7 hours ago
An improbable story is playing out on the offensive line at Chiefs training camp.
Kahlil Benson started 12 games at right tackle for Indiana during their run to the national ******* le last year, but went undrafted in April. He earned a roster spot with the Chiefs after a tryout at their rookie minicamp and has impressed enough to take all the first-team reps at right tackle over the last two days of practice.
Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star notes that Benson has taken the majority of those reps since camp opened and he's now got an inside track to join left tackle Josh Simmons as a starter up front.
"I think Kahlil is doing a great job. I think he's a very physical player. I think he should just add on to that," Simmons said, via Brett Kennedy of KQTV. "I think you can't really teach effort. I mean that's what he's giving out there, so that's really all I'm telling him right now is keep doing that effort."
Jaylon Moore was expected to be the top choice at right tackle in Kansas City this season, but Benson now has momentum and continued success in the preseason could make him one of the league's unlikeliest starters in Week 1.
#tackle
Kahlil Benson started 12 games at right tackle for Indiana during their run to the national ******* le last year, but went undrafted in April. He earned a roster spot with the Chiefs after a tryout at their rookie minicamp and has impressed enough to take all the first-team reps at right tackle over the last two days of practice.
Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star notes that Benson has taken the majority of those reps since camp opened and he's now got an inside track to join left tackle Josh Simmons as a starter up front.
"I think Kahlil is doing a great job. I think he's a very physical player. I think he should just add on to that," Simmons said, via Brett Kennedy of KQTV. "I think you can't really teach effort. I mean that's what he's giving out there, so that's really all I'm telling him right now is keep doing that effort."
Jaylon Moore was expected to be the top choice at right tackle in Kansas City this season, but Benson now has momentum and continued success in the preseason could make him one of the league's unlikeliest starters in Week 1.
#tackle
20 hours ago
Sydney Sweeney appears in a new Instagram carousel posted by her lingerie brand Syrn.
She modeled a lacy bra and matching underwear, as well as a sheer cape.
Sweeney completed her 1960s-inspired look with on-theme glam.
Sydney Sweeney channels retro glamour in her latest Syrn campaign. The actress modeled her own line of lacy lingerie in a new Instagram carousel posted by the brand earlier this week.
Sweeney went full Valley of the Dolls in a 1960s-inspired look, which consisted of a white balconette bra and matching cheeky underwear complete with tiny bows. The Euphoria alum also tied a sheer cape with fur trim around her shoulders. She kept the theme going with her glam: Her blonde hair was styled in bouncy ringlets, while her makeup included white eyeliner and pops of pink blush.
#sweeney #sydney #posted
She modeled a lacy bra and matching underwear, as well as a sheer cape.
Sweeney completed her 1960s-inspired look with on-theme glam.
Sydney Sweeney channels retro glamour in her latest Syrn campaign. The actress modeled her own line of lacy lingerie in a new Instagram carousel posted by the brand earlier this week.
Sweeney went full Valley of the Dolls in a 1960s-inspired look, which consisted of a white balconette bra and matching cheeky underwear complete with tiny bows. The Euphoria alum also tied a sheer cape with fur trim around her shoulders. She kept the theme going with her glam: Her blonde hair was styled in bouncy ringlets, while her makeup included white eyeliner and pops of pink blush.
#sweeney #sydney #posted
1 day ago
Sydney Sweeney has spoken out over the devastation caused by the wildfires in her hometown of Spokane, Washington.
According to local authorities, the fires have consumed more than 8,000 acres across Spokane County, with three main blazes destroying more than 700 structures. No deaths or injuries have been reported.
Taking to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Sydney put a spotlight on the news, emphasising that around 65,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
"Spokane has always been home to me. It's where I grew up, where my family still lives, and where so many of the people and places that shaped me are," she began. "The devastating fires have changed countless lives in ways that are hard to put into words. Thousands of families have lost their homes, their belongings, and places of business, including members of my own family. This devastation is something our community has never experienced on this scale."
The Euphoria actress went on to note that she is supporting organisations including Innovia Foundation, SpokAnimal, Second Harvest, and Watch Duty amid the emergency. She also shared a link to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that provides essentials for families and children.
"Unlike larger cities that often receive an overwhelming amount of national attention and resources, Spokane doesn't have the same spotlight," the 28-year-old declared. "If you're looking for ways to help, these are four organizations I'm supporting that are on the ground right now helping this community that needs us."
#homes #family #places
According to local authorities, the fires have consumed more than 8,000 acres across Spokane County, with three main blazes destroying more than 700 structures. No deaths or injuries have been reported.
Taking to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Sydney put a spotlight on the news, emphasising that around 65,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
"Spokane has always been home to me. It's where I grew up, where my family still lives, and where so many of the people and places that shaped me are," she began. "The devastating fires have changed countless lives in ways that are hard to put into words. Thousands of families have lost their homes, their belongings, and places of business, including members of my own family. This devastation is something our community has never experienced on this scale."
The Euphoria actress went on to note that she is supporting organisations including Innovia Foundation, SpokAnimal, Second Harvest, and Watch Duty amid the emergency. She also shared a link to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that provides essentials for families and children.
"Unlike larger cities that often receive an overwhelming amount of national attention and resources, Spokane doesn't have the same spotlight," the 28-year-old declared. "If you're looking for ways to help, these are four organizations I'm supporting that are on the ground right now helping this community that needs us."
#homes #family #places
3 days ago
Dillon Mitchell is the perfect example of a decision that now faces five just-drafted players.
Mitchell played four college seasons, most recently at St. John's, went through the NBA draft process, and was selected by the Boston Celtics at No. 40. Now he might return to St. John's for a fifth season. A handful of other players could follow his lead.
Recently, the NCAA introduced what is commonly called the "five for five" rule: Division I college athletes have five years to complete five seasons of playing their sport. No more red-shirt years, and it doesn't matter if a player transfers schools.
That starts this fall, but left the class of 2022 that just graduated after four years out in the cold. Now, Colorado U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney issued an injunction saying the class of 2022 should qualify and get another year. The NCAA is appealing that ruling.
"Mitchell returning to St. John's is being considered," reports basketball insider Adam Zagoria.
#years #college #seasons #class
Mitchell played four college seasons, most recently at St. John's, went through the NBA draft process, and was selected by the Boston Celtics at No. 40. Now he might return to St. John's for a fifth season. A handful of other players could follow his lead.
Recently, the NCAA introduced what is commonly called the "five for five" rule: Division I college athletes have five years to complete five seasons of playing their sport. No more red-shirt years, and it doesn't matter if a player transfers schools.
That starts this fall, but left the class of 2022 that just graduated after four years out in the cold. Now, Colorado U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney issued an injunction saying the class of 2022 should qualify and get another year. The NCAA is appealing that ruling.
"Mitchell returning to St. John's is being considered," reports basketball insider Adam Zagoria.
#years #college #seasons #class
3 days ago
After being granted a fifth year of NCAA eligibility by a recent court ruling, Tavion Banks announced he would play elsewhere next season, but also took time to thank the loyal and passionate Iowa basketball fans.
The court decision in question came from Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado, who granted a preliminary injunction on Friday declaring all class of 2022 athletes who had exhausted their fourth season of college eligibility this spring eligible for a fifth season this upcoming school year.
Despite the decision to continue his collegiate career outside of a Hawkeyes uniform, Banks expressed utmost gratitude towards the fans' unwavering support and passion that made Iowa such a special place to him.
"And to the best fan base in the country-thank you for embracing me, supporting me through every high and low, and showing unconditional love from day one. Your energy and passion made every game special, and I'll never forget what it felt like to wear Iowa across my chest. Much love to you all. Thank you for everything. Forever gratefully," Banks wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday.
After following head coach Ben McCollum, along with five other players, from Drake to Iowa last season, the Kansas City, Missouri, native averaged 10.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game on 52% field goal shooting, 44.2% 3-point accuracy, and 79.2% shooting from the free-throw line in 35 starts across 37 games.
#banks #thank #eligibility
The court decision in question came from Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado, who granted a preliminary injunction on Friday declaring all class of 2022 athletes who had exhausted their fourth season of college eligibility this spring eligible for a fifth season this upcoming school year.
Despite the decision to continue his collegiate career outside of a Hawkeyes uniform, Banks expressed utmost gratitude towards the fans' unwavering support and passion that made Iowa such a special place to him.
"And to the best fan base in the country-thank you for embracing me, supporting me through every high and low, and showing unconditional love from day one. Your energy and passion made every game special, and I'll never forget what it felt like to wear Iowa across my chest. Much love to you all. Thank you for everything. Forever gratefully," Banks wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday.
After following head coach Ben McCollum, along with five other players, from Drake to Iowa last season, the Kansas City, Missouri, native averaged 10.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game on 52% field goal shooting, 44.2% 3-point accuracy, and 79.2% shooting from the free-throw line in 35 starts across 37 games.
#banks #thank #eligibility
4 days ago
DENVER (AP) — The judge who granted the right to play another year of college sports to some athletes whose eligibility ran out last school year issued a new order Sunday that makes clear that does not include football players who signed pro contracts this summer then had a change of heart.
U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney responded to an NCAA request for clarity about her Friday ruling that granted a fifth year to athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and were not included in the new NCAA rule that allows five seasons of eligibility for Division I players.
That decision, she said, still stands, but has no impact on other NCAA rules, including its prohibition on players signing pro contracts, then coming back to college.
The ruling, as first written, had the potential to upend the upcoming college football season, where teams are starting camp planning on the so-called "five for five" rule to take effect beginning next fall.
Extending it to players this fall granted hundreds a chance to return to school. In the direct aftermath of the decision, some media reports were listing players on NFL and CFL rosters who were signaling they'd be open to returning to school.
#players #year #athletes #eligibility
U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney responded to an NCAA request for clarity about her Friday ruling that granted a fifth year to athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and were not included in the new NCAA rule that allows five seasons of eligibility for Division I players.
That decision, she said, still stands, but has no impact on other NCAA rules, including its prohibition on players signing pro contracts, then coming back to college.
The ruling, as first written, had the potential to upend the upcoming college football season, where teams are starting camp planning on the so-called "five for five" rule to take effect beginning next fall.
Extending it to players this fall granted hundreds a chance to return to school. In the direct aftermath of the decision, some media reports were listing players on NFL and CFL rosters who were signaling they'd be open to returning to school.
#players #year #athletes #eligibility
4 days ago
The NCAA is taking aim and fighting back against a U.S. District Court judge's ruling that has temporarily granted a fifth year of eligibility to college student-athletes from the high school class of 2022.
In a letter obtained Saturday, Aug. 1, by USA TODAY Sports, the NCAA outlined its intent to fight against the ruling of Judge Charlotte Sweeney, who presides over the U.S. District Court of Colorado.
REQUIRED READING: Inside high-stakes scramble that brought Protect College Sports Act back from the dead
"The District Court of Colorado's decision (Wisne v. NCAA) is egregiously wrong," NCAA Chief Legal Officer Scott Bearby wrote in a memo Saturday to NCAA membership and directly obtained by USA TODAY Sports. "The court's decision to certify a nationwide class and grant sweeping injunctive relief with virtually no evidence, and without witness testimony or even so much as a hearing, invites further chaos in college sports and irreparably harms thousands of student-athletes already on campus."
Four different college football general managers, speaking Saturday on condition of anonymity due to the uncertain nature of this ruling and the potential impact to rosters, told USA TODAY Sports that they have held informal meetings and begun the process of **** sing potential roster additions from the group of senior football players whose careers ended with the 2025 season and had graduated in 2022.
#district #court #ruling #back
In a letter obtained Saturday, Aug. 1, by USA TODAY Sports, the NCAA outlined its intent to fight against the ruling of Judge Charlotte Sweeney, who presides over the U.S. District Court of Colorado.
REQUIRED READING: Inside high-stakes scramble that brought Protect College Sports Act back from the dead
"The District Court of Colorado's decision (Wisne v. NCAA) is egregiously wrong," NCAA Chief Legal Officer Scott Bearby wrote in a memo Saturday to NCAA membership and directly obtained by USA TODAY Sports. "The court's decision to certify a nationwide class and grant sweeping injunctive relief with virtually no evidence, and without witness testimony or even so much as a hearing, invites further chaos in college sports and irreparably harms thousands of student-athletes already on campus."
Four different college football general managers, speaking Saturday on condition of anonymity due to the uncertain nature of this ruling and the potential impact to rosters, told USA TODAY Sports that they have held informal meetings and begun the process of **** sing potential roster additions from the group of senior football players whose careers ended with the 2025 season and had graduated in 2022.
#district #court #ruling #back
4 days ago
ESPN's Jeff Borzello has a long column up on that explores the impact of Judge Charlotte Sweeney's decision to give every member of the 2022 class a fifth year of eligibility.
First up: the NCAA will certainly appeal the decision, and might win that appeal. So it's not a done deal yet.
But for now, everyone has to react, and judging by Borzello's article, coaches have no idea how to deal with this level of uncertainty.
Getting what amounts to a second portal in August might be good for some programs – Gonzaga lost their point guard recently and needs a new one – but for the overall sport, it's terrible. Just look at this quote from a Big 12 ******* istant coach: "Every day you wake up, it's a new apocalypse in college basketball."
Guys like former NC State wing Darrion Williams, Miami's Malik Reanu, and former Tar Heels Seth Trimble, Cade Tyson, and Jalen Washington could all land on a team for next year – in August (Duke may see Washington soon: Tennessee is rumored to be the leader).
#every
First up: the NCAA will certainly appeal the decision, and might win that appeal. So it's not a done deal yet.
But for now, everyone has to react, and judging by Borzello's article, coaches have no idea how to deal with this level of uncertainty.
Getting what amounts to a second portal in August might be good for some programs – Gonzaga lost their point guard recently and needs a new one – but for the overall sport, it's terrible. Just look at this quote from a Big 12 ******* istant coach: "Every day you wake up, it's a new apocalypse in college basketball."
Guys like former NC State wing Darrion Williams, Miami's Malik Reanu, and former Tar Heels Seth Trimble, Cade Tyson, and Jalen Washington could all land on a team for next year – in August (Duke may see Washington soon: Tennessee is rumored to be the leader).
#every
5 days ago
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida shooting guard Denzel Aberdeen cleared a major hurdle in his bid for a fifth-year of eligibility, but he likely faces another before being permitted to take the court for the Gators this season.
A Colorado court ruling Friday granted an extra year of eligibility to Aberdeen and every athlete in the 2022 class without requiring an NCAA waiver. But the class-wide preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Court judge Charlotte Sweeney is not a final judgment, leaving Aberdeen's eligibility in limbo unless the NCAA either loses an appeal or drops its legal challenge.
NCAA chief legal officer Scott Bearby issued a statement Saturday that the governing body will appeal Sweeney's ruling. Bearby called the decision "egregiously wrong."
Aberdeen returned to Florida after spending last season at rival Kentucky, expecting to receive a waiver for a fifth season of eligibility.
The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Orlando native has completed four seasons of college basketball but saw limited action as a true freshman, appearing in just 12 games of 36 games and logging 41 minutes total minutes during coach Todd Golden's first season in Gainesville. He played three or fewer minutes in eight appearances and saw his most extensive action in his final two games, playing nine minutes in March against LSU and eight during a season-ending loss to UCF in the NIT.
#minutes #court #games #Florida
A Colorado court ruling Friday granted an extra year of eligibility to Aberdeen and every athlete in the 2022 class without requiring an NCAA waiver. But the class-wide preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Court judge Charlotte Sweeney is not a final judgment, leaving Aberdeen's eligibility in limbo unless the NCAA either loses an appeal or drops its legal challenge.
NCAA chief legal officer Scott Bearby issued a statement Saturday that the governing body will appeal Sweeney's ruling. Bearby called the decision "egregiously wrong."
Aberdeen returned to Florida after spending last season at rival Kentucky, expecting to receive a waiver for a fifth season of eligibility.
The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Orlando native has completed four seasons of college basketball but saw limited action as a true freshman, appearing in just 12 games of 36 games and logging 41 minutes total minutes during coach Todd Golden's first season in Gainesville. He played three or fewer minutes in eight appearances and saw his most extensive action in his final two games, playing nine minutes in March against LSU and eight during a season-ending loss to UCF in the NIT.
#minutes #court #games #Florida
5 days ago
On Friday evening of July 31 — exactly 29 days before the 2026 college football season kicks off — game-changing news came out of the U.S. District Court of Colorado. The court ruling by Judge Charlotte Sweeney granted a preliminary injunction that requires the NCAA to provide an additional year of eligibility to all athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and exhausted their eligibility during the 2025-26 academic year.
The ruling aligns with the Protect College Sports Act, a bill currently on the Senate floor which proposes a 5-year eligibility window for all student-athletes. However, before this dramatically shakes up collegiate rosters during fall camp, the ruling is expected to be appealed by the NCAA per a memo issued by NCAA Chief Legal Officer Scott Bearby.
After Friday's news, graduated players from across the country expressed interest in returning to college football. The Sun Belt Conference had several of its stars express interest, per On3 Sports' Pete Nakos, including former James Madison inside linebacker Trent Hendrick and ULM defensive end Kevontay Wells. The NCAA cannot bar players from entering the transfer portal per Sweeney's ruling, so affected players have the option to return to their schools or transfer elsewhere.
Below is a list players who graduated high school in 2022 who are NOT currently on NFL rosters. These players would be granted a fifth year of eligibility by the court ruling:
Old Dominion OT Zach Barlev (currently on the Ottawa Redblacks' CFL roster)
#players #eligibility #sports
The ruling aligns with the Protect College Sports Act, a bill currently on the Senate floor which proposes a 5-year eligibility window for all student-athletes. However, before this dramatically shakes up collegiate rosters during fall camp, the ruling is expected to be appealed by the NCAA per a memo issued by NCAA Chief Legal Officer Scott Bearby.
After Friday's news, graduated players from across the country expressed interest in returning to college football. The Sun Belt Conference had several of its stars express interest, per On3 Sports' Pete Nakos, including former James Madison inside linebacker Trent Hendrick and ULM defensive end Kevontay Wells. The NCAA cannot bar players from entering the transfer portal per Sweeney's ruling, so affected players have the option to return to their schools or transfer elsewhere.
Below is a list players who graduated high school in 2022 who are NOT currently on NFL rosters. These players would be granted a fifth year of eligibility by the court ruling:
Old Dominion OT Zach Barlev (currently on the Ottawa Redblacks' CFL roster)
#players #eligibility #sports
5 days ago
Aug. 1—A landmark ruling from a U.S. District Court judge in Colorado will open the door for hundreds of college athletes to return to school this coming fall and could help Gonzaga rebuild its roster at a crucial point of the offseason.
On Friday afternoon, Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney granted a preliminary injunction that will give any athlete from the high school class of 2022 an additional year of college eligibility.
The ruling comes after dozens of student-athletes in multiple states filed lawsuits against the NCAA, **** erting they should be eligible to compete under the regulatory body's new "5-for-5" rule that gives players five years to play five seasons.
NCAA President Charlie Baker, who previously stated outgoing college seniors wouldn't be grandfathered in to play under "5-for-5," reacted to Friday's court ruling through a written statement.
"Without targeted intervention from Congress, college sports cannot set nationwide rules everyone can play by and without Congress, failed professionals will continue to use college sports as a fallback option — robbing the next class of young athletes of college scholarships," Baker said. "It is long past time leaders across college sports call for the immediate passage of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act. ... Today's rulings and the chaos they bring to college sports are exactly why it's time to pass this bill."
#college #sports #play #congress
On Friday afternoon, Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney granted a preliminary injunction that will give any athlete from the high school class of 2022 an additional year of college eligibility.
The ruling comes after dozens of student-athletes in multiple states filed lawsuits against the NCAA, **** erting they should be eligible to compete under the regulatory body's new "5-for-5" rule that gives players five years to play five seasons.
NCAA President Charlie Baker, who previously stated outgoing college seniors wouldn't be grandfathered in to play under "5-for-5," reacted to Friday's court ruling through a written statement.
"Without targeted intervention from Congress, college sports cannot set nationwide rules everyone can play by and without Congress, failed professionals will continue to use college sports as a fallback option — robbing the next class of young athletes of college scholarships," Baker said. "It is long past time leaders across college sports call for the immediate passage of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act. ... Today's rulings and the chaos they bring to college sports are exactly why it's time to pass this bill."
#college #sports #play #congress
5 days ago
Late Friday evening, a judge in Colorado made a decision that could bring significant change to college athletics, especially college football, ahead of the 2026 season.
College athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and just exhausted their college eligibility this past year have been granted a class-wide preliminary injunction to play a fifth season.
The ruling came from Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. Distrct Court of Colorado on Friday, July 31.
With the new ruling in place, at least temporarily, a few Colorado football players from the Buffaloes' 2025 roster would be eligible to play the 2026 season. Those players are edge rusher Keaten Wade, placekicker Alejandro Mata and kickoff specialist Buck Buchanan.
Adding any of those three likely would not change much with Coloroso's 2026 roster, and CU currently has only one roster spot open. Mata, however, did respond to the ruling on social media, hinting he would be interested in a return.
#Friday
College athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and just exhausted their college eligibility this past year have been granted a class-wide preliminary injunction to play a fifth season.
The ruling came from Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. Distrct Court of Colorado on Friday, July 31.
With the new ruling in place, at least temporarily, a few Colorado football players from the Buffaloes' 2025 roster would be eligible to play the 2026 season. Those players are edge rusher Keaten Wade, placekicker Alejandro Mata and kickoff specialist Buck Buchanan.
Adding any of those three likely would not change much with Coloroso's 2026 roster, and CU currently has only one roster spot open. Mata, however, did respond to the ruling on social media, hinting he would be interested in a return.
#Friday
5 days ago
GAINESVILLE — Florida shooting guard Denzel Aberdeen cleared a major hurdle in his bid for a fifth-year of eligibility, but he likely faces another before being permitted to take the court for the Gators this season.
A Colorado court ruling Friday granted an extra year of eligibility to Aberdeen and every athlete in the 2022 class without requiring an NCAA waiver. But the class-wide preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Court judge Charlotte Sweeney is not a final judgment, leaving Aberdeen's eligibility in limbo unless the NCAA either loses an appeal or drops its legal challenge.
NCAA chief legal officer Scott Bearby issued a statement Saturday that the governing body will appeal the Sweeney's ruling. Bearby called the decision "egregiously wrong."
Aberdeen returned to Florida after spending last season at rival Kentucky, expecting to receive a waiver for a fifth season of eligibility.
The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Orlando native has completed four seasons of college basketball but saw limited action as a true freshman, appearing in just 12 games of 36 games and logging 41 minutes total minutes during coach Todd Golden's first season in Gainesville. He played three or fewer minutes in eight appearances and saw his most extensive action in his final two games, playing nine minutes in March against LSU and eight during a season-ending loss to UCF in the NIT.
#ncaa #court
A Colorado court ruling Friday granted an extra year of eligibility to Aberdeen and every athlete in the 2022 class without requiring an NCAA waiver. But the class-wide preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Court judge Charlotte Sweeney is not a final judgment, leaving Aberdeen's eligibility in limbo unless the NCAA either loses an appeal or drops its legal challenge.
NCAA chief legal officer Scott Bearby issued a statement Saturday that the governing body will appeal the Sweeney's ruling. Bearby called the decision "egregiously wrong."
Aberdeen returned to Florida after spending last season at rival Kentucky, expecting to receive a waiver for a fifth season of eligibility.
The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Orlando native has completed four seasons of college basketball but saw limited action as a true freshman, appearing in just 12 games of 36 games and logging 41 minutes total minutes during coach Todd Golden's first season in Gainesville. He played three or fewer minutes in eight appearances and saw his most extensive action in his final two games, playing nine minutes in March against LSU and eight during a season-ending loss to UCF in the NIT.
#ncaa #court
5 days ago
There's a chance that former Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos plays in college again during the 2026 season.
According to On3's Pete Nakos, Castellanos is exploring a return to college football for the 2026 season after gaining a fifth season of eligibility on Friday night.
MORE: Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti rips SEC 'hype machine'
It came after Colorado judge Charlotte Sweeney ordered the NCAA to declare eligible all class of 2022 athletes who finished their four seasons this past spring. Castellanos is one of those players after spending the 2025 season with Florida State.
Castellanos only spent one season with the Seminoles, finishing with 2,760 yards through the air, 15 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions. It came after he spent the previous two seasons as the Boston College Eagles' starting quarterback. He also spent one season with the UCF Knights.
#spent #Florida #came #seasons
According to On3's Pete Nakos, Castellanos is exploring a return to college football for the 2026 season after gaining a fifth season of eligibility on Friday night.
MORE: Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti rips SEC 'hype machine'
It came after Colorado judge Charlotte Sweeney ordered the NCAA to declare eligible all class of 2022 athletes who finished their four seasons this past spring. Castellanos is one of those players after spending the 2025 season with Florida State.
Castellanos only spent one season with the Seminoles, finishing with 2,760 yards through the air, 15 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions. It came after he spent the previous two seasons as the Boston College Eagles' starting quarterback. He also spent one season with the UCF Knights.
#spent #Florida #came #seasons
6 days ago
A federal judge granted a class-wide preliminary injunction Friday requiring the NCAA to make eligible athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and exhausted their four years of eligibility this spring.
Issued by Judge Charlotte Sweeney in the U.S. District Court of Colorado, the order follows multiple NCAA losses in state courts after athletes challenged the application of an age-based eligibility policy the organization adopted in June.
Colloquially known as the "five-for-five" rule, the change allows athletes five years to play five seasons starting with their full-time enrollment or the season after their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. The new policy eliminates redshirts, giving athletes the chance to play the maximum number of games in any of their eligible seasons without penalty.
But while the five-for-five rule has received support from coaches, the NCAA has recently been subject to legal challenges over its application of the policy. Notably, athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and exhausted their eligibility this year were not allotted fifth years, with the NCAA claiming their presence could "destabilize" rosters.
Dozens of class of 2022 athletes have since been granted injunctive relief in state courts, allowing players such as former New Mexico forward Filip Borovicanin to return for a fifth year. Sweeney's class-wide injunction took it a step forward, opening the door for hundreds — perhaps thousands — of athletes to return for a fifth year across all NCAA-sanctioned sports.
#class
Issued by Judge Charlotte Sweeney in the U.S. District Court of Colorado, the order follows multiple NCAA losses in state courts after athletes challenged the application of an age-based eligibility policy the organization adopted in June.
Colloquially known as the "five-for-five" rule, the change allows athletes five years to play five seasons starting with their full-time enrollment or the season after their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. The new policy eliminates redshirts, giving athletes the chance to play the maximum number of games in any of their eligible seasons without penalty.
But while the five-for-five rule has received support from coaches, the NCAA has recently been subject to legal challenges over its application of the policy. Notably, athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and exhausted their eligibility this year were not allotted fifth years, with the NCAA claiming their presence could "destabilize" rosters.
Dozens of class of 2022 athletes have since been granted injunctive relief in state courts, allowing players such as former New Mexico forward Filip Borovicanin to return for a fifth year. Sweeney's class-wide injunction took it a step forward, opening the door for hundreds — perhaps thousands — of athletes to return for a fifth year across all NCAA-sanctioned sports.
#class
6 days ago
A federal judge in Colorado granted a class-wide preliminary injunction on Friday requiring the NCAA to restore eligibility to all Division I athletes from the high school class of 2022 who finished up their four years this past spring.
The decision by Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado was reported by Boise State ***** ociate professor Sam Ehrlich. The injunction grants a class certification and a temporary restraining order to plaintiffs who qualify as stated:
"All persons in the United States who began to play in collegiate sports in the 2022-2023 season, competed in NCAA Division I sports, and completed four years of eligibility as defined by the NCAA's prior rules by the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season, and are therefore barred from playing a fifth season due to the NCAA's adoption and immediate implementation of the Five-Year Eligibility Rule."
Judge Sweeney's ruling is in response to a class-action lawsuit filed by 11 Division I athletes, including Minnesota men's college basketball player Cade Tyson, that challenged the NCAA approving an age-based, five-year eligibility model that allowed four seasons of eligibility over five years with no age restrictions. The model would eliminate redshirts and waivers.
In a statement released after Judge Sweeney's ruling was reported, NCAA president Charlie Baker disagreed with the ruling, saying Congress passing the Protect College Sports Act was necessary and suddenly restoring eligibility to an entire class would result in "chaos."
#eligibility #ncaa #five #season
The decision by Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado was reported by Boise State ***** ociate professor Sam Ehrlich. The injunction grants a class certification and a temporary restraining order to plaintiffs who qualify as stated:
"All persons in the United States who began to play in collegiate sports in the 2022-2023 season, competed in NCAA Division I sports, and completed four years of eligibility as defined by the NCAA's prior rules by the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season, and are therefore barred from playing a fifth season due to the NCAA's adoption and immediate implementation of the Five-Year Eligibility Rule."
Judge Sweeney's ruling is in response to a class-action lawsuit filed by 11 Division I athletes, including Minnesota men's college basketball player Cade Tyson, that challenged the NCAA approving an age-based, five-year eligibility model that allowed four seasons of eligibility over five years with no age restrictions. The model would eliminate redshirts and waivers.
In a statement released after Judge Sweeney's ruling was reported, NCAA president Charlie Baker disagreed with the ruling, saying Congress passing the Protect College Sports Act was necessary and suddenly restoring eligibility to an entire class would result in "chaos."
#eligibility #ncaa #five #season
6 days ago
Athletes who graduated high school in the Class of 2022 have been granted a preliminary injunction to play a fifth collegiate season, U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney of Colorado said Friday evening in a ruling that clears Cole Hutson's return to the Texas football team.
Starting next season, the NCAA will fully implement an age-based eligibility model that grants collegiate athletes five years regardless of playing time, a requirement commonly known as the "five-for-five" rule. The model, which effectively removes the redshirt concept, calls for an athlete's eligibility clock to start upon initial full-time enrollment in college or at the beginning of the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs earlier. The age-based eligibility implementation will begin this summer. Recruits starting in 2027 are age-based only.
However, class of 2022 athletes such as Hutson have challenged the rule in court, saying it should be extended to their class and the athletes that were only allowed to play four full seasons before running out of eligibility.
Earlier in July, Hutson was granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, allowing him to rejoin the Longhorns as he worked through his ongoing age-based eligibility lawsuit. He has been working out alongside his former teammates with the team but has not yet returned to the Texas roster while waiting for his scheduled court hearing Aug. 10 concerning Hutson's lawsuit filed earlier in July in Travis County.
That hearing is now, theoretically, unnecessary because of the ruling from Sweeney in her Colorado court.
#based
Starting next season, the NCAA will fully implement an age-based eligibility model that grants collegiate athletes five years regardless of playing time, a requirement commonly known as the "five-for-five" rule. The model, which effectively removes the redshirt concept, calls for an athlete's eligibility clock to start upon initial full-time enrollment in college or at the beginning of the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs earlier. The age-based eligibility implementation will begin this summer. Recruits starting in 2027 are age-based only.
However, class of 2022 athletes such as Hutson have challenged the rule in court, saying it should be extended to their class and the athletes that were only allowed to play four full seasons before running out of eligibility.
Earlier in July, Hutson was granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, allowing him to rejoin the Longhorns as he worked through his ongoing age-based eligibility lawsuit. He has been working out alongside his former teammates with the team but has not yet returned to the Texas roster while waiting for his scheduled court hearing Aug. 10 concerning Hutson's lawsuit filed earlier in July in Travis County.
That hearing is now, theoretically, unnecessary because of the ruling from Sweeney in her Colorado court.
#based
6 days ago
Could some former Arizona State athletes receive an extra year of eligibility?
It appears so.
Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado granted a class-wide preliminary injunction that requires the NCAA to declare eligible high school athletes who entered collegiate competition during the 2022-23 year and exhausted their eligibility in the 2025-26 competition year.
This would bring those in the high school class of 2022 into the current era of 5-for-5, which allows an athlete to play for five years following the completion of high school.
It is unclear if football players who signed contracts as undrafted free agents will be permitted to return to college.
#year #athletes #eligibility #class
It appears so.
Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado granted a class-wide preliminary injunction that requires the NCAA to declare eligible high school athletes who entered collegiate competition during the 2022-23 year and exhausted their eligibility in the 2025-26 competition year.
This would bring those in the high school class of 2022 into the current era of 5-for-5, which allows an athlete to play for five years following the completion of high school.
It is unclear if football players who signed contracts as undrafted free agents will be permitted to return to college.
#year #athletes #eligibility #class
6 days ago
Former Arizona State guard Maurice Odum plans to enter the Transfer Portal, On3's Joe Tipton reports.
Odum's decision to return for one more season of collegiate basketball comes after Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado granted a class-wide preliminary injunction that requires the NCAA to declare eligible all high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted four seasons of eligibility this spring.
$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage
Odum played four seasons of college basketball with three different programs. He spent his first two seasons at Pacific (2022-24), before spending a season each at Pepperdine (2024-25) and Arizona State (2025-26) to cap off what he thought would be the end of his college basketball career.
To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3's Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.
#portal #seasons #arizona #four
Odum's decision to return for one more season of collegiate basketball comes after Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado granted a class-wide preliminary injunction that requires the NCAA to declare eligible all high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted four seasons of eligibility this spring.
$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage
Odum played four seasons of college basketball with three different programs. He spent his first two seasons at Pacific (2022-24), before spending a season each at Pepperdine (2024-25) and Arizona State (2025-26) to cap off what he thought would be the end of his college basketball career.
To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3's Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.
#portal #seasons #arizona #four
6 days ago
DENVER (AP) — A federal court dealt a perhaps chaos-inducing blow to the NCAA's new eligibility rule Friday when it ruled that all high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted their fourth season of college eligibility this spring are eligible for a fifth season this school year.
The ruling from U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney in Denver, expected to be appealed, undercuts the NCAA's plan to have the so-called "five for five" rule go into play starting with athletes who enroll in college in fall 2027.
It also has potential to wreak havoc on rosters across the country — for instance, opening the possibility that an undrafted player in an NFL training camp could decide to try to head back to college for a fifth year this upcoming season.
In granting the preliminary injunction, Sweeney said the players "will suffer irreparable harm without" it. She did not sign onto the governing body's argument that applying the new rule retroactively would create "roster chaos."
But NCAA President Charlie Baker said it would in responding to the rulings while referencing a bill in Congress designed to provide the NCAA antitrust protection on the eligibility issues.
#rule #school
The ruling from U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney in Denver, expected to be appealed, undercuts the NCAA's plan to have the so-called "five for five" rule go into play starting with athletes who enroll in college in fall 2027.
It also has potential to wreak havoc on rosters across the country — for instance, opening the possibility that an undrafted player in an NFL training camp could decide to try to head back to college for a fifth year this upcoming season.
In granting the preliminary injunction, Sweeney said the players "will suffer irreparable harm without" it. She did not sign onto the governing body's argument that applying the new rule retroactively would create "roster chaos."
But NCAA President Charlie Baker said it would in responding to the rulings while referencing a bill in Congress designed to provide the NCAA antitrust protection on the eligibility issues.
#rule #school
6 days ago
Former UCLA guard Donovan Dent plans to enter the Transfer Portal with a do not contact tag, On3's Joe Tipton reports.
Dent's decision to return for one more season of collegiate basketball comes after Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado granted a class-wide preliminary injunction that requires the NCAA to declare eligible all high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted four seasons of eligibility this spring.
$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage
Dent previously retired from basketball earlier this year after choosing not to enter the NBA Draft.
"It's nothing new to me, I already knew where I was at mentally," Dent said. "It was a long talk with my family after the season. I wanted to make sure they understood my side of it and that they supported me through it. Once they did, it was really easy for me to adjust to it."
#enter #season #class
Dent's decision to return for one more season of collegiate basketball comes after Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado granted a class-wide preliminary injunction that requires the NCAA to declare eligible all high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted four seasons of eligibility this spring.
$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage
Dent previously retired from basketball earlier this year after choosing not to enter the NBA Draft.
"It's nothing new to me, I already knew where I was at mentally," Dent said. "It was a long talk with my family after the season. I wanted to make sure they understood my side of it and that they supported me through it. Once they did, it was really easy for me to adjust to it."
#enter #season #class
6 days ago
USA men's tennis star Taylor Fritz has been playing some of the best tennis of his life this summer. This is especially impressive because he has been navigating a recent heartbreak.
Fritz and his longtime girlfriend, Morgan Riddle, broke up back in April after spending being together for six years. This was a highly public breakup, if only because Fritz is one of the best-known American tennis players in the world right now and Riddle is an extremely popular social media influencer.
Taylor Fritz and Morgan Riddle pose at an event together. Getty Images for Spotify
There have been rumors that Fritz was dating other celebrities shortly after splitting with Riddle. What's for sure is that he has A-list actress Sydney Sweeney on his mind.
This was made clear when Fritz was golfing with influencers Nick Nayersina, David Dobrik, and Josh Richards for a YouTube video that was posted on July 23.
#riddle #tennis #best #together
Fritz and his longtime girlfriend, Morgan Riddle, broke up back in April after spending being together for six years. This was a highly public breakup, if only because Fritz is one of the best-known American tennis players in the world right now and Riddle is an extremely popular social media influencer.
Taylor Fritz and Morgan Riddle pose at an event together. Getty Images for Spotify
There have been rumors that Fritz was dating other celebrities shortly after splitting with Riddle. What's for sure is that he has A-list actress Sydney Sweeney on his mind.
This was made clear when Fritz was golfing with influencers Nick Nayersina, David Dobrik, and Josh Richards for a YouTube video that was posted on July 23.
#riddle #tennis #best #together
9 days ago
Emne'ko Sweeney, a former Kutztown University running back and York High graduate, is among six individuals set to be inducted into the university's Athletics Hall of Fame this fall.
Sweeney, who played for the Golden Bears in the late 1990s, was the first running back in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards twice in a career. He currently ranks as the seventh all-time leading rusher in Kutztown history.
Names to know | Here are 100 South Central athletes you need to follow in 2026-27
Sweeney claimed All-PSAC East First Team honors following the 1997 and 1998 seasons. He enjoyed his first 1,000-yard rushing season as a junior in 1997, finishing with a career-high 1,113 yards. Sweeney nearly duplicated his output as a senior, going for 1,103 yards. He is one of only six players in program history to eclipse 200 carries in a season, with 218 in 1998.
Along with his prowess on the ground, Sweeney led the team with 30 receptions for 244 yards and a touchdown as a senior. He ran for a career-high 11 touchdowns as a junior.
#history #running #back
Sweeney, who played for the Golden Bears in the late 1990s, was the first running back in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards twice in a career. He currently ranks as the seventh all-time leading rusher in Kutztown history.
Names to know | Here are 100 South Central athletes you need to follow in 2026-27
Sweeney claimed All-PSAC East First Team honors following the 1997 and 1998 seasons. He enjoyed his first 1,000-yard rushing season as a junior in 1997, finishing with a career-high 1,113 yards. Sweeney nearly duplicated his output as a senior, going for 1,103 yards. He is one of only six players in program history to eclipse 200 carries in a season, with 218 in 1998.
Along with his prowess on the ground, Sweeney led the team with 30 receptions for 244 yards and a touchdown as a senior. He ran for a career-high 11 touchdowns as a junior.
#history #running #back
13 days ago
Patrick Mahomes has made a remarkable recovery from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. The Chiefs quarterback injured his knee in a Dec. 14 game and underwent surgery the following day.
A little over seven months later, he is cleared for training camp.
Mahomes said he consulted with several players who went through a similar rehab.
"I talked to Tom [Brady] early in the process because he had the same injury, a very similar injury that I had," Mahomes said Friday, via Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star.
Brady tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee during the season opener in 2008 before winning Comeback Player of the Year in 2009.
#mahomes #brady #left
A little over seven months later, he is cleared for training camp.
Mahomes said he consulted with several players who went through a similar rehab.
"I talked to Tom [Brady] early in the process because he had the same injury, a very similar injury that I had," Mahomes said Friday, via Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star.
Brady tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee during the season opener in 2008 before winning Comeback Player of the Year in 2009.
#mahomes #brady #left
15 days ago
Sydney Sweeney is yet again the face of American Eagle.
The Euphoria actress, 28, took to Instagram to reveal her starring role in the denim company's "low-rise season" campaign. In a series of images, she appeared modeling the brand's new, dropped waistline jeans in a variety of styles including wide-leg, boot-cut and baggy.
She finished the looks with classic tops lik tees, tank tops and a cropped jean jacket.
"Denim on denim is always in," she wrote on her Instagram Story.
Last summer, the actress and apparel company caused a frenzy when they released the Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans campaign.
#tops
The Euphoria actress, 28, took to Instagram to reveal her starring role in the denim company's "low-rise season" campaign. In a series of images, she appeared modeling the brand's new, dropped waistline jeans in a variety of styles including wide-leg, boot-cut and baggy.
She finished the looks with classic tops lik tees, tank tops and a cropped jean jacket.
"Denim on denim is always in," she wrote on her Instagram Story.
Last summer, the actress and apparel company caused a frenzy when they released the Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans campaign.
#tops
16 days ago
Welcome to a new series on CougCenter. Each week leading up to kickoff of the 2026 football season, we will be previewing one of the new teams joining the Pac-12. Today, we begin with the Fresno State Bulldogs. The Washington State Cougars will see the Bulldogs for the first time as a conference opponent in Week 5 in Pullman.
But before we meet the Bulldogs on the field or court, who is Fresno State?
California State University, Fresno, or Fresno State, was founded in 1911 as part of the California State University system, located in, well, Fresno, California.
The Bulldogs began playing football in 1921, playing as an independent. They later joined the Pacific Coast Athletic ****** ociation, now known as the Big West Conference, in 1969. From there, they joined the WAC in 1992, where they remained until joining the Mountain West in 2012.
Fresno State found success early in their football years, boasting undefeated records in 1930 and 1961. The latter earned them a trip to the Mercy Bowl, held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. They defeated Bowling Green 36-6 to cap their undefeated season. The two teams ended up meeting in the next two bowl appearances by Fresno State in 1982 and 1985, this time in the California Bowl. The Bulldogs won both of those meetings, including a 51-7 thrashing in 1985, which again capped off an undefeated season. All of this under head coach Jim Sweeney, who coached Washington State prior to his time at Fresno State from 1968 to 1975.
#bowl
But before we meet the Bulldogs on the field or court, who is Fresno State?
California State University, Fresno, or Fresno State, was founded in 1911 as part of the California State University system, located in, well, Fresno, California.
The Bulldogs began playing football in 1921, playing as an independent. They later joined the Pacific Coast Athletic ****** ociation, now known as the Big West Conference, in 1969. From there, they joined the WAC in 1992, where they remained until joining the Mountain West in 2012.
Fresno State found success early in their football years, boasting undefeated records in 1930 and 1961. The latter earned them a trip to the Mercy Bowl, held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. They defeated Bowling Green 36-6 to cap their undefeated season. The two teams ended up meeting in the next two bowl appearances by Fresno State in 1982 and 1985, this time in the California Bowl. The Bulldogs won both of those meetings, including a 51-7 thrashing in 1985, which again capped off an undefeated season. All of this under head coach Jim Sweeney, who coached Washington State prior to his time at Fresno State from 1968 to 1975.
#bowl
17 days ago
Sydney Sweeney took to social media to share a photo dump from her recent trip to Australia. The post included snaps of exciting experiences and a few loved-up images with her beau, Scooter Braun. The couple has been romantically linked since they were spotted together in Italy last year following Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's wedding.
Sweeney shared a carousel of pictures from her trip to Australia on Instagram. It ranged from thrilling activities, adorable moments with Braun, to indulging in a beach experience. In the images she shared, the Euphoria actress was seen doing indoor rock climbing, a tree-to-tree crossing activity, scuba diving, competing in dashing cars, playing UNO Mercy, and soaking up sun in a bikini.
Among her various moments with Braun in the pictures, some included a dinner-date photo, them doing the famous ****** anic pose, standing by a helicopter, kissing on a plane, doing a tricky stunt, and much more. The caption of the post read, "a little aussie dump."
Last month, Sweeney also celebrated Braun's birthday by throwing him a party. It was attended by A-list celebrities including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, according to Page Six. Sharing more details on the birthday bash, an insider told the outlet, "She had a basketball hoop set up. Warren G performed 'Regulate,' Scooter's favorite."
This photo update also comes a few months after Braun publicly spoke about his love life. However, he didn't mention Sweeney's name. Braun said to Variety, "I've met an extraordinary woman, kind and generous and smart, and real and down to earth — and one of the biggest surprises ever." He was also asked whether he had been keeping up with Euphoria Season 3, which received backlash for Sweeney's Cassie Howard's storyline. He said, "I am catching it. I'm biased; I like it. I think there's been an incredible performance by a certain actress."
Sweeney shared a carousel of pictures from her trip to Australia on Instagram. It ranged from thrilling activities, adorable moments with Braun, to indulging in a beach experience. In the images she shared, the Euphoria actress was seen doing indoor rock climbing, a tree-to-tree crossing activity, scuba diving, competing in dashing cars, playing UNO Mercy, and soaking up sun in a bikini.
Among her various moments with Braun in the pictures, some included a dinner-date photo, them doing the famous ****** anic pose, standing by a helicopter, kissing on a plane, doing a tricky stunt, and much more. The caption of the post read, "a little aussie dump."
Last month, Sweeney also celebrated Braun's birthday by throwing him a party. It was attended by A-list celebrities including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, according to Page Six. Sharing more details on the birthday bash, an insider told the outlet, "She had a basketball hoop set up. Warren G performed 'Regulate,' Scooter's favorite."
This photo update also comes a few months after Braun publicly spoke about his love life. However, he didn't mention Sweeney's name. Braun said to Variety, "I've met an extraordinary woman, kind and generous and smart, and real and down to earth — and one of the biggest surprises ever." He was also asked whether he had been keeping up with Euphoria Season 3, which received backlash for Sweeney's Cassie Howard's storyline. He said, "I am catching it. I'm biased; I like it. I think there's been an incredible performance by a certain actress."
24 days ago
The Boston Bruins defied expectations during the 2025-26 season, finishing with 100 points and landing in the playoffs, but the work was not going to stop there.
Don Sweeney knew the Bruins had to get better. He set out to acquire speed and skill, and that is something that both he and Cam Neely called for in their end-of-season press conference. They also needed right-shot defensemen, as Charlie McAvoy was the only one who was still under contract and did not fall out of the lineup this past season.
Through a flurry of trades and signings, the Bruins are in a better position than they were back in April, but so are the teams around them. Those moves started on draft day and continued through the July 1 opening of free agency. They may not be done yet, but for now, Sweeney has put pieces in place to make the Bruins an even more competitive team.
Grade: A
The Bruins' big move of the summer happened right before the first round of the NHL Draft got started. Sweeney packaged the No. 23 pick along with Florida's 2028 first-rounder (top 10 protected) to land 24-year-old JJ Peterka, out of nowhere, from the Utah Mammoth. Landing in Utah just 366 days before the trade, the German-born forward finished last season with 47 points (25-22–47), down from 68 (27-41–68) in Buffalo the season before.
Don Sweeney knew the Bruins had to get better. He set out to acquire speed and skill, and that is something that both he and Cam Neely called for in their end-of-season press conference. They also needed right-shot defensemen, as Charlie McAvoy was the only one who was still under contract and did not fall out of the lineup this past season.
Through a flurry of trades and signings, the Bruins are in a better position than they were back in April, but so are the teams around them. Those moves started on draft day and continued through the July 1 opening of free agency. They may not be done yet, but for now, Sweeney has put pieces in place to make the Bruins an even more competitive team.
Grade: A
The Bruins' big move of the summer happened right before the first round of the NHL Draft got started. Sweeney packaged the No. 23 pick along with Florida's 2028 first-rounder (top 10 protected) to land 24-year-old JJ Peterka, out of nowhere, from the Utah Mammoth. Landing in Utah just 366 days before the trade, the German-born forward finished last season with 47 points (25-22–47), down from 68 (27-41–68) in Buffalo the season before.
26 days ago
LAS VEGAS — Nestled in a low-riding chair wearing a sharp white polo and black shorts, it was easy for Magic star forward Paolo Banchero, stationed at Court 11 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, to blend in with the crowd while he supported his beloved Seattle Rotary AAU team.
Such is the nature of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, or EYBL for short. The thousands of kids scrimmaging nonstop throughout the day — surrounded by the flurry of activity from parents, scouts, agents and onlookers in between the individual courts — almost make him a secondary figure, allowing him to escape attention.
It’s a much harder task pulling that off at his day job. Banchero, a 6-foot-10 forward entering his fifth year in the NBA, is approaching a pivotal point in his young career. His style of play, a high-usage offensive engine unto himself — with a high motor, processing speed and unique skillset for someone his size — is hopeful of meshing seamlessly with a new head coach. Sean Sweeney, a former ***** istant coach under Mitch Johnson in San Antonio, joined the Orlando Magic following the Finals, looking to take the organization further forward than what his predecessor, Jamahl Mosley, could.
The underlying Banchero question has always been how to marry his versatility with his surroundings, all while producing efficient play. Advanced ***** ytics paint a wide-ranging picture of Banchero’s overall impact, as metrics can be influenced by ***** ing (personnel choices), tactics and strategy. Banchero ranks 97th in LEBRON, 146th in DARKO, 141st in LAKER and 56th in Player Efficiency Rating. Last season was the first, according to Cleaning the Glass, that the Magic weren’t a net negative with Banchero on the floor (Orlando was -17 in his playoff minutes, but was also -19 with him on the bench versus Detroit.)
Orlando is blessed with an abundance of additional playmakers — Jalen Sugs, Desmond Bane and Anthony Black are all capable of creation — but Banchero’s ***** ist rate, combined with how often he possesses the ball in the frontcourt, warrant additional conversations between Banchero and Sweeney for how to improve the Magic’s output.
Such is the nature of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, or EYBL for short. The thousands of kids scrimmaging nonstop throughout the day — surrounded by the flurry of activity from parents, scouts, agents and onlookers in between the individual courts — almost make him a secondary figure, allowing him to escape attention.
It’s a much harder task pulling that off at his day job. Banchero, a 6-foot-10 forward entering his fifth year in the NBA, is approaching a pivotal point in his young career. His style of play, a high-usage offensive engine unto himself — with a high motor, processing speed and unique skillset for someone his size — is hopeful of meshing seamlessly with a new head coach. Sean Sweeney, a former ***** istant coach under Mitch Johnson in San Antonio, joined the Orlando Magic following the Finals, looking to take the organization further forward than what his predecessor, Jamahl Mosley, could.
The underlying Banchero question has always been how to marry his versatility with his surroundings, all while producing efficient play. Advanced ***** ytics paint a wide-ranging picture of Banchero’s overall impact, as metrics can be influenced by ***** ing (personnel choices), tactics and strategy. Banchero ranks 97th in LEBRON, 146th in DARKO, 141st in LAKER and 56th in Player Efficiency Rating. Last season was the first, according to Cleaning the Glass, that the Magic weren’t a net negative with Banchero on the floor (Orlando was -17 in his playoff minutes, but was also -19 with him on the bench versus Detroit.)
Orlando is blessed with an abundance of additional playmakers — Jalen Sugs, Desmond Bane and Anthony Black are all capable of creation — but Banchero’s ***** ist rate, combined with how often he possesses the ball in the frontcourt, warrant additional conversations between Banchero and Sweeney for how to improve the Magic’s output.
29 days ago
Much as been made by fans following popular baseball prospect site, baseballamerica.com, posting their organizational rankings among all MLB teams. The hometown Phillies ranked as the 29th worst farm system in the league based on prospect talent. This seems bad, huh? For a team with aging stars and up against the luxury tax threshold, an injection of young talent could be the only way to prolong this current run of regular seasons success for the Phillies. You are now thinking, how could they have fallen from 20th (in the preseason ranking) to near dead-last? What might have caused this? Well, two things. The graduation of prospects and the lack of development elsewhere. In regards to the former, it always seems to go over the casual fan’s head that could be a driving factor in these nonsensical rankings (nothing against rankings, I love them…but they are really arbitrary and objective). The Phillies graduated two Top100 MLB prospects in Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford. That is a legit major factor! This doesn’t even factor in struggles by Jean Cabrera, Aroon Escobar, Dante Nori, and Carson DeMartini. Not to mention their best prospect has yet to take the field (a consensus Top20 prospect in the game) in shortstop Aidan Miller.
I’m NOT saying this isn’t time to hit the panic **** on. Development has stagnated among prospects, especially on the hitting side. It feels any promising prospect hits that AA/AAA wall and nothing ever materializes. Its frustrating! The Phillies need to do a lot better in both drafting and international scouting. It is largely why the last few years the Phillies have needed to sign and trade for talent rather than find it within the organization. It isn’t a sustainable model if you aren’t blowing past the luxury tax.
You may ask, has it always been like this? Haven’t the Phillies had touted prospects and a system not that long ago? Lets look back at 2016, using a similar list from baseballamerica.com (its their preseason ranking, they didn’t do a full 30 for midseason). In 2016, the Phillies ranking 8th in the league. Led by promising names like JP Crawford, Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, and Jorge Alfaro.
Now these are some great names. The Phillies most impactful player wound up being 23rd ranked 1B-only prospect Rhys Hoskins. Who if memory serves me correctly, wasn’t nearly as fawned over as the monstrous OF Dylan Cozens. A lot of the names on here were also acquired via trade including: Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, Jorge Alfaro, Zach Eflin, Nick Pivetta, Darnell Sweeney, Ben Lively, Jimmy Cordero, and Tom Windle. 10 years later, only Hoskins, Crawford, Eflin, and Nick Pivetta remain major leaguers or had significant impacts.
If you were to tell me that there will be less than four impactful players from this year’s midseason Top30 Phillies list, I wouldn’t argue with you. I’m not sure the same amount of pedigree is there as there was in 2016. However, there is still some optimism. Gage Wood looks at a MINIMUM a
I’m NOT saying this isn’t time to hit the panic **** on. Development has stagnated among prospects, especially on the hitting side. It feels any promising prospect hits that AA/AAA wall and nothing ever materializes. Its frustrating! The Phillies need to do a lot better in both drafting and international scouting. It is largely why the last few years the Phillies have needed to sign and trade for talent rather than find it within the organization. It isn’t a sustainable model if you aren’t blowing past the luxury tax.
You may ask, has it always been like this? Haven’t the Phillies had touted prospects and a system not that long ago? Lets look back at 2016, using a similar list from baseballamerica.com (its their preseason ranking, they didn’t do a full 30 for midseason). In 2016, the Phillies ranking 8th in the league. Led by promising names like JP Crawford, Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, and Jorge Alfaro.
Now these are some great names. The Phillies most impactful player wound up being 23rd ranked 1B-only prospect Rhys Hoskins. Who if memory serves me correctly, wasn’t nearly as fawned over as the monstrous OF Dylan Cozens. A lot of the names on here were also acquired via trade including: Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, Jorge Alfaro, Zach Eflin, Nick Pivetta, Darnell Sweeney, Ben Lively, Jimmy Cordero, and Tom Windle. 10 years later, only Hoskins, Crawford, Eflin, and Nick Pivetta remain major leaguers or had significant impacts.
If you were to tell me that there will be less than four impactful players from this year’s midseason Top30 Phillies list, I wouldn’t argue with you. I’m not sure the same amount of pedigree is there as there was in 2016. However, there is still some optimism. Gage Wood looks at a MINIMUM a
