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Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
AJ Dybantsa and BYU to face UConn at TD Garden this fall
It'll be a matchup between teams projected to be among the preseason top 10, as well as between two of the top New England players in college basketball. Advertisement Dybantsa will face a UConn team led by Southborough native Alex Karaban, a two-time national champion who averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game last season. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'The game against UConn in Boston is going to be a great test for our team and allow Cougar fans all over the East Coast to see us play in one of the premier venues in the NBA,' BYU coach Kevin Young said in a statement. The game will be the Huskies' first in Boston since the 2024 East Regional, when UConn blew past San Diego State in the Sweet 16 and Illinois in the Elite Eight en route to becoming repeat national champion. It will be UConn's second appearance in the Hall of Fame Series after the Huskies beat Gonzaga at Madison Square Garden in December. Advertisement 'The Hall of Fame Series has been great to us in the past, so it was a no-brainer to jump at an opportunity to play an elite opponent in 'Storrs North,' ' UConn coach Dan Hurley said in a statement. 'We know it will be a quality event with a great crowd and a stiff test to see where we are as a team.' One week after the game at TD Garden, the Naismith Hall of Fame also will put on a showcase featuring Boston University, Harvard, Providence, and Penn State at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Additionally, UConn men's and women's basketball teams will take part in an exhibition doubleheader against Boston College at Mohegan Sun Arena on Oct. 13. It'll be the teams' first meeting on the women's side since 2005, and first on the men's side since 2013. Emma Healy can be reached at
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nets 2025 NBA draft big board 2.0: Best fits at pick No. 8
The Brooklyn Nets came away from the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery with the eighth overall pick, something that the franchise was hoping wouldn't happen heading into the event. However, Brooklyn went into the Lottery knowing that they could have come away from the Lottery with a less-than-ideal pick and now, they have to move forward with different plans for who to use that pick on. The Nets had ideas of getting lucky enough to get the first overall pick, giving them the ability to select Duke forward Cooper Flagg, but that outcome did not come to fruition. Be that as it may, the 2025 class still has some players after Flagg that have the potential to become impact players at the next level and Brooklyn has to make sure that it does its homework. Advertisement This will be the first time since 2023 that the Nets will have multiple first-round picks in the same draft so they have a chance of adding multiple players that can fit into the framework of the team's current rebuild. Here are five players that would be a good fit for Brooklyn at the eighth overall pick, assuming that they are not trying to trade the pick in an effort to move up: Derik Queen, C, Maryland Mar 23, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) passes the ball against the Colorado State Rams in the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Queen, listed at 6-foot-10 and 246 pounds, showed plenty of promise towards the end of the NCAA regular season and boosted his stock significantly with what he did during conference tournament time and the NCAA Tournament. What would make a selection of Queen interesting is how the Nets foresee him fitting alongside starting center Nic Claxton, who will be entering the second year of his four-year, $97 million contract next season. Advertisement If the Nets are looking for a big man to add to the rotation for next season, the decision for Brooklyn at this spot would be between Queen and possibly Duke center Khaman Maluach, if he remains on the board. Queen's appeal at this point in the predraft process is what his offensive game could look like at the next level, even though any team that drafts him would have to be willing to build around his defensive limitations if he is going to play center full-time at the next level. "I don't think that Derik Queen is the best big in the draft. That's basically the argument, he is also going to be 21 during his rookie season. He's a grown man out there. Yeah, he's the safe pick –polished, strong in the post, but doesn't have a ton of upside," a scout told HoopsHype on Queen, per Cyro Asseo de Choch. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) dunks the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (4) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images Maluach, listed at 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds, had a promising freshman season that rightfully made many around the NBA excited about what he could do at the next level thanks to his size and shot-blocking ability. Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 71.2% from the field and 76.6% from the free-throw line, but he had the worst game of his first season at Duke at the worst time. Advertisement In the National Semi-finals against the Houston Cougars, Maluach showed all of the weaknesses of his profile as he put up just six points and one block in 21 minutes played. Maluach disappeared against a physical, veteran Houston team and while Maluach showed plenty of promise that will not take him out of the top-10, the hope is that he wouldn't have lows like that in the NBA. "Maluach is raw but huge and super athletic. Hands aren't great, though. One guy I know called him a lankier DeAndre Jordan. But maybe Rudy Gobert's hands? Yeah, and not the same instincts as Gobert. DJ was also underrated in terms of feel. And Maluach isn't some elite rim protector. I see the appeal, but he has a ways to go. Starting center? Probably. Star? I'm not sold," a scout told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois Feb 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) shoots the ball over UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images Jakucionis, listed at 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds, could be attractive to the Nets on the basis of being a bigger guard that is able to handle the ball and make things happen for himself and his teammates. During his freshman season at Illinois, Jakucionis displayed his ability to play through contact and use his size to his advantage, especially in terms of scoring and passing. Advertisement Jakucionis' positional size is intriguing given that most teams would love to have a point guard that can see over any defender while forcing opposing teams to employ different defensive strategies to counter what bigger point guards tend to offer. Jakucionis carried a heavy load for Illinois, but it's fair to wonder if he can do the same thing at the next level with some of his physical attributes being around average. "Kasparas has the vision, but the assist-to-turnover ratio's rough. Secondary creator at best – not a franchise PG. I don't love that comp to Tyrese Haliburton. Tyrese's assist-to-turnover ratio was elite. Jakucionis has issues there. He's more of a secondary creator. Tyrese was 9.3 assists to 1.6 TOs after his first 25 games that rookie year. Jakucionis is nowhere near that," a scout told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina Mar 1, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Collin Murray-Boyles (30) celebrates a play against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images Murray-Boyles, listed at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, is one of the more interesting prospects in the Draft given that his position in the NBA will most likely have to be as an undersized power forward that has some issues shooting the ball from deep. What Murray-Boyles brings to the table on Day 1 is his ability to get into the paint and score at the rim through contact thanks to his frame and strength. Advertisement Murray-Boyles has caught the eyes of many thanks to his physical style of play that looks like it would translate easily to the next level as people envision him getting to the basket and in the paint at will. However, Murray-Boyles' size suggest that he would be a big small forward or a small power forward and if he can't shoot better than 26.5% from three-point land, it will be tough to see him on an NBA floor as anything other than a micro-ball center. "I don't like his game at all. The fact that people even think he's going to be a lottery pick is crazy. He can't even play the three – he moves slowly. And sure, he's a great defender, but honestly, Grant Williams had more offensive talent coming out of college than this guy," a scout told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State Mar 23, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson (11) dribbles defended by New Mexico Lobos forward Atiki Ally Atiki (6) in the second half during the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Richardson, listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, made his way up the draft boards with the way that he played once he entered the starting lineup for Tom Izzo's Spartans. Once February came around, Richardson averaged 14.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 48.6% from the field and 35.6% from three-point land while playing 28.2 minutes per contest. Advertisement Richardson's physical profile suggests that his best position would be at point guard, but it's clear that his game leans more into that of a scorer than a facilitator so his fit in the NBA will determine how his game translates. For a team like the Nets, Richardson would be able to find his role at the next level while also providing the team with another guard who can get his own shot anytime he wants, similar to restricted free-agent Cam Thomas. "Because of his dad he is a coach's kid who plays with that veteran savvy. Not the biggest or most athletic but always in the right spot defensively. Developing into a reliable catch-and-shoot threat. Floor is high as a rotation piece – think a smaller Donte DiVincenzo with better playmaking," an assistant coach told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets 2025 NBA draft big board 2.0: Best fits at pick No. 8
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nets 2025 NBA draft big board 1.0: Best fits at pick No. 8
The Brooklyn Nets came away from Monday's 2025 NBA Draft Lottery with the eighth overall pick, something that the franchise was hoping wouldn't happen heading into the event. However, Brooklyn went into the Lottery knowing that they could have come away from the Lottery with a less-than-ideal pick and now, they have to move forward with different plans for who to use that pick on. The Nets had ideas of getting lucky enough to get the first overall pick, giving them the ability to select Duke forward Cooper Flagg, but that outcome did not come to fruition. Be that as it may, the 2025 class still has some players after Flagg that have the potential to become impact players at the next level and Brooklyn has to make sure that it does its homework. Advertisement This will be the first time since 2023 that the Nets will have multiple first-round picks in the same Draft so they have a chance of adding multiple players that can fit into the framework of the team's current rebuild. Here are five players that would be a good fit for Brooklyn at the eighth overall pick, assuming that they are not trying to trade the pick in an effort to move up: Derik Queen, C, Maryland Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) handles the ball during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Xfinity Center in College Park, Maryland on March 8, 2025. Queen, listed at 6-foot-10 and 246 pounds, showed plenty of promise towards the end of the NCAA regular season and boosted his stock significantly with what he did during conference tournament time and the NCAA Tournament. What would make a selection of Queen interesting is how the Nets foresee him fitting alongside starting center Nic Claxton, who will be entering the second year of his four-year, $97 million contract next season. Advertisement Queen is compared to Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun by Wasserman and it's easy to see why with the way that Queen moves on the offensive end of the floor with some sneaky athleticism to boot. "Queen's skill level, scoring versatility and passing IQ have been strong enough indicators of offensive success that certain teams will be willing to look past his defensive limitations," Wasserman writes in his latest mock draft. Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) drives to the basket against Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images Knueppel, listed at 6-foot-6 and 217 pounds, projects to be the kind of player that will be a floor-spacer for whatever team he goes to given his ability to shoot the basketball during his freshman season at Duke. While Knueppel doesn't seem like the kind of player that will be able to create shots for himself and others, his shooting ability is vital for any team looking for more shooting. Advertisement Knueppel, whom Wasserman compares to Nets forward Cam Johnson, could be the kind of guy that allows Brooklyn to build around whoever comes to the roster that will have the ball in their hands, especially if Johnson ends up getting traded somewhere else this summer or during next season. "Knueppel should look like the ultimate plug-and-play wing for teams that miss out on some of the higher-level creators," Wasserman writes. Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia Jan 28, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell (14) shoots against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Newell, listed at 6-foot-11 and 220 pounds, profiles to be the type of big man that can play some power forward and play some center depending on the personnel around him. Newell did a little bit of everything for Georgia as while he was their best scorer around the basket and in the dunker spot, he also showed off his ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter and make some plays for his teammates. Advertisement Newell, whom Wasserman compares to Memphis Grizzles forward Brandon Clarke, will probably be best hanging in the dunker spot on offense and operating in the pick-and-roll while defending the rim and switching on the defensive end of the floor. "Newell ultimately gives off safe-pick vibes with his 6'11" size and movement, consistent production, defensive tools and reliable touch whenever he gets it in the paint," Wasserman writes. Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Xavier guard Dailyn Swain (3) guards Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) during the second half of their first round NCAA men' s basketball tournament game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jovanny Hernandez/USA Today Network via Imagn Images Jakucionis, listed at 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds, could be attractive to the Nets on the basis of being a bigger guard that is able to handle the ball and make things happen for himself and his teammates. During his freshman season at Illinois, Jakucionis displayed his ability to play through contact and use his size to his advantage, especially in terms of scoring and passing. Advertisement Wasserman compares Jakucionis to Chicago Bulls guard Coby White and the comparison makes sense when you consider that White had some of the similar questions coming into the league when it came to whether he could overcome his inability to create space on a consistent basis. "While Jakucionis struggled from the field down the stretch, he mostly showed enough effective change of speed, creative shotmaking and high-IQ passing for scouts to believe he can compensate for limited athletic traits," Wasserman writes. Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina Mar 1, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Collin Murray-Boyles (30) celebrates a play against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images Murray-Boyles, listed at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, is one of the more interesting prospects in the Draft given that his position in the NBA will most likely have to be as an undersized power forward that has some issues shooting the ball from deep. What Murray-Boyles brings to the table on Day 1 is his ability to get into the paint and score at the rim through contact thanks to his frame and strength. Advertisement Murray-Boyles, who Wasserman compares to Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle, has a chance to be a really good NBA player if he is able to improve on his three-point shooting stroke enough to ensure that he can play next to a center that isn't a shooter. "Teams will be most interested in Murray-Boyles measurements and jumper during predraft, given his unique frame for a power forward who hasn't shown much shooting," Wasserman writes. This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets 2025 NBA draft big board 1.0: Best fits at pick No. 8
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Duke Freshman Makes Massive Decision Before 2025 NBA Draft
It's been yet another interesting NCAA basketball offseason with the transfer portal being used to its highest potential. Players are moving from team to team and there has been some exciting news that has struck all throughout the short-lived offseason so far. Advertisement After a disappointing end to the Duke Blue Devils season, losing in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament to Houston as the heavy favorite to win it all. Houston celebrates after its Final Four win against Duke. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images One of Duke's five-star recruits from last season has been testing the 2025 NBA Draft's waters and was, at first, ready to see if the NBA was going to be his next chapter for next season. At first, Isaiah Evans was ready to go through the NBA Draft process, entering his name into the draft to see how it would go. He was anticipated to be a second round pick this year and would have the chance to land on an NBA roster for the 2025-26 season. Advertisement Things have changed since then. After weeks of speculation, the 6-foot-6, 19-year-old guard withdrew his name from the draft and decided to return to Duke for his sophomore campaign, according to NBA insider Brett Siegel. Although Duke has several prospects that are anticipated to be selected in the upcoming draft – players like Cooper Flagg, Kon Kneuppel and Khaman Maluach, Evans will be one that fans won't be hearing his named called in June. After a freshman season in which he saw limited playing time – averaging 6.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, and shooting 41.6% from three in just 13.7 minutes per game – he'll look to take on a bigger role with the Blue Devils next season and boost his draft stock. Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) dunks the ball in front of Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon (0) during the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images As a result, Evans won't participate in this week's NBA Draft Combine and will return to Durham, giving Head Coach Jon Scheyer another weapon for next season.
Forbes
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
How Duke's 5-Foot-8 Point Guard Spencer Hubbard Became A Fan Favorite
Near the Duke bench last Saturday night, coach Jon Scheyer gathered the team's starters during a break in play. The Blue Devils led Alabama by 18 points with 53.6 seconds remaining in the NCAA tournament's East Regional final. By then, it was clear Duke would win its 15th consecutive game and advance to the Final Four. Numerous fans throughout the Prudential Center in Newark N.J, though, hoped for something else. 'We want Spencer!,' they chanted. 'We want Spencer!' Alas, Spencer Hubbard, a 5-foot-8 point guard and cult hero among the Duke faithful, never got into the game. Still, Hubbard likely didn't mind, as the humble and grateful fifth-year senior was simply happy his unlikely career would continue. On Saturday, Hubbard and his teammates play Houston in the Final Four in San Antonio, with a trip to Monday's national title game on the line. Hubbard has fulfilled a dream by just being on the team. His mother, Beth, grew up near Duke's campus and graduated from the school, as did other relatives. Hubbard has been a Duke fan since he was a toddler. He recalls Scheyer's time as a starting guard on the 2010 NCAA tournament championship team, which occurred a few weeks before Hubbard's ninth birthday. 'I always loved just the Duke Blue and the aesthetic,' Hubbard said. Hubbard was born and raised in Los Angeles and introduced to basketball early on. Michael Hubbard, his father, began coaching him on a local YMCA team when he was four years old. Hubbard played Pop Warner football for a couple of years, but he stopped to concentrate on basketball. At 9, he joined a travel team that competed in national tournaments and featured teammates such as Johnny Juzang, who is now a guard with the NBA's Utah Jazz. He also worked with trainer Mark Peters, a 5-foot-10 former point guard at the University of California-Riverside who showed Hubbard how to excel despite usually being the shortest player on the court. Hubbard was hooked. 'He was taking me into the gym,' Michael Hubbard said. 'We'd go somewhere, and he's like, 'I want to go work out.' And this is an 11 year old kid, 12 year old kid. We're going in whatever gym we can find, and he's doing skill work and shooting baskets.' Said Beth Hubbard: 'Every spring break, wherever we would go, we had to make sure there was a gym close by. We were taking his basketball.' At Harvard-Westlake High School, Hubbard played on the varsity all four years and started as a sophomore, junior and senior for a team that competed in California's Open Division, the highest level in the state. His teammates early on included Juzang and Cassius Stanley, who spent a year at Duke and is now in the NBA G League. As a senior, Hubbard averaged 13 points and 4 assists per game and played alongside several players who competed in college, including Mason Hooks (Princeton), Trumann Gettings (Tufts), Brase Dottin (Cal Poly), Adam Hinton (Cornell) and Cam Thrower (Penn). 'He was just an incredibly gifted young man as far as reading the game, passing, getting in guys defensively, becoming an outright pest,' said David Rebibo, Hubbard's coach at Harvard-Westlake and with the Team Why Not grassroots program. 'He was the head of the snake for us for a long time.' Rebibo recalled a March 2020 semifinal regional playoff game against Sierra Canyon, a team featuring Amari Bailey, who is now in the G League; Brandon Boston, who plays for the New Orleans Pelicans; Zaire Williams, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets; and Bronny James, the son of LeBron James who has split time between the G League and NBA this season. LeBron James was in the crowd that night at Pepperdine University, as was Drake and Maverick Carter, James's longtime friend and business partner. Sierra Canyon won by 10 points, but Hubbard wasn't intimidated. 'He kept us in the game and was awesome,' Rebibo said. 'He's just a truly special kid with an incredible gift of bringing people in and being an incredible leader, but also an incredible competitor who was going to give you everything he had every time he stepped on the court.' Several lower level Division 1 colleges and top Division III programs showed interest in Hubbard, but he decided to do all he could to get into Duke. He had attended former coach Mike Krzyzewski's summer camp as a child and wanted to join the team, although he knew the Blue Devils wouldn't recruit him. He understood the Blue Devils only signed the best high school players in the nation. As such, Hubbard focused on his academics in high school to have a chance to get accepted to Duke, a highly selective college. 'Doing well in school was my main priority,' Hubbard said. 'My family and my coaches always made that a staple for me, so I made that a priority for myself.' Said Beth Hubbard: 'He's known himself better than I think most kids do at their age, and that started early on. He just knew what was best for him…He could have gotten a lot more minutes at other places, but he had a dream to play at one of the best schools in the country and play for Coach K.' As a freshman during the 2020-21 season, Hubbard was part of Duke's practice squad. The next season, he made the team as a walk-on, appearing in his first game on Nov. 19, 2021, against Lafayette and scoring his first point a month later against Elon. He was a walk-on again the next season before earning a scholarship in September 2023. Duke posted a video of Scheyer breaking the news to the team, praising Hubbard's work ethic, calling him 'as competitive as anybody' and noting 'he pisses you guys off more going against him in practice.' His teammates then mobbed Hubbard, hugged him and shouted 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' 'It was super emotional,' Hubbard said. 'I had no idea. And afterwards just celebrating with my teammates and having those conversations with my parents and family who've been along this journey with me, it just felt like the culmination of a lot of hard work and not something I was expecting. It made it even that much more emotional.' Hubbard graduated last fall and had an opportunity to transfer to smaller Division 1 schools and earn more playing time, but he decided to stick around at Duke. His father recalled a recent conversation where Hubbard mentioned he had set goals before enrolling at Duke, including earning a scholarship and winning a national title. 'He said, 'If I hadn't come back, I couldn't have got to the place where we are now,'' Michael Hubbard said. While Hubbard has long been a fan favorite, this year he's received much more attention even he though he's only scored a total of 13 points across 25 minutes in 12 games. During his career, Hubbard has appeared in 28 games (all Duke victories) and scored 20 points in 65 minutes. When Hubbard made a 3-pointer in a blowout victory over Illinois at Madison Square Garden in February, the crowd erupted while cameras showed his more heralded teammates such as freshmen phenoms Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khalan Maluach celebrating on the bench. And in the first round of the NCAA tournament, the crowd cheered loudly when Hubbard made a layup late in the game against Mount St. Mary's. 'It's awesome,' Scheyer said after that game. 'Spencer's given us five years. The rest of us are jealous. We wish you guys cheered for us as loud as Spencer gets an applause. Besides that, I think it's an awesome thing.' Hubbard's parents are in awe of their son's fame, especially because he is modest and prefers blending in and just being part of the team. At games, fans sometimes approach him and ask for photos. 'He doesn't want anybody to give him any fan fare,' Beth Hubbard said. 'We've chuckled about it a lot. That's just not what he's there for.' Said Michael Hubbard: 'He's gracious about it, but he's not trying to (get attention). That's why the fans love him so much and they're chanting. It's kind of funny because he didn't ask for it.' Besides his playing duties in practices and suiting up for games, Hubbard also works with teammates and gives some pointers. After Duke's victory over Alabama last Saturday in the Elite 8, Duke freshman guard Isaiah Evans approached Hubbard's parents. 'He said, 'I wouldn't know defense the way I do if it hadn't been for Spencer,'' Beth Hubbard said. Hubbard, in typical fashion, downplayed his contributions. 'I try to help when I can and just when it's appropriate, giving advice and support,' he said. Hubbard added he wants to be 'someone that guys can lean on for on the court support and emotional support, and just a guy who's in their corner.' Hubbard hasn't decided where he will be working when the school year ends, but he has an interest in sports management. He interned for two summers with longtime NBA agent Jason Glushon, whose clients include Boston Celtics stars Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday and brothers Mo and Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic. Hubbard also has an interest in finance and helping athletes make smart financial decisions. This weekend, though, is all about helping the Blue Devils prepare for the Final Four. Hubbard was on Duke's team that made it to the Final Four in 2022, losing to rival North Carolina in Krzyzewski's final game. He is hoping for a better ending in San Antonio, with Duke aiming for its sixth national title and first since 2015. Back then, Hubbard was an eighth grader with dreams of playing at Duke. He is now a beloved athlete at a school that has long meant so much to him. 'That's not only a testament to him and his hard work, but it also lends hope to those who have that dream and aspire to do the things that he's done,' Rebibo said. 'I think from that standpoint, he is and should be a fan favorite, but he should also be somebody that people look up to, regardless of your size, that you if you work hard enough and you commit to it, you can do it.'
