Quins’ resident New Zealander has some fascinating and forthright views, not least regarding England’s World Cup prospects
After 18 years it is almost time to say farewell to Harlequins’ resident Kiwi. Not every overseas recruit becomes part of the fabric of a team thousands of miles from home but that has long been the case with Nick Evans, a Prem winner with Quins as a player and a coach in 2012 and 2021 respectively. As the former All Blacks fly-half conceded this week: “It’s going to be really hard to let go of this club.”
And vice versa. During his playing days the skilful, popular Evans personified everything good about the way Quins approached the game. As a coach, he has been similarly positive, endlessly seeking fresh ways to crack opposition defences. Quins may have endured a disappointing season, but that should not tarnish the sizeable contribution that Evans, now 45, has made during his residency at the Stoop.
DENVER, CO - MAY 13: Defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) of the Minnesota Wild adjusts his gear during the third period of Game 5 of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo. (Photo by Timothy Hurst/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images
Here are your links for today:
Devils Links
“Šimon Nemec is something of an enigma and could be one player affected by the changes. Sometimes, he shows flashes of being a second overall pick. Other times, he looks like a fish out of water. Nemec will become a restricted free agent on July 1. You don’t want to give up on a 22-year-old defenseman second overall pick, but it might be time for the Devils to move on.” [Devils on the Rush ($)]
“Tom Fitzgerald leaned too heavy on size and defense when building the blueline, and that has held the team back over the last couple of years. Sunny Mehta will surely look to add more mobility and offense to balance things out. There are a couple of intriguing ‘buy low’ candidates who could help him do just that.” [Infernal Access ($)]
So about that Quinn Hughes trade. Is it a move Sunny Mehta could pull off? [New Jersey Hockey Now]
The @NYIslanders’ 2025 No. 1 #NHLDraft pick, Matthew Schaefer, is this year’s Calder Memorial Trophy winner — an award presented to the player who was the most proficient in his first year in the League. pic.twitter.com/X79uom6mAn
“The Vancouver Canucks are turning to two franchise icons to hopefully lead them back to glory. Daniel and Henrik Sedin were named co-presidents of hockey operations on Thursday, and the identical twins’ first act was to hire former teammate Ryan Johnson as general manager.” [NHL.com]
Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.
The Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres were battling it out on Thursday night in the fifth game of their series, with both teams having won two games. The Habs had slow starts in the two previous games, and coach Martin St-Louis had been asked about them during his morning media availability. He explained what having a good start entailed:
It’s not just one thing. It’s to play with the right intentions, in the right place, early on. It might mean you have to defend, it might mean you have to forecheck, it might mean you go on the power play. It’s about having the right intentions and being dialed in early on.
One had to wonder if he had mentioned that to his player as they had yet another sloppy start, and this time, so did goaltender Jakub Dobes. As a result, he gave up three goals on the first four shots he faced. Thankfully, the Canadiens didn’t let the Sabres distance themselves, coming back from behind twice, but by the end of the first frame, it was 3-2 Buffalo.
Montreal didn’t look much better to start the second frame. The top line got caught in the defensive zone for extended shifts twice, and as they were changing, Tage Thompson got a breakaway. Dobes stood his ground, followed him and made a spectacular pad save to keep Montreal within one.
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) May 15, 2026
That save seemed to steady the Canadiens, who finally shook off their rough start and proceeded to score four unanswered goals. Josh Anderson scored the big equalizer, and Ivan Demidov almost scored the go-ahead goal. He got the puck through Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and Jake Evans, who’s not known for his finish, had to give it a light tap to push it in.
St-Louis can pat himself on the back for not pulling Dobes after he let in three goals on four shots, not that he was to blame for all of them, but he could have wanted to wake his team up with a goalie change. Instead, he stuck with his goalie and let him wake up the players with a big save. In the end, Dobes stopped 32 of the 35 shots he faced on the night for a .917 save percentage. In the post-game media availability, the coach explained that he consulted his goalie coach to decide whether to pull Dobes, and Marco Marciano told him to leave him in, a good call.
Bad Decisions
On top of being the victim of the momentum shift save, Thompson took a very bad penalty when he cross-checked Jake Evans high up while the Canadiens’ center was nowhere near the puck. Even if the refs had been pretty quiet to that point, they couldn’t let that one go, and the big forward was sent to the penalty box for two minutes.
He ended up getting out of there in just 10 seconds, after Nick Suzuki scored a quick power play goal to give the Habs a 5-3 lead. This is the second game in a row that Thompson takes an awful penalty, but this time around, the Canadiens made him pay.
Thompson wasn’t the only one with a questionable decision on the night; Rasmus Dahlin cross-checked Demidov as he was going to beat him to the net and got himself a trip to the box. On the penalty he drew himself, the Russian rookie finally scored his first playoff goal to make the score 6-3.
A DEMIDOV DAGGER ☄️
The rookie's first career Stanley Cup playoffs goal couldn't have come at a better time 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Y6u9SjPDwP
St-Louis has often spoken about his team shooting itself in the foot this season, and how good teams made them pay when they did. Tonight, the Canadiens were the good team, and they made the Sabres pay when they stabbed themselves in the foot.
The Top Players Turned Up
For the first time this postseason, Caufield and Slafkovsky registered points at even strength while Suzuki registered three points, and the Canadiens’ best players were their best players. There’s a lot to be said for and to like about depth scoring, but the chances of making a deep run in the playoffs are far greater when your top guns are firing on all cylinders. After a tough Game 4, Slafkovsky ended his night with three points.
Granted, this is only one game, but it may just be the start of something not only for the first line but for Demidov as well, who looked hell-bent on finally finding the back of the net. Lane Hutson also had two assists on the night, which gives him 12 points in 12 games in the postseason. He leads the team in points, but he has some way to go for the league leader, as Mitch Marner had 18 points at the time of writing.
The Canadiens will now have a chance to put an end to the series on Saturday night at the Bell Centre. Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM for what will be the first Saturday night playoff hockey game in a packed Bell Centre in 11 years.
The International Ice Hockey Federation's marquee tournament is often a tough sell because it falls in May during the NHL playoffs. Golden goal scorer Tage Thompson is still playing for the Buffalo Sabres and captain Clayton Keller and goalie Jeremy Swayman played in the NHL first round. Swayman also has a child on the way.
Some players need to recover from injuries after grueling seasons and there's no Olympics on the horizon as a carrot to attend.
But that doesn't mean there are no intriguing players at this year's hockey worlds. The Florida Panthers missing the playoffs after back-to-back titles opened some unexpected options for their players' countries.
Here are eight players to watch at the IIHF world championships:
USA's Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers
He's usually unavailable because of deep NHL playoff runs. But he'll be the USA's marquee player and the lone Olympic gold medal winner on the team. If he helps the USA repeat, he'll be the first American on the triple gold club with Olympic, world championships and NHL titles. He's scheduled to arrive on May 19. Boston's Mason Lohrei and Edmonton prospect Isaac Howard are the returnees. Washington's Ryan Leonard and Boston's James Hagens have chemistry from Boston College and the world junior championships.
He joined after the Penguins were eliminated by the Flyers. He's a triple gold club member already and played in last year's tournament. That super team featuring Nathan MacKinnon, Crosby, Celebrini and others was stunned by Denmark in the quarterfinals. Crosby will be an alternate captain.
Finland's Aleksander Barkov, Panthers
He missed the 2025-26 NHL season after injuring his ACL during his first day in training camp. This will give him an opportunity to suit up for his country after he missed the Olympics. His NHL teammate, Anton Lundell, will also play for Finland.
Sweden's Lucas Raymond, Detroit Red Wings
He finished third in Olympic scoring with nine points and is coming off his third consecutive 70-point season with the Red Wings.
Switzerland's Roman Josi, Nashville Predators
Switzerland lost to the USA in the 2025 championship game and is the host country this season. It has its share of NHL players, including Predators captain Josi, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Nino Niederreiter, Pius Suter and J.J. Moser.
As the NBA Draft Combine is officially underway in Chicago, Illinois, the Kentucky Wildcats have a few guys in the draft testing their luck as they look to get drafted June 23-24 in Brooklyn, New York.
Two-year Wildcat Otega Oweh is making a name for himself as he’s had two great scrimmages under his belt. In his first scrimmage, Oweh gave some peers a ho-hum 20-point game (7/12 FG, 1/3 on 3s), with four rebounds in just 18 minutes. The New Jersey native showed great athleticism, a high motor, and the ability to finish at the rim.
In the final scrimmage at the combine, Oweh did his thing, once again. He finished the day with another 21-point outing (6-14), 9-10 from the charity stripe, five rebounds, and one assist. Oweh’s lack of consistency from three-point range showed, as he was 0-5 from deep.
Oweh sits at 105 on the NBA Draft’s best player in 2026, according to ESPN. However, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor recently projected Oweh to be drafted 59th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With a couple of strong outings, good numbers, and his ability to defend, Oweh should get some looks in the second round of the draft next month.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: (EDITORS NOTE: This image was captured using a slow shutter speed) Darryn Peterson participates in the pro lane drill during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is the latest example of big stuff happening with the Washington Wizards when I’m traveling or heavily scheduled and unable to write or talk about the news.
If I’m on an airplane, you can count on the Wizards making a trade or getting a piece of major news. It feels inevitable.
So, in the last year (at least for a while) where the NBA rewards tanking, the Wizards tanked hardest and best and won the number one overall pick in this year’s loaded draft. “Loaded” in this case is used in a reputational kind of way. I haven’t run Ye Olde Draft Analyzer (YODA for short) yet and don’t have firm opinions on any of the prospects. In other words, I’ve heard people talk about how great this draft is at the top, but I haven’t assessed those claims for myself. Yet.
Judging by the headlines, The Official Rumor Silly Season is underway. The Wizards front office wisely communicated an openness to trading the top pick. If the prospects are as good as they’re reputed to be, a trade could deliver a proverbial King’s Ransom.
My favorite so far is the one about the Utah Jazz wanting to trade up a spot to pick Brigham Young forward AJ Dybantsa. If Dybantsa isn’t Washington’s guy at #1, then taking other stuff to move down a spot and get the guy they wanted anyway is just good business.
Here’s my quick first take on the numbers of the prospects widely considered to be in play for Washington at the top spot in the draft: Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer.
AJ Dybantsa | F | BYU
AJ Dybantsa could be the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft whether the Wizards keep the pick or not. | NBAE via Getty Images
What to like: It’d be hard to argue too much with Dybanta’s on-court production — per 100 team possessions, he averaged 41.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. He converted 56.8% of his twos, which suggests he’ll be able to compete inside, and he basically never fouled. He got to the free throw line regularly, which means he was stressing opponent defenses.
Yellow Flags: He shot 33.1% on threes, and his 77.4% free throw percentage is fine but not exceptional. Slightly bigger concern: not many steals or blocks for a 6-9 kid with superior athleticism. His overall offensive efficiency was strong despite the ho-hum three-point shooting and 5.0 turnovers per 100 possessions.
How he measured: Just fine — over 6-8 in socks with a 7-foot wingspan. His agility times were strong, and he practically jumped out of the gym (fourth best maximum vertical at the combine).
Darryn Peterson | G | Kansas
Is Darryn Peterson the most talented player in this year’s NBA Draft? | NBAE via Getty Images
What to like: Veteran draftnik Jonathan Givony says Peterson is the best talent in this year’s draft. He views Peterson as on a different level than Dybantsa. That’s strong praise. A few numbers jump off the screen — per 100 possessions, 40.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.9 steals, and 1.3 blocks. He shot 38.2% on threes and 82.6% from free throw line on (a high) 11.1 attempts per 100. Those stocks (steals + blocks) are an impressive signal of his athleticism and defensive activity.
Yellow Flags: Sub-50% on twos, a dozen missed games, and just 697 total NCAA minutes. The cramping issue is a legitimate concern, though reportedly the cause (creatine supplements) has been identified and corrected. His offensive rating (points produced per 100 individual possessions) was decent but unexceptional. Reportedly, Peterson would have preferred to play more of an on-ball role.
How he measured: Another ”just fine” — 6-4.5 in socks with a 6-9.75 wingspan. His agility times and vertical measurements look more than good enough to suggest he won’t be overwhelmed physically in the NBA.
Cameron Boozer | F | Duke
Could insane production and average NBA athleticism land Cameron Boozer in the top spot in this year’s NBA Draft? | NBAE via Getty Images
What to like: Insane production — per 100 possessions, 40.3 points, 18.3 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks. He shot 39.1% on a pretty good volume of threes, 60.7% on twos, and 78.9% from the free throw line on 13.2 attempts per 100. His offensive rating was 136, which is…well…insane considering his 29.9% usage.
Yellow Flags: Turnovers were a bit elevated (4.5 per 100), and the blocks are on the low side for someone who played a decent amount in the paint. Other than that, see “How he measured.”
How he measured: Potential concerns here, depending on how much his NBA team needs him to play inside. He’s 6-8.25 in socks with a 7-1.5 wingspan and a standing reach of 9-feet. Those are basically wing dimensions. But, he also weighs 253 pounds, which means he’s a big dude.
The agility times look pretty ordinary for a forward. The vertical measurements landed below the middle of the pack. Perhaps part of the explanation behind the relatively low blocks.
The forgoing should not be confused with a full evaluation, which is still to come. My initial impressions suggest it would difficult to go too wrong with any one of these three. They were all wildly productive at the highest levels of college basketball. Each has many strengths and a few fairly small worry points to nitpick. On first look, all three appear to be very strong prospects with a high likelihood of becoming outstanding NBA players.
We could watch him all summer, too. | NHLI via Getty Images
With two series Thursday night and one of them concluding, there is sadly no playoff hockey Friday nor Sunday either. It really is that time of year.
Islanders News
Matthew Schaefer: “I’m just happy I’m able to be a part of it to help these kids.” [NHL]
Some teammates raving about the Calder winner. [Isles]
Here’s a brief Q&A with him before he knew he won the Calder. [Isles on Twitter]
About draft prospect Ryan Lin, a defenseman some of you have targeted at 13th overall. [THN]
R.I.P. Paul Boutilier, an Isles (among other teams) defenseman in the ‘80s. [Post]
Elsewhere
Mitch Marner scored a pretty incredible breakaway goal as Vegas clinched their series over the Ducks. [NHL]
The Canadiens are also one win away from the conference final after winning Game 5 in Buffalo. [NHL]
The Sabres switched their goalies yet again. [Sportsnet]
Awaiting them are the Hurricanes, whose GM Eric Tulsky is enjoying their 8-0 ride. [NHL]
Officially now (after word leaked they asked Vegas for permission to speak to Bruce Cassidy), the Oilers have fired Kris Knoblauch, who never could recover from the yips that kept him from accurately throwing to first base. [NHL]
They’ll hope the new coach can somehow convince Connor McDavid to stay. [NHL | Sportsnet]
The Sedins are back to run the Canucks, with Ryan Johnson as GM. [Sportsnet | NHL]
Seven potential candidates for the Leafs coaching job. [Sportsnet]
Following a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the Boston Celtics now shift their attention toward a pivotal offseason and the upcoming NBA Draft, where they currently hold the 27th and 40th overall selections. Selecting near the back end of the first round, and in the early portion of the second, is familiar territory for the Celtics front office.
Since 2023, the Boston Celtics have selected Baylor Scheierman at No. 30 and Hugo Gonzalez at No. 28 in the first round, while also using second-round capital on Jordan Walsh at No. 35, Anton Watson at No. 54, and last year’s 32nd overall pick, which they ultimately traded in a deal that brought in Amari Williams and Max Shulga.
According to Hoopshype’s annual draft workout tracker, Boston has already begun the initial phase of its pre-draft evaluations for this draft cycle. Here are the prospects the Celtics have brought in so far:
Whether Brad Stevens, Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations, decides to package one or both selections in a trade for established talent or maneuver around the draft board, the group of prospects Boston has begun evaluating makes for an intriguing starting point in the team’s pre-draft process. So, let’s dive in.
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 27: Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm looks on during the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament game against the Duke Blue Devils at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Zuby Ejiofor is one of the more fascinating late first-round to early second-round prospects in this year’s draft class because of how translatable his role appears to be at the NBA level. The former Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball transfer blossomed into the centerpiece of St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball under Rick Pitino, developing from a high-energy rotational big into one of the most impactful two-way forwards in college basketball.
Ejiofor did measure in shorter than his previously listed 6’9” height at this year’s NBA Combine, but his leadership, motor, and non-negotiable attitude to the defensive side of the ball will still seemingly get him drafted pretty comfortably.
Defensively, is where his money is made. Ejiofor will be a versatile switch-capable big who can defend multiple frontcourt positions, protect the rim in weak-side rotations, and survive on the perimeter better than most players his size and weight. His combination of elite strength and good length (7’2” wingspan) allows him to hold ground against bigger centers despite lacking towering height. Without elite athletic ability, he relies on verticality and positioning. Scouts consistently point to his defensive instincts, motor, and physicality as NBA-level traits.
Ejiofor can create events on the defensive side as shown by his 7.2 block percentage (80th percentile) and 2.2 steal percentage which ranked in the 83rd percentile positionally, but his intangibles along with all the traits I listed above make him so much more impactful looking outside the box score. This made him an advanced analytics darling last year as he ranked third in the nation in BPM (Box Plus Minus) and 11th in DBPM (Defensive Box Plus Minus). These stats should not be taken as end all be all projections as they are not perfect.
Offensively, his game is still evolving, but there are intriguing signs of modern utility. He plays with a relentless motor and thrives doing the kind of connective, winning plays NBA teams value from role-playing frontcourt pieces like being a good screener, a strong finisher around the rim, offensive rebounding and an increasingly effective passer in dribble-handoff actions and short-roll situations. One of the more notable developments in his game this past season was his improvement as a facilitator, showcasing better court vision and decision-making from the high post. His 3.7 assists per game and 23 assist percentage both ranked in the 97th percentile.
His bruiser/bully mentality on offense did lead to him getting to the line a ton in college. His 69.4% free throw rate (seven attempts per game) ranked in the 95th percentile. He converted 71% of his attempts at the stripe which is solid for a guy his size but if he can get better from there, that would be great. This ties into the swing skill for him which is his perimeter shooting.
I believe Zuby Ejiofor has the potential to develop into a Swiss Army knife, high-IQ frontcourt player who does not necessarily need to be a great shooter to impact winning, though added perimeter range would certainly elevate his value. He shot just 30% from three-point range last season on 59 attempts and has yet to demonstrate consistent enough touch from beyond the arc to command defensive attention at the collegiate level. That said, he has shown enough makes to suggest there is at least some developmental upside, and his shooting mechanics are not broken, leaving room for gradual improvement over time.
If everything goes as planned for Zuby Ejiofor, I see a considerable amount of Isaiah Stewart likeness in his game (probably minus the fights).
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – APRIL 04: Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on while playing against the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Just because players share a last name does not necessarily mean they are related, but when you see “Stojakovic” on the back of a basketball jersey, it naturally invites speculation about a possible family connection. In this case, however, the assumption is correct: Andrej Stojakovic is the son of former NBA All-Star and champion Peja Stojakovic.
Andrej transferred to Illinois last season after spending his first two years with Stanford and California. On offense, he is probably the opposite of what you would expect from someone with his last name. The 6’5” wing is an absolute slashing two-point scoring oriented player, and he does something Brad Stevens noted as a point of improvement for the Celtics.
At his end-of-season press conference, Stevens emphasized the need for the Celtics to generate more consistent rim pressure moving forward. “One of the things that we’ve gotta figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim,” Stevens said, later expanding on the point by asking, “I think the biggest thing is can we generate looks at the rim?”
One of the more notable remarks from the session came when he underscored the organization’s offensive priorities, stating, “Every one of us would prefer a dunk over that, over a three. Every single one of us. And we struggled to generate them.”
Stojakovic ranked in the 98th percentile in unassisted rim makes per 100 possessions last season at 5.4 shooting 66% from there. Furthermore, he averaged 11 rim attempts per 100 possessions, and over half of his overall attempts on the season come from there. Even though he averaged seven less minutes and four less shots than his previous season at California, when he got his opportunities to slash, Illinois did a good job of having the floor spaced whether it was from the wing or a planned iso at the elbow.
38% of his possessions on offense saw him driving to the rim, and he achieved 1.00 PPP (points per possession) on that play type. He’s not the most athletic guy, but he shows real craft and determination when driving that works more often than not. He loves to use the spin move when defenders manage to cut him off, or he feels majority of their momentum going one way. This driving ability also translates to transition offense as he posted 1.38 PPP on the break. He also seems somewhat comfortable in the mid-range area as he shot 45% from there.
As a shooter though, Andrej has struggled all three years of his collegiate career. He’s at 30.5% on average in his campaigns and just had his worst one from three shooting 24.4% on 2.5 attempts. His release isn’t the smoothest and is slower than you would like. Unless he can rework his mechanics (totally possible), this almost entirely limits his ability as someone who can create threes for himself and make them off the bounce. Also, I don’t believe his handle is the best, but it is effective for what he does.
On defense I do see him being a solid team and individual defender. He routinely stays in front of the ball and has good instincts when peeling off to either another offensive player or to passing lanes. He didn’t post great defensive playmaking statistics last season (0.9 stl % + 1.9 blk %) but with his pursuit and contests after screens I do see some shot blocking ability. In his 2024-2025 season with Cal, he posted a 3.6 blk percentage (1.2 a game) which ranked in the 96th percentile for his position.
It remains to be seen whether Andrej Stojakovic will ultimately hear his name called on draft night, but he has shown enough to warrant a closer look during the evaluation process from Boston.
Kashie Natt | 6’3” | Guard-Wing | Sam Houston St. | 23
Kashie Natt is one of the most unique players in this NBA Draft cycle. He started his collegiate career at the JUCO level playing at Southern Shreveport before transferring and playing his next three seasons at LSU Alexandria. He turned some heads with his play there winning NABC Player of the Year and NAIA National Player of the Year ultimately leading to his step up in division play.
The 6’3” Natt is a literal annoying gnat (in the most complimentary way possible) to every offense he plays. He is a defensive menace and plays with an edge that only a few can match. Natt’s 4.2 stl % ranked in the top 20 in the nation, tallying him as one of the most disruptive players in college basketball. Well, I guess him winning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year would do the trick also.
His athleticism helps him be that disruptive defender as he is one of the best vertical athletes in the Draft. He’s able to rise up like a center for some incredible blocks either on ball or help side.
On the ball, his quick feet and anticipation make him one of the best in the class. His hands and instincts are absurd, and he flies around making plays from distances most cannot. His traits have me thinking he could be really valuable as a gap defender at the next level with those hands, instincts, and range.
Another reason why he’s so unique is that he averaged 8.2(!) rebounds a game at 6’3” with 2.3 of those coming on the offensive glass which we know the Celtics love. This past season he posted a 23.6 defensive rebound percentage which I’m not sure a player his height or shorter has done in a long time. He led all of Conference USA in defensive rebounds and double doubles. His play even translated versus higher levels of competition as he put up 16 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals on Texas Tech who was #10 at the time.
Natt isn’t a ready-made offensive player which I’ll discuss later, but he did shoot 39% from three 2.5 attempts last season. His last four years have seen him hit 34.9% from behind the arc so there is some level of consistency with him as a shooter. This of course will be pivotal to his value at the next level as I believe he can contribute on defense right away.
Although I love the traits he has, Natt is not a perfect player. Defensively, the only concern I see is foul trouble. His fiery temperament and blazing play style can occasionally lead to early fouls. That said, the issue may not be as pronounced at the NBA level, where he would play fewer minutes and have an additional foul to work with. On offense he is not a polished player. He can get crazy with the handle sometimes which can lead to turnovers. He only averaged 1.2 turnovers last season, so I don’t see this being a big issue.
As a playmaker, I don’t see him doing anything extraordinary. When creating for himself he does have flashes of some on the ball pop especially as a straight-line driver using his athleticism to get to the lane. When he gets there though, he has to work on finishing through contact and making rim reads for teammates. Other than that, I can’t see him as of right now being someone you can say consistently, “here take the ball and create offense” and honestly that’s ok.
While Kashie Natt is going through the draft process right now, he did sign to transfer to Oklahoma State next season, meaning it’s not set in stone if he comes out this year. Whether it’s this year or next, I love the outlier traits Natt presents and will keep an eye on him.
Dusty May asserted himself as the portal king as he built a championship-winning roster last season, and he found the right pieces going into next season that sets Michigan up to defend its crown.
Louisville proved its all-in and is ready to get back in the national title conversation.
Louisville secured the top transfer in Flory Bidunga (Kansas), an absolute defensive monster that changes games. Plus, Louisville added Alvaro Folgueiras (Iowa) after he became a March hero for the Hawkeyes.
Other additions include big names the Cardinals are hoping can bounce back after injury-riddled campaigns. Jackson Shelstad (Oregon) spent two seasons dropping all sorts of points for the Ducks before he was limited to just 12 games last season, and Karter Knox (Arkansas) can rebound from a meniscus injury. There’s also De’Shayne Montgomery (Dayton) and Gabe Dynes (USC).
On paper, this should be a Final Four contender. Pat Kelsey has all the pieces to have one of the most lethal offenses in the country. If Louisville lives up to expectations, the Cardinals will be heading to Detroit.
Duke
Duke is always going to be a title contender because, well, it’s Duke. But Jon Scheyer has learned it takes a lot more than elite freshmen to succeed in March, and this could finally be the right recipe.
The Blue Devils got a premier scorer in John Blackwell (Wisconsin), one of the best shooters available in the country after he scored at least 20 points in nearly half of his games this past season. He can command the offense and kickstart runs that put teams away. Duke also got Drew Scharnowski (Belmont), a mid-major star that will be a force in the interior with all-ACC capabilities, which could make the Duke frontcourt one of the most feared in the sport. There's also the intrigue of Jacob Theodosiou (Loyola-Md.), a guard that could lead the second unit off the bench.
It’s been 11 years since Duke last won a national title, the longest drought since it captured its first championship in 1991. It also hasn’t won one since Mike Krzyzewski retired. The pressure is on to stop falling short in March, and the amount of experience coming in with the freshmen sensations could finally get Scheyer over the hump and restore order in Durham.
Texas
Sean Miller somewhat surprised in his first season, going from First Four to the only double-digit seed to reach the Sweet 16. It was still a talented roster and has followed it up by assembling a squad for his second season that will be expected to reach the second weekend of the tournament.
The Longhorns got two of the best players from its old conference in the Big 12, bringing in Isaiah Johnson (Colorado) and David Punch (TCU). Johnson made a name for himself right away when he put up 24 points in his college debut, and he ended up leading the Buffaloes in about every statistical category. He quietly was one of the best freshmen in the country, while Punch took a big leap in his second season, comfortably become an effective post player. There's also guys ready to take that next step in Elyjah Freeman (Auburn), Mikey Lewis (Saint Mary's) and Amari Evans (Tennessee).
In total, all five of Texas' transfers ranked in the top 100 available players, according to 247Sports, meaning they're all capable of making big contributions alongside a formidable freshmen class. The Longhorns are shaping up to show last season was just the start of a successful tenure for Miller.
Tennessee
Rocky Top is still searching for that first Final Four appearance after falling just short in the past three seasons. Rick Barnes has gotten Tennessee to the doorstep by building up transfers, but this time, he's got some already solidified ballers that can bring the Volunteers to the promise land.
Tennessee addressed the roster depletion by making additions to every single position. It starts with Juke Harris (Wake Forest), who was one of the top 15 scorers in the country (21.4 ppg) last season and turned it up against quality opponents. The backcourt is loaded, from Dai Dai Ames (Cal) and his clutch gene to Missouri Valley Conference player of the year Tyler Lundblade (Belmont) and his remarkable shooting figures (93.4% free throw percentage, 1st in Division I). Then there's Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU) who became a star in the NCAA Tournament, an all-around wing player in Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame) and exceptional defenders in Braedan Lue (Kennesaw State) and Miles Rubin (Loyola Chicago).
This is shaping up to be an elite offense, as Tennessee is bringing in players that combined for an average of 107.3 points per game. Of course, not everyone will produce the numbers at their previous stops, but it makes for a team that has several guys that can be plugged in and cause headaches for opponents, with the potential to take reign in the SEC.
UConn
UConn just played in its third championship game in four seasons — winning two of them — and Dan Hurley smartly maneuvered to keep the Huskies one of the top dogs.
His two biggest needs were replacing Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr., and while you can't get exact 2.0 versions of them, Hurley found Nikolas Khamenia (Duke) and Najai Hines (Seton Hall) to fill those roles. Khamenia was a five-star recruit out of high school that didn't play much due to Duke's loaded roster, but in those few minutes proved to be a quality shooter while gritty in crashing the boards. Hines was another highly touted freshman that showed off strength near the basket, swatting shot attempts and generating second-chance opportunities. He has the physicality Hurley will love.
The approach to find the right pieces instead of going after best talent will benefit Hurley, especially knowing he's got key contributors back and intriguing freshmen also coming in. Don't get tired of seeing UConn playing for championships just yet.
Buffalo Sabres (50-23-9, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (48-24-10, in the Atlantic Division)
Montreal, Quebec; Saturday, 8 p.m. EDT
LINE: Canadiens -159, Sabres +134; over/under is 6.5
NHL PLAYOFFS SECOND ROUND: Canadiens lead series 3-2
BOTTOM LINE: The Montreal Canadiens host the Buffalo Sabres in the second round of the NHL Playoffs with a 3-2 lead in the series. The teams meet Thursday for the 10th time this season. The Canadiens won the previous meeting 6-3.
Montreal has a 23-12-3 record in Atlantic Division games and a 48-24-10 record overall. The Canadiens have committed 350 total penalties (4.3 per game) to rank fourth in the league.
Buffalo is 50-23-9 overall with a 22-10-5 record in Atlantic Division games. The Sabres have committed 316 total penalties (3.9 per game) to rank ninth in league play.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nicholas Suzuki has scored 29 goals with 72 assists for the Canadiens. Lane Hutson has one goal and nine assists over the last 10 games.
Rasmus Dahlin has 19 goals and 55 assists for the Sabres. Zachary Benson has scored four goals and added three assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Canadiens: 6-3-1, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.4 assists, 5.7 penalties and 14.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.2 goals per game.
Sabres: 5-4-1, averaging 2.9 goals, 4.8 assists, 5.9 penalties and 16.3 penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game.
INJURIES: Canadiens: Patrik Laine: out (abdomen).
Sabres: Noah Ostlund: out (lower body), Jiri Kulich: out for season (ear), Justin Danforth: out for season (kneecap).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
ANAHEIM, May 14th, 2026– In California, Duck Season typically runs from October through January. But tonight, for one night and one night only, it was reopened at the Honda Center.
According to California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Vegas Golden Knights could have scored two more goals tonight. But, as it turned out, they didn’t need to hit the daily bag limit to defeat the Anaheim Ducks.
The puck dropped at 6:50 p.m. PST. They made their way through the handshake line at 9:36, and because media availability was so short, I imagine that the team was wheels up for a flight back to Las Vegas by 10:15. Head coach John Tortorella also declined to speak to the media following the series win.
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals is scheduled for 5 p.m. PST on Wednesday at Ball Arena in Denver.
1. Birds of Prey? No– Birds *Are* Prey
The Ducks were moving targets for the Golden Knights tonight– and it had nothing to do with wearing orange. They made costly mistake after costly mistake, and the Golden Knights capitalized on nearly every single one. There is no better example than their shorthanded goal, which came after the Ducks cheated for offense. Mitch Marner took advantage of this.
“As soon as I saw that he had the puck with some time and space, I just tried to build up speed,” said forward Brett Howden following the 5-1 win. “I thought he was going to kick it out to me, and then he didn’t– he just stayed patient, stayed patient. When he has the puck on his stick, I just try to get to the net… Luckily enough, I found some space, and he made the play.”
Howden became just the eighth player in NHL history to score three short-handed goals in the same postseason.
“It’s funny,” said Howden postgame. “I was just telling Mitch that I don’t know if I’ve ever had a shorthanded goal before. He’s made some unbelievable plays to set me up for some of those.”
2. Next Man Up
It’s important to note that the most impressive part of the Golden Knights’ blowout win is that they did it without Brayden McNabb. The defenseman received a one-game suspension from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety following a hit on Ryan Poehling in Game 5 that knocked the Ducks forward out of the game, and out of Game 6 as well.
“Losing Nabber [is tough],” said defenseman Rasmus Andersson following Game 5. “He’s one of the leaders, if not the leader, on the back end. It’s time for other players to step up.”
And step up they did.
Andersson, Shea Theodore, and Noah Hanifin all played over 24 minutes tonight. Kaedan Korczak returned to the lineup and performed admirably in a limited role. Ben Hutton, too, has given the Golden Knights solid minutes ever since returning to the lineup six games ago. Dylan Coghlan, who played just three games with the NHL club during the regular season, has played in each of the last three games. He logged nearly 20 minutes tonight, recorded four hits, and was a +3.
3. That’s Me in the Spotlight, Losing My Religion
Brayden McNabb has served as alternate captain this season, and Mitch Marner wore the ‘A’ in his absence. And, boy, did he ever fill that role. He scored just 62 seconds into the first period, and made Brett Howden’s shorthanded game-winning goal happen. Marner continues to lead the postseason in scoring with seven goals and 18 points in 11 games.
“He’s a game-breaker, right? You saw it in that series– he was the best player in the series,” said Jack Eichel following the 5-1 win. “He comes out here at the beginning of the first period, makes two incredible plays, and all of a sudden we’re playing with the lead.
“Mitch has been incredible,” continued Eichel. “From day one in training camp, his personality has gelled really well with the team. Obviously, his play is incredible. He’s on a pretty special run right now, and it’s been a lot of fun to watch.
“I feel like he’s had a lot of critics,” Eichel finished. “He’s shutting a lot of people up right now. I’m super happy for him.”
Wreathed with more than 150 years of hopes, dreams and drama, the FA Cup reflects sporting heritage and mystique
Footballing physiques have changed a great deal over the decades, but when Chelsea meet Manchester City on Saturday there’s one outline we’ll all recognise. While the average shape has got leaner and more toned, this body has stayed comfortable in its old-school proportions. A modest waist gives on to surprisingly wide hips. Arms that have never lifted weights remain a little skinny for the frame. And yet none of this has been a hindrance in the modern game: every year, the FA Cup trophy still ends up on the winning team.
This is one of sport’s most iconic pieces of silverware, wreathed with more than 150 years of hopes, dreams and drama. It’s a far more emotive sight than the cartoonishly crowned Premier League trophy, or even the stylishly minimalist Champions League trophy. And this makes it even more extraordinary to remember that the object itself is still not out of its tween years. This weekend it will make its 13th Cup final appearance.
The 35-year-old will break the Bears’ top-flight appearance record against Northampton – and still hasn’t scored a try
Bristol’s Jake Woolmore has been pursuing a couple of personal goals for a while. Beneath the Friday night lights in Northampton he is about to tick off one of them by breaking the Bears’ top-flight appearance record. If he is also able to mark this special occasion by surrendering his status as the least likely person in the league to score a try, so much the better.
With fifth-placed Bristol seeking a win over the league leaders to bolster their playoff hopes, the 35-year-old prop is quick to stress the team’s interests come first. That said, if he makes it over the try‑line for the first time on his 142nd league appearance for the club (and 184th in all competitions), the celebrations will be even mightier. As he puts it: “I can’t imagine there are many people who’ve played over 180 games for one club without scoring.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 10: De'aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a three-point basket against Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 10, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a dominant victory in Game Five, the San Antonio Spurs will head to Minnesota with a chance to clinch a spot in the Western Conference Finals. In case you’re looking for even more drama than an elimination game, it will be the first time Victor Wembanyama has played in the Target Center since he was ejected from Game Four of the series.
The Spurs found success in Minneapolis the last time they had a must-win game coming off a blowout at home. San Antonio won Game Three in Minnesota 115-108, thanks to some clutch scoring by Wembanyama down the stretch. This game will likely elicit a more desperate effort from the Wolves, who are known for fighting back when their backs are against the wall. San Antonio will need to be ready for a feisty and physical Wolves squad playing in front of a raucous crowd.
The Silver and Black will trot into Minnesota with a clean injury report. They’ll need all hands on deck to close this series out on the road. With the Oklahoma City Thunder getting plenty of rest, and the unpredictability of a Game Seven, San Antonio will have a bit of desperation themselves to win this series in six.
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Spurs Injuries: No injuries
Timberwolves Injuries: Donte DiVincenzo – Out (achilles)
What to watch for:
Getting to the basket
The Spurs outscored the Wolves in the paint 68-36 in Game Five. They relentlessly attacked the paint, especially in transition, to put Minnesota away in the second half. Getting to the rim and scoring through contact should be a focal point for their offense in Game Six, especially if the Wolves are thinking about going smaller with Rudy Gobert sitting on the bench. Gobert has been great defensively in this series, but has struggled offensively in the last few games, which has led to the Wolves going to Naz Reid at the center spot to spread the Spurs out a bit and add some offensive versatility to their lineup. Without Gobert’s rim protection, San Antonio has been able to capitalize at the rim. They’ll need more of that to close out this series on the road.
Can a second Timberwolf step up?
Anthony Edwards has been incredible in this series. He’s averaging 23.6 points while shooting 50.6% from the field and 40% from three. He’s been so good that the Spurs have elected to double-team him every time he catches the ball or brings it up the floor. San Antonio has begged another Timberwolf to beat them, and so far, none of them have risen to the challenge. Julius Randle has struggled, Ayo Dosumnu hasn’t hit the heights of his performance in the first round, and Jaden McDaniels has struggled to score over Wembanyama at the rim. If just one of these players turns it on in Game Six, the Spurs’ strategy of doubling Edwards could fall apart, and we may see a new defensive scheme from Mitch Johnson and Sean Sweeney.
Role players hitting threes
San Antonio has had hot-and-cold shooting performances from its role players in the playoffs. Julian Champagnie started the playoffs shooting the lights out, but has come back to earth a bit in recent games. Devin Vassell has struggled to find his stroke from deep all postseason, shooting just 31% from three. The Spurs need these two to hit open shots on Friday. The Silver and Black’s guards have done a great job of penetrating and drawing multiple defenders. Their shooters need to make the defense pay for collapsing onto drivers.
While not a role player, De’Aaron Fox’s shooting stroke will be important here, too. Elimination games on the road are exactly where veterans need to step up and take the reins. Fox is only shooting 44% from the field and 30.6% from three. Getting some of those mid-range jumpers and pull-up threes to go down could be just what the Spurs need to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
