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Articles by Michael McDaniel
March Madness: Five Bold Predictions for Men's NCAA Tournament Round of 64
The most exciting time of the year is here for men's college basketball. The round of 64 is set to tip-off on Thursday, beginning our path to crowning a new national champion. As college basketball fans across the country ready themselves for high-intensity hoops action on Thursday and Friday, here are Sports Illustrated's bold predictions for the first round of the men's NCAA tournament.
Bill Self Rips Darryn Peterson Narratives: 'Just Not Remotely True' Original
Self took exception to narratives surrounding his star freshman. Kansas head coach Bill Self took exception to narratives surrounding star freshman Darryn Peterson. | Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Kansas Jayhawks freshman phenom Darryn Peterson missed his 11th game of the season earlier this week as the program upset top-ranked Arizona at Allen Fieldhouse to hand the Wildcats their first loss of the year.
Ohio State Star LB Arvell Reese Makes Decision on NFL Draft
Ohio State star linebacker Arvell Reese will forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the 2026 NFL Draft, he announced on social media. Ohio St. LB Arvell Reese announced he has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/BA0cUYMKTG - Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2026 Reese thanked God, his family and his coaches and mentors before specifically thanking the Ohio State fan base and formally announcing his decision. "I want to thank all of Buckeye Nation.
Texas Longhorns Leading Rusher Quintrevion Wisner Enters Transfer Portal
Texas Longhorns junior running back Quintrevion Wisner is entering the transfer portal, his agent Grayson Sheena of AiC Sports told ESPN's Max Olson. Wisner was the program's leading rusher the past two seasons, carrying the ball for 1,064 yards and five touchdowns a season ago and 597 yards and three scores in just nine games this season as he battled a leg injury. Wisner will have one season of eligibility remaining, and became the fourth Texas running back to enter the portal.
No. 10 Miami vs. No 7 Texas A&M: Three Bold Predictions for CFP First-Round Matchup
The first round of the College Football Playoff features a big-time matchup between No. 7 Texas A&M and No. 10 Miami in College Station. The Aggies have had three weeks to prepare after falling to Texas in the regular season finale, which knocked the program out of the SEC title game. A&M's résumé was plenty good enough for an at-large berth though, and an opportunity to host a playoff game is a fine consolation prize to a lack of conference championship ring.
Doug Gottlieb Will Step Away From Radio Show to Focus on Coaching UW Green Bay
Wisconsin Green Bay head men's basketball coach Doug Gottlieb will step away from his nationally syndicated radio show, The Doug Gottlieb Show, to focus solely on his coaching job with his basketball program, he announced on Wednesday night. Gottlieb's surprise announcement came on the heels of the Phoenix's 67-64 victory over UC Santa Barbara to improve to 6-7 on the season. It was Green Bay's fourth win in six games after starting the season 1-5.
Southern Miss to Promote Offensive Coordinator Blake Anderson to Head Coach
Southern Miss is promoting offensive coordinator Blake Anderson to head coach, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. Anderson was named as the school's interim following the departure of head coach Charles Huff, who left to become the coach at Memphis once the regular season ended. Anderson will coach the program in the New Orleans Bowl against Western Kentucky on Dec. 23. The 56-year-old Anderson is a former head coach at Arkansas State and Utah State.
College Football Week 14 Takeaways: ACC Opens Door for Two Group of Five Playoff Teams
tktk Cal's upset of SMU improbably sends Duke to the ACC title game The ACC conference championship picture was resoundingly clear heading into Saturday. If Virginia beat Virginia Tech, the Cavaliers would punch their ticket to Charlotte. Check. If SMU beat Cal, the Mustangs would also punch their ticket to Charlotte. Cal 38 SMU 35.
Blue Jays to Sign Former Padres Star Dylan Cease to Lucrative Seven-Year Deal
The Blue Jays are signing starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract, according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan. The soon-to-be 30-year-old Cease was one of the most sought-after arms on the market this winter. Just two years after striking out on a frontline starter in Shohei Ohtani, the Blue Jays have struck big time with Cease. Last season, Cease went just 8–12 with a 4.55 ERA in 168.0 innings pitched.
Dan Lanning Takes Subtle Shot at SEC Scheduling After Oregon Beat USC
No. 7 Oregon knocked off No. 15 USC in its home finale on Saturday afternoon, putting an exclamation point on what should be a second consecutive College Football Playoff berth for the Ducks. On a late November Saturday where several SEC teams played non-conference games against inferior opponents, Lanning took pride in his program getting a victory against a solid USC team. "I think proof's in the pudding, right?" Lanning began. "Played a good team. We beat them, right?
Duke Beats UNC on Late Fake Field Goal to Knock Bill Belichick Out of Bowl Game
Bill Belichick has earned a penchant throughout his Hall of Fame career for ensuring that his teams aced their preparation and were prepared to win games on the margins. That, of course, was for the majority of his career at the professional level. In his first year at the college level, his North Carolina Tar Heels team has been very up-and-down all year long, finding new and improved ways to lose close games.
Texans RB Joe Mixon Will Remain on Physically Unable to Perform List
Texans running back Joe Mixon will not play this season, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mixon, who injured his foot in the offseason, is still dealing with the lingering effects and will remain on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list for the rest of the year. The Texans will continue utilizing the running back tandem of Nick Chubb and Woody Marks as the franchise makes a playoff push.
Ravens Make Decision on Lamar Jackson's Availability for Sunday vs. Browns
Ravens coach John Harbaugh told the media on Friday that star quarterback Lamar Jackson will be "full go" and will start on Sunday against the Browns. Jackson has been limited in practice this week due to a sore knee. The news is certainly welcomed for Ravens fans, given that Jackson has already missed time this season with a hamstring injury. He returned to the lineup in Week 9 against the Dolphins and completed 18 of his 23 passing attempts for 204 yards and four touchdowns in a blowout win.
Hawks Star Trae Young Avoids Catastrophic Knee Injury, but Set to Miss Time
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has sprained his right MCL and will be reevaluated in four weeks, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. After the Hawks feared a significant knee injury to Young, who got hurt in an Oct. 29 win over the Nets, it appears the star point guard has avoided catastrophe. Here is the play where Trae Young got hurt, via @KLChouinard. Not a good looking injury, especially with it already being labeled as a knee sprain.
College Football Week 6 Takeaways: When Someone Shows You Who They Are, Believe Them
Week 6 of the college football season provided some needed early season clarity. From two elite programs falling hard in unexpected fashion, to a new conference title contender emerging in the Big 12, there is plenty to unpack coming out of the week that was. Here are Sports Illustrated's five takeaways from Week 6 of the college football season. Penn State and Texas Prove They're Not Among Nation's Elite When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
Rick Neuheisel Emotional Over Son's Performance As UCLA OC in Upset Over Penn State
UCLA's abhorrent start to the 2025 season earned former head coach DeShaun Foster his walking papers. Interim head coach Tim Skipper, hoping to put together a competitive product on Saturday at the Rose Bowl against No. 7 Penn State, turned to 33-year-old Jerry Neuheisel - the son of former UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel - to call plays.
Patriots Release Former First-Round Pick on the Offensive Line
The Patriots have released offensive guard Cole Strange on roster cutdown day, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Strange, a former 2022 first-round pick, played 30 games in New England, including 29 starts. He played in just three games last season as he recovered from a patellar tendon injury suffered in the 2023 campaign. Strange will certainly be sought after on the open market after not making the team in New England.
NBA Summer League Standout to Join Spurs on Two-Way Contract
The San Antonio Spurs are signing NBA Summer League standout David Jones-Garcia to a two-way contract, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Jones-Garcia was one of the best players in NBA Summer League action this year, posting 21.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting a scorching 52.9% from three. Jones-Garcia went undrafted after a four-year college career that included stops at DePaul, St. John's and Memphis.
Damian Lillard ‘Thankful’ Door Remained Open for Return to Portland Amid Achilles Tear
Damian Lillard spent the first 11 seasons of his NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers, and it's likely he'll now spend the rest of his career with the franchise after signing a three-year, $42 million contract in free agency. Lillard, who spent his last two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, tore his Achilles in the playoffs this spring and was released by the team earlier this offseason.
Memphis’ Sincere Parker Arrested for Aggravated Assault Following Domestic Dispute
Memphis Tigers men's basketball guard Sincere Parker, who transferred from McNeese State this offseason, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and vandalism, according to a police affadivit reviewed by Jason Munz of TheCommercial Appeal. The arrest stems from an alleged incident that took place in May between Parker and his girlfriend. The 22-year-old Parker was booked into Shelby County Jail in Tennessee on Saturday.
Cam Spencer, Grizzlies Agree to Restructured Free Agency Deal
The Memphis Grizzlies and second-year guard Cam Spencer agreed to a new two-year, $4.5 million fully guaranteed contract last month after his strong play on a two-way contract as a rookie last season. The deal was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, but was never formally announced by the franchise. And now we know why. The Grizzlies and Spencer went back to the bargaining table and agreed on restructured terms.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky Reveals Which Conference Will Have Most CFP Participants
As the calendar moves to mid-July, the new college football season is drawing very close. Football will be played in just about six weeks, and the media takes are beginning to fly. Big 12 media day was last week, and the SEC's media day fesitivities are underway this week. With baseball in a pause for All-Star week, ESPN's First Take found Monday to be the perfect day to discuss college football.
Former Raptors Exec Masai Ujiri Issues First Public Comments Since Firing
The Toronto Raptors moved on from longtime executive Masai Ujiri last month ahead of the final season of a five-year contract signed in 2021. At the time, Ujiri was considered a candidate for several front office positions elsewhere on the heels of leading the Raptors organization to an NBA title just a couple of years prior. But ultimately, Ujiri re-upped to remain in Toronto, and his tenure came to an end following the 2025 season.
Rockets Coach Ime Udoka Lands Contract Extension Following Knicks’ Overtures
The Houston Rockets have agreed to a long-term contract extension with head coach Ime Udoka, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Udoka led the Rockets to a 52-win season and a No. 2 seed in the playoffs last season with a young up-and-coming roster. The 47-year-old is 144-102 in three seasons as a head coach, and took the Boston Celtics to an NBA Finals appearance in his lone season with the franchise in 2021-22.
Two Teams With Rumored Interested in Trading Up With Spurs for No. 2 Pick in NBA Draft
The San Antonio Spurs sit at No. 2 in the NBA draft, and have plenty of options when it comes to how they want to proceed as they try to add talent around young stars Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. The Spurs could take either one of the two Rutgers stars in wings Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey. Perhaps they could even entertain the idea of selecting Baylor star VJ Edgecombe. But San Antonio could trade back as well, and if they choose that route, they have at least two teams interested.
Mavericks Believe Jason Kidd Will Remain Head Coach Despite Knicks’ Interest
The Dallas Mavericks believe that Jason Kidd will return as the franchise's head coach despite interest from the New York Knicks in having the 52-year-old replace Tom Thibodeau, according to a report from Christian Clark and Sam Amick of The Athletic. Members of Dallas' front office have insisted to key stakeholders that Kidd is expected to return next season. As of Tuesday, the Knicks have not formally requested an interview.
Astros Pitcher Ronel Blanco Heading to IL With Elbow Inflammation
Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco is heading to the injured list with elbow inflammation, manager Joe Espada told the media on Thursday. "He's going on the IL, and he's also going to get a second opinion next week," Espada said Thursday. Ronel Blanco is going on the injured list. He will also get a second opinion on his right elbow. Joe Espada says Blanco wants the second opinion on the right elbow inflammation.
SGA Doesn’t Want Thunder Getting Ahead of Themselves After Game 1 Win
Oklahoma City Thunder star and finalist for NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander overcame a slow start to register a game-high 31 points on 10-of-27 shooting with nine assists and five rebounds as the Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 to take a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference finals. The Thunder trailed by four at halftime before locking down the Timberwolves with their league-best defense in the second half. Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 70-40 in the second half to win in a rout.
Dodgers Veteran Clayton Kershaw to Make Season Debut This Weekend
Three-time Cy Young winner and former National League MVP Clayton Kershaw is set to make his 2025 debut this Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Tuesday. Kershaw is set to be activated from the 60-day injured list to make his first start of the season after missing most of the 2024 World Series campaign due to left knee and left toe injuries-both of which required surgery.
Warriors Release Steph Curry’s Injury Status for Game 5 vs. Timberwolves
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry will not play in Wednesday's Game 5 contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves as he continues to recover from a strained hamstring, the team announced on Tuesday afternoon. The Warriors, who lost to the Timberwolves 117-110 on Monday to fall behind 3-1 in the Western Conference semifinals, will now need to find a way to extend the series in Minnesota without their most important player.
Why the Celtics Opted for Surgery So Quickly After Jayson Tatum’s Achilles Tear
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum underwent surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after suffering the injury in the fourth quarter of Monday's Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Yankees Second Baseman Jazz Chisholm to Miss Time With Oblique Injury
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm is expected to miss four-to-six weeks with an oblique strain, manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Friday. Chisholm, who was acquired last season from the Miami Marlins, is hitting just .181 this season with seven home runs, 17 RBI in 105 at-bats. He also has six stolen bases. Chisholm's injury leaves an absence at second base for the Yankees for upwards of a month of more.
Celtics Make NBA Playoff History in Series-Clinching Win Over Magic
The Boston Celtics slogged through the first half of Game 5 on Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic. There the Celtics were, at home, with an opportunity to close the series out on their floor, and they found themselves trailing the Magic 49-47 at halftime after a mediocre shooting half. But after halftime, the switch flipped. Boston went on a 36-13 run in the third, thanks to stringing together stops, rebounding well, and of course, burying threes.
NFL Insider Says Steelers Have ‘Feeling of Confidence’ About Aaron Rodgers Signing
Free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains on the open market, with the veteran still being heavily linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have pursued the four-time league MVP in free agency, but Rodgers has not signed as the calendar nears May. The Steelers have a need in the quarterback room.
What Is Jalen Brunson’s Playoff Record? Full Details and Best Performances
New York Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson has played quite a bit of playoff basketball in his seven seasons as a pro. This playoff run is Brunson's fifth as an NBA player, and third with the New York Knicks. Brunson signed with New York in free agency before the 2022–23 season after spending the first four years of his career with the Dallas Mavericks. Brunson has blossomed throughout his career from a bench player, to a role player, to a star in New York.
Adam Silver Issues Statement on Joe Dumars’s Departure for Pelicans Basketball Ops Job
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement on Wednesday in light of Joe Dumars's departure from the league office to become the new head of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans. "Joe brought tremendous credibility to his role at the league office and is one of the most genuine and respected people in all of basketball," Silver said.
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