North Carolina basketball moved quickly on Monday, hiring a former NBA coach … but not Billy Donovan. The Tar Heels hired former Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone in a surprising off-the-radar move experts did not anticipate. Let’s talk about this huge development for UNC basketball, which occurred before the national championship game between UConn and Michigan.

Didn’t want to wait

The transfer portal opens this week. North Carolina very obviously did not want to wait for Billy Donovan to coach out the remainder of the NBA season with the Chicago Bulls and then pivot to UNC well after the opening of the portal. We can debate the value of the decision, but it’s clear that was the calculation North Carolina made.

So what about the portal?

Obviously, UNC basketball is banking on Mike Malone’s identity as an NBA championship coach to bring in transfers. However, it’s a cutthroat market. Dusty May of Michigan, Todd Golden of Florida, John Calipari of Arkansas, and other seasoned coaches are out there looking for their guys. The idea that Mike Malone will naturally attract the very best portal prospects is not a given.

Mike Malone needs an elite recruiter

Mike Malone needs proven high-end college assistants. He is a pro coach diving into the college game. He needs assistants who know the ins and outs of college basketball recruiting for this move to work.

Irony

An ironic element of all this is that Mike Malone needs someone like Tommy Lloyd as an assistant. Of course Lloyd would never be an assistant coach. He will never again be an assistant coach in basketball now that he has hit the big time at Arizona. Purely to illustrate the point, however, Lloyd became Mark Few’s ace recruiter at Gonzaga, which prepared him for the jump to Arizona head coach. That’s the kind of lieutenant Mike Malone needs at UNC basketball.

Brad Underwood

Brad Underwood of Illinois frankly would have made more sense as a head coaching hire than Mike Malone. Underwood doesn’t need to freshly learn about the college game the way Malone will have to. Moreover, Underwood has found his own secret sauce in international recruiting, particularly from Eastern Europe. Underwood has evolved as a coach, in many ways off the court more than on it. He would have given UNC basketball a ready-to-win coach. Mike Malone can coach basketball, but his recruiting chops are a question mark. Underwood would have involved fewer question marks.

Jon Scheyer and Duke

Jon Scheyer and Duke have endured some wildly improbable NCAA Tournament losses in recent years, but that doesn’t change the reality that Duke is the king of ACC basketball. Is Mike Malone ready to coach against Scheyer? Yes. Is he ready to recruit against Scheyer? That’s the huge question. Malone can coach. It’s roster construction which makes this move feel like a gamble … at least until Malone proves he can acquire top players on par with Scheyer. If Carolina can’t bring in elite talent, the Malone move will fail.

Wise use of money

North Carolina reportedly spent near $14 million on the transfer portal this past cycle. It’s not that UNC basketball failed to invest; it failed to invest wisely and effectively. North Carolina has to get the right pieces for Mike Malone, the way Dusty May assembled a tremendous roster at Michigan.

Other ACC teams in good shape

Ryan Odom at Virginia and Pat Kelsey of Louisville are two good coaches in positive situations in the ACC. Mike Malone’s main focus is Duke, but other ACC basketball programs will push Carolina as well. Mike Malone has to be able to build strong rosters, something Hubert Davis struggled to do.

Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Mike Malone coaching staff must get top players for UNC basketball

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany is ready to face Real Madrid and knows it will be a monumental challenge.

“We have to prepare for the best version of Real Madrid, the one that played against Man City. They’re still one of the best teams in Europe. It’s probably the toughest away fixture in the Champions League. We want to win here tomorrow,” said Kompany (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Everything will matter tomorrow. This is my first time here as a coach, but we have a lot of experience in games like this. The outcome will be decided in part by tactics, but above all by the little things – such as the individual quality of the players.”

A Spanish journalist attempted to catch Kompany slipping by asking if Real Madrid was better with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior playing together or if they were separated. Kompany, though, would not bite.

“This is not my topic at all. We have enough topics for Bayern Munich, so we don’t have to go and solve Real Madrid’s topics. I can only say that both are amazing. The rest is up to Real Madrid,“ Kompany said.

When asked how much players on yellow card warning status (Dayot Upamecano, Konrad Laimer) would play in squad selection, Kompany said that the most important thing is just do whatever is needed to win the first leg.

“You have to think about the performance first, but then we can think about other issues. Yellow cards can happen when the intensity is high,” said Kompany.

Finally, when asked to reflect back on Bayern Munich’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Inter Milan last season, Kompany said it was a learning experience.

“What’s the reaction to a defeat? You have to look forward, that’s why we’re here. The most important thing is to keep going. We want to win against one of the best teams in the world. We have to also learn our lessons from last year. We were missing nine players against Inter at that time, it was very different. Other things went against us there too. We’re in a very good position going into tomorrow, our best players are here. We want to do everything to win tomorrow. Every match is different,” Kompany stated .

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Could Raiders still deal Maxx Crosby? originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Las Vegas Raiders and Maxx Crosby have had something of an offseason, and right now, things are a little in flux.

With the Baltimore Ravens walking back on their trade of Crosby after the star pass rusher failed his physical, Maxx has said all the right things since returning to Las Vegas, and for most, he’s staying a Raider.

But there are rumors that if a team were to come calling again, the Raiders could listen. Personally, I think that door has been shut.

And so does Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, who, on his trade panic meter, has Maxx moving on at a 2 out of 10.

“According to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden, the Ravens were concerned about a “degenerative issue” with Crosby’s surgically-repaired knee,” Moton wrote. “Although Crosby seems recommitted to being a Raider after the trade flop, the Raiders may still be open for business if another team is willing to give up two first-rounders.

“Unless Crosby makes a miraculous full recovery within the next two weeks, he’ll likely remain a Raider because of the team’s steep demand for him.”

More: Analyst questions Lamar Jackson’s latest Ravens decision

Crosby likely to remain a Raider

Even if the Raiders wanted to move on from Crosby for draft capital, they definitely aren’t getting the two first-rounders that the Ravens offered, thanks to Maxx’s knee.

So, it feels like the best outcome for all involved is for Crosby to remain a Raider in 2026, so both can put the whole saga behind them.

Of course, if a team does offer two first-round picks, then the Raiders might listen, but for me, that won’t be happening any time soon, especially after the Baltimore debacle.

So, while it looked like for a minute that Maxx was going to be a Raven, it now feels like he’ll end his NFL career as a Raider.

More NFL news:

• Andy Reid reveals how Justin Fields will get Chiefs head start in 2026
• Chargers named landing spot for 3-time Pro Bowler
• Chiefs reveal key reason for Justin Fields signing
• Ravens’ Lamar Jackson makes big offseason statement of intent
• Analyst reveals best outcome for Eagles’ A.J. Brown amid trade rumors
• Analyst details why Lamar Jackson offseason attendance is huge for Ravens
• ESPN’s biggest Saints’ question aimed at 5-time Pro Bowler

Cal guard Justin Pippen plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after one season with the Golden Bears.

Pippen, the son of NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, transferred into Berkeley last offseason after one year Michigan, the program he signed with as four-star prospect out of high school. In his lone year with the Wolverines, Pippen saw time exclusively as a reserve.

But he jumped into a starting role at Cal, playing in all 32 games this season for Mark Madsen’s squad. The 6-foot-3 combo guard was one of the ACC’s most electric scorers, averaging 14.2 points, 4.6 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 30.8 minutes per game. Pippen, however, shot just 38% from the field on 11 attempts per game and 33% from beyond the arc as Cal finished 22-12 and made the second round of the National Invitational Tournament.

He brings major juice as a scoring threat though, totaling double-figure points in 25 of the team’s 32 games and three games with 20-plus.

Arguably his best game of the year came in a December non-conference matchup with Utah, where he scored 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting. But he shot 40% or below in 19 of the team’s 32 games as the team struggled to figure out consistent scoring from its bench and heavily relied on Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, Chris Bell and John Camden to carry the load.

Pippen was one of the country’s best distributors despite his heavy usage, finishing 9th in the ACC in assists (147) and 13th in point produced per game (15.3). He was even better on the defensive side with a 103.3 defense rating (top-20 in the league) and 1.9 steals per game — good for third-best of any player in the league.

After his two years in Ann Arbor and Berkeley, he’ll have two years of eligibility at his next stop. Pippen, who starred at Sierra Canyon (Calif.), was a top-75 recruit in the Class of 2024.

Michigan State football is reportedly trending for a high-level three-star defensive lineman from the Windy City.

Rivals recruiting insider Allen Trieu has posted a prediction in favor of the Spartans to land a commitment from Ohimai Ozolua of Chicago. The confidence level of the posted prediction by Trieu is set at 60.

Ozolua is listed as a near four-star prospect, with a recruiting rating of 89 in 247Sports’ composite system. He is ranked as the No. 48 defensive lineman and No. 417 overall prospect in the class. He is also listed as the No. 15 player from Illinois.

Michigan State extended an offer to Ozolua in January, and is one of nearly 20 schools to offer him, according to 247Sports. He also holds notable offers from Boston College, Illinois, Iowa, Miami (FL), Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Vanderbilt.

Michigan State is set to host Ozolua for an official visit on May 29. According to 247Sports, the Spartans are the lone school that has an official visit lined up with him at this time — which could change but if it doesn’t, then that would be a great indicator for the Spartans in his recruitment.

𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 2027 3★ Defensive Lineman 𝗢𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗶 𝗢𝘇𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗮 (@ohimai21) has been 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 to MSU by @AllenTrieu at a confidence level of 60.

Ozolua is currently in East Lansing for an Unofficial Visit! 𝗚𝗼 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻! 𝗚𝗼 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲! pic.twitter.com/tRbv7HAKie

— 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗦𝗨 (@BleedGreen_MSU) April 4, 2026

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: MSU football reportedly trending for 3-star DL Ohimai Ozolua of Chicago

No. 1 UCLA baseball defeated No. 12 USC 10-4 in their series finale to complete the sweep against their crosstown rival at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The Bruinsdomination of their rival began in a 12-4 opener, but slowed down a bit with a 9-8 second game performance on Saturday. However, UCLA batters continued swinging and the trend of smashing through their opponents pitches persisted with 15 hits ringing throughout the park as five of their 10 runs were home runs.

Coming in hot

UCLA started the game off hot with their first at bat of the day resulting in a homer to right field from Dean West. The Bruins added another hit and a hit by a pitch to get two more runners on base, but were unable to push anymore runners across. USC tied the game 1-1 in the top of the second with a home run of their own, but UCLA was able to keep the Trojans from scoring more leaving two runners on base.

Thanks for the help

In the third, the Bruins pitching tightened up and didn’t allow a hit, which gave UCLA’s batters the opportunity to take the lead. UCLA got two hits and scored their second run off of a walk. The Trojans limited the damage to the single Bruins score as the inning ended with the bases loaded and UCLA up 2-1.

Got to keep up

After each team got one hit in the fourth, UCLA handed USC two runs off of a throwing error in the top of the fifth. The Bruins responded with a home run to start the bottom of the inning and a two-run homer later off the bat of Mulivai Levu. The Trojans were able to cut the lead to one by scoring off of another throwing error in the top of the sixth, but UCLA smacked another two-run homer, this time by Will Gasparino, to increase their lead to 7-4.

Too much firepower

The Bruins hit two singles in the seventh, but couldn’t get home. UCLA had better luck in the bottom of the eighth as junior infielder, and potential No. 1 overall pick, Roch Cholowsky crushed a three-run homer to center field and put the Bruins up 10-4. The Trojans were unable to get a hit in the top of the ninth and allowed the Bruins to hand the Trojans their first series loss of the season.

UCLA will play Cal State Fullerton for the second time this season at Goodwin Field in Fullerton, Calif. on Tuesday with an anticipated start time of 6 p.m. PT.

This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA baseball swept their crosstown rivalry series against USC

UConn vs. Michigan Score, Live Updates, Highlights From NCAA Men’s Championship Game originally appeared on NESN.
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On Monday night in Indianapolis, UConn will be looking to cement a dynasty that would stand alone in the modern era. After winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, Dan Hurley, Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr. and the rest of the Huskies are one victory away from capturing the program’s third national title in four seasons.

Standing in the way of that immortality is a Michigan team that has blitzed every tournament opponent. With Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Aday Mara leading the charge, Dusty May and the Wolverines have authored a remarkable turnaround just two years removed from one of the worst seasons in program history.

Will Karaban walk off the court with his third ring? Can Michigan secure its first title since Glen Rice guided the Wolverines to the trophy in 1989?

Follow along for live updates throughout the night as UConn and Michigan battle for the 2026 national championship.

UConn vs. Michigan score

UConn vs. Michigan live updates, highlights from 2026 national championship game

(All times Eastern)

8:56 p.m.: Elliot Cadeau gets fouled outside the arc, and he goes to the line and hits all three free throws. It gives Michigan a 7-2 lead early.

8:54 p.m.: The first points of the game go to Michigan, courtesy of Morez Johnson Jr.

The Illinois transfer uses his size over Solo Ball and lays it in. Then, UConn responds, with Tarris Reed Jr., the Michigan transfer, scoring on a hook.

8:51 p.m.: We are underway in Indianapolis.

UConn wins the tipoff, and the ball is in Silas Demary Jr.’s hands. 

8:50 p.m.: Dan Hurley is looking to join John Wooden as a coach to win three titles in four seasons. Dusty May is looking to win the championship in only his second season in Ann Arbor.

Dan Hurley 🤝 Dusty May#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/DFEZsolUHy

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2026

One way or another, history is being made.

It’s time for the national championship.

8:44 p.m.: The starters are being announced at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Two teams remain standing.

One champion will be crowned tonight.@UConnMBB vs. @umichbball for the National Championship NOW on TBS, truTV, and March Madness Live pic.twitter.com/YrdbXadF70

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 7, 2026

The national championship is here.

8:41 p.m.: Now, the starting five for the Wolverines.

Starting Five for the National Championship pic.twitter.com/DrEvIHSdcI

— Michigan Men’s Basketball (@umichbball) April 7, 2026

When May was hired two years ago, Michigan had eight wins. Now, it is 40 minutes away from its second national championship.

8:39 p.m.: Here is the starting five for UConn, headlined by the two-time national champion Alex Karaban and Michigan transfer Tarris Reed Jr.

Got our first 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/MhvKzrBOEB

— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) April 7, 2026

Reed is UConn’s leading scorer this tournament, tallying 17+ in four out of five games.

8:35 p.m.: Lendeborg looks ready to go.

Yaxel is ready 🔥#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/wceDTCRLzO

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2026

Tipoff is less than 30 minutes away.

8:29 p.m.: Michigan enters the game as a 7.5-point favorite, largely supported by their status as the top-ranked defense in the country according to adjusted efficiency metrics. A major factor in this matchup will be the health of the stars, as Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg is expected to play through a minor MCL sprain, while UConn’s Solo Ball is also active after recovering from a recent foot injury.

Statistically, the game will likely be decided on the glass, where Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. looks to exploit a UConn defense that has occasionally struggled to secure defensive rebounds. While Michigan is hunting for its first title since 1989, UConn is attempting to finish a historic run by winning its third national championship in just four years.

8:23 p.m.: All eyes are on the Big Ten Player of the Year, Yaxel Lendeborg, who is expected to play with an injury.

On the other side, Solo Ball is dealing with an ailment for UConn. Both will play.

The statuses of Yaxel Lendeborg and Solo Ball will be crucial to tonight’s Championship Game. @TracyWolfson with the latest, with both expected to play. pic.twitter.com/Ji6GtKOzxM

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 6, 2026

8:16 p.m.: The Michigan Wolverines have arrived.

The Wolverines are locked in 🔒#MarchMadness@umichbballpic.twitter.com/XaLPr2OdRg

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2026

One of the most dominant teams in the KenPom era, the Wolverines are looking to capture their second title in program history. Michigan has scored 90+ points in every game this NCAA Tournament and has won every one by double digits.

8:09 p.m.: The UConn Huskies are on the court at Lucas Oil Stadium, looking to bring home their third national championship in four seasons.

Huskies getting loose 😮‍💨#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/BOvBx9bcsy

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2026

Dan Hurley’s team is looking to accomplish a feat that has not been done since the John Wooden era at UCLA.

8:08 p.m.: One game to decide it all.

“You have to give everything. Leave it all out there. Refuse to give up.” 🙌

Nathan Martin gets us ready for the #NationalChampionship game 🗣️#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/z0j6hlaXrE

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2026

8:05 p.m.: A champion will be crowned tonight.

Our bracket will be completed tonight ❤️#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/aZPuhtCbpX

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2026

Either UConn will win its seventh national championship and third in the past four years, or Michigan will win its second.

8 p.m.: Tonight’s the night.

In one corner, Dan Hurley’s Huskies are 40 minutes away from etching their name alongside John Wooden’s Bruins as the only programs to capture three national titles in a four-year span.

In the other, a Michigan team that has redefined statistical dominance in the KenPom era looks to complete a meteoric rise from an eight-win team in 2023-24 to a national champion in 2025-26.

Let’s hear it 🗣️#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/PJol7tj7to

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2026

What channel is UConn vs. Michigan on today?

• TV channel: TBS, truTV
• Live stream:DIRECTV

UConn vs. Michigan will air live on TBS and truTV. Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery and Grant Hill will be on the call, and Tracy Wolfson will serve as the sideline reporter.

Fans looking to stream UConn vs. Michigan can watch live on DIRECTV.

Catch every game — try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live college basketball, soccer, MLB and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1 and NFL Network — all included with DIRECTV.

Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

UConn vs. Michigan start time

• Date: Monday, April 6
• Time: 8:50 p.m. ET

UConn vs. Michigan is scheduled to tip off at 8:50 p.m. ET on Monday, April 6. The game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Men’s Final Four schedule 2026

Final Four

Saturday, April 4

National championship

Monday, April 6

UConn NCAA Tournament results

Michigan NCAA Tournament results

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who led the major leagues with 60 home runs last year, hit his first of the 2026 season Monday night following a 10-game drought.

Raleigh’s homer was pulled deep to right field against two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers to end a 12-pitch at-bat in the first inning. Raleigh fouled off six pitches with two strikes and connected on a 99 mph fastball.

His longest home run drought last season was eight games.

Raleigh entered hitting .132 this year with only one run scored. He nearly homered on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning, but the ball was caught above the wall by Jo Adell, the first of three potential homers the right fielder prevented in that game.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

The NFL offseason has featured a number of major transactions since the new league year began. Teams are focusing on the NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean rosters are fully set.

A few free-agent signings are still taking place. Teams are also working on trades as the key June 1 salary cap date approaches.

MORE: 3 teams who must try to trade for New York Giants’ Dexter Lawrence

The biggest story of the trade cycle? Disgruntled Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Brown reportedly requested multiple trades last season.

He grew frustrated with his role in the offense and his relationships with teammates and coaches. Multiple teams have been linked to him, but one has stood out the most.

The plan all along?

The Athletic reported that an NFL executive has hinted at where Brown will be traded. That destination? The New England Patriots.

This outcome has been the expectation throughout the offseason. Now, an NFL executive has confirmed that many around the league expect it to happen after June 1.

MORE: Highest-paid players at every position after NFL free agency

“Expect the Patriots to acquire receiver A.J. Brown from Philadelphia in June, once the salary-cap implications become more tenable for the Eagles.” Mike Sando wrote.

According to multiple reports, the Eagles originally wanted to move Brown before March 13. A contract clause guaranteeing his 2026 salary took effect on that date.

After that deadline passed, trading Brown before June 1 became nearly impossible. Now, the NFL navigates the murky trade waters with a clearer plan.

A trade sending Brown to the Patriots would not only reunite him with head coach Mike Vrabel, but also give New England a true No. 1 receiver. While Stefon Diggs played well last year, many believe his best days are behind him.

Adding Brown, who still has plenty of football left, would make the Patriots a true force to be reckoned with on offense. Now the question becomes: what will the defending AFC champions give up to acquire his services?