On Tuesday, Rooths’ representation with 2020 Managment told 247Sports’ Dushawn London that the 6-foot-10 forward from Washington, D.C., intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens April 7.
Rooths appeared in 31 games (two starts) for Louisville in 2025-26, averaging 5.3 points on 44.9% shooting (22.4% from 3-point range), 4.3 rebounds and an assist across 15.9 minutes per appearance. He tallied eight outings with 10 or more points — including a career-high 20 during the season-opening win over South Carolina State — and three double-doubles.
“He really does empty the tank,” Kelsey said after Rooths’ career night vs. the Bulldogs in Game 1 of the campaign. “There are some times that — we were joking — it’s like he blacks out out there. He just plays to exhaustion; he’s just like coming over (to the bench) and his eyes are like rolling back a little bit.”
“I think I learned a lot this season,” he added. “Especially having confidence in myself and being more vocal, speaking up when I needed to and asking for help when I needed it. And definitely leaving it out all on the floor, no matter what happens.”
Rooths is the second UofL player to announce their intention to enter the portal, joining German big man Sananda Fru.
The portal will be open from April 7 through midnight Wednesday, April 22. That’s an entry window; players can take their time finding a new home once they’ve hit the market. College basketball’s regular signing period begins Wednesday, April 15.
Players can choose to withdraw their name from the portal, but programs are not obligated to hold scholarships/roster spots for entrants.
Reach Louisville men’s basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
LSU women’s basketball fielded a team full of newcomers during the 2025-26 season. It got key players to commit out of the transfer portal and signed the top class of the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Combined with seasoned veterans Flau’Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, the Tigers made runs at the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament championships. Both bids fell short as they lost to South Carolina in the conference tournament semifinals and Duke in the Sweet 16.
Johnson and fellow senior Amiya Joyner will not return next season. A senior guard, Johnson is expected to declare for the WNBA Draft, where she’ll likely be a top-10 selection. Joyner, a transfer from East Carolina, is out of eligibility.
Grace Knox, Bella Hines and ZaKiyah Johnson are slated to return to Baton Rouge. The trio of true freshman played critical roles for head coach Kim Mulkey. Fellow newcomer Divine Bourrage already entered the transfer portal and will search for a new home.
Here’s how former LSU players fared at their new destinations after transferring last season.
Sa’Myah Smith
Smith transferred to Virginia after making 27 starts in Baton Rouge during the 2024-25 season. She spent three years donning the purple and gold but decided to try her hand in the ACC under head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton.
As part of the Cavaliers’ Sweet 16 squad, Smith made 20 starts. The forward averaged eight points and a team-best seven rebounds per game. Despite dealing with a knee injury, Smith made an impact when healthy. She played 28 or more minutes in three of the four NCAA Tournament games.
Last-Tear Poa
Poa started all but one game for Arizona State in its first year under head coach Molly Miller. The Sun Devils went to the NCAA Tournament but lost in the first round to Virginia.
Prior to her transfer, Poa spent three years in Baton Rouge and won a national championship as a freshman alongside Smith. For Arizona State this season, the point guard averaged 4.7 points per game and led the team with 113 assists.
Aalyah Del Rosario
Del Rosario stayed in the SEC, transferring to Vanderbilt and playing 21 games in what was a breakout season for the Commodores. Under head coach Shea Ralph, they made it to the Sweet 16 and finished tied for second in the conference.
Through two seasons in Baton Rouge, Del Rosario saw her impact dwindle between year one to two. She didn’t make a turnaround in Nashville, averaging 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per contest. The forward sat the entire game against her former team when the two sides met in January 4.
Jersey Wolfenbarger
Wolfenbarger spent the 2025-26 season at Tennessee, her third school in four years. Under head coach Kim Caldwell, the forward played in 19 games, averaging 7.5 minutes, 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in what was a chaotic season for the Volunteers.
Tennessee spent the first half of the SEC slate in the top five but ended the year on an eight-game losing streak, falling in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Wolfenbarger spent her first two seasons at Arkansas before transferring to LSU ahead of last year. Against the Tigers on February 26, she played three minutes and grabbed two rebounds.
Mjracle Sheppard
Sheppard played in 32 games last year at LSU, averaging 3.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per contest. Ahead of the 2025-26 season, she transferred for the second time to join Cal. She began her career at Mississippi State in 2023.
The guard started all but one game for the Bears. Sheppard averaged 8.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Her 121 assists finished second on the team. Cal won two games in the WBIT and posted a 21-15 record.
Amani Bartlett
Bartlett logged 74 appearances through her four seasons at LSU. She was part of the national title team and went to two Elite Eights before opting to use her fifth year of eligibility and transferring to Houston.
The forward played in 24 games with one start for the Cougars, which finished 7-23. Bartlett averaged 1.2 points and 2.5 rebounds per contest.
LSU football suffered a gut-wrenching loss in the first week of spring practice, with LSU edge rusher Gabe Reliford suffering an ACL tear that will likely keep him off the field for most, if not all, of the 2026 season.
Reliford, a former four-star recruit, was expected to make a serious impact in his junior season for the Tigers. He played three games last season before a rotator cuff injury ended his season, but Reliford showed some real potential in that short stretch.
Now, it appears Tigers fans will likely have to wait another year before getting to see Reliford fully unleashed.
In the meantime, LSU needs to figure out how to replace Reliford’s production. The Tigers did a solid job of adding impact players through the transfer portal, but the edge position still seems a bit thin beyond transfer Princewill Umanmielen. Here are two Tigers who are the top candidates to replace Reliford on the Tigers’ defense.
Jordan Ross
Ross signed with Tennessee out of high school, ranked as the No. 9 overall player and No. 1 edge in the 2024 recruiting class, but his first two seasons in Knoxville didn’t feature the level of play you’d expect from that caliber of recruit. However, with his athletic profile and 6-5, 246-pound frame, Ross was still a top transfer, ranked as the No. 6 edge rusher in the portal by 247Sports.
Although he didn’t get many starts, Ross showed flashes of brilliance. His 16.1% pass rush win rate was a top 10 mark among SEC edge rushers with 100 or more pass rush snaps, per PFF. His 13 pressures and two sacks on the season were far from impressive, but if he can develop some this offseason under LSU defensive line coach Sterling Lucas, Ross could make a serious impact this upcoming season.
Although LSU has edge rushers Jaylen Brown, Damien Shanklin, and Dylan Carpenter on the roster, some believe Brown — a true freshman — could see significant reps on the edge for LSU in 2026. Brown was the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 recruiting class, and at 6-4 and 295 pounds, he’s expected to play defensive end for the Tigers next season.
Although Brown aligned mostly along the interior defensive line in high school, he appears to have the athletic ability to be a force outside as well. With the depth LSU has on the interior of the defensive line coming into next season, it would be fantastic if Brown could make an impact on the edge during his freshman year — especially given the Reliford news.
📹 Brazil lead Croatia in final test before squad announcement
In Orlando, Florida, in the United States, the Brazilian National Team is leading Croatia 1-0 this Tuesday (31).
In the final friendly before the squad announcement for the 2026 World Cup, on May 18, Brazil troubled its 2022 tormentors at times in the first half.
Goalkeeper Livakovic, for example, made three good saves in the opening half.
However, on a deadly counterattack led by Vini Jr down the left after a corner for the Croatians, Danilo Santos struck beautifully to put Brazil ahead on the scoreboard.
For the second half, what can coach Carlo Ancelotti do to further improve the Seleção’s performance in the friendly?
The Los Angeles Lakers will have some big and important decisions to make this summer. A number of their key players, including LeBron James, will become free agents once this season ends, and the team is projected to have at least roughly $50 million in salary cap space. As a result, its roster could look significantly different come October.
There has been lots of talk that the Lakers will make a run at Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and possibly use that cap space to go after him. But according to Dave McMenamin and Tim Bontemps of ESPN, they may instead prioritize keeping enough of their current core together.
“L.A. will have close to $50 million in projected cap space this summer with James’ $52.6 million and Rui Hachimura’s $18.3 million salaries off the books, assuming both Deandre Ayton ($8.1 million) and Marcus Smart ($5.4 million) pick up their player options,” McMenamin and Bontemps wrote.
“The Lakers aren’t expected to take that $50 million and give it to another star instead of James. They have interest in re-signing [Austin] Reaves, Jaxson Hayes and Luke Kennard, team sources told ESPN, not to mention Hachimura, if the price is right. Reaves will decline a $14.9 million player option and enter unrestricted free agency, sources familiar with his plans told ESPN.
“He will have a $20.9 million free agent cap hold, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, which will leave Los Angeles at that $50 million cap space number no matter how close Reaves’ new deal comes to the five-year, $241 million max contract he is eligible to sign.”
Many people around the NBA have expected Reaves, who has emerged as a bona fide star, and the Lakers to eventually agree on a new contract this offseason. Kennard, a sharpshooter Los Angeles acquired just before the trade deadline, is averaging 8.7 points in 21.8 minutes a game while shooting 55.9% from the field and 48.1% from 3-point range since coming to the team. Hayes has played very well this season in relief of Ayton and, at times, has gotten crunch-time minutes, especially in recent weeks.
Hachimura may be a bit tougher to keep, given his ability to score and the fact that he’s only 28 years of age. He’s putting up 11.1 points in 28.4 minutes per game and shooting 50.7% overall and 43.3% from downtown this season.
Maye, who kicked things off with a vacation to Tokyo, has since returned stateside and attended a few sporting events — kicking things off by taking in a basketball game in his hometown between the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks, before returning to his home away from home and watching the Boston Bruins take on the Dallas Stars on Tuesday at TD Garden.
SEATTLE – Late in Aaron Boone’s pregame session Tuesday, the Yankees manager mentioned a potential setback with Carlos Rodon – unrelated to the lefty’s offseason elbow procedure.
Rodon is dealing with some degree of right hamstring tightness, following his running on Tuesday.
Boone said he’s unsure if the issue might delay Rodon’s rehab at all, but “we’ll see what we have there” in the coming days.
Rodon’s next scheduled outing was set for Class AA Somerset, following Sunday’s three simulated innings (50 pitches). Boone indicated the club’s initial belief that it’s not too concerning of an issue.
Anyway, stay tuned. And stay up and follow us live at T-Mobile Park for Yankees-Mariners…
The San Francisco 49ers know what week they’re set to head to Mexico City, although their opponent remains a bit of a mystery.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson on Tuesday reported that NFL Executive Vice President of Media Distribution Hans Schroeder announced the 49ers’ game in Mexico City will take place in Week 11. The NFL will await the schedule announcement which is set to occur sometime in mid-May if the last two years are any indication.
There’s no specific date set for the 49ers’ Week 11 game. If they play Sunday, their game would be on Sunday, November 22. If that game is a Monday night contest, which was the case the last time they played in Mexico City in 2022, it’ll take place November 23.
It’ll be interesting to see if the 49ers’ Bye week is centered around their second out-of-country trip of the season. They go to Australia in Week 1, so there won’t be a Bye that early. Given the travel and the thin air in Mexico City it would make sense that the league would give the 49ers a week off the following week.
It’s worth noting their last trip to Mexico City wasn’t followed by a Bye, but it was followed by three consecutive home games. That’s unlikely to be the case this time since they’re the designated home team. In 2022 they were the visitors against the Arizona Cardinals.
Lionel Messi‘s international career will be coming to a close sooner rather than later.
The Inter Miami standout’s move to MLS has done little to blot his impact on the world’s stage. He remains one of South America’s finest talents, anchoring an Argentina side that aims to join Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) as repeat World Cup champions.
Messi isn’t getting any younger, though. He’ll be 39 when the knockout round kicks off in the summer. For all of his footballing excellence, Messi — like his idols before him — can’t outrun time.
Argentina’s friendly against Zambia, then, can serve as a coronation for one of the country’s greatest-ever artists. Messi retired from international play once before, stepping away from the sport after falling short in his quest for Copa America Centenario. That hiatus was short-lived; by 2018, he was back in La Albiceleste setup, persuaded following a nationwide campaign.
Messi hasn’t made any formal announcement about his footballing future. Nevertheless, Lionel Scaloni’s side’s match with Chipolopolo — held at La Bombanera — should offer fans a chance to say goodbye.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Argentina’s international friendly match against Zambia. Follow below for highlights, analysis and more from what could be Messi’s last home game in Argentine colors.
Argentina vs. Zambia live updates, highlights from World Cup playoff
(All times Eastern)
50′: GOAL! Otamendi finds his target! Argentina is firmly in control of this one!
Argentina 3, Zambia 0
48′: PENALTY! Thiago Almada slipped beyond his marker, pushing Zambian defender Obino Chisala to strike him down inside the box. Nicolas Otamendi will take the ball, looking to add another strike to Argentina’s collection.
45′: We’re back to action from La Bombanera. Messi will look to add to his heroics before the end of the match.
Halftime: Argentina 2, Zambia 0
43′: GOAL! Messi gets on the scoresheet, stroking a strike into the far corner after linking up with Mac Allister.
Argentina 2, Zambia 0
25′: The Zambians showed some attacking flourish in the moments following Argentina’s opener. But they’ve struggled to make much of a dent as of late, surrendering possession more often than not. Argentina is yet to encroach on Zambia’s frame. But La Albiceleste look the likelier of the two teams to land on the scoresheet again.
13′: Zambia is starting to build itself into this one. Patson Daka is a formidable presence in the center of Zambia’s attack, known for his elusiveness and timing of his runs.
10′: Things are going as planned for the Argentines, who have set up traps around the pitch in the hopes of coaxing turnovers out of the Zambian side.
4′: GOAL! Argentina strikes first, with Messi finding Julian Alvarez with a deft pass. Leandro Paredes let the ball run beside him, opening up space for Alvarez to sweep the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. Impressive move from start to finish for La Albiceleste, who should see plenty of joy in this one.
Argentina 1, Zambia 0
1′: And we’re off! Argentina and Zambia dance across La Bombanera’s gleaming meadow!
Kick off!
7:30 p.m.: Messi is on the field! Argentina and Zambia are lining up for the ceremonial national anthem. The diminutive playmaker looks stoic as plumes of blue and white swirl over the field. We’ll be underway in the next few minutes.
7:00 p.m.: Messi hasn’t yet commented on rumors of his international retirement. However, Argentines are certainly treating the matchup like a spectacle, with rappers trotting onto the glint green surface ahead of tonight’s matchup.
Argentina and Zambia’s international friendly match kicks off on Tuesday, March 31 at 8:15 p.m. ET local time in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here’s how that start time translates across some major international hubs.
Date
Kickoff time
USA/Canada
Tue, Mar. 31
7:15 p.m. ET
USA/Canada
Tue, Mar. 31
4:15 p.m. PT
UK
Wed., Apr. 1
1:15 a.m. BST
Australia
Wed, Apr. 1
10:15 a.m. AEDT
India
Wed, Apr. 1
3:45 a.m. IST
What channel is Argentina vs. Zambia on?
Here is how to watch the match in some of the world’s major regions:
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Wandy Peralta #58 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park on March 30, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Francisco Giants (1-3) at San Diego Padres (1-3), March 31, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PST
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