MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages each had three of the Dodgers’ season high-tying 17 hits, Justin Wrobleski worked seven strong innings, and Los Angeles beat the Minnesota Twins 12-3 Tuesday night.Mookie Betts, Alex Freeland, Alex Call and Chuckie Robinson had two hits apiece for the Dodgers.Wrobleski (9-2) allowed five hits and two earned runs. After three consecutive Minnesota hits in the third inning, the left-hander retired 14 of the final 16 hitters he faced, allowing a hit and walk.It’s the third solid June outing for Wrobleski, who pitched six shutout innings in two of his three previous starts this month, including last Tuesday against Tampa Bay.A sacrifice fly from Shohei Ohtani and two-out RBI singles by Freeman and Betts against Austin Voth gave the Dodgers a 5-2 lead in the fourth inning.Called up from Triple-A St. Paul for his Twins debut, Voth (0-1) allowed 11 hits and five earned runs in four innings.Victor Caratini and Brooks Lee homered for Minnesota, which is 9-17 in interleague play.Freeman added an RBI double in the sixth and Robinson dropped a bunt for a safety squeeze to make it 7-2 an inning later. Call hit his first home run of the year as part of a five-run ninth.The outcome could have been worse, but the Dodgers finished 5 for 19 with runners in scoring position and left 13 men on base.Making his second career start, Minnesota’s Kendry Rojas stuck out four, walked three and allowed an earned run while throwing 50 pitches in two innings. He came off the injured list Sunday after missing almost a month with left elbow inflammation. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said pregame that outfielder Kyle Tucker, who left Monday’s game with lower back spasms, was unavailable Tuesday and will “most likely stay away this series” in hopes of being back Friday.Up nextOhtani (7-2, 1.47 ERA) is scheduled to start Wednesday’s series finale for Los Angeles against Minnesota RHP Joe Ryan (5-3, 2.99). Ryan was moved back from his scheduled Tuesday start due to an illness. ___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Jack Schlossberg fell well short of his bid to win a highly contested Democratic primary in Manhattan, his campaign hurt by staff defections and missed meetings.

Koa Peat's decision to remain in the NBA Draft paid off. Not only is he a first-round draft pick after all, but he gets to stay home.The Phoenix Suns traded up to select Peat with the No. 30 overall pick in the draft on Tuesday night in a deal with the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks ended up receiving two second-round draft picks and cash for sending Peat to the Suns. They dealt Sergio De Larrea, who they selected at No. 25, to the Mavericks in the first place for the No. 30 overall pick.Peat averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this past season while dominating at Arizona. The four-time state champion from Chandler, Arizona, averaged more than 17 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in the NCAA tournament while leading the Wildcats to the Final Four, too. Peat led Arizona to a convincing win over Florida in November when he dropped 30 points in his first college game, which ended up being his career-high. The 6-foot-8 freshman opted to remain in the NBA Draft at the last minute. He opted to forgo his remaining eligibility to stay in the draft even after sliding down in most mock drafts. Yahoo Sport's Kevin O'Connor had him going No. 24 in his final mock draft on Tuesday.But as the night went on, Peat remained on the board. His decision to remain in the draft and not return to college would have been called into question even more if Peat slid into Wednesday's second round, too. A second, stronger college season would have undoubtedly boosted his draft stock a year from now.Yet finally, with the final pick of the night, the Suns made the move to land their hometown star. This post will be updated with more information shortly.

The Bucks drafted Arizona guard Brayden Burries with the No. 10 in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night, June 23, and then also added Tennessee forward Nate Ament at No. 13 as part of the trade between Milwaukee and Miami for Giannis Antetokounmpo.It's admittedly early to make a sound assessment of the draft so quick, but are you happy with the Bucks' selections? Did the Bucks make the right moves? How would you grade the choice of the picks?Vote below in our poll and grade the Bucks' picks in the draft. We'll keep the poll open for a couple days and present the results later this week.This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Grade the Milwaukee Bucks' picks in the 2026 NBA Draft

WORCESTER — Shortly after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Alex Karaban got his haircut at FG Barber Studio in Milford.Nearly 13 hours later, the Southborough resident was selected No. 29 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2026 NBA Draft. Karaban was then traded to the Sacramento Kings for the No. 34 overall pick and a future second-round selection according to ESPN Senior NBA insider Shams Charania.“It’s going to be super exciting,” Karaban told the Boston Herald before being drafted. “All the work, all the sacrifices, just all the hours, days, months, whatever it is, just all that time built up to reach my dream of playing in the NBA. It’s going to be special.”As a ninth grader at Algonquin Regional, Karaban averaged 22.4 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists to lead his team to the Division 1 Central final in his lone season playing high school hoops in Northborough.“Alex is one-of-a-kind,” former Algonquin basketball coach Brian Doherty told the T&G in 2023. “He’s smart, intelligent and knows the game of basketball so well, and he’s such a great kid. He’s on the next level.”Karaban then spent two years at the New Hampton School in New Hampshire, where he was the 2020-21 Gatorade New Hampshire Player of the Year, before spending a semester at IMG Academy in Florida. He then committed to play basketball the University of Connecticut.During his storied career in Storrs, Conn., Karaban finished as the Huskies’ all-time leader in wins (126), games played (151) and career 3-pointers made (292) while leading UConn to two National Championship wins.The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 13.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists as a redshirt senior this past season en route to helping the Huskies reach another National Title game.“You see how important situational basketball is when you watch the Finals, getting a guy like Alex on your team who plays great situational basketball is so critical,” UConn coach Dan Hurley recently told the Hartford Courant.Widely considered a possible late first-round pick or early second-round selection, Karaban opted to withdraw from the NBA Draft in each of the past two years (2024 and 2025) before taking part in the draft this year.Before the draft, Karaban’s college coach had some high praise for former star player.“Alex has shown an expertise to be an all-NBA role player,” Hurley recently said. “If I’m a team in 20s and I have a choice … just how do you pass on Karaban?”Karaban was reportedly with family and friends in Worcester Tuesday when he received the news that he was selected in the first round. The last player from Central Mass. selected in the NBA Draft was Worcester’s Michael Bradley, who was a first-round pick (No. 17 overall) of the Toronto Raptors in 2001.What a journey it’s been for the 23-year-old. From Southborough to Sacramento, Alex Karaban is now in the NBA.“It’s not just me,” Karaban told the Herald, “but it’s kind of a celebration of everyone within my circle that helped me get to this point.”—Contact Tommy Cassell at tcassell@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tommycassell44.This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: NBA Draft: Uconn's Alex Karaban picked No. 29 overall in NBA Draft

The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft is in the books, but there’s still plenty of talent available heading into Wednesday’s second round. Here’s who’s left on the board for Round 2. Rankings are from Kevin O’Connor’s top 100 prospects entering the 2026 draft.24. Meleek Thomas, 6-5, Arkansas freshman guardThomas has the confidence to "run for president," according to Arkansas head coach John Calipari. You could see that on the court the way he never hesitated to fire, stepped right into the lead role when Darius Acuff was sidelined at Missouri to close the regular season, and willed Arkansas to the SEC championship game with 29 against Ole Miss. He's a legit NBA shooter with deep range, a quick release, and creation juice off the bounce. But he doesn't get to the rim, his shot selection drifts into hero-ball, and there are questions about how he'll deal with NBA physicality at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds.26. Henri Veesaar, 6-11, North Carolina junior bigVeesaar is an agile big with real shooting touch, connective playmaking, and baseline big skills with the ability to set screens and catch lobs. He also offers rim protection and is a locked-in help defender. In all three of his collegiate seasons, he made a massive leap in production each year. But he's 227 pounds so his lanky frame can get pushed around, plus he still hasn't fully defined his cornerstone skill.27. Richie Saunders, 6-5, BYU senior wingSaunders is a hard-nosed, two-way wing who plays with manic energy, hustling around the floor hunting for steals on defense and jumpers on offense. The team that gets him knows exactly what they're gonna get out of him. He's also skilled, though, with a quick-trigger jumper, soft touch on floaters, and a feel for moving the ball. With less than ideal size and athleticism, he more likely projects as a solid role player. But he's not a guarantee to succeed at age 25 after tearing his ACL in February, ending his four-year career at BYU.28. Isaiah Evans, Duke sophomore wingEvans is the kind of shooter that defenses guard and think they've got him contained, then he uses a screen and catches it off a full sprint, moving away from the rim, and he somehow manages to rise into a perfect 3-pointer. He's a legitimate sharpshooter with the off-ball chops to thrive without even running any offense for himself, and he also has a developing handle that could unlock more creation chances. But he's still a perimeter-based player who needs to add more layers to his game to become a complete offensive talent.29. Jack Kayil, 6-4, Alba Berlin guardKayil is a combo guard with a strong frame, a feel for the game that exceeds his youth, and the grit to become a high-level defender. He just became one of the youngest players to ever win the German League's Under-22 Player of the Year, joining Franz Wagner and Dennis Schroder on a list that bodes well for his NBA prospects. He committed to Gonzaga back in October, but has decided to stay in the draft — a decision that surprised some scouts since he has yet to prove he can shoot consistently or run an offense full-time. But there's no denying his upside and he could end up one of the late risers in this class.32. Bruce Thornton, 6-0, Ohio State senior guard33. Tyler Bilodeau, 6-7, UCLA senior forward34. Ryan Conwell, Louisville senior guard39. Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia senior big40. Maliq Brown, Duke senior forward41. Emanuel Sharp, Houston senior guard42. Felix Okpara, Tennessee senior big43. Braden Smith, Purdue senior guard44. Dillon Mitchell, St. John's senior forward45. Jaden Bradley, Arizona senior guard46. Noam Yaacov, Filou Oostende international guard47. Baba Miller, Cincinnati senior forward48. Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt senior forward49. Izaiyah Nelson, South Florida senior big50. Bryce Hopkins, St. John's senior forward51. Nick Martinelli, Northwestern senior wing52. Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee senior guard53. Trevon Brazile, Arkansas senior big54. Tobe Awaka, Arizona senior forward55. Otega Oweh, Kentucky senior wing56. Michael Ajayi, Butler senior forward57. Jaron Pierre, SMU senior wing58. Elijah Mahi, Santa Clara senior wing59. Carson Cooper, Michigan State senior big60. Lamar Wilkerson, Indiana senior guard61. Nate Bittle, Oregon senior big62. Darrion Williams, NC State senior forward63. Aaron Nkrumah, Tennessee State senior wing64. Milos Uzan, Houston senior guard65. Oscar Cluff, Purdue senior big66. Quadir Copeland, NC State senior guard67. Jaylin Sellers, Providence senior guard68. Malique Lewis, South East Melbourne Phoenix international wing69. Peter Suder, Miami (OH) senior wing70. Jaxon Kohler, Michigan State senior forward71. Chris Bell, California senior wing72. Duke Miles, Vanderbilt senior guard73. Tobias Jensen, Ratiopharm Ulm International wing74. Tobi Lawal, Virginia Tech senior forward75. Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State senior guard76. Vsevolod Ishchenko, Lokomotiv Kuban international wing77. William Kyle, Syracuse senior big78. Mark Mitchell, Missouri senior forward79. Rafael Castro, George Washington senior forward80. John Camden, California senior forward81. Graham Ike, Gonzaga senior big82. Donovan Atwell, Texas Tech senior wing83. Jaden Henley, Grand Canyon senior wing84. Keyshawn Hall, Auburn senior forward85. Seth Trimble, North Carolina senior guard86. Reynan dos Santos, Mexico City Capitanes international wing87. Lajae Jones, Florida State senior wing88. Josh Dix, Creighton senior wing89. Cade Tyson, Minnesota senior wing90. Nimari Burnett, Michigan senior wing91. Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue senior big92. Nick Boyd, Wisconsin senior guard93. Zach Cleveland, Liberty senior forward94. Max Mackinnon, LSU senior wing95. Corey Stephenson, FIU senior wing96. Kylan Boswell, Illinois junior guard97. Malik Reneau, Miami (FL) senior forward98. Tucker DeVries, Indiana senior wing99. Mohammad Amini, Nancy Basket international wing100. Bryson Tucker, Washington sophomore wing

Celtics NBA Draft Picks 2026: Full List of Selections From Rounds 1-2 originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.After failing to complete a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Celtics will look to add young talent to their roster during the 2026 NBA Draft.Boston will enter the draft with the No. 27 overall pick in the first round and No. 40 overall pick in the second round. The Celtics won't be able to acquire an elite prospect that far down the draft board, but they have still found valuable players like Payton Pritchard, Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez in that range.Of course, Boston could include those picks in a trade package if the team is focused on adding a big name following the failed pursuit of Antetokounmpo.Follow along right here for the full list of Celtics picks from the 2026 NBA Draft.Celtics NBA Draft picks 2026RoundPickPlayerPositionSchool127Chris Cenac Jr.PFHouston240 (from Bucks via Magic)NBA Draft trade details 2026Tuesday, June 23Kings select Alex KarabanIn the final trade of the first round, the Kings traded for pick 29 from the Cleveland Cavaliers, sending a future second-round pick along with No. 34 to move up. With it, Sacramento selcted Alex Karaban, a two-time national champion at UConn, to pair with Darius Acuff, who was picked by Sacramento earlier in the night.Spurs trade up to select Tarris ReedAfter the Denver Nuggets selected UConn's Tarris Reed with the No. 26 pick, the pick was traded to San Antonio for pick No. 35 and two second round picks. The reigning Western Conference champions one of the strongest players in college basketball to its frontcourt.Lakers trade up with KnicksIn another trade, the NBA champions New York Knicks trade the No. 24 pick to the Los Angeles Lakers, allowing the Lakers to move up and select Cameron Carr. In exchange, the Knicks get the No. 25 pick and cash considerations.Thunder trade for Bennett StirtzWe have our first trade on draft night, with Iowa's Bennett Stirtz getting drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies. But, he is immediately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two first round picks.Sources: Memphis is trading No. 16 pick Bennett Stirtz to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round picks.— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2026The Iowa star averaged over 20 points per game in his one season with the Hawkeyes.How to watch NBA Draft 2026: TV channel, live streamTV channel: ABC (Round 1) | ESPN (Rounds 1 and 2)Live stream: DIRECTV | fubo | ESPN appThe first round of the NBA Draft will air live on ABC and ESPN. The second round of the draft will air live on ESPN. Both nights of the event will be available to stream on DIRECTV, fubo and the ESPN app.Try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live NBA, NHL and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1 and NFL Network — all included with DIRECTV.Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.NBA Draft 2026 date, start timeDate: Tuesday, June 23 (Round 1) | Wednesday, June 24 (Round 2)Time: 8 p.m. ET (Rounds 1 and 2)Location: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, N.Y.)The NBA Draft will start with Round 1 on Tuesday, June 23, and it will continue with Round 2 on Wednesday, June 24. Both rounds will start at 8 p.m. ET.The event will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.NBA Draft order 2026Round 1PickTeam1Washington Wizards2Utah Jazz3Memphis Grizzlies4Chicago Bulls5Los Angeles Clippers (from Pacers)6Brooklyn Nets7Sacramento Kings8Atlanta Hawks (from Pelicans)9Dallas Mavericks10Milwaukee Bucks11Golden State Warriors12Oklahoma City Thunder (from Clippers)13Miami Heat (traded to Bucks)14Charlotte Hornets15Chicago Bulls (from Trail Blazers)16Memphis Grizzlies (from Suns) *(Traded to Thunder)*17Oklahoma City Thunder (from 76ers) *(Traded to Grizzlies, traded to Pistons)*18Charlotte Hornets (from Magic)19Toronto Raptors20San Antonio Spurs (from Hawks)21Detroit Pistons (from Timberwolves) *(Traded to Grizzlies)*22Philadelphia 76ers (from Rockets)23Atlanta Hawks (from Cavaliers)24New York Knicks25Los Angeles Lakers 26Denver Nuggets27Boston Celtics28Minnesota Timberwolves (from Pistons)29Cleveland Cavaliers (from Spurs)30Dallas Mavericks (from Thunder)Round 2PickTeam31New York Knicks (from Wizards)32Memphis Grizzlies (from Pacers)33Brooklyn Nets34Sacramento Kings35San Antonio Spurs (from Jazz)36Los Angeles Clippers (from Grizzlies)37Oklahoma City Thunder (from Mavericks)38Chicago Bulls (from Pelicans)39Houston Rockets (from Bulls)40Boston Celtics (from Bucks)41Miami Heat (from Warriors)42San Antonio Spurs (from Trail Blazers)43Brooklyn Nets (from Clippers)44San Antonio Spurs (from Heat)45Sacramento Kings (from Hornets)46Orlando Magic47Phoenix Suns (from 76ers)48Dallas Mavericks (from Suns)49Denver Nuggets (from Hawks)50Toronto Raptors51Washington Wizards (from Timberwolves)52Los Angeles Clippers (from Cavaliers)53Houston Rockets54Golden State Warriors (from Lakers)55New York Knicks56Chicago Bulls (from Nuggets)57Atlanta Hawks (from Celtics)58New Orleans Pelicans (from Pistons)59Minnesota Timberwolves (from Spurs)60Washington Wizards (from Thunder)More CelticsLatest Celtics newsTD Garden fan guide: What to know before you goComplete history of Celtics championships

[Getty Images]We had been told to expect his arrival at 19:15 local time. Then it was 20:30. Finally, a little after 21:00 in Miami, in strode Carlo Ancelotti to address the hundreds of journalists waiting to hear his thoughts on Brazil's World Cup meeting with Scotland on Wednesday.Well, sort of. Questions relating to Scotland for Brazil coach Ancelotti were few and far between.The Brazilian journos wanted to know about Neymar, the country's record goalscorer set to play in the famous yellow for the first time in almost three years.They wanted to pick Ancelotti's brain about Vinicius Jnr, the Real Madrid superstar who would seem to be their best hope of reproducing the kind of fireworks the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have been serving up at this World Cup.They wanted insight on every aspect of Ancelotti's project to turn this group of talented individuals into a team that can end Brazil's 24-year wait for a World Cup. Coincidentally, the last time they endured such a barren run, they ended it here in the United States, when Romario, Bebeto et al led the Samba Boys to victory at USA '94.The Brazilian media wanted to soak up every piece of information their legendary manager was willing to impart on his star-studded squad. Scotland was not high on the agenda.Scotland have coping strategy for weather delaysThe return of NeymarNormally banging in the most goals – 79 to be precise - in the history of your national team is a sure-fire way to secure undying adulation among the country's fans. Yet Neymar is not universally loved in his homeland, and his selection ahead of Chelsea's Joao Pedro in the World Cup squad sparked huge debate in Brazil.He has not played for his country since October 2023 and missed out on the 1-1 draw with Morocco in the Group C opener through injury.Ancelotti says the 34-year-old former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain striker is ready to make his long-awaited return against Scotland."He is available. He trained very well this week. He is fit and ready to play," said Ancelotti."We are very happy. He is a high-quality player. He can play half-time or the whole 90 minutes. He's very well, he worked very hard. So he is ready."His attitude is very good and he is in good spirits. He's a good player, team-mate, he's very serious and we want to put him back to play as soon as possible."He brings experience, knowledge and is doing very well."Vini the main manIt will be fascinating to see how much of the old magic Neymar can conjure, but you suspect if Brazil are to be a fixture at the business end of this tournament, it will be Vincius who will be the catalyst.Two goals in two games, including a fabulous equaliser when Brazil were 1-0 down and struggling with the all-round excellence of Morocco, has prevented an underwhelming start to the tournament becoming something more concerning."He's playing very well," said Ancelotti, who managed the Brazilian star at Real Madrid before taking over the Selecao in 2025."We need to use him even though we have other fantastic players. We have experience, quality and legs. I'm completely satisfied [in] all of them."I have to put all the players to adapt to the style of the team."And therein lies the genius of Ancelotti – taking the big superstars and their bigger egos and making them work as a cohesive unit.He is the most decorated manager in Champions League history with five trophies, and the only man to win titles in all of Europe's top five leagues.But leading Brazil to World Cup success would further elevate the Italian's claim to be the greatest manager ever.A packed converted locker room at Miami stadium hosted a late-night press conference with the Brazil boss [Getty Images]It's hard to imagine Ancelotti has had too many sleepless nights worrying about a Scotland team that have managed just two shots on target in two group games so far, but he has been around long enough to provide to show anything other than respect to his opponents.And perhaps he noted how uncomfortable the Scots made life for Morocco in that last 15 minutes or so in Boston, even if they were not able to find a way through."Difficult game, as usual," he said. "Scotland has quality, they are fighters, they play really well organised."They have really good players, good individuals in [Scott] McTominay, [John] McGinn, that are experienced players who are used to playing this type of game. It will be a very difficult game as usual. We are ready to play a difficult game."They are a strong team. They have a very clear strategy. Usually play 4-4-2, long balls. They will try and do a lot of crossing."We need to control the match in that sense."Play BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor gameWorld Cup fixtures and group standingsHow to watch the World Cup on the BBCEverything you need to know about the World Cup

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the twenty eighth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson after he was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images The Brooklyn Nets selected Joshua Jefferson with the 28th overall pick in the NBA Draft, marking a historic moment for the Iowa State basketball program. Jefferson is the first Cyclone to be drafted since Tyrese Haliburton was taken 12th overall in 2020 and is only the sixth Iowa State player since the year 2000 to be a first-round selection. He joins an elite list of former Cyclones drafted in the first round.During his standout senior season in 2025-26, Jefferson became the fifth consensus All-American in program history. He finished the year averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, becoming the only Power Conference player in the nation to reach those statistical marks that season. His versatility was historically significant, as he became the first player in Big 12 history to record multiple triple-doubles in conference play, achieving the feat against West Virginia and UCF. Jefferson was remarkably consistent, scoring in double figures in 40 consecutive games before a season-ending injury occurred in the opening minutes of the NCAA Tournament against Tennessee State.Jefferson’s junior year in 2024-25 was equally record-breaking, as he became the first player in Big 12 history to accumulate at least 450 points, 250 rebounds, 100 assists, 70 steals, and 25 blocks in a single season. He ranked 18th nationally with 74 steals, which tied for the fourth-most in a single season in Iowa State history. In the NCAA Tournament against Lipscomb, he set a unique record by becoming the first player in tournament history to record at least 10 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and two blocks in a single game.Before his success at Iowa State, Jefferson was a standout at Liberty High School in Las Vegas, where he led his team to its first-ever state championship. He began his collegiate career at Saint Mary’s, where he averaged 10.2 points and 6.5 rebounds as a sophomore before a leg injury cut his season short and led to his transfer to Iowa State. He comes from a deep athletic background; his father, Ben Jefferson, played in the NFL, and both of his brothers played college football. Jefferson concluded his collegiate career with 1,029 points, ranking 35th all-time at Iowa State, and finished in the school’s top 20 for both career assists (276) and steals (131).

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 06: Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies reacts after basket against the Michigan Wolverines in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images With the No. 29 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected UConn’s Alex Karaban — then traded him to the Sacramento Kings. He is the 27th first round draft pick in Husky program history and 59th drafted overall.Karaban initially looked to be going to Cleveland, but the pick was dealt to Sacramento in exchange for the No. 34 pick tomorrow night and a future second round pick. It wasn’t a given that he would be picked tonight, but the Kings made it a reality by trading up five spots to acquire him. Once he suits up, he will be the sixth UConn player to play for the Kings, joining Kevin Ollie, Rudy Gay, Hilton Armstrong, Jeremy Lamb and Caron Butler.BREAKING: UConn's Alex Karaban has been selected with the No. 29 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings!#BleedBluepic.twitter.com/sFa0rPK9rR— Storrs Central (@StorrsCentral) June 24, 2026The Southborough, Massachusetts native wasn’t in attendance at the draft in Brooklyn on Tuesday, rather celebrating at home with friends and family as he saw his dream come true and hear his name get called.The fit in Sacramento is an interesting one, as well. The Kings were tied for last in the NBA in team 3-point percentage last season, so adding Karaban can only help bolster that area. The team also selected Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the No. 7 pick.UConn’s winningest player of all time finds a new home 🏠 Alex Karaban is selected with pick 29 🐾 pic.twitter.com/bUfrC1CyDr— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) June 24, 2026Karaban spent all four years of his college career at UConn, where he made his mark as one of the most established players not just in program history, but in all of college basketball history. The two-time national champion is the winningest player in Husky program history, appearing in three Final Fours and winning 18 NCAA Tournament games.A starter in 150 of his 151 career games, Karaban averaged 12.5 points per game and connected on 65 or more three pointers all four years. He had four double-doubles, including in his final game in the 2026 national title game against Michigan.Karaban was the second player who heard his name called in the draft after Tarris Reed Jr. was selected on Tuesday in the first round with the 26th pick by the San Antonio Spurs in a trade with the Denver Nuggets. Karaban becomes the 11th Husky drafted since 2021 after the program went five years without draft picks.First Round Huskies 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/rDNaPoaFvE— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) June 24, 2026

The Chicago Bulls tried to strike gold in North Carolina again and the Milwaukee Bucks started their post-Giannis Antetokounmpo era in the first round of the NBA draft on Tuesday.Both the Bulls and Bucks had two top-15 picks Tuesday to highlight the first night of the draft in the Central Division. That represented a major change from last year, when the only Central team with a first-round pick was Chicago, which took Noa Essengue at No. 12 overall.Chicago selected North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick and took Texas forward Dailyn Swain at No. 15. Milwaukee took Arizona guard Braydon Burries at No. 10 and Tennessee forward Nate Ament at No. 13. The other Central team to add a player Tuesday was Detroit, which traded for Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie after he went 17th.Wilson becomes the third North Carolina player the Bulls have drafted in the first round. The Bulls selected Michael Jordan third overall in 1984 and Coby White seventh in 2019.“I’m always going to do whatever it takes to get better,” Wilson said. "I want to be the greatest player of all time, man. Y’all got one of the GOATs in y’all’s history right now. So it’s time for another one. I’m hungry. I’m hungry to be the greatest.”Wilson's lone college season ended prematurely when he broke his right thumb in a non-contact drill while trying to come back from a fracture in his left hand. He still earned second-team Associated Press All-America honors while averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds.“I feel great, better than ever," Wilson said. “Been working on my hand strength, so I’ll never have to go through something like that again.”The Bucks had much at stake as they began to rebuild their roster a night after news broke that they were trading Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. Burries said he didn't feel any extra burden from heading to Milwaukee just as the Bucks adapt to life without the two-time MVP forward.“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure,” Burries said. "I’d say I’m just going to go there and be me and try to be the best version of myself.:Burries, a 6-foot-4 guard, had 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 39.4% from 3-point range his lone season at Arizona to help the Wildcats reach the Final Four. The Bucks took Ament with the extra first-round pick they got in the Antetokounmpo trade. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists as a Tennessee freshman.“They are big shoes to fill over there in Milwaukee, and I think that it’s just a tremendous opportunity for me and Brayden,” Ament said. “If anything, I see it as an opportunity and not pressure.”Ament often was linked to Milwaukee in mock drafts, perhaps in part due to Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam's Tennessee ties. Haslam is a Tennessee alum who announced this month he is donating $130 million to the school.Chicago BullsNeeds: Size, along with help in the backcourt. The Bulls acquired 6-foot-11 center Nic Claxton as part of a three-team trade in the run-up to the draft, but more size is needed after the team struggled defensively last season.Who they drafted: Wilson upgrades Chicago’s overall athleticism. When Bryson Graham was introduced as the team’s executive vice president of basketball operations in May, he mentioned the acronym SLAP — size, length, athleticism, physicality — and the 6-9 Wilson fits right in. The 6-7 Swain averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season with Texas.NBA comparisons: Wilson has been compared to Chris Bosh and Kevin Garnett, but a more likely possibility is Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, albeit with more athleticism. Swain’s NBA comps include Herb Jones, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Naji Marshall.Cleveland CavaliersNeeds: Cleveland has an abundance of guards, but they still need some depth in the front court or a center who can shoot from the perimeter when the Cavaliers want to play five-out on offense. A rookie contract would also help the franchise’s bloated salary cap, with Donovan Mitchell due for an extension and James Harden on a player option.Who they drafted: The Cavaliers took UConn forward Alex Karaban at No. 29, but they were trading him to Sacramento.Detroit PistonsNeeds: Outside shooters and ball-handlers. Detroit’s weaknesses were exposed in the playoffs, putting them on the brink of elimination in the first round as a top-seeded team and leading to their second-round exit.Who they drafted: Okorie was drafted at No. 17 and acquired in a trade.NBA comparison: Okorie draws comparisons to Dennis Schröder, who has been a solid NBA player for more than a decade. The 6-1, 186-pound combo guard can create his own offense off the dribble or set up teammates for shots.Indiana PacersNeeds: Indiana filled its biggest need – center - with a midseason trade for Ivica Zubac. The problem was the Pacers sent a protected first-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers and lost it in the draft lottery, leaving them with no draft picks. The good news: All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is expected to return from his torn Achilles tendon in the fall.Who they drafted: Nobody.Milwaukee BucksNeeds: The Bucks could use help everywhere as they retool their roster without Antetokounmpo. Losing Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis, who also is headed to Miami, makes the frontcourt the biggest concern. Who they drafted: Burries' all-around game made him a safe pick at No. 10. He could be a reliable part of Milwaukee's backcourt for years to come. Listed as 6-10 and 207 pounds, Ament will need to develop strength, but he has a high upside.NBA comparison: Burries has drawn comparisons to Derrick White, a well-rounded performer who can play either guard spot. Auburn coach Steven Pearl has compared Ament to Jabari Smith Jr., a former Auburn star.___AP Sports Writers Jay Cohen, Josh Dubow, Larry Lage, Michael Marot and Joe Reedy contributed to this report.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

PEORIA, AZ - OCTOBER 19: Logan Poteet #28 of the Mesa Solar Sox bats during the game between the Mesa Solar Sox and the Peoria Javelinas at Peoria Sports Complex on Sunday, October 19, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Jill Weisleder/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images Right-hander Koen Moreno was promoted from High-A South Bend to Double-A Knoxville.Right-hander Luis Rujano was promoted from rookie ball ACL Cubs to South Bend.Iowa CubsThe Iowa Cubs were stampeded by the Buffalo Bison (Blue Jays), 11-10 in ten innings.Paul Campbell pitched the first five innings and gave up four runs on four hits. Campbell walked two and struck out five.Corbin Martin pitched the top of the tenth, gave up three runs and took the loss when Iowa only scored two runs in the bottom of the inning. Martin’s final line was three runs, two earned, on three hits. He struck out one and walked no one.DH BJ Murray tied the game 1-1 with a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning. It was his ninth home run on the year. Murray went 3 for 5 with a triple and the home run. He also walked once. Murray scored two runs and drove home two.Third baseman Owen Miller hit a grand slam in the sixth inning, his fourth home run of the year. Miller went 2 for 5.Catcher Moisés Ballesteros was 2 for 4 with a double, a walk and a sacrifice fly. He had three RBI.Murray’s home run.B.J. sends one out of here! pic.twitter.com/MT9wcpRotn— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 24, 2026Miller’s slam.AN OWEN MILLER GRAND SLAM GIVES US THE LEAD!!!! pic.twitter.com/Q29vCSsE1s— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 24, 2026An RBI double for Mo Baller.Moises Ballesteros doubles home a run! pic.twitter.com/Pw5afNDs1t— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 24, 2026Ballesteros gets the I-Cubs to within a run in the tenth.Moises makes it a one run game! pic.twitter.com/7UV5NX3PtF— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 24, 2026Knoxville SmokiesThe Knoxville Smokies toppled the Birmingham Barons (White Sox), 5-3.Starter Connor Schultz pitched 3.1 innings and gave up three runs on two hits. He had some control issues as he walked six. Schultz struck out five.Erian Rodriguez handled the next 2.2 innings and collected the win after not allowing a run. Rodriguez gave up just one hit. He walked two and struck out three.Tyler Schlaffer pitched the final three innings and got just his second career save. Schlaffer retired the first eight batters he faced and then allowed a two-out double in the ninth. He then ended the game by getting the next batter to pop out. Schlaffer struck out three.In the second inning, left fielder Andy Garriola cracked his team-high 14th home run with the bases empty. Garriola was 3 for 4 with a double, the home run and a walk. He had two total runs batted in.Catcher Owen Ayers connected for his 19th home run on the year with the bases empty in the seventh. It was his 13th home run with the Smokies. Ayers was 1 for 4 with a walk.Second baseman Ed Howard was 2 for 4 and scored once.Garriola’s home run.Andy Garriola gets the second half started with a bang 💥 His 14th homer of the season gives the Smokies the lead in Birmingham pic.twitter.com/VMHK8hrNdd— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) June 24, 2026The Ayers home run.Owen Ayers goes oppo-taco for his 13th big fly of the season 🌮 pic.twitter.com/Vw6KHeHXMP— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) June 24, 2026South Bend CubsThe South Bend Cubs arrested the Quad Cities River Bandits (Royals), 6-2.Kevin Valdez started and allowed two runs on two hits over 4.1 innings. Both runs came on a home run in the fifth inning. Valdez walked three and struck out a career-high nine batters.Ben Johnson threw the next 1.2 innings, did not give up a run on one hit, and got the win. He struck out one and walked no one.Left fielder Jose Escobar had a huge night. He went 4 for 4 with two doubles and a two-run home run in the fourth inning. It was Escobar’s second home run with South Bend and fourth overall. He finished the night with three runs batted in.Shortstop Ty Southisene was 2 for 4 with a double and two steals. He scored one run.Third baseman Matt Halbach went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI single in the first inning. Halbach also scored once.Second baseman Angel Cepeda was 2 for 4. He drove in one and scored one run.Escobar’s home run.Hit it far, Escobar! 🚀Jose Escobar has his second @hoosierlottery home run in the Midwest League!#SBCubspic.twitter.com/DConmmMdQr— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) June 24, 2026RBI single for Cepeda.That's how you add on!#SBCubspic.twitter.com/6FWxegYcro— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) June 24, 2026Myrtle Beach PelicansThe Myrtle Beach Pelicans herded up the Salem RidgeYaks (Red Sox), 7-2.Starting pitcher Yoendris Gonzalez did not allow a hit or a run over the first three innings. Gonzalez walked two and struck out four.Riely Huntsaker pitched the next four innings and got the win. Huntsaker allowed just one unearned run on three hits. He struck out three and walked no one.Jhon Rosario threw the final two innings in a non-save situation. He gave up just one hit, but it was a solo home run to the first batter he faced in the eighth. Rosario allowed one run on one hit and one walk. He struck out two.For the fourth straight game, catcher Logan Poteet homered. This one came with a man on in the seventh inning and was his 14th home run overall. Poteet came a double shy of the cycle, as he was 3 for 5 with a triple and the home run. He scored twice and had two runs batted in.Center fielder Alexey Lumpuy went 3 for 5 with a stolen base. He singled home two in the fourth inning. Third baseman Yahil Melendez was 2 for 5 with a double.Lumpuy’s two-run single.Lumpuy Lumber Co. for all your run scoring needs.🪵 pic.twitter.com/2wk6tvIZ3s— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) June 23, 2026Poteet’s home run.FOUR GAMES IN A ROW!POTEET HAS GONE YARD AGAIN🤯 pic.twitter.com/G3f4obNkHW— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) June 23, 2026ACL CubsLost to the Giants, 6-4.

Overshadowed by conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon, the fighting in Myanmar’s isolated heartland has reached new depths.

The Southeast Asian nation recently experienced its highest monthly civilian death toll since the war began in 2021.

Cameron Carr's winding path to the NBA took one a few turns during the first round of the draft on June 23.Carr picked up a New York Knicks hat before shaking NBA commissioner Adam Silver's hand on stage. The former Tennessee basketball guard was selected with the No. 24 pick by the Knicks before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.The Knicks acquired the 25th pick along with cash considerations.Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game at Baylor during the 2025-26 season, earning All-Big 12 Third Team honors and setting the program's single-season sophomore scoring record with 642 points. Carr departed Tennessee midseason in December 2024, averaging 2.3 points in 18 career games. Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said at the time that Carr had given no warning before leaving."He just walked out," Barnes said after Carr made his announcement prior to a game on Dec. 23, 2024 against Middle Tennessee State.Carr wrote on Instagram following his departure that he was pursuing a fresh start. "I have nothing but love for Coach Barnes, the Tennessee staff and Vol Nation," Carr wrote Jan. 23, 2025.He delivered on that fresh start for Baylor.In Los Angeles, Carr will join former teammate Dalton Knecht, the 2024 SEC Player of the Year the Lakers selected 17th overall in 2024.Carr is the son of Chris Carr, who played six NBA seasons and finished runner-up to Kobe Bryant in the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest.This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Cameron Carr, who started career at Tennessee, drafted by Knicks, traded to Lakers

The 2026 World Cup continues Wednesday with Groups A, B and C in action. It's the final group stage games for three groups, which means games will be played simultaneously. Mexico is the only team playing Wednesday that has already clinched a spot in the Round of 32. That leaves for plenty of meaningful matches, including for co-host Canada, which sits tied atop Group B with Switzerland.Elsewhere, South Korea could join Mexico and advance with a win. Group C features a tight battle between Brazil, Morocco and Scotland, who might all end up advancing depending on how the rest of the group stage plays out.Here's what you need to know for Day 14 of the World Cup.Switzerland vs. CanadaWednesday, June 24 | 3p.m. ET | Vancouver | TV: FoxOdds: Switzerland (+130), Canada (+240), Tie (+200)Canada leads Group B over the Swiss by goal differential. The result will affect where they might end up playing in the Round of 32. A win or a draw means a game in Vancouver as group winners. A loss could see them end up second in Group B and a trip to Los Angeles for a knockout stage match. Switzerland opened with a draw against Qatar and then a victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. QatarWednesday, June 24 | 3 p.m. ET | Seattle | TV: FS1Odds: Bosnia and Herzegovina (-270), Qatar (+650), Tie (+420)The bottom two teams in Group B look to keep their hopes alive. One side will be eliminated in this match. The other could move on depending on the outcome of Canada-Switzerland and if a large goal differential can be overcome. Both teams drew and lost their first two matches at the World Cup. Bosnia's Tarik Muharemović and Qatar's Homam El Amin and Assim Madibo will miss out due to picking up red cards.Scotland vs. BrazilWednesday, June 24 | 6 p.m. ET | Miami | TV: FoxOdds: Brazil (-280), Scotland (+410), Tie (+410)Can Scotland break the Brazil hex? They've never beaten the South American side having played 10, lost eight and drew two times in previous meetings. Both sides are sitting in good places in terms of reaching the Round of 32. Brazil leads the group with four points and a plus-3 goal differential. Scotland is right behind them with three points, above last-place Haiti on zero points. As Raphinha looks to be an injury doubt, Neymar is set to be available for Carlo Ancelotti after missing the first two matches due to a calf injury.Morocco vs. HaitiWednesday, June 24 | 6 p.m. ET | Atlanta | TV: FS1Odds: Morocco (-600), Haiti (+1600), Tie (+600)Already eliminated, Haiti finishes its World Cup against Morocco, which is likely through but still hoping to leap Brazil as Group C winners. The 2022 semifinalists drew Brazil and beat Scotland, setting themselves up for a knockout stage place for the second World Cup.South Africa vs. South KoreaWednesday, June 24 | 9 p.m. ET | Guadalupe, Mexico | TV: FS1Odds: South Korea (-145), South Africa (+420), Tie (+270)One Round of 32 place has been taken by co-hosts Mexico. Can the Koreans join them? South Africa have drawn and lost, while scoring a single goal through two matches. This is a prime chance for South Korea to take three points and secure a place in the knockout stages. Even a draw would be fine for the Taegeuk Warriors as they hold the head-to-head advantage tiebreaker over Czechia should they upset Mexico.Czechia vs. MexicoWednesday, June 24 | 9 p.m. ET | Mexico City | TV: FoxOdds: Mexico (-110), Czechia (+270), Tie (+280)Czechia need a win and hope that South Korea is upset by South Africa to have a shot at advancing out of Group A. Mexico is already through, but would love to close out group play with three straight wins on home soil. Czechia has not advanced since the 1982 World Cup, while Mexico has reached the next stage eight of their past nine times in the tournament.

The San Antonio Spurs wanted to acquire size in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday, and they certainly got it.With the 20th selection, they selected injured Kentucky center Jayden Quaintance. The 6-foot-10 big man has a 7-5 wingspan, is ridiculously athletic and has significant upside as a two-way prospect.Complications from a catastrophic knee injury limited him to four games this season, and that's why the Spurs unquestionably will bring him along slowly. They will make sure his recovery is optimal, and he's mentally ready to produce.Quaintance, who is just 18 years old, is a long-term upside play, unlike Connecticut big man Tarris Reed Jr., whom San Antonio selected 26th after trading back into the first round.San Antonio relinquished the 35th selection and two additional second-rounders to move up to take Reed.The 22-year-old senior is a physical specimen at 6-10 and over 264 pounds. He has a 7-4 wingspan and posted a 31-point, 27-rebound game in the NCAA tournament.Reed will likely crack the rotation earlier than Quaintance, but that's going to be by design.The Spurs saw a drastic need for rebounding and interior play during their Finals loss to the New York Knicks, so they wasted little time pursuing potential solutions.Furthermore, the choice to opt for size allows them to free up Luke Kornet in trade talks. Given his salary of over $10 million, he could make for an interesting salary-matching chip, especially if they can find a big wing to add for next season.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 27: Konnor Griffin #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a solo home run during the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 27, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images Konnor Griffin is nearing a return to the Pirates’ infield.The former No. 1 prospect and 20-year-old shortstop sensation will begin a rehab assignment in Double-A with the Altoona Curve beginning on Wednesday.Manager Don Kelly confirmed to the media that Griffin will play his first game since May 30.Griffin has been sidelined for nearly a month due to a forearm injury that has hampered his ability to throw.What was once considered day-to-day required an IL stint, and the Pirates treated the injury with significant caution.Griffin served as the designated hitter against the Minnesota Twins on May 29 and 30, but the Pirates didn’t want to risk future injury.Pirates pregame and postgame host Dan Zangrilli of 93.7 The Fan believes Griffin could return during the three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds this home stand. In 51 games with the Bucs, Griffin is slashing .270/.327/.402 with nine doubles, two triples, four home runs, and 22 RBIs over the course of 189 at-bats.Griffin has also stolen 14 bases and has been deployed as high as the Pirates’ leadoff hitter or in the bottom third of the lineup. The Pirates did not find any structural damage for Griffin or anything that required serious attention outside of rest. He took ground balls last week and continued to rehab his forearm by throwing 90 feet, to bases, and getting back into the swing of throwing the ball with regularity. The team extended their star shortstop with a nine-year, $140 million contract that marked one of the best days in recent Pirates history. Lacking offense and Griffin’s five-tool ability at short, the Pirates have slipped below .500 (39-40).They desperately need Griffin back, and it appears to be only a matter of time.Konnor Griffin in 10 games since turning 20 years old:.405 AVG (15-for-37)1.139 OPS5 XBH8 RBI3 SB pic.twitter.com/vL5TOvjHX0— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 4, 2026When he does return soon, Griffin will immediately be relied on as the difference maker and embrace the weight of the franchise at only 20 years of age.The Pirates play the Mariners and Reds before going across the state and to the nation’s capital over the next two weeks before the All-Star Game.

Colombia secured ​their place in the World Cup round of 32 with a game to spare after a 1-0 ⁠victory over DR Congo in Group K on Tuesday, with Daniel Munoz scoring the winner after the South Americans had ⁠been frustrated for much ​of ⁠the evening.Colombia moved to six points from two matches and ⁠guaranteed their progress to the knockout stage ​ahead of their final ‌group game against Portugal, who beat Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier on Tuesday. DR ‌Congo remained on one point ‌and will need a result against Uzbekistan to keep their qualification hopes alive.Colombia dominated ⁠possession and created the better chances throughout but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who produced a series of saves to keep out efforts from James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Jhon ‌Arias.The breakthrough finally arrived in the ​76th minute when Juan Quintero's ‌pass found Munoz ⁠surging into the penalty area and ⁠the defender fired a low shot that took ‌a deflection on its way ‌past Mpasi.More to follow...

Overshadowed by conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon, the fighting in Myanmar’s isolated heartland has reached new depths.

The picks are in, and I've got some early fantasy basketball winners and losers from Tuesday's first round. Let's get into it, and don’t forget to check out my grades for the top-14 picks in the draft.Winners AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards The No. 1 pick lands in a good fantasy-friendly situation where he can best showcase his dynamic scoring and athleticism. Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and over a steal per game as one of the best freshmen in the country. Now, Dybantsa teams up with Trae Young, Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr — with Anthony Davis potentially joining the mix. He's a draftable fantasy asset from the jump and a safe bet to start from Day 1. Cameron Boozer, Memphis GrizzliesBoozer joining the Grizzlies is ideal because he can comfortably slot into the starting unit at power forward alongside Zach Edey. There's legit double-double potential right out of the gates, especially considering Memphis is in rebuild mode. Boozer checks several boxes from a fantasy perspective, offering efficient production in points, rebounds and assists. Of the top three teams, this was the best outcome for his fantasy value. Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls I was concerned that Wilson would go to a place that wouldn't maximize his talent. Usually, that place is Chicago. However, I'm trusting that its front office changes and commitment to targeting players with size, length and athleticism are the right way to redesign its roster. Wilson has the highest two-way ceiling in this draft to me and I think playing with an uptempo PG like Josh Giddey will help unlock his fantasy potential.Nic Claxton has arrived, but I think Wilson is capable of posting 15-9-3 with a couple of stocks a game as a rookie. That's a draftable asset in redraft leagues and I'll likely have him near my top 100. It's high, but I like Wilson's talent that much as a Kevin Garnett-type player. Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings Sacramento's recent track record of selecting point guards in the first round has gone well — Tyrese Haliburton, De'Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell … still waiting to see on Devin Carter, but you get the point. Acuff reminds me of Stephon Marbury — mad handles, great passer and top-tier scorer. With Russell Westbrook out of the way, they needed a true lead guard, and they got the first player since Pete Maravich to lead the SEC in both scoring (23.5 PPG) and assists (6.4 APG) in the same season. Kings GM Scott Perry played with Acuff's father, so it wouldn't surprise me if this was all a part of the plan. Despite all of those veterans, I think the future of this franchise is in the hands of Acuff, which should be good for fantasy purposes. Mikel Brown Jr., Brooklyn Nets Brooklyn landing Brown at No. 6 feels like a dream scenario. The Nets find their floor general to orchestrate the offense for Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle, and Brown steps right in as the primary guard. At Louisville, he put up 18.2 points and 4.7 assists per game, showing off elite efficiency for a college guard. Don't forget he was the best player on the Team USA U19 squad, which also featured fellow first-rounders Dybantsa, Morez Johnson Jr. and Koa Peat. With Brooklyn's open roster, he'll have every opportunity to cook. LosersBrayden Burries, Milwaukee Bucks The talent is real, but the landing spot is brutal. Milwaukee is carrying Tyler Herro, Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr. and Kasparas Jakučionisin the backcourt. Burries is buried before he plays a single NBA minute. He's still a top-10 dynasty pick, but until the Bucks shed some guard depth, redraft managers shouldn't consider Burries an option in his rookie campaign. New Orleans Pelicans New Orleans spent the night and day dangling Trey Murphy III, trying to move into the first round and came away empty-handed. In a class loaded with players that could help improve their roster, not landing a single first-round pick is a miss. Failing to make a move before the draft only hurts its leverage, in my opinion. New York Knicks New York drafted Cameron Carr, then flipped him to the Lakers for PG Sergio De Larrea — a Valencia-based prospect who isn't coming over next season. The Knicks burned a first-round pick on a draft-and-stash when they could've drafted some insurance for their championship roster. The Knicks love their international prospects, but in this instance, there were plenty of options to fill out their roster.

This year's Michigan national championship team did something not even the famed Fab Five ever did:Michigan had three players selected in the NBA Draft lottery for the first time in the school's history.NBA teams loved what they saw in Michigan last year. That started even before the draft, when Dallas poached the Wolverines’ coach, hiring Dusty May away to take over the Mavericks.Then, when it came time for May and Dallas to step up on draft night and make a selection at No. 9, they went with Morez Johnson Jr., the defensive-minded 6'9" big man who shot up draft boards because of his energy on both ends of the floor.Then at No. 11, the Golden State Warriors selected Yaxel Lendeborg, a perfect plug-and-play fit for a team that can't wait around for rookies to develop. Lendeborg is almost 24 and an incredibly polished player who is an elite defender and has proven he can be a finisher in and around the paint. He is exactly what the Warriors need.One pick later at No. 12, the Oklahoma City Thunder drafted Aday Mara — a 7'3" big body who needs to develop his shot and add some polish to his game, but whose size and physicality will come in handy. Especially when the Thunder face off against that team from San Antonio and their center.It's wild to think that the Fab Five or none of the other great Michigan teams ever had three players taken in the lottery, but only three other teams in all of college basketball have ever done this:• 2005 North Carolina (Marvin Williams, Raymond Felton, Sean May and Rashad McCants).• 2007 Florida (Al Horford, Corey Brewer, Joakim Noah, all in the top 10).• 2019 Duke (Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish).Three of the four teams that have done this — Michigan, North Carolina and Florida — each also won the national championship.

Metaphorically speaking, some needed sunshine peeked through late in the black-cloud day the Mets endured Tuesday. After their 9-6 loss to the Cubs at Citi Field, Carlos Mendoza said the club would have nighttime discussions about whether a rehabbing Francisco Lindor could be activated for Wednesday’s doubleheader. It’s a possibility, the manager said, and anything that tilts positive rates highly in a blue-and-orange world where so much has gone wrong. Especially if it’s a little weightier than a few successful challenges or some cosmetic ninth-inning runs, both of which were basically the pluses emanating from the Mets’ third-straight loss. Otherwise, the Mets got yet another clunker from their rotation, that chronic trouble spot. Kodai Senga looked like his old self in a spotless first inning, but thereafter looked mostly like his more recent self, which is not a good thing. AndJuan Soto left with back tightness. “His back locked up,” Mendoza said, and Soto came out after the fourth inning. But even if Soto is considered day-to-day, as Mendoza said, it still feels ominous that the manager also said Soto could really feel it when he was trying to get to his “A” swing. The Mets will determine if Soto needs further testing. If Lindor, who had two hits and two runs for Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, can return and be a threat, perhaps the Mets can find some equilibrium as they try to prove that David Stearns shouldn’t look to sell at the trade deadline. Math and baseball’s generous wild card system dictate that they deserve some time, even at 10 games under .500, but their starting pitching must improve. Nolan McLean and Sean Manaea, in that order, will start against the Cubs in the doubleheader, and they’re probably the starters pitching the best right now. Christian Scott, who had begun to blossom nicely, could return soon, too. Senga, however, is a wreck, toting a 10.08 ERA. He’s trending toward being un-pitchable after giving up seven runs on three hits in 3.2 innings against the Cubs. “David was pretty clear before the game that performing matters here and having outings like these is not going to cut it,” Mendoza said of Senga’s performance. “We need better.” “That first inning version of myself, if I can replicate that over and over again, I think I absolutely do belong in the rotation,” Senga said through an interpreter. “However, if I’m struggling to find the strike zone, then it becomes a tougher conversation. That’s a decision that Mendy and the front office will make and I’ll just continue to do what I can and continue to prepare so that I can, when I do go back out there the next time, I can perform at the highest level possible.” Seven runs on only three hits? Yes, walks were a huge factor for Senga – again. He walked five and three of those scored, along with the one batter he hit. Mets starters came into the game with the third-worst walk rate in baseball. Overall, the Mets walked seven, a continuation of a problem that dates back several seasons, including in 2024 when they went to the NLCS. “It (walks) is absolutely something we’re talking about internally,” Stearns said before the game. “We’ve got to more consistently throw strikes.” Even before Senga’s outing, the Mets had the fourth-worst starter ERA in baseball. Losing Clay Holmes in May certainly hurt. Freddy Peralta, brought in to top the rotation, has had some struggles and owns a 4.83 ERA. Stearns noted that Peralta has been missing locations he’s hit in the past, which has hindered his effectiveness. Peralta is “working on some mechanical things,” Stearns said. “We haven't gotten the level of consistent performances from most of our rotation that we expected and that our players expected coming into the season,” Stearns added. “I think each of our starters would say that there's another level of performance in there, and it's our job as an organization to do everything we can to try to get the best versions of each of those players out.” Obviously, the Mets need the rotation to begin soaring, and fast. They’ve stuck with struggling pitchers such as Senga and David Peterson because there aren’t alternatives. It puts a strain across the roster. The Mets have given up so many early runs when their starters crater that they often play from behind, supersizing the burden on what can be a spotty offense. And they’re not even deep enough into the season for the rotation’s deficiencies to blast chaos through what’s been a good bullpen so far. Last season, the starters failed to pitch deep into games and the resulting reverberation through the relievers helped wreck the Mets’ season. For now, the Mets might have to console themselves with Lindor’s return. He’ll certainly lengthen the lineup and help the defense. “We also can’t put everything on Francisco to come back at a time when he hasn’t been playing baseball very much and expect him to put us on his back,” Stearns said. True enough. The starting pitching will have to help. And quickly. Can it? Not if the rotation keeps having nights like Tuesday.

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: An overall photo of 2026 NBA Draft stage before the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Hannah Ally/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Braden Smith, the NCAA’s All Time leader in assists, didn’t hear his name called in the first round of the 2026 NBA draft. With only one major draft board having Smith taken in the late first round, it was largely expected that Smith would go in the second round. Most of the projections place Smith being selected early in the second round between picks 35 and 40. The B1G was well represented as the conference had six players drafted in the first round. That is the second most in the first round in league history as the conference had eight players drafted in 2025. Those players and their destinations are below:#5 Keaton Wagler (Illinois) – Los Angeles Clippers #9 Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan) – Dallas Mavericks#11 Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) – Golden State Warriors#12 Aday Mara (Michigan) – Oklahoma City Thunder#14 Hannes Steinbach (Washington) – Charlotte Hornets#16 Bennett Stirtz (Iowa) – Oklahoma City Thunder (via trade from Memphis Grizzlies)Where Does Smith Fit Best?With Smith going undrafted, there are a lot of options for him early in the second round that provide him with the best opportunity to have a potential impact on an NBA roster. Heading into the second round, Smith is ranked as the 9th best player overall and the 7th best guard remaining. Where would the best places for the former Purdue guard to land?🛣️ It's been a long journey to get here.Never count Braden Smith out. pic.twitter.com/I4HjPYeZk9— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) June 23, 2026Pick #35: San Antonio SpursSan Antonio has one of the best developmental systems in the NBA, built around teaching guards how to process the game rather than simply reacting to it. The organization places a premium on decision-making, spacing discipline, and executing within a defined offensive framework. For Braden Smith, who already operates at a high level in the pick-and-roll while limiting mistakes, being in San Antonio would be an ideal situation. The Spurs historically give guards the freedom to learn through reps in a system that emphasizes reading advantages rather than relying on isolation scoring.In this setting, Smith would likely begin as a third guard who runs second-unit offense, with an emphasis on controlling tempo and making correct reads rather than generating his own shot volume. His path would depend on defensive improvement, but having a shot blocker like Wemby in the paint would limit some of those concerns. The biggest piece of this puzzle is simply that the Spurs would not ask him to be something he is not, but would likely refine what he already does well.Pick #32: Memphis GrizzliesOutside of Smith getting drafted by the Indiana Pacers, this would be the dream scenario for Purdue fans as he would be paired with Zach Edey (and a bevy of other young talent). That young nucleus in Memphis operates with a strong identity built around physicality, defensive intensity, and getting into transition offense. Their system is built around guards who can push the ball, make quick decisions in the open floor, and support Ja Morant by keeping bench units stable. Braden Smith would fit this structure as a secondary ball-handler who reduces turnover volatility and ensures the offense does not stagnate when Morant is off the court.However, Memphis presents a more challenging environment in terms of his usage. While Smith’s passing and decision-making set him apart, his size and defensive limitations could become a limiting factor in high-level matchups. That is likely something that will follow him no matter where he is drafted.Pick #40: Boston CelticsBoston is one of the most system-oriented teams in the league, with a strong emphasis on spacing, ball movement, and low-error decision-making. Guards who succeed in this environment are typically those who can process quickly, avoid unnecessary risks, and operate efficiently within structured offensive sets. Braden Smith’s strengths as a high-assist, low-turnover point guard align well with this philosophy, even if he is not a primary scoring threat.The challenge in Boston is less about fit and more about opportunity. The roster is typically deep with multiple ball-handlers and wings who can initiate offense, which makes it difficult for a second-round guard to secure consistent minutes. Smith would likely begin as a deep bench option, used in limited regular-season minutes or emergency ball-handling situations. While the system fit is strong, the pathway to a meaningful role would be the steepest among these options behind Derrick White, Jaylen Brown and the ways they use Jayson Tatum as a ball handler at forward.No Current Picks: Indiana PacersThis is the best landing spot for Smith but until the Pacers can make the move to get back into the early parts of round 2, they can’t be higher on this list.Indiana plays with one of the fastest and most movement-heavy offensive systems in the NBA, built on constant pace, ball movement, and transition opportunities, a tailor-made fit for a player like Smith. Braden Smith’s style of play where he plays at an elite level in terms of tempo control, quick reads, and facilitating offense fits neatly into the Pacers’ identity.“Obviously I feel like a lot of people here are family.”Braden Smith shares what it meant to workout for the Pacers after growing up in Indiana, his favorite memory of his college career with @BoilerBall and where he sees himself fitting in at the next level. pic.twitter.com/yq7HKJ5uzm— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 15, 2026Smith would very clearly slide in as a backup point guard to Tyrese Haliburton and would likely replace veteran backup TJ McConnell. Ironically, Smith’s best projection as a player is McConnell who has thrived as a backup in Indiana. With that second unit, Smith would be playing alongside a bunch of shooters that he could find open on the wings in transition. He isn’t going to be asked to do things differently, but rather to sustain it while keeping spacing and movement intact. The main limitation is simply that Indiana doesn’t have a pick in the 2026 draft but they have made it very clear of their intentions of getting into the 2nd round to draft Smith.Might Oscar Cluff Hear His Name Called?Of the other three players that Purdue could find themselves with an opportunity in the NBA, Oscar Cluff seems to have the best chance at being drafted alongside Smith. Cluff is currently listed as the 4th best center and 28th best overall player heading into the second round of the draft. Cluff is a throwback type of post player that doesn’t play above the rim but is elite in what he does well: offensive rebounding, scoring touch around the rim, and showed good footwork in drop coverage on defense.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Rookie right-hander Ryan Johnson gave up one hit over six scoreless innings, Nolan Schanuel hit an early two-run home run and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-1 on Tuesday night.In his third career start, Johnson (1-2) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Jeremiah Jackson hit one-out a line drive single to center field. Johnson allowed one walk with career highs of eight strikeouts and six innings, while throwing 90 pitches.A second-round draft pick by Los Angeles in 2024, Johnson earned his second career win against a Baltimore offense which combined to score 18 runs over its previous two games.Right-hander Shane Baz (4-8) gave up five runs on eight hits over five innings with one walk and five strikeouts for the Orioles, who had their three-game winning streak halted.Baltimore was without second baseman Jackson Holliday (groin) for a third consecutive game and was also missing utility man Blaze Alexander (knee). The Orioles fell to 4-4 on a nine-game, three-city trip that ends against the Angels on Wednesday afternoon.Schanuel gave the Angels a 2-0 lead in the first inning with a home run off Baz to right-center field.Los Angels padded the advantage in the fifth inning when Jose Siri led off with a single, Zach Neto doubled and Vaughn Grissom followed with a two-run single to left. Jorge Soler added a one-out sacrifice fly for a 5-0 lead.With Johnson out of the game, the Orioles broke through in the seventh inning when Gunnar Henderson singled and Pete Alonso walked against Samy Natera Jr. Baltimore scored its lone run on a two-out single to center by Leody Taveras against Chase Silseth.Up nextOrioles RHP Trey Gibson (1-2, 5.81 ERA) will take the mound in the series finale Wednesday against Angels RHP Jose Soriano (8-4, 3.03).___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Robbie Ray held the Athletics to an unearned run and two hits in eight innings to lead the San Francisco Giants to a 3-1 victory Tuesday night.Ray (6-6) struck out six and walked four. In his previous outing, the left-hander allowed two hits in 6 1/3 shutout innings in a 7-2 win at Atlanta last Wednesday. Caleb Kilian worked a scoreless ninth in this one for his fifth save. He struck out Henry Bolte with two runners on to end the game.Jung Hoo Lee tagged Aaron Civale (5-4) for a solo homer in the second inning for the game’s first run. It was Lee’s fifth HR of the season.After Willy Adames doubled, Matt Chapman hit a drive off the left-field wall. Adames scored to make it 2-0, but the throw from Tyler Soderstrom to second baseman Zack Gelof nailed Chapman trying for a double.Chapman accidentally spiked Gelof’s right hand as Gelof was making the tag with his glove hand. That forced Gelof to leave the game with a laceration and contusion, and his hitting streak ended at 24 games.He had flied to right to open the game in his lone at-bat Tuesday. Gelof also had scored a run in 13 consecutive games.The A’s got an unearned run off Ray in the third. It remained a 2-1 game until Rafael Devers singled home Bryce Eldridge with one out in the seventh to give the Giants a 3-1 edge.Casey Schmitt singled in that seventh-inning rally. Schmitt went 2 for 4, making it his seventh straight multi-hit game. That’s the Giants’ longest such streak since Marco Scutaro’s seven-gamer in 2013. Up nextAthletics rookie LHP Gage Jump (3-1, 2.37 ERA) faces Giants RHP Tyler Mahle (1-7, 6.04) on Wednesday night. Mahle has been on the injured list for nearly a month because of a strained left hamstring.—AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

The beginning of Nate Ament's NBA career couldn't be any different from his start with Tennessee basketball.The Vols brought in the five-star forward to a team they hoped could reach the program's first Final Four appearance under coach Rick Barnes.The Milwaukee Bucks, who selected the 6-foot-10 Ament with the 13th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after acquiring his rights from the Miami Heat, will have a hard time competing for championships anytime soon.Ament went from one of the top programs in college basketball to an organization picking up the pieces from a massive trade. Milwaukee shipped out franchise star and two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster deal with the Heat, and began the rebuild with Ament and the 10th pick in the draft, Arizona guard Brayden Burries.Ament, 19, is ready for the challenge."I mean, I really wouldn't say it's much extra pressure," Ament told reporters at Barclays Center in New York on June 23. "Obviously we're stepping in ― luckily I'm not going at it alone. I've got another top-10 draft pick, Brayden Burries. He's a tremendous player, and I'm excited to get to learn with him."They're big shoes to fill over there in Milwaukee, and I think that it's just a tremendous opportunity for me and Brayden. If anything I see it as an opportunity and not pressure."All the thoughts about the future, though, vanished when Ament heard his name called. He hugged his relatives and approaches the stage in an all-black outfit, including a suit jacket lined with references to his Rwandan heritage."I'm super excited, I'm super grateful for the opportunity," Ament said about his emotions. "To be able to make my family proud, to share that moment with my family means the world to me."ready to work 😤 pic.twitter.com/iNTlptqnr5— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) June 24, 2026Since the deal hasn't been finalized, Ament had to wear a Miami Heat hat on stage. He later flipped to another black hat with the Bucks' logo, an organization co-owned by fervent Tennessee supporters Jimmy and Dee Haslam.Ament earned All-SEC honors with the Vols in his only collegiate season. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 35 games. He shot just under 40% from the floor and 33.3% from 3-point range on four attempts.Ament is the 11th player drafted into the NBA under Barnes during his tenure at Tennessee. He's the first lottery pick of the Barnes' era and fifth first-rounder, joining Dalton Knecht (2024), Keon Johnson (2021), Jaden Springer (2021) and Grant Williams (2019).Tennessee's last lottery pick was Marcus Haislip, who also went 13th overall to the Bucks in the 2002 NBA Draft.While he waits to get settled in Milwaukee, Ament has a few calls to make."I shared a brief word with Brayden, and looking forward to talking to him more," he said. "But also my new teammates I'll see this next year."Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.comSupport strong local journalism and unlock premium perks: knoxnews.com/subscribeThis article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: How Nate Ament reacted after joining Milwaukee Bucks following Heat draft trade

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Breanna Stewart scored 15 of her 20 points in the second half and Sabrina Ionescu had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the New York Liberty to an 87-76 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday night.Stewart shot 7 of 16 from the field with two 3-pointers and added six rebounds and four assists for the Liberty (12-6). Jonquel Jones had 14 points and Leonie Fiebich scored 12 on 4-for-5 shooting from 3-point range.Han Xu made two shots from beyond the arc, scoring 10 of her 12 points in the third quarter to help the Liberty turn a seven-point halftime lead into a commanding 67-51 advantage heading to the fourth.Las Vegas used an 8-0 run to cut it to 78-70 with 2:40 remaining, but Ionescu and Stewart answered with 3-pointers to thwart the rally.Jackie Young paced the Aces (12-5) with 19 points and seven assists. A’ja Wilson added 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus scored 14 off the bench and Chelsea Gray added 11.NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo sat courtside after being traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat on Monday. Heat center Bam Adebayo, the longtime partner of Wilson, was also at the game. Antetokounmpo can’t officially join the Heat until July 6.The teams square off again on June 30 in New York in the championship game of the Commissioner’s Cup.Up nextNew York: At the Seattle Storm on Thursday.Las Vegas: Hosts the Dallas Wings on Thursday.

England manager Thomas Tuchel defended Jude Bellingham after the midfielder was involved in a heated row with Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz at half-time of Tuesday's goalless draw.Bellingham had to be pulled away by team-mate Morgan Rogers as he engaged with the Ghana coach and his backroom staff.It came shortly after a foul when Bellingham shoved Jerome Opoku and tensions spilled over after the referee had blown for half-time.The fall-out continued as players and coaches walked across the field to the tunnel at Boston Stadium."It was an exchange of emotions, and Jude stood up for himself and his team," said Tuchel."Emotions are a part of the game but we don't want to get distracted with stuff that could distract us."No cards were shown in the aftermath and tensions appeared to have settled down by the time the second half resumed."He had a bad reaction with some bad names and that's why the story started," Queiroz said.The draw keeps England top of Group L - and they are guaranteed to qualify for the last 32 if they avoid defeat against Panama on Saturday.No need to panic for England - but this was a reality checkShould Ghana have been awarded a penalty against England?Who failed to make an impact? England player ratingsBellingham, 22, became the youngest England player to reach 50 caps in Boston but was unable to help the Three Lions build on their opening 4-2 win over Croatia.Ghana spent large periods sitting in a defensive shape and ultimately managed to keep Tuchel's side at bay.Bellingham, who was sent off for using foul and abusive language when playing for Real Madrid in February, was keen to play down the incident."It was just when I made a silly tackle, to be honest," Bellingham said. "I was trying to try to win the ball, and I followed through a little bit and caught the lad. I spoke to him after, and then their bench jumped up trying to get me a yellow card."I think their manager [Queiroz] I just recognised him. He's obviously the one who used to be at Manchester United, so great respect, and nothing but a competitive edge for both of us."Bellingham's place in England's starting XI was far from certain before the World Cup began, with Tuchel saying he had to fight for his position.The relationship between the pair has frequently come under scrutiny, with Tuchel describing Bellingham's on-field behaviour during last June's defeat by Senegal as "repulsive" - a remark Tuchel later apologised for.In November, Tuchel said he would "review" Bellingham's behaviour after his reaction to being substituted during a qualifier against Albania.Bellingham started and scored against Croatia before being named player of the match in the draw with Ghana.But after winning that award he told the BBC: "I didn't deserve it, to be honest. It probably should've gone to one of their lads who defended so well. "Had a couple of moments but couldn't get in the game. I'm grateful to whoever voted."World Cup fixtures and group standingsHow to watch the World Cup on the BBCEverything you need to know about the World Cup

'Nothing But Respect' -- NBA World Reacts to No. 1 Pick AJ Dybantsa's 'Powerful' Tribute to Late Kentucky Star Terrence ClarkeAJ Dybantsa’s NBA Draft night was about more than becoming the No. 1 overall pick. Shortly before the Washington Wizards selected him first overall, fans noticed the BYU star wearing a special “TC5” pin on his suit in honor of the late Kentucky star Terrence Clarke, drawing widespread praise across the basketball community.Why the NBA World Praised AJ Dybantsa for Honoring Terrence Clarke on Draft NightThe tribute carried special meaning given the close bond between Dybantsa and Clarke.Both players grew up in the Greater Boston area and shared the same basketball circles growing up. They both trained under coach Joe Saunders and trainer Brandon Ball. Clarke, who starred at Kentucky before tragically passing away in a car accident in 2021, was one of Dybantsa’s biggest influences and often referred to him as his “little brother.”In a 2023 interview with KSR, Dybantsa opened up about their relationship.“He was like my big brother. You could say that we were cousins — we weren’t related, but basically cousins,” Dybantsa said.“I was ‘little brother’ every time he came back. I’ve known him since I got to Expressions, so the fourth grade.”Dybantsa also explained how Clarke’s legacy continues to motivate him.“That was my idol. Ever since he passed away, I do the basketball stuff for him. Everything is for him. I’m just trying to carry his legacy.”The 6-foot-9 wing has honored Clarke on multiple occasions throughout his rise to basketball stardom. During a dunk contest at the CP3 Rising Stars Camp, Dybantsa wore Clarke’s No. 5 Kentucky jersey before pointing five fingers toward the sky after a dunk.So when fans spotted the “TC5” pin on draft night, many immediately recognized its significance.“AJ Dybantsa wore a ‘TC5’ pin honoring Terrence Clarke. 🙏. Nothing but respect,” Polymarket Hoops wrote.Ky Insider’s Tristan Pharis shared additional context behind the gesture, writing, “Likely No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa, is wearing a ‘TC5’ pin tonight in honor of the late Kentucky Wildcat, Terrence Clarke.“Clarke served as an inspiration to Dybantsa and viewed him as a ‘little brother.’“‘I got to carry his legacy and make sure it don’t die,’ Dybantsa said in 2024.”Kentucky Sports Radio also reacted to the moment, posting:“No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa honored the late Terrence Clarke on draft night 🥹.”“AJ Dybantsa with a nod to Terrence Clarke tonight. Mannn 💙,” Kentucky Wildcats Football writer Wyatt Huff added.Journalist Ethan Fuller reflected on Clarke’s continued impact on young Massachusetts basketball stars:“Two years after speaking for this tribute story, AJ Dybantsa wears a TC5 pin to honor the late Terrence Clarke at the NBA Draft. Still so powerful to see the impact Clarke left on this generation of Massachusetts stars.”Years after Clarke’s passing, Dybantsa continues to make sure his mentor remains part of every major milestone.MORE: ‘I Have A Lot More Work to Do’ – AJ Dybantsa Breaks Silence on Being No. 1 Pick by Wizards in 2026 NBA Draft“I know he would be proud of me, us being from the same city and same hood,” Dybantsa said in an interview with Swish Cultures. “He always cared about the community, the youth and all he wanted was people from that Boston area to do well.”Those words were reflected in Dybantsa’s draft-night tribute. While he celebrated becoming the No. 1 overall pick, he also made sure to honor his idol, who helped inspire Dybantsa’s journey.

The expectation entering night one of the NBA Draft was that there would be a ton of trades. Well, the first trade didn't happen until pick 16, and while there was some movement, only draft picks were dealt.However, that doesn't mean it wasn't a fun draft. Morez Johnson Jr. to Dallas at pick No. 9 was the first surprise of the night, which reunited him with head coach Dusty May after the pair helped lead Michigan to a National Championship last season.The Knicks made some cost-cutting moves that may help them retain more of their championship team. They moved out of the first round after multiple trade downs from 24 and acquired future second-round picks and cash considerations. This is a loaded class with plenty of talent already gone, but there is still a lot left for teams to be excited about. Here are the 10 best available players after round one.C Henri Veesaar, North CarolinaVeesaar was one of the stars for the Tar Heels last season after spending two years at Arizona. He’s a floor-spacing seven-footer that can pass and rebound, which led to him averaging 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.3 triples per game last year while shooting 60.8 percent from the floor and 42.6 percent from deep. There were definitely a few teams that could’ve used his services that opted for a different center at the end of the first round. Veesaar should immediately slot in as a strong backup option down low for whichever team drafts him.G Meleek Thomas, ArkansasAfter being a five-star prospect out of high school, Thomas was disappointing during his freshman year for the Razorbacks. That led to his slide to round two, but there is still plenty of talent to be intrigued by. He averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.2 triples per game last year while playing alongside Darius Acuff Jr. He didn’t test well at the combine, but he’s one of the few upside swings left in the draft entering the second round.G Richie Saunders, BYUSaunders will turn 25 in September, making him one of the older prospects in the class. He also tore his ACL in February, which means he won’t be available for the start of next season. However, Saunders is going to be really productive at the next level, and his game is built for the modern NBA. He can get to the rim and shoot from the perimeter, but he can also force turnovers on the other end of the floor. He averaged 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.6 triples per game last year and should become a solid rotation player in the NBA.G Isaiah Evans, DukeThe former five-star recruit didn’t see the floor much during his freshman season at Duke, but he was a big part of last year’s team. He averaged 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.7 triples per game and projects to be a high-level shooter at the next level. He should go early in round two and be a rotation piece in year one as a floor spacer that also improved as a rim finisher last season.G Bruce Thornton, Ohio StateIt’s unfair to deem any player the “next Jalen Brunson”, but if there were to be one in this class, it’s Thornton. He’s a smaller, stocky guard that was incredibly productive during his four seasons at Ohio State. Last season, he averaged 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.8 triples while being incredibly efficient as a scorer and playmaker. Again, expecting Thornton to turn into Brunson is setting him up for failure. However, he does project to outplay his draft position and should be one of the steals of the second round.F Trevon Brazile, ArkansasAfter spending a year at Missouri and four years at Arkansas, Brazile entered the NBA Draft at 23 years old. He provided well-rounded numbers last season, averaging 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 triples, but his combine numbers are what make him intriguing. At 6’10.75”, Brazile boasts a 7’3.75” wingspan and a 41.5” vertical. He doesn’t have superstar upside, but he should be a strong option in round two.G Jack Kayil, Alba BerlinKayil was inefficient in Germany last season, which is to be expected for a young guard playing in a professional league. However, he averaged 12.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 triples per game. He still has plenty of growing to do, but he’s a strong guard with upside, making him worth the swing for rebuilding teams.G Tamin Lipsey, Iowa StateLipsey is another smaller guard that projects to be an effective rotational ball handler in the NBA. He averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.2 triples per game last season. He doesn’t project to be a strong perimeter shooter, but he was still able to impact the game in other ways and should make an impact on both ends of the floor from day one.F Baba Miller, CincinnatiMiller is an older prospect at 22 years old, but there is a lot to like about him as a prospect. Last season, he averaged 13.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, though he doesn’t have much upside as a shooter. He’s a strong defender, rebounder and playmaker and is nearly seven-feet tall, making him an intriguing addition in round two.C Ugonna Onyenso, VirginiaTeams can typically find rotation minutes for players that can defend the paint. Onyenso only played 18.6 minutes per game last year, but he averaged 6.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. He also added a three-point shot after shooting 0-of-1 from deep in his first three collegiate seasons. He may never become a starter, but he should be able to make a massive impact in limited action.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will allow superstar Shohei Ohtani to hit and pitch on Wednesday, June 24th, despite a run of complications over the last few weeks. Ohtani, who has been battling a left knee injury and a blister, and the recent birth of his second child, has not had a smooth last couple of weeks.Shohei Ohtani will be hitting and pitching on Wednesday, June 24th, per Dave Roberts. The Dodgers are letting him do his full two-way routine despite the knee and blister issues. Roberts has said that they will manage Shohei at some point, but not yet, it seems. pic.twitter.com/bWc7JhjBTV— Nelson Espinal (@nelson__espinal) June 24, 2026However, the Dodgers are going to end up letting him feel a sense of normalcy — with Ohtani having a full two-way game on Wednesday. Manager Dave Roberts has shared that the Dodgers will be managing Ohtani through the season regarding the knee issue, which left many wondering how many high-usage days the Japanese sensation would get.Jun 23, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on from the dugout against the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesAt least on Wednesday vs. the Twins, he will be unleashed. Wednesday has now become a blockbuster affair as starting pitcher Joe Ryan takes the mound for the Twins amid another strong season as a starter, while Ohtani leads off and pitches around 90 pitches. Roberts will likely adopt a case-by-case approach in deciding how to handle Ohtani, but given the competitor Ohtani is, he will be pushing to play as much as possible. After Tuesday’s win vs. the Twins, the Dodgers manager said he pulled Ohtani late in the game with a full pitching start coming. The Dodgers are almost halfway through the season, and while Ohtani has held up well, all things considered, they will make all of the decisions needed to keep him upright come the postseason. Shohei Ohtani’s stance on his usageOhtani continues to push for pitching accolades, namely the Cy Young Award that has eluded him. However, his individual pursuits won’t get in the way of any team success.“In terms of workload and quantity, I’ll let the team decide and take charge of that,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. Jun 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images“My No. 1 goal is to make sure we’re all healthy leading up to the playoffs.“We have a set schedule, and I’m just going to do what I’m supposed to do during that schedule. I’ll let the management handle the workload.”For Dodgers fans, it is important to appreciate every time he does both hitting and pitching in the same game. He does something baseball may not see for a very long time after he is gone.

Mike Dunleavy and Joe Lacob got into what can be described as, at the very least, an animated discussion moments before the Golden State Warriors made their selection at No. 11 in the NBA Draft on Tuesday night. While it didn’t look pleasant, the Warriors’ general manager downplayed the moment he shared with Lacob hours later.“We got into it about the best golf course in San Francisco. He didn’t agree with me, which, it’s all in the eye of the beholder,” Dunleavy said, joking, via ESPN’s Anthony Slater.Warriors owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy appear to disagree on what to do with the pick 😅 pic.twitter.com/LGKd0hvQav— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2026It’s unclear what side of things both Dunleavy and Lacob were on, but the Warriors got it together in time. They ended up selecting Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11 in the opening round of the draft. Lendeborg was one of three lottery picks taken on Tuesday night for the Wolverines. A trade there instead, Dunleavy confirmed, never came close to happening.“We felt like at No. 11, no matter what happened, we were gonna get a good player,” Dunleavy said. “As far as the discussion with Joe and I — I think at that point, there was probably some talk about trades and things like that. But ultimately, we were all in agreement to land on taking Yaxel.”Lendeborg, 23, averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds with the Wolverines last season while helping them on their national championship run. He was the Big Ten’s Player of the Year, too. Teammates Aday Mara and Morez Johnson were also selected in the opening round on Tuesday night. Johnson, who the Dallas Mavericks took at No. 9, snapped a run in which eight former college freshmen were selected in a row. He’ll get to join a Warriors group that missed the playoffs for a second time in three seasons and nearly split with longtime coach Steve Kerr at the end of the campaign. They later reached a deal with him to return, but the franchise is undoubtedly nearing the end of an era with stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green nearing the end of their careers after the dynasty-level run they went on a little more than a decade ago.And with the roster they have in place, Dunleavy said, Lendeborg will have the opportunity to make an impact right away next season “whether we want him to or not.” And his age, being older than most of the guys who were selected in the draft, isn’t an issue.“He’s what, 23, almost 24? I’m not worried because he’s not 38,” Dunleavy said. And as far as his dynamic with Lacob, Dunleavy said everything is fine and his boss was able to end the night in a great place. Lacob just loves basketball.“He’s great,” Dunleavy said. “He’s so into it … I think he really focused in on the college stuff and watched it and knew a lot of these guys. I think coming out of tonight, he’s really happy.”

The tears began to flood as Karim López sat beside his parents. The reality had just started to settle in, and he struggled to get it all out."This is super special, honestly. I'm blessed . . . I have no words," he told ESPN.On June 23, López became the first Mexican-born player to be selected in the first round of any NBA draft when the Memphis Grizzlies took him with the No. 21 pick.Inside his black suit jacket, he clung to his roots. It revealed prominent Mexican flags, coupled with other Mexican symbols like cacti and tacos, draped in gold."It means a lot to me. It's a great opportunity for me and my country to have this platform. I'm super blessed and have a lot of pride," López said after the NBA draft at Barclays Center in New York.Karim López could become the first Mexican-born player to be picked in the first round of the NBA draft 🇲🇽👏 pic.twitter.com/7cmmJKJWz4— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 23, 2026As a 14-year-old, López left Hermosillo, Sonora, his hometown in Mexico, to play in Spain. He hoped to accelerate his development as a basketball player and played overseas professionally with Joventut Badalona’s youth team.After two seasons, López signed with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, the professional Australian league. His destiny seemed to be on a collision course with professional basketball; his father, Jésus Hiram López, played for the Mexican national team. Decades later, Jésus López sat alongside his wife to witness his son make history."We see the value in having a locker room full of individuals of different backgrounds and diverse perspectives," Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said after the first night of the NBA draft. “We do think we found a great value opportunity to bring Karim in and are optimistic about the player he can be." Reach Commercial Appeal sports intern Said Bravo at snonoal@gannett.com.This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Karim López is first Mexican-born player to be first-round pick in NBA draft

On this Members-only episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Lucas Navarrete react to Portugal’s 5 – 0 win over Uzbekistan in the World Cup, including:Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance and greatnessPortugal’s improvementTheir best performersAnd much more.CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS Thanks for being a Member. We hope you enjoy the show!Thanks for being a Member. We hope you enjoy the show!The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going.Hosts this week:Kiyan Sobhani (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@KiyanSo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM)

Israel’s dependence on the United States has allowed it to ignore the need for diplomacy.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani shook the Democratic establishment by helping drive three progressive candidates to victory.

Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher Ryan Johnson (32) pitches during the MLB game against the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday June 23rd, 2026 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.ANAHEIM, Calif. — The last two seasons have been a roller coaster for right-hander Ryan Johnson. Drafted in the second round of the 2024 draft, he threw his first professional pitch in the big leagues on Opening Day of the 2025 season as a member of the bullpen. A rough month in the bullpen led to him being optioned down to High-A Tri-City to be a starting pitcher, where he dominated. Johnson began the season in the big league rotation, but landed on the injured list after only one start. Once he returned, it’s been a bumpy road that’s featured a trip back to the minor leagues and a 12.83 ERA in 13 ⅓ innings with two starts and three appearances from the bullpen. With how challenging the last two years have been, it made Tuesday night sweeter, as he delivered the best start of his young MLB career. Johnson tossed six shutout innings, only allowing one hit and one walk while striking out eight batters in the Angels’ 5-1 win over the Orioles. “I think this year was tough early,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “When he had that one start in Chicago, and then he got sick, and then he got hurt, and then it was just kind of a whirlwind there. It was nice to see him get a couple of starts in a row and pitch well, going through what he's gone through.”It was a night when all of his pitches were working. Johnson got weak contact with his sinker and got swings and misses on everything else, especially his changeup and sweeper. Those two pitches drew swings and misses at a 50% clip each. “Just staying aggressive and kind of trusting it,” Johnson said. “Having confidence that I belong here and being able to use all my pitches.”He carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning, but a one-out single by former Angels prospect Jeremiah Jackson put an end to that. Johnson didn’t let the hit rattle him and induced a ground ball for an inning-ending double play to end Johnson’s night.“Yeah, it's nice, but it kind of leaves you with, ‘you've got to keep that going,’” Johnson said. “You have to prove that it's not just a one-and-done.”After narrowly avoiding a shutout the night before, the Angels’ bats got to work early in this one.Zach Neto led off the bottom of the first inning with a two-strike single, and Nolan Schanuel scored both on a two-run home run that clanked off the top of the right field wall. It was Schanuel’s sixth homer of the season and is now on a six-game hitting streak where he is 9-for-24 (.375). “I think I just got my timing back,” Schanuel said. “I was dealing with stuff earlier in the year, and I think this is the best I've felt. So, just kind of getting my body back in good shape, and just being able to see pitches get deeper in counts, and being able to work good at-bats. It's been a big plus these last couple weeks.”Then in the fifth inning, the Angels put Orioles right-hander Shane Baz in a jam right away with four consecutive hits to start the inning. Neto’s double put runners on second and third, which set up Vaughn Grissom’s two-run single. Grissom then scored on a sacrifice fly by Jorge Soler for the third run of the inning. It was all the Angels needed, as the bullpen limited the Orioles to only a run. The Angels are now 33-48 at the halfway point of the season.

Jack Fletcher: United have changed their stance since Carrick’s arrival Manchester United’s academy is bursting with talent, but due to the lack of games last season, not too many minutes could be afforded to the wonderkids knocking on the head coach’s door.Before his sacking in January, Ruben Amorim handed first-team debuts to Jack Fletcher, Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato last season.The son of United legend Darren Fletcher, Jack, made three consecutive cameos off the bench in the Premier League, playing both as a deep-lying playmaker and even as an attacking midfielder.His performances for United’s Under-21s was eye-catching as well, with the Manchester-born ace scoring six times in all competitions while registering nine assists.Jack Fletcher’s minutes reduced drastically after Carrick’s arrivalIt was expected that the 19-year-old would see more minutes after Michael Carrick took charge, with the club legend known for his love for the club’s academy.However, it was his brother, Tyler Fletcher, who made more of an impression on the new head coach, and ended up making two substitute appearances in the English top flight.His performances even saw him make Scotland’s World Cup squad, while Jack had to make do with only two matchday call-ups.The England Under-19 international is quite versatile, capable of playing as a No. 8 and even a No. 10, but both positions are currently under lock and key in the first team.Tyler Fletcher has benefited immenselyKobbie Mainoo is a guaranteed starter under Carrick, and there is very little chance of dislodging Bruno Fernandes on current form.Tyler, on the other hand, excels as a defensive midfielder, a position the Red Devils are desperate to strengthen during the summer window.That explains why the Scotland international is expected to feature more prominently under Carrick as opposed to his twin brother.United still like Jack Fletcher a lot, and have not given up hope of seeing him as part of the first team moving forward.INEOS have taken a call on the immediate future of Jack FletcherHowever, as revealed by Sully, the 20-time English league champions are considering sending him out on loan next season.“Jack Fletcher is another player whom United are considering sending on loan,” the reliable source mentioned on social media.Whether he gets a chance in pre-season is still not clear, nor are there any details regarding the clubs chasing the Englishman’s signature on loan.Hopefully, he can make an impression on the head coach before leaving and can excel in the EFL before returning as a more rounded midfielder, ready to make a mark in the United first team.Feature image Ben Roberts photo via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Lakers earn near perfect grade for Cameron Carr draft selection via Knicks trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Los Angeles Lakers made an intriguing trade with the NBA champion New York Knicks on the first night of the NBA Draft, sending the No. 25 pick to New York for the No. 24 selection. The Lakers used their new selection to draft former Baylor star guard Cameron Carr. Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney is clearly a fan of the pick, as he provided the Lakers with a near-perfect grade for it. “Carr had interest all the way up into the late lottery, but slipped into the 20s and the Lakers moved up a spot to make sure they got him,” Sweeney wrote Wednesday. “He has elite three-and-D potential if he continues to add strength and improve his focus on the defensive end because the tools athletically are elite.”“This pick could age well if the Lakers have some patience; Carr was a late bloomer and exploded last season at Baylor. Grade: A-."Sweeney’s assessment of Carr and his NBA future couldn’t be more accurate. The 21-year-old rookie is an alluring vertical athlete who’s effective in the open floor as well as in the half-court. Add in the fact that Carr’s off-ball movement, three-point shooting prowess, and shot blocking chops at 6-foot-5 are also noticeable strengths, and it truly wouldn’t be far-fetched to suggest the Lakers made a home run selection near the end of the first round of the draft.Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game with the Bears this past season, shooting 49.4% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc.JJ Redick should be looking forward to developing the Eden Prairie, Minnesota native in Los Angeles.More NBA news:Spurs predicted to cut ties with $56 million rising star, acquire ex-Bulls All-Rookie forwardSpurs predicted to outbid Warriors for $101 million Lakers star, four-time NBA championLuka Doncic sends clear message to Lakers on roster they can't afford to ignore

An England soccer fan at the World Cup has gone viral after admitting that Britons underestimated the scale of America's sports venues.In a video shared from the stands of the Dallas Stadium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Oliver Henry said that Brits “owe America an apology” for doubting the size of their sports venues.“We owe apologies to America because their football stadiums are so much better than ours,” he said in a video taken at the England and Croatia match last Friday. “This is the Dallas Stadium and it’s absolutely incredible. England just beat Croatia, but look at the size of the stadium.”The AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. It has a retractable roof and can hold about 80,000 people.Henry wrote in the caption of his post: “We owe America a huge apology about their stadiums, they are simply better than ours [sic]. This was the AT&T stadium in Dallas and it is the best venue I’ve been to. I went to watch Croatia vs England in the fifa World Cup, England beat Croatia 4-2 and the stadium was one of the highlights of the day.”English fan Oliver Henry was impressed by the AT&T Stadium in Dallas during the 2026 Fifa World Cup (Getty)The tourist continued to be impressed by his trip to Texas, according to an Instagram post he shared days after the match, which started again with “we owe America a huge apology.”“The people of Texas have been the friendliest and most accommodating people I have ever met,” Henry wrote. “I came to watch England in the World Cup to play Croatia and that game was at the AT&T stadium in Dallas. We have had the best time for the entire trip. Part of my heart will forever stay in Texas.”The World Cup has brought numerous heartwarming moments as foreign fans experience the U.S. for the first time. England will take on Ghana Tuesday afternoon at Boston Stadium (Getty)England fans have gathered across the US to cheer on their team during the World Cup (PA)While travelers like Henry have been impressed by the sizes of stadiums, other European tourists have gone viral for embracing other American traditions like ranch dressing and midnight trips to Waffle House.The love goes both ways: Americans have become charmed by the World Cup fans who have traveled to the U.S. to cheer on their teams. Sports bars patrons have been impressed upon discovering England’s iconic soccer anthem “Freed From Desire.” A German World Cup fan who has gone viral for documenting his American experiences was gifted free tickets to an Ella Langley concert.In Boston, Massachusetts, local paper the Boston Globe took out a full-page ad to pay tribute to the Scotland fans who drank their city dry, saying: “The World Cup will move on. So will the songs, but we’ll never forget the joy you brought to our city.”

What time is Scotland vs. Brazil? Live stream, TV channel, kickoff schedule for World Cup 2026 match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Scotland and Brazil prepare to clash in a highly anticipated group stage match that presents a matchup between the most storied World Cup country versus one that hasn't been there in more than two decades.Brazil entered the tournament ranked sixth in the world, while Scotland sits at 43rd.What makes this encounter particularly historic for Scotland is that in their last World Cup appearance in 1998, they were coincidentally eliminated in the group stage behind Brazil, Norway, and Morocco.Brazil, on the other hand, arrives with its unmatched tournament pedigree as the only nation to qualify for every single World Cup in history.While the Seleção boasts a record five World Cup titles, they haven't lifted the trophy since 2002 and are looking to redeem themselves after a painful penalty-shootout elimination by Croatia in the 2022 quarterfinals.Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior, PSG defender Marquinhos, and veteran midfielder Casemiro headline a star-studded squad laser-focused on bringing the trophy back to Brazil.Scotland, meanwhile, is led by Napoli's Scott McTominay and Tottenham's Andy Robertson. The Scots are desperate to finally break through and advance past the group stage for the first time in their history.Here's everything you need to know to watch the Scotland vs. Brazil World Cup match, including where to watch on TV or live stream, what time the game starts and more.What time does Scotland vs. Brazil kick off?Scotland vs. Brazil kicks off Wednesday, June 24, at 6 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.Here's how that time translates across the United States timezones:DateKickoff timeEastern TimeWednesday, June 246 p.m.Central TimeWednesday, June 245 p.m.Mountain TimeWednesday, June 244 p.m.Pacific TimeWednesday, June 243 p.m.Scotland vs. Brazil live stream, TV channelTV channel: FoxLive stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/websiteScotland vs. Brazil will be broadcast on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)World Cup schedule today and tomorrowAll times Eastern.Wednesday, June 24Switzerland vs. Canada (3 p.m.)Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Qatar (3 p.m.)Scotland vs. Brazil (6 p.m.)Morocco vs. Haiti (6 p.m.)Czechia vs. Mexico (9 p.m.)South Africa vs. South Korea (9 p.m.)Thursday, June 25Ecuador vs. Germany (4 p.m.)Curacao vs. Ivory Coast (4 p.m.)Tunisia vs. Netherlands (7 p.m.)Japan vs. Sweden (7 p.m.)Turkey vs. USA (10 p.m.)Paraguay vs. Australia (10 p.m.)MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures2026 FIFA World Cup FAQsWhen is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men's World Cup hosted by three countries.The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.When is the 2026 World Cup final?The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA's tournament name for MetLife Stadium.What time do World Cup games start?Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.

Netherlands demolishes Sweden 5-1 to seize Group F leadThe Netherlands crushed Sweden 5-1 at Houston Stadium on Saturday, seizing control of World Cup Group F with a dominant display that featured two goals from Cody Gakpo.Ronald Koeman's side wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just five minutes in, goalkeeper Verbruggen launched a long ball that found Brian Brobbey, who laid it off for Tijjani Reijnders. The midfielder quickly released Gakpo down the left, and the PSV forward buried his finish past the Swedish keeper.The Dutch doubled their lead at 16 minutes through Brobbey. Donyell Malen found Denzel Dumfries charging down the right flank, and the fullback's low cross was deflected home by the Ajax striker for a 2-0 advantage.Sweden's frustration mountsSweden thought they had pulled one back just before halftime when Victor Lindelöf headed home from a free kick, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. The decision preserved the Netherlands' two-goal cushion heading into the break.Any hopes of a Swedish comeback evaporated within eight minutes of the restart. Crysencio Summerville found Dumfries on the overlap, and his cross was tapped in by an unmarked Gakpo at the back post. Five minutes later, Gakpo struck again, finishing a rapid counterattack after Alexander Isak lost possession in the Dutch half.The Liverpool forward's second goal brought his international tally to 23, underlining his growing importance to the Oranje setup.Late goals seal emphatic winSweden briefly threatened a response when Anthony Elanga latched onto Isak's through ball and fired high into the net at 58 minutes, reducing the deficit to 4-1. But any momentum was short-lived.The Netherlands put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute. Substitute Memphis Depay threaded a perfect pass for Summerville, who raced through the Swedish defense and slotted home to complete the 5-1 rout.The victory puts the Netherlands top of Group F with four points, ahead of Sweden on three. Japan has one point while Tunisia remains pointless. Both the Dutch and Swedes face crucial final group matches on Thursday — the Netherlands meet Tunisia in Kansas City while Sweden takes on Japan in Dallas, with qualification spots on the line.For Koeman's side, this performance sends a clear message: their attack, spearheaded by the in-form Gakpo, can tear apart any defense when clicking. Sweden, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they hope to secure their place in the knockout rounds.

How USA proved its depth without Pulisic against AustraliaThe United States secured passage to the World Cup knockout rounds with a 2-0 victory over Australia, doing so without Christian Pulisic, their most influential attacking player. The AC Milan star was held out due to a calf injury that had limited him throughout the week, forcing Mauricio Pochettino to reconfigure his attack.The Americans took the lead through a Cameron Burgess own goal after 11 minutes, and Alex Freeman added a second just before halftime. Australia pushed for goals in the second half, but the United States' defense held firm despite some scrambles in the penalty area.Tactical adjustments without the focal pointPochettino started striker Ricardo Pepi in Pulisic's absence, a selection that surprised, given his preference for Folarin Balogun as the lone center forward. This adjustment created a different attacking profile — where Pulisic typically operates between lines and creates from wide positions, Pepi provided more traditional center-forward play alongside Balogun.Folarin Balogun heads the ball during a corner against Australia (Celso Oliveira / Pitchside US)The dual-striker system forced Australia to defend more centrally, opening space for fullbacks Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson to advance. Freeman's goal came from a deflected Dest shot, illustrating how the team found alternative creative sources without their primary playmaker.Pochettino made defensive-minded substitutions late, bringing on Joe Scally and Auston Trusty for Robinson and Dest. These changes reflected game management rather than desperation — protecting a lead through structural solidity rather than individual brilliance.Depth as a competitive advantagePulisic has scored 33 goals in 87 international appearances and typically serves as the centerpiece of the American attack. His absence could have destabilized a team that often relies on his ability to create in transition and unlock compact defenses.Instead, the performance demonstrated organizational maturity. The U.S. controlled the match and secured another commanding victory following their 4-1 opening win over Paraguay. Players like Freeman, who scored his first World Cup goal, and Pepi, who filled an unfamiliar role, executed their responsibilities within the system.Pochettino noted post-match that "the players were amazing," adding that while Pulisic is exceptional, "if you want to win, all the players need to be great". This philosophy reflects a shift from dependency on individual quality to collective execution.Implications for knockout stage preparationWith six points and a plus-five goal difference, the USMNT has essentially secured first place in Group D. This cushion allows Pochettino to manage Pulisic's recovery carefully for the knockout rounds while continuing to test squad depth.The ability to maintain tactical coherence without their best player suggests the U.S. possesses the structural foundation necessary to advance deeper in the tournament. While Pulisic's return will enhance their attacking options, the team has proven it can execute Pochettino's system through collective understanding rather than individual dependency.For a program that has historically struggled with consistency at major tournaments, this systematic approach represents evolution. The 2026 World Cup demands not just talent but adaptability — and the U.S. has demonstrated both in securing knockout qualification on home soil.

NBA Insider Names Award-Winning Star Celtics Could Pivot To After Missing Out On Giannis Antetokounmpo originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Celtics now have to turn their attention elsewhere after missing out on trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo on Monday night, but they could still be looking to add a frontcourt star.Sports Illustrated NBA insider Chris Mannix stated on NBC Sports Boston's NBA Draft show that the Celtics could be looking at Cavs forward Evan Mobley."The name that I have been hearing connected to the Celtics most often over the last 24 hours, or at least after the Giannis deal fell apart, is Evan Mobley in Cleveland," Mannix said.Mobley is 6-foot-11 and is considered one of the best frontcourt players in the NBA. At just 25 years old, he still has room to develop further. If the Celtics want to acquire Mobley, they would need to trade Jaylen Brown to make it happen, which could pose a challenge.Cleveland already has two strong backcourt players in James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, so bringing in Brown might not make much sense. The Cavs also shouldn't be ready to move on from Mobley yet.If the Celtics somehow landed Mobley, he could be a great piece alongside Jayson Tatum, as he has been a one-time All-Star and won Defensive Player of the Year in the 2024-25 season.More NBA: Brad Stevens Shrugs Off Questions About Celtics Missing Out On Giannis Antetokounmpo

San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (26) on his way to second base steps on the right hand of Athletics of infielder Zack Gelof (20) in the 2nd inning during an MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (Photo by Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) The Athletics took on the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game midweek series on a beautiful summer night in San Francisco. The Giants scored a pair of early runs that held up in the hosts’ 3-1 victory, snapping their losing streak and stretching the A’s skid to three games. Robbie Ray, a looming free agent, boosted his trade value by quieting the A’s offense over eight sparkling innings.Giants Take Early LeadStarting pitchers Aaron Civale and Robbie Ray each got off to a strong start, tossing scoreless first innings. The Giants took the lead in the second inning. Right fielder Jung Hoo Lee hit his fifth home run of the season, a solo shot to right-center field against Civale. Shortstop Willy Adames doubled and then third baseman Matt Chapman crushed a ball off the left field wall, bringing home the Giants second run of the inning. A’s left fielder Tyler Soderstrom made a nice throw to catch Matt Chapman trying to stretch his hit into a double, but A’s second baseman Zack Gelof got his right hand stepped on while applying the tag and had to be replaced by Jeff McNeil. Gelof’s early injury-related exit ended his hitting streak at an impressive 24 games. He suffered a right hand laceration and contusion on that play. Thankfully, he avoided a more significant injury. Zack Gelof left the game after Matt Chapman stepped on his hand during this play pic.twitter.com/a4Rll4AHqX— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) June 24, 2026A’s RespondAthletics’ right fielder Colby Thomas reached to start the third inning when Lee dropped the fly ball off his bat in right field. The A’s quickly capitalized off the Giants’ mistake. Third baseman Max Muncy singled to left, scoring Thomas to cut the Giants lead in half. Muncy proceeded to make a base running mistake, as Ray picked him off first base for the first out of the inning.Max Muncy gets the A's on the board 🙌 pic.twitter.com/A4TSijS2Rm— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) June 24, 2026Civale Escapes TroubleIn the bottom of the fourth, the Giants hit two straight singles against Civale, putting two runners on the bases with one out. Civale struck out San Francisco’s catcher Daniel Susac to strand the bases loaded and end the threat.Game Rolls AlongHaving thrown 84 pitches through four laborious innings, Civale did not return for the fifth inning. He allowed two runs on six hits while striking out five and walking none. Left-hander Matt Krook replaced him out of the A’s bullpen, making his second MLB appearance of the season. The southpaw pitched a scoreless inning of relief.Krook returned for the sixth, recording one out before giving way to right-hander Mason Barnett, who struck out Susac to escape a two on, two out jam and keep the score the same. Twice, Susac came up to the plate with runners in scoring position and two outs, and both times he failed to come through for the hosts.Giants Extend Their LeadIn the last of the seventh, Barnett struck out the first batter before Giants’ designated hitter Bryce Eldridge walked and then second baseman Casey Schmitt recorded his second single of the game. The A’s turned to left-hander Jose Suarez with two left-handed hitters coming up. First baseman Rafael Devers made the visitors regret the pitching change by grounding an RBI single up the middle with Eldridge just beating A’s center fielder Henry Bolte’s throw home to score the Giants’ third run of the game. Suarez retired the next two hitters he faced, stranding runners on second and third.The A’s offense struggled against Ray. The “Green and Gold” swung at a lot of first pitches, allowing the Giants’ starter to need just 1o2 pitches to complete eight innings of one-run ball. Despite walking four, Ray only allowed two hits, inducing eight groundouts and four fly outs. He would have finished with a scoreless performance if not for Lee’s fielding error, which led to the Athletics’ lone run.Ninth-inning DramaGiants’ reliever Caleb Kilian came on in the top of the ninth to try to secure the save. Soderstrom hit a one-out single. After shortstop Jacob Wilson grounded into a force out, Killian walked pinch-hitter Lawrence Butler to bring the go-ahead run to the plate. Alas, Bolte struck out to end the game, as the A’s last chance fizzled out.The Athletics will look to bounce back and even up this interleague series tomorrow night. Left-hander Gage Jump has pitched exceptionally well through his first few MLB starts and now gets to face the Giants for the first time in his young career. He will be opposed by Giants’ right-hander Tyler Mahle, who is returning from a monthlong absence due to a left hamstring injury.

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectOn Tuesday, the Washington Capitals made a major move by acquiring forward Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues. In exchange, the Capitals gave up veteran Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin, and a first-round pick (No. 16).Capitals senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick made the following statement: “We are thrilled to acquire Jordan and welcome him to our team. Jordan is an exceptionally talented and dynamic offensive player who will make an immediate impact on our club. His skill, creativity, and ability to generate offense at an elite level will be a tremendous addition to our group. At just 28 years old and under contract for the next five seasons, Jordan is entering the prime years of his career. We believe he is an ideal fit for our team both now and for the long term.”Senior vice president & general manager Chris Patrick on acquiring Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues.#ALLCAPSpic.twitter.com/6GBW8z3hfO— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 23, 2026The Capitals had planned to bolster their top-6 during the offseason, and they did just that by acquiring Kyrou. The 28-year-old previously hit the 30-goal mark in three consecutive seasons from 2022-25.However, Kyrou is coming off a down year in St. Louis, recording just 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) in 72 games. In fact, the whole team around him struggled, as he led the way with 3.13 goals expected goals-for per 60 at 5-on-5.Despite this, Kyrou has shown his offensive prowess throughout his career. He has hit the 70-point mark three times over his six full seasons in the NHL. Kyrou can be a threat off the rush on the 5-on-5 and an asset on the power play.The 28-year-old now looks to be a game-changer in the Nation’s Capital. However, we’ll see if he gets to play alongside Alex Ovechkin, who is still deciding on his NHL future.S P L A S H pic.twitter.com/HTp7ZzTMNH— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 24, 2026Meanwhile, McMichael’s Capitals tenure has come to an end after six seasons — essentially four full seasons. The 25-year-old recorded 46 points in 2025-26 following a career year with 57 points (26 goals, 31 assists) in 82 games. McMichael is an impending restricted free agent who is up for a contract extension.“We would also like to sincerely thank Connor for everything he has contributed to our club,” said Patrick. “Since being drafted in 2019, Connor has represented our team with professionalism and class both on and off the ice. We wish him and his family nothing but success as he begins his next chapter in St. Louis.”As for Gastrin, he was the 37th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Most recently, Gastrin had a strong year in his native Sweden. He recorded 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 39 games with MoDo Hockey in the SHL.Additionally, the Capitals now have one first-round pick in this year’s NHL Draft. They originally held the 16th overall pick, but will still use the No. 18 pick on Friday.Thanks for everything, Mikey!Wishing you the best of luck in St. Louis.#ALLCAPSpic.twitter.com/ZQ3k3tBz2U— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 24, 2026Related HeadlinesDevils Trade Grades: Nemec Deal Weaponizes NJ; Flames GambleDevils Trade Simon Nemec to Flames For Big HaulCanadiens Offseason: Gallagher Trade Talk, Potential Buyout Cost

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents pull a man out of an elevator as he and his daughter attempt to leave following a hearing in immigration court, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova,File)2026-06-24T02:51:14Z A judge on Tuesday barred the federal government from making arrests at immigration courts, ordering an end to a practice that took hold shortly after President Donald Trump took office last year.The Trump administration’s reversal of long-standing policy against arrests at immigration court resulted “not from merely unreasoned decision-making but a complete lack of decision-making,” wrote U.S. District Judge Casey Pitts of San Francisco. Authorities failed to address the “chilling effect” of arrests on whether people attend court hearings.“For 80 years, Congress has commanded federal agencies to think before they act,” wrote Pitts, referring to the Administrative Procedure Act, a 1946 law that requires federal agencies to justify its actions. That law, he wrote, “does not require an agency to make the choice that a reviewing court might deem preferable. But it demands that an agency at least provide sound reasons for following its chosen course.” The ruling is the second setback for courthouse arrests since May when a federal judge in New York barred them at immigration courts. That order applied only in New York, while the latest decision invalidated the policy nationwide. James Percival, the U.S. Homeland Security Department’s general counsel, criticized the ruling as an exercise in judicial overreach.“When a judge sentences a defendant, the defendant is taken into custody. If an alien is ordered removed by an immigration judge, the same should happen. A district judge ordering otherwise is naked judicial activism in service of an anti-American, open borders agenda,” Percival wrote online. Read More After Trump took office, hearings across the country often ended with cases being dismissed by the government, setting the stage for plainclothes agents to make arrests in hallways in coordination with attorneys from the Department of Homeland Security.Pitts, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, faulted the administration for carrying out the arrests and for holding people in nearby cells for longer than a prescribed 12-hour limit. 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers should be of interest after Red Sox’s starters latest comments originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Red Sox should be sellers at Major League Baseball's trade deadline, depending on how things go over the next few weeks. With about a month and a half before the deadline, the Red Sox, 31-45, are 14.5 games out in the American League East and aren't exactly right there when it comes to a wild-card spot as well. I don't think it's crazy to say the Red Sox could turn things around with how much time they have, but this has been a nightmare season, and moving on from guys just makes a whole lot of sense.Among those options would be Sonny Gray, a right-hander who has thrown the baseball at a very high level throughout much of his career. Gray, however, has a no-trade clause that he recently spoke about. He said he would be open to a conversation about it, which should interest teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers.“If someone came to me from the Red Sox and made a decision that that’s the direction that this team was going to go, I would be open for a conversation,” Gray said, per the Post.With the Cubs, Phillies, and Dodgers all being in a position to make the postseason and have playoff runs if they make the necessary moves at the deadline, especially the Phillies and Cubs, as the Dodgers are already set and would only be adding a player of Gray's caliber just to really put themselves over the top, it makes sense to go after a player of his caliber. Gray hasn't been exactly perfect throughout the year, but he's still thrown the baseball at a relatively high level with a 3.12 ERA and 55 strikeouts. The strikeout numbers aren't elite, but he's still above average and would fit in nicely with any of those three teams.More MLB news:Mets trade deadline plans make absolutely no sense after latest reportCubs update on Joe Ryan, Reid Detmers, and Sonny GrayPhillies would make worst move in franchise history if they trade for $151M dudDodgers’ Tarik Skubal noise continues to heat upLatest Tarik Skubal news will surprise big market teams

The 2026 NBA Draft had a pretty tough act to follow, coming less than 24 hours after one of the 75 greatest players in league history got dealt in the middle of the night. But what Tuesday’s first round lacked in blockbuster shock and suspense, it made up for through sheer depth of talent, as one of the most highly touted crops of prospects in ages rose, smiled, dapped up Adam Silver, and strode its way into the big leagues.What follows is a stab at a first draft of history — a thumbnail sketch of who had a pretty good first night of the 2026 draft, and who might wind up looking back at the evening wistfully, and perhaps with some regret.There will be more winners than losers, because for one thing, hope should spring eternal on draft night, and for another, I am a big ol’ kind-hearted softy. (Also because, if we’re being honest, I can only feel so comfortable speaking with authority about a group of young people I have yet to see play NBA basketball.)We begin at, well, the beginning:WINNER: Washington WizardsI don’t know if first overall pick AJ Dybantsa will be a better pro than Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson; truth be told, I’m not really convinced that anybody knows that right now. What I do know, though, is that the BYU standout instantly becomes the Wizards’ most exciting prospect since John Wall in 2010 — and potentially, as longtime D.C. scribe David Aldridge recently put it, “the kind of star the Wizards haven’t had around here since Chris Webber’s brief tenure in D.C.”That tenure, by the way, ended in 1998 — nearly a decade before Dybantsa was born.The 6-foot-9 über-athlete gives the Wizards a newfound level of electricity on the wing, slotting between recent top picks Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George and even-more-recent veteran star acquisitions Anthony Davis and the just-re-upped Trae Young in what promises to be a drastically changed — and potentially significantly better — Washington lineup. He represents a higher class of hope than any of the prospects previously picked during Washington’s years-long teardown and rebuild, the kind of must-see TV high-wire act who demands attention rather than receding to the NBA’s periphery. Physicality, strength, rim pressure, swagger: Dybantsa carries with him the chance for the Wizards to reset, to establish a new identity, to stake a claim and establish a direction. This is the most exciting moment in D.C. basketball in decades. I can’t wait to see where he, and they, go from here.WINNER: Utah JazzOnce the Wizards went with Dybantsa, the Jazz essentially sprinted to get their pick in, taking Kansas guard Peterson at No. 2 overall … and coming away with who plenty of evaluators believe was the most talented perimeter prospect in this class.Peterson profiles as a prototypical scoring two-guard, one whose on- and off-ball fluidity and shot-making have drawn comparisons to Ray Allen and Bradley Beal. That’s the kind of off-guard weapon that the Jazz didn’t have on their roster, and one who could help elevate a Utah offense that has ranked 24th in offensive efficiency in each of the last two seasons.If the cramping concerns that so often reared their ugly head at Kansas are indeed in the rear-view mirror — and judging by how eagerly the Jazz snapped him up, they don’t seem particularly worried about them — he could be the kind of dynamic offensive force they’ve been missing since moving on from Donovan Mitchell.WINNERS: Pre-agency teams intending to hit the gas (and the fans who’ve been itching to root for them)It’s a carry-over from February’s trade deadline, when the Wizards and Jazz got their work done early with deals to bring in Young, Davis and Jaren Jackson Jr., respectively. None of those established All-Stars played much down the stretch, as Washington and Utah debased themselves in pursuit of the high-lottery glory that they basked in on Tuesday. Now, though? We’re going to see what a Wizards team built around Trae pick-and-rolls with Dybantsa prowling on the wing looks like. We’re going to find out how the planned giganto-ball frontcourt of JJJ, Lauri Markkanen and (theoretically) a re-signed Walker Kessler looks alongside Peterson and Most Improved Player candidate Keyonte George.These teams are going to transition from theoretical to tangible; they’re not just going to be stumbling around on purpose anymore, running around with the restrictor plate on and the real talent on the pine. It’s like we’ve added two more actual competitive teams to the NBA. What a concept!WINNER: Darryn Peterson’s new renewable source of motivationYes, Peterson was thrilled to join the NBA fraternity. He couldn’t help notice, though, that his name wasn’t the first one called on Tuesday:Darryn Peterson about going No. 2: “I’ll have a chip on my shoulder my whole career.” pic.twitter.com/F7E6YNzmWV— Five Reasons Sports 🏀🏈⚾️🏒⚽️ (@5ReasonsSports) June 24, 2026The full quote: “I can't go back and change anything now. Obviously, I wanted to be the No. 1 pick, but I went No. 2. So now I'm prepared to go to Utah and get to work. There's always been a chip on my shoulder, so I wouldn't say it added anything else. But now it will always be in my mind for my whole career.”Gotta say: If I’m Austin Ainge, Will Hardy and Co., I don’t hate hearing that our brand new 6-foot-5, 200-pound hyper-prospect with the shades-of-Kobe midrange game and SGA-evoking level of suave is coming into camp with a boulder on his shoulder. Don’t hate that one bit.WINNERS: The Peterson family, overallHistory for the Peterson family.Darryl Peterson III signed with the Rams after the 2026 NFL Draft, and tonight Darryn Peterson was selected No. 2 by the Utah Jazz.They're the first brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year. pic.twitter.com/2FAUlc1qaw— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 24, 2026This is, like, way more success than me and my brother have experienced.LOSERS: Microphone-handling techniqueI hate to go negative, but guys — and you too, moms and dads — you’ve got to get that mic right up to your mouth and really project! Lisa Salters wants to know all about what part of your journey you’re most proud of, and we want to know too, but we can’t hear you! How are you ever going to become prominent podcasters at this rate???WINNER: Memphis GrizzliesThe Grizz come out of the first round with Duke forward Cameron Boozer, a second-generation stud tipped by many analytically minded analysts (like my podcast partner Tom Haberstroh) as the best prospect in the draft, a fascinating fit in a huge, skilled, extremely interesting young core alongside recent fellow lottery picks Zach Edey and Cedric Coward. They also snapped up jack-of-all-trades Mexican wing Karim López, fresh off pro stints in Barcelona and Australia’s NBL — all while, thanks to a pair of trade-downs from No. 16 to No. 21, picking up five additional second-round picks, reportedly bringing their total to 14 over the next seven drafts. (Never bad to have a cache of those lying around to be able to grease the skids on deals.)Memphis still has the small matter of figuring out what to do with Ja Morant, and how best to build its infrastructure back up to the point that it can once again stand toe-to-toe with the titans of the West. (I’d be lying if I said the romantic in me wasn’t holding out a sliver of hope that bygones can be bygones, Morant can rediscover the flame of his youth, and that a Ja-Edey-Boozer-Coward core can smash-and-grab its way to a shockingly high win total, just like the good-ol’-days Grizz.) That process is going to take some time, some effort, some savvy moves and plenty of hits in the draft. Nights like Tuesday should help get things moving in the right direction.WINNER: The Bulls getting SLAP-happyWhen Bryson Graham left the Hawks to take the reins as the Bulls’ new executive vice president, he told reporters that his scouting preferences and roster-building philosophies prioritize size, length, athleticism and physicality — SLAP, in his parlance — on both sides of the ball. And with his first two picks in charge in Chicago, he drafted North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson, who stands 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan and profiled as one of the highest-motor players in the class, and Texas swingman Dailyn Swain, who stands 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and ranked among the most relentless drivers and slashers in college basketball last season.Pair them with holdover big-wing ball-handlers Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis, 2025 lottery pick Noa Essengue, and just-arrived center Nic Claxton, and suddenly the Bulls have a lot of positional size and more length and athleticism than they’ve recently featured — a pretty strong first step toward developing a consistently hard-charging two-way identity.WINNER: Morez Johnson Jr.The 6-foot-9 power forward soared up draft boards from the NBA Draft Combine through the run-up to Tuesday night, with his projection rising from late first-round to late-lottery and eventually making it all the way to the No. 9 pick, where he’ll be reunited with Dusty May, who just took the Dallas job on Monday. Johnson, for his part, didn’t think his former Michigan coach necessarily put his thumb on the scale for the selection.“It’s his second day — I think he had a little bit [of influence], but not too much,” a laughing Johnson told ESPN’s Lisa Salters after the selection.A more likely scenario: The new Dallas front office, led by team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz, fell in love with the size (6-foot-9 and 250 pounds with a 7-foot-4 wingspan), physicality, athleticism and defensive versatility that Johnson showcased for the Wolverines, believing that he can pair with 2025-26 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg in their frontcourt of the future.It’s possible that their collective shooting shakiness won’t work so well alongside screen-and-dive interior centers like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. It’s also possible, though, that their ability to generate and maximize extra possessions will overcome some of those spacing concerns, and that building around two big, long, fast, athletic forwards who can switch assignments, rebound and run represents a vision of the future that the Mavericks can get behind — even if the shooting needs some work.WINNERS: Michigan menMorez to Dallas at No. 9, Yaxel Lendeborg to Golden State at No. 11, and Aday Mara to Oklahoma City at No. 12 — three lottery picks for the Wolverines! Almost like those guys went 37-3 and won the national championship or something.Dusty May was hyped to see Aday Mara drafted 😂Three of his Michigan players drafted in the first round 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Odt7LDOLka— ESPN (@espn) June 24, 2026Here’s a fun fact: Michigan is the first school to have three picks in the same lottery since … um, Duke, last year.OK, that’s not a super fun fact. This one ain’t bad, though:Michigan is the first title-winning team since Villanova in 2018 to have three first-round draft picks.(And Jalen Brunson wasn't one of them.)— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) June 24, 2026(Also fun: Johnson, Lendeborg and Mara are the first trio of non-freshman teammates to go in the lottery from a championship team since Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah from the 2007 Florida Gators. Hopefully the Michigan guys will have careers as long, successful and colorful as they did.)WINNER: Oklahoma City ThunderAfter struggling to get a handle on Victor Wembanyama throughout the Western Conference finals, the Thunder entered the 2026 offseason seeming like they could use an infusion of size — but, crucially, size that also had the kind of offensive skill that could fit in alongside the carefully curated pieces of Sam Presti’s championship core. Enter Mara, a 7-foot-3 giant who can pass from the high post, finish down low, and wall up at the rim, anchoring what was the most efficient defense in the nation last season.And after watching its non-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander supporting cast struggle to consistently generate offense against that snarling Spurs defense — admittedly, without injured No. 2 option Jalen Williams and secondary creator Ajay Mitchell for much of the series — it seemed like OKC could do with some more ball-handling, shooting and shot creation. Enter Stirtz, a creative, high-feel playmaker who can facilitate out of the pick-and-roll and really shoot it, off the bounce or on the move.It’ll be interesting to see what the arrivals of Mara and Stirtz augur for the future of some of OKC’s incumbents. With Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams and Thomas Sorber all on hand, Mara makes the big-man room awfully crowded, and you wonder whether bringing in Stirtz might not be the best omen for former lottery pick Nikola Topić. However Presti manages the roster, though, it’s hard to knock the Thunder for using the picks at their disposal — including the pair of second rounders they sent Memphis to move up one spot for Stirtz — to add skill-sets they need to a roster that will once again be expected to compete for an NBA championship.FINALLY LAID TO REST: The Paul George tradeA great note, following the Mara pick, from friend of the program Yossi Gozlan …With this selection, the Paul George trade is finally fully settled. https://t.co/LufR2V8zHa— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 24, 2026… which led to some back-of-the-envelope math …So, if I have this right, in the final accounting, the Thunder turned Paul George into SGA, Jalen Williams, Thomas Sorber, Brooks Barnhizer, Aday Mara and a protected Spurs 2027 first-round pick?Decent deal! https://t.co/TzF6gCZ1Ay— Dan Devine (@YourManDevine) June 24, 2026… which, as far as I’m concerned, has OKC coming out ahead on that deal. But maybe I forgot to carry the one.LOSER: Lottery trade loversWe didn’t have a single trade in the top 10! In fact, the only trade in the lottery was Tennessee forward Nate Ament going from Miami to Milwaukee with the No. 13 pick — which was part of the Giannis mega-deal, which we already knew about heading into the draft! When are they gonna get to the fireworks factory???Patience, friends.WINNER: Delayed trade gratificationOnce we got out of the lottery, the deals started coming fast and furious. To wit:Oklahoma City swapping spots (and a pair of second-round draft picks) with Memphis to take Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz at No. 16; Memphis then flipping No. 17 to Detroit (in exchange for even more second-rounders) so the Pistons could take Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie;The Grizzlies sliding down to the No. 21 pick previously held by Detroit to pick López;The Lakers and Knicks swapping spots, with Cameron Carr going to L.A. at No. 24 and New York selecting Spanish guard Sergio de Larrea at No. 25;The Spurs trading back into the first round to grab Denver’s No. 26 pick and take UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr.;The Nets picking Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson with the No. 28 selection they got from Minnesota in Monday’s late-night Julius Randle three-teamer;The Kings trading up into Cleveland’s spot at No. 29 to take Alex Karaban out of UConn;And the Knicks flipping de Larrea, their No. 25 pick, to Dallas for the No. 30 spot, taking Arizona’s Koa Peat, and then flipping him to the Phoenix Suns — effectively turning their No. 24 pick into five future second-rounders and cash.Whew. Pretty busy second half of the night — even with no current NBA players moving along with the picks.