Latest news with #NaismithPlayeroftheYear
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Wisconsin basketball star impresses in key NBA draft combine statistic
Former Wisconsin basketball star John Tonje showcased his shooting prowess during the first day of the 2025 NBA draft combine. Tonje, who delivered a historic 2024-25 season leading the Badgers, displayed the efficiency that Wisconsin fans became accustomed to during his tenure in Madison. The North Omaha, Nebraska, native finished the first day of the event having made 72% of his shots, ranked fifth-best of all participants. Only Alabama's Mark Sears, Tennessee's Chaz Lanier, Gonzaga's Ryan Nembhard and Memphis' PJ Haggerty accumulated a more efficient shooting percentage during the first day of action. Notably, Tonje was one of eight players to shoot at least 70% during the first day of drills, per ESPN NBA draft analyst Jonathan Givony. Advertisement While reflective of only the combine's first day, the mark could prove noteworthy for Tonje's draft stock. The 2025 Naismith Player of the Year Semifinalist was recently projected to fall to No. 47 to the Milwaukee Bucks. An impressive performance at the combine could certainly alter his position on draft boards ahead of the June 25 event. Tonje's ceiling makes him an appealing second-round prospect, and his ability to impact the game from both inside and beyond the arc could transfer to the NBA level. Tonje's most likely route to a regular roster spot would be to become a reliable two-way bench asset, a luxury for any team in the draft's second round. The UW star averaged just under 20 points per appearance in 2024-25 while shooting 46.5% from the floor, 38.8% from outside and 90.9% from the foul line. A 37-point outing against BYU in the NCAA Tournament, 32-point performance against Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament and 41-tally performance against Arizona in November showcased his offensive capabilities, something scouts may look towards when evaluating his position as a professional. Advertisement Tonje's status in the combine will be something to monitor throughout the coming days. While projected lottery picks may not have much to prove, players in Tonje's bubble can still bolster their standing. 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 star John Tonje NBA Combine Stats
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida Makes Final Decision on White House Visit After National Championship
The Florida Gators recently earned the college basketball national championship, following an incredible run in the NCAA Tournament. Florida entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed after winning the SEC Tournament title. Advertisement They played in what was widely considered the best conference in college basketball, featuring teams like Tennessee, Auburn, Kentucky and more, but the Gators stood atop the conference standings. After winning the NCAA Tournament title with a 65-63 victory over the Houston Cougars in San Antonio, Florida had a decision to make: whether or not they would make the trip to the White House. Florida accepted the invitation after the season and according to Jon Rothstein at CBS Sports, the Gators' official visit has been scheduled. Florida will be visiting President Donald Trump and the White House on Wednesday. Florida head coach Todd Golden spoke on the opportunity to visit the White House after the Gators won the national championship. Advertisement Golden mentioned that he's "excited" about the opportunity. "I've been told we're going to the White House, so I'm pretty excited about that," Golden said. "We'll have to get everybody back together to be able to go do that." Florida Gators head coach Todd Donnan-Imagn Images Throughout the season, the Florida Gators were led by Naismith Player of the Year finalist Walter Clayton Jr. During his final college basketball season, Clayton posted 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Clayton played his last two seasons at the collegiate level with the Gators, having begun his career at Iona in 2021. In his four-year college basketball career, Clayton averaged 15.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Advertisement Related: Hunter Dickinson Reveals Major Personal News on Sunday Related: Deion Sanders Reveals Exciting Personal News on Sunday
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin basketball earns high grade for 2024-25 season
Wisconsin basketball earns high grade for 2024-25 season Wisconsin basketball received an 'A' in ESPN's recent report-card analysis of every team in the Big Ten in 2024-25. The Badgers tied the Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans and Maryland Terrapins for the highest mark in the conference. Composed by ESPN college basketball analyst Myron Metcalf, the criteria were somewhat simple. "Part of this process is straightforward: A good team that played like a good team will earn a strong grade, and one that played like a bad team will not," Metcalf wrote. "But it will be complicated for certain teams. Some had championship dreams. Others hoped to win just a few games. Either way, we are judging each squad's season based on preseason expectations while offering grace on a case-by-case basis for any unfortunate midseason events." It's safe to say the Badgers landed in the 'hoped to win just a few games' category based on the program's preseason expectations. Projected to struggle during this past season by several pundits, Wisconsin went on to collect 27 wins and a No. 3 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Courtesy of a high-powered offensive attack, Wisconsin landed in the AP Top 25 throughout most of the 2024-25 slate. It earned wins over some of the most respected teams in the nation, including No. 9 Arizona on Nov. 15, No. 7 Purdue on Feb. 15 and Michigan State on March 15. Here's more of Metcalf's analysis on the Badgers' 2024-25 output. "Greg Gard tends to do his best work amid doubts about his team. That was certainly true in 2024-25, when his Badgers finished in a tie for third place in the Big Ten and won 27 games after losing three of their top five scorers from the previous season, including Chucky Hepburn, who went on to earn AP All-American honorable mention honors at Louisville. One media preseason poll picked Wisconsin to finish 12th in the conference standings. But John Tonje emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the college basketball season. Injuries had forced him to miss the bulk of 2023-24 at Missouri before he transferred to Wisconsin, where he earned AP second-team All-America honors (19.6 PPG)." Tonje, a Naismith Player of the Year Semifinalist and 2025 First Team All-Big Ten team selection, now looks towards the 2025 NBA draft in June. The Wisconsin Badgers will look much different this coming fall with veteran players, including Tonje, Steven Crowl and Max Klesmit, gone, plus incoming transfers Nick Boyd, Austin Rapp and Andrew Rhode entering the fold. Nonetheless, Wisconsin exceeded virtually every preseason expectation with Tonje and sophomore guard John Blackwell at the helm. Gard will look to replicate that effort with a new-look lineup during the 2025-26 season. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mike Krzyzewski Sends Strong Message on Cooper Flagg Before NBA Draft
Cooper Flagg is heading to the NBA Draft after a historic season with the Duke Blue Devils. Flagg led Duke to a 35-4 record, helping the program win the ACC Tournament title and enter the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed. Advertisement While they ultimately lost in the Final Four, Duke had a successful season led by their Naismith Player of the Year and Wooden Award winner. After the season, as Flagg prepares for the NBA Draft, former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski spoke with sports analyst Colin Cowherd. During the show, Krzyzewski revealed his thoughts on Flagg as an NBA prospect, reviewing his freshman season with the Blue Devils. "I knew he was special, because [he] had so much talent," Krzyzewski said. "I didn't realize how special he really is. This kid plays every play hard... Cooper is just unique, you know. He's so strong. His legs are so strong and athletically he's gifted. When you add his athletic ability and his competitive attitude, you have a very special guy." Duke Blue Devils former head coach Mike Deutsch-Imagn Images During his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Advertisement He was one of the best two-way players in the country, also posting 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. After committing to play for Jon Scheyer and Duke as the No. 1 overall player, Flagg may have exceeded expectations. The projected No. 1 overall pick entered a historic group, establishing himself as one of the greatest players to pass through Duke, alongside legends like JJ Redick, Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum. Related: Duke's Kon Knueppel Makes Unfortunate NBA Draft Decision Related: Duke Reacts to Major Mike Krzyzewski Announcement on Tuesday
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bruce Pearl Sends Strong Message After Auburn Coach's Retirement Decision
The Auburn Tigers are fresh off a historic season, led by head coach Bruce Pearl. Auburn earned a program record 32 wins last season, led by Naismith Player of the Year runner-up Johni Broome and star freshman Tahaad Pettiford. Advertisement After the season, where the Tigers lost in the Final Four, Pearl lost a key member of his coaching staff. On Wednesday, Auburn assistant Chad Prewett announced his retirement from college basketball. After Prewett shared the news, Pearl took to social media, sending a message to his former staff member. "Thank you Chad and the entire Prew Crew," Pearl said. "Everyone knows what a great man you are, but few knew how great a basketball mind you have. You helped make Auburn Basketball history! Friends for life, I promise to keep the faith and family culture you helped build! Gods calling you!" Prewett served 10 seasons on Pearl's staff. During their time together, they established the Auburn Tigers as one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country. Advertisement After sharing a heartfelt response to his retirement from Pearl's staff and college basketball as a whole, Prewett sent his final message. "Thank you, Auburn family," Pearl said. "I am forever grateful. WAR EAGLE." Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Donnan-Imagn Images Last season, the Auburn Tigers made their way to the Final Four with wins over Alabama State, Creighton, Michigan and Michigan State. They ultimately lost to the eventual national champion Florida Gators, ending their run in the NCAA Tournament just short of a national title appearance in Prewett's last season. Related: Duke's Kon Knueppel Makes Unfortunate NBA Draft Decision Related: Tyrese Proctor's Change in Physical Appearance is Turning Heads
