Former Wisconsin basketball forward signs professional contract
Former Wisconsin basketball forward Markus Ilver signed a deal with the University of Tartu men's basketball team on Monday.
Located in Tartu, Estonia, the pro squad competes under the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club umbrella and suits up against opponents in the Estonian-Latvian Basketball League and the Korvpalli Meistriliiga. The organization is responsible for over 25 Estonian League Championships and nearly 20 Estonian cup titles.
Following a four-year stint with the Badgers in Madison, Ilver will now travel to compete in his home country. A native of Tallinn, Estonia, Ilver arrived at UW after a pair of high school seasons, one at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, and one at Massanutten Military Academy in Virginia.
Ilver played 72 total games from 2019-25, logging a career-best 27 appearances as a junior during the 2023-24 slate. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in 5.2 minutes off the bench in a depth role.
On Dec. 22, 2024, Ilver dropped a career-best eight points in a win over Detroit Mercy. Weeks later, he played a career-high 10 minutes against Minnesota and knocked down a pair of 3-point looks in a 21-point triumph. Ilver becomes the second former Badger to sign a professional contract to play overseas this offseason, joining forward Carter Gilmore.
Several high-profile Badgers, including Nigel Hayes, have found success overseas. In Hayes' case, his EuroLeague Final Four MVP recently netted him a deal with the Phoenix Suns. Frank Kaminsky, another Badger legend, suited up in Serbia before making a return to the NBA.
While Ilver may never attain an NBA contract, his upcoming experience overseas is another step in his basketball journey.
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Los Angeles Times
13 minutes ago
- Los Angeles Times
How to revitalize All-Star Game beyond the swing-off: Flip it
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And, in an era dominated by social media and short attention spans, baseball needs innovation in the Home Run Derby — not just in an All-Star Game tiebreaker, but in the actual Home Run Derby that is its own Major Television Event on the night before the game. The first suggestion, from Brent Rooker, the Athletics' All-Star designated hitter: 'I had the idea that we would just stick PCA (the Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong) and (the Athletics') Denzel Clarke in the outfield during the Home Run Derby and just let them run down balls. That's a fun idea that popped into our clubhouse a few weeks ago.' An all-in-one Home Run Derby and skills competition of outfielders contorting their bodies in all directions to make highlight-worthy catches? That's a cool thought. Bat flips would be better. The bat flip, once scorned as an instrument of disrespect, is now celebrated by the league itself. It naturally lends itself to the 'Did you see it?' reels young fans share on Instagram and Snapchat. The first round of Monday's Home Run Derby was exhausting. It took nearly two hours, and what little flash there was felt forced. Besides, the sluggers you most wanted to see — Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge — declined to participate. 'I already did it,' Judge said Tuesday. 'I don't know what else you want from me. I think it's time for somebody else to step up and do their thing and have fun with it. I love seeing new faces in the game go out and do their thing.' Said Dodgers pitcher and Hall-of-Famer-in-waiting Clayton Kershaw: 'It's a lot of swings, man. It's not easy to do. When I used to hit, I was tired after taking six swings. I can't imagine doing that for three straight hours. 'If Shohei and Aaron Judge and those guys, if they had them all in there, it would be awesome. You can't expect those guys to do it every single year.' So keep the eight-man field but split it into two groups: four players in the traditional format, and four players in a one-round competition judged not only by how many home runs you hit but with how much flair you toss your bat after each one. The creative and outrageous dunks in the NBA's slam dunk competition go viral. The All-Star bat flips would too. 'With respect to an event like the Home Run Derby, we should continue to innovate,' Commissioner Rob Manfred said. 'It's fundamentally an entertainment product.' There's an idea, Rob. Run with it. 'The game piece of it? Fundamentally, I believe in the game,' Manfred said. 'I think what we have to do is continue to work with our very best players to make sure that they're here and showcasing themselves in front of a fan base that is really, really important to us over the long haul.' Right now, all the very best players are not here. When MLB announced the All-Star rosters, the league selected 65 players. 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New York Times
14 minutes ago
- New York Times
Mavericks two-way signee Ryan Nembhard has NBA model: his older brother Andrew
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USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
NBA offseason grades: Thunder lock up stars, incomplete mark for Warriors
The NBA's offseason is nearing its quietest time of the year. Summer League in Las Vegas is almost over, and free agency lingers — and it was never a big free-agent summer with most major deals getting done via trades. Restricted free agency has been an issue for Golden State's Jonathan Kuminga and Chicago's Josh Giddey, primarily because teams didn't have the kind of salary cap space normally used to spur restricted free agency, leaving Kuminga and Giddey without much leverage in contract negotiations. As the NBA heads toward vacation and more attention turns toward the WNBA, MLB, NFL, college football, MLS, and the remaining golf and tennis majors, let's take a look at how each NBA team fared in the offseason. 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Now they'll need to prove they hit on at least some of those. New York Knicks: B It has been an odd offseason for the Knicks, who made their first conference championship appearance in 25 seasons. Yet, New York fired its coach and seemingly didn't have a plan, reportedly getting rebuffed by five teams with requests to interview their head coaches. Nonetheless, they ended up with a solid and safe fit in Mike Brown as their new coach and adding scorer Jordan Clarkson on the cheap should help the offense. Philadelphia 76ers: B+ While the health of Joel Embiid and Paul George remain massive concerns, the 76ers are playing the smart — if coldly calculated — game with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes. Teams across the league simply don't have the cap space to make splash signings, leaving players like Grimes out of options and with little leverage. Getting him back on an affordable deal would be a big win, and No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe looks like he could blossom into a star. Toronto Raptors: C+ The Raptors were fairly quiet in the offseason, with their big move being the extension to Jakob Poeltl. At three years and $84.5 million, it's perhaps an overpay, but he is a big part of their presence in the paint. Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9 was a solid pickup, but Toronto lost a lot of institutional knowledge and front-office savvy with the departure of team president Masai Ujiri. Highly regarded general manager Bobby Webster is the top decision-maker now. Chicago Bulls: C+ Give the Bulls credit for being smart and calculated — similar to the way the Sixers are being with Quentin Grimes — with their negotiations with Josh Giddey, a restricted free agent. There simply isn't a market for Giddey, so the Bulls are being firm in not overpaying. Still, Chicago remains in that frustrating realm between relevance and rebuilding. Cleveland Cavaliers: B Losing Sixth Man of the Year finalist Ty Jerome is a big blow, but the Cavs are taking swings with Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. as players who can step into roles to keep Cleveland in its championship contention window. The most significant decision is the team's boldness in keeping an expensive roster in place even with luxury tax implications. Cleveland also gave contract extensions through 2030 to key members of the front office: president of basketball operations Koby Altman, general manager Mike Gansey, assistant GM Brandon Weems, vice president of basketball operations/general counsel Jason Hillman and vice president of basketball strategy and personnel Jon Nichols. Detroit Pistons: B+ The Pistons essentially swapped Malik Beasley for Duncan Robinson and added Caris LeVert to offset the loss of Dennis Schröder, who stepped up in the postseason for Detroit. The Pistons have a solid, young core, and getting center Paul Reed to re-sign was a solid move. With point guard Jaden Ivey returning, the loss of Schröder stings even less. Indiana Pacers: C Taking a very different approach to the luxury tax, the Pacers' reluctance to dip into it cost them center Myles Turner, who had been the longest-tenured player on the team. Making matters (way) worse: Turner ended up signing with hated rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks. In any case, Indy appears headed on a reset season with Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) missing all of 2025-26. Milwaukee Bucks: C While waiving and stretching Damian Lillard was a clear acknowledgement that his time in Milwaukee was a failure, the Bucks are seemingly just trying to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy enough with the direction of the franchise. The Bucks replaced Brook Lopez with Myles Turner, re-signed a bunch of rotation players and added Gary Harris. None of these moves, however, seem likely to put Milwaukee over the edge — so the Antetokounmpo question remains. Atlanta Hawks: A The Hawks were aggressive from the start, trading for Kristaps Porzingis and landing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade with Minnesota. Luke Kennard signed a one-year deal, and while the Hawks lost some key players, they drafted Asa Newell as new front-office leadership led by Onsi Saleh refines the roster. Charlotte Hornets: B The Hornets' rebuild is starting to take shape. At the draft, they acquired Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeely, Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner. They re-signed Tre Mann and brought in Pat Connaughton and Collin Sexton via trades and reached free-agent deals with Spencer Dinwiddie and Mason Plumlee. Miami Heat: B- It's the Heat. It's Pat Riley. So they will continue to look at ways to improve the roster. Trading for Norman Powell helps with scoring and re-signing Davion Mitchell helps with defense. Simone Fontechhio will get a chance to show what he can do, and the Heat will work hard to develop 2025 first-round draft pick Kasparas Jakucionis into a contributor. Orlando Magic: A- The Magic got value in the draft with Jase Richardson at No. 25 and Noah Penda at No. 32, and obtained shooting by acquiring Desmond Bane in a trade with Memphis. Tyus Jones provides backcourt depth, Moe Wagner returns on a one-year deal, and the Magic signed Paolo Banchero to a five-year rookie max extension worth at least $237 million. Orlando needs a year of good health to see what this roster can deliver. Washington Wizards: B+ The Wizards made moves that will help the team now and in the future, including salary cap space in free agency in 2026. The Wizards drafted Tre Johnson and Will Riley for backcourt assistance, and added CJ McCollum, Cam Whitmore, Dillon Jones, Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham. They also accumulated future draft picks. Western Conference grades Denver Nuggets: A The Nuggets improved offensively and defensively, and procured depth with the addition of Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas. The Nuggets went seven games with Oklahoma City in the Western Conference semifinals and got better as they try to capitalize on Nikola Jokic's remaining MVP-caliber seasons. Denver made David Adelman its permanent head coach and elevated Ben Tenzer (executive vice president of basketball operations) and Jonathan Wallace (executive vice president of player personnel) to prominent front-office roles. Minnesota Timberwolves: B The Timberwolves were not in position to re-sign Julius Randle, Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker — however, as Meat Loaf sang — two out of three ain't bad. Plus, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez take over as owners of the Timberwolves, WNBA's Minnesota Lynx and G League's Iowa Wolves. Oklahoma City Thunder: A+ The defending champs aced the offseason. They reached long-term deals with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren and the core of a deep squad. They drafted Thomas Sorber at No. 15 and have a stockpile of talent, veterans, youth and draft picks to remain a contender for the next several seasons. NBA POWER RANKINGS: How every team stacks up after draft and free agency Portland Trail Blazers: C Even cutting ties with Deandre Ayton left the Blazers with four centers including two 7-footers. Still, the Blazers appear to be on an upward trend and acquired Jrue Holiday, who they could trade for a player who better fits their rebuilding timeline. Head coach Chauncey Billups signed a contract extension after a season of progress. Utah Jazz: B The Jazz are pleased with their 2025 draft picks: Ace Bailey at No. 5, Walter Clayton at No. 18 and John Tonje at No. 53. They traded John Collins and Collin Sexton, signaling that they're turning over the keys to the young players while having a few veterans around to provide guidance. Hiring Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations adds another respected and knowledgeable executive to Utah's front office. Golden State Warriors: Incomplete The Warriors have not finished all their assignments. Jonathan Kuminga remains a restricted free agent and until the situation is resolved, it's difficult to assess their offseason. Golden State didn't have a first-round pick in the draft and have not made any moves — plus they lost Kevon Looney in free agency. Los Angeles Lakers: B- Los Angeles' handling of the LeBron James situation — no extension and no indication he's wanted beyond the 2025-26 season, plus James' desire to still compete for a championship — leaves it in a precarious situation as it tries to navigate a future with Luka Doncic. Returning Jaxon Hayes and signing Deandre Ayton gives the Lakers interior help. It's the Lakers with LeBron and Luka, so it will be fascinating to watch. Los Angeles Clippers: A James Harden and Nic Batum re-signed with the Clippers, Brook Lopez joins the team on a two-year deal and John Collins arrives via a trade with Utah. The Clippers with Kawhi Leonard will be competitive and maybe possess the two-way firepower to make a deep run in the West. Sacramento Kings: B- The Suns added Dennis Schröder, Drew Eubanks and Dario Saric during free agency and drafted Nique Clifford No. 24 and Maxime Raynaud No. 42 in the draft. But where does that leave the Kings in the Western Conference in 2025-26 after reaching the play-in game but no playoffs last season? Front-office veteran Scotty Perry is the new GM, and Doug Christie had the interim tag removed from head coach. Phoenix Suns: B- The Suns traded Kevin Durant for Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green and picked up Khaman Maluach (10th pick), Rasheer Fleming (31st pick) and Koby Brea (41st pick) in the draft and added Mark Williams and Nigel Hayes-Davis. Signing Devin Booker to a two-year, $145 million extension shows the Suns want to be competitive. They also made Brian Gregory their general manager and hired Jordan Ott as their head coach. Dallas Mavericks: A It's hard to take issue when the Mavericks lucked into a clear star in No. 1 overall selection Cooper Flagg. Kyrie Irving will miss time, but his three-year extension ensures that Dallas' veterans will be around as Flagg develops. Houston Rockets: A+ The Rockets are going all-in, and they made splashy and underrated moves to get there. Kevin Durant is the obvious one, but re-signing Steven Adams and a reunion with Clint Capela shores up the frontcourt. Adding Dorian Finney-Smith gives Houston a solid 3-and-D player and the Rockets suddenly have tremendous length and athleticism along the wing. Memphis Grizzlies: B They went younger and cheaper in replacing Desmond Bane with No. 11 overall pick Cedric Coward, and got a nice scoring threat in Ty Jerome. The Grizzlies also took care of their own with deals to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama. Now it's all about how new coach Tuomas Iisalo revamps Memphis' offense to feature efficiency to go with its pace. New Orleans Pelicans: C- The Pelicans unquestionably lost the draft day trade with the Hawks, in which New Orleans gave away an unprotected first-round pick next year. Derik Queen might turn out to be a fine player, but that pick could become a lottery selection. The Pelicans appear to lack a clear identity, and Jordan Poole is an inconsistent addition to a team already with other inconsistent players — particularly ones with health issues. Joe Dumars moved from a role with the NBA to New Orleans' executive vice president of basketball operations. San Antonio Spurs: A- They were able to secure the consensus No. 2 player in the draft in Dylan Harper and early indications from summer league are that No. 14 pick Carter Bryant could develop into a defensive stopper for new coach Mitch Johnson, who replaced Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich. All of a sudden, the Spurs have a deep rotation at guard, which should make life far easier for Victor Wembanyama. Perhaps Luke Kornet (four years, $41 million) was a bit of a reach, but he'll provide great frontcourt depth.
