10 days ago
A pre-Christmas visit from Ed Cooley. A New Year's trip out West.
A Super Bowl Sunday showdown at Villanova. A Friday night fight at Madison Square Garden with Rick Pitino and St. John's.
For all the talk about the UConn men's basketball team's historically difficult non-conference schedule, it's easy to forget that the Huskies' Big East slate will yield plenty of challenges as well. Thanks to improved spending by several teams, the league figures to be deeper and more talented than last season, when it earned just three NCAA Tournament bids for the second time in three years.
The Huskies' 2026-27 Big East schedule was released on Monday. Here's a breakdown, with times and venues still to be determined:
Hoyas are the only Big East team whose 2026-27 roster still isn't up on their website, fwiw.
#east #christmas #cooley #bowl
A Super Bowl Sunday showdown at Villanova. A Friday night fight at Madison Square Garden with Rick Pitino and St. John's.
For all the talk about the UConn men's basketball team's historically difficult non-conference schedule, it's easy to forget that the Huskies' Big East slate will yield plenty of challenges as well. Thanks to improved spending by several teams, the league figures to be deeper and more talented than last season, when it earned just three NCAA Tournament bids for the second time in three years.
The Huskies' 2026-27 Big East schedule was released on Monday. Here's a breakdown, with times and venues still to be determined:
Hoyas are the only Big East team whose 2026-27 roster still isn't up on their website, fwiw.
#east #christmas #cooley #bowl
13 days ago
I want to start by first giving credit the owner of this site, Mike Rutherford. I promise I'm not being a brown noser as I want to give Mike credit for calling exactly how this game would go. All week he said that he imagined this game would get off to an annoying start and it would take at least the first quarter for the team to wake up. I don't like giving flowers to others, but that's exactly how the game went.
The offense sputtered on their first drive, in what really should have been an opening 3-and-out, saved by a questionable roughing the passer penalty. And Villonva had no trouble marching down the field on easy screen and dump passes.
But even after Lincoln Kienholz's back-to-back misses to Jaleel Skinner, Kienholz found him on the next drive for a sensational TD by the big guy. This was, of course, after he had scampered for his second rushing touchdown of the season.
JALEEL SKINNER TO THE 🏠 LouisvilleFB pic.twitter.com/VXrtPgmXWb
But what followed was the most frustrating and disappointing part of the game when Villanova scored 2 plays later on a 65-yard strike by Pat McQuaide. I should mention that McQuaide played a great game as he went 18/31 for 166 yards and a touchdown.
#game #first #mike #start
The offense sputtered on their first drive, in what really should have been an opening 3-and-out, saved by a questionable roughing the passer penalty. And Villonva had no trouble marching down the field on easy screen and dump passes.
But even after Lincoln Kienholz's back-to-back misses to Jaleel Skinner, Kienholz found him on the next drive for a sensational TD by the big guy. This was, of course, after he had scampered for his second rushing touchdown of the season.
JALEEL SKINNER TO THE 🏠 LouisvilleFB pic.twitter.com/VXrtPgmXWb
But what followed was the most frustrating and disappointing part of the game when Villanova scored 2 plays later on a 65-yard strike by Pat McQuaide. I should mention that McQuaide played a great game as he went 18/31 for 166 yards and a touchdown.
#game #first #mike #start
13 days ago
Deion Branch's advice to his group of Louisville wide receivers for this week is to keep the noise outside and stay off the internet.
Turn off the TV — not even SportsCenter — or any kind of media. No "rat poison," as Nick Saban would say.
"The spreads and what we're favored by, that stuff doesn't matter," Branch told the Cardinals, who are favored by 36.5 points against Villanova. "You still have to go out and play the game. We have to go out and execute our plays. I need my guys to perform at a very high level for the team and also for themselves. ... So that's my message to the guys. Don't pay any attention to it. Just come in here and continue to work and push forward."
Louisville won't be overlooking the Wildcats tonight in its 2026 home opener. There was too much to work on in the team's 41-38 season-opening loss to No. 11 Ole Miss. Defensively, the Cards need to limit big plays and prevent completions up the seam. Offensively, they need to make sure that quarterback Lincoln Kienholz settles in sooner and doesn't jump out of the pocket before necessary. Having a full game under his belt will help the Ohio State transfer do that. In his first start, Kienholz completed 62.1% of his passes (18-29) with two touchdowns and became the first Louisville starting quarterback to throw for at least 300 yards in his debut (307 yards) since Kyle Bolin, then a redshirt freshman, threw for 300 yards in a 37-14 loss to Georgia in the 2014 Belk Bowl.
The Courier Journal is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from Friday night's game. Follow along:
#need #yards
Turn off the TV — not even SportsCenter — or any kind of media. No "rat poison," as Nick Saban would say.
"The spreads and what we're favored by, that stuff doesn't matter," Branch told the Cardinals, who are favored by 36.5 points against Villanova. "You still have to go out and play the game. We have to go out and execute our plays. I need my guys to perform at a very high level for the team and also for themselves. ... So that's my message to the guys. Don't pay any attention to it. Just come in here and continue to work and push forward."
Louisville won't be overlooking the Wildcats tonight in its 2026 home opener. There was too much to work on in the team's 41-38 season-opening loss to No. 11 Ole Miss. Defensively, the Cards need to limit big plays and prevent completions up the seam. Offensively, they need to make sure that quarterback Lincoln Kienholz settles in sooner and doesn't jump out of the pocket before necessary. Having a full game under his belt will help the Ohio State transfer do that. In his first start, Kienholz completed 62.1% of his passes (18-29) with two touchdowns and became the first Louisville starting quarterback to throw for at least 300 yards in his debut (307 yards) since Kyle Bolin, then a redshirt freshman, threw for 300 yards in a 37-14 loss to Georgia in the 2014 Belk Bowl.
The Courier Journal is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from Friday night's game. Follow along:
#need #yards
18 days ago
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson seemed caught off-guard after a fan claimed to have insight into his and his teammate's financial planning.
Brunson might have given up $113 million by extending his contract in 2024 instead of becoming a free agent in 2025, but that decision has already paid off to the tune of a Championship.
With Brunson also needing to recover the $113 million he left on the table, it seems fans have found out about his next move in terms of his financial planning.
A report from an X account claimed that Brunson, alongside old college teammates Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, have signed up to become Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management clients, with former Villanova teammate Matt Kennedy as their financial advisor.
Brunson's reaction to this report was hilarious, as he confirmed his close relationship with Kennedy while asking about the sources that led to this story.
#financial #million #report
Brunson might have given up $113 million by extending his contract in 2024 instead of becoming a free agent in 2025, but that decision has already paid off to the tune of a Championship.
With Brunson also needing to recover the $113 million he left on the table, it seems fans have found out about his next move in terms of his financial planning.
A report from an X account claimed that Brunson, alongside old college teammates Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, have signed up to become Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management clients, with former Villanova teammate Matt Kennedy as their financial advisor.
Brunson's reaction to this report was hilarious, as he confirmed his close relationship with Kennedy while asking about the sources that led to this story.
#financial #million #report
20 days ago
Donovan Mitchell could have been part of one of the great Villanova teams. He revealed how legendary head coach Jay Wright's honesty ended up changing that.
Donovan Mitchell has become one of the modern NBA's best scorers, he is already a 7-time All-Star at the age of 29. The Cleveland Cavaliers man is yet to win a championship, but he could've had one in college.
Mitchell played for two years with the Louisville Cardinals between 2015 and 2017 before declaring for the NBA Draft. However, there was a chance he could have joined Villanova instead.
As with any top high school player, Mitchell met with various head coaches before deciding where to commit. And his meeting with Jay Wright is what led to him not joining the program.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
#head #cleveland #cardinals
Donovan Mitchell has become one of the modern NBA's best scorers, he is already a 7-time All-Star at the age of 29. The Cleveland Cavaliers man is yet to win a championship, but he could've had one in college.
Mitchell played for two years with the Louisville Cardinals between 2015 and 2017 before declaring for the NBA Draft. However, there was a chance he could have joined Villanova instead.
As with any top high school player, Mitchell met with various head coaches before deciding where to commit. And his meeting with Jay Wright is what led to him not joining the program.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
#head #cleveland #cardinals
22 days ago
Dan Hurley's historically successful run with UConn men's basketball peaked in the spring of 2024, when his Huskies rampaged through the NCAA Tournament to clinch a second consecutive championship.
On Wednesday, CBS Sports released the latest installment of the publication's "Candid Coaches" series, asking 100 anonymous coaches to name the best college basketball team of the 21st century. Fueled by this outstanding postseason run, UConn's 2023-24 team was the most popular answer, with 17% of coaches choosing the Huskies and several highlighting Hurley's role in cultivating such historic dominance.
"Insanely dominant," one coach told CBS about the Huskies. "Five NBA players in the starting lineup. Best coach in the sport on the sidelines."
That ***** le run is part of an ongoing stretch of postseason excellence for UConn, as the Huskies reached their third national championship game in four seasons this past April before falling against Michigan. The 2025-26 Michigan team, fueled by a dominant frontcourt of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson and Aday Mara, is tied for second place at 14% with the 2000-01 Duke squad. Other top answers include 2017-18 Villanova, 2006-07 Florida and John Calipari's Kentucky squads from 2011-12 and 2014-15.
For a group of reigning champions, the 2023-24 UConn squad was hardly a runaway favorite to make another national ***** le run, as Hurley needed to replace several key contributors, including star centers Adama Sanogo and wings Andre Jackson and Jordan Hawkins. The Huskies appeared somewhat mortal early on, letting a late lead against Kansas slip away at Allen Fieldhouse to kick off December before a stunning 15-point road loss at Seton Hall three weeks later.
#huskies #team #michigan
On Wednesday, CBS Sports released the latest installment of the publication's "Candid Coaches" series, asking 100 anonymous coaches to name the best college basketball team of the 21st century. Fueled by this outstanding postseason run, UConn's 2023-24 team was the most popular answer, with 17% of coaches choosing the Huskies and several highlighting Hurley's role in cultivating such historic dominance.
"Insanely dominant," one coach told CBS about the Huskies. "Five NBA players in the starting lineup. Best coach in the sport on the sidelines."
That ***** le run is part of an ongoing stretch of postseason excellence for UConn, as the Huskies reached their third national championship game in four seasons this past April before falling against Michigan. The 2025-26 Michigan team, fueled by a dominant frontcourt of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson and Aday Mara, is tied for second place at 14% with the 2000-01 Duke squad. Other top answers include 2017-18 Villanova, 2006-07 Florida and John Calipari's Kentucky squads from 2011-12 and 2014-15.
For a group of reigning champions, the 2023-24 UConn squad was hardly a runaway favorite to make another national ***** le run, as Hurley needed to replace several key contributors, including star centers Adama Sanogo and wings Andre Jackson and Jordan Hawkins. The Huskies appeared somewhat mortal early on, letting a late lead against Kansas slip away at Allen Fieldhouse to kick off December before a stunning 15-point road loss at Seton Hall three weeks later.
#huskies #team #michigan
22 days ago
Iowa's safety position will look different this season. Xavier Nwankpa went on to the NFL, where he has found a home with the Kansas City Chiefs. His starting safety partner, Koen Entringer, transferred to Louisville not long after.
With a pair of talented defensive backs departing the program, Kirk Ferentz knew he had to hit the transfer portal to fill that roster hole.
Ferentz and the Hawkeyes did exactly that, bringing in a trio of transfer safeties: third-year Tyler Brown from James Madison, third-year Xavier Styles from Robert Morris and third-year Anthony Hawkins from Villanova. Brown was the most highly regarded of the group, with many expecting him to start right away on the back end.
However, an offseason injury has put a wrench in those plans.
Brown is still nursing a muscle strain and didn't appear on Iowa's season-opening depth chart. In his absence, Ferentz named Hawkins as the starter at strong safety. In his media availability on Tuesday, the longtime head coach broke down what's stood out to him about Hawkins' game this offseason.
#year #xavier #transfer #offseason
With a pair of talented defensive backs departing the program, Kirk Ferentz knew he had to hit the transfer portal to fill that roster hole.
Ferentz and the Hawkeyes did exactly that, bringing in a trio of transfer safeties: third-year Tyler Brown from James Madison, third-year Xavier Styles from Robert Morris and third-year Anthony Hawkins from Villanova. Brown was the most highly regarded of the group, with many expecting him to start right away on the back end.
However, an offseason injury has put a wrench in those plans.
Brown is still nursing a muscle strain and didn't appear on Iowa's season-opening depth chart. In his absence, Ferentz named Hawkins as the starter at strong safety. In his media availability on Tuesday, the longtime head coach broke down what's stood out to him about Hawkins' game this offseason.
#year #xavier #transfer #offseason
25 days ago
The University of Florida is one of seven schools on the official visit list for five-star point guard Cayden Daughtry.
Daughtry, the No. 3 overall prospect in the class of 2027, narrowed his list of 33 scholarship offers to 14 teams, including Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Providence, Tennessee, UConn, USC, Vanderbilt and Villanova, according to 247Sports.
His visit to Florida is set for Sept. 25-27, and there's potential for other get-togethers with Todd Golden's coaching staff, with Daughtry playing at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale. Florida offered him June 5 and has quickly surged in his recruitment.
Daughtry will also visit Florida State from Aug. 28-30, Tennessee from Sept. 4-6, Iowa from Sept. 11-13, UConn from Sept. 19-21, Miami from Oct. 16-18 and Arkansas from Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
The 6-foot point guard's stock exploded over the summer following strong event performances at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions — 25 points, five **** ists, four rebounds and five steals — and The Throne, where he scored 36 points. He also won gold with USA Basketball at the FIBA U17 World Cup.
#Florida #daughtry #visit #Miami
Daughtry, the No. 3 overall prospect in the class of 2027, narrowed his list of 33 scholarship offers to 14 teams, including Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Providence, Tennessee, UConn, USC, Vanderbilt and Villanova, according to 247Sports.
His visit to Florida is set for Sept. 25-27, and there's potential for other get-togethers with Todd Golden's coaching staff, with Daughtry playing at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale. Florida offered him June 5 and has quickly surged in his recruitment.
Daughtry will also visit Florida State from Aug. 28-30, Tennessee from Sept. 4-6, Iowa from Sept. 11-13, UConn from Sept. 19-21, Miami from Oct. 16-18 and Arkansas from Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
The 6-foot point guard's stock exploded over the summer following strong event performances at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions — 25 points, five **** ists, four rebounds and five steals — and The Throne, where he scored 36 points. He also won gold with USA Basketball at the FIBA U17 World Cup.
#Florida #daughtry #visit #Miami
29 days ago
The man who took the recruiting world by storm during his unbelievable run at the Peach Jam earlier this summer, Cayden Daughtry, has released a list of some of his final schools.
When I say a list of some, that's an understatement, with the list being Daughtry's top 14 schools.
Even though it's a list of 14 schools, it is still something to get excited about, considering a ton of programs were left off the list entirely.
The list includes Kentucky, along with Florida State, Iowa, Miami (Florida), UConn, Florida, Arkansas, Michigan, Tennessee, USC, Louisville, Providence, Villanova, and Vanderbilt.
Mark Pope and the Kentucky staff will have their hands full with this recruitment, given who they're battling. The schools that have collected the last four national championships are on the list, as well as two of Kentucky's biggest rivals in Tennessee and Louisville.
#louisville
When I say a list of some, that's an understatement, with the list being Daughtry's top 14 schools.
Even though it's a list of 14 schools, it is still something to get excited about, considering a ton of programs were left off the list entirely.
The list includes Kentucky, along with Florida State, Iowa, Miami (Florida), UConn, Florida, Arkansas, Michigan, Tennessee, USC, Louisville, Providence, Villanova, and Vanderbilt.
Mark Pope and the Kentucky staff will have their hands full with this recruitment, given who they're battling. The schools that have collected the last four national championships are on the list, as well as two of Kentucky's biggest rivals in Tennessee and Louisville.
#louisville
1 month ago
Coach Mark Few put the Gonzaga Bulldogs program and the university in Spokane, Washington, on the map. An underdog who built something that was never supposed to happen at a tiny Jesuit institution in the Inland Northwest.
Forget all the wins, championships, and NBA pedigree from its alumni for a second; his presence helped the school's enrollment and finances throughout the last 27 years. Helping grow other educational disciplines, such as mine with the Department of Integrated Media, and others. This situation for both parties was a match made in heaven from the beginning.
Along with Few, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 inducted coach Doc Rivers, coach Mike D'Antoni, forward/center Amar'e Stoudemire, forward Chamique Holdsclaw, forward Candace Parker, forward Elena Delle Donne, referee Joey Crawford, and the 1996 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Team. The group received their "Naismith Orange" jackets the day before at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.
In attendance for Few's ceremony were, first and foremost, his family: wife Marcy Laca, sons AJ, Joe, Colt, and daughter Julia. His presenters were Hall of Famer John Stockton, Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari, and Managing Director of USA Basketball Grant Hill.
Arizona Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd, former Villanova Wildcats coach Jay Wright, sportscaster Neil Everett showed their love for Few. As well as some of his past and current staff members like **** istant coaches Brian Michaelson, RJay Barsh, Zach Norvell, Dan Monson, Bill Grier, Ray Giacoletti, Ricky Fois, and Roger Powell.
#coach
Forget all the wins, championships, and NBA pedigree from its alumni for a second; his presence helped the school's enrollment and finances throughout the last 27 years. Helping grow other educational disciplines, such as mine with the Department of Integrated Media, and others. This situation for both parties was a match made in heaven from the beginning.
Along with Few, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 inducted coach Doc Rivers, coach Mike D'Antoni, forward/center Amar'e Stoudemire, forward Chamique Holdsclaw, forward Candace Parker, forward Elena Delle Donne, referee Joey Crawford, and the 1996 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Team. The group received their "Naismith Orange" jackets the day before at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.
In attendance for Few's ceremony were, first and foremost, his family: wife Marcy Laca, sons AJ, Joe, Colt, and daughter Julia. His presenters were Hall of Famer John Stockton, Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari, and Managing Director of USA Basketball Grant Hill.
Arizona Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd, former Villanova Wildcats coach Jay Wright, sportscaster Neil Everett showed their love for Few. As well as some of his past and current staff members like **** istant coaches Brian Michaelson, RJay Barsh, Zach Norvell, Dan Monson, Bill Grier, Ray Giacoletti, Ricky Fois, and Roger Powell.
#coach
1 month ago
Rutgers Basketball has announced that it has scheduled an exhibition game against Villanova, slated for Sunday, October 11th at Jersey Mike's Arena. Tickets for the game will be available for purchase on the program's website, as fans will have the opportunity to get a first look at the team against a quality opponent before the season officially tips off about a month later.
The Scarlet Knights and the Wildcats have some history together, as both played in the Big East Conference for a time. Villanova currently holds a 10-4 series advantage over Rutgers, with the most recent game being a 71-63 loss for the Knights in the 2012-2013 season. Since this is an exhibition game, it will not count as a win for either side.
Last season, Villanova went 24-9 with a 15-5 record in conference play. They lost in the first round of the Big East tournament to Georgetown and lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Utah State.
The Wildcats' leading scorer from last season, guard Tyler Perkins, is returning for next season. Last season, he averaged 13.4 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent on all field goals. In addition, Villanova is adding two high-major transfers in the portal, Devin Royal from Ohio State and Kwame Evans Jr. from Oregon. Both are rated as four-star transfer portal prospects by On3.
While it will be interesting to see how the projected leaders of the team have developed in the off-season, there is also a good chance that some players further down the depth chart see some decent playing time in this game in order to preserve the top guys for the regular season. This game will also provide good experience playing together for a team that saw a lot of change in the off-season, on top of giving fans a first look at the new players in scarlet. For me personally, I'll have my eyes on how having a new center with the skills of Christian Gurdak (assuming he is the starter) changes the team offensively.
#villanova #team
The Scarlet Knights and the Wildcats have some history together, as both played in the Big East Conference for a time. Villanova currently holds a 10-4 series advantage over Rutgers, with the most recent game being a 71-63 loss for the Knights in the 2012-2013 season. Since this is an exhibition game, it will not count as a win for either side.
Last season, Villanova went 24-9 with a 15-5 record in conference play. They lost in the first round of the Big East tournament to Georgetown and lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Utah State.
The Wildcats' leading scorer from last season, guard Tyler Perkins, is returning for next season. Last season, he averaged 13.4 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent on all field goals. In addition, Villanova is adding two high-major transfers in the portal, Devin Royal from Ohio State and Kwame Evans Jr. from Oregon. Both are rated as four-star transfer portal prospects by On3.
While it will be interesting to see how the projected leaders of the team have developed in the off-season, there is also a good chance that some players further down the depth chart see some decent playing time in this game in order to preserve the top guys for the regular season. This game will also provide good experience playing together for a team that saw a lot of change in the off-season, on top of giving fans a first look at the new players in scarlet. For me personally, I'll have my eyes on how having a new center with the skills of Christian Gurdak (assuming he is the starter) changes the team offensively.
#villanova #team
1 month ago
Duke Brennan was a big part of Villanova last season as the Wildcats were able to return to the NCAA Tournament.
The big man is now looking for a home for the upcoming season in his fifth year. Brennan has narrowed his list to five teams and they all bring different fits.
Brennan averaged 12.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last season. He proved to be a force down low at 6-foot-10 on both ends of the floor. Brennan has the experience and size needed for a team to compete.
It was reported that Brennan heard from eight teams and he initially cut out UConn, Georgetown, and Ole Miss.
These are the teams that would fit Brennan the best this season:
#tournament
The big man is now looking for a home for the upcoming season in his fifth year. Brennan has narrowed his list to five teams and they all bring different fits.
Brennan averaged 12.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last season. He proved to be a force down low at 6-foot-10 on both ends of the floor. Brennan has the experience and size needed for a team to compete.
It was reported that Brennan heard from eight teams and he initially cut out UConn, Georgetown, and Ole Miss.
These are the teams that would fit Brennan the best this season:
#tournament
2 months ago
Head coach Kevin Willard worked hard this offseason to rebuild the roster in the transfer portal.
Villanova lost player after player to the portal, with the exception of Tyler Perkins and Matt Hodge. Multiple additions were made including four starters while adding experience, depth, and size.
The NCAAB AP Poll is still weeks and weeks away from being released but projections are in full swing. Jeff Borzello of ESPN has been releasing his list for awhile now. The most recent edition came out on Monday and it still features Villanova on the outside looking in.
Is this a snub or warranted?
Villanova is currently listed as the first team in the section labeled "Next five." There is no number next to the team name so it is not specified if the Wildcats are No. 26 or just part of the next five.
#villanova #next #player
Villanova lost player after player to the portal, with the exception of Tyler Perkins and Matt Hodge. Multiple additions were made including four starters while adding experience, depth, and size.
The NCAAB AP Poll is still weeks and weeks away from being released but projections are in full swing. Jeff Borzello of ESPN has been releasing his list for awhile now. The most recent edition came out on Monday and it still features Villanova on the outside looking in.
Is this a snub or warranted?
Villanova is currently listed as the first team in the section labeled "Next five." There is no number next to the team name so it is not specified if the Wildcats are No. 26 or just part of the next five.
#villanova #next #player
2 months ago
Michigan basketball is set to add another blueblood to its schedule.
The Wolverines are in the process of finalizing a two-year deal with Louisville, a program source with knowledge of the plans confirmed to the Free Press. The plan is to play in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena this season, with a "return" trip to be played next season in Indianapolis.
This season's game could potentially be played Dec. 5, though the teams are still finalizing the dates.
This appears to be an ACC replacement for a matchup with Duke in December. That game against the Blue Devils was nixed after being originally scheduled for New York then Miami.
It's yet another big-time name Michigan will play in a schedule that already includes an exhibition against Houston, and nonconference games against UConn (in a rematch of April's national championship game), Villanova and Marquette. That's in addition to the Wolverines' participation in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas over Thanksgiving week; U-M's slate in that tourney features an opener vs. Creighton followed by a Day 2 matchup with either Miami (Florida) or TCU and a third game against Gonzaga, Kansas State, Baylor or Alabama.
#game #finalizing #play #matchup
The Wolverines are in the process of finalizing a two-year deal with Louisville, a program source with knowledge of the plans confirmed to the Free Press. The plan is to play in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena this season, with a "return" trip to be played next season in Indianapolis.
This season's game could potentially be played Dec. 5, though the teams are still finalizing the dates.
This appears to be an ACC replacement for a matchup with Duke in December. That game against the Blue Devils was nixed after being originally scheduled for New York then Miami.
It's yet another big-time name Michigan will play in a schedule that already includes an exhibition against Houston, and nonconference games against UConn (in a rematch of April's national championship game), Villanova and Marquette. That's in addition to the Wolverines' participation in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas over Thanksgiving week; U-M's slate in that tourney features an opener vs. Creighton followed by a Day 2 matchup with either Miami (Florida) or TCU and a third game against Gonzaga, Kansas State, Baylor or Alabama.
#game #finalizing #play #matchup
2 months ago
Michigan basketball is set to add another blueblood to its schedule.
The Wolverines are in the process of finalizing a two-year deal with Louisville, a program source with knowledge of the plans confirmed to the Free Press. The plan is to play in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena this season, with a "return" trip to be played next season in Indianapolis.
This season's game could potentially be played Dec. 5, though the teams are still finalizing the dates.
This appears to be an ACC replacement for a matchup with Duke in December. That game against the Blue Devils was nixed after being originally scheduled for New York then Miami.
It's yet another big-time name Michigan will play in a schedule that already includes an exhibition against Houston, and nonconference games against UConn (in a rematch of April's national championship game), Villanova and Marquette. That's in addition to the Wolverines' participation in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas over Thanksgiving week; U-M's slate in that tourney features an opener vs. Creighton followed by a Day 2 matchup with either Miami (Florida) or TCU and a third game against Gonzaga, Kansas State, Baylor or Alabama.
#michigan #wolverines #Miami #schedule
The Wolverines are in the process of finalizing a two-year deal with Louisville, a program source with knowledge of the plans confirmed to the Free Press. The plan is to play in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena this season, with a "return" trip to be played next season in Indianapolis.
This season's game could potentially be played Dec. 5, though the teams are still finalizing the dates.
This appears to be an ACC replacement for a matchup with Duke in December. That game against the Blue Devils was nixed after being originally scheduled for New York then Miami.
It's yet another big-time name Michigan will play in a schedule that already includes an exhibition against Houston, and nonconference games against UConn (in a rematch of April's national championship game), Villanova and Marquette. That's in addition to the Wolverines' participation in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas over Thanksgiving week; U-M's slate in that tourney features an opener vs. Creighton followed by a Day 2 matchup with either Miami (Florida) or TCU and a third game against Gonzaga, Kansas State, Baylor or Alabama.
#michigan #wolverines #Miami #schedule
2 months ago
There's one less eligible prince in Europe! Prince Mirko of Panagyurishte is engaged to Dr. Marta Embid. The prince, who is also a doctor known as Dr. Mirko Saxe-Coburg, will marry Marta next year, according to ******* O!'s sister brand HOLA! Spain.
While a date has not been set, sources told HOLA! that the wedding is expected to take place in June, and in the very city where the couple's love story began: Madrid.
Prince Mirko, the eldest son of Prince Kubrat of Bulgaria and Doña Carla María de la Soledad Royo-Villanova y Urrestarazu, has been with his fiancée since 2023. The engaged pair are said to have met at Madrid's San Carlos Clinical Hospital during their medical training.
Mirko is the grandson of Bulgaria's last Tsar, Simeon II. His grandfather reigned from 1943 until 1946, when the monarchy in Bulgaria was abolished.
Prince Mirko of Bulgaria and his partner Dr. Marta Embid are engaged (Instagram/ mirkosajonia)
#prince #engaged
While a date has not been set, sources told HOLA! that the wedding is expected to take place in June, and in the very city where the couple's love story began: Madrid.
Prince Mirko, the eldest son of Prince Kubrat of Bulgaria and Doña Carla María de la Soledad Royo-Villanova y Urrestarazu, has been with his fiancée since 2023. The engaged pair are said to have met at Madrid's San Carlos Clinical Hospital during their medical training.
Mirko is the grandson of Bulgaria's last Tsar, Simeon II. His grandfather reigned from 1943 until 1946, when the monarchy in Bulgaria was abolished.
Prince Mirko of Bulgaria and his partner Dr. Marta Embid are engaged (Instagram/ mirkosajonia)
#prince #engaged
3 months ago
Cornerback Isas Waxter is up next in our 90-in-90 series!
Let's get to know him!
Height: 6'1
Weight: 201 pounds
College: Villanova
Experience: 1
Waxter is a New Jersey native and starred at Immaculate Conception High School on both the gridiron and the track. In football, he was a two-time all-conference selection with another first-team all-county honor. In track & field, he was a second-team all-state selection as a senior.
After committing to play collegiately at Villanova, Waxter played in seven games with two starts as a true freshman, recording 25 tackles and a pair of pass breakups during the 2019 season.
Let's get to know him!
Height: 6'1
Weight: 201 pounds
College: Villanova
Experience: 1
Waxter is a New Jersey native and starred at Immaculate Conception High School on both the gridiron and the track. In football, he was a two-time all-conference selection with another first-team all-county honor. In track & field, he was a second-team all-state selection as a senior.
After committing to play collegiately at Villanova, Waxter played in seven games with two starts as a true freshman, recording 25 tackles and a pair of pass breakups during the 2019 season.
3 months ago
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Maddy Siegrist would prefer to see her WNBA career blossom into something more than being a good luck charm.
At the same time, her role in fortune twice smiling on the Dallas Wings puts the fourth-year player in her best position yet to win. And maybe that can be a springboard for the NCAA Division I scoring champion from the year before Caitlin Clark took that ****** le.
"I think just realizing sometimes you feel like you've been here a long time, but realizing you're 26 years old and the best basketball is ahead of you," said Siegrist, the No. 3 overall pick out of Villanova in 2023. "So you've just got to lean on your preparation, when the opportunity comes. Every time I step on the floor, just feeling confident in whatever my team needs me to do."
Going into each of the past two seasons, the Wings needed Siegrist to represent the team at the draft lottery.
After winning the right to the No. 1 pick and selecting Paige Bueckers last year, the Wings told Siegrist she had to do it again coming off a 10-win season that matched the WNBA's worst.
At the same time, her role in fortune twice smiling on the Dallas Wings puts the fourth-year player in her best position yet to win. And maybe that can be a springboard for the NCAA Division I scoring champion from the year before Caitlin Clark took that ****** le.
"I think just realizing sometimes you feel like you've been here a long time, but realizing you're 26 years old and the best basketball is ahead of you," said Siegrist, the No. 3 overall pick out of Villanova in 2023. "So you've just got to lean on your preparation, when the opportunity comes. Every time I step on the floor, just feeling confident in whatever my team needs me to do."
Going into each of the past two seasons, the Wings needed Siegrist to represent the team at the draft lottery.
After winning the right to the No. 1 pick and selecting Paige Bueckers last year, the Wings told Siegrist she had to do it again coming off a 10-win season that matched the WNBA's worst.
3 months ago
Purdue men's basketball has another upper-tier nonconference series in the works,
Villanova coach Kevin Willard said on the "Inside College Basketball Now" podcast the Wildcats are working on scheduling a home-and-home series with the Boilermakers to begin in 2027. IndyStar confirmed the programs have discussed scheduling each other.
Willard did not specify whether Villanova's home game would be played on campus at Finneran Pavilion, or in downtown Philadelphia at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Purdue has looked for semi-neutral return agreements as part of the Indy Classic, including a recent series against Auburn.
Purdue is already scheduled to play Tennessee in Knoxville on Dec. 11, 2027. It traditionally plays two or three power conference or high-major opponents in addition to two or three games in a multi-team event around Thanksgiving. This coming season, for instance, it plays Gonzaga on a neutral court, at Iowa State to conclude a home-and-home agreement, and at home against the Volunteers to begin one.
Purdue and Villanova have played three times since 2016 in one-off games. The Wildcats won 79-76 in 2016 as part of the Gavitt Games series between the Big Ten and Big East. Carsen Edwards scored 42 points in an 87-61 victory in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Purdue also won 80-74 in the championship game of the 2021 Hall of Fame Tip-Off at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Villanova coach Kevin Willard said on the "Inside College Basketball Now" podcast the Wildcats are working on scheduling a home-and-home series with the Boilermakers to begin in 2027. IndyStar confirmed the programs have discussed scheduling each other.
Willard did not specify whether Villanova's home game would be played on campus at Finneran Pavilion, or in downtown Philadelphia at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Purdue has looked for semi-neutral return agreements as part of the Indy Classic, including a recent series against Auburn.
Purdue is already scheduled to play Tennessee in Knoxville on Dec. 11, 2027. It traditionally plays two or three power conference or high-major opponents in addition to two or three games in a multi-team event around Thanksgiving. This coming season, for instance, it plays Gonzaga on a neutral court, at Iowa State to conclude a home-and-home agreement, and at home against the Volunteers to begin one.
Purdue and Villanova have played three times since 2016 in one-off games. The Wildcats won 79-76 in 2016 as part of the Gavitt Games series between the Big Ten and Big East. Carsen Edwards scored 42 points in an 87-61 victory in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Purdue also won 80-74 in the championship game of the 2021 Hall of Fame Tip-Off at Mohegan Sun Arena.
3 months ago
VATICAN CITY (AP) — A breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics will challenge Pope Leo XIV's authority next week by consecrating four bishops without his consent. Rather than shying away from the confrontation, the Society of St. Pius X seems intent on embracing its notoriety.
The group, which celebrates the traditional Latin Mass and rejects the modernizing reforms of the Catholic Church, is planning a highly organized, four-day, livestreamed extravaganza for the consecrations at its Swiss seminary — complete with a souvenir wine set offered to those attending.
The July 1 event, nearly four decades after the group first became a thorn in the Vatican's side, suggests it is leaning in even more ardently to its schismatic status for a new generation of Catholics who prefer their Masses in Latin and don't mind that their bishops are out of communion with Rome.
"To me, they look really like Traditionalism 2.0," said Massimo **** gioli, professor of theology at Villanova University, Leo's alma mater. The group, known as the SSPX, has embraced technology and digital branding of its religious identity, despite its antimodern, integralist agenda.
"Their game is not about getting back into the fold, but getting back into the monopoly of that ultra-traditionalist identity," **** gioli said.
The group, which celebrates the traditional Latin Mass and rejects the modernizing reforms of the Catholic Church, is planning a highly organized, four-day, livestreamed extravaganza for the consecrations at its Swiss seminary — complete with a souvenir wine set offered to those attending.
The July 1 event, nearly four decades after the group first became a thorn in the Vatican's side, suggests it is leaning in even more ardently to its schismatic status for a new generation of Catholics who prefer their Masses in Latin and don't mind that their bishops are out of communion with Rome.
"To me, they look really like Traditionalism 2.0," said Massimo **** gioli, professor of theology at Villanova University, Leo's alma mater. The group, known as the SSPX, has embraced technology and digital branding of its religious identity, despite its antimodern, integralist agenda.
"Their game is not about getting back into the fold, but getting back into the monopoly of that ultra-traditionalist identity," **** gioli said.
3 months ago
Iowa basketball is getting one of its top targets in the 2027 class on campus this fall.
Per On3's Joe Tipton, five-star point guard Cayden Daughtry will take an official visit to Iowa on Sept. 12, which coincides with the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series football game between Iowa and Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium.
Daughtry, a 6-foot, 160-pound point guard from Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is a five-star prospect, per the 247Sports composite rankings. In the 247Sports composite, Daughtry ranks as the No. 16 player nationally, as the No. 4 point guard and as the No. 4 player in Florida.
According to ESPN, Daughtry is the No. 12 prospect nationally, the No. 4 point guard and the top player in Florida. Daughtry is rated as the No. 22 player nationally, as the No. 7 point guard and as the No. 4 player in the Sunshine State, per Rivals.
The Hawkeyes offered Daughtry on July 12, 2025, and are viewed as one of the top contenders for his commitment, alongside schools such as Michigan, Miami and Florida State. Daughtry also holds offers from fellow power programs such as BYU, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, UConn and Villanova.
Per On3's Joe Tipton, five-star point guard Cayden Daughtry will take an official visit to Iowa on Sept. 12, which coincides with the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series football game between Iowa and Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium.
Daughtry, a 6-foot, 160-pound point guard from Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is a five-star prospect, per the 247Sports composite rankings. In the 247Sports composite, Daughtry ranks as the No. 16 player nationally, as the No. 4 point guard and as the No. 4 player in Florida.
According to ESPN, Daughtry is the No. 12 prospect nationally, the No. 4 point guard and the top player in Florida. Daughtry is rated as the No. 22 player nationally, as the No. 7 point guard and as the No. 4 player in the Sunshine State, per Rivals.
The Hawkeyes offered Daughtry on July 12, 2025, and are viewed as one of the top contenders for his commitment, alongside schools such as Michigan, Miami and Florida State. Daughtry also holds offers from fellow power programs such as BYU, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, UConn and Villanova.
3 months ago
In an interview with Italian journalist lacopo De Santis of Pianeta Basket, Luigi Suigo broke down why he decided to withdraw from the NBA Draft, as well as his choice in playing for Villanova in 2026-27.
On his NBA Draft process:
“We started this season at Mega Basket in Serbia thinking we could be very well prepared for this draft. Unfortunately, two or three days before the Combine, I pulled a sprained ankle in practice. I lost some form. I wasn’t able to do the Combine drills, which I think would have helped me improve my picks or my rating. I tried to get back in shape. I came back from Boston this morning. I was in Los Angeles, where my agency’s facility is. I did some workouts. I trained with the Wizards, Spurs and Celtics. They went well. My choice was to stay in the Draft if I had a guarantee of being selected in the first 20 picks. First of all, because knowing I’d have a year of development, and done well, I could be much higher in the 2027 Draft. And also, above all, it’s a question of experience. The money part too, of course, but that’s the least important thing right now. I’m very confident in myself. I know what my qualities are. The important thing is to work hard. Villanova will be a place where I can do that very well.”
This answers why he was not competing in the drills. It seemed odd to sit out when the goal is to improve your stock, but now everything makes sense. There was some concern once Suigo started following Atlanta Hawks’ center Onyeka Okongwu on Instagram, but now we know that they made their acquaintance in Los Angeles. Suigo shares Excel Sports as an agency with Okongwu, who is also from the Los Angeles area.
On where he would have gone in the Draft had he stayed in:
On his NBA Draft process:
“We started this season at Mega Basket in Serbia thinking we could be very well prepared for this draft. Unfortunately, two or three days before the Combine, I pulled a sprained ankle in practice. I lost some form. I wasn’t able to do the Combine drills, which I think would have helped me improve my picks or my rating. I tried to get back in shape. I came back from Boston this morning. I was in Los Angeles, where my agency’s facility is. I did some workouts. I trained with the Wizards, Spurs and Celtics. They went well. My choice was to stay in the Draft if I had a guarantee of being selected in the first 20 picks. First of all, because knowing I’d have a year of development, and done well, I could be much higher in the 2027 Draft. And also, above all, it’s a question of experience. The money part too, of course, but that’s the least important thing right now. I’m very confident in myself. I know what my qualities are. The important thing is to work hard. Villanova will be a place where I can do that very well.”
This answers why he was not competing in the drills. It seemed odd to sit out when the goal is to improve your stock, but now everything makes sense. There was some concern once Suigo started following Atlanta Hawks’ center Onyeka Okongwu on Instagram, but now we know that they made their acquaintance in Los Angeles. Suigo shares Excel Sports as an agency with Okongwu, who is also from the Los Angeles area.
On where he would have gone in the Draft had he stayed in:
4 months ago
It could be a Villanova reunion at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.
The New York Knicks already have a trio of former Wildcat teammates on their roster in Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, and a fourth former Villanova star could also be in the building for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo was spotted outside of the Spurs' team hotel in New York, prompting speculation that he could be set to watch his former team and teammates as they look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
DiVincenzo was using crutches as he recovers from a torn Achilles, which ended his season in Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs.
Brunson, Bridges and DiVincenzo won two national ****** les while at Villanova in 2016 and 2018. Hart was also a member of the 2016 ****** le-winning team.
The New York Knicks already have a trio of former Wildcat teammates on their roster in Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, and a fourth former Villanova star could also be in the building for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo was spotted outside of the Spurs' team hotel in New York, prompting speculation that he could be set to watch his former team and teammates as they look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
DiVincenzo was using crutches as he recovers from a torn Achilles, which ended his season in Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs.
Brunson, Bridges and DiVincenzo won two national ****** les while at Villanova in 2016 and 2018. Hart was also a member of the 2016 ****** le-winning team.
4 months ago
Jeremiah Fears was present during the New York Knicks players’ media availability on Sunday. The New Orleans Pelicans rookie asked Mikal Bridges ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals how he has pushed his Iron Man streak to six seasons.
The veteran forward was detailed with his response. He highlighted the importance of remaining hungry and not allowing anyone to take over his roster spot and playing time.
MORE: Knicks NBA Finals tickets frenzy reaches new levels of insanity
“Just wanting to be out there, wanting to grow every day, be better,” Bridges said. “The more I think about it, never, ever leave a window for somebody to take your spot. You never know how you might go out for a week or two and the next guy steps up and maybe the team plays better. Subconsciously, I think that’s always in the back of my head.”
Bridges has appeared in 638 consecutive regular-season NBA games. He also played in 116 straight matchups for Villanova in college, and has not missed a game since his sophomore year in high school.
The veteran forward was detailed with his response. He highlighted the importance of remaining hungry and not allowing anyone to take over his roster spot and playing time.
MORE: Knicks NBA Finals tickets frenzy reaches new levels of insanity
“Just wanting to be out there, wanting to grow every day, be better,” Bridges said. “The more I think about it, never, ever leave a window for somebody to take your spot. You never know how you might go out for a week or two and the next guy steps up and maybe the team plays better. Subconsciously, I think that’s always in the back of my head.”
Bridges has appeared in 638 consecutive regular-season NBA games. He also played in 116 straight matchups for Villanova in college, and has not missed a game since his sophomore year in high school.
4 months ago
NEW YORK — Josh Hart scored only three points and shot just 20% in his NBA Finals debut.
Yet the Knicks outscored the San Antonio Spurs by 22 points with Hart on the floor in Game 1, and he played all but four minutes in the second half.
Why?
Because Hart lived up to his last name in Wednesday night’s 105-95 victory at the Frost Bank Center, doing all of the little things in the biggest of ways to emerge as the Knicks’ unsung hero.
“That’s just who he is,” said Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson, who won a national championship with Hart at Villanova. “He’s always been that way. I can’t explain it. He just has a knack for doing things like that, and in crucial times, as well.”
Yet the Knicks outscored the San Antonio Spurs by 22 points with Hart on the floor in Game 1, and he played all but four minutes in the second half.
Why?
Because Hart lived up to his last name in Wednesday night’s 105-95 victory at the Frost Bank Center, doing all of the little things in the biggest of ways to emerge as the Knicks’ unsung hero.
“That’s just who he is,” said Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson, who won a national championship with Hart at Villanova. “He’s always been that way. I can’t explain it. He just has a knack for doing things like that, and in crucial times, as well.”
4 months ago
Jalen Brunson was a high-profile guard in college, leading the Villanova Wildcats to two NCAA championships in his three years there. Things changed dramatically when he decided to turn professional.
Brunson was selected 33rd overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, a class widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent years. The worst part, at least from his perspective, was landing with the Dallas Mavericks, who also acquired Luka Doncic — arguably the most NBA-ready player in that draft.
Brunson averaged 18.9 points while playing around 32 minutes per game in his final college season. Those numbers declined during his rookie year with Dallas, as he posted 9.3 points and roughly 22 minutes per game. The Mavericks also had guards such as Dennis Smith Jr. and J.J. Barea, making his role uncertain.
He instantly became a back up with Doncic as the team’s main guy in terms of playmaking and scoring. Brunson shared that it was during these times that he felt unsure about his ability.
“The only time is probably my rookie year … playing pickup with the team in Dallas and then obviously watching Luka doing his thing so effortlessly,” he said when asked by a reporter if ever dealt with imposter syndrome in his career..
Brunson was selected 33rd overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, a class widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent years. The worst part, at least from his perspective, was landing with the Dallas Mavericks, who also acquired Luka Doncic — arguably the most NBA-ready player in that draft.
Brunson averaged 18.9 points while playing around 32 minutes per game in his final college season. Those numbers declined during his rookie year with Dallas, as he posted 9.3 points and roughly 22 minutes per game. The Mavericks also had guards such as Dennis Smith Jr. and J.J. Barea, making his role uncertain.
He instantly became a back up with Doncic as the team’s main guy in terms of playmaking and scoring. Brunson shared that it was during these times that he felt unsure about his ability.
“The only time is probably my rookie year … playing pickup with the team in Dallas and then obviously watching Luka doing his thing so effortlessly,” he said when asked by a reporter if ever dealt with imposter syndrome in his career..
1 yr. ago
Happy Friday! Start your morning with our Ross Pennypacker interview from yesterday’s Villanova Sports Talk.
NovaFootball
’s Coach Pennypacker has led the Wildcats’ defense for the last three seasons and has worked closely with Isas Waxter and others.
NovaFootball
’s Coach Pennypacker has led the Wildcats’ defense for the last three seasons and has worked closely with Isas Waxter and others.
