Not everyone in the county game is optimistic but players should start the season believing performances will be noticed by the England setup
Peter Moores could be forgiven for raising an eyebrow at England’s backing for Brendon McCullum after four years as head coach and that bleak Australian winter. Moores was afforded barely three across his two spells in the job, neither of which included an Ashes series.
But as his Nottinghamshire side begin the defence of their County Championship title away at Somerset this Friday, Moores is keen to look forwards. During his Ashes mea culpa, the England team director, Rob Key, said he wanted better communication with the counties on selection – music to the ears of the leading domestic coach.
Jannik Sinner beat 6-4 6-4 Czech 21st seed Jiri Lehecka in a rain-interrupted Miami final to become the first man since Roger Federer in to complete the Sunshine Double.
Sinner is just the eighth male player to win Indian Wells and Miami and has now won 34 consecutive sets at Masters level, dating back to his triumph in Paris in November. He is just the third man behind Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to win three consecutive Masters events and the first to do so without dropping a set in each of those three triumphs.
MADRID (AP) — The final six World Cup places will be decided this week with the conclusion of two playoff tournaments that will complete the 48-team lineup.
Eight teams from Europe will compete for four spots, while the new intercontinental tournament that is being staged in Mexico will determine the other two places.
The biggest ever World Cup — up from 32 teams in Qatar in 2022 — is being co-hosted by three nations for the first time: The United States, Canada and Mexico.
Four-time champion Italy is the standout name in the European playoffs as it tries to avoid missing out on a World Cup for a third consecutive time.
“We all know what we’re playing for,” said 32-year-old Italy winger Matteo Politano, who has never played in a World Cup. “For me, and for a few of the other senior players, it’s probably our last chance.”
European playoffs
There will be more European teams than from any other continent at the World Cup: 16.
Eight teams made it through the last round of the playoffs and will seek the final four spots in winner-take-all matches: Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Italy, Sweden vs. Poland, Kosovo vs. Turkey and Czech Republic vs. Denmark.
All four games will be played Tuesday.
The winner of the Turkey-Kosovo game will enter into Group D, which already has the United States, Paraguay and Australia.
Intercontinental playoffs
There is a different format for the intercontinental playoffs, which FIFA simply calls the Playoff Tournament.
Two teams will advance from a field of six.
The initial lineup was made up of two teams from CONCACAF (Jamaica, Suriname) and one each from Asia (Iraq), Africa (Congo), South America (Bolivia) and Oceania (New Caledonia).
Congo, Jamaica, Iraq and Bolivia made it through to the final two matches. Congo will face Jamaica and Bolivia will play Iraq.
The decisive games will be played in Guadalajara and Monterrey on Tuesday.
Who has qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Co-hosts: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan
June and July. It kicks off at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11. The final is on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, which will be referred to as New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament.
Just before that, Cayden Boozer committed one of the most brutal turnovers in tournament history. Let us not mince words.
Add it up, and Duke blew it, UConn stole it, and the Huskies won 73-72 in the Elite Eight, a game Duke had no business losing, and UConn had little business winning after facing a 15-point halftime deficit, but nobody’s better in March these past few years than Dan Hurley’s Huskies.
“It’s the UConn culture. It’s the UConn heart,” Hurley said on CBS, with his Huskies heading to the Final Four for the third time in the past four years.
“We just believe we’re supposed to win this time of year," Hurley added.
That says it all.
Duke led by two points with 10 seconds remaining and in possession of the ball. The Blue Devils would win if they could do only two things: Don’t turn the ball over. Make two free throws.
Duke never made it to the foul line, because apparently a bundle of NIL cash doesn’t buy fundamentals.
Duke didn’t even need to advance the ball past half court. The Huskies would have had to foul Duke, lest time expire. And, still, the Blue Devils played in a rush.
Boozer saw two teammates open under the basket. Just one problem: He had two defenders and four outstretched arms in his face. He threw the ball right into the limbs, instead of waiting for the foul to come.
Turnover.
UConn still needed to hit the shot, and Alex Karaban could’ve hoisted a contested shot from 30 feet. He’s the most prolific 3-point shooter in UConn history, and he’d just hit a 3 in the final minute. But, Karaban would’ve had a hand in his face, and so he made a veteran move.
Old teams win in March, and Duke’s young team choked it away, but also credit UConn’s youngest player on the court for hitting the winning shot.
At the time of the crucial turnover, Duke had three freshmen and two sophomores on the court, and a 38-year-old coach on the sideline.
They all got schooled.
“I was ready for a timeout,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said.
He didn’t call it.
Clearly, Scheyer never expected Boozer to throw such a risky pass.
“This is not about one play,” Scheyer said.
It’s about two plays, at least.
A crushing turnover, and an epic shot.
East Region too much for Duke in March Madness
We said before the tournament the selection committee placed Duke in the toughest region, despite being the No. 1 overall seed.
That came to fruition. The East was, indeed, a beast.
Duke got pushed hard by 16-seed Siena. It didn’t pull away from No. 9 TCU until the second half. No. 5 St. John’s supplied a 40-minute challenge. Then, Duke collapsed against No. 2 UConn.
The region draw shouldn’t excuse Duke’s exit, and yet No. 1 seeds Arizona and Michigan cashed in on much more favorable draws.
Big Ten can end NCAA Tournament title drought
The SEC qualified the most teams for the tournament, but the past two weeks showed us the Big Ten possessed the superior conference among the “Super Two” rivals.
From football to basketball, the SEC now resides under the Big Ten’s thumb, an incredible plot twist.
The SEC cemented its excellent 2025 tournament performance when Florida delivered to the conference its first national champion since 2012 Kentucky.
Michigan and Illinois, you're up. Champions get remembered.
Arizona-Michigan is the real national championship
Upsets happen, but, by all appearances, the de facto national championship will occur in the semifinal clash between Arizona-Michigan.
Those two teams looked like the cream of the bracket the entire tournament. Arizona starts five players who each average in double figures. Four of Michigan’s starters average in double digits, and the Wolverines’ Yaxel Lendeborg has emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest stars.
Pity the fool who spends their savings on Monday’s national championship game tickets. If only attending one day at the Final Four, go on Saturday, and know when you watch Arizona-Michigan that you just saw the national champion, even if you must wait for two days for the winner to receive its crown.
National championship prediction: Arizona beats Illinois
UConn’s comeback against Duke will overshadow that it’s next opponent, Illinois, looked smooth while emerging from the South Region. UConn beat Illinois in November. The Illini are playing better now. They can flip that result. An excellent offensive team, the Illini’s defense rounded into top form by tournament time.
As for the other semifinal, Michigan has looked as dominant as any team in the tournament, but I just trust Arizona a bit more. I’m drawn to the experience of senior point guard Jaden Bradley. I can’t envision him pulling a Duke and turning the ball over with the lead in the final seconds.
Also, you never know which Wildcat will lead Arizona in scoring. I like such a well-rounded team. Or, every member of the starting five might go for 18 points apiece. That balance leaves me unable to resist picking Arizona.
‘You won’t remember Salah more than I remember Messi’
Forward urged to consider Saudi Arabia or Europe
Egypt’s national team director, Ibrahim Hassan, has cautioned Mohamed Salah against moving to Major League Soccer when he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season. Salah has yet to announce his next move after he ends a hugely successful nine-year spell at Liverpool, where he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
The MLS commissioner, Don Garber, has said he would love to see Salah in the league, though it is unclear whether any teams will attempt to sign the 33-year-old.
Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
Sharks center Michael Misa has shown lots of promise during his rookie NHL season.
“Kid’s going to turn up some juicy numbers,” an NHL scout, not affiliated with the Sharks, told San Jose Hockey Now. “He’s going to control the pace of a shift.”
Macklin Celebrini and Misa “will be possibly the best one-two center alignment in the NHL” one day, this scout predicts. “These two centers will change the West.”
But today?
Misa, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft, is just trying to earn a little more ice time in his rookie campaign.
How can he get more playing time?
The 19-year-old center played a career-high 17:53 against the Philadelphia Flyers on March 21.
For the most part, however, Misa (13:12) has played fewer minutes than Macklin Celebrini (21:59), Alex Wennberg (20:20), and, sometimes, fourth-line center Zack Ostapchuk (10:19), since his return from World Juniors on Jan. 11. On the surface, playing that much less than Celebrini and Wennberg might not make sense.
But there is a logical reason for this: Celebrini and Wennberg are special teams’ staples, and even Ostapchuk plays more on the second-unit penalty kill than Misa on the second-unit power play. Misa isn’t necessarily ready for either top power-play time or short-handed minutes.
At even strength, Misa (12:07) is much closer in deployment to Wennberg (14:41). Celebrini (18:41), of course, is the alpha dog, while Ostapchuk (8:38) brings up the rear.
“For the most part, we’re a good team when we roll our lines,” head coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “When he’s going, he’s playing. But there are games, as a young guy, you just fight a little bit, you play him a little bit less. And that’s something that he’s learning.”
Functionally, Misa is the Sharks’ third-line center right now, a heavy burden in a playoff race. He has done a credible job there, too, especially offensively, with six goals and 13 points in 27 games since Jan. 11.
But what does he have to do, in all honesty, to overtake Wennberg as the Sharks’ second-line center? If not this year, then next? It’s not that complicated, according to Warsofsky … but it’s not easy, either.
“He’s got to learn when he doesn’t have his A-game, which you’re not going to for 82 games, your C-game has to be impactful,” Warsofsky said. “And we’ve seen that with some older players, they’ve learned that. That’s just a step in his development.
“When he’s struggling to make [offensive] plays, he’s a playmaking center that can make plays, and there’s going to be games where he just doesn’t feel confident or you can’t connect on a play or your hands are not there that night or your legs … your play away from the puck, your physicality, defending, being responsible away from the puck, that’s how you grow.”
Wennberg, 31, is a model for this: The 2013 Columbus Blue Jackets’ first-round draft pick, while not as offensively gifted as Misa, has transformed himself into one of the better two-way centers in hockey.
“You look around the league, centers that can play defense,” Wennberg said, “you get trust from the coaching staff, and at the end of the day, [that] helps you win hockey games. That’s what it really comes down to.”
Misa understands that.
“It’s been a learning curve for me defensively,” Misa said.
So how, exactly, can Misa improve defensively?
When people talk about pace in hockey, they often refer to the offensive side, but defending with pace is just as important.
“Sometimes, the game has sped up on him a little bit, which is to be expected,” Warsofsky said. “You got to defend in this game. You have to be quick to do it and read it quick.”
Misa agrees with Warsofsky.
“For me, it’s more being aware of my responsibility, when their offense is in motion, guys are criss-crossing, just staying on my guy,” Misa said.
There were a couple of examples of potentially quicker reads that Misa could have made during the Sharks’ recent six-game losing streak.
Trent Frederic (10) pinches on Sam Dickinson (6); it’s a 50-50 puck battle along the wall. Misa (77) skates by, expecting Dickinson to come up with the puck. On the other hand, veteran center Adam Henrique (19) helps out his teammate, wins the puck, and finds Vasily Podkolzin (92) in the slot.
Jack Han, Hockey Tactics 2026 author, doesn’t put it all on Misa.
“80-20 [puck battle], then you should go,” Han said. “If it’s 20-80, then you shouldn’t. 50-50, hard to say.”
If Dickinson wins the puck to Misa, the centerman is off to the races, a step ahead of Henrique.
But that’s not what happened.
“Always supporting the play as the center,” Misa said. “It’s something I’m continuing to work on.”
It seems strange to blame Misa for this Rasmus Dahlin (26) breakaway goal, considering Dahlin was Mario Ferraro’s man. But if you rewind the tape, Dahlin gets a step on Ferraro (38) because of a slow Sharks’ line change: Ferraro, just jumping on the ice, never has a chance.
Once again, to be clear, the weight of this goal, like Podkolzin’s, isn’t mostly on Misa. But it’s the kind of defensive breakdown that a more veteran center might recognize quicker and try to help out on.
“I don’t know if he gets to Dahlin, either way,” Han said. “But if he looks, maybe he can get a stick on the pass.”
Misa also is still filling out his 19-year-old frame.
“Coming in as a young centerman, you got to get guys up in the corners and just be tougher on guys,” Misa said. “He wants me to be [better] defensively … playing [harder to play against] on guys.”
That said, Misa has made defensive strides this season.
“He’s good with puck battles, second effort on pucks, probably one area has really improved up since beginning of the year,” Warsofsky said.
Also, per Stathletes, Misa is fairly responsible with the puck.
For example, he has averaged just 3.21 Neutral Giveaways Per 60 since Jan. 11, fifth among Sharks forwards. Celebrini, who has earned that superstar license to try pretty much whatever he wants on the ice, actually is team-worst in this category, just over double Misa’s rate.
Misa’s puck management isn’t bad for a teenager who dropped 134 points on the OHL last year. Usually, that profile of a prospect is far riskier with the puck in his rookie year.
All this has Misa feeling more trusted, defensively.
“I’m getting a lot more chances to take defensive zone draws, because Warso is starting to trust me there,” Misa said. “It’s a good feeling. When you get out there defensively and you break the puck out and [that] leads to offense.”
Offense, of course, is what Misa is going to be known for.
And he has made strides there, too.
“He’s gotten more comfortable playing in the middle of the ice with the puck,” Warsofsky said. “When he gets pucks to the middle of the ice, he’s skating, he’s looking to attack. That’s one area that’s really improved…He’s comfortable with it on his stick. You can see he’s got his head up.”
This play by William Eklund and Michael Misa is actually disgusting! 🤢
“He has definitely improved, and is looking more comfortable and confident,” another NHL scout said, “looks more assertive and sure on the ice.”
The defense has grown for Misa. So has the offense. And more ice-time will come with it, maybe not this year, but next season, when he should be quicker and stronger.
“There’s still ways to go in that regard, and he’ll continue to learn and get better,” Warsofsky said. “We’ve had some really good moments of growth with Mis here. He’s gonna be a hell of a player. We’re excited about him. He’s come a long way from day one.”
Mar 29, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Boston Celtics forward/guard Jayson Tatum (0) shoots over Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images | Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images
In the moments just before tipoff against the Charlotte Hornets, with a crowd heavy on Duke fans not yet experiencing the pains of March Madness heartbreak, Jayson Tatum flexed his bicep and pointed to the stands.
The crowd erupted, and that wouldn’t be the only time on Sunday night.
In his best scoring performance since his return on March 6, Tatum scored 32 points on 52% shooting, making it the first time he’s reached the 30-point threshold in a regular season game since April 8, 2025 against the New York Knicks. It was also his first time back in uniform at the Spectrum Center since Nov. 2 of last year, a place where he’s tormented the Hornets with 30 or more points 11 times.
“He did a good job just getting to the spot that he wanted,” Joe Mazzulla said. “He did a great job on the offensive end just diagnosing different coverages and making the play that was necessary.”
Tatum has long prided himself on his availability for road games where fans travel from all over to sport his jersey and rep the Celtics from outside of Boston. Their 114-99 win was another chance for him to show out in front of a Charlotte crowd that consistently showered him with praise bucket after impressive bucket.
“I don’t decide, ‘S—t we playing the Hornets tonight, Ima chill. I only get to go to Charlotte two times a year. Somebody paid their money to come watch me play,” Tatum said in July 2024.
On Sunday night, the home of the Hornets often sounded eerily similar to the crowd pop in the Garden, starting with an uproariously loud response to his game-opening two-handed dunk. Tatum played a part in the team’s first 15 points before checking out at the 5:16 mark of the opening quarter, and finished with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting by halftime.
Tatum is steadily looking more and more comfortable out on the floor, with every game providing an opportunity to show that growth in confidence as his workload increases. That was especially evident on a night where two starters in Jaylen Brown and Derrick White were on the injury report.
“I didn’t feel I was sped up or off-balance that much,” said Tatum after the game. “I still was kind of tired, so that’s something I’m working through, but I just like that I’m decisive in my movements and exploding when I needed to. Obviously, it helps when you hit shots. I can say I feel better than I did last game, hopefully I can feel better than I did today the next game I play. It’s still a work in progress.”
When the Hornets closed in on a single-digit deficit early in the fourth quarter, Tatum silenced the run in the next three minutes, assisting on a Neemias Queta dunk, driving into a 7-foot hook shot, and putting the Hornets away for good with a spot-up 3-pointer over Miles Bridges for a 16-point lead, walking back to the bench with a hand raised up toward the crowd as he checked out for the remainder of the game.
“I was competitive in the moment, and we called a timeout and got some stops and made some plays to seal the game,” Tatum said.
The win brings Boston to 50-24, officially clinching a playoff spot with eight games left to go, including a pair of road games in Atlanta and Miami on Monday and Wednesday. For Jayson Tatum, who was in his 11th game back, nothing is being taken for granted.
“You never want to take a season, a game, or making the playoffs for granted,” Tatum said. “It’s hard to win in this league. It goes to show the mindset of this organization to show top-down, we approach every single day with a winning mentality and the culture that we’ve set regardless of who’s in, who’s out, who we have on the roster.
“I think the product on the floor, it shows. It’s something to be proud of, the adversity that we’ve had to endure the last 12 months and to be the second team in the East and clinching another playoff berth, that means something.
Surrounded by media members after his best game of the season, the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn asked Tatum if it would be crazy to say that he was back.
Trailing by seven at halftime, Arizona produced a dominant second half to put the Boilermakers away. Wildcats players led the halftime pep talk before Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd provided the punctuation: “Let's go kick their ass."
Message received. Arizona outscored Purdue 48-26 after the break.
Lloyd was asked about the opening in Chapel Hill at Wednesday's press availability ahead of Thursday's Sweet 16. Here's what he said:
"I already have one of the best jobs in the country. One thing we talk about in our program all the time, and I think I've gotten better at, and I think our team has been crushing it this year, is just the ability to have full focus and be present in the moment.
"So I think we have a great team. I think we have a chance to advance in this tournament game by game. But I'm not delusional. I know we could lose tomorrow.
"But this team deserves my full focus, so there's not one thing that is going to knock me off my path. I'm 100 percent focused on Arizona basketball and this program, and I can't wait until the ball gets thrown up tomorrow, and then can't wait to try to figure out a way to come out on top."
Why Tommy Lloyd focused on freshmen and not 'overpriced' transfers
In the Year of the Freshmen across college basketball, no other freshman class in America has scored more points this season than the five active freshmen on Arizona, led by Brayden Burries, Koa Peat and Ivan Kharchenkov.
Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd instead took a different approach than many others last year, veering away from the transfer portal, where more experienced players typically seek to earn more money from their names, images and likenesses (NIL).
“We were able to get involved with some freshmen that we felt could be just big-time impact players in college basketball, no matter what year or what class they were,” Lloyd told USA TODAY Sports.
One reason Lloyd built his roster this way was because didn’t think there were going to be many “quality” transfers available in the portal.
“I thought it was going to be overpriced,” Lloyd said.
Is LeBron James' son on Arizona roster? Does he play?
Bryce James, LeBron's son, is on the Wildcats roster. The freshman is redshirting this season. Bryce was a three-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon, where brother Bronny James also attended.
Tommy Lloyd’s sidequest includes spinning it on the turntables in becoming a DJ.
He may not strike you as one you’d see mixing songs or making the beat drop, but Lloyd is quite the music lover. And this hobby he’s picked up has come with a masterful teacher, “one of the best DJs of all time” in Mix Master Mike.
“My sport is the art of turntables and hip hop. His sport is basketball. We just decided to collide into those two professions, and now we're here,” Mike told USA TODAY Sports. “It's just an amazing thing.”
Lloyd insists his DJ career is “more of a joke” than his next profession, but he may be selling himself short. Mike insists he’s better than he likely thinks he is. You just don’t show your team samples of your mixes for nothing.
“It's been a little bit of a — I guess — I don't know if a childhood fantasy, but probably a manhood fantasy for me that's come true,” Lloyd said. “It's been awesome to have that relationship.”
Koa Peat 2026 NBA Draft, mock draft prediction
No. 19 overall to Miami Heat
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
The Miami Heat have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to their organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro. Arizona plays at a significantly faster pace (4.6 extra possessions) when Peat is on the floor relative to when he is not, per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well with Miamis fastest-paced offense in the NBA.
Brayden Burries 2026 NBA Draft, mock draft prediction
No. 10 overall to Milwaukee Bucks.
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
Arizona freshman Brayden Burries had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard has continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. Burries has proven productivity and that he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble.
This is Michigan's ninth trip to the Final Four and first since 2018.
1964: lost to Duke in semifinal, 91-80; beat Kansas State in 3rd place game, 100-90
1965: beat Princeton in semifinal, 93-76; lost to UCLA in final, 91-80
1976: beat Rutgers in semifinal, 86-70; lost to Indiana in final, 86-68
1989: beat Illinois in semifinal, 83-81, beat Seton Hall in final, 80-79 in OT
1992: beat Cincinnati in semifinal, 76-72; lost to Duke in final, 71-51
1993: beat Kentucky in semifinal 81-78 in OT; lost to North Carolina in final, 77-71
2013: beat Syracuse in semifinal, 61-56; lost to Louisville in final, 82-76
2018: beat Loyola Chicago in semifinal, 69-57; lost to Villanova in final, 79-62
How old is Yaxel Lendeborg?
Yaxel Lendeborg is 23 years old. Lendeborg played three seasons at Arizona Western Community College before heading to UAB where he played two seasons. This is his first year at Michigan.
Is Elliot Cadeau deaf? Michigan PG overcame hearing, vision issues
Elliot Cadeau is half-deaf in one ear, dealt with blurred vision in one eye. That hasn't stopped Michigan point guard from turning in his best season.
One of Dusty May's son is a walk-on, the other is a student manager
Dusty May is surrounding by family on the Michigan bench. His son Charlie is a walk-on for the Wolverines, while another son, Eli, is a student manager — a role Dusty served under former Indiana icon Bob Knight.
In Michigan's Elite Eight blowout win over Tennessee, Charlie got into the game and drilled a 3-pointer, much to the delight of his Wolverines teammates.
“It’s obviously tough to give up playing the game and being on a team wearing a jersey,” Dusty May told USA TODAY Sports about Eli's role. “But I just thought as far as his long-term development, all the things our managers learn, problem-solving, they learn people skills. They learn to function. We try to give them a lot of responsibility because we know if they’re ever going to make it in coaching … they have to have the experience of doing meaningful work. Our managers have helped him become much more responsible.”
Where is Aday Mara from?
The 7-3 UCLA transfer is from Zaragoza, Spain. Mara was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after leading the Big Ten with 2.6 blocks per game.
The road from Champaign to Indianapolis is relatively easy — a two-hour straight shot due east on I-74.
Illinois' path to the 2026 Final Four wasn't as simple, but also didn't provide too many hazards as the Fighting Illini won all four of its NCAA Tournament games by double digits.
The No. 3 seeded Illini won the South Region by beating Big Ten rival Iowa, who did Illinois a solid by knocking out No. 1 Florida in the second round. Freshman star Keaton Wagler, who was overlooked in this year's loaded freshman class, won the South's Most Outstanding Player as Brad Underwood led the Illini to their first Final Four since 2005.
This is the Illini's sixth trip to the Final Four and first since 2005.
1949: lost semifinal to Kentucky, 76-47
1951: lost semifinal to Kentucky, 76-74
1952: lost semifinal to St. John's, 61-59
1989: lost semifinal to Michigan, 83-81
2005: won semifinal vs. Louisville, 72-57; lost in final to North Carolina, 75-70
Is Andrej Stojakovic related to Peja Stojakovic?
Yes, Peja is his dad. Peja Stojakovic played 13 seasons in the NBA, primarily for the Sacramento Kings, and was a three-time All-Star.
Andrej played at Cal and Stanford before transferring to Illinois.
How many Europeans are on Illinois' team? Why does Illinois have so many Europeans on its roster?
David Mirkovic is from Montenegro
Andrej Stojakovic lists Thessaloniki, Greece as his hometown
Tomislav Ivisic is from Croatia
Zvonimir Ivisic is from Croatia
Mihailo Petrovic is from Serbia
Toni Bilic is from Croatia
"Geoff Alexander, Orlando Antigua deserve most all of the credit in terms of building the relationships in Europe," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. "It's taken years. NIL has obviously helped enhance our abilities to attract some of the best players in Europe. But they're a great fit for us. It's not for everybody. I enjoy coaching 'em. They fit our university. We're a diverse university with a lot of international students, so it's a perfect fit for them.
"Basketball-wise it's a great fit for me, and I like coaching them. The way we're playing with positional size and shooting, it's just — it's a great marriage and a great fit. So we'll continue it. I would think others will continue to migrate over there and keep trying to recruit those guys."
Illinois' Jake Davis gets to play at home for Final Four
The Illini forward is from McCordsville, Indiana, a suburb northeast of Indianapolis, and played at Indy's Cathedral High School. He began his college career at Mercer before transferring to Illinois after the 2024 season. At Cathedral, Davis was known as "the guy who takes charges."
Illinois forward Ben Humrichous is also from Indiana, from nearby Tipton, about an hour north. He began his college career at Indiana's Huntington University (NAIA) and then transferred to Evansville.
Brad Underwood says Illinois will 'turn Indy orange', 'kick everybody's ass there'
On Sunday, Brad Underwood addressed a crowd of fans on campus:
"We had a huge group in Houston. I know we're going to turn it out in Indy. That's the story. We're going to turn Indy orange.. and blue. And kick everybody's ass there."
Keaton Wagler 2026 NBA Draft mock draft prediction
Atlanta Hawks, pick No. 7.
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
After trading away Trae Young, the Hawks could find their point guard of the future in Illinois standout Keaton Wagler using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. The 19-year-old guard scored 46 points while shooting 9-of-11 on 3-pointers against No. 12 Purdue on Jan. 24. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 41.0 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman this year. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 4.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game this season.
Philadelphia Flyers (37-24-12, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Washington Capitals (37-28-9, in the Metropolitan Division)
Washington; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Philadelphia Flyers visit the Washington Capitals after the Flyers took down the Dallas Stars 2-1 in overtime.
Washington has a 13-5-2 record in Metropolitan Division play and a 37-28-9 record overall. The Capitals have gone 32-8-3 when scoring three or more goals.
Philadelphia is 37-24-12 overall and 9-8-5 against the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers are sixth in the league with 292 total penalties (averaging 4.0 per game).
The teams play Tuesday for the fourth time this season. The Flyers won the previous meeting 4-1.
TOP PERFORMERS: Alexander Ovechkin has scored 29 goals with 28 assists for the Capitals. Cole Hutson has one goal and four assists over the past 10 games.
Owen Tippett has 27 goals and 21 assists for the Flyers. Noah Cates has five goals and four assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Capitals: 6-2-2, averaging 3.1 goals, 4.6 assists, 3.8 penalties and 9.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.4 goals per game.
Flyers: 8-1-1, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.2 assists, 4.1 penalties and 9.7 penalty minutes while giving up 1.8 goals per game.
INJURIES: Capitals: Ethen Frank: day to day (lower-body), David Kampf: out (not injury related).
Flyers: Rodrigo Abols: out (ankle), Nikita Grebenkin: out (upper body), Tyson Foerster: out (arm).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Montreal Canadiens (42-21-10, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (46-21-6, in the Atlantic Division)
Tampa, Florida; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Montreal Canadiens will try to build upon a five-game win streak with a victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Tampa Bay is 46-21-6 overall and 13-5-1 against the Atlantic Division. The Lightning have a 16-5-3 record in games their opponents commit more penalties.
Montreal has gone 42-21-10 overall with a 13-9-1 record in Atlantic Division play. The Canadiens serve 9.8 penalty minutes per game to rank eighth in the league.
The teams play Tuesday for the third time this season. The Lightning won the last matchup 5-4 in a shootout. Nikita Kucherov scored two goals in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brandon Hagel has scored 35 goals with 38 assists for the Lightning. Jake Guentzel has eight goals and five assists over the past 10 games.
Lane Hutson has 11 goals and 62 assists for the Canadiens. Cole Caufield has nine goals and six assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lightning: 7-1-2, averaging 4.2 goals, seven assists, 3.7 penalties and 10.3 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game.
Canadiens: 7-3-0, averaging 3.3 goals, 5.9 assists, 3.2 penalties and 8.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.1 goals per game.
INJURIES: Lightning: Nikita Kucherov: day to day (illness), Max Crozier: out (abdomen), Dominic James: out (leg), Declan Carlile: out (undisclosed), Victor Hedman: out (illness).
Canadiens: Alexandre Texier: day to day (lower body), Patrik Laine: out (lower-body), Josh Anderson: day to day (illness), Kirby Dach: out (upper body).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 29, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Without Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, Boston went into the Spectrum Center and beat Charlotte 114-99 in Jayson Tatum’s first 30-plus game of the year and 28 points from Payton Pritchard.
The Celtics got crushed by the Hornets just three weeks ago 118-89 at TD Garden and had won seven of their last nine games, but strong contributions from role players up and down the rotation was too much for the Hornets to overcome on the second night of a back-to-back. They’ll play each other again on April 7th back in Boston in what could be a first round preview.
With two weeks to go, the Celtics have clinched a spot in the playoffs and been a steady +600 at our friends at FanDuel to raise Banner 19 and the favorite to rep the Eastern Conference in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Jayson Tatum
30 minutes, 32 points (5-10 from 3, 3-5 from the free throw line, 12-23 from the field), 5 rebounds, 8 assists, one block, +15
Maybe it was because the game was so close to Durham where he played his college ball or maybe he’s starting to feel more like himself at Game #11, but Jayson Tatum looked really like Jayson Tatum against the Hornets.
The three-point shot was going down (hitting half of his ten three-point attempts), but more importantly, his drives were more aggressive, getting to the cup and the free throw line. He became the youngest Celtic ever to hit 14,000 points.
Grade: A+
Sam Hauser
33 minutes, 7 points (2-4 from 3, 1-2 from the free throw line, 2-4 from the field), 3 rebounds, +13
It was another game that felt like Hauser was just out there. He made half of his four attempts from behind the arc and was a +13 playing mostly with the starters.
Grade: B
Neemias Queta
28 minutes, 17 points (0-1 from 3, 1-2 from the free throw line, 8-13 from the field), 8 rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, +13
It always seems like when one of the Jays has it going, Queta is going to have a good game, too. It’s that symbiotic relationship between superstar and active big. Whenever the defense collapsed on Tatum or Pritchard, Queta either got the dish in the dunker spot or grabbed the offensive rebound for a putback.
Grade: A
Jordan Walsh
33 minutes, 3 points (0-4 from 3, 1-1 from the free throw line, 1-7 from the field), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, one steal, +14
As LaMelo Ball’s primary cover, Walsh put the clamps on him as a starter. Ball missed his first five shots of the game — he scored his first points in transition cross-matched against Pritchard. Ball would get it going in the second half and finish with 19, but Walsh’s work early cut off the head of the snake and allowed Boston to get out to an early double-digit lead and never look back.
In addition to his individual defense, Walsh got his hands on a lot of loose balls and deflected even more in Boston’s favor.
Grade: A
Payton Pritchard
37 minutes, 28 points (2-6 from 3, 6-6 from the free throw line, 10-18 from the field), 6 rebounds, 6 assists, one steal, 2 turnovers, +12
With Brown and White both out, Pritchard started for just the second time since being regulated back to the bench since the Celtics swapped Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic. He didn’t disappoint. Eight of his buckets came in the mid-range
Grade: A
Baylor Scheierman
28 minutes, 14 points (3-7 from 3, 3-4 from the free throw line, 4-11 from the field), one rebound, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, +6
Scheierman broke into the rotation playing solid defense and hitting his threes, but over the last few weeks, we’re getting a little more of the Baylor Showmanship that got us excited at the end of last season. I mean, look at this:
He had the most points off the bench (14) on a night when they were sorely needed with two starters out with injuries.
Grade: A-
Luka Garza
13 minutes, 2 points (1-1 from the field), one rebounds, +8
The Hornets are primarily a perimeter team, so Garza played just 13 minutes in Charlotte for a +8 stint. No complaints.
Grade: C
Hugo Gonzalez
12 minutes, 3 points (1-2 from 3, 1-2 from the field), 3 rebounds, one steal, -12
Gonzalez’s minutes are on the decline since the start of March. He’s played in every game and has injected that infectious energy that sometimes seems to swing the momentum in Boston’s favor when they need it. He took a couple of cracks at LaMelo and made a three-pointer.
Grade: C
Ron Harper Jr.
14 minutes, 7 points (1-1 from 3, 3-3 from the field), 3 rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, +10
Dude just floats around the court and finds ways to score. Before spraining his right ankle and leaving the game for the locker room, he bridged the first and second quarter hitting all three of his shots in a variety of ways: cutting backdoor on a screen, driving in semi-transition, and leaking out and canning a 3. He’s been a valuable contributor on his two-way deal and hopefully, he’ll sign with the big club this summer.
Grade: A
Charles Bassey, Jon Tonje, Amari Williams, Max Shulga
With the fantasy basketball playoffs on the horizon, every roster decision counts. This week's schedule sets up beautifully for managers willing to work the waiver wire, with 18 teams logging four games and key streaming opportunities emerging on light game days. The Cavaliers, Rockets, Suns and Wizards all boast favorable matchup slates, offering plenty of upside for both core starters and speculative adds. Whether you're chasing points, threes, rebounds or steals, the matchup data points to several players primed to deliver monster stat lines. Here's everything you need to know to maximize your lineup for the week of April 4.
Days with fewer than six games
These are dates to target players for streaming options from the following teams:
Saturday, April 4: WAS at MIA, SAS at DEN, DET at PHI
Teams with more than three games this week
Make sure to activate players and target weekly pickups from the following teams:
Consider looking for streaming options if your roster includes players from these teams:
Nuggets (2), Trail Blazers (2)
Top teams to target based on favorable matchups
Cavaliers at Jazz, at Lakers, at Warriors, vs. Pacers
The Cavs enter the week with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games, including a win in their most recent outing. They have a great opportunity to build momentum on the right track as they open with a matchup against the Jazz, who give up the league's most points per game, along with the most three-pointers per game. With Max Strus expected to be sidelined for the contest, Keon Ellis and Sam Merrill are in line for more action and should thrive from long range. Up next, the Cavs take on the Lakers, who give up the league's third-most points and fourth-most free throws per game to opposing small forwards. This is a matchup primed for Strus to work his way back into rhythm, as he is likely to be ready for the second leg of a back-to-back. Moving ahead, the Cavs face the Warriors, who give up the league's seventh-most points and sixth-most three-pointers per game, along with the third-highest field-goal percentage to opposing point guards. This should be ideal grounds for James Harden to come up with a major stat line, while Dennis Schroder, who has delivered well in a limited backup role, can also step up to make his mark against a former squad. Finally, the Cavs encounter the Pacers, who give up the league's fifth-most points per game, third-highest field-goal percentage and the most points in the paint. They also give up the league's third-most rebounds per game. The frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley should help their side claim control in this one, while Thomas Bryant, who is averaging 15.0 minutes per game over the last 10, could also shine.
Rockets vs. Knicks, vs. Bucks, vs. Jazz, at Warriors
The Rockets are just 5-5 in their last 10 games but enter the week on a two-game win streak. They begin with a challenge against the Knicks but should find the edge, as the Knicks give up the league's 10th-most three-pointers per game, which favors the leading talent of Kevin Durant, as well as Reed Sheppard, who has taken on a starting role and is averaging 3.0 made threes per outing over five games. Up next, the Rockets meet with the Bucks, who give up the league's second-most three-pointers per game and third-highest three-point shooting percentage, another great chance for the aforementioned two to lead the charge. From there, the Rockets clash with the struggling Jazz, who give up the league's third-highest field-goal percentage, including the fourth-highest three-point shooting percentage. They also give up the second-most free throws per game, which means guys like Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith, who do well to get to the foul line are likely to pad their stats. Lastly, the Rockets take on the Warriors, who give up the league's seventh-highest field-goal percentage and the fourth-most turnovers per game. They also give up the second-most rebounds per game to opposing centers. The Rockets have four players averaging more than 1.0 steal per game, including Sheppard, Thompson, Sengun and Tari Eason, who will all have a great chance to boost their numbers on the defensive end.
Suns at Grizzlies, at Magic, at Hornets, at Bulls
The Suns are 4-6 in their last 10 games but are coming off a win and have a good opportunity to build some positive momentum down the final stretch of the season. They commence their week against the shorthanded Grizzlies, who give up the league's eighth-most points in the paint and fifth-most three-pointers per game. The Grizzlies also give up the third-most offensive rebounds, fifth-most total rebounds and eighth-most turnovers per game. This provides a perfect chance for Oso Ighodaro to continue to build on his improved play, as he is averaging 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals over the last six games. Up next, the Suns clash with the Magic, who give up the league's seventh-highest field-goal percentage and sixth-most free throws per game, signifying that Devin Booker, Grayson Allen and Jalen Green, who are among their team leaders in free throws per game, are likely to pad their stats. From there, the Suns take on the Hornets, who give up the league's seventh-most turnovers per game, along with the fourth-highest field-goal percentage and fifth-most threes per game to opposing power forwards. This is a perfect chance for Royce O'Neale to stand out, as he averages 2.8 three-pointers and 1.1 steals per game. Finally, the Suns close the week against the Bulls, who give up the league's fourth-most points per game, sixth-most three-pointers and fourth-most points in the paint.
Wizards at Lakers, vs. 76ers, at Heat, at Nets
The Wizards are well beyond playoff contention and have lost nine of their last 10 games. Nonetheless, they look ahead towards continued opportunity to develop the younger talent on their roster and begin the week with a matchup against the Lakers, who give up the league's fifth-highest field-goal percentage, including the highest field-goal percentage to opposing power forwards. This should be the perfect chance for Will Riley to keep up his strong play, as he is averaging 14.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists over the last 10 games. Next, the Wizards take on the 76ers, who give up the league's eighth-most free throws per game, along with the fourth-most offensive rebounds per game, suggesting Bilal Coulibaly and Justin Champagnie as likely candidates to boost their stats. Moving ahead, the Wizards meet with the Heat, who give up the league's ninth-most points per game and the ninth-most points in the paint. Big men, Alex Sarr and Tristan Vukcevic should stand out in that one. Finally, a bout with the Nets, who give up the league's highest field-goal percentage and the seventh-most points in the paint, along with the third-most turnovers per game. This matchup also favors the five already-mentioned players.
Fantasy hockey managers looking to tinker with their rosters will benefit from zeroing in on specific categories. Whether you are looking for long-term fits, short-term options or championship additions, there should be a plethora of potential pickups to help your squads.
Let's get into this week's suggestions for your consideration.
Jimmy Snuggerud RW, Blues (37% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/Hits
Snuggerud started to heat up before the Olympic break, collecting three goals, 13 shots on net and nine points in six games. He remains red-hot offensively in March, supplying seven goals, 15 points, 42 shots and 14 hits in 13 appearances. Snuggerud fits in nicely on the top line with Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway. All three players possess plenty of fantasy value down the stretch. The Blues play four times on the road this week.
Mikael Granlund, C/LW/RW, Ducks (35% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/PP
Granlund's four-game point streak ended in Saturday's 4-2 loss to Edmonton, but he has netted seven goals on 15 shots in his past five contests. He has lit the lamp four times with the man advantage during that stretch. The 34-year-old forward has been streaky this season, however, his versatility and Anaheim's busy four-game schedule make him an intriguing pickup option for this week.
Patrick Kane, RW, Red Wings (33% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots
Kane has compiled four goals and nine assists in his last 11 outings. He has three helpers on the power play, 36 shots on net and eight hits over that span. He is clicking with Alex DeBrincat, who is the only Detroit player who has more points than Kane in March. The 37-year-old Kane is doing his part despite the team's struggles down the stretch. He is a solid offensive option ahead of a four-game week for Detroit.
Bobby McMann, LW, Kraken (25% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/Hits
McMann is proving to be a savvy pickup for Seattle ahead of the trade deadline, plus he is still widely available in Yahoo leagues. He has tallied seven goals and four assists in eight games since being acquired from the Maple Leafs. During that period, McMann has four multipoint performances, 23 shots on target and 17 hits. He has three goals on 10 shots and two assists during a three-game point streak. The Kraken have three games scheduled for this week.
Yegor Chinakhov, LW/RW, Penguins (20% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/Blocks
Since being acquired from Columbus at the end of December, Chinakhov has been great for both Pittsburgh and fantasy managers. He has racked up 14 goals, 26 points, 87 shots on net, 19 blocked shots and 20 hits in 35 games with his new team. Following the Olympic break, he has averaged 17:00 of ice time per outing, while notching six goals and eight assists in 17 matches. Chinakhov has become a valuable member of the team's top six, and he possesses plenty of upside with the Penguins set to play a league-high five times this week.
Anders Lee, LW, Islanders (15% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots/Hits
Lee has reached the scoresheet in four of the last five games, registering one goal, three helpers and nine shots on net. He has three blocked shots and four hits over that time. Hot and cold offensively in March, Lee has improved since moving to the top line alongside Bo Horvat. Going into a four-game week for the Islanders, the 35-year-old Lee has plenty of offensive potential.
Arturs Silovs, G, Penguins (15% rostered) for Starts/Saves/Wins
Despite winning five of his eight appearances since returning from the Olympics, where he represented Latvia, Silovs has been up and down statistically. His lack of consistency brings some risk to the table, but Pittsburgh's five-game schedule, which includes two back-to-backs, will likely ensure that volume and opportunity won't be an issue. Silovs could also benefit from Stuart Skinner's recent struggles in the battle for playing time. The Penguins' weekend home set against the injury-plagued, struggling Panthers should make him a popular spot-starter option.
Jacob Fowler, G, Canadiens (14% rostered) for Starts/Saves/Wins
Fowler has seemingly taken over the No. 2 spot behind Jakub Dobes in the Montreal crease down the stretch. Sam Montembeault hasn't appeared in a game since March 6, while Fowler has started four of the last 10 games. The 21-year-old Fowler has gone 3-1-0 during that span while posting a 2.52 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. Montreal plays four times this week, including a back-to-back against New Jersey over the weekend.
Matt Savoie, C/RW, Oilers (5% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots
Savoie has amassed four goals on 22 shots and two assists in his past eight outings. He has a shorthanded goal and two game-winners during that span. Savoie has a pair of three-game point streaks in March, including a goal in each of his last three contests. He is a versatile player for Edmonton and fantasy managers this campaign while playing in all situations and at all three forward positions. Due to the absence of Leon Draisaitl, who is out for the remainder of the regular season due to a lower-body injury, Savoie occupies a spot on the top power-play unit. Savoie also skates alongside Connor McDavid at even strength. The Oilers play three times on home ice this week.
Igor Chernyshov, LW/RW, Sharks (3% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/Hits
Chernyshov has accounted for five goals, 14 points, 32 shots on target, six blocked shots and 11 hits in 19 appearances with the Sharks this season. Since returning from a concussion, he has netted two goals on five shots while providing an assist and two hits in three games. His fantasy value received a boost with him skating alongside Macklin Celebrini at even strength. The 20-year-old Chernyshov could make for a solid under-the-radar addition during a four-game week for San Jose.
at Jazz, at Lakers, at Warriors, vs. Pacers
vs. Knicks, vs. Bucks, vs. Jazz, at Warriors
at Grizzlies, at Magic, at Hornets, at Bulls
at Lakers, vs. 76ers, at Heat, at Nets