Is Caitlin Clark the Biggest Woman Star in College History?

College

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April 3, 2024

At the outset of her collegiate basketball journey, Caitlin Clark found herself navigating the peculiar landscape of empty arenas amidst the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a stark beginning to what would eventually evolve into a meteoric rise. In those early days, when the stands were void of cheering fans, Caitlin’s companions were not the raucous crowds typical of college basketball but rather a peculiar assembly of cardboard cutouts. Among them, an endearing oversized likeness of her beloved dog, Bella, stood out amidst the sea of impersonal figures, adding a touch of familiarity to the surreal scene.

Photo Cred: Inc Magazine

Fast forward three years, Caitlin Clark finds herself in a different realm. No longer confined to empty venues, she has ascended to a bona fide superstar. The electrifying guard now commands the attention of sold-out arenas, her every move igniting thunderous applause from adoring fans. This year’s women’s NCAA tournament has become her stage, a platform where her prowess knows no bounds.

The hype surrounding Clark and her Iowa Hawkeyes reached fever pitch following their triumph over the LSU Tigers, securing their coveted spot in the prestigious Final Four. Almost instantly, ticket prices skyrocketed, reflecting the insatiable demand to witness her unparalleled talent firsthand. According to TicketIQ, the average listing price for the all-day session of the women’s Final Four in Cleveland surpassed an astounding $2,650, with entry prices soaring to $901.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

The anticipation for Friday’s games reached a crescendo, with ticket prices hitting unprecedented heights. The most exclusive seats commanded prices exceeding $11,100, a testament to the desire to witness history in the making. The aftermath of Iowa’s victory over LSU saw ticket prices surge by a remarkable 118%, underscoring the irresistible allure of Caitlin Clark’s mesmerizing performances. Of course, the allure is further amplified by the sheer magnitude of Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, boasting a capacity of 19,500 eager spectators.

Caitlin Clark’s transcendent talent has not gone unnoticed by her peers. NC State head coach Wes Moore offered glowing praise, acknowledging her profound impact on the sport. “Caitlin Clark is someone that has definitely made such a great impact on our game,” he remarked, emphasizing the undeniable correlation between her presence and the exponential rise in ticket prices.

At just 22 years old, Caitlin Clark has etched her name into the annals of collegiate basketball history. As the all-time scoring leader in men’s and women’s NCAA Division I, she stands as a beacon of excellence, a generational talent whose mere presence electrifies the court. Her deadly accuracy from beyond the arc catalyzes box-office entertainment, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

LSU Standout Angel Reese Declares for WNBA Draft after Elite Eight Exit

By

Stephen Patrick

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April 3, 2024

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Angel Reese, the formidable force in college basketball, announced her decision to enter the WNBA draft, as reported in an exclusive profile by Vogue magazine on Wednesday. Reese helped put women’s basketball on the map! Her latest game against Iowa drew 12.3 millions viewers. Now she’s ready for the next step in her career.

“I’ve accomplished everything I set out to achieve in college,” Reese stated. “From winning a national championship to earning the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year title and being recognized as an All-American. My sights are now set on my ultimate goal – to become a professional athlete and one of the greatest basketball players in history. I believe I’m ready.”

Photo Cred: SI

The 21-year-old forward, a standout for the LSU Tigers, saw her hopes for back-to-back NCAA titles dashed on Monday. In a rematch against the team they beat for the title they lost in a heartbreaking Elite Eight game to the Iowa Hawkeyes, led by Caitlin Clark. This loss marked the end of a remarkable journey for Reese and the Tigers, who triumphed over the same team in the previous year’s national championship game. Under WNBA rules, players intending to enter the draft must declare their intentions by April 1st.

College athletes participating in the Elite Eight or later stages of the NCAA tournament are granted a 48-hour window following their final game to renounce their NCAA eligibility and declare for the draft. Reese faced a pivotal decision as her deadline loomed on Wednesday night. Despite having the option to extend her college career at LSU for one more season under the COVID-19 waiver, she opted to take her talents to the professional level.

The highly anticipated 2024 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 15th, where Reese is expected to be a top prospect. Standing tall at 6-foot-3, Reese has been a dominant force in collegiate basketball since transferring to LSU from Maryland in 2022. Her inaugural year in Baton Rouge culminated in a national title win, along with prestigious accolades such as first-team All-American honors and the 2023 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Averaging an impressive 23 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, Reese’s impact on the court was undeniable. During the recently concluded season, Reese continued to showcase her prowess, averaging 18.6 points and 13.4 rebounds per game while registering an astounding 20 double-doubles in 33 regular-season matchups for the Tigers. Her stellar performance extended into the NCAA tournament, where she recorded seven additional double-doubles, including a remarkable 17-point, 20-rebound effort in the heartbreaking loss to Iowa.

As Reese embarks on the next chapter of her basketball journey, she carries with her a legacy of excellence and determination, poised to make her mark in the professional realm and etch her name in the annals of basketball history. With the star power she brings, the WNBA may also feel the growth that women’s college basketball felt this year.

2024: Missouri Tigers Baseball

College

By

Memphis Spence

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April 2, 2024

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The Missouri Tigers are anticipating a year focused on growth. Following their 2023 season, which concluded with a 7th place finish in the SEC East and a participation in the SEC tournament, ending with a 30-24 (10-20) record and a first-round loss to Auburn, the Tigers brought in a new head coach, Kerrick Jackson, with hopes of revitalizing the program. Jackson aims to make improvements to a team comprising both young and experienced players. Despite projections placing them towards the bottom of the SEC, the Tigers aspire to instigate a turnaround this year.

Photo Cred: Mizzou

Heading into 2023, the Tigers’ lineup wasn’t formidable, a scenario echoed in 2024. The team faces the challenge of fielding a youthful lineup, having lost key players, including Luke Mann, the program’s home run leader, and power hitter Hank Zeizler, who graduated after a single season at Mizzou. Several top performers transferred out, including outfielders Ty Wilsmeyer and Ross Lovich to Arkansas, and catcher Dalton Bargo to Tennessee.

Wilsmeyer, a four-year player at Missouri, leaves a significant void, having batted .311 and showcased stellar fielding skills with a .980 fielding percentage last season. Filling these gaps will require younger players to step up, along with transfers and freshmen. Notable returning offensive players include Trevor Austin, who led the team in doubles and batting average last season, alongside Jackson Lovich and Matt Garcia. New additions to the team include transfers Danny Corona from Wake Forest and Jedier Hernandez from Seton Hall, along with freshmen Thomas Curry and Drew Culbertson.

Photo Cred: Rock M Nation

On the pitching front, the Tigers face a mixed bag, having lost some of their top arms but retaining others while adding new talent. Departures include Chandler Murphy, their top starter, as well as bullpen arms Austin Troesser and Zach Franklin, all drafted. However, they welcome back Logan Lunceford, the second starter who led the team in strikeouts last season, and most of their bullpen.

Unfortunately, top pitcher Sam Horn will miss the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Returning arms include Daniel Wissler, who ranked second in appearances, starter Ian Lohse, who held opponents to a .222 batting average last season, and Tony Neubeck, expected to return from injury. New additions include Vanderbilt transfer Miles Garrett, who last pitched in 2020, along with prospects Josh McDevitt, Charlie Miller, and Wil Libbert.

2024: Mississippi State Baseball

College

By

Memphis Spence

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April 2, 2024

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dm_240317_dm_240317_CBASE_Miss_St_runs_psegot2tag — Photo Cred: ESPN

For the second consecutive year following their 2021 National Championship triumph, Mississippi State fell short of the SEC Tournament. They finished the season with a 27-26 record and a mere 9 conference wins, landing them 6th in the West division. This marks one of the team’s poorest performances in recent memory, causing significant hardship for the players and the program alike. The draft dealt a heavy blow to the Bulldogs, snatching away two of their starting fielders, Kallum Clark and Cade Smith, along with one of their starting pitchers, also named Cade Smith, and key bullpen arm Aaron Nixon.

Photo Cred: Mississippi State

Additionally, they lost two top prospects, Lane Forsythe to transfers and Luke Hancock to graduation. As they head into the 2024 season, Mississippi State’s lineup faces the daunting task of compensating for these losses. While they retain three key players from last year—Jordan Dakota, Hunter Hines, and Amani Larry—whose individual contributions were notable, they represent only a fraction of the puzzle. Supporting them are teammates such as Slade Alford, Connor Hujsak, Bryce Chance, and David Mershon, who are expected to step up after playing lesser roles last season.

Furthermore, the team welcomes new additions, including both freshmen and transfers like Memphis-transfer Logan Kohler and highly touted prospect Dylan Cupp, who are anticipated to make immediate impacts. Despite the challenges, pitching appears to be a relative strength for the Bulldogs in 2024. While they suffered losses in the pitching department, several arms return with a hunger for expanded roles.

Photo Cred: Bull Dog Blitz

Ace Jurrangelo Cijntje resumes his position after tallying 13 starts last year, alongside Purdue transfer Khal Stephen, who brings experience and depth to the rotation. Additionally, the bullpen, reminiscent of last year’s setup, sees the return of arms like Cole Cheatham, Even Siary, Colby Holcombe, and Tyson Hardin, augmented by promising freshmen such as Nolan Stevens and KK Clark. Transfers like Miami’s Karson Ligon further bolster the pitching staff, providing depth and versatility as the Bulldogs navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.

2024: Ole Miss Baseball

College

By

Memphis Spence

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April 2, 2024

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Of all the schools on this list or even in the country, there is not one that represents college baseball like Ole Miss. After winning 42 games in 2022 and making it to the College World Series, the 2023 Rebels only won 25 games and missed the SEC tournament altogether, finishing 7th out of 7 in the West. After the season ended, they lost a lot of key pieces, but most importantly, they lost Jacob Gonzalez. After three years as a starter for Ole Miss, Gonzalez was the rock of the team, earning all-SEC honors three times, hitting .327 in his final year and was taken 15th overall.

Photo Cred: NCAA

The draft also took two players who started every game last year, Kemp Alderman and Calvin Harris, and one of their top arms in their pen, Jack Dougherty. They also had their three top prospects drafted, pitchers Josh Knoth and Zander Mueth, and infielder Cooper Pratt. The rest of the players they lost were to the portal or graduation, losing TJ McCants and Peyton Chatagnier to other schools and pitcher Mitch Murrell to eligibility. In 2024, Ole Miss starting pitching will rely on new and old faces. 2023 starters Greyson Saunier and TJ Quinn are back and looking to retain their roles for this season after Saunier finished with a 6.9 ERA in 19 starts and Quinn a 6.8 in 17 appearances (12 starts).

Newcomer Gunnar Dennis from Meridian CC will slide in as the third starter, transferring in for his junior year. Out of the pen, the Rebs will be leaning on returners Mason Nichols and Xavier Rivas to take the lead. Both are coming back after being two of the top arms for them in 2023 and are going to try to make even bigger impacts this year. They will also be getting help from some other familiar faces like Cole Tolbert, Sam Tookoian, and Josh Mallitz.

Photo Cred: BVM Sports

Some of the new faces that will also be getting innings are Coastal Carolina transfer Liam Doyle, Arkansas State transfer Kyler Carmack, and freshman Patrick Galle. Hitting for the Rebels, they will be led by returners like Will Furniss, Ethan Lege, and Ethan Groff. Furniss was the best of them in 2023, hitting .298 with 39 hits. A lot of the lineup, though, will consist of new guys.

Transfers like Jackson Ross (Coastal Carolina), Andrew Fischer (Duke), Treyson Hughes (Mercer), and Luke Hill (Arizona State) will all have significant roles in the lineup this year, possibly starting every game. Reagan Burford is another returner who will have a larger role in 2024, having only started in 14 games last season. They will have a few bats on the bench too, some returners and some freshmen, but the lineup will mostly remain consistent throughout the 2024 season.

The Birmingham Stallions Start the Season with a Major Win on the Road

By

Iliyan Lakhani

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April 2, 2024

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The Birmingham Stallions burst onto the scene for their highly anticipated season opener, securing a resounding 27-14 victory on the road against the Arlington Renegades. The match showcased the promising debut of quarterback sensation Matt Corral, who left an indelible mark in his inaugural appearance in the United Football League (UFL). Corral, hailed as the standout of the game, dazzled fans with his exceptional performance, amassing 201 passing yards, a touchdown, and an impressive 85.6 Quarterback Rating (QBR).

Photo Cred: NBC Sports

His precision was on full display, completing 12 of 21 attempts and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFL. The offensive fireworks were not limited to Corral, as star wide receiver Deon Cain stepped up with his trademark excellence. Fresh from a remarkable championship run in 2023, Cain made a significant impact, hauling in three receptions for 66 yards, including a pivotal touchdown. His 39-yard touchdown catch just before halftime underscored the Stallions’ first-half dominance and set the tone for the rest of the game.

The Stallions’ offensive showcase continued as Corral connected with Ricky Person Jr. for a crucial two-point conversion, showcasing the team’s versatility and depth in offensive strategies. Defensively, the Stallions exhibited their tenacity and skill, tallying an impressive 48 tackles, two sacks, and four pass deflections throughout the game. Mark Gilbert’s interception added to the defensive prowess, effectively stalling the Renegades’ offensive momentum and limiting them to a mere 14 points.

Photo Cred: Fox

Looking ahead to their next challenge against the Michigan Panthers on the road, Head Coach Skip Holtz lauded the team’s depth and stellar performances. In addition to Corral and Cain’s standout contributions, running back CJ Marable emerged as a vital asset, amassing 63 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 36 receiving yards. As the Stallions set their sights on a third consecutive championship, Holtz emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and discipline. The upcoming clash against the Panthers, who showcased their strength with an impressive 64-yard field goal, promises to be a test of the Stallions’ resolve and skill.

With their potent offense and solid defensive play, the Birmingham Stallions are poised for another remarkable season in the UFL. However, they understand that achieving championship glory requires unwavering determination and flawless execution in every upcoming battle. The anticipation for the showdown against the Panthers next Sunday is palpable, as fans eagerly await the continuation of the Stallions’ quest for football greatness.

2023 Performance-Based Pay Distributions Announced

By

Stephen Patrick

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April 1, 2024

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NEW YORK — April 1, 2024 — NFL players will receive $393.8 million in Performance-Based Pay for their performance during the 2023 season, the NFL announced today. The Performance-Based Pay program is a collectively bargained benefit that compensates all players based upon their playing time and salary levels.

Guard JOHN SIMPSON, who played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, earned the highest amount among all NFL players for the 2023 League Year Performance-Based Pay program. His $974,613 distribution will nearly double his 2023 salary. Simpson was a 2020 fourth-round draft choice from Clemson who played the 2023 season under a one-year minimum salary contract. He participated in all but seven plays on offense and almost 19 percent of the club’s special team plays.

Players have been paid nearly $2.4 billion cumulatively since the inception of the Performance-Based Pay program, which was implemented during the 2002 season as part of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL Players Association, and has been carried forward in three subsequent collective bargaining agreements.

How Performance-Based Pay Works

Under the Performance-Based Pay program, a fund is created and used as a supplemental form of player compensation based upon a comparison of playing time to salary. Players become eligible to receive a bonus distribution in any regular season in which they play at least one official down. In general, players with higher playtime percentages and lower salaries benefit most from the pool.

Performance-Based Pay is computed by using a player index (“Index”). To calculate the Index, a player’s “PBP Playtime” (defined as the player’s regular season total plays played on offense, defense and special teams, divided by the number of plays in which the player with the most total combined plays participated on that team) is divided by his “PBP Compensation” (defined as each player’s regular season full salary, including his prorated portion of signing bonus, and earned incentives). Each player’s Index is then compared to those of all other players on his team to determine the amount of his Performance-Based Pay. If a player’s full season salary is less than the CBA Minimum Salary for a player with seven or more Credited Seasons, additional salary will be imputed to that player so that his salary is equal to the Minimum Salary for a player with seven or more Credited Seasons (i.e., $1.165M for the 2023 season). By imputing a minimum salary of $1.165 million, a slightly higher percentage of the pool is directed to high-performing veteran players whose salaries exceed $1.165 million, but are not among the highest in the League, as contemplated by the formula. This imputation of salary is solely for the purpose of calculating distributions from the pool and does not affect the actual salary paid to the player under his contract.

Illustration Of Performance-Based Pay System

Each player on the same team competes for his own share of his club’s Performance-Based Pay pool. The hypothetical example in the table below illustrates how the Player Index works, using a simplified four-player team and a club bonus pool of $1,000,000. Each player receives his share of the pool depending on how his Index compares to those of his teammates.

	A *PBP* *Playtime*	B *PBP* *Compensation*	C Index (A/B)**	D *% of Club Bonus Pool* *(C/Team Total C)*	E *Hypothetical Bonus* **(D $1,000,000)***
*Player A*	85%	$ 1,165,000	7.3	56.6% of the Club’s pool	56.6% * $1,000,000 = $566,000
*Player B*	50%	$ 2,000,000	2.5	19.4% of the Club’s pool	19.4% * $1,000,000 = $194,000
*Player C*	50%	$ 5,000,000	1.0	7.7% of the Club’s pool	7.7% * $1,000,000 = $77,000
*Player D*	25%	$ 1,165,000	2.1	16.3% of the Club’s pool	16.3% * $1,000,000 = $163,000
Team Total:			12.9 Points

** Index is multiplied by 10⁷ for legibility purposes only

Top 25 Performance-Based Pay Distributions For 2023

	PLAYER	2023 CLUB	POS.	COLLEGE	ROOKIE YEAR	DRAFT ROUND	DISTRIBUTION (ROUNDED)
1	John Simpson	Baltimore	G	Clemson	2020	4	$ 974,613
2	Reed Blankenship	Philadelphia	S	Middle Tennessee State	2022	UDFA	$ 923,059
3	Spencer Brown	Buffalo	T	Northern Iowa	2021	3	$ 912,723
4	Cordell Volson	Cincinnati	G	North Dakota State	2022	4	$ 905,972
5	Kader Kohou	Miami	CB	Texas A&M-Commerce	2022	UDFA	$ 878,167
6	Luke Fortner	Jacksonville	C	Kentucky	2022	3	$ 872,196
7	Trey Smith	Kansas City	G	Tennessee	2021	6	$ 865,484
8	O’Cyrus Torrence	Buffalo	G	Florida	2023	2	$ 847,180
9	Jamaree Salyer	L.A. Chargers	G	Georgia	2022	6	$ 840,282
10	Tariq Woolen	Seattle	CB	Texas-San Antonio	2022	5	$ 839,154
11	Jason Pinnock	N.Y. Giants	S	Pittsburgh	2021	5	$ 817,224
12	Will Fries	Indianapolis	G	Penn State	2021	7	$ 810,961
13	Brandon Stephens	Baltimore	S	Southern Methodist	2021	3	$ 805,253
14	Deommodore Lenoir	San Francisco	CB	Oregon	2021	5	$ 790,744
15	Camryn Bynum	Minnesota	S	California	2021	4	$ 785,489
16	Tony Adams	N.Y. Jets	S	Illinois	2022	UDFA	$ 777,965
17	Terrel Bernard	Buffalo	LB	Baylor	2022	3	$ 777,092
18	Rodney Thomas	Indianapolis	S	Yale	2022	7	$ 769,445
19	Ben Bredeson	N.Y. Giants	G	Michigan	2020	4	$ 764,130
20	DaRon Bland	Dallas	CB	Fresno State	2022	5	$ 759,756
21	Nate Landman	Atlanta	LB	Colorado	2022	UDFA	$ 753,273
22	Quinn Meinerz	Denver	G	Wisconsin-Whitewater	2021	3	$ 747,505
23	Dan Moore	Pittsburgh	T	Texas A&M	2021	4	$ 740,319
24	Brock Purdy	San Francisco	QB	Iowa State	2022	7	$ 739,795
25	Jonathon Cooper	Denver	LB	Ohio State	2021	7	$ 738,916

The Resurgence of Workhorse RBs: Saquon Barkley & Derrick Henry Headline NFL Free Agency

By

Ventine Richardson

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April 1, 2024

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As NFL Free Agency makes a huge splash, there have been some notable running backs who secured substantial contracts this offseason. With the game evolving each year, the necessity of having an elite, 20-carry running back to win games seemed to be diminishing. Perhaps having a duo to share the load works better. The position’s lack of financial value became a concern over the past two offseasons.

Saquon Barkley, 27, achieved a career-high 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns during the 2022 season. However, that offseason, the New York Giants opted not to offer him a multi-year contract, settling instead for a 1-year, $10 million deal. Out west, Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,653 yards during the same season. The Raiders chose not to extend his contract as desired, placing him on a franchise tag.

Photo Cred: SI

The All-Pro back settled for a one-year deal worth up to $12 million. Both players found themselves in holdout situations due to these circumstances. It seems that not only are most running backs not considered valuable for the long term, but even the cream of the crop isn’t getting the recognition they deserve. There are various scenarios one could imagine for why some of the most talented players in the NFL aren’t being compensated as such.

Whether it’s the higher risk of injury leading to shorter careers, the supply and demand dynamics, or the increasing trend towards a pass-heavy style of play in football, it just doesn’t add up. In my opinion, running the ball remains the most crucial element in football for both offense and defense. Controlling the line of scrimmage greatly increases your chances of winning. A running back consistently gaining four to five yards per carry during a game can be demoralized for a defensive front seven.

Workhorse running backs like the greats of the past such as Adrian Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson are not found every day. Any offense, regardless of level, aims to have a fully balanced attack, with a reliable finisher around the goal line. While the quarterback position is undoubtedly the most critical, an elite running back can elevate your offense to another level. Despite being in a new age, there are clear examples of “workhorse” backs in today’s game. And although the market didn’t recognize it at the time, the upcoming season proved the eyes didn’t deceive.

Photo Cred: Opta

With Derrick Henry’s unwavering consistency, Barkley’s star power, Jacobs’ grit, and a host of other talents, the money has been flowing, and the landscape of the NFL has shifted. After a stellar season on a lackluster deal, Saquon Barkley secured a three-year agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles worth over $37 million dollars. It’s a significant upgrade for the superstar, and he’s not alone in receiving a hefty paycheck. Josh Jacobs signed a four-year deal with the Green Bay Packers worth $48 million, while Derrick Henry made waves in the AFC, heading to the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year, $16 million dollar deal.

NC State Continue Miraculous Run into Final Four

By

Augustus Oswald

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April 1, 2024

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NC State hadn’t reached a Final Four since 1983, and the odds seemed against them changing that this year as the regular season wrapped up. The Wolfpack had stumbled, losing their last four games before entering the ACC tournament, far from the bubble. Then, a stunning turnaround: the Wolfpack triumphed in five games over five days, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. They conquered Duke and North Carolina in the ACC tournament, continuing their miraculous journey to the Final Four as an 11th seed.

Photo Cred: ESPN

This included a decisive 76-64 victory against their rival 4th seed, Duke, in the Elite Eight at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, this past Sunday. Once again, the Wolfpack were led by the March Madness sensation, power forward DJ Burns Jr., who amassed 29 points, shooting an impressive 13-19 from the field, alongside four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Another standout contributor to the Wolfpack’s success, guard DJ Horne, added 20 points, shooting 7-16 overall, with four rebounds and three assists. Burns Jr. was rightly named the South Region’s most outstanding player, consistently scoring in double figures throughout NC State’s NCAA tournament run.

This included a notable 24-point performance, shooting 9-12 overall, in the 79-73 overtime triumph over the 14th seed, Oakland, in the round of 32. The matchup marked the 257th meeting between the two schools, their first-ever encounter in the NCAA tournament, and a historic first between an 11th seed and a 4th seed. NC State has now clinched nine consecutive elimination games, while the university’s women’s program has advanced to the Elite Eight as a 3rd seed, defeating 1st seed Texas 76-66 last Sunday.

Head Coach Kevin Keatts expressed his admiration for the team’s incredible journey, stating, “These guys are truly special, facing nine elimination games where it’s win or go home.”

Duke’s standout freshman guard, Jared McCain, notched his second 30-point game of this year’s NCAA tournament, scoring 32 points on 8-20 shooting overall, including 5-11 from beyond the arc, alongside six rebounds and one assist. McCain had previously achieved 30 points in 31 minutes, shooting 10-15 overall and 8-11 from three, during the 93-55 victory over James Madison in the round of 32. However, the Blue Devils’ sophomore center Kyle Filipowski, averaging 16.6 points per game this season, struggled, only managing 11 points on 3-12 shooting overall, and going 0-3 from three against the relentless Wolfpack.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

Both teams endured a challenging first half with poor shooting performances. Duke managed a slim 27-21 lead, shooting 8-26 overall and 2-7 from three, while NC State wasn’t much better at 9-34 overall and 1-7 from three. However, the Wolfpack rallied in the second half, narrowing Duke’s lead to 35-34 after a crucial three-pointer by Horne with 13:24 remaining. The game remained closely contested until consecutive jumpers by Horne and Burns Jr. propelled the Wolfpack to a 42-38 lead with 10:44 left.

From there, NC State never looked back, embarking on an 11-4 run to establish a commanding 53-42 lead with 6:56 on the clock. Duke failed to mount a serious comeback, as NC State maintained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game. Duke struggled offensively, aside from McCain, finishing at 32.2% overall and a mere 5-20 from three, all five three-pointers coming from McCain. NC State fared slightly better from beyond the arc, finishing 3-13, and showcased a solid 46.7% shooting overall.

The Wolfpack dominated the paint, scoring 38 points led by Burns Jr., compared to Duke’s 26. Both teams took care of possession, with NC State committing only five turnovers compared to Duke’s nine. NC State capitalized on turnovers, scoring 13 points off Duke’s mistakes, in contrast to Duke’s mere two points off turnovers. This marked the second consecutive game where NC State controlled proceedings against a higher seed.

In the Sweet Sixteen clash against the 2nd seed Marquette Golden Eagles, NC State emerged victorious with a 67-58 win. They seized the lead early at 9-7 with 15:51 remaining in the first half and held a commanding 37-24 lead at halftime. While Burns Jr. contributed only four points in this game, Horne shone with 19 points, supported by guard Casey Morsell’s 15 points on 7-12 shooting overall.

Photo Cred: FOX

The Wolfpack’s defense was outstanding, limiting Marquette to 33.3% shooting overall and a dismal 4-31 from three. Looking ahead, the Wolfpack now face their toughest challenge yet, the 1st seed Purdue Boilermakers (33-4), in the Final Four in Phoenix next Saturday on TBS. Although Duke’s season has come to a close with a successful run to the Elite Eight, where they defeated the 1st seed Houston 54-51 in the Sweet Sixteen, head coach Jon Scheyer’s second season has shown promise for the Blue Devils (27-9).

The MVP Race is Heating Up

By

Koby Skillern

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April 1, 2024

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The Most Valuable Player award is the most coveted regular season honor, and currently, it’s a three-man race, all from the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Nikola Jokic holds the lead, with Luka Doncic closely following. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trails in third place, his chances to win the award seeming slim. It’s worth noting that the Thunder have secured this award twice in the last decade (Kevin Durant in 2014 and Russell Westbrook in 2017). As we enter this crucial phase of the regular season where each victory counts, and with all three MVP frontrunners winning their recent games, it’s the perfect time to examine each player’s case for the MVP title.

The Case for Nikola Jokic:

Photo Cred: Eurohoops

In his most recent game, Jokic displayed an impressive stat line of 26 points, 18 rebounds, 16 assists, and one steal during a dominant 130-101 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the past four years, Nikola Jokic has consistently been considered one of the NBA’s top players. He consistently achieves triple-doubles and currently has his team as the second seed in the Western Conference, just half a game behind the first seed. If his team secures the top spot, Jokic stands a good chance of claiming his third MVP title in the last four years. His current stats stand at 26.1 (PTS), 12.3 (REB), 9 (AST), 0.9 (Blk), and 1.3 (STL), numbers that are in line with his MVP seasons, all while showing improvement in limiting turnovers. The Nuggets have a 2-1 record without Jokic this season.

The Case for Luka Doncic:

Photo Cred: SI

Last night, Luka Doncic exploded for 47 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, sinking 9 three-pointers and adding two steals against the red-hot Houston Rockets. Before this game, the Rockets had been on an 11-game winning streak, which Luka and the Mavericks halted with a triumphant 125-107 victory. Luka is currently averaging 34 (PTS), 9.1 (REB), 9.8 (AST), 0.5 (BLK), and 1.5 (STL) per game. These numbers in points, assists, and rebounds haven’t been seen since the days of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain. If Luka maintains these stats, he could achieve a historic feat as no player has ever averaged 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in a season. The Mavericks hold a 3-6 record without Luka this season.

The Case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:

Photo Cred: SI

In his recent game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a relatively modest performance by his standards, scoring 19 points, grabbing two rebounds, and dishing out three assists, along with one steal. However, he redeemed himself with a game-winning shot in a 113-112 win against the Knicks. Shai is currently recognized as the best two-way player in the league, averaging 30.3 (PTS), 5.5 (REB), 6.3 (AST), 0.9 (BLK), and 2.1 (STL). He ranks third in the league in scoring and first in steals. While he has put up impressive numbers, he’s not quite at the same level as Luka and Jokic. The Thunder hold a 1-2 record without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander this season.

My Prediction:

I predict that Luka Doncic will clinch his first-ever MVP award this season. The Mavericks have won 11 of their last 12 games with Luka leading the charge. Luka’s numbers are unprecedented, and he has steered his team out of the play-in position, currently standing at the 5th seed with a chance to move up to the 4th seed. If Luka and the Mavericks continue their stellar performances, the NBA voters will likely select the first-ever Slovenian MVP.

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