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Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kentucky guard Otega Oweh comments on pending draft decision
Mar 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) dunks the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second half during a Midwest Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images Kentucky guard Otega Oweh said this week that he wants to make the most of his upcoming predraft process before making a decision on his future in basketball. Oweh was an All-SEC second-team selection this past season as a junior, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.6 steals on 35.5% shooting from 3-point range. He registered 13 20-point games, including a season-high 28 points and six rebounds on Feb. 26. Advertisement The 21-year-old announced last month that he would declare for the 2025 NBA draft while maintaining his remaining eligibility. He offered an update on his thought process after working out with the Portland Trail Blazers, his third this draft cycle. 'I'm all in,' Oweh said on Thursday, via Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian. 'I have one more year of eligibility, but my goal is to play in the NBA, so I'm not doing this process one foot in, one foot out. I'm all in." Oweh isn't projected to be drafted, though the 6-foot-4 guard was among the prospects invited to the combine, beginning Sunday in Chicago, Illinois. There, he'll be able to gain feedback from teams about his draft stock and whether he should stay in or return to school. He has established himself as a defensive-minded prospect who can impact games at a high level. He can guard multiple positions and believes he can defend opposing teams' best players, while offering a dynamic scoring option on the other end of the court. Advertisement Oweh has also worked out with the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets, with additional visits scheduled ahead of the early entry withdrawal deadline on May 28. The upcoming three-plus weeks will be a crucial period for him as he weighs his on-court options. 'I believe I'm a first-round guy,' Oweh said. 'I'm just gonna go through these workouts, give it my all, and then when it's all said and done, I'll see where I'm at and then I'll make that decision.' This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: NBA rumors: Kentucky guard Otega Oweh comments on draft decision
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Clemson's Ian Schieffelin will switch from basketball to football, playing tight end for Dabo Swinney
Ian Schieffelin has used up his college basketball eligibility at Clemson, having finished four years with the Tigers this past season. However, NCAA rules allow student-athletes to compete in other sports within an overall five-year window of eligibility. With one year remaining, the 6-foot-8, 225-pound power forward is taking up football coach Dabo Swinney's offer of playing tight end for the Clemson football program next season. Advertisement Schieffelin announced on social media that he intends to pursue football in what he called "the next chapter" of his athletic career. "I'm excited about Ian's addition,' Swinney said in a statement. 'He is a great competitor with high level success at the college level. He has elite football measurables that I believe will translate well. I'm looking forward to helping him transition and build a football foundation that will give him a chance to not only help us at Clemson but also give him a chance to play pro football." Schieffelin is currently listed on Clemson's official football roster as a tight end with redshirt senior status. This past season, Schieffelin averaged 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds, helping the Tigers to a 27-7 record and a second-place finish in the ACC at 18-2. Clemson was a No. 5 seed in the Midwest Regional of the NCAA men's tournament, but was upset by McNeese in the first round. Though his college basketball eligibility was finished, Schieffelin entered the transfer portal after the season on the possibility that he might receive a fifth year amid lawsuits against the NCAA pushing for five seasons of eligibility during a five-year span. However, he acknowledged that an "outside chance" would allow for another year playing basketball. Advertisement So Schieffelin had been preparing for an opportunity to play professionally overseas or in the G League. That is, until Swinney floated the idea of playing football for a season. "I've been just training for basketball, getting ready for the next level," Schieffelin told ESPN's David Hale. "Dabo just walked me through the opportunity he was willing to give me, and it all sounded great, something I wanted to jump on," Schieffelin told ESPN's David Hale. "It really just sparked my interest in wanting to try, and being able to put on a Clemson jersey again was very enticing to me," he continued. "To be able to be coached by Dabo and [tight ends coach Kyle] Richardson is just a huge opportunity I couldn't pass up." Clemson lost top tight end Jake Briningstool, leaving a chance for Schieffelin to compete for a spot among several unproven prospects including Josh Happ, Olsen Patt-Henry and Banks Pope. He played tight end and quarterback in high school, but decided to focus on basketball as a junior and senior. Pivoting from basketball to football has resulted in great success for some players, notably Hall of Famers Antonio Gates and Julius Peppers, in addition to Jimmy Graham. Until the renaissance of tight ends over the past 15 years or so, football coaches often lamented that the best prospects at the position opted to play basketball instead. That has certainly changed, creating an opportunity for players like Schieffelin.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kentucky is eyeing the early top-ranked transfer
Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images With Lamont Butler departing and Kerr Kriisa's future uncertain, the Kentucky Wildcats are expected to target a point guard in the transfer portal. The Wildcats are already pursuing one of the top names available. Advertisement According to Joe Tipton of On3 Sports, Kentucky is among the programs showing interest in UNLV transfer Dedan Thomas, ranked as the No. 1 overall transfer by 247 Sports. Other schools in the mix include Florida, UCLA, and Gonzaga. Thomas, a Las Vegas native, entered the portal on March 17 after UNLV head coach Kevin Kruger's departure. The sophomore guard was a Third Team All-Mountain West selection, averaging 15.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game while shooting 35.3% from 3-point land. As a freshman, he posted 13.6 points and 5.1 assists per game, starting all 34 games for the Runnin' Rebels, who finished 18-15. Kentucky has taken a measured approach to the portal, focusing on its Sweet 16 matchup against No. 2 Tennessee in the Midwest Regional. Mark Pope's first recruiting class ranked No. 5 nationally and included key transfers like Otega Oweh, Andrew Carr, and Amari Williams. However, the Wildcats are set to lose multiple contributors, creating a need for reinforcements. Expect Kentucky to be aggressive in its pursuit of a new floor general once its tournament run concludes. It is worth noting that UNLV did just hire Josh Pastner as its next head coach, so it will be interesting to see if he can get Thomas to consider a return to the Runnin' Rebels. More from
USA Today
31-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
When is the last time all Final Four Teams were No. 1 seeds? Auburn finishes first sweep since 2008
When is the last time all Final Four Teams were No. 1 seeds? Auburn finishes first sweep since 2008 Show Caption Hide Caption Jon Scheyer to uphold Coach K's legacy with Duke's Final Four berth Jon Scheyer isn't worried about the pressure of coaching Duke after Coach K, he's looking to build on his legacy. They are who we thought they were. The four No. 1 seeds in the 2025 NCAA men's tournament have turned out to be the four left standing. No. 1 overall seed Auburn joined Duke, Houston and Florida in the Final Four with a win over Michigan State Sunday. It's the first time since 2008 that all four No. 1 seeds will make up the Final Four and just the second time ever. Coincidentally, that Final Four of 17 years ago was also played in San Antonio, Texas, as it will be this season. The Gators opened the Elite Eight round by making a miraculous comeback with an 84-79 win against No. 3 Texas Tech on Saturday. The Blue Devils knocked out No. 2 Alabama in the nightcap 85-65. On Sunday, the Cougars cruised to an easy 69-50 victory over another No. 2 seed in Tennessee. The top-overall seeded Tigers knocked out No. 3 remaining, Michigan State, 70-64, in the second game of a doubleheader on Sunday. The Final Four starts on Saturday, April 5, with a matchup between two SEC foes in Florida and Auburn. A matchup between Duke and Houston will follow that. Here's what you need to know about the historic Final Four and the last time four No. 1 teams qualified for the Final Four: When is the last time the Final Four featured four No. 1 seeds? The 2008 NCAA Tournament was the first all four No. 1 seeds qualified for the Final Four North Carolina was the No. 1 overall seed, while Kansas, Memphis and UCLA also earned No. 1 seeds. The Tar Heels (ACC), Jayhawks (Big 12), Memphis (Conference USA) and UCLA (Pac-10) all won their respective conferences. UNC swept through the East Regional with wins over No. 16 Mount St. Mary's (113-74), No. 9 Arkansas (108-77), No. 4 Washington State (68-47) and No. 3 Louisville (83-73) to reach the Final Four. In the Midwest Regional, Kansas defeated No. 16 Portland State (85-61), No. 8 UNLV (75-56), No. 12 Villanova (72-57) and No. 10 Davidson (59-57). UCLA beat No. 16 Mississippi State Valley (70-29), No. 9 Texas A&M (51-49), No. 12 Western Kentucky (88-78) and No. 3 Xavier (76-57) in the West Regional. Memphis defeated No. 16 Texas-Arlington (87-63), No. 8 Mississippi State (77-74), No. 5 Michigan State (92-74) and No. 2 Texas (85-67) in the South Regional. However, the Tigers had all of their wins vacated due to the investigation of Derrick Rose and his eligibility. In the Final Four at the Alamodome, Kansas knocked off North Carolina 84-66, while Memphis disposed of UCLA 78-63 for both teams to advance to the championship. In the national title game, the Jayhawks, led by Mario Chalmers, beat Memphis 75-68 in overtime. Who's in the 2025 Final Four? For just the second time in tournament history, the 2025 Final Four will feature four No. 1 seeds. Auburn, the top seed in the Big Dance this season, was the final team to qualify for the Final Four with a 70-64 win over Michigan State. The Tigers also had wins over No. 16 Alabama State (83-63), No. 9 Creighton (82-70) and No. 5 Michigan (78-65). Duke has been the most dominant team during the tournament, with victories over No. 16 Mount St. Mary's (93-49), No. 9 Baylor (89-66), No. 4 Arizona (100-93) and No. 2 Alabama (85-65). Houston defeated No. 16 SIU Edwardsville (78-40), No. 8 Gonzaga (81-76), No. 4 Purdue (62-60) and No. 2 Tennessee (69-50). Meanwhile, Florida has had the bumpiest ride, needing two late comeback victories. The Gators defeated No. 16 Norfolk State (95-69), No. 8 UConn (77-75), No. 4 Maryland (87-71) and No. 3 Texas Tech (84-79). No. 1 Auburn (South) No. 1 Duke (East) No. 1 Houston (Midwest) No. 1 Florida (West) Final Four schedule Saturday, April 5
Forbes
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Duke Shows Depth Beyond Cooper Flagg As Coach Jon Scheyer Advances To First Final Four
NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 29: Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils hugs head coach Jon Scheyer after ... More winning the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament game against the Alabama Crimson Tide on March 29, 2025 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) After dominating at Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum's basketball camp in July 2023, Cooper Flagg spoke with his parents. Flagg was about to enter his junior year at Montverde Academy in Florida, but he decided he wanted to graduate a year early. Ralph and Kelly Flagg gave their son their blessing. Three months later, he committed to Duke, the school he rooted for growing up and the college Tatum played for during the 2016-17 season. On Saturday night, Flagg added to his memorable freshman season, helping the No. 1 seed Blue Devils defeat No. 2 seed Alabama, 85-65, in the NCAA tournament East Regional final in Newark, N.J. Flagg, who turned 18 in December, was named the Regional's Most Outstanding Player after scoring 16 points and grabbing 9 rebounds and leading Duke to the Final Four next Saturday in San Antonio, where the Blue Devils will face the winner of Sunday's Midwest Regional final between Houston and Tennessee. 'For being as young as he is coming into college basketball, I couldn't ask for anything better,' Ralph Flagg said on the Prudential Center floor as Duke celebrated. Still, Flagg, a unanimous first team Associated Press All-American and the top prospect in June's NBA draft, wasn't the only Duke player to excel Saturday. Freshmen Kon Knueppel (21 points, 5 assists and 3 steals) and Khaman Maluach (14 points and 9 rebounds) played beyond their years, while junior guard Tyrese Proctor had 17 points and 5 rebounds. 'I think we have 13 guys that can step up and make plays on any given night, any given night if their number's called,' Flagg said. 'We have an entire team that is incredibly ready and prepared to step up.' Duke (35-3) advanced to the Final Four for the 18th time in school history but the first time since coach Jon Scheyer took over in 2022 from Mike Krzyzewski, who won five national titles and made 13 Final Fours, a record for Division 1 men's coaches. Scheyer on Saturday won his 89th game, tied for the most victories in the first three seasons for a Division 1 coach, joining Brad Stevens (with Butler from 2007-08 to 2009-10) and Brad Underwood (with Stephen F. Austin from 2013-14 to 2015-16). Scheyer, 37, won a national title as a senior guard at Duke in 2010. Fifteen years later, he is coaching the national title favorite and attempting to accomplish a rare feat. Former North Carolina coach Dean Smith, who played at Kansas; former Indiana coach Bobby Knight, who played at Ohio State; and former Kentucky coach and player Joe B. Hall are the only three men to win Division 1 NCAA championships as a player and coach. Still, it hasn't always been smooth for Scheyer, especially in the NCAA tournament, as the Blue Devils lost in the second round in his first season in 2023 and the Elite 8 last season by 12 points to No. 11 seed North Carolina State. After Proctor was held scoreless and missed all nine of his shots (including five 3's) in 30 minutes of last season's NC State loss, he told Scheyer in the bathroom that he would be returning for his junior season. 'We both had a vision,' Proctor said. 'I think just the way we executed and doubled down, the way I doubled down in the offseason, the way these guys had my back, I had theirs, I think it just shows a lot of resiliency. I just couldn't be more proud of our group.' Said Scheyer: 'Tyrese and I, the feeling of losing last year at this point, every decision we made, everything we did was to get back here and then have the team have the opportunity to advance to the promised land. To go to San Antonio, to go to the Final Four (I) couldn't be more proud of the team as a whole. Their attitudes the whole season, from day one, I think this group has been different. They make fun of me. I keep telling them, don't change. Don't change, keep being them.' Of the 10 Duke players who saw action on Saturday, Proctor and sophomore guard Caleb Foster are the only two who were on last season's team. But the Blue Devils re-loaded with the nation's best freshmen class in Flagg (No. 1 in ESPN's NBA draft prospects list), Maluach (No. 8), Isaiah Evans (No. 9), Isaiah Evans (No. 41) and Patrick Ngongba and transfers Sion James (Tulane), Mason Gillis (Purdue) and Maliq Brown (Syracuse). Proctor is ESPN's 46th-ranked prospect, while James is 51st. On Saturday, Duke never trailed and held Alabama to 35.4% shooting, the Crimson Tide's lowest percentage of the season. Alabama entered the game leading the nation in scoring with more than 91 points per game, but the Crimson Tide managed just 65 on Saturday, their second-lowest total of the season. And two days after setting an NCAA tournament record with 25 3-pointers on 51 attempts in a 113-88 victory over BYU, the Crimson Tide made just 8 of 32 3's (25%) against a smothering Duke defense that has length and athleticism. The Blue Devils are the tallest team in Division 1 with an average of 79.8 inches, per analyst Ken Pomeroy. Alabama senior guard Mark Sears, a first team All-American who scored 34 points and made 10 of 16 3's Thursday night, managed only 6 points on 2 of 12 shooting Saturday, including 1 of 5 on 3's. 'Duke is as good a team as we've seen all year,' Alabama coach Nate Oats said. 'We've got some really good teams in the SEC, and they're at that level.' Indeed, a record 14 SEC teams made the NCAA tournament, and the league already has one team in the Final Four with Florida defeating Texas Tech Saturday night in the West Regional final. The conference could have two more teams in San Antonio, too, as Auburn plays in the South Regional final Sunday and Tennessee plays Houston in the Midwest Regional final Sunday. Still, no team is playing better than Duke. The Blue Devils won their 15th consecutive game, the second-longest streak in the nation, and have 31 victories in their past 32 games. They have won their games by an average of 21.1 points per game, the best in the nation by more than 3.5 points per game. And they have an adjusted efficiency margin of 39.63, the second-best of any Division 1 team since Pomeroy began tracking that metric in the 1996-97 season. Duke's 1998-99 team is first with 43.01. That Blue Devils team ended up losing to Connecticut in the national title game, and this year's team isn't taking anything for granted. After Saturday's victory, they wore blue Nike t-shirts with 'Ready 4 More' emblazed across the front. Still, they were soaking in the atmosphere, as were the rest of Duke's traveling staff, the players' and coaches' families and even some fans, including comedian Ken Jeong, a 1990 Duke graduate. 'This is beyond thrilling,' Jeong said. 'This is the best Duke team I've seen in ages.' Will Jeong be heading to San Antonio for the Final Four? 'I've got to ask my wife for permission,' he said. 'That's the truth.' After graduating from Duke, Jeong obtained his medical degree five years later from the University of North Carolina, the Blue Devils' hated rival. Wearing a Duke jacket late Saturday night, Jeong had to get a dig into the Tar Heels. 'UNC med school is exactly why I became an actor,' Jeong said. 'Print that. I went to UNC to be a doctor, and I came out as an actor.' Nearby, Flagg's parents were watching their son and his teammates and mingling. It was less than two years ago that Cooper decided to accelerate his path to college early, and here he is, two wins away from a national title. 'He's always stepped up to the challenge every time,' Ralph Flagg said. 'We have a saying, 'When you're the best player in the gym, it's time to find a new gym.' We knew that he needed to be tested. We didn't think he'd have that at Montverde. He needed another challenge.' About 20 minutes later, Flagg sat on a chair in Duke's locker room, a snippet of the net he cut down earlier attached to his hat. 'This is the vision that coach laid out,' Flagg said. 'It was always the goal to get to San Antonio and win the national championship.'
