Latest news with #Men'sFinalFour
Forbes
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
How Green Are 2025 NCAA Men's And Women's Final Four?
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 1: A detailed view of the Texas Longhorns bus at Tampa International Airport ... More ahead of the 2025 Women's Final Four at on April 1, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) The 2025 NCAA Men's and Women's Final Four has just wrapped and now we wait to see who will be crowned champions. As the season concludes, we know that conference realignment has increased environmental impact, but how are local organising committees and finalists taking meaningful steps to reduce environmental impact? At Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, host of the Women's Final Four, sustainability efforts include diverting 30% of waste from landfills, and recycling around 90% of cans and bottles used at events. Water usage is reduced by restrooms featuring waterless urinals and flow restrictors. TAMPA, FL - APRIL 4: A general view of the 2025 NCAA Women's Final Four logo sign outside Amalie ... More Arena prior to the start of the games with the Uconn Huskies playing the UCLA Bruins and the Texas Longhorns playing the South Carolina Gamecocks on April 4, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Don) In the lead-up to the Final Four, a riverwalk clean up was organised by the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee. Dozens of volunteers collected litter, ahead of welcoming fans and visitors to the area. The Men's Championships are being hosted at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and the Local Organizing Committee website states that it will deliver 'the most sustainable final four yet." Green team volunteers encourage fans to recycle at the Final Four, semi-finals and the Championship game, as well as at Fan Fest and Music Fest events. Since 2006, the venue has pursued "green" initiatives focused on water, energy and recycling. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 2: Head coach Bruce Pearl of the Auburn Tigers smiles upon arriving in ... More San Antonio for the 2025 Men's Final Four at Alamodome on April 2, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jack Dempsey/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) 'The Alamodome, while we're quite proud of it's history, is a bit of a dated infrastructure,' sustainability lead of San Antonio's Local Organizing Committee for the Men's Final Four, Brad Tipper shared. 'We knew our impact wasn't going to be as successful if we focused our efforts within the four walls of the dome. Instead we took this as an opportunity to identify and manage difficult to abate CO2 emissions, and introduce the idea of carbon removals.' The focus has been on conducting a lifecycle analysis of the Final Four, a comprehensive process evaluates the event's environmental impact from start to finish. Tim Trefzer, who previously led sustainability efforts for the NCAA Men's Final Four local organizing committee in Atlanta shared, 'sustainability efforts by Final Four are organized by local committees, which means year-on-year learnings and benchmarking can be lost. Consistency is difficult, and efforts vary from city to city.' To address this challenge, SALOC is creating a sustainability playbook to be used across future NCAA events. Data is being collected and analyzed by students at local universities, supported by Tipper and his team. This will be published within 30 days of the Championship Game. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 05: The Florida Gators celebrate a win in the Final Four Game of the NCAA ... More Men's Basketball Tournament at Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) The Florida Gators will go up against Houston in the men's championship game, in what is set to be a closely contested match up. At home, the Gators are committed to the University's zero waste goal, encouraging recycling and green tailgating. "Green Games" are hosted throughout the season and a number of their buildings are certified as part of U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. University of Houston Athletics is powered by Rhythm Energy, a local energy provider that provides 100% renewable energy plans. University of Houston Office of Sustainability centres work around using resources responsibly. For Earth Month, they are hosting campus events including an e-waste pick up and plant-forward lunches. The Auburn Tigers and Duke's Blue Devils may have not have made the championship game, but their institution's work off the court highlights how college programs are embracing sustainability. Circularity of apparel sits at the heart of the student-led athletics program 'Devils Doing Good Gear Drive.' The initiative has collected and redistributed over 1,500 pairs of shoes to local community groups. Duke has an institutional climate commitment too, efforts include having over 300 climate and sustainability related classes and $3.7 million awarded in seed grants for research on climate. The Auburn Tigers are taking action on sustainability too, from solar panels at Jordan-Hare Stadium to recycling, composting, and tree-planting initiatives. Auburn's Office of Sustainability is reducing its environmental impact while educating students and the community. TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 03: The UConn Huskies meet at center court during a team practice prior to ... More the 2025 Women's Final Four at Amalie Arena on April 03, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) UConn will face South Carolina in the women's championship game. UConn has been promoting sustainability through its Green Game Day program since 2008. Students have led recycling awareness and recovery at football and basketball games, collecting over 30,000 cans to date. Through the influence of head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina, helped establish an environmental engineering major for incoming player Joyce Edwards, highlighting the intersection between athletics and academic sustainability. Texas promotes sustainability efforts under the banner 'Bleed Orange. Live Green," with a focus on recycling. The 2025 NCAA Final Four offers the opportunity to highlight sustainability in college sports, with host cities and participating teams taking action. As part of the site selection bid specifications for 2026 and 2027, the NCAA 'encourages practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) to engage in sustainability initiatives.' Indianapolis, Detroit, Phoenix and Columbus can further drive this momentum. Recycling and water conservation initiatives in Tampa Bay reflect growing norms, while San Antonio's forthcoming sustainability playbook signals a step towards ensuring data and learnings are preserved and accessible to set a benchmark and improve future NCAA events. Half a million students play college sports across 1,100 institutions. With so many student-led initiatives driving greener athletics, the NCAA and its partners have the opportunity to prioritize environmental legacy beyond the Final Four and into a more sustainable future.
USA Today
05-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How to watch today's Men's Final Four games: TV channel, live stream for March Madness
How to watch today's Men's Final Four games: TV channel, live stream for March Madness Show Caption Hide Caption Duke, Florida, Auburn, Houston punch their ticket to the Final Four The madness continues as Mackenzie Salmon previews the Men's Final Four matchups, which will feature all No. 1 seeds for the first time since 2008. Sports Seriously The eyes of the entire sports world are all set on San Antonio and the Alamodome on Saturday, as the last four remaining teams in the men's NCAA Tournament compete for a spot in the national championship game. Welcome to the Final Four, college basketball's marquee event! For just the second time in the postseason tournament history, the Final Four of the 2025 men's NCAA Tournament is all chalk, as the final four teams left from the 68-team field are No. 1 seeds in Auburn, Florida, Duke and Houston. Things get started in the Alamo City at 6:09 p.m. ET with an SEC vs. SEC matchup between Florida and Auburn, the No. 2 and No. 3 offenses on KenPom. Then Duke and Houston will clash against each other in the nightcap, where the main storyline will be how will Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils' top-ranked offense look against L.J. Cryer and the Cougars' top-ranked defense. Here's what you need to know on how to watch Saturday's Final Four games of the men's NCAA Tournament: Watch the Final Four of March Madness live with Fubo (free trial) How to watch Final Four of men's March Madness today? TV channel, streaming options TV channel: CBS CBS Streaming options: March Madness Live app | Fubo (free trial) CBS will nationally televise both Final Four matchups of the men's NCAA Tournament on Saturday. Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Bill Rafferty (analyst), Grant Hill (analyst) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter) will have the call for CBS. Streaming options for the men's Final Four include the March Madness Live app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries CBS and offers a free trial to new subscribers. REQUIRED READING: Who's left in March Madness? Bracket updates, schedule for men's NCAA Tournament What time is the Final Four today? Date: Saturday, April 5 Saturday, April 5 Time(s): 6:09 p.m. ET | 8:49 p.m. ET 6:09 p.m. ET | 8:49 p.m. ET Location: Alamodome (San Antonio) Game 1 of the Final Four doubleheader will tip off at 6:09 p.m. ET on Saturday, April at the Alamodome in San Antonio between Florida and Auburn. Game 2 of the Final Four between Duke and Houston will start at approximately 8:49 p.m. ET on Saturday.
USA Today
04-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Final Four edition, NBA mock draft: Projected first-round picks play this weekend
Final Four edition, NBA mock draft: Projected first-round picks play this weekend Show Caption Hide Caption Duke, Florida, Auburn, Houston punch their ticket to the Final Four The madness continues as Mackenzie Salmon previews the Men's Final Four matchups, which will feature all No. 1 seeds for the first time since 2008. Sports Seriously When you watch the NCAA men's basketball Final Four Saturday, you won't just be watching some of the best players in college hoops. You will be watching future NBA players, too. First-rounders and potential first-rounders abound in the Florida-Auburn and Houston-Duke games in San Antonio. Duke has three players who are projected lottery picks (Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach); Auburn (Johni Broome) and Florida (Alex Condon) each have potential first-round picks. The Blue Devils, Gators and Cougars also have potential second-round selections (Florida's Walter Clayton Jr.; Houston's JoJo Tugler, Milos Uzan; Duke's Tyrese Proctor, Sion James, Isaiah Evans). Here is USA TODAY Sports' latest mock draft ahead of the Final Four. (Stats through games of April 2; age listed is age at time of June 25-26 draft): 1. Cooper Flagg, Duke Freshman, guard-forward, 6-9, 205, 18 years old 2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 bpg, 48.3% FG, 37.4% 3PT, 83.4% FT The do-it-all young star leads the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who has added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He is leading Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama. 2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers Freshman, guard, 6-6, 215, 19 2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper's best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers' lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California. 3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers Freshman, guard-forward, 6-10, 200, 18 2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn't easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. 4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Freshman, guard, 6-5, 180, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA tournament second-round loss to Duke. 5. Kon Knueppel, Duke Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 47.7% FG, 40.1% 3PT, 91.2% FT He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games, including 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. 6. Tre Johnson, Texas Freshman, guard, 6-6, 190, 19 2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He has three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA tournament loss to Xavier. 7. Khaman Maluach, Duke Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 18 2024-25 stats: 8.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.4% FG, 76.4% FT Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. 8. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois Freshman, guard, 6-6, 205, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games of the season. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA tournament victory against Xavier. 9. Derik Queen, Maryland Freshman, center, 6-10, 246, 20 2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-rou nd pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to Florida. 10. Asa Newell, Georgia Freshman, forward, 6-11, 220, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT Based off of his size, Newell wouldn't appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA tournament loss to Gonzaga. 11. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Freshman, guard, 6-4, 182, 18 2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA tournament first-round loss to UConn. 12. Liam McNeeley, UConn Freshman, forward, 6-7, 210, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He has bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year's Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s. 13. Jase Richardson, Michigan State Freshman, guard, 6-3, 185, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT Richardson has improved as the season has progressed and has turned into the Spartans' steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA tournament in four games – 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn. 14. Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Forward, 6-8, 198, 18 2024-25 stats: 10.8ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 52% FG, 27% 3PT, 69.8% FT The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up. 15. Egor Demin, BYU Freshman, forward, 6-9, 19 2024-25 stats: 10.6 ppg, 5.5 apg, 3.9 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41.2% FG, 27.3% 3PT, 69.5% FT The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field. 16. Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina Sophomore, forward, 6-8, 245, 20 2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT Although he's a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC's No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament. 17. Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Guard, 6-6, 200, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.1 spg, 45.2% FG, 27.4% 3PT, 71.3% FT He's just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect. 18. Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France) Guard, 6-4, 175, 19 2024-25 stats: 11.7 ppg, 4.5 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.7% FG, 27.7% 3PT, 72.1% FT Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He's quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February. 19. Thomas Sorber, Georgetown Freshman, forward-center, 6-10, 255, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT The standout freshman will miss the remainder of the season, requiring surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who's just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame. 20. Kam Jones, Marquette Senior, guard, 6-5, 205, 23 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 spg, 48.5% FG, 31.6% 3PT, 64.3% FT All-Big East first-team selection, Jones is a strong, physical guard who can finish on drives to the rim, possesses solid footwork and isn't afraid of contact. He has improved as a playmaker/passer this season and is a solid rebounder with at least 10 five-plus rebound games. The left-hander had a dip in his 3-point shooting percentage this season but has shown the ability to make them off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots as a career 37% shooter from deep in his four-year career. Jones was solid in the Big East tournament with 28 points (11-for-22 shooting, 5-for-10 on 3s), five assists and four rebounds in a victory against Xavier and 24 points (3-for-12 on 3s) and seven rebounds in a loss to St. John's. He had 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in a NCAA tournament first-round loss to New Mexico. 21. Labaron Philon, Alabama Freshman, guard, 6-4, 177, 19 2024-25 stats: 10.6 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 1.4 spg, 45.2% FG, 31.5% 3PT, 76.7% FT Philon excels in transition with his speed and ability to finish at the rim; is capable on catch-and-shoot 3s but needs work on that part of his game. He's a heady defender who disrupts opponents with his ability to get steals. The Crimson Tide finished the regular season with seven games against ranked opponents, going 3-4, and Philon had 15 points in an overtime victory against top-ranked Auburn on March 8. He had a team-high 21 points, four assists and three steals in an SEC tournament victory against Kentucky but just three points on 1-for-9 shooting in a conference tournament semifinals loss to Florida. His best game of the NCAA tournament came in an Elite Eight loss to Duke: 16 points (3-for-6 on 3s), five rebounds, three assists and three steals. 22. Boogie Fland, Arkansas Freshman, guard, 6-2, 175, 18 2024-25 stats: 13.5 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.2 rpg, 1.5 spg, 37.9% FG, 34% 3PT, 83.3% FT Fland is an aggressive defender, can hit mid-range shots, makes 3s off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots and attacks the rim. He is getting more comfortable reading defenses and finding advantages with the pass. Fland sustained a thumb injury Jan. 11 and did play from Jan. 18 (he had surgery Jan. 22) until the first game of the NCAA tournament on March 20. 23. Carter Bryant, Arizona Freshman, forward, 6-8, 225, 19 2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA tournament. 24. Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain) Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19 2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT One of Europe's top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He's still raw. 25. Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League) Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18 2024-25 stats: 4.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 60.3% FG, 60.6% FT Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn't have a lot of experience but his potential – especially as a rim protector – has made him a first-round prospect. 26. Nique Clifford, Colorado State Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-6, 200, 23 2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT Clifford is versatile wing who does a lot of multiple things – scoring, rebounding, passing defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams' final six games before the NCAA Tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland. 27. Alex Condon, Florida Sophomore, forward-center, 6-11, 230, 20 2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.4 bpg, 50% FG, 33.9% 3PT, 60.4% FT On a roster filled with talent, Condon, who is from Australia, provides scoring and rebounding with seven double-double this season, including 27 points and 10 rebounds in a late-season victory against Alabama. His scoring dipped in the NCAA tournament but he contributed with his all-around game: rebounding, passing, defense. 28. Johni Broome, Auburn Senior, forward-center, 6-10, 240, 22 2024-25 stats: 18.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 bpg, 51.2% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 59.3% FT A powerful and physical forward, Broome is a double-double machine in points and rebounds but also has a penchant for assists – 31 points, 14 rebounds against Georgia; 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks against Alabama; 21 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, three blocks against Ohio State. Broome, who has led the No. 1-seeded Tigers to the Final Four, is in the running for college player of the year, and in four NCAA tournament games, he has three double-doubles in points and rebounds, including 25 points and 14 rebounds in a regional finals victory against Michigan State. 29. Noah Penda, Le Mans (France) Forward, 6-8, 225, 20 2024-25 stats: 9.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.0 bpg, 44.4% FG, 30.3% 3PT, 72.5% FT A solidly-built wing, Penda may not be the most explosive athlete, but he has flashed excellent footwork in the low block, has steady enough ball-handling abilities and can knock down 3s with relative efficiency. Penda has also shown that he can move well without the ball, often slashing through a defense on cuts for easy buckets. 30. Danny Wolf, Michigan Junior, forward-center, 7-0, 250, 21 2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf has played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he's played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in an NCAA regional semifinal loss to Auburn.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cumulus Media's Westwood One Presents Exclusive Full-Court Audio Coverage of the 2025 NCAA® Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Final Four® and National Championship Games on Multiple Platforms
Westwood One's Final Four Coverage Connects College Hoops Fans across Multiple Platforms – 500+ Radio Stations, SiriusXM, NCAA March Madness Live™; via Free Online Streaming at and the Westwood One Sports App, The Varsity Network App & on Alexa-Enabled Devices; also Available with TuneIn Premium Network's Coverage Includes the Men's Final Four and National Championship Games in Spanish, Presented by Werner Ladder Westwood One's Women's Final Four Coverage is Presented by Intuit TurboTax NEW YORK, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cumulus Media's Westwood One (NASDAQ: CMLS), the largest radio network in the U.S. and the exclusive national audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, will present comprehensive live audio coverage of the 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four and national championship game live from San Antonio, Texas in both English and Spanish. The network will also broadcast the NCAA Women's Final Four and national championship game live from Tampa, Florida. Westwood One's coverage of the Men's Final Four will begin at 3:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 5 with 'The Final Four Show' followed by the game broadcast at 4:00 p.m. ET. The first national semifinal, between the Auburn Tigers and the Florida Gators, tips off at 6:09 p.m. ET. The second national semifinal, between the Duke Blue Devils and the Houston Cougars will begin 40 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. On Monday, April 7 audio coverage will commence at 6:00 p.m. ET with the 'Championship Monday' pregame show followed by game coverage at 7:00 p.m. ET. The men's national championship game will tip off at 8:50 p.m. ET. Westwood One will also broadcast all three men's games in Spanish, presented by Werner Ladder. Spanish-language coverage of the Final Four commences at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 5 and at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, April 7 for the national championship game. Westwood One will also provide complete play-by-play coverage of the Women's Final Four® on Friday, April 4 beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET when the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks take on the Texas Longhorns. Immediately following, the network will air the second national semifinal, between the UCLA Bruins and the UConn Huskies. Coverage of the women's national championship game on Sunday, April 6 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Westwood One's broadcasts of all three women's games will be presented by Intuit TurboTax. ALL-STAR BROADCAST TEAMSMen's Final Four (English)The trio of Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel, and P.J. Carlesimo will announce all the action for the Final Four and the National Championship in English. Kugler has been the voice of the Final Four on Westwood One every year since 2008. Former Purdue star Robbie Hummel joins former Seton Hall coach P.J. Carlesimo as game analysts, marking Hummel's first Final Four with the network. Andy Katz will return for the fourth straight year as courtside reporter, and Jason Horowitz will host the pregame, halftime and postgame shows from the Final Four and National Championship in San Antonio, Texas. Men's Final Four (Spanish) Rafael Hernández Brito will once again serve as the play-by-play announcer, his eighth time with the network, while former All-American point guard Greivis Vásquez will return as analyst for the seventh time. For the fifth time, former Puerto Rican National Basketball Team coach Carlos Morales will host the broadcasts. Women's Final Four (English) Westwood One's broadcast crew for the Women's Final Four and national championship game will consist of Ryan Radtke as play-by-play announcer, Debbie Antonelli as analyst, and Ros Gold-Onwude as courtside reporter. This will be Antonelli's 22nd time as lead analyst and 29th season overall with the network while Gold-Onwude is back on Westwood One for the second year in a row. J.B. Long and Kim Adams will serve as studio hosts. Where to Listen Westwood One's complete NCAA men's tournament coverage can be heard on terrestrial radio stations nationwide and via SiriusXM. The Final Four and national championship Division I men's and women's games will also be streamed online for free at and the Westwood One Sports mobile app. Additionally, the broadcasts will be available for free via the NCAA March Madness Live apps or The Varsity Network app. Fans can also access live audio via Alexa-enabled devices by asking to 'Open Westwood One Sports.' TuneIn premium subscribers can also hear all the action live. For a complete schedule of games, announcer bios, exclusive audio content, and a list of radio stations airing Westwood One's broadcast of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, please visit Westwood One is the exclusive broadcast radio, digital audio, distribution, and licensing partner for the NCAA Championships. Westwood One has broadcast the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament since 1982 and every game of March Madness® on multiple platforms since 2005. The network has broadcast the NCAA Men's Final Four and national championship game in Spanish for eight years. In addition, Westwood One has broadcast the Women's Final Four and national championship game every year since 1998. NCAA, First Four, Final Four, and March Madness are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. About Westwood One SportsWestwood One Sports is home to some of the most exciting sports broadcasts on radio. In addition to being the exclusive network radio partner to the NFL since 1987—featuring regular and post-season NFL football, including the playoffs and the Super Bowl -- its other extensive properties include NCAA Basketball, including the NCAA Men's and Women's Tournaments and the Final Four®; U.S. Soccer; The Masters; NCAA Football; and other marquee sports events. Westwood One also distributes and represents Infinity Sports Network. On social media, join the Westwood One Sports community on Facebook at on Instagram at and X (formerly Twitter) at For more information, visit or download the Westwood One Sports app in the iTunes or Google Play stores. About Cumulus MediaCumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 400 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, CNN, AP News, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across more than 9,500 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information visit About the NCAAThe NCAA is a diverse association of more than 1,100 member colleges and universities that prioritize academics, well-being and fairness to create greater opportunities for nearly half a million student-athletes each year. The NCAA provides a pathway to higher education and beyond for student-athletes pursuing academic goals and competing in NCAA sports. More than 54,000 student-athletes experience the pinnacle of intercollegiate athletics by competing in NCAA championships each year. Visit and for more details about the Association and the corporate partnerships that support the NCAA and its student-athletes. The NCAA is proud to have AT&T, Capital One and Coca-Cola as official corporate champions and the following elite companies as official corporate partners: Buffalo Wild Wings, Buick, GEICO, Great Clips, Intuit TurboTax, Invesco QQQ, Marriott Bonvoy, Nabisco, Nissan, Pizza Hut, Reese's, Samsung Galaxy, The Home Depot, Unilever and Wendy's. Contact: Lisa Dollinger Strategic Communication for Cumulus Media | Westwood One | lisa@ in to access your portfolio
USA Today
01-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Buzz Williams contract buyout: What does Maryland basketball likely owe Texas A&M?
Buzz Williams contract buyout: What does Maryland basketball likely owe Texas A&M? Show Caption Hide Caption Duke, Florida, Auburn, Houston punch their ticket to the Final Four The madness continues as Mackenzie Salmon previews the Men's Final Four matchups, which will feature all No. 1 seeds for the first time since 2008. Sports Seriously Over the course of his coaching career, Buzz Williams has compiled a transient résumé, often staying at a program for five or six years before heading elsewhere. In 2014, one year after leading Marquette to an Elite Eight, Williams left the Golden Eagles for what was then an ACC cellar-dweller in Virginia Tech. Five years later, and after taking the Hokies to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1967, he accepted the same position at Texas A&M. Now, he's on the move again. Williams has been hired as the head coach at Maryland, the university announced Tuesday. He replaces Kevin Willard, who left after the Terrapins' run to the Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament to be Villanova's coach. College Park is buzzing! Maryland welcomes Buzz Williams as its new Head Coach. Full release: — Maryland Men's Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) April 1, 2025 REQUIRED READING: Final Four reseed: Power rankings of the teams left in March Madness The 52-year-old Williams has been a proven winner for much of his career, with a 359-211 record and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances since the start of the 2008-09 season. Most recently, he made the NCAA Tournament in each of the past three seasons at Texas A&M, including with a team during the 2024-25 season that earned a No. 4 seed before falling to Michigan in the second round. The transaction comes with a price tag, though. Prying a sitting head coach from a power-conference program usually comes with the additional cost of a buyout, with Williams' move from the Aggies being no exception. Here's a look at what Maryland owes Texas A&M for hiring Williams: Buzz Williams pay Salary: $4.7 million According to information from USA TODAY's men's coaching salary database, Williams boasted a total pay of $4.7 million for the 2025 season. With that figure, Williams was the 17th highest-paid coach in the country, based on USA TODAY Sports' research of the Power Four plus any non-Power Fours that have qualified for three of the past five NCAA Tournaments. And he was the seventh-highest in the SEC. According to a copy of his contract, obtained by the USA TODAY Sports, he was due a raise of $100,000 on Tuesday, which would have boosted his salary to $4.8 million. Buzz Williams contract buyout As part of the terms of Williams' contract with Texas A&M, as long as the school exercised contract extension options on or before March 31 of 2024 and 2025, the Aggies are owed $1 million from the coach for leaving before the end of his deal. So Maryland probably saved a bit of money, given the timing of the move. Williams' buyout probably was cut in half, dropping from $2 million to $1 million, on Tuesday. The Terrapins are set to receive $2 million in buyout money from Willard. REQUIRED READING: This Final Four isn't the 2008 March Madness party of No. 1 seeds. Here's why Buzz Williams career record Here's a look at Williams' record as a college head coach:
