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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 […]

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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.

Syracuse coach Gerry McNamara

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





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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 […]

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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)



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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 […]

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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 “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 FC protest shirts
Sounders players wore T-shirts protesting the Club World Cup before Sunday’s game against Minnesota. Getty Images

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).

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.” Getty Images

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).

The 895 Elite Commemorative Ice includes a sample of the ice surface from the record-breaking game in a cherry wood presentation box. Each is numbered out of 895 pieces produced and costs $1,499.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is rolling out a series of memorabilia products related to Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking 895th career NHL goal. Monumental Sports Authentics

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.

World Lacrosse
World Lacrosse

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.

Read More >>>

Detroit Grand Prix
Kyle Kirkwood won the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix. Getty Images

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).

PSG Champions League
Fanatics announced that merchandise sales in the 12 hours following PSG’s Champions League win were the company’s highest for a team outside the U.S. Getty Images

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 BrenkusJohn 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).

SBJ Cover_newsletter

In this week’s issue: The remaking of Toronto’s Rogers Centre

  • The renovation of Toronto’s Rogers Centre was a masterclass in construction logistics as crews revamped the home of the Blue Jays in an extremely tight window. SBJ’s Bret McCormick chronicles what it took to get the work done and the anxiety the project created along the way. 
  • Former NBA Commissioner David Stern long wanted teams to share best practices and, in turn, boost revenue. Twenty-five years after he orchestrated the launch of TMBO, the effort has proven to be highly successful not only for teams and the league, but for the sports industry overall as it has produced a pipeline of talent. SBJ’s Tom Friend has the story.
  • Kim Ng made her mark during a career in Major League Baseball, most recently as the first woman to hold the title of GM among the five major, men’s national leagues. Now she’s stepped onto the softball diamond as commissioner of the upstart Athletes Unlimited Softball League. SBJ’s Mike Mazzeo reports on what led Ng to the new challenge.
  • SBJ’s Alex Silverman looks at how NHL teams are navigating the fallout from tariff changes and their resulting sticker shock on hockey equipment.

In Case You Missed It…

In case you missed it in SBJ’s Weekend Rap:


Speed Reads…

MLB’s ABS challenge system appears to “be on hold for another year” after feedback MLB received from players in the spring. It will “likely be implemented for 2027″ (USA TODAY, 6/1).

Tottenham Hotspur Executive Director Donna Cullen has “stepped down” from the board and will leave the club “in the first of a number of anticipated summer changes.” Cullen, a Tottenham Hotspur Foundation trustee, has been on the board since 2006 and has been considered Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy‘s “closest confidant for the majority of that time” (London TELEGRAPH, 6/2).

Nike became the official outfitter of USTA Athletics today. The agreement spans six years. USTA previously partnered with adidas from 2013 to 2025 (USTA Athletics).


Morning Hot Reads: NIL retrospective

The N.Y. POST went with the header, “Four years into NIL, coaches, agents reveal heartache and frustration of students’ big money chase.” As the first class who were freshmen under NIL privileges prepare to graduate, the college sports landscape “is a chaotic one.” College sports has “truly shifted into a pay-to-play system with few rules in pace, no transparency — and a whole lot of financial and cultural whiplash.” And while NIL has “led to greater player agency,” it’s also “created a lot of uncertainty.” One frequent criticism of the system is “the lack of transparency.” Many sources said that “no one truly knows how much money collectives have, nor what players are worth.”

Also:


This Week’s Events: June 2-8

TUESDAY

  • The FBIN Marketing Excellence Summit will be held Tuesday and Wednesday at the epet Arena in Prague, Czech Republic
  • The US Swimming National Championship will be held Tuesday through Saturday at the Indiana Univ. Natatorium in Indianapolis, Ind.

WEDNESDAY

  • The VII FSI Conference on High Performance in Football will be held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte N.C., Wednesday and Thursday.
  • The UEFA Nations League Final will be held at San Mamés Stadium from Wednesday through Sunday.
  • TST will be held at Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary, N.C., Wednesday through Monday, June 9.

FRIDAY

  • The Daniel Summit will be held at Passion City Church – Cumberland Campus, in Atlanta, Friday and Saturday.

SATURDAY

  • The Belmont Stakes will be run at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
  • The Utah Valley Marathon will be held in Provo, Utah.

SUNDAY

  • The NACDA & Affiliates 2025 convention will be held at the World Center Marriott Resort, in Orlando, Fla., from Sunday through Wednesday, June 11.

Social Scoop…


“Likely a nod to the actor who first played him in 1962, this character was subsequently given Scottish ancestry by way of his father.”


Off the presses…

The Morning Buzz offers today’s back pages and sports covers from some of North America’s major metropolitan newspapers:


Final Jeopardy…

“Who is James Bond?”

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Mississippi State announces next baseball coach shortly after season ends

Well, that didn’t take long. In less than 45 minutes after Mississippi State’s 2025 baseball season came to an end in a 5-2 loss to Florida State on Saturday night, the university announced the hiring of its next head baseball coach: Brian O’Connor. A lot will be written about O’Connor and the expectations that await […]

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Well, that didn’t take long.

In less than 45 minutes after Mississippi State’s 2025 baseball season came to an end in a 5-2 loss to Florida State on Saturday night, the university announced the hiring of its next head baseball coach: Brian O’Connor.

A lot will be written about O’Connor and the expectations that await him in Starkville, but let’s get two things on record right away:

“This is a defining moment for Mississippi State Baseball,” Mississippi State Athletics Director Zac Selmon said.

There weren’t any major leaks in the Bulldogs’ coaching search, but one thing everyone knew and hoped for was that this hire would be a big one.

Nobody will ever pull off what Texas did last year in hiring its rival schools’ coach less than a few days after that coach lost a national championship game.

But what Mississippi State has done comes pretty close.

The Bulldogs will welcome a coach with 917 wins, a national championship, seven College World Series appearances (including three out of the last five), and is a three-time national coach of the year award winner.

“Brian O’Connor is one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in college baseball,” Selmon said in the official announcement. “He’s a national champion, a Hall of Famer, and a proven leader with a track record of building a championship-caliber program.”

The fact both Selmon and Mississippi State University president Dr. Mark E. Keenum had quotes included in the school’s official announcement tells us the plan all along was the announcement to be made after the Bulldogs’ season came to an end and not a moment sooner.

It’s great timing, too. The NCAA transfer portal opens for all student-athletes today and will remain open until July 1. The transfer portal class O’Connor brings in will go a long in determining the level of success Mississippi State has next year.

And that should excite Bulldog fans everywhere.



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Oklahoma Avoided Elimination Again and Gained Valuable Experience at the WCWS

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma got it done. Again.  The Sooners won their ninth-straight elimination game, fending Oregon off with a 4-1 victory on Sunday night at Devon Park.  Veteran first baseman Cydney Sanders rocketed a pair of home runs to help lead her squad, which looks a lot different from the last OU group who […]

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OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma got it done. Again. 

The Sooners won their ninth-straight elimination game, fending Oregon off with a 4-1 victory on Sunday night at Devon Park. 

Veteran first baseman Cydney Sanders rocketed a pair of home runs to help lead her squad, which looks a lot different from the last OU group who had to pick themselves off the mat at the 2024 Women’s College World Series against Florida. 

Patty Gasso just wishes her team was as excited as her.

“We walk over and we shake hand,” said Gasso after the win. “And we walk in the dugout like, ‘Hey, okay, and I’m like: Do you know what we just did? Does anyone know what we just… we’re in the Final Four.’

“Can somebody celebrate? Can we do something fun? They’re just the most calm, chill — sometimes I’m like, I don’t know that you know. Do you know?”

Most of Gasso’s Sooners are new, but the returners can be forgiven for showing little emotion.

The expectation is to make it to Wednesday’s championship series. 

But the 2025 Sooners extended the program’s streak of winning elimination games to nine, as Oklahoma still looms as the so far un-killable horror movie villain in OKC.

“That’s impressive. Nine is pretty dang impressive,” Gasso said. “That means you’re a team that when — that’s character. That is we’re not going to quit, so I love, love, love that.”

To keep the dreams of a fifth-straight national title alive, the Sooners will have to stave off elimination twice more on Monday.

The 12-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders and star pitcher NiJaree Canady loom in the semifinals, and 2-seeded Oklahoma has no margin for error.

Oregon took a 1-0 lead on Sunday, and while it lasted just half an inning, Gasso’s new faces got a chance to feel what it’s like to trail in an elimination game at Devon Park.

Every twist and turn through OU’s first three games at the WCWS will help Oklahoma’s next generation grow. 

“They learned a valuable lesson,” Gasso said. “And that’s the one thing that we’re doing this whole season, learning so many valuable lessons to help this team go into next year so much better than when we started.

“Still, I mean, I’m on an amazing ride. I don’t know how they feel. They don’t share a lot… It’s swaggy, but it’s bizarre at the same time. Trying to figure it out.”

The Sooners learned how to handle Sunday’s elimination game. 

Now they’ll have to replicate that success on Monday to get another shot at either Texas or Tennessee. OU will take on Texas Tech at 6 p.m.

Should the Sooners emerge victorious, they’ll immediately turn around and battle the Red Raiders again at Devon Park to try and take down Canady and reach a sixth-straight championship series.

“They just sometimes don’t make a lot of noise.” Gasso said. “Every once in a while they’ll create something. But they were definitely more focused and ready (against Oregon).”



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How NBA draft withdrawal moved our early NCAA top 25 rankings

Jeff BorzelloJun 2, 2025, 07:25 AM ET Close Basketball recruiting insider. Joined ESPN in 2014. Graduate of University of Delaware. Open Extended Reactions With the transfer portal and the increasing number of international prospects going to college, the real college basketball offseason is shorter than ever. Even as you read this, rosters are still being […]

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How NBA draft withdrawal moved our early NCAA top 25 rankings

With the transfer portal and the increasing number of international prospects going to college, the real college basketball offseason is shorter than ever. Even as you read this, rosters are still being tweaked and fine-tuned.

But the final major deadline of the offseason calendar came and went on May 28, the deadline for players to withdraw their names from the NBA draft and return to college. Now, the 2025-26 college basketball landscape is finally coming into focus.

The debate over preseason No. 1 intensified with Milos Uzan returning to Houston and Florida adding Boogie Fland while also getting back Alex Condon. Both programs are squarely in the conversation alongside Purdue, with UConn and St. John’s not far behind.

As things stand, we have the fewest questions about the Boilermakers, who likely have the highest floor given the return of Wooden Award favorite Braden Smith and All-American Trey Kaufman-Renn. So, for now, Matt Painter’s team retains its place atop the rankings.

As the offseason progresses and we have more time to dive into rosters and rotations, there will be constant shuffling. But let’s take a look at our latest projections for the top 25 teams for next season.

Previous ranking: 1

There’s a chance Purdue has the preseason Wooden Award favorite and two All-Americans on its roster next season.

Braden Smith will start the season as the best guard in the country after taking the next step in his development this past campaign, while Trey Kaufman-Renn is a dominant paint force.

The addition of South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff should help inside, while a healthy Daniel Jacobsen could be poised for a breakout season. Landing Israeli guard Omer Mayer and North Florida transfer Liam Murphy adds needed depth.

Projected starting lineup

Braden Smith (15.8 PPG)
C.J. Cox (6.0 PPG)
Fletcher Loyer (13.8 PPG)
Trey Kaufman-Renn (20.1 PPG)
Oscar Cluff (17.6 PPG at South Dakota State)


Previous ranking: 18

No team in the country saw a bigger rise in the rankings as a result of NBA draft withdrawals than the reigning national champions.

First, former Arkansas guard Boogie Fland committed to the Gators after his decision to withdraw shortly after the combine. Then, the week of the deadline, Alex Condon also pulled his name out of the draft to return to Gainesville. Those two should join Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee as well as returnees Rueben Chinyelu and Thomas Haugh — an obvious breakout candidate — in one of the most talented starting fives in the country.

There could be growing pains as Todd Golden figures out how all his players fit, but the Gators are certainly in the discussion to go back-to-back — an impressive achievement after the departures of Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, Alijah Martin and Denzel Aberdeen.

Projected starting lineup

Boogie Fland (13.5 PPG at Arkansas)
Xaivian Lee (16.9 PPG at Princeton)
Thomas Haugh (9.8 PPG)
Alex Condon (10.6 PPG)
Rueben Chinyelu (6.1 PPG)

Alex Condon’s decision to return to Florida boosts the outlook for Todd Golden’s team in 2025-26. Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY SportsPrevious ranking: 4It was an eventful NBA draft withdrawal deadline for Houston with all eyes on Milos Uzan’s decision. Hours before Uzan announced his return — which puts the Cougars in the conversation for preseason No. 1 — Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs rescinded his commitment to sign with Texas A&M. That loss coupled with LJ Cryer’s graduation means Houston could lack some scoring pop on the perimeter, though Kelvin Sampson is bringing in three top-25 prospects to help fill the gaps.

Combined with what should be a typically elite Houston defense and the returns of Emanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler, Sampson’s program isn’t leaving the national conversation anytime soon.

Projected starting lineup

Milos Uzan (11.4 PPG)
Emanuel Sharp (12.7 PPG)
Isiah Harwell (No. 14 in ESPN 100)
Joseph Tugler (5.5 PPG)
Chris Cenac Jr. (No. 6 in ESPN 100)


Previous ranking: 2

UConn’s national championship streak ended at two, but Dan Hurley and the Huskies have reloaded to make another run.

Alex Karaban‘s decision to forego the NBA draft and return to Storrs vaulted them up the rankings — we expect him to again team up with potential preseason All-America Solo Ball to form a high-level offensive duo. Silas Demary Jr. is a similar player to former Huskies guard Tristen Newton, while Braylon Mullins should be one of the more impactful newcomers in the country

If Tarris Reed Jr. can stay on the floor consistently, UConn is as loaded as any team in America.

Projected starting lineup

Silas Demary Jr. (13.5 PPG at Georgia)
Solo Ball (14.4 PPG)
Braylon Mullins (No. 14 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (14.3 PPG)
Tarris Reed Jr. (9.6 PPG)


Previous ranking: 3

The Red Storm’s NCAA tournament run ended earlier than expected, but Rick Pitino guided them to the Big East regular-season and tournament titles and has them back in the national discussion.

The losses of Kadary Richmond, RJ Luis Jr. and Aaron Scott will sting, but Zuby Ejiofor is back. And Pitino has one of the best portal classes in the country, led by five top-100 additions: Ian Jackson (North Carolina), Bryce Hopkins (Providence), Joson Sanon (Arizona State), Oziyah Sellers (Stanford) and Dillon Mitchell (Cincinnati).

Idaho State transfer Dylan Darling solves both point guard and depth issues.

Projected starting lineup

Ian Jackson (11.9 PPG at North Carolina)
Joson Sanon (11.9 PPG at Arizona State)
Oziyah Sellers (13.7 PPG at Stanford)
Bryce Hopkins (15.5 PPG at Providence in 2023-24)
Zuby Ejiofor (14.7 PPG)

Editor’s Picks2 RelatedPrevious ranking: 7All eyes will be on Provo, Utah, next season, as No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa arrives in college to suit up for the Cougars. How has Kevin Young built around Dybantsa? Teaming him up with high-level scorer Richie Saunders on the wing was a great start, and landing Robert Wright III at point guard was a boost. That trio should be one of the country’s most explosive on the offensive end.

In addition, two more high-level shooters with size — Kennard Davis (Southern Illinois) and Tyler Mrus (Idaho) — are entering the program via the portal.

BYU’s remaining focus will be improving defensively.

Projected starting lineup

Robert Wright III (11.5 PPG at Baylor)
Kennard Davis (16.3 PPG at Southern Illinois)
Richie Saunders (16.5 PPG)
A.J. Dybantsa (No. 1 in ESPN 100)
Keba Keita (7.4 PPG)


Previous ranking: 7

Pat Kelsey had as strong an offseason as any coach in the country so far, landing impact transfers Ryan Conwell (Xavier), Isaac McKneely (Virginia) and Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State) to go with top-10 recruit Mikel Brown Jr. in the backcourt.

Kasean Pryor and J’Vonne Hadley were question marks entering the offseason, but both have since announced their returns. And despite the late portal departure of James Scott, there’s still depth up front behind Pryor and Hadley, with particular excitement surrounding the arrivals of Germany native Sananda Fru and Greek big man Vangelis Zougris.

Kelsey’s first NCAA tournament win isn’t far away.

Projected starting lineup

Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 8 in ESPN 100)
Isaac McKneely (14.4 PPG at Virginia)
Ryan Conwell (16.5 PPG at Xavier)
J’Vonne Hadley (12.2 PPG)
Kasean Pryor (12.0 PPG in seven games)


Previous ranking: 9

Michigan solidified its preseason standing at the withdrawal deadline, when potential first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg pulled his name out of the draft and headed to Ann Arbor. The UAB transfer has been one of the most productive frontcourt players in the country the past two years.

Dusty May hit the portal early in the cycle, landing three potential starters for the next season in Lendeborg, Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina) and Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois). Cadeau is an incredibly gifted passer while Johnson is primed for a big jump down low.

The Wolverines also added 7-foot-3 UCLA transfer Aday Mara. Returnees Roddy Gayle Jr. and Nimari Burnett and five-star signee Trey McKenney will play on the wings.

Projected starting lineup

Elliot Cadeau (9.4 PPG at North Carolina)
Roddy Gayle Jr. (9.8 PPG)
Nimari Burnett (9.4 PPG)
Yaxel Lendeborg (17.7 PPG at UAB)
Morez Johnson Jr. (7.0 PPG at Illinois)


Previous ranking: 11

Kentucky is absolutely loaded on the perimeter next season, with the arrivals of transfers Jaland Lowe (Pitt), Kam Williams (Tulane) and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida) and five-star prospect Jasper Johnson, to go along with the return of leading scorer Otega Oweh and reserve Collin Chandler.

Mark Pope also revamped the frontcourt with defense in mind, with the additions of Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama) and Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State). Quaintance could miss time after suffering a torn ACL in late February, so a step forward from Brandon Garrison will be needed.

Projected starting lineup

Jaland Lowe (16.8 PPG at Pitt)
Denzel Aberdeen (7.7 PPG at Florida)
Otega Oweh (16.2 PPG)
Mouhamed Dioubate (7.2 PPG at Alabama)
Jayden Quaintance (9.4 PPG at Arizona State)


Previous ranking: 8

Grant McCasland’s team had the biggest rise from the first iteration of our rankings on championship Monday to the mid-April update. The biggest move was the return of JT Toppin, a preseason All-American who dominated the second half of the season. And LeJuan Watts, a versatile and skilled wing forward, would be a seamless replacement for Darrion Williams should Williams opt to remain in the portal or declare for the NBA draft. Christian Anderson should also take a step forward in his sophomore season.

Don’t overlook the addition of VCU transfer Luke Bamgboye, who will provide an anchor defensively.

Projected starting lineup

Christian Anderson (10.6 PPG)
Donovan Atwell (13.3 PPG at UNC Greensboro)
Tyeree Bryan (10.4 PPG at Santa Clara)
LeJuan Watts (13.7 PPG at Washington State)
JT Toppin (18.2 PPG)

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Previous ranking: 10

Arkansas surged down the stretch of the season, earning an NCAA tournament bid then making a run to the Sweet 16 before losing to Texas Tech in overtime. Can John Calipari carry that momentum over to next season?

Four of the Razorbacks’ top six minute-getters from the postseason run will be back next season with Karter Knox withdrawing from the draft at the deadline. Top-10 recruits Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas add scoring pop to the backcourt, while Calipari also added proven depth down low in Nick Pringle (South Carolina) and Malique Ewin (Florida State).

Projected starting lineup

Darius Acuff (No. 5 in ESPN 100)
D.J. Wagner (11.2 PPG)
Karter Knox (8.3 PPG)
Trevon Brazile (6.8 PPG)
Malique Ewin (14.2 PPG at Florida State)


Previous ranking: 6

Duke jumped from No. 11 to No. 6 in May after Isaiah Evans opted to forgo the NBA draft and transfer portal to return to Durham, followed by Washington State transfer Cedric Coward‘s commitment. But when it became apparent that Coward — a borderline first-round pick — would remain in the draft, Jon Scheyer had to pivot. He quickly landed potential future first-rounder Dame Sarr, an Italian wing who played for FC Barcelona, and top-25 recruit Sebastian Wilkins, who reclassified up from 2026.

Scheyer once again brings in the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, headlined by Cameron Boozer, who should be among the most productive frontcourt players in the country.

Projected starting lineup

Caleb Foster (5.1 PPG)
Isaiah Evans (6.8 PPG)
Nikolas Khamenia (No. 15 in ESPN 100)
Cameron Boozer (No. 3 in ESPN 100)
Patrick Ngongba II (3.9 PPG)


Previous ranking: 12

Tommy Lloyd is a lock to start two freshmen next season, with top-15 prospects Koa Peat and Brayden Burries entering the fold. Peat is a consistent producer and winner, while Burries is an aggressive multidimensional scorer.

Jaden Bradley is back at the point guard spot, and the Wildcats also return big men Tobe Awaka and Motiejus Krivas. It’s difficult to see Awaka and Krivas lining up alongside each other often, though, so Lloyd will likely turn to Anthony Dell’Orso (28 starts last season).

The strength of this roster took a hit when Carter Bryant decided to stay in the draft, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Wildcats add one more player on the wing.

Projected starting lineup

Jaden Bradley (12.1 PPG)
Brayden Burries (No. 11 in ESPN 100)
Anthony Dell’Orso (7.2 PPG)
Koa Peat (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
Tobe Awaka (8.0 PPG)


Previous ranking: 15

After reaching the Final Four this past season, Bruce Pearl’s roster faces an overhaul.

Tahaad Pettiford‘s decision to withdraw from the draft and return to the Tigers was a significant development — he’s one of the most electric players in the country and has a chance to open 2025-26 as a preseason All-American. The sudden loss of Chad Baker-Mazara to the portal in late April was a surprise, but Pearl turned around and landed Texas Tech transfer Kevin Overton and Division II import Elyjah Freeman.

Auburn already had high-major transfers Keyshawn Hall (UCF) and KeShawn Murphy (Mississippi State) in the fold, and also landed a potential impact frontcourt player in Serbian big man Filip Jovic.

Projected starting lineup

Tahaad Pettiford (11.7 PPG)
Kevin Overton (7.8 PPG at Texas Tech)
Elyjah Freeman (19.3 PPG at D-II Lincoln Memorial)
Keyshawn Hall (18.8 PPG at UCF)
KeShawn Murphy (11.7 PPG at Mississippi State)


Previous ranking: 14

UCLA made a massive early splash in the portal, landing Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent from New Mexico. He gives the Bruins a dynamic, aggressive playmaker. Three starters from this season’s team should also be back, while Mick Cronin will hope for a step forward from Trent Perry in Year 2.

Eric Dailey and Tyler Bilodeau form one of the better frontcourt duos in the Big Ten, with both players posing matchup problems for opponents. Kansas City transfer Jamar Browns adds an experienced shot-maker and Michigan State transfer Xavier Booker is a former five-star prospect who has shown flashes.

Projected starting lineup

Donovan Dent (20.4 PPG at New Mexico)
Skyy Clark (8.5 PPG)
Trent Perry (3.7 PPG)
Eric Dailey (11.4 PPG)
Tyler Bilodeau (13.5 PPG)


Previous ranking: 17

Brad Underwood’s roster will have a heavy international feel to it next season, with plenty of talent to compete for a second-weekend trip in the NCAA tournament. Kylan Boswell and Tomislav Ivisic were key pieces in this past season’s team, while Ben Humrichous started 26 games and Ty Rodgers started all 38 games in 2023-24 before redshirting last season.

Underwood hit the portal and overseas market to reinforce the rest of the roster, landing transfers Andrej Stojakovic (California) and Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas) as well as international pros Mihailo Petrovic and David Mirkovic.

Projected starting lineup

Mihailo Petrovic (14.3 PPG for Mega Superbet)
Kylan Boswell (12.3 PPG)
Andrej Stojakovic (17.9 PPG at California)
Zvonimir Ivisic (8.5 PPG at Arkansas)
Tomislav Ivisic (13.0 PPG)


Previous ranking: 24

Alabama was one of the big winners of the withdrawal deadline, with Labaron Philon making a late decision to remove his name from the draft and return to Tuscaloosa. The talented guard told reporters at the combine that he had closed the door on going back to college. But Nate Oats was on the hunt for a playmaker on the perimeter and now has Philon back in the fold.

Philon is part of a talented perimeter group that includes returnees Aden Holloway and a healthy Latrell Wrightsell Jr., while former five-star recruit Jalil Bethea will look to bounce back after transferring from Miami.

The frontcourt will likely have to rely on portal additions, namely Bucknell transfer Noah Williamson, who was named 2024-25 Patriot League Player of the Year, and Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen, a skilled forward and former highly touted recruit. Aiden Sherrell needs to take a step forward, too.

Projected starting lineup

Labaron Philon (10.6 PPG)
Aden Holloway (11.4 PPG)
Jalil Bethea (7.1 PPG at Miami)
Taylor Bol Bowen (8.0 PPG at Florida State)
Noah Williamson (17.6 PPG at Bucknell)


Previous ranking: 13

Iowa State’s offensive improvement could take a hit with the losses of Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones, but the Cyclones were ranked in the top 15 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency in each of TJ Otzelberger’s four seasons in Ames, so there is a relatively high floor given the returning starters.

Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic and Joshua Jefferson form a great core, while Nate Heise started in place of Gilbert late in the season. Virginia transfer Blake Buchanan should help down low while fellow portal additions Mason Williams (Eastern Washington) and Dominick Nelson (Utah Valley) add depth.

Projected starting lineup

Tamin Lipsey (10.6 PPG)
Nate Heise (5.1 PPG)
Milan Momcilovic (11.5 PPG)
Joshua Jefferson (13.0 PPG)
Blake Buchanan (5.7 PPG at Virginia)


Previous ranking: 22

It will be a new look for Gonzaga, with starters Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Khalif Battle and Ben Gregg all out of eligibility. But Graham Ike returns as the team’s anchor down low, and Braden Huff is back to play alongside Ike in the frontcourt. And the Zags get a bump in the rankings after landing Grand Canyon transfer Tyon Grant-Foster, one of the most talented scorers in the country — he averaged just 14.8 points last season but put up 20.1 points in 2023-24.

The perimeter still has some questions. Braeden Smith and Jalen Warley both sat out this past season after transferring, while Steele Venters hasn’t played since 2023 because of injury. Mark Few did add Arizona State transfer Adam Miller, who will be playing at his fourth school after having his most efficient offensive season in 2024-25.

Projected starting lineup

Braeden Smith (12.5 PPG at Colgate in 2023-24)
Adam Miller (9.8 PPG at Arizona State)
Tyon Grant-Foster (14.8 PPG at Grand Canyon)
Braden Huff (11.0 PPG)
Graham Ike (17.3 PPG)


Previous ranking: 16

Wisconsin found success this past season playing at a much faster tempo than previous teams under Greg Gard. The Badgers were also more reliant on the 3-point shot. Is that their new formula moving forward?

Gard hit the transfer portal in a big way, landing three potential starters in Nick Boyd (San Diego State), Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and Austin Rapp (Portland) early in the cycle. All-Big Ten guard John Blackwell is also back to lead the way, while Nolan Winter enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024-25.

Projected starting lineup

Nick Boyd (13.4 PPG at San Diego State)
Andrew Rohde (9.3 PPG at Virginia)
John Blackwell (15.8 PPG)
Austin Rapp (13.8 PPG at Portland)
Nolan Winter (9.4 PPG)


Previous ranking: 21

Bill Self received a huge boost for next season during Final Four weekend, when Flory Bidunga withdrew from the transfer portal and announced he was returning to the Jayhawks. He should form one of the best inside-outside duos in the country alongside Darryn Peterson, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft.

But Kansas still needs much more. The Jayhawks have landed a trio of potential wing starters in Tre White (Illinois), Melvin Council Jr. (St. Bonaventure) and Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago). But they missed on Darrion Williams and Dame Sarr, and there aren’t many impact players still on the market.

Projected starting lineup

Darryn Peterson (No. 2 in ESPN 100)
Melvin Council Jr. (14.6 PPG at St. Bonaventure)
Jayden Dawson (13.9 PPG at Loyola Chicago)
Tre White (10.5 PPG at Illinois)
Flory Bidunga (5.9 PPG)


Previous ranking: 19

Greg McDermott loses two of the program’s stalwarts from the past few years in Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth, as well as starter Jamiya Neal. But Creighton has an aesthetically pleasing offensive system and plenty of minutes to sell, and it worked in the portal this offseason, landing Owen Freeman (Iowa), Josh Dix (Iowa), Blake Harper (Howard), Nik Graves (Charlotte) and Austin Swartz (Miami).

We’re also expecting a step forward from Jackson McAndrew, a 6-foot-10 sniper who showed considerable promise as a freshman for the Bluejays.

Projected starting lineup

Blake Harper (19.5 PPG at Howard)
Josh Dix (14.4 PPG at Iowa)
Jackson McAndrew (7.8 PPG)
Jasen Green (4.9 PPG)
Owen Freeman (16.7 PPG at Iowa)


Previous ranking: 20

Tennessee has been busy reloading the roster, with top-five recruit Nate Ament and Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie representing two of the most impactful newcomers for any team in the country. Ament has incredible long-term upside, while Gillespie was among the best point guards in college basketball this past season. Louisiana Tech transfer Amaree Abram also adds shooting.

Rick Barnes has strong frontcourt depth, with Jaylen Carey (Vanderbilt) joining starter Felix Okpara and reserves Cade Phillips and J.P. Estrella. The Vols need more, though, with starters Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Jahmai Mashack and Igor Milicic Jr. and reserves Jordan Gainey and Darlinstone Dubar all gone.

Projected starting lineup

Ja’Kobi Gillespie (14.7 PPG at Maryland)
Amaree Abram (12.3 PPG at Louisiana Tech)
Nate Ament (No. 4 in ESPN 100)
Jaylen Carey (8.0 PPG)
Felix Okpara (7.1 PPG)


Previous ranking: Unranked

Expectations for Will Wade’s first season in Raleigh grew dramatically in late May, when the Wolfpack beat out Kansas for Texas Tech transfer Darrion Williams, one of the best players in the portal this spring. Now NC State has a legitimate offensive fulcrum and an All-American-caliber player.

While Wade brought along a couple of players with him from McNeese, he also focused on power-conference experience with portal additions Tre Holloman (Michigan State), Terrance Arceneaux (Houston), Jerry Deng (Florida State) and Ven-Allen Lubin (North Carolina) all having played high-major basketball.

Lubin should battle with international addition Paul Mbiya for a starting spot down low.

Projected starting lineup

Tre Holloman (9.1 PPG at Michigan State)
Terrance Arceneaux (6.5 PPG at Houston)
Quadir Copeland (9.2 PPG at McNeese)
Darrion Williams (15.1 PPG at Texas Tech)
Ven-Allen Lubin (8.7 PPG at North Carolina)


Previous ranking: 25

Hubert Davis has been busy in the portal, replacing the departing Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson with transfers Kyan Evans (Colorado State) and Jonathan Powell (West Virginia). Davis also landed one of the best bigs in the portal with Arizona’s Henri Veesaar, as well as upside players in Alabama’s Jarin Stevenson and Virginia Tech’s Jaydon Young.

With Seth Trimble‘s return and top-10 recruit Caleb Wilson‘s arrival, there’s a talented core in Chapel Hill. But Carolina had also been swinging (and missing) on impact wings, especially after Drake Powell opted to remain in the NBA draft despite not appearing to be a lock first-round pick. That drought ended when Montenegrin wing Luka Bogavac picked North Carolina. The 22-year-old should make an immediate impact as a shooter.

Projected starting lineup

Kyan Evans (10.6 PPG at Colorado State)
Seth Trimble (11.6 PPG)
Luka Bogavac (14.9 PPG for SC Derby)
Caleb Wilson (No. 7 in ESPN 100)
Henri Veesaar (9.4 PPG at Arizona)


Next in line

San Diego State Aztecs
North Carolina Tar Heels
Ohio State Buckeyes
Texas Longhorns
USC Trojans

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Adrian Autry opens up about new Syracuse players

Syracuse, N.Y. – When Adrian Autry was considering his options in the transfer portal this spring, the primary characteristics he sought were athleticism and positional size. Those factors, he said, drove the way he and his staff evaluated players and focused attention on which guys they would recruit to play at Syracuse in 2025-26. When […]

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Adrian Autry opens up about new Syracuse players

Syracuse, N.Y. – When Adrian Autry was considering his options in the transfer portal this spring, the primary characteristics he sought were athleticism and positional size.

Those factors, he said, drove the way he and his staff evaluated players and focused attention on which guys they would recruit to play at Syracuse in 2025-26.

When the Orange men played good teams last season, the SU head coach said, they encountered bigger, more athletic players. Those players were longer, quicker to the ball and generally speedier on the basketball court than the Orange.

Syracuse needed to upgrade those particular areas if it wanted to return to college basketball relevancy.

“Those were the first steps of, hey, when we go into this portal, this is what we’re trying to look for,” Autry said last week during a wide-ranging conversation with syracuse.com/The Post-Standard in his Melo Center office.

Syracuse coaches convinced six players who entered the portal to play for the Orange next season. The splashiest name belongs to Nait George, the former Georgia Tech point guard who gives SU a true lead guard to pair with JJ Starling in the backcourt.

Other portal acquisitions were Nate Kingz (Oregon State), William Kyle (UCLA), Tyler Betsey (Cincinnati), Ibrahim Souare (Georgia Tech) and Bryce Zephir (Montana State).

Autry termed the return of Starling and Donnie Freeman hugely impactful in the way he built the rest of his roster.

He wanted to fit pertinent pieces around those two SU stars to complement their games and address areas in which the Orange otherwise lacked.

He went so far, he said, as to use video of NBA players to show Starling and Freeman the prototypes of players SU hoped to surround them with. When a portal player with similar characteristics expressed a mutual interest in SU, the staff shared video of those guys with Starling and Freeman.

The staff’s access to money for players, particularly the windfall expected from the House settlement, Autry said, was sufficient this season.

Autry said the Orange landed all the players it sought in the transfer portal and reiterated his belief in SU’s incoming freshman class. He cited the organizational skills of general manager Alex Kline as a helpful tool to immediately identify the targets the staff wanted to reach. SU coaches navigated the portal without a GM last year.

Here’s a rundown on each of Syracuse’s portal pieces and Autry’s assessment of their games:

Nait George, 6-foot-3 point guard, Georgia Tech

Nait George

Georgia Tech guard Naithan George (1) reacts during the college basketball game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on March 4th, 2025 at Hank McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

SU had first-hand familiarity with George, who played for an ACC opponent.

Autry recalled wanting to see him play during an Under-16 AAU tournament, but George broke his wrist, was unavailable and eventually drifted from the Orange radar.

Syracuse, too, had a long and prosperous relationship with Nait’s uncle, Mike George, the NBA agent who had represented Tyler Ennis and Oshae Brissett. Autry called that relationship “big for us,” in securing a commitment from Nait George.

Autry cited George’s assist numbers – he led the ACC in that category at 6.5 per game – as his primary appeal. He considered George one of the best point guards in the nation and was “the engine for that team.”

Autry credited Georgia Tech coach Damon Stoudamire, a former NBA point guard, with advancing George’s skill level.

“Just watching him from Year One to Year Two, he made big strides and you know, he’s a point guard,” Autry said. “He knows how to play the position, has great feel, great vision and his shooting has improved from year to year.”

By the time George committed to SU, the Orange already had several pieces in place that appealed to him, Autry said.

Nate Kingz, 6-foot-5 wing, Oregon State

Nate Kingz

Nate Kingz of the Oregon State Beavers dribbles the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Gill Coliseum on Nov. 21, 2024 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)Getty Images

Autry was drawn to Kingz’s biography, his rise from an unknown NAIA entity and his personal tribulations in the foster care system.

But Autry, too, envisioned Kingz as an impactful two-way player. He spoke with former SU great Stephen Thompson, now an assistant coach at Oregon State, about Kingz and came away from that conversation believing Kingz could be a lockdown defender for the Orange.

Kingz believes he only scratched the surface of his athleticism last season. It was his first year back to basketball after an ACL tear.

He also shot 44.4% from the 3-point line (56-of-126) last season. SU ranked 13th in 3-point field goal percentage last season.

“When you go into the portal, some people just kind of pop, you know, their stories are a little different,” Autry said. “And the fact that he could shoot the ball – I mean, he’s one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the country.”

William Kyle, 6-foot-9 center, UCLA

William Kyle III

Igor Milicic Jr. #7 of the Tennessee Volunteers reaches for the ball against William Kyle III (24) of the UCLA Bruins in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Second Round at Rupp Arena on March 22, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)Getty Images

Syracuse, said Autry, tried to get involved with Kyle the previous portal season, when he was coming off a stellar year at South Dakota State. But Kyle committed to UCLA.

When he was back on the board this spring, SU pounced.

Autry described him as “a freak athletically.” He loves his size (“He’s a force”) and his measurables and believes he can impact the game in a variety of ways.

“When you watch him at South Dakota, yeah, you seen the dunks,” Autry said, “but you can see he can pass, he can open up and sweep a little bit and use his athleticism. But his defense pops off the charts.”

Kyle played limited minutes at UCLA (9.8 per game), a team suffused with talented big guys.

But when the game was on the line, Autry noticed that Mick Cronin, known for his defensive mindset, more often than not summoned Kyle into the game.

“Obviously that was attractive to us,” Autry said. “You know, offensively, he has some work to do, but he’s further along than what people may know or what the stats say, so to speak.”

Tyler Betsey, 6-foot-8 forward, Cincinnati

Tyler Betsey

Tyler Betsey #14 of the Cincinnati Bearcats dribbles against Jalen Breazeale #0 of the Morehead State Eagles at Fifth Third Arena on Nov. 8, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)Getty Images

Syracuse recruited Betsey heavily out of high school. Back then, Gerry McNamara was SU’s lead recruiter with Betsey, who was ranked 53rd overall in the Class of 2024 by On3.com.

Betsey chose Cincinnati and played 27% of the available minutes with the Bearcats, a not-unusual number for college freshmen.

He entered the transfer portal and SU was quick to reacquaint itself with the versatile forward who made his reputation as a high school shooter with size.

“He’s gotten better defensively,” Autry said. “He’s probably one of the more talented guys we have.”

Betsey shot 32.1% from the 3-point line on 81 attempts last season. He can play both forward positions, a versatility that appeals to Autry, who has long desired players who can guard multiple positions.

Betsey played in the rugged Big 12 last season and Autry believes that experience has hardened him to Power Five competition.

Ibrahim Souare, 6-foot-9 center, Georgia Tech

Ibrahim Souare

ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 14: Clemson guard Chase Hunter (1) drives to the basket as Georgia Tech forward Ibrahim Souare (30) defends during the college basketball game between the Clemson Tigers and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on January 14th, 2025 at Hank McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Autry was sold on Souare for one overwhelming reason.

“His motor, his motor, his motor,” Autry said. “He can guard one through five.”

When Souare was on the floor (he averaged 17 minutes per game), opposing teams felt his presence, Autry said, particularly on the defensive end.

On offense, he is a work in progress. And his free throw shooting, for a big man who had the best free throw rate on his team last season, needs serious work. Souare shot 31.3% from the line last year (10-of-32).

“His offensive numbers are not great, but when you look at his mechanics, I think he’s a better free throw shooter than what he’s shown,” Autry said. “If you watch him shoot free throws, I’m like, I don’t understand why. But I think we can work with him. I believe in our development in that.”

Souare and George, former Georgia Tech teammates, seemed like a potential package deal. They are close friends. And they both ended up at Syracuse.

“It was almost like if Nait was leaving, he probably was gonna follow behind,” Autry said, “and I thought he fit what I was looking for.”

Bryce Zephir, 6-foot-4 guard, Montana State

Bryce Zephir

Bryce Zephir of the Montana State Bobcats and John Blackwell of the Wisconsin Badgers fight for a loose ball in the first half of the game at Kohl Center on Nov. 7, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)Getty Images

Zephir’s numbers don’t leap off the page. He played about 43% of the minutes available for a Montana State team that went 15-18 last season.

He turned it over too much but recorded a decent assist rate.

The one thing that won’t show in a statistical analysis of Zephir is what SU coaches believe are the intangibles.

“He’s just tough. High IQ. He’s got good size. And he’s gonna fight you,” Autry said. “He’s not gonna get hit. He’s gonna do the hitting. And he’s a great teammate.”

He’s also got a backstory that resonates with Autry. Zephir has risen through the junior college and low major Division I ranks.

He has persevered and now finds himself on a Power Five roster. He lends maturity and experience to the roster.

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