Alarm bells are ringing at the women’s March Madness after the University of Southern California superstar was knocked to the floor in their matchup against Mississippi State.
JuJu Watkins has suffered a torn ACL in her right knee, sources tell ESPN. She will undergo surgery.
The moment Juju Watkins suffers her dramatic injury
Watkins, who is one of the best players in the tournament, was attempting to carry the ball between two Bulldogs players with 4:43 left on the clock. She immediately grabbed her right knee and did not hide the pain she felt in her face.
The fans at the Calen Center remained silent as Coach Lindsay Gottlieb and two other staff members helped Watkins, a sophomore who averages 24.6 points and is one of the stars to watch in the tournament.
Pure ballers! Juju Watkins reveals the hoop stars who shaped her game ahead of March Madness
She was assisted off the court as the game enjoyed a TV timeout when the Trojans led 13-2.
On the next possession, the arena took to booing Mississippi State.
It had been leaked that top Tennessee Titans officials attended Cam Ward‘s Pro Day in Miami. They did it along with other evaluators, but knowing that they are one of the teams that have high chances of getting him in the NFL Draft next April.
Against this backdrop, and with the conditions he has shown in his collegiate career, he is the favorite to become the first selection, although there is a serious debate about whether he is the best choice before the other available players such as Colorado Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter or Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter.
That escalated quickly! Shedeur Sanders tackles Cam Ward after a heated verbal exchange
Cam Ward, confident and with a message for the Titans
The 23-year-old quarterback sat down to talk with NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger and Cameron Wolfe about his Pro Day goals, where he sent a message while executing some of his drives.
“I said, ‘I’m solidifying it today,’” Ward said on NFL Network when asked about what he told members of the Titans staff he had nearby as he was executing.
Titans with No. 1 pick
The team is in a prime position where they can select a Quarterback, but not before signing Brandon Allen to be Will Levis’ backup. Allen has been a third-string player in the past, so it would make sense for the Titans to bring him in that capacity.
This means the Titans are preparing to add another element at this position this offseason, either in the latter part of free agency or in the draft.
The team have hosted Ward for a pre-draft visit and met with him for dinner while he was in Miami, so it’s clear he’s in the running for the first pick.
The Titans have also sent the entire house from Nashville. Present at their Pro Day were head coach Brian Callahan, general manager Mike Borgonzi, and President Burke Nihill, even the website production and Titans TV were on hand to see just how special Cam Ward was.
In one month, many of the best NCAA football prospects will gather in scenic Green Bay, Wisc. for the 2025 NFL Draft, a celebration of how far they have come and how much more is still to come as these players begin their careers in pro football. One of the draft’s most polarizing prospects, the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, is expected to be in attendance amid rumors that he will be one of the first players to hear NFL commissioner Roger Goodell call his name.
The pre-draft process though has been anything but straightforward for Sanders, whose father Deion is an NFL legend and his former coach at Colorado. Shedeur has been subject to significant media scrutiny over the past month, and Deion — more reserved throughout the process than many expected — has decided that now is the time to step in.
Prime: I’m ready to call out the team that has been bashing Shedeur the most
Speaking to NFL Network, Deion Sanders pushed back on claims that Shedeur courted “controversy” while interviewing with teams amid his decision to pull out of the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis — and the former star cornerback reminded the league of how much power he still holds.
“We like to call that stuff out,” Deion said, referring to the controversy as ‘lies”. “I know who it is. You’re going to make me call him out. You know what team, yeah, all right? You gotta understand it. Don’t make me pull behind the curtains and step in that thing.”
Teams have been concerned that Deion, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, has long been willing to steer Shedeur to a big market instead of a smaller one. But Prime, hard at work preparing Colorado for the 2025 season, has given Shedeur the platform to be his own man and fight through the adversity. And it may pay off in the end — the Cleveland Browns have dropped hints for weeks that Shedeur might be their guy at #2 overall come April 24.
“We’re great with adversity,” Deion said. “We’ve always been through adversity. We’ve always been challenged with adversity and naysaying and doubting. He is built for that. He’s the most qualified young man who plays that position that’s built for that, and to be in front of the lights and to continuously shine.”
The NFL Draft is always full of debates, and this year, Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo is right at the center of one. The hard-nosed running back has put up staggering numbers, making him an intriguing option for teams in need of a physical runner. However, NFL analyst Greg Cosell has raised concerns that could make franchises think twice before calling his name on draft night.
Skattebo’s production in 2024 speaks for itself-1,711 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns, and an additional 605 receiving yards with three more scores. His running style? Relentless. He fights for every yard like the defense personally insulted him. His ability to bounce off defenders and gain tough yards has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most physical backs. But does that mean he’s a surefire NFL success?
Nobody can stop him! NFL prospect Cameron Skattebo ran over an entire defense
Why Greg Cosell isn’t sold
Cosell, known for his brutally honest assessments, isn’t entirely convinced. He has pointed out Skattebo’s stiffness and lack of elite athletic traits as potential red flags. “He doesn’t have the top-tier athleticism needed to thrive at the next level,” Cosell explained. That doesn’t mean Skattebo won’t succeed, but it does suggest that his fit in the NFL will depend heavily on scheme and coaching.
The comparison to Rams running back Kyren Williams is an interesting one. Williams wasn’t seen as an elite prospect coming out of Notre Dame, but he found the perfect system in Los Angeles and became a key contributor. Could Skattebo follow a similar path? That depends on where he lands.
Is Jacksonville the right destination?
The Jaguars, coming off a disappointing 4-13 season, are looking for ways to revamp their offense. While they have Travis Etienne as their primary back, a bruiser like Skattebo could bring a different dimension to their running game, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
However, there are valid concerns. Skattebo doesn’t have breakaway speed, his ball security needs improvement, and his blocking remains inconsistent. These are all areas that could limit his immediate impact in the NFL. If Jacksonville-or any team-takes a chance on him, they’ll need to be patient and willing to develop his game.
So, is Skattebo a hidden gem or a risky investment? That’s the question NFL teams must answer before draft day.
The excitement of March Madness always draws passionate fans, but one celebrity face in the crowd has sparked extra curiosity: Bill Murray.
The legendary actor, known for roles in Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, has been a regular at the NCAA Tournament, particularly at UConn Huskies games.
March Madness magic! Spencer Hubbard and the Duke fans’ chant take over the first round
Bill Murray can’t stay away from March Madness
While some may assume he’s simply a college basketball fan, his presence has a much deeper connection.
Murray has been a prominent supporter of UConn because of his son, Luke Murray, who serves as an assistant coach on Dan Hurley’s staff.
Over the past two seasons, the actor has been a fixture at tournament games, cheering on his son’s team as they made back-to-back championship runs.
Despite a heartbreaking exit this year in the second round against Florida, the Huskies’ recent dominance has given Murray plenty of reasons to celebrate from the stands.
Luke Murray has built an extensive coaching career, working under Hurley at Wagner, Rhode Island, and now UConn.
With deep roots in Connecticut, having attended St. Luke’s in New Canaan and Fairfield University, Luke Murray has been instrumental in the Huskies’ success.
As a result, Bill Murray has become a dedicated supporter, attending not just postseason matchups but also regular-season games and Big East Tournament contests.
He even accompanied his son to last year’s NBA Draft, showing his unwavering commitment to Luke’s coaching journey.
Murray’s dedication to UConn was evident this year when he traveled from Tokyo, where he was spotted at the Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers series game alongside rock star Jack White, straight to Raleigh, North Carolina, for UConn’s opening-round matchups.
His presence was a good omen for the Huskies in their first-round victory over Oklahoma, but their tournament dreams ended in a closely contested battle against Florida.
While UConn won’t be making another Final Four run this season, there’s little doubt that Murray will continue to be a staple at Huskies games as long as his son is coaching.
With UConn maintaining its place among college basketball’s elite, expect to see the Hollywood star courtside again next season, cheering on the team with the same enthusiasm fans have come to love.
Livvy Dunne and the LSU gymnastics team are set to keep shining this season; they are now on the SEC Championship along with Oklahoma, Florida, and Missouri; this is divided into two sessions inside the Alabama facilities.
The Livvy’s teammate is just 23 years old. She stunned everyone during the practice with her spectacular and perfect floor routine, just a few hours before the gymnastics SEC Championship would begin.
A new queen! Aleah Finnegan, Livvy Dunne’s teammate, impacted everyone with her floor routine
Aleah Finnegan, one of the most talented athletes in the US gymnastics program, used to represent the US in international competencies. In 2021 prior to the Olympic games selection she ended fifth in the all-around behind Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Kayla DiCello, and Grace McCallum of the UK gymnastics classic.
Finnegan, the current representative of the Philippines, decided to compete for the country in international competitions starting in 2022. The International Gymnastics Federation approved her nationality change in May of that year. At the 2021 Southeast Asian Games, which were postponed to 2022, she led the Filipino team to first place in the team competition. Individually, she finished second in the all-around category, behind Rifda Irfanaluthfi of Indonesia.
The LSU gymnastics team is the reigning NCAA champion and is currently fighting to defend their title. This season is particularly significant for some team members, including Olivia Dunne, who is in her super senior year and has announced that she will be earning her diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Two weeks ago, in the final matchup of the SEC regular season, the standout performer was 18-year-old Kailin Chio, who achieved her first perfect score of 10 in her career. This remarkable feat helped secure a number 2 seed for LSU, along with a co-championship with Oklahoma.
Is Jaxson Dart on track to become one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft? Many analysts think so. The Ole Miss quarterback’s draft stock has risen steadily since the conclusion of the NCAA season, and his latest comments have propelled him even further, placing him ahead of Shedeur Sanders.
A disastrous performance under center once threatened Dart’s future as a top contender. The Rebels’ crushing loss to the Florida Gators in late November was a nightmare for the young quarterback. Three interceptions on consecutive drives seemed to mark an early end to his NFL dreams.
However, Dart bounced back with solid performances and strong numbers, prompting analysts to reconsider. A candid moment captured on video recently boosted his standing even further, elevating him into conversations alongside prospects like Cam Ward and Sanders.
Dart’s guide to blocking out the noise
In a promotional video for telecommunications company C Spire, the former Rebels QB delivered a clear message-not just to his critics, but to all 32 NFL teams: outside opinions have no impact on him.
When asked how he manages to tune out the noise of mainstream and social media, Dart explained, “It’s really important to safeguard yourself and limit negativity and distractions that don’t matter.”
He elaborated, “I’ve always focused on listening to those I love and those who genuinely care about me. The opinions of others don’t hold much weight in my life.” Dart emphasized, “I try to keep my circle tight and prioritize those voices above all.”
Dart vs. Sanders: Who comes out ahead?
While their stats indicate that Sanders and Dart are comparable, their personalities set them apart. Reports suggest Sanders is often perceived as “brash” and “arrogant,” whereas Dart has increasingly displayed maturity and focus both on and off the field.
Combined with detailed assessments of the two players, this contrast has led analysts to speculate that Dart could emerge as the second quarterback off the board in April’s draft, potentially edging out Sanders. Ultimately, their fate will depend on how teams evaluate their strengths-and Dart has delivered a compelling case for his potential.
When Azzi Fudd went down with a knee injury 16 months ago and required surgery, her parents immediately wondered how they would navigate another grueling rehab process.
That’s when Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry came in and dished out a most important assist: He and his team of trainers and medical professionals offered to help lead the effort to get the Connecticut guard healthy and back on the court after she tore her right anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus.
They came up with a precise plan, down to the specific milestones she would need to meet each step of the way, and collaborated with the UConn training staff to get her through those tests.
“I was cast to put together a really good group of people,” said Carl Bergstrom, Curry’s director of performance. “Doing a virtual or distant rehab is not without its challenges, so with the resources that were allocated and just the network that we have, I was able to take the time and really bring in who I thought were some of the best world leaders in ACL rehab that were in my network in North America.”
All good, Steph? Fans react as Curry’s rare clumsy moment goes viral
Tim and Katie Fudd aren’t sure how they would have supported their daughter without the SC30 team. Fudd partnered with Curry’s off-court organization more than three years ago and it paid for her cross-country trips to see top doctors.
“When we were kind of throwing around ideas about how to handle it and what we were going to do to help her get back to the best version of herself, we just didn’t know what to do, and then all of a sudden we got information that Stephen was stepping up and was going to provide some resources for her to have rehab for the next 12 months,” Tim said.
“It was jaw-dropping No. 1, and No. 2, when you got involved with the whole process, and to see how in depth everything was in terms of her workouts and how meticulous the therapists and trainers that she worked with were, we were blown away by it.”
Fudd formally joined Curry’s SC30 brand in November 2021 to build her career through a name, image and likeness contract. Still, she had little idea how far the support would reach.
“Not even just from this rehab standpoint, Steph has been such an amazing resource,” Fudd said. “It kind of just goes to show the kind of person he is. … Just him being so open to sharing his resources from the beginning has been incredible, but during this rehab process being with SC30 I can’t imagine what this process would have been like if I wasn’t with Steph and he wasn’t so caring and sharing and giving.”
Fudd returned for UConn in November and the graduate student guard is gearing up for what could be her final NCAA Tournament run with the second-seeded Huskies, who face Arkansas State on Saturday.
Special relationship
In 2018, Fudd was one of the first women to attend Curry’s elite camp, and that’s when they initially connected.
“She’s part of the family and when we signed her out of high school it was part of providing resources off the court that could help her figure out the business of basketball before she really got going, be a support for her and her family,” Curry said. “Injuries happen. It was just trying to make sure she had the best chance to get back. So far, so good.”
As Fudd sat out the 2023-24 season, she made several trips to Vancouver and Calgary to work with medical experts like Bergstrom, whom they called the “quarterback” of her recovery.
That support network named their group chat “Team Azzi,” and Curry’s folks worked closely with the UConn athletic training staff so everybody stayed on the same page.
“They made sure I was always on track and always ready to advance to the next stage and not rushing and making sure I wasn’t overcompensating in any other areas,” Fudd said. “They made sure my recovery process was very planned and strategic. They were amazing.”
Fudd was injured in practice on Nov. 14, 2023, and had surgery on Dec. 1 that year.
She is grateful to every person who played a key role in her comeback, saying, “I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now.”
The need to find a quarterback for the New York Giants is evident, and they could find one in the Draft. However, the road seems very long for the team led by Brian Daboll, despite having the third overall pick.
The two most talented quarterbacks on paper are Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Both players have been linked to the team, and fans are dreaming of one of them, but the Tennessee Titans, along with the Cleveland Browns, are clear favorites with the first two picks to draft both players.
It ended! Shedeur Sanders tells the NFL that the football relationship he had with his dad is over
Jordan Raanan, a Giants insider, indicated that the team’s plan to make a trade for the first pick “appears dead,” perhaps due to the high cost of making that move. So, with the third pick, New York could forget about drafting a quarterback and select, for many, the best prospect, the versatile and Heisman winner, Travis Hunter.
Travis Hunter would be a perfect fit for the New York Giants
Pro Football Focus analysts Jordan Plocher and Josh Liskiewitz have placed Travis Hunter with the Giants, highlighting his exceptional skills and versatility.
The Giants could be excited about Hunter for everything he could bring to the team. Offensively, as a receiver, he would form a perfect duo with Malik Nabers, who stood out for New York last season.
Hunter’s offensive numbers in his final year with the Colorado Buffaloes were impressive: 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. He also had an amazing chemistry with Shedeur Sanders.
Last season, the Giants allowed 23 passing touchdowns and only accumulated 5 interceptions, so Hunter, as a cornerback, would also help immediately with Brian Daboll’s team. Travis recorded 4 interceptions and 11 passes defended last year.
Hunter was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 2024, highlighting his versatility and outstanding performance in both aspects of the game, so Giants fans could be excited about this player.
The Texas Longhorns’ basketball season came to an abrupt and heartbreaking conclusion Wednesday night, as they squandered a second-half double-digit lead to fall 86-80 to Xavier in the NCAA Tournament’s First Four. The loss punctuates a season of struggles for the Longhorns, marking their second consecutive early exit from March Madness.
The focus now shifts to head coach Rodney Terry and the future of the program, which has failed to meet heightened expectations. Rodney Terry took the helm midway through the 2022-23 season following the departure of Chris Beard and initially revitalized the Longhorns, leading them to an Elite Eight appearance that year.
Madness! Alabama State stuns with a last-second buzzer-beater as March Madness chaos has begun!
However, the program has since stagnated. Last season, Texas earned a No. 7 seed but failed to advance past the second round. This year, in their inaugural SEC campaign, they barely secured a tournament berth and finished near the bottom of the conference standings with a 6-12 record in SEC play.
The pressure is on for the program
High hopes surrounded the team heading into 2024-25, fueled by the arrival of standout freshman and projected lottery pick Tre Johnson. However, the Longhorns failed to capitalize on his talent, leaving fans and analysts disappointed once again.
The loss to Xavier and another early tournament exit have amplified speculation about Terry’s job security. According to Jeff Goodman of Field of 68, Texas is expected to part ways with Terry, making the Longhorns one of the most sought-after coaching opportunities in college basketball. With high-profile jobs such as Indiana and NC State already filled, the Texas vacancy could become a prime destination for top coaching candidates.
Athletic director Chris Del Conte is under pressure to make a decisive move that will restore the Longhorns to prominence. For now, the basketball program faces a pivotal crossroads, with a fresh start likely on the horizon after two seasons of unmet expectations.
