NIL
NCAA increases roster limits, but how many players are too many? (Mike’s Mailbox)
Syracuse, N.Y. – The impact of changes in NCAA rules dominates most of this week’s Mailbox. From the number of players allowed on a team’s roster to NIL, I think the questions are a sign of readers attempting to keep up with college basketball’s new landscape. In fact, the nature of the questions indicate that […]

Syracuse, N.Y. – The impact of changes in NCAA rules dominates most of this week’s Mailbox.
From the number of players allowed on a team’s roster to NIL, I think the questions are a sign of readers attempting to keep up with college basketball’s new landscape.
In fact, the nature of the questions indicate that some readers are doing a great job of staying on top of the game’s changes.
I’m hoping my answers can help in that respect, too.
If you have questions for the Mailbox; on any subject, send them to mwaters@syracuse.com.
Q: When does 12 players become too many? Only five can play.
Kevin S.
Mike: This is a question that all college coaches are having to ask themselves this year as the NCAA increased roster limits to 15 players.
As Kevin noted, only five players can start. Most coaches play a rotation of eight or nine players. Sometimes rotations get shortened to seven.
What coaches wrestle with is how to keep the players outside the main rotation happy. Are the guys at the end of the bench going to be team players or will they show signs of discontent?
I’m of the opinion that keeping everyone happy is tough enough with 11 or 12 scholarship players. There’s no way a coach is building a roster of 15 scholarship players and keeping them all happy.
Syracuse coach Adrian Autry currently has 12 players on the Orange’s roster for the 2025-26 season. The number includes two returning players (JJ Starling and Donnie Freeman), six transfers (Nait George, William Kyle, Nate Kingz, Ibrahim Souare, Tyler Betsey and Bryce Zephir) and four incoming freshmen (Kiyan Anthony, Sadiq White, Luke Fennell and Aaron Womack).
There’s a chance that Autry could add one more player to the roster, but I wouldn’t be surprised if what we see now is what we’ll get in November.
The remaining three roster spots will probably go to players that were previously walk-ons.
Q: Unless you’re a once-in-a-generation recruit who wins it all like Carmelo did in 2003, is it becoming almost impossible for players to have their numbers retired these days? Excluding members of the 2003 championship team, it seems like everyone from Sherman Douglas to John Wallace and Dave Bing had long, illustrious careers at Syracuse. But with so many players now transferring or leaving after just a year or two, I’m not sure how many will meet that standard moving forward.
Paul B.
Former Syracuse player Gerry McNamara had his jersey honored in March of 2023. Is the 4-year player like McNamara going the way of the dinosaur?
Syracuse University Athletic Communications photo
Mike: Paul makes an interesting point. College basketball is definitely changing. Players rarely stay at one school for four years anymore.
If you look at the players whose jerseys have been honored and are on display in the JMA Dome’s rafters, they’re all three- or four-year guys with the exception being Carmelo Anthony.
While we wait for SU officials to finally recognize Rudy Hackett and then eventually honor the likes of Stephen Thompson and Preston Shumpert, among others, it’s a fair question to wonder whether we’ll have many candidates in the future.
Does SU honor Michael Carter-Williams, a two-year player and key member of the 2013 Final Four team? What about Jonny Flynn, another two-year player? Tyus Battle? Buddy Boeheim is probably a lock down the line.
Looking forward, while player movement will continue to be a thing, there may be a reason for players to stay in college (and perhaps remain at one school for four years) and that’s NIL. Players earning money through NIL is making college a legitimate alternative to turning pro.
Who knows? Maybe Kiyan Anthony’s Syracuse jersey winds up taking a spot next to his dad’s in the future.
Q: Somebody said on sports talk radio that they can’t imagine Steph Curry playing in any other uniform. That got me thinking. What Syracuse player played the most games in the NBA exclusively for one franchise?
Bill N.
Mike: Only a handful of players have spent their entire NBA careers with just one franchise. The short list would include the likes of David Robinson, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Dirk Nowitzki.
Some of the game’s greatest players played for more than one franchise. This includes names such as Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon.
The Syracuse players with the most notable and longest NBA careers, Carmelo Anthony, Danny Schayes, Dave Bing and Rony Seikaly, all played for multiple franchises.
The Syracuse player with the longest career spent with just one NBA franchise is Billy Gabor, whose entire seven-year NBA career was with the Syracuse Nationals.
After Gabor, Donte Greene played all four of his seasons in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings. Ironically, Greene was set to play for the Brooklyn Nets, but he suffered an off-season ankle injury before signing the contract.
He never played in the NBA again.
Contact Mike Waters anytime: Email|Twitter
NIL
Red Raiders advance to WCWS semifinals
Texas Tech softball coach Gerry Glasco on facing UCLA in Women’s College World Series Texas Tech softball coach Gerry Glasco on facing UCLA in Women’s College World Series OKLAHOMA CITY — The Texas Tech softball team scored another victory in the 2025 Women’s College World Series today by downing UCLA 3-1 at Devon Park. The […]


Texas Tech softball coach Gerry Glasco on facing UCLA in Women’s College World Series
Texas Tech softball coach Gerry Glasco on facing UCLA in Women’s College World Series
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Texas Tech softball team scored another victory in the 2025 Women’s College World Series today by downing UCLA 3-1 at Devon Park.
The Red Raiders got another stellar pitching performance from NiJaree Canady and timely offense from Hailey Toney (solo home run) and Raegan Jennings (pinch-hit RBI single).
Texas Tech now advances to the semifinals and will play either Oregon or Oklahoma on Monday.
Texas Tech softball vs. UCLA Women’s College World Series live updates
7:46 p.m.: NiJaree Canady has retired the last six batter since giving up the home run. Texas Tech softball leads 2-1 going to the 7th.
7:40 p.m.: Hailey Toney muscles a home run to right center and Texas Tech goes up 2-1 heading to the bottom of the 6th.
7:28 p.m.: Texas Tech softball takes a 1-0 lead after Makayla Garcia steals home plate. UCLA has tied it back up with a solo home run from Kaniya Bragg. Red Raiders and Bruins tied 1-1 through 5 innings.
7:04 p.m.: 1-2-3 innings for both pitchers as we head to the 5th looking for some offense.
6:52 p.m.: Texas Tech softball and UCLA remain scoreless through 3 innings. Red Raiders still looking for their first hit.
6:39 p.m.: Gerry Glasco disagreed with the ump’s strike zone and was issued a warning for arguing. NiJaree Canady issued two walks and UCLA loaded the bases before Canady got a strikeout and force out at home to end the inning. Still scoreless through 2 full.
6:26 p.m.: Lauren Allred gets hit by a pitch but then gets doubled off at first on a popout from Canady in the top of the 2nd.
6:20 p.m.: NiJaree Canady sends the Bruins down in order in response. No score after the 1st.
6:13 p.m.: Texas Tech softball goes down in order in the top of the first. UCLA coming up to bat.
5:22 p.m.: About 45 minutes out from first pitch. Texas Tech will be the visitors tonight wearing their white uniforms. UCLA wearing their blues as the home team.
What TV channel is Texas Tech vs. UCLA softball on today?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo
Texas Tech’s game against UCLA will air on ESPN and can be streamed on Fubo, which requires a subscription.
Watch Texas Tech softball vs UCLA in Women’s College World Series
Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss softball start time
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 6 p.m. CT
First pitch for Texas Tech and UCLA’s Women’s College World Series game is set for 6 p.m.
Texas Tech softball schedule 2025
Below is Texas Tech’s postseason schedule:
Big 12 Tournament
- May 8: Texas Tech 4, Baylor 0
- May 9: Texas Tech 18, Arizona State 0 (5)
- May 10: Texas Tech 4, Arizona 0
Lubbock Regional
- May 16: Texas Tech 6, Brown 0
- May 17: Texas Tech 10, Mississippi State 1 (6)
- May 18: Texas Tech 9, Mississippi State 6
Tallahassee Super Regional
- May 22: Texas Tech 3, Florida State 0
- May 23: Texas Tech 2, Florida State 1
Women’s College World Series schedule
Here’s the full schedule for the 2025 Women’s College World Series at Devon Park in Oklahoma City:
All times Central
Thursday, May 29
- Game 1: No. 6 Texas vs. No. 3 Florida 0
- Game 2: No. 2 Oklahoma 4, No. 7 Tennessee 3
- Game 3: No. 12 Texas Tech 1, Ole Miss 0
- Game 4: No. 9 UCLA 4, No. 16 Oregon 2
Friday, May 30
- Game 5: Florida vs. Tennessee 6 p.m., ESPN2 (Fubo)
- Game 6: Ole Miss vs. Oregon, 8:30 p.m., ESPN2 (Fubo)
Saturday, May 31
- Game 7: Texas vs. Oklahoma, 2 p.m., ABC (Fubo)
- Game 8: Texas Tech vs. UCLA, 6 p.m., ESPN (Fubo)
Sunday, June 1
- Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 8 loser, 2 p.m., ABC (Fubo)
- Game 10: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 loser, 6 p.m., ESPNU (Fubo)
Monday, June 2
- Game 11: Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 11 a.m., ESPN (Fubo)
- Game 12 (if necessary): Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 1:30 p.m., ESPN (Fubo)
- Game 13: Game 8 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 6 p.m., ESPN2 (Fubo)
- Game 14 (if necessary): Game 8 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 8:30 p.m., ESPN2 (Fubo)
Tuesday, June 3
Wednesday, June 4
- WCWS finals Game 1: TBD vs. TBD, 7 p.m., ESPN (Fubo)
Thursday, June 5
- WCWS finals Game 2: TBD vs. TBD, 7 p.m., ESPN (Fubo)
Friday, June 6 (if necessary)
WCWS finals Game 3: TBD vs. TBD, 7 p.m., ESPN (Fubo)
NIL
Morning Buzz
Start your morning with Buzzcast with Abe Madkour: The Mets’ new biz leader; U.S. Soccer seeks city interest in Women’s World Cup and MI State’s new AD. J Batt will leave Georgia Tech after leading the Yellow Jackets’ athletics since October 2022. Getty Images Michigan State Univ. has “found its new athletic director,” with Jason […]

Start your morning with Buzzcast with Abe Madkour: The Mets’ new biz leader; U.S. Soccer seeks city interest in Women’s World Cup and MI State’s new AD.

Michigan State Univ. has “found its new athletic director,” with Jason “J” Batt “expected to be announced as the new AD” today, according to a source. Batt, currently the Georgia Tech AD, will “receive around” $1.8M per year in base salary. MSU will also pay Georgia Tech “a little over” $2M to “buy out the remainder of the contract,” which runs through 2029 and that he signed in December. Batt helped generate nearly $300M toward a $500M “Full Steam Ahead” fundraising effort that “began after he was hired” in October 2022. MSU’s previous AD, Alan Haller, was “forced out” after more than three years in the role (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 6/1).
A source said that Batt will “sign a six-year contract.” Batt marks MSU’s “first outside hire for athletic director in 30 years.” He is “scheduled to be introduced in an on-campus press conference this week, possibly Wednesday.” His hiring and contract terms will become official at MSU’s June 13 Board of Trustees meeting (DETROIT NEWS, 6/1).

Seattle Sounders players “wore white T-shirts” with the “phrase ‘Club World Ca$h Grab’ emblazoned on the front” during pregame warmups and player walkouts before Sunday’s game against Minnesota United FC. The shirts also featured Mr. Monopoly “centered, wearing a hat with ‘MLS’ on it and ‘FIFA $’ on the money pouch.” The backs of the shirts read “Fair Share Now.” Fans “chanted ‘Fair Share Now’ in support of the players.” The protest aimed to “call attention to owners and MLS’s unwillingness to have a formal negotiation to decide how money for the upcoming FIFA men’s Club World Cup will be distributed.” Minnesota didn’t wear the shirts Sunday, but the MLSPA “stated it is united in its frustration with the league and owners” (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/1).
Seattle will earn “at least” $9.55M for competing in the Club World Cup, but under the MLS CBA, the players’ share “is capped” at $1M per club. The MLSPA said in a statement on Sunday that players “had ‘privately and respectfully invited the league to discuss bonus terms, yet MLS has failed to bring forward a reasonable proposal’” (REUTERS, 6/2). MLS “declined to comment because negotiations with MLSPA are ongoing” (AP, 6/1).

Another legislative session “came and went” without the Bears seeing legislation passed in Springfield to help the team build a new stadium. Three bills surfaced in the Illinois General Assembly, but “none made any headway by the time lawmakers gaveled out early Sunday.” Nor were “funds set aside for any stadium projects” in the $55.2B budget bill headed to Gov. JB Pritzker. The Bears had “eyed so-called ‘megadevelopment’ legislation” that would freeze property tax assessments for massive projects and allow them to negotiate payments with local taxing bodies. That would give the team the property tax certainty “they say they need to break ground” on a $5B suburban development (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/1). State Rep. Mary Beth Canty said that the legislature “got close to a deal on property tax legislation,” a measure widely seen as a way to “ease a team move to Arlington Heights.” Legislators will “likely get another chance to pass legislation” in the fall (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/1).

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is rolling out a series of memorabilia products related to Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking 895th career NHL goal under the banner of a new collectibles platform it is launching in collaboration with Cllct, the memorabilia media company launched last year by former ESPN sports business reporter Darren Rovell. The new venture, known as Monumental Sports Authentics, will be an official platform for fans to purchase game-used and team-issued memorabilia from the Capitals, Wizards and WNBA Mystics.
The first offering of Ovechkin-related memorabilia includes four products, each of which features either a sample of ice from the rink at UBS Arena when Ovechkin scored his record-breaking 895th goal against the Islanders on April 6 or a piece of netting from a goal used in warmups that day. The pieces range in price from $895 to $1,499, and Capitals season-ticket members, corporate partners and suite-holders will receive a $200 discount off each item.

Seeing the opportunity that comes from Olympic inclusion on the horizon, World Lacrosse has signed an agreement with sports marketing agency 54 to develop an event property for lacrosse sixes.
The deal will see 54 create a concept plan for a series of global events, with this phase slated to be complete by the end of the summer. World Lacrosse, the sport’s international governing body, is targeting a 2026 launch of the series.
“We’ve been looking for a way to kind of elevate that property,” World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr said. “I just think we’re very excited about sixes. We think this is the logical next growth step and major initiative that will also help secure lacrosse as a permanent fixture in the Olympic program and continue to grow the sport around the world.”
Scherr said World Lacrosse chose 54 — best known for its work in staging and promoting LIV Golf — from among a handful of agencies because it’s known as being aggressive and innovative. World Lacrosse and 54 signed a low six-figure deal for the first phase of work, which includes creating an event concept, commercial and broadcast strategy and identifying markets for the sixes series.

The Detroit Grand Prix “signed a three-year contract” with the Detroit City Council with an “option for three more years.” That extension should keep the race in downtown Detroit “through 2028 (and possibly 2031) on the current deal.” One potential issue over the future of the race is the “uncertain fate of the Renaissance Center, which currently has plans to have two of its buildings demolished.” Detroit Grand Prix President Bud Denker said that the RenCen’s potential deconstruction “creates a situation that is still ‘TBD’ for the Grand Prix.” Denker also “poured cold water on the possibility of extending the track, currently the shortest street course on the IndyCar circuit” at under 1.7 miles. The 2025 Grand Prix, which was won by Kyle Kirkwood, “outsold its total 2024 ticket volume by Friday, May 30 — two days before the race” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 6/1).

Fanatics announced that merchandise sales in the 12 hours following Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League victory were the company’s highest for an individual team outside the U.S. More PSG merchandise was sold in the 12 hours after the win than the previous three months combined. Fans from 70 countries went to the official PSG online store to buy merchandise. Sales between 11pm and midnight CET on June 1 spiked more than 4,200% compared to total sales from May 30 (Fanatics).John Brenkus has passed away at the age of 54. Getty Images “Sports Science” founder and host John Brenkus died Saturday, his family announced on social media last night. Brenkus “had been battling depression for years.” “Sports Science” debuted on Fox Sports Net in 2007, though it moved to ESPN a few years later. The network eventually “purchased the brand from Brenkus,” who hosted more than 1,800 segments of the show. Brenkus “brought back his show in recent years on his own platform” (YAHOO SPORTS, 6/1).