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Fox News
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
What were the 10 biggest storylines in sports in March?
The new year is already in full swing, as the month of March has come to a close. It was an eventful month to say the least, with a few teams making championship runs in some sports and others making notable offseason moves. But what were the absolute biggest storylines in sports over the past month? We dove into what transpired in all sports, including college football, the NFL, college basketball, MLB and soccer, in March and gave you the biggest headlines to follow. Let's take a look: On Saturday, March 29, the Yankees hit a team-record nine homers that traveled a combined 3,695 feet on Saturday. Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. all went deep using a torpedo bat. New York's 15 homers through the first three games matched the 2006 Detroit Tigers for the most in major league history. It wasn't just the Bronx Bombers who took advantage of the new bat, as Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz used one for a game for the first time the following Monday— hitting his first two homers of the season and finishing with a career-high seven RBIs in a 14-3 victory over Texas. With such results so early on, the torpedo model — a striking design in which wood is moved lower down the barrel after the label and shapes the end a little like a bowling pin — became the talk of major league baseball over the weekend. Week 1 of the 2025 UFL season is in the books, and there was no shortage of must-see moments this weekend. The St. Louis Battlehawks, Arlington Renegades, Michigan Panthers and DC Defenders came out victorious, while the Houston Roughnecks, San Antonio Brahmas, Memphis Showboats and defending champion Birmingham Stallions lost. Stunned by the Defenders, the Stallions are under .500 for the first time since the return of the franchise three years ago and now have as many losses this season as they suffered during all of last year's UFL championship title run. The Defenders' defense dominated one of the best offenses in the league. Led by longtime NFL defensive guru Gregg Williams' aggressive blitzing scheme, the Defenders sacked McGough eight times, forced two turnovers and held the Stallions to just 138 total yards of offense. The 2025 College Basketball Crown began Monday, March 31 in Las Vegas, a brand new postseason tournament for fans to enjoy. The 16-team tournament, which features a combined 11 teams from the Big 12, Big East and Big Ten, announced a first-of-its-kind Name, Image and Likeness prize pool that will reward the championship team with a $300,000 NIL package. The runner-up will earn a $100,000 package, while $50,000 will go to the semifinalists through a new venture labeled the Vivid Seats Ambassador Program. Arizona State, Cincinnati, UCF, Utah and Colorado represent the Big 12, while Georgetown, Villanova, DePaul and Butler are from the Big East. Nebraska and USC will join the event from the Big Ten. Washington State and Oregon State both hail from the WCC, and Boise State comes from the Mountain West. Rounding out the field is George Washington from the A-10 and Tulane from the AAC. From FOX Motorsports Insider Bob Pockrass: Alex Palou admits that it is "100 percent" a little surreal that he has won the first two INDYCAR races of the season. "You always go through a weekend wanting to win — never expecting to win, but maybe expecting to fight," said Palou, who won the 2021, 2023 and 2024 season titles. "There's so much stuff that needs to go right in order to win an INDYCAR race. "All the pit stops, your tire mileage, also fuel mileage. There's so much stuff that needs to go right that it's tough to get it. It's amazing to start with a double win this season." Only once in the previous 14 seasons has a driver won the first two INDYCAR races. Scott Dixon won the first three of the COVID-delayed 2020 season and he went on to win the title. Off to a good start to his fourth championship, Palou won't declare himself as the driver to beat for the title, although he half-jokingly admits that those asking how others will beat him is a "great question." What he knows is he has two trophies this year while everyone else is looking for their first. In the second round of the NCAA Women's Tournament against Mississippi State, USC's JuJu Watkins tore her ACL, unfortunately ending her season. The crowd in Galen Center went silent as coach Lindsay Gottlieb and two other USC staffers attended to Watkins, a 6-foot-2 sophomore who averages 24.6 points and is one of the biggest stars in the women's game. She was carried off the court by multiple people and the game went to a media timeout. The Trojans would go on to win their Sweet 16 game, but ultimately lose to UConn in the Elite Eight. From FOX soccer journalist Doug McIntyre: For the second time in less than a year, Panama stunned the United States men's national team in tournament play. But unlike last summer's loss to Los Canaleros in the first round of the U.S.-hosted Copa América, the loss in Concacaf Nations League semifinal guarantees that the Americans will not claim the title of a competition they'd won three straight times from 2021 to 2024. Despite being eliminated from title contention, Mauricio Pochettino's team still has another game to go this month before his players return to their clubs. The U.S. and Canada will contest the third place match, which kicks off a few hours before Sunday's finale at SoFi Stadium. Coach Prime is staying in Boulder. Head coach Deion Sanders has signed an extension with the Colorado Buffaloes through the 2029 college football season, the school announced. The contract is worth $54 million, according to NFL Media. "Coach Prime has revolutionized college football and, in doing so, has restored CU football to our rightful place as a national power," Colorado Athletic Director Rick George said in a statement. "This extension not only recognizes Coach's incredible accomplishments transforming our program on and off the field, it keeps him in Boulder to compete for conference and national championships in the years to come." Colorado went 9-4 last season under Sanders, in what was his second season at the helm. Over the past two seasons, the Buffaloes have gone a combined 13-12. Prior to taking over at Colorado in 2023, Sanders was the head coach for the Jackson State Tigers, who went 27-6 under him from 2020-22. The opening game of the Dodgers' and Cubs' season took place in Tokyo, Japan— and averaged more than 25 million viewers in Japan, according to Major League Baseball, making it the most-watched MLB game in the country's history. The game featured the first all-Japanese starting pitching duel on opening day. Los Angeles' Yoshinobu Yamamoto gave up one run in five innings while Chicago's Shota Imanaga threw four scoreless frames. The Dodgers' 6-3 win on Wednesday, which featured a towering solo home run by Shohei Ohtani, averaged more than 23 million Japanese viewers. The second game also featured pitcher Roki Sasaki making his Dodgers' debut. From FOX college basketball broadcaster and reporter John Fanta: For just the second time in NCAA Tournament history, all four #1 seeds are heading to the Final Four. It joins 2008 when we saw Kansas, Memphis, UNC and UCLA. It was also in San Antonio — and also April 5 and 7. Deja vu! Just how historic is this collection of teams? All four programs – Auburn, Duke, Houston and Florida – have better adjusted efficiency ratings than 21 of the last 22 national champions. The combined record of this year's Final Four participants? How about 135-16. And that's why we are in for a memorable weekend in San Antonio. There's the blue blood in Duke, with 37-year-old Jon Scheyer holding an 89-21 record in his tenure. He has proven to be the perfect candidate to take over for Mike Krzyzewski. The Blue Devils have the best player in the country in Cooper Flagg, who is joined by fellow freshmen standouts Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach. Scheyer's team has been an absolute wagon in this tournament and never trailed in their Elite Eight win over Alabama. Duke's Final Four opponent is Houston. The Cougars have been on a historic run under Kelvin Sampson with two Final Four appearances in the last five years. On the opposite side of the bracket, the Florida Gators feature the most clutch player in the tournament in senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. The Gators' offense can overwhelm any opponent with Clayton, Alijah Martin and Will Richard, not to mention an imposing frontline that has racked up offensive rebounds in bunches. Rounding out the Final Four field is Auburn. Bruce Pearl's group occupied the No. 1 spot in the FOX Sports Top 25 for the majority of the season and started the year 27-2 behind Johni Broome. The stage is set for an all-time weekend in San Antonio and a celebration that shows, even amid some off-the-court issues, college basketball is alive, well and thriving. The NFL free agency period is always filled with big moves that shake up the league, and this year's was no different. In fact, there were so many that we decided to list them out so that you can take a deep dive into each move individually. Each player's name is linked to a FOX Sports story around their respective deal. Check out all of our Daily Rankers. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.
Fox Sports
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
What were the 10 biggest storylines in sports in March?
The new year is already in full swing, as the month of March has come to a close. It was an eventful month to say the least, with a few teams making championship runs in some sports and others making notable offseason moves. But what were the absolute biggest storylines in sports over the past month? We dove into what transpired in all sports, including college football, the NFL, college basketball, MLB and soccer, in March and gave you the biggest headlines to follow. Let's take a look: 10 biggest storylines in sports in March 10. Say hello to Torpedo bats On Saturday, March 29, the Yankees hit a team-record nine homers that traveled a combined 3,695 feet on Saturday. Paul Goldschmidt , Cody Bellinger , Austin Wells , Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. all went deep using a torpedo bat. New York's 15 homers through the first three games matched the 2006 Detroit Tigers for the most in major league history. It wasn't just the Bronx Bombers who took advantage of the new bat, as Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz used one for a game for the first time the following Monday— hitting his first two homers of the season and finishing with a career-high seven RBIs in a 14-3 victory over Texas. With such results so early on, the torpedo model — a striking design in which wood is moved lower down the barrel after the label and shapes the end a little like a bowling pin — became the talk of major league baseball over the weekend. 9. UFL season kicks off Week 1 of the 2025 UFL season is in the books, and there was no shortage of must-see moments this weekend. The St. Louis Battlehawks , Arlington Renegades , Michigan Panthers and DC Defenders came out victorious, while the Houston Roughnecks , San Antonio Brahmas , Memphis Showboats and defending champion Birmingham Stallions lost. Stunned by the Defenders, the Stallions are under .500 for the first time since the return of the franchise three years ago and now have as many losses this season as they suffered during all of last year's UFL championship title run. The Defenders' defense dominated one of the best offenses in the league. Led by longtime NFL defensive guru Gregg Williams' aggressive blitzing scheme, the Defenders sacked McGough eight times, forced two turnovers and held the Stallions to just 138 total yards of offense. 8. College Basketball Crown announces inaugural bracket The 2025 College Basketball Crown began Monday, March 31 in Las Vegas, a brand new postseason tournament for fans to enjoy. The 16-team tournament, which features a combined 11 teams from the Big 12, Big East and Big Ten, announced a first-of-its-kind Name, Image and Likeness prize pool that will reward the championship team with a $300,000 NIL package. The runner-up will earn a $100,000 package, while $50,000 will go to the semifinalists through a new venture labeled the Vivid Seats Ambassador Program. Arizona State , Cincinnati , UCF , Utah and Colorado represent the Big 12, while Georgetown , Villanova , DePaul and Butler are from the Big East. Nebraska and USC will join the event from the Big Ten. Washington State and Oregon State both hail from the WCC, and Boise State comes from the Mountain West. Rounding out the field is George Washington from the A-10 and Tulane from the AAC. 7. Álex Palou wins first two races of INDYCAR season From FOX Motorsports Insider Bob Pockrass : Alex Palou admits that it is "100 percent" a little surreal that he has won the first two INDYCAR races of the season. "You always go through a weekend wanting to win — never expecting to win, but maybe expecting to fight," said Palou, who won the 2021, 2023 and 2024 season titles. "There's so much stuff that needs to go right in order to win an INDYCAR race. "All the pit stops, your tire mileage, also fuel mileage. There's so much stuff that needs to go right that it's tough to get it. It's amazing to start with a double win this season." Only once in the previous 14 seasons has a driver won the first two INDYCAR races. Scott Dixon won the first three of the COVID-delayed 2020 season and he went on to win the title. Off to a good start to his fourth championship, Palou won't declare himself as the driver to beat for the title, although he half-jokingly admits that those asking how others will beat him is a "great question." What he knows is he has two trophies this year while everyone else is looking for their first. 6. JuJu Watkins tears ACL In the second round of the NCAA Women's Tournament against Mississippi State , USC's JuJu Watkins tore her ACL, unfortunately ending her season. The crowd in Galen Center went silent as coach Lindsay Gottlieb and two other USC staffers attended to Watkins, a 6-foot-2 sophomore who averages 24.6 points and is one of the biggest stars in the women's game. She was carried off the court by multiple people and the game went to a media timeout. The Trojans would go on to win their Sweet 16 game, but ultimately lose to UConn in the Elite Eight. 5. USMNT see early exit in CONCACAF Nations League From FOX soccer journalist Doug McIntyre: For the second time in less than a year, Panama stunned the United States men's national team in tournament play. But unlike last summer's loss to Los Canaleros in the first round of the U.S.-hosted Copa América, the loss in Concacaf Nations League semifinal guarantees that the Americans will not claim the title of a competition they'd won three straight times from 2021 to 2024. Despite being eliminated from title contention, Mauricio Pochettino's team still has another game to go this month before his players return to their clubs. The U.S. and Canada will contest the third place match, which kicks off a few hours before Sunday's finale at SoFi Stadium. 4. Deion Sanders signs five-year, $54 million extension with Colorado Coach Prime is staying in Boulder. Head coach Deion Sanders has signed an extension with the Colorado Buffaloes through the 2029 college football season, the school announced. The contract is worth $54 million, according to NFL Media . "Coach Prime has revolutionized college football and, in doing so, has restored CU football to our rightful place as a national power," Colorado Athletic Director Rick George said in a statement . "This extension not only recognizes Coach's incredible accomplishments transforming our program on and off the field, it keeps him in Boulder to compete for conference and national championships in the years to come." Colorado went 9-4 last season under Sanders, in what was his second season at the helm. Over the past two seasons, the Buffaloes have gone a combined 13-12. Prior to taking over at Colorado in 2023, Sanders was the head coach for the Jackson State Tigers , who went 27-6 under him from 2020-22. 3. Dodgers and Cubs kick off season in Tokyo The opening game of the Dodgers' and Cubs' season took place in Tokyo, Japan— and averaged more than 25 million viewers in Japan, according to Major League Baseball , making it the most-watched MLB game in the country's history. The game featured the first all-Japanese starting pitching duel on opening day. Los Angeles' Yoshinobu Yamamoto gave up one run in five innings while Chicago's Shota Imanaga threw four scoreless frames. The Dodgers' 6-3 win on Wednesday, which featured a towering solo home run by Shohei Ohtani , averaged more than 23 million Japanese viewers. The second game also featured pitcher Roki Sasaki making his Dodgers' debut. 2. Four one seeds make Final Four of NCAA Men's Tournament From FOX college basketball broadcaster and reporter John Fanta: For just the second time in NCAA Tournament history, all four #1 seeds are heading to the Final Four. It joins 2008 when we saw Kansas, Memphis, UNC and UCLA. It was also in San Antonio — and also April 5 and 7. Deja vu! Just how historic is this collection of teams? All four programs – Auburn, Duke , Houston and Florida – have better adjusted efficiency ratings than 21 of the last 22 national champions. The combined record of this year's Final Four participants? How about 135-16. And that's why we are in for a memorable weekend in San Antonio. There's the blue blood in Duke, with 37-year-old Jon Scheyer holding an 89-21 record in his tenure. He has proven to be the perfect candidate to take over for Mike Krzyzewski. The Blue Devils have the best player in the country in Cooper Flagg, who is joined by fellow freshmen standouts Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach . Scheyer's team has been an absolute wagon in this tournament and never trailed in their Elite Eight win over Alabama. Duke's Final Four opponent is Houston. The Cougars have been on a historic run under Kelvin Sampson with two Final Four appearances in the last five years. On the opposite side of the bracket, the Florida Gators feature the most clutch player in the tournament in senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. The Gators' offense can overwhelm any opponent with Clayton, Alijah Martin and Will Richard , not to mention an imposing frontline that has racked up offensive rebounds in bunches. Rounding out the Final Four field is Auburn . Bruce Pearl's group occupied the No. 1 spot in the FOX Sports Top 25 for the majority of the season and started the year 27-2 behind Johni Broome . The stage is set for an all-time weekend in San Antonio and a celebration that shows, even amid some off-the-court issues, college basketball is alive, well and thriving. 1. NFL Free Agency: Big names in new places The NFL free agency period is always filled with big moves that shake up the league, and this year's was no different. In fact, there were so many that we decided to list them out so that you can take a deep dive into each move individually. Each player's name is linked to a FOX Sports story around their respective deal. Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby and Ja'Marr Chase become highest-paid non-quarterbacks in NFL history. Seahawks sign Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp. Davante Adams signs $44 million deal with Rams. Geno Smith traded to Raiders. DK Metcalf traded to Steelers, signs $150 million extension. Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel traded to Commanders. Russell Wilson signs $21 million deal with Giants. Justin Fields signs $40 million deal with Jets. Stefon Diggs signs $69 million deal with Patriots. Check out all of our Daily Rankers . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily. recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Fox Sports
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
UCF vs. Oregon State Prediction, Odds, Picks
Data Skrive The UCF Knights (17-16) go up against the Oregon State Beavers (20-12) in the 2025 College Basketball Crown on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. ET. The matchup airs on Fox Sports 1. The Knights hit the court as 4.5-point favorites against the Beavers. The game features an over/under of 158.5. Continue reading to get the details ahead of betting on the UCF-Oregon State contest. UCF vs. Oregon State How to Watch & Odds When: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. ET Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada How to watch on TV: Fox Sports 1 Live boxscore on FOX Sports Knights vs Beavers Betting Information Favorite Spread Favorite Spread Odds Underdog Spread Odds Total Over Total Odds Under Total Odds Favorite Moneyline Underdog Moneyline Knights -4.5 -115 -105 158.5 -105 -115 -218 +180 UCF vs. Oregon State Prediction Pick ATS: Oregon State (+4.5) Pick OU: Under (158.5) Prediction: UCF 78, Oregon State 74 Learn more about the UCF Knights vs. the Oregon State Beavers game on FOX Sports! UCF vs. Oregon State Betting Insights Betting Line Implied Predictions Per the spread and over/under, the implied score for the matchup is Knights 82, Beavers 77. The Knights have a 68.6% chance to collect the win in this game per the moneyline's implied probability. The Beavers have a 35.7% implied probability to come out on top. Key Spread Facts UCF has put together a 16-17-0 ATS record so far this year. Oregon State has put together an 18-12-0 ATS record so far this year. When playing as at least 4.5-point favorites this season, UCF has an ATS record of 4-6. Oregon State is 5-4 ATS this season when playing as at least 4.5-point underdogs. Key Total Facts The Knights and their opponent have broken the 158.5-point mark 15 times this season. Beavers games have had over 158.5 points four times this season. The two teams combine to average 2.9 points per game fewer than the total for this matchup (158.5). Key Moneyline Facts UCF has been the moneyline favorite 15 times this season. They've gone 13-2 in those games. Oregon State has entered the game as underdogs nine times this season and won once. UCF has won all nine games it played as a moneyline favorite with odds of -218 or shorter. Oregon State has a record of 1-6 when it is set as the underdog by +180 or more by oddsmakers this season. UCF vs. Oregon State: 2024-25 Stats Comparison UCF Oregon State Points Scored Per Game (Rank) 79.3 (50) 76.3 (108) Points Allowed (Rank) 80.1 (345) 68.8 (79) Rebounds (Rank) 10.2 (69) 8 (255) 3pt Made (Rank) 8.7 (71) 7.1 (247) Assists (Rank) 14 (140) 14.6 (99) Turnovers (Rank) 12.4 (296) 10.3 (98) UCF 2024-25 Key Players Oregon State 2024-25 Key Players FOX Sports created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Big 12 UCF Knights Oregon State Beavers recommended
Fox News
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
10 names to know heading into the College Basketball Crown
The 2025 College Basketball Crown is set to get underway on Monday in Las Vegas as 16 teams battle for the right to be crowned champion. The first-year event features plenty of star power, including Eric Dixon at Villanova and Tyson Degenhart at Boise State. Before the action gets underway, here is a look at 10 names to know heading into the College Basketball Crown. Pierre Brooks, Butler Brooks transferred to Butler last year after spending his first two seasons at Michigan State. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound forward has blossomed into a star, averaging 15.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game this season for the Bulldogs. Brooks has scored 20 or more points on nine separate occasions this year, including a 30-point performance against fellow Crown participant Georgetown. Rafael Castro, George Washington Castro is a double-double threat every time he steps on the court. The 6-foot-11, 220-pound junior is averaging 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for the Revolutionaries this season. He has posted 13 double-doubles this year, including a 22-point, 16-rebound performance in a win over A-10 foe La Salle earlier this month. A Castro vs. Degenhart matchup could be special in the opening round of the tournament. Desmond Claude, USC The 6-foot-6 junior guard was one of the top transfers in the Big Ten this season. After spending two seasons at Xavier, Claude made an immediate impact during his first season with the Trojans, averaging a team-high 16.3 points and 4.3 assists. He teamed up with Wesley Yates III to form one of the top backcourts in the nation this season. Look for Claude to put on a show in Sin City. Tyson Degenhart, Boise State One of the top players in this event, Degenhart was a first-team All-Mountain West performer this season. The do-it-all senior forward is averaging 17.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while helping lead the Broncos to an impressive 24-10 record. Degenhart recorded five double-doubles and topped the 20-point mark on 13 separate occasions this season, including a 32-point outing in a win over New Mexico. Eric Dixon, Villanova There isn't a better scorer in this tournament, or throughout the entire country for that matter. Dixon led all NCAA Division I players in scoring this season, averaging 23 points per game for the Wildcats, and is just eight points away from Kerry Kittle's program record for scoring (2,243 points). If the Wildcats can get past Colorado in the opening round and USC gets by Tulane, it would set up a fascinating second-round matchup between Dixon and Villanova vs. Claude and USC. Jizzle James, Cincinnati In addition to having the best name in the tournament, James has been the best player on a Cincinnati team that started the year 10-1 and finished 18-15. The sophomore guard is averaging 12.8 points per game this season and scored in double figures in 11 of his last 12 games. James and the Bearcats vs. DePaul should be a fascinating matchup. Darius Johnson, UCF Johnson was an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection, averaging 16.7 points and 4.3 assists per game this season for the Knights. The 6-foot-1 senior guard is a walking bucket, scoring 20 or more points in six straight games, including a 36-point outing in a win over Oklahoma State earlier this month. Johnson and the Knights open play against Oregon State on Tuesday. Micah Peavy, Georgetown Peavy is one of the top players in the tournament and is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams with his 6-foot-8, 220-pound frame and guard-like skills. The Hoyas senior is averaging 17.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 48% from the field. Peavy topped the 20-point mark in 15 games this season and is coming off a 26-point performance against fellow Crown participant DePaul in the Big East Tournament. Peavy and the Hoyas open up tournament play against Washington State on Monday. Gabe Madsen, Utah Madsen is the engine that makes this Utah team go, leading the Utes in points and steals this season. Madsen is averaging 15.1 points per game and should be the best player on the court when the Utes open up tournament play against Butler on Monday. A Madsen vs. Degenhart second-round matchup could be exciting. Brice Williams, Nebraska Williams is one of the best offensive players in this tournament. He has the ability to get to the basket and create his own shot, using his 6-foot-7, 214-pound frame to his advantage. Williams averaged 20 points per game for the Huskers this season, which ranked third in the Big Ten and in the top 20 in the country. He was one of only three players in the conference to average 20 or more points this year. In the Huskers' road finale against Ohio State, Williams dropped 43 points in a double-overtime loss. Related Stories: Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.
Fox Sports
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
10 names to know heading into the College Basketball Crown
The 2025 College Basketball Crown is set to get underway on Monday in Las Vegas as 16 teams battle for the right to be crowned champion. The first-year event features plenty of star power, including Eric Dixon at Villanova and Tyson Degenhart at Boise State. Before the action gets underway, here is a look at 10 names to know heading into the College Basketball Crown. Pierre Brooks, Butler Brooks transferred to Butler last year after spending his first two seasons at Michigan State. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound forward has blossomed into a star, averaging 15.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game this season for the Bulldogs. Brooks has scored 20 more points on nine separate occasions this year, including a 30-point performance against fellow Crown participant Georgetown. Rafael Castro, George Washington Castro is a double-double threat every time he steps on the court. The 6-foot-11, 220-pound junior is averaging 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for the Revolutionaries this season. He has posted 12 double-doubles this year, including a 22-point, 16-rebound performance in a win over A-10 foe La Salle earlier this month. A Castro vs. Degenhart matchup could be special in the opening round of the tournament. Desmond Claude, USC The 6-foot-6 junior guard was one of the top transfers in the Big Ten this season. After spending two seasons at Xavier, Claude made an immediate impact during his first season with the Trojans, averaging a team-high 16.3 points and 4.3 assists. He teamed up with Wesley Yates III to form one of the top backcourts in the nation this season. Look for Claude to put on a show in Sin City. Tyson Degenhart, Boise State One of the top players in this event, Degenhart was a first-team All-Mountain West performer this season. The do-it-all senior forward is averaging 17.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while helping lead the Broncos to an impressive 24-10 record. Degenhart recorded five double-doubles and topped the 20-point mark on 13 separate occasions this season, including a 32-point outing in a win over New Mexico. Eric Dixon, Villanova There isn't a better scorer in this tournament, or throughout the entire country for that matter. Dixon led all NCAA Division I players in scoring this season, averaging 23 points per game for the Wildcats, and is just eight points away from Kerry Kittle's program record for scoring (2,243 points). If the Wildcats were to get past Colorado in the opening round and USC gets by Tulane, it would set up a fascinating second-round matchup between Dixon and Villanova vs. Claude and USC. Jizzle James, Cincinnatti In addition to having the best name in the tournament, James has been the best player on a Cincinnati team that started the year 10-1 and finished 18-15. The sophomore guard is averaging 12.8 points per game this season and scored in double figures in 11 of his last 12 games. James and the Bearcats vs. DePaul should be a fascinating matchup. Darius Johnson, UCF Johnson was an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection, averaging 16.7 points and 4.3 assists per game this season for the Knights. The 6-foot-1 senior guard is a walking bucket, scoring 20 or more points in six straight games, including a 36-point outing in a win over Oklahoma State earlier this month. Johnson and the Knights open play against Oregon State on Tuesday. Micah Peavy, Georgetown Peavy is one of the top players in the tournament and is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams with his 6-foot-8, 220-pound frame and guard-like skills. The Hoyas' senior is averaging 17.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 48% from the field. Peavy topped the 20-point mark in 15 games this season and is coming off a 26-point performance against fellow Crown participant DePaul in the Big East Tournament. Peavy and the Hoyas open up tournament play against Washington State on Monday. Gabe Madsen, Utah Madsen is the engine that makes this Utah team go, leading the Utes in points and steals this season. Madsen is averaging 15.1 points per game and should be the best player on the court when the Utes open up tournament play against Butler on Monday. A Madsen vs. Dagenhart second-round matchup could be special. Brice Williams, Nebraska Williams is one of the best offensive players in this tournament. He has the ability to get to the basket and create his own shot, using his 6-foot-7, 214-pound frame to his advantage. Williams averaged 20 points per game for the Huskers this season, which ranked third in the Big Ten and in the top 20 in the country. He was one of only three players in the conference to average 20 or more points this year. In the Huskers' regular-season finale against Ohio State, Williams dropped 43 points in a double-overtime loss. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily . recommended Get more from College Basketball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
