NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 26 overall, Los Angeles Lakers
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season, leading his team to an appearance in the NCAA mens basketball national championship game, and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Kansas's Darryn Peterson is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Guard's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
While he is no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. The Nets have the worst offense in the NBA and could change the course of the franchise by selecting Peterson. It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season.
Australian golfer saddened by his ‘hero’ facing struggle with addiction
Five-time Masters champion to miss first major after car crash and arrest
Australian ace Jason Day has expressed sadness at Tiger Woods’ plight but taken issue with the golf great’s “selfish” judgement for driving under the influence.
Woods has reportedly checked himself into rehab in Switzerland after being arrested and charged on 27 March after crashing his car near his home on Jupiter Island in Florida.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
The Grizzlies could add to their rebuilding core after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who has shown on his way to the mens collegiate national championship game that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.
Cade Cunningham was upgraded from "out" to "doubtful" before Detroit's Monday night game in Orlando, but he did not take the court. What that showed, however, is that he is close to a return from a collapsed lung, and the Pistons' All-Star could play before the end of the season.
Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff said pregame he hopes that Cunningham, as well as injured big man Isaiah Stewart — also upgraded to doubtful but not playing in the game due to a calf strain — can play in at least one more game before the season ends, via Omari Sankofa, Detroit Free Press.
"There's no way to replicate what a game is other than playing the game… especially ramping up to the intensity of playoff basketball, it would be beneficial for the guys, and the group."
Cunningham has been out since March 17, when he collided with Wizards' rookie Tre Johnson diving for a loose ball. That led to Cunningham's collapsed lung, which was expected to keep him out through the end of the season. Detroit has gone an impressive 8-2 without Cunningham and, as a result, has locked up the No. 1 seed in the East.
Cunningham, however, will fall short of the 65 games needed to qualify for postseason awards. He very likely would have been in the top five in MVP voting and made First Team All-NBA. Cunningham has averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds a game this season.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Michigan's Aday Mara is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Center's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Aday Mara 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 20 overall, San Antonio Spurs
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
After leading his team to the collegiate national championship game, Michigan center Aday Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.9 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim. Especially in short spurts, Mara would make an excellent backup to Victor Wembanyama.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Duke's Cameron Boozer is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his first NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams believe Boozer would be the "preferred selection" for the Pacers because of his "potential fit" alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The ACC Player of the Year isnt a human highlight reel but he offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16 before a heartbreaking last-second loss.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, UConn's Braylon Mullins is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Guard's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Braylon Mullins 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 15 overall, Charlotte Hornets
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, was a breakout star in the NCAA mens basketball tournament after hitting one of the most improbable 3-pointers in March Madness history. Mullins continued to show a winning mentality, helping earn a spot in the collegiate national championship game. The Big East All-Freshman wing shot 40.7 percent on 3-pointers during his first 18 games in the starting lineup. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level.
Scherzer, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer, was facing the Dodgers in a rematch of his Game 7 World Series start in November, and gave up a two-run homer to Teoscar Hernández in the top of the first inning.
Something seemed to bother him in both innings, as cameras caught him telling the Blue Jays dugout, "I'm OK" on multiple occasions. Yet he seemed to expend a lot facing his last batter, Andy Pages, who worked him for 10 pitches before popping out to second.
Scherzer threw 36 pitches before getting replaced by lefty Josh Fleming in the top of the third. He re-signed on a one-year, $3 million deal to add depth to a rotation that faced question marks.
Just two weeks into the season, Jose BerrÍos, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, Cody Ponce and Bowden Francis are all on the injured list, most of them coming back from off-season maladies or out for extended periods. Now, they must dig out from a short Scherzer start.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , BYU's AJ Dybantsa is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
AJ Dybantsa 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 1 overall, Washington Wizards
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
The Wizards have the second-worst offense in the NBA and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 31: Andrew Painter #24 of the Philadelphia Phillies is relieved from the mound by manager Rob Thomson in the sixth inning during his MLB debut against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phils open up a three-game series in San Francisco with Andrew Painter on the mound for his second career start. Here are the lineups, let’s discuss.
The Chicago Bulls are cleaning house in the front office.
Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley have been fired, team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf announced Monday, April 6.
"These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve people we respect both personally and professionally," Reinsdorf said in a statement posted on the Bulls' social media accounts. "We are grateful for their dedication and the work they've put in over the past six years. At the same time, we have not had the success our fans deserve, and it's my responsibility to go in a new direction."
The Chicago Bulls announced today that Artūras Karnišovas, Executive Vice President - Basketball Operations and Marc Eversley, General Manager have been relieved of their positions. pic.twitter.com/nFFK0U66ng
Karnisovas and Eversley were brought on at the beginning of the 2020-21 NBA season and posted a 224-254 record over six seasons. They took big swings early on, such as making a blockbuster trade for center Nikola Vucevic during that first year and signing DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball in the summer of 2021.
The Bulls looked like the team to beat in the East at times early that season and held a 38-21 record at the All-Star break until knee injuries to Ball derailed the team – and the core never really recovered together. Their lone playoff appearance under Karnisovas was a first-round exit against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021-22 campaign.
When the Bulls began to move off of their current core, they failed to recoup any significant draft capital for DeRozan, Caruso or Zach LaVine. Karnisovas sold at this year's trade deadline, shipping off several talented players, including Vucevic, Coby White and Ayo Dosumnu, in what he called an attempt "to get out of the middle."
The Bulls currently sit in 12th place in the East with a 29-49 record, their fourth consecutive year without a playoff appearance. They have won just five of 29 games since Feb. 1.
"This move is about positioning our team for sustained success moving ahead," Reinsdorf said Monday. "I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand your frustration. I feel it as well. I know this will take time, and I am fully committed to getting this right. At the Chicago Bulls, our focus remains on building a team that can compete at the highest level and ultimately contend for championships.
"We are committed to taking the necessary steps to move the Bulls forward in a way that makes our fans proud."
Nieto was a highly touted prospect before his MLB career; he was drafted in the third round of the 1981 draft. He endured a solid career in the minors, ranking high in the Cardinals' system before finally joining the club in 1984.
Nieto helped the Cardinals reach the 1985 World Series, though the team ultimately lost to the Kansas City Royals in seven games. Nieto would return to the Fall Classic in 1987 though as a member of the Twins. This time, Nieto's team would emerge victorious, taking down Nieto's former team, the Cardinals, in six games.
Nieto's final regular season came in 1990 as a member of the Phillies. While he did sign a minor league contract with the Cardinals for 1991, Nieto would spend most of the decade as a coach.
He began his coaching career with the Chattanooga Lookouts, a Cincinnati Reds affiliate, in 1992. He continued managing various teams including the Charleston Wheelers, Greensboro Bats, Tampa Yankees, and Palm Beach Cardinals through 2004.
Nieto returned to the big leagues in 2005, this time as the New York Mets' first base coach and catchers instructor. He stayed at that position until 2008. Afterwards, he would return to managing, becoming the manager of the the Twins' Double-A affiliate New Britain Rock Cats in 2009 and their Triple-A affiliate Rochester Red Wings in both 2010 and 2011. His professional MLB career ended in 2013 after managing the New York Yankees' rookie-level affiliate GCL Yankees for two seasons.
Minnesota Twins react to Nieto's death
The Twins organization mourns the loss of 1987 World Series champion, Tom Nieto.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Jeremy Pena #3 of the Houston Astros bats in the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Daikin Park on March 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Astros (6-4) visit the Colorado Rockies (3-6) for the first of a three game series in Denver.
RHP Cody Bolton will make his first career start this evening for the Astros opposite RHP Ryan Feltner and the Rockies.
ABOUT BOLTON: RHP Cody Bolton is set to make the first start of his career. He made his only appearance with the Astros on March 31 vs. BOS, in that outing he allowed one run on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts in three innings. He earned his first career save in that appearance.
Last season, he split the season between the Mariners, Guardians and Astros organizations. He appeared in one MLB game with the Guardians (3ER/2IP) and 11 minor league games between the three organizations.
The right-handed pitcher has pitched in each of the last four Major League seasons with the Pirates (2023), Mariners (2024), Guardians (2025) and Astros (2026). He has combined to go 1-0-1 with a 5.60 ERA (28ER/45IP) in his 35 career appearances, all coming in relief, and recorded 45 strikeouts in his 45.0 innings of work.
ROAD WARRIORS: Tonight is the fourth game of a 10-game road trip for the Astros.
After this three-game set at COL, they will travel to Seattle for a four-game series at T-Mobile Park (Fri-Mon.). The Astros are 1-2 so far on this trip.
Houston went 41-40 on the road last season.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Houston Astros have reinstated RHP Enyel De Los Santos from the 15-day IL and IF Isaac Paredes from the Bereavement List. To make room for them on the active roster, the Astros have designated RHP Roddery Muñoz for assignment and optioned IF Shay Whitcomb to Triple A Sugar Land.
AL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: LF Yordan Alvarez was named the American League Player of the Week for the week of March 30-April 5. Alvarez batted .471 (8×17) with two doubles, three home runs, eight RBI, seven walks and a 1.733 OPS for the week. It’s the fourth time that Alvarez has been named the AL Player of the Week.
LEAGUE LEADERS: The Astros lead the Majors in runs (70), doubles (28) total bases (168), hits (98), walks (61), OBP (.396) and OPS (.880).
Individually, LF Yordan Alvarez leads the Majors in OBP (.578) SLG (.900) and OPS (1.478), while ranking tied for first in runs (10) with teammate IF Jose Altuve. 1B Christian Walker leads the Majors in doubles (6).
HOT START: The Astros have scored 70 runs this season, which is the most in the Majors. The 70 runs are also the most in the first 10 games to begin a season in franchise history, directly ahead of the 2004 season, where there Astros scored 68 runs in the first 10 games of the season.
AGAINST THE ROCKIES: The Astros and Rockies each other tonight for the first of six scheduled matchups in 2026. The Astros went 4-2 against the Rockies in the in 2025, including a 2-1 record at Coors Field.
The Astros own a 110-87 all-time record against the Rockies. The Rockies will travel to Daikin Park for a three-game series from April 14-16.
YORDAN’S UPCOMING MILESTONES: LF Yordan Alvarez recorded his 174th career home run yesterday at ATH. The home run tied him with franchise icon OF George Springer for seventh on the Astros all-time list. Next up on the Astros all-time list is 3B Alex Bregman (191 HR).
WALK THIS WAY: LF Yordan Alvarez walked a career-high tying four times on Saturday at ATH. It marked the second time in his career he’s recorded a four-walk game, also Aug. 20, 2019 vs. DET.
Alvarez also tied the franchise record for walks in a nine inning game. The last Astros player to record four walks in a nine inning game was 3B Alex Bregman on June 3, 2023 vs. LAA.
1B Jeff Bagwell holds the franchise record for walks in a single game with six on Aug. 20, 1999 at MIA, but the game went 16 innings.
FREE PASSES: The Astros hitters recorded a combined 24 walks in their last two games, which is the second-most in a two-game span in franchise history. The franchise record is 25 walks from April 28-29, 2000 at the Milwaukee Brewers.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1975 – For $35,000, the Astros purchase RHP Joe Niekro from the Braves. Niekro would go on to win a club-record 144 games for Houston and become the club’s first two-time, 20-game winner.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Monday, April 6, 7:40 p.m. CST
Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO.
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Peoria, AZ - February 19: Griffin Canning #17 of the San Diego Padres throws a bullpen session during a spring training practice on February 19, 2026 in Peoria, AZ. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres will have multiple rehabbing players eligible to return to the team soon. With Matt Waldron, Griffin Canning, Yuki Matsui and Jason Adam all being placed on the IL at the end of Spring Training (retro to March 22), their 15-day IL expires, Tuesday. Pitchers can have their IL window expanded to 30 days before any move has to be made. This gives Canning and Waldron more time to stretch out as starters and avoids any decision about the rotation until later this month.
Matt Waldron
Waldron has made two starts for El Paso with seven innings pitched. He has allowed five hits and no runs or walks and nine strikeouts. With increased fastball velocity, Waldron has relied heavily on his sinker and knuckleball (about 60%) while also utilizing his four-seam and sweeper for most of his offerings. He has mixed in the cutter sparingly so far. His last start reached 61 pitches in four innings pitched.
Griffin Canning
Canning made his first start on April 4 for the El Paso Chihuahuas against the Tacoma Rainiers, throwing 2.1 innings and 51 pitches. He allowed three hits and a run with two walks and four strikeouts. His fastball sat 94-96 mph, and he supplemented it with his 86-88 mph slider for about 60% of his offerings. He mixed in his change up and threw his knuckle curve a few times. The velocity on his fastball dropped to 92 mph in the third inning at which point he was removed. He will presumably have a lengthy rehab to build up, and it could look similar to a spring build up for a starter.
Yuki Matsui
Matsui pitched his first rehab inning on April 4 with El Paso, throwing 13 pitches with one hit and no runs, striking out two hitters. He could be ready after a couple more appearances.
Jason Adam
Adam threw his back-to-back games on April 4 and 5 with El Paso, he and Canning were both slated to travel to Tulsa, Okla. to pitch for San Antonio but inclement weather caused them to be re-routed to Tacoma, Wash. and the Chihuahuas. Over the two games, Adam threw 1.2 innings allowing one hit and no runs with two walks. He is expected to join the Padres for the home series versus the Rockies on Thursday. He could pitch on Wednesday, but the team is in Pittsburgh with unfavorable weather expected.
Sung-Mun Song
Song has played in eight games with El Paso with 36 plate appearances. He has nine hits and four walks with a double and seven RBI but has struck out 11 times. He has played 2B, 3B, SS and DH over those eight games but his almost 30% K-rate indicates he could use more time. Song still has a 20-day rehab window to work with, and he can also be optioned to the minor leagues to extend his window.
At the end of the pitchers’ 30-day window (April 21), the Padres will need to make some tough roster decisions but Waldron could be ready before then in case he is needed. With Buehler and Márquez having early issues with their starts, Waldron could be an option before April 21. Canning will need more time to be stretched out but still could be ready in May.
Expect Adam to be used carefully in his return and a member of the current bullpen will need to be sent to the minors to make room for him. Estrada has improved from his early command issues, so Bradgley Rodriquez is the most likely candidate. Adams’ return will allow the Padres to take Wandy Peralta out of any high leverage situations, where he has been dismal so far.
