Latest news with #NBA-level
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wisconsin basketball updated roster, projected lineup with John Blackwell's return
Wisconsin basketball received major roster news on Wednesday, as rising junior guard John Blackwell withdrew from the NBA draft and returned to the program. Blackwell had previously declared for the draft while maintaining his eligibility, also noting that if he were to return to college, it would be to Wisconsin. He did not crack any two-round mock draft projections over the last two months, portraying his place outside of the draft's top 60 prospects. That made the star guard's return a likely outcome throughout the pre-draft process. Advertisement With that decision now official, Wisconsin can finalize a 2025-26 team that projects as one of the Big Ten's best. Blackwell will be that team's lead option with All-American wing John Tonje off to the NBA. The 2025 Big Ten honorable mention guard averaged 31.2 minutes, 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a sophomore in 2024-25, while shooting 45% from the field and 32% from 3-point range. That production gave a glimpse of an NBA-level ceiling with further development. While he was not invited to the NBA combine or G League Elite Camp, his pre-draft process likely highlighted areas for improvement during the upcoming college season. A further breakthrough as the Badgers' top option will cement his status as a 2026 draft prospect. Blackwell's return is pivotal to Wisconsin basketball's chances in 2025-26. Here is the team's updated starting lineup and rotation projection with his return now finalized. Wisconsin Basketball Updated 2025-26 Starting Lineup Projection Mar 22, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots the ball against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Guard: John Blackwell (Junior) Guard: Nick Boyd (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) Wing: Andrew Rohde (Senior -- Virginia transfer) Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior) Advertisement Wisconsin's projected starting lineup is now finalized after Blackwell's decision. The unit projects as one of the best in the Big Ten, with two potential all-conference players in Blackwell and Winter, and three high-impact transfers. Among those transfers, Nick Boyd is a key player to watch entering the year, as he jumps to the Big Ten level after a strong multi-year run at Florida Atlantic (2020-24) and San Diego State (2024-25). Wisconsin beat several high-major programs for his transfer commitment. He joins the program with significant NCAA Tournament experience, having helped lead FAU to the Final Four in 2023. Wisconsin's Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves Mar 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers bench players cheer during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images Guard Jack Janicki (Sophomore) Guard Braeden Carrington (Senior) Forward Aleksas Bieliauskas (Freshman) Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman) Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore) Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore) Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman) Center Will Garlock (Freshman) Advertisement Wisconsin is still somewhat thin in the frontcourt. Bieliauskas will be tasked with a major role immediately, with an inexperienced sophomore in Riccardo Greppi and a true freshman in Will Garlock as the only other depth options at the position. Meanwhile, the team is loaded in the backcourt, with Janicki and veteran transfer Carrington as the rotation's sixth and seventh players, respectively. Incoming freshmen Kinziger and Jones are also promising prospects to watch. Look out, the 2025-26 Badgers could be one of the better teams of the Greg Gard era. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball projected rotation with John Blackwell's return
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin basketball updated roster, projected lineup with John Blackwell's return
Wisconsin basketball updated roster, projected lineup with John Blackwell's return Wisconsin basketball received major roster news on Wednesday, as rising junior guard John Blackwell withdrew from the NBA draft and returned to the program. Blackwell had previously declared for the draft while maintaining his eligibility, also noting that if he were to return to college, it would be to Wisconsin. He did not crack any two-round mock draft projections over the last two months, portraying his place outside of the draft's top 60 prospects. That made the star guard's return a likely outcome throughout the pre-draft process. With that decision now official, Wisconsin can finalize a 2025-26 team that projects as one of the Big Ten's best. Blackwell will be that team's lead option with All-American wing John Tonje off to the NBA. The 2025 Big Ten honorable mention guard averaged 31.2 minutes, 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a sophomore in 2024-25, while shooting 45% from the field and 32% from 3-point range. That production gave a glimpse of an NBA-level ceiling with further development. While he was not invited to the NBA combine or G League Elite Camp, his pre-draft process likely highlighted areas for improvement during the upcoming college season. A further breakthrough as the Badgers' top option will cement his status as a 2026 draft prospect. Blackwell's return is pivotal to Wisconsin basketball's chances in 2025-26. Here is the team's updated starting lineup and rotation projection with his return now finalized. Wisconsin Basketball Updated 2025-26 Starting Lineup Projection Guard: John Blackwell (Junior) (Junior) Guard: Nick Boyd (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) Wing: Andrew Rohde (Senior -- Virginia transfer) (Senior -- Virginia transfer) Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior) Wisconsin's projected starting lineup is now finalized after Blackwell's decision. The unit projects as one of the best in the Big Ten, with two potential all-conference players in Blackwell and Winter, and three high-impact transfers. Among those transfers, Nick Boyd is a key player to watch entering the year, as he jumps to the Big Ten level after a strong multi-year run at Florida Atlantic (2020-24) and San Diego State (2024-25). Wisconsin beat several high-major programs for his transfer commitment. He joins the program with significant NCAA Tournament experience, having helped lead FAU to the Final Four in 2023. Wisconsin's Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves Guard Jack Janicki (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Guard Braeden Carrington (Senior) (Senior) Forward Aleksas Bieliauskas (Freshman) (Freshman) Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman) (Freshman) Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman) (Freshman) Center Will Garlock (Freshman) Wisconsin is still somewhat thin in the frontcourt. Bieliauskas will be tasked with a major role immediately, with an inexperienced sophomore in Riccardo Greppi and a true freshman in Will Garlock as the only other depth options at the position. Meanwhile, the team is loaded in the backcourt, with Janicki and veteran transfer Carrington as the rotation's sixth and seventh players, respectively. Incoming freshmen Kinziger and Jones are also promising prospects to watch. Look out, the 2025-26 Badgers could be one of the better teams of the Greg Gard era. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Ex-Heat star Tyler Johnson begins coaching journey with Fresno State after $50M NBA run
Tyler Johnson, after a successful NBA career that included a $50 million contract, returns to Fresno State, his alma mater, as an assistant coach. The former guard's journey from an undrafted player to NBA veteran now sees him mentoring the next generation of Bulldogs. His experience promises to shape the program's future. Tyler Johnson's basketball journey has taken him from being an undrafted longshot to securing a $50 million NBA contract, and now, it brings him back home. The former NBA guard has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Fresno State men's basketball team, marking a full-circle moment with the college program that helped launch his career. While Johnson hasn't made a formal retirement announcement, the move signals a transition from player to mentor. After years on the court, he's now stepping into a new role, this time, from the sidelines. Image via Getty Images Tyler Johnson's NBA journey, from undrafted to a $50 million contract Tyler Johnson entered the NBA in 2014 as an undrafted free agent but quickly found a home with the Miami Heat. He became known for his intensity, scoring ability, and team-first mentality, earning himself a four-year, $50 million contract in 2016. During his peak season with Miami, Johnson averaged 13.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, shooting over 37% from three-point range. His career later included stops with the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Antonio Spurs. He last played in the NBA during the 2021–22 season before continuing overseas. Johnson's appointment as an assistant coach at Fresno State marks a full-circle moment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The former Bulldog, who played there from 2010 to 2014, now brings NBA-level experience back to his alma mater. 'I am excited to have the opportunity to return to the Valley,' Johnson said in a team press release. 'I'm looking forward to being a part of the transformation of this program.' This move not only represents a new chapter for Johnson but also serves as inspiration for current Fresno State players, proof that big-league dreams can start in small college gyms. With this new role, Johnson joins a growing list of former NBA players who are turning to college coaching to give back to the game. His experience across five different NBA teams, along with overseas stints, gives him a unique perspective on player development, adaptability, and the mental grind of professional basketball, all of which could prove invaluable for the Fresno State roster. With coaching on the horizon and his playing days behind him, Tyler Johnson's next play could shape the next generation of talent coming out of Fresno. Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson shares towering praise for Tyrese Haliburton as he led Indiana Pacers to game 1 victory Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Duke Suffers Major Recruiting Blow in Elite International Battle
It wasn't long ago that Duke looked like a serious player for one of the most intriguing international names on the board. But things have changed—fast. Dame Sarr, a 6-foot-6 wing from Italy with pro-ready tools, is trending hard toward Kansas, according to top recruiting insiders. Advertisement Travis Branham of 247Sports didn't mince words Monday, posting a Crystal Ball prediction for Sarr to land with the Jayhawks. 'Things sounding very positive with Kansas and Dame Sarr,' Branham wrote. Eric Bossi added, 'Sarr announcement should be coming soon and all indications are that Kansas is in great shape.' It's a major development in what was once shaping up to be a four-team battle between Kansas, Duke, Oregon, and Illinois. Now, it looks like the Jayhawks are closing in—and Duke is quietly falling out of the mix. The Blue Devils had been connected to Sarr as recently as mid-April, but that buzz has cooled off significantly. In fact, multiple sources say it would be a real surprise if he ended up in Durham at this point. Advertisement Sarr recently left FC Barcelona and is eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft, though his name wasn't included on the early entry list. That all but confirms he'll suit up for a college team next season—and whoever lands him gets an NBA-level athlete with size, skill, and serious upside. Playing with FC Barcelona in Liga ACB—arguably the top league outside the NBA—Sarr averaged 5.8 points and 1.7 rebounds in just 12.8 minutes per game, shooting 52.1% from the field and 42.9% from deep. That kind of efficiency, in that kind of league, says a lot. Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer.© Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images With Barcelona's U18 team, he flashed even more with 18.3 points, 5.0 assists and 3.3 boards per game in just over 23 minutes. Advertisement The tools are there. Duke missing out here doesn't doom their offseason, but it's another sign that Kansas, fresh off a rocky season, is loading up again. Related: 5-Star College Basketball Recruit Eyes Major Kansas Move Related: Top International Basketball Star Trending Toward Kansas
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Getting to know Xavion Staton: BYU's 7-foot shot-blocking sensation
You might come to the Marriott Center for AJ Dybantsa, but don't be surprised if you leave talking about Xavion Staton. At 7-foot-1, with Kareem goggles, a smooth bald head, and a personality as big as his wingspan, Staton is not just another project big man—he's a defensive weapon and a campus favorite in the making. Staton's calling card is defense. On3 analyst Jamie Shaw didn't mince words: 'He might be the best rim protector in high school basketball.' Known for altering shots even when he doesn't block them, Staton's timing and instincts are advanced for someone who only recently realized basketball was his path. Sierra Vista coach Joseph Bedowitz called him 'a cheat code,' and Staton agrees: 'I'm a shot blocker. That's what I rely on.' Advertisement While Dybantsa was trailed by cameras, Staton was shaking hands. Friendly, grounded, and eager to engage, he's already a fan favorite-in-waiting. 'BYU fans are going to love him,' said Utah Prep's Justin Mabey. And Staton is just as open off the court: 'I love to get to know people and people to get to know me,' he told Deseret News. No entourage, just eye contact and authenticity. BYU freshman Xavion StatonBYU Men's Basketball/X Staton chose BYU over a growing list of suitors after being recruited by assistant coach Brandon Dunson. He's already locked into a custom strength and conditioning plan to bulk up for Big 12 play. His passion? Interior design. His goal? NBA-level development under Kevin Young. 'It's beyond what I expected,' Staton said of Provo—and he's just getting started. If you're not already circling Staton's name on the roster, you will be after his first block-to-dunk sequence. Cougar Nation, meet your new gentle giant—and future game-changer. Related: BYU Basketball players are turning heads for unexpected choice Related: BYU sparks major buzz with another addition through the transfer portal
