. In the latter's recent two-hour YouTube documentary, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spent time in the gym with both Thunder teammates.
Gilgeous-Alexander will need more out of Wallace and McCain. They're two of the biggest beneficiaries with Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins gone. They must take this summer seriously. Especially since they're due contract extensions very soon.
#wallace #biggest #thunder #months
3 months ago
Pitching development has been the Red Sox's bread and ******* er under Craig Breslow. Since Breslow took over, the organization has invested heavily in the pitching pipeline. In his first two drafts, 28 of the team's 41 picks were spent on pitchers — 29 if you count two-way player Conrad Cason. At the major league level, Hunter Dobbins, Richard Fitts, Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, and Jake Bennett have all contributed after spending time in the system.
This season, the draft was more balanced, but several pitchers were still selected in the middle and later rounds. One of them was left-hander Brett Lanman out of Abilene Christian University, selected in the fifth round. Lanman, like many of the pitchers acquired by Breslow during his tenure as Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer, is huge. He's listed at 6-5, 230 pounds, and uses that frame to extend down the mound and help his pitches play up. While no two pitchers are the same, he's excited to get to an organization with a recent track record of getting young arms to the major leagues.
"I'm ready to get to work, cause these guys know what they're talking about," Lanman said. "They've developed these guys, and they're in the big leagues. It's like, man, they know, they know what it takes to get a left-handed pitcher into the big leagues pretty quickly."
Draft picks, to an extent, are lottery tickets. It's incredibly rare for a draft pick to enter the league as a major league-level talent. Paul Skeneses (Skenesi? Skenes?) don't grow on trees, and if they did, they'd all be first-round picks. Lanman, as a fifth-round pick, is far from a finished product. If he were, his ERA in his final season at ACU likely would have been lower than 5.35. The Red Sox didn't select the lefty because of his college results. They picked him because of who they believe he can become.
Potential is based on traits, such as being huge and left-handed. Lanman is both huge (6-5, 230) and left-handed. He also has a low release point and plus extension, creating a flat attack angle for his fastball. Most starting pitchers who succeed have a fastball as the foundation. Lanman knows that his heater is what's brought him this far, and that's what the Red Sox will want to build upon.
#league #round
This season, the draft was more balanced, but several pitchers were still selected in the middle and later rounds. One of them was left-hander Brett Lanman out of Abilene Christian University, selected in the fifth round. Lanman, like many of the pitchers acquired by Breslow during his tenure as Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer, is huge. He's listed at 6-5, 230 pounds, and uses that frame to extend down the mound and help his pitches play up. While no two pitchers are the same, he's excited to get to an organization with a recent track record of getting young arms to the major leagues.
"I'm ready to get to work, cause these guys know what they're talking about," Lanman said. "They've developed these guys, and they're in the big leagues. It's like, man, they know, they know what it takes to get a left-handed pitcher into the big leagues pretty quickly."
Draft picks, to an extent, are lottery tickets. It's incredibly rare for a draft pick to enter the league as a major league-level talent. Paul Skeneses (Skenesi? Skenes?) don't grow on trees, and if they did, they'd all be first-round picks. Lanman, as a fifth-round pick, is far from a finished product. If he were, his ERA in his final season at ACU likely would have been lower than 5.35. The Red Sox didn't select the lefty because of his college results. They picked him because of who they believe he can become.
Potential is based on traits, such as being huge and left-handed. Lanman is both huge (6-5, 230) and left-handed. He also has a low release point and plus extension, creating a flat attack angle for his fastball. Most starting pitchers who succeed have a fastball as the foundation. Lanman knows that his heater is what's brought him this far, and that's what the Red Sox will want to build upon.
#league #round
3 months ago
Michigan basketball managed to hold onto most of its roster, but not everyone chose to stay in Ann Arbor under new head coach Mike Boynton Jr.
The Wolverines lost one player to the transfer portal in backup point guard LJ Cason, who had torn his ACL in the Illinois game this past season. Expected to be out for the majority, if not all, of the upcoming season, Cason was going to redshirt for the maize and blue before the NCAA's five-for-five ruling came down. But when Dusty May left Michigan for the NBA, Cason was the last player to decide if he was staying or going, and ultimately chose to leave.
Cason entered the transfer portal, and on Tuesday, he ultimately opted to go to Miami, as reported by Rivals' Joe Tipton.
Cason is the second player in as many years to leave Ann Arbor for Coral Gables. Starting point guard in May's first season coaching the maize and blue, Tre Donaldson, also transferred to the Hurricanes.
A huge spark off the bench, Cason was expected to be the starting point guard of the future for the Wolverines. He improved from scoring 4.3 points per game as a true freshman to 8.4 points per game in his sophomore year. He has three years of eligibility remaining now that five-for-five is enacted.
#point #wolverines
The Wolverines lost one player to the transfer portal in backup point guard LJ Cason, who had torn his ACL in the Illinois game this past season. Expected to be out for the majority, if not all, of the upcoming season, Cason was going to redshirt for the maize and blue before the NCAA's five-for-five ruling came down. But when Dusty May left Michigan for the NBA, Cason was the last player to decide if he was staying or going, and ultimately chose to leave.
Cason entered the transfer portal, and on Tuesday, he ultimately opted to go to Miami, as reported by Rivals' Joe Tipton.
Cason is the second player in as many years to leave Ann Arbor for Coral Gables. Starting point guard in May's first season coaching the maize and blue, Tre Donaldson, also transferred to the Hurricanes.
A huge spark off the bench, Cason was expected to be the starting point guard of the future for the Wolverines. He improved from scoring 4.3 points per game as a true freshman to 8.4 points per game in his sophomore year. He has three years of eligibility remaining now that five-for-five is enacted.
#point #wolverines
3 months ago
Michigan basketball's offseason has largely been defined by continuity under new head coach Mike Boynton. The Wolverines retained nearly their entire roster after Dusty May's departure and kept most of the coaching staff intact.
One notable exception has now found his next home.
Former Michigan point guard L.J. Cason announced Tuesday that he is transferring to Miami, ending a brief stay in the transfer portal and beginning the next chapter of his college career back in his home state of Florida.
Cason officially entered the NCAA transfer portal on Monday. Less than 24 hours later, his decision was made.
The sophomore guard will continue his career with the Hurricanes, returning to the state where his basketball journey began.
#michigan #next #transfer #mike
One notable exception has now found his next home.
Former Michigan point guard L.J. Cason announced Tuesday that he is transferring to Miami, ending a brief stay in the transfer portal and beginning the next chapter of his college career back in his home state of Florida.
Cason officially entered the NCAA transfer portal on Monday. Less than 24 hours later, his decision was made.
The sophomore guard will continue his career with the Hurricanes, returning to the state where his basketball journey began.
#michigan #next #transfer #mike
3 months ago
L.J. Cason is headed home.
Cason, the the former Michigan guard from Lakeland, Florida, announced Tuesday he is transferring to Miami (Florida).
Cason spent two seasons at Michigan, after committing to Florida Atlantic, where Dusty May was head coach. He followed May to Michigan, where he cracked the rotation as a freshman and was a key contributor as a sophomore. As the team's backup point guard, he averaged 8.4 points and 2.4 ******* ists in 18.6 minutes and shot 40.2% from 3-point range across 28 games last season.
Cason was playing his best basketball and was having a breakout campaign when he went down with a torn ACL in late February. He held off having surgery until April 9 — three days after Michigan beat UConn in the national ******* le game — so he could still be with the team during the NCAA Tournament.
Cason was the lone holdover Michigan was unable to hang on to following May's departure to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. The other 13 players on the roster previously announced their plans to stay at Michigan for the 2026-27 season and play for former ******* istant Mike Boynton Jr., who agreed to a two-year deal as the Wolverines' head coach this month.
#coach
Cason, the the former Michigan guard from Lakeland, Florida, announced Tuesday he is transferring to Miami (Florida).
Cason spent two seasons at Michigan, after committing to Florida Atlantic, where Dusty May was head coach. He followed May to Michigan, where he cracked the rotation as a freshman and was a key contributor as a sophomore. As the team's backup point guard, he averaged 8.4 points and 2.4 ******* ists in 18.6 minutes and shot 40.2% from 3-point range across 28 games last season.
Cason was playing his best basketball and was having a breakout campaign when he went down with a torn ACL in late February. He held off having surgery until April 9 — three days after Michigan beat UConn in the national ******* le game — so he could still be with the team during the NCAA Tournament.
Cason was the lone holdover Michigan was unable to hang on to following May's departure to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. The other 13 players on the roster previously announced their plans to stay at Michigan for the 2026-27 season and play for former ******* istant Mike Boynton Jr., who agreed to a two-year deal as the Wolverines' head coach this month.
#coach
3 months ago
Michigan men's basketball point guard L.J. Cason officially entered his name into the transfer portal on July 20. Just one day later, he has a new college basketball home.
The Florida native is taking his talents back to his home state, as he is set to transfer to the University of Miami.
Cason was a three-star prospect and originally committed to Florida Atlantic in the 2024 recruiting class before Dusty May left for Michigan. He followed May to Ann Arbor and found immediate success as a true freshman, playing in all 30 games off the bench. He averaged 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and one ****** ist in 11.8 minutes per game his first year in college.
He took another step forward this past year, playing in 28 games and averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 ****** ists and 1.9 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. Cason was playing really well midseason prior to his season-ending ACL injury at Illinois on Feb. 27, the night the Wolverines clinched the Big Ten regular-season championship.
Head coach Mike Boynton Jr. and company will now be tasked with coming up with a plan to distribute minutes at the point guard position for the 2026-27 season. Cason was reportedly eyeing a late-season return from his ACL tear, but now that he is officially gone, developing a plan with the remaining guys on the roster should be a priority. Elliot Cadeau is locked in as the starter, while Trey McKenney and Brandon McCoy Jr. will also likely ply a factor handling the ball. The Wolverines also welcome in another true freshman in Joseph Hartman who might be able to earn some minutes at point guard as well.
#season #Florida #wolverines
The Florida native is taking his talents back to his home state, as he is set to transfer to the University of Miami.
Cason was a three-star prospect and originally committed to Florida Atlantic in the 2024 recruiting class before Dusty May left for Michigan. He followed May to Ann Arbor and found immediate success as a true freshman, playing in all 30 games off the bench. He averaged 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and one ****** ist in 11.8 minutes per game his first year in college.
He took another step forward this past year, playing in 28 games and averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 ****** ists and 1.9 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. Cason was playing really well midseason prior to his season-ending ACL injury at Illinois on Feb. 27, the night the Wolverines clinched the Big Ten regular-season championship.
Head coach Mike Boynton Jr. and company will now be tasked with coming up with a plan to distribute minutes at the point guard position for the 2026-27 season. Cason was reportedly eyeing a late-season return from his ACL tear, but now that he is officially gone, developing a plan with the remaining guys on the roster should be a priority. Elliot Cadeau is locked in as the starter, while Trey McKenney and Brandon McCoy Jr. will also likely ply a factor handling the ball. The Wolverines also welcome in another true freshman in Joseph Hartman who might be able to earn some minutes at point guard as well.
#season #Florida #wolverines
3 months ago
Mike Boynton Jr. is set to lose his first player since being named head coach, as Michigan point guard L.J. Cason intends on entering the transfer portal upon its opening for every player on the Wolverines’ roster.
Cason came to Michigan as a lowly regarded three-star prospect out of Lakeland, Florida. Former head coach Dusty May landed his commitment at Florida Atlantic prior to him leaving for the Michigan job, so Cason followed him to Ann Arbor. He contributed right away as a true freshman, playing in all 30 games coming off the bench for the Wolverines. Cason averaged 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, one ***** ist in 11.8 minutes per game.
He took a major step forward as a sophomore in the national championship-winning 2025-26 season, playing in 28 games (off the bench once again) and averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 ***** ists and 1.9 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. Cason was on a midseason heater — including putting up a career-high 18 points at Northwestern on Feb. 11 — prior to his season-ending torn ACL injury that he suffered in the Big Ten regular-season championship-clinching win at Illinois on Feb. 27.
Cason may have only played in seven more minutes per game between his freshman and sophomore years, but his shooting percentage significantly improved. This past season, Cason shot 50.3 percent from the field (81-for-161) and 40.2 percent from beyond the arc (33-for-82), more than doubling his three-point total as a freshman.
Prior to May leaving for the Dallas Mavericks, there was a plan in place for Cason to redshirt during the 2026-27 season. However, the 5-in-5 rule that passed by the NCAA earlier this summer enabled him to possibly be able to return for the upcoming season. This rule gives college athletes five years to compete from the time they turn 19 years old or graduate from high school, whichever happens first. This is set to end redshirting altogether and, in turn, let Cason return from injury sooner than once expected.
Cason came to Michigan as a lowly regarded three-star prospect out of Lakeland, Florida. Former head coach Dusty May landed his commitment at Florida Atlantic prior to him leaving for the Michigan job, so Cason followed him to Ann Arbor. He contributed right away as a true freshman, playing in all 30 games coming off the bench for the Wolverines. Cason averaged 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, one ***** ist in 11.8 minutes per game.
He took a major step forward as a sophomore in the national championship-winning 2025-26 season, playing in 28 games (off the bench once again) and averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 ***** ists and 1.9 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. Cason was on a midseason heater — including putting up a career-high 18 points at Northwestern on Feb. 11 — prior to his season-ending torn ACL injury that he suffered in the Big Ten regular-season championship-clinching win at Illinois on Feb. 27.
Cason may have only played in seven more minutes per game between his freshman and sophomore years, but his shooting percentage significantly improved. This past season, Cason shot 50.3 percent from the field (81-for-161) and 40.2 percent from beyond the arc (33-for-82), more than doubling his three-point total as a freshman.
Prior to May leaving for the Dallas Mavericks, there was a plan in place for Cason to redshirt during the 2026-27 season. However, the 5-in-5 rule that passed by the NCAA earlier this summer enabled him to possibly be able to return for the upcoming season. This rule gives college athletes five years to compete from the time they turn 19 years old or graduate from high school, whichever happens first. This is set to end redshirting altogether and, in turn, let Cason return from injury sooner than once expected.
3 months ago
Michigan basketball removed the interim tag from Mike Boynton Jr.'s ***** le and officially named him the head coach on Friday, July 10.
He will begin with a two-year contract, according to a release sent out by the program.
"Mike is a veteran ***** istant with strong head coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard we expect at Michigan," athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "Over the past two seasons, he has been an invaluable member of our staff, bringing stability, leadership and perspective during an important period of success.
"Our players and staff believe in his vision, are committed to his leadership and are excited for the opportunity to pursue great success together this season."
Boynton was named the interim just days after Dusty May abruptly left the program to take the job as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and in the weeks since has spent his time re-recruiting the Michigan roster. To this point, 13 of the 14 scholarship players have reaffirmed their commitment to the Wolverines, with junior guard L.J. Cason as the final piece to make a decision.
He will begin with a two-year contract, according to a release sent out by the program.
"Mike is a veteran ***** istant with strong head coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard we expect at Michigan," athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "Over the past two seasons, he has been an invaluable member of our staff, bringing stability, leadership and perspective during an important period of success.
"Our players and staff believe in his vision, are committed to his leadership and are excited for the opportunity to pursue great success together this season."
Boynton was named the interim just days after Dusty May abruptly left the program to take the job as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and in the weeks since has spent his time re-recruiting the Michigan roster. To this point, 13 of the 14 scholarship players have reaffirmed their commitment to the Wolverines, with junior guard L.J. Cason as the final piece to make a decision.
3 months ago
We have heard directly from another Michigan basketball player since a sudden coaching change June 22.
Among those who have already reaffirmed their commitment, incoming graduate transfer Jalen Reed − a wing from LSU − is the first transfer to speak publicly after coach Dusty May's departure to coach the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
Reed explained the team's emotions after the the move was announced, when he recently sat down with the program's radio play-by-play voice Brian Boesch on an episode of "Defend The Block" podcast.
“I’ve just been really impressed with how much guys are in the gym and how much guys really believe in each other and believe in this team," Reed said. "It was easy for when Dusty left for everybody to kind of split and splinter, but everybody said, ‘When we woke up this morning, before the news broke, we thought we were a championship team – and nothing has really changed but Dusty’s left.'"
U-M named former **** istant coach Mike Boynton Jr. as its interim coach and thus far, 12 of the 14 scholarship players have publicly reaffirmed their status with the program. The lone exceptions are junior point guard L.J. Cason (coming off an ACL injury) and incoming freshman McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello.
Among those who have already reaffirmed their commitment, incoming graduate transfer Jalen Reed − a wing from LSU − is the first transfer to speak publicly after coach Dusty May's departure to coach the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
Reed explained the team's emotions after the the move was announced, when he recently sat down with the program's radio play-by-play voice Brian Boesch on an episode of "Defend The Block" podcast.
“I’ve just been really impressed with how much guys are in the gym and how much guys really believe in each other and believe in this team," Reed said. "It was easy for when Dusty left for everybody to kind of split and splinter, but everybody said, ‘When we woke up this morning, before the news broke, we thought we were a championship team – and nothing has really changed but Dusty’s left.'"
U-M named former **** istant coach Mike Boynton Jr. as its interim coach and thus far, 12 of the 14 scholarship players have publicly reaffirmed their status with the program. The lone exceptions are junior point guard L.J. Cason (coming off an ACL injury) and incoming freshman McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello.
3 months ago
Another Michigan basketball player is staying in the fold.
Marcus Moller, a 7-foot-3 incoming freshman center from Denmark, will stay with the program despite the departures of coach Dusty May, according to a report by On3's Joe Tipton. Mike Boynton Jr. was named interim coach in the days following May's departure to the Dallas Mavericks, and he's kept the vast majority of the team intact.
Moller, one of six freshmen who signed with the Wolverines, is now the fifth newcomer to announce he's staying with Michigan, joining five-star Brandon McCoy Jr., four-star Joseph Hartman, four-star Lincoln Cosby and three-star Malachi Brown. The last freshman who has not announced is McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello.
Michigan also got good news in recent weeks from what's projected to be its starting lineup, with Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney, J.P. Estrella and Moustapha Thiam (alongside McCoy) all stating they will stay with the program for the 2026-27 season. The same goes for LSU transfer big man Jalen Reed.
U-M is just waiting on word from Costello and three returning pieces: L.J. Cason (who is coming off of a torn ACL), Oscar Goodman and Ricky Liburd.
Marcus Moller, a 7-foot-3 incoming freshman center from Denmark, will stay with the program despite the departures of coach Dusty May, according to a report by On3's Joe Tipton. Mike Boynton Jr. was named interim coach in the days following May's departure to the Dallas Mavericks, and he's kept the vast majority of the team intact.
Moller, one of six freshmen who signed with the Wolverines, is now the fifth newcomer to announce he's staying with Michigan, joining five-star Brandon McCoy Jr., four-star Joseph Hartman, four-star Lincoln Cosby and three-star Malachi Brown. The last freshman who has not announced is McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello.
Michigan also got good news in recent weeks from what's projected to be its starting lineup, with Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney, J.P. Estrella and Moustapha Thiam (alongside McCoy) all stating they will stay with the program for the 2026-27 season. The same goes for LSU transfer big man Jalen Reed.
U-M is just waiting on word from Costello and three returning pieces: L.J. Cason (who is coming off of a torn ACL), Oscar Goodman and Ricky Liburd.
4 months ago
The TODAY anchors are celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary aboard tall ships in New York harbor. Jenna Bush Hager reports from the Queen Mary II, Dylan Dreyer is on a boat in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, Cason Daly is aboard the Intrepid aircraft carrier, Laura Jarrett is on Governors Island and Al Roker is live from the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Eagle.
4 months ago
Former Kentucky basketball star and fan-favorite Otega Oweh had his dreams come true when he heard his name called in the second round of last week’s NBA draft.
He was taken 41st overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, a pick which OKC acquired in a trade with the Miami Heat.
Oweh joins former Wildcats Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace in Oklahoma City, where he’s sure to carve out some playing time on the wing for the 2025 NBA champions.
The creative team at UK Athletics always does a phenomenal job with their work and gave their absolute best effort in putting together an incredible behind-the-scenes look at Oweh’s dream coming true and what Draft Day was like for the former Wildcat.
While Oweh could have rolled the dice last summer and turned professional, he decided to commit to one more year at Kentucky to improve his game but also do his best to lead the program as far as he could for one more season.
He was taken 41st overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, a pick which OKC acquired in a trade with the Miami Heat.
Oweh joins former Wildcats Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace in Oklahoma City, where he’s sure to carve out some playing time on the wing for the 2025 NBA champions.
The creative team at UK Athletics always does a phenomenal job with their work and gave their absolute best effort in putting together an incredible behind-the-scenes look at Oweh’s dream coming true and what Draft Day was like for the former Wildcat.
While Oweh could have rolled the dice last summer and turned professional, he decided to commit to one more year at Kentucky to improve his game but also do his best to lead the program as far as he could for one more season.
4 months ago
The OKC Thunder signed undrafted rookie Josh Dix to a two-way deal on Wednesday.
ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the news following the conclusion of the 2026 NBA Draft, where OKC selected Michigan's Aday Mara (No. 12 pick), Iowa's Bennett Stirtz (No. 16) and Kentucky's Otega Oweh (No. 41).
Dix is a 6-foot-6 guard who averaged 13.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 ****** ists as a senior at Creighton last season on 43.9% shooting from the field (33.8% from deep). He spent the first three years of his college career at Iowa, where he was teammates with OKC's Payton Sandfort.
More: OKC Thunder 2026 NBA Draft grade: Otega Oweh fits Cason Wallace, Lu Dort mold
Dix has great positional size and is a talented 3-point shooter, despite just having a down year in that department. He shot 42.2% from deep on 4.8 attempts per game two seasons ago at Iowa.
ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the news following the conclusion of the 2026 NBA Draft, where OKC selected Michigan's Aday Mara (No. 12 pick), Iowa's Bennett Stirtz (No. 16) and Kentucky's Otega Oweh (No. 41).
Dix is a 6-foot-6 guard who averaged 13.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 ****** ists as a senior at Creighton last season on 43.9% shooting from the field (33.8% from deep). He spent the first three years of his college career at Iowa, where he was teammates with OKC's Payton Sandfort.
More: OKC Thunder 2026 NBA Draft grade: Otega Oweh fits Cason Wallace, Lu Dort mold
Dix has great positional size and is a talented 3-point shooter, despite just having a down year in that department. He shot 42.2% from deep on 4.8 attempts per game two seasons ago at Iowa.
4 months ago
With the NBA offseason right around the corner, the rumors have ramped up. It's that time of the year when the entire league is positioning itself for a jam-packed summer. Teams will change and players will find new homes. For the first time in a couple of summers, the Oklahoma City Thunder will take part in the mayhem.
Falling short of a second NBA championship, the Thunder will have to decide on the long-term future of a handful of players. Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Kenrich Williams all have team options for the 2026-27 season. Cason Wallace is eligible for a contract extension after a third-year breakout.
Of that quartet, Hartenstein is one of the more surefire examples that he'll stick around in OKC. The latest reassurance of that forecast? HoopsHype's Michael Scotto detailed what the rest of the league thinks the Thunder will handle his $28.5 million option.
"He's expected to remain in Oklahoma City," Scotto wrote. "The question among executives around the league is whether the Thunder will exercise their team option or decline it and work out a new multi-year deal at a lower average annual salary."
If I had to guess, I think the Thunder go for the latter. They usually don't like to see players play a full season with uncertainty clouding over them. Instead, they value team control and flipping players for future draft capital plus more. Think there's a world where both sides come to some sorta agreement to keep Hartenstein around for a few more years.
Falling short of a second NBA championship, the Thunder will have to decide on the long-term future of a handful of players. Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Kenrich Williams all have team options for the 2026-27 season. Cason Wallace is eligible for a contract extension after a third-year breakout.
Of that quartet, Hartenstein is one of the more surefire examples that he'll stick around in OKC. The latest reassurance of that forecast? HoopsHype's Michael Scotto detailed what the rest of the league thinks the Thunder will handle his $28.5 million option.
"He's expected to remain in Oklahoma City," Scotto wrote. "The question among executives around the league is whether the Thunder will exercise their team option or decline it and work out a new multi-year deal at a lower average annual salary."
If I had to guess, I think the Thunder go for the latter. They usually don't like to see players play a full season with uncertainty clouding over them. Instead, they value team control and flipping players for future draft capital plus more. Think there's a world where both sides come to some sorta agreement to keep Hartenstein around for a few more years.
4 months ago
On the cusp of a busy NBA offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder could see some notable roster changes for the first time in a couple of summers. Falling short of their back-to-back ambitions, it's time to shake up the roster as changes are inevitable in this industry.
Some departures might hurt more than others — at least from a sentimental perspective. Reading the tea leaves, it looks like the Thunder and Lu Dort are heading their separate ways in the coming weeks. The 27-year-old has spent his first seven seasons in OKC. He's tied with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for longest-tenured player.
Zooming out, Dort is one of OKC's best developmental success stories. He went from an undrafted rookie to an NBA champion starter. Along the way, he became one of the league's best perimeter defenders. Last season, though, he regressed on both sides of the ball. The defense wasn't as sharp and the outside shooting crashed back down to Earth.
As the year went on, Dort's playing time dwindled. And with Cason Wallace pounding on the door for both a contract raise and a graduation to a full-time starter, it makes all the sense in the world for the Thunder to move on from the former to get behind the latter.
Still, that doesn't mean an exit won't hurt. Dort is a fan favorite. He's one of Gilgeous-Alexander's close friends. He's also had a firsthand experience of seeing the Thunder go from a rebuild to an NBA champion. Always tough to see someone go who's had their best NBA moments in OKC.
Some departures might hurt more than others — at least from a sentimental perspective. Reading the tea leaves, it looks like the Thunder and Lu Dort are heading their separate ways in the coming weeks. The 27-year-old has spent his first seven seasons in OKC. He's tied with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for longest-tenured player.
Zooming out, Dort is one of OKC's best developmental success stories. He went from an undrafted rookie to an NBA champion starter. Along the way, he became one of the league's best perimeter defenders. Last season, though, he regressed on both sides of the ball. The defense wasn't as sharp and the outside shooting crashed back down to Earth.
As the year went on, Dort's playing time dwindled. And with Cason Wallace pounding on the door for both a contract raise and a graduation to a full-time starter, it makes all the sense in the world for the Thunder to move on from the former to get behind the latter.
Still, that doesn't mean an exit won't hurt. Dort is a fan favorite. He's one of Gilgeous-Alexander's close friends. He's also had a firsthand experience of seeing the Thunder go from a rebuild to an NBA champion. Always tough to see someone go who's had their best NBA moments in OKC.
4 months ago
With Williams expected to return healthy next season, Mitchell, Cason Wallace, Jared McCain, and Alex Caruso in the fold, teams across the league are monitoring fellow starter Lu Dort’s availability. Dort has a team option for $17.22 million for the upcoming season that several front executives who spoke with HoopsHype are projecting the Thunder to exercise, then consider flipping Dort on the trade market. Should such a scenario happen, Dort has been linked with the Lakers and several other teams. It’s worth noting that Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez coached Dort with the Canadian National Team.
HoopsHype
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Lakers among teams monitoring Lu Dort’s availability
HoopsHype
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Lakers among teams monitoring Lu Dort’s availability
