The Arizona Wildcats take another step toward the 2026-27 college basketball season Tuesday night when they welcome the San Francisco Dons to McKale Center at ALKEME Arena in Tucson, Arizona.

For Arizona fans, the exhibition provides the first opportunity to watch Tommy Lloyd’s team compete against another Division I opponent at home this fall. The Wildcats previously played three exhibition games in Lithuania during August before holding their annual Red-Blue Showcase on September 26.

Now, Arizona begins a three-game exhibition schedule against outside competition, starting with a San Francisco program accustomed to competing against strong opponents in the West Coast Conference.

Tuesday’s matchup gives Lloyd an opportunity to evaluate his roster, experiment with different combinations and continue preparing for the start of Big 12 competition.

The exhibition also provides an early look at several Arizona players who could play important roles throughout the upcoming season.

Arizona makes its unofficial 2026-27 season debut this week. What to expect when the Wildcats host the San Francisco Dons in exhibition play on Tuesday. 👇https://t.co/RQqB3KQ7qr

— AZ Band Cat Sports (@AZBandCatSports) October 13, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for San Francisco vs Arizona

• Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
• Time: 10 p.m. ET
• Venue: McKale Center at ALKEME Arena, Tucson, Arizona
• TV: No traditional television broadcast announced
• Live stream: ESPN+

Tuesday’s exhibition will be available through ESPN+, allowing fans to stream Arizona’s first official preseason matchup against San Francisco.

The game begins at 7 p.m. local time in Tucson, which is 10 p.m. ET.

Viewers will need an active ESPN+ subscription to access the broadcast through ESPN’s streaming platform.

San Francisco vs Arizona Game Overview

Arizona enters the 2026-27 campaign looking to continue the success Lloyd has established since taking over the program. The Wildcats have developed a reputation for playing an aggressive, fast-paced style built around ball movement, transition opportunities and efficient offensive possessions.

Tuesday provides another chance to evaluate how that approach is developing with the latest roster.

Among the players to watch are Ivan Kharchenkov, Caleb Holt and RJ Godfrey, who were featured prominently during Arizona’s September Red-Blue Showcase. Kharchenkov provides versatility on the perimeter, while Holt is one of the young players Arizona fans will be interested in evaluating as the season approaches.

Godfrey brings another option in the frontcourt as the Wildcats work to establish their rotation.

The Dons Of San Francisco

San Francisco enters the exhibition representing the West Coast Conference, a league that has consistently produced competitive teams capable of challenging major-conference opponents.

The Dons regularly compete against Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s, giving the program experience facing opponents with national aspirations.

Tuesday will provide San Francisco with an opportunity to evaluate its own personnel against a talented Arizona team in one of college basketball’s most recognizable home environments.

Wrapping Up Exhibition Season

The Wildcats will continue their exhibition schedule Friday against San Diego State before hosting Eastern Washington on October 23. Arizona officially opens the regular season November 2 against UCLA in Las Vegas.

Although Tuesday’s result will not count toward the regular-season standings, the exhibition should provide valuable information for both coaching staffs.

For Arizona, it is another opportunity to develop chemistry and establish roles before the season begins. For San Francisco, the matchup offers a challenging early test against a nationally recognized program.

Related: How to Watch Belmont vs Duke: College Basketball Preseason TV Channel, Live Stream

Related: 5-Star SF Reveals College Basketball Powerhouse Among His ‘Dream Schools’

The Nebraska Cornhuskers return to the court Friday night when they welcome the Saint Louis Billikens to Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, for one of the more intriguing college basketball exhibitions of the preseason.

Both programs are coming off remarkable 2025-26 campaigns, making this much more interesting than a typical October tune-up.

Nebraska won a school-record 28 games last season and reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history. Saint Louis was equally impressive, winning 29 games, sharing the Atlantic 10 regular-season championship and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Now, Fred Hoiberg and Josh Schertz begin preparing their teams for another postseason run.

Friday’s matchup also comes with some welcome news for basketball fans. The game will be available to watch for free as part of the Big Ten’s special preseason streaming promotion.

After four months of workouts, the SLU basketball team faces someone else on Friday, meeting Nebraska in a preseason game https://t.co/ToDUbEqvqF

— St. Louis Post-Dispatch (@stltoday) October 9, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for Saint Louis vs Nebraska

• Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Venue: Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, Nebraska
• TV: No traditional television broadcast announced
• Live stream: B1G+ and free on YouTube

Friday’s exhibition will stream on B1G+, the Big Ten’s subscription streaming service.

However, fans will not need a paid subscription to watch this particular matchup.

The Big Ten announced that Saint Louis at Nebraska will be featured as a B1G+ Free Friday Event, making the game available at no charge on YouTube.

The free broadcast gives college basketball fans an opportunity to watch two NCAA Tournament teams begin their preseason preparations without purchasing an additional streaming package.

Nebraska’s official athletics website also provides a free video stream link through its men’s basketball schedule.

Saint Louis vs Nebraska Game Overview

Nebraska enters the 2026-27 season hoping to build on the most successful campaign in school history. The Cornhuskers finished 28-7 last season, tied for second place in the Big Ten and advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16.

Hoiberg returns two of his top three scorers, including standout forward Pryce Sandfort. Sandfort averaged 18.1 points and 4.9 rebounds last season while shooting 41.6% from three-point range. He led the Big Ten with 3.7 made three-pointers per game and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors.

Braden Frager also returns after being named the conference’s Sixth Man of the Year. Frager averaged 11.8 points and 3.8 rebounds, providing Nebraska with another proven offensive option. His most memorable moment came during the NCAA Tournament, when he scored the go-ahead basket with 2.2 seconds remaining in Nebraska’s second-round victory over Vanderbilt.

Billikens Looking To Repeat Strong Season

Saint Louis presents an interesting challenge. Schertz guided the Billikens to a 29-6 record last season, including a share of the Atlantic 10 regular-season championship. Their NCAA Tournament run ended against eventual national champion Michigan in the second round.

The Billikens return nine players, including three starters, giving Schertz a foundation of experience as he prepares for another season.

Saint Louis also finished among the nation’s top five teams in both effective field goal percentage and field goal percentage defense last season.

Those numbers help explain why Hoiberg wanted the Billikens on Nebraska’s preseason schedule.

When the exhibition was announced in May, Hoiberg explained that the matchup would provide a valuable challenge for his team.

“I think this matchup against Saint Louis will be a similar learning experience because of the challenges they present,” Hoiberg said.

Friday is also the first game in a two-year preseason exhibition agreement between the programs. Nebraska will travel to Saint Louis for a return matchup before the 2027-28 season.

The Cornhuskers continue their preseason schedule at BYU on October 16 before facing Kansas State in Grand Island, Nebraska, on October 26.

Saint Louis will host Bradley on October 23 before beginning its regular season against Lehigh on November 2.

For Nebraska, Friday is an opportunity to showcase a team coming off a historic NCAA Tournament run. For Saint Louis, it is a chance to measure itself against a proven Big Ten opponent.

And with free streaming available, fans across the country can get an early look at two programs hoping to make another March Madness appearance.

Related: On The Doorstep Of History: A Power Conference Team Chasing Its First NCAA Tournament Win

Related: How to Watch Belmont vs Duke: College Basketball Preseason TV Channel, Live Stream

The North Carolina Tar Heels begin a new era Friday night when they face the USC Trojans in a highly anticipated preseason exhibition at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The matchup features two recognizable college basketball programs, but the most interesting storyline might be the men leading them. North Carolina begins its first season under Michael Malone, while USC enters its third campaign with Eric Musselman.

Both coaches have experience leading NBA franchises, creating an unusual coaching matchup before either team plays an official regular-season game.

North Carolina is looking to bounce back from a disappointing NCAA Tournament exit after finishing 24-9 last season. USC, meanwhile, is coming off an 18-14 campaign and has assembled an intriguing collection of newcomers.

With both programs featuring significant roster changes, Friday offers fans their first opportunity to see how those pieces fit together against major-conference competition.

Men’s Basketball To Open Preseason vs. USC In Greensboro Friday Nighthttps://t.co/2djxWTSBUw

— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) October 8, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for USC vs North Carolina

• Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina
• TV: ACC Network
• Live stream: ESPN app

Friday’s exhibition will be televised nationally on ACC Network. Fans with an eligible television-provider subscription can also stream the game through the ESPN app.

The contest is being promoted as the Preseason Premiere and will take place at a neutral venue rather than North Carolina’s usual home court in Chapel Hill.

For fans unable to attend in Greensboro, the national television broadcast provides an early opportunity to evaluate two programs that have made significant changes heading into the 2026-27 season.

USC vs North Carolina Game Overview

North Carolina’s decision to hire Malone has created considerable excitement around the program. Malone spent 12 seasons as an NBA head coach and guided the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 NBA championship. Now, he takes on the challenge of leading one of college basketball’s most historic programs.

The Tar Heels finished last season with 24 victories but suffered a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to VCU. North Carolina has since added a recruiting class ranked No. 10 nationally in ESPN’s final rankings. Friday will provide an early indication of how Malone intends to shape his team’s offensive and defensive identity.

Trojan Power

USC has its own reasons for optimism. Musselman enters his third season with the Trojans after an 18-win campaign in 2025-26. The program returns only three players from last season while adding seven transfers and a freshman recruiting class ranked fifth nationally by ESPN.

That incoming class is USC’s second-highest-rated group since ESPN began tracking recruiting rankings in 2007.

The Trojans also feature Rodney Rice, who earned preseason All-Big Ten recognition, and highly regarded guard Alijah Arenas. Their development will be among the interesting storylines as USC begins working toward its regular-season opener.

Another interesting element is the coaching connection between Malone and Musselman. Both have worked as NBA head coaches, with Musselman previously leading the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings.

While exhibition results do not count toward either team’s regular-season record, Friday provides valuable competition against an opponent with the talent to expose weaknesses before November.

North Carolina will continue its preseason schedule against Indiana on October 18 in Indianapolis before hosting Charlotte on October 27.

USC’s next exhibition comes October 17 at UC San Diego, followed by a matchup with San Diego State on October 23.

For both programs, Friday is an early opportunity to establish momentum, evaluate rotations and begin building chemistry before the games start counting.

Related: Michael Malone, North Carolina Predicted to Land $1.2 Million Transfer Portal Recruit

Related: USC Hires Arkansas’s Eric Musselman As Men’s Basketball Coach

The Duke Blue Devils begin their 2026-27 preseason schedule Thursday night when they welcome the Belmont Bruins to Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

The matchup provides an early look at Jon Scheyer’s latest Duke team following Saturday’s Countdown to Craziness event. It also features an interesting homecoming for Belmont head coach Evan Bradds, who returns to Duke after previously serving as an assistant coach with the Blue Devils.

Duke enters the new season with another talented roster featuring returning players, experienced transfers and highly regarded freshmen. Belmont, meanwhile, begins a new chapter under Bradds after winning 26 games and capturing the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship last season.

Although Thursday’s game is officially classified as a preseason scrimmage, both programs have plenty to gain before the regular season begins in November.

Gamedays are back!

1st exhibition game tonight vs Belmont

📡 ACCNX
⏰ 7 PM
🏰 Cameron pic.twitter.com/efNEBAjw7I

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) October 8, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for Belmont vs Duke

• Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
• TV: ACC Network Extra (ACCNX)
• Live stream: ESPN app
• Radio: Blue Devil Sports Network and Belmont Bruins Radio on YouTube

Thursday’s matchup will be available through ACC Network Extra, with streaming access through the ESPN app for viewers with an eligible television-provider subscription.

Chris Edwards and former Duke standout Ryan Kelly will handle the television broadcast.

Fans interested in listening can follow Duke’s radio coverage featuring David Shumate and John Roth. Belmont will also provide radio coverage with Steve Layman, including an extended pregame show beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Belmont vs Duke Game Overview

Duke enters its fifth season under Scheyer, who has picked up 124 victories through his first four years as head coach. The Blue Devils have also established an impressive home-court advantage, winning 32 consecutive games at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The 2026-27 roster includes returning contributors Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba II, Dame Sarr and Cayden Boozer. Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell adds another scoring option after averaging 19.1 points per game last season.

One particularly interesting player to watch is Drew Scharnowski, who transferred to Duke from Belmont. His familiarity with the Bruins adds another storyline to Thursday’s meeting.

Bruins Bring Some Intrigue

Belmont has its own intriguing transition underway.

Bradds, a former Belmont standout, takes over the program after spending time on Duke’s coaching staff. His first appearance leading the Bruins comes against the very program where he developed as an assistant.

The Bruins finished 26-6 last season and have recorded at least 20 victories in 16 consecutive seasons, establishing themselves as one of the nation’s most consistent mid-major programs.

For Duke, Thursday offers an opportunity to evaluate rotations, defensive combinations and the development of its newcomers against an established Division I opponent.

The Blue Devils will continue their preseason schedule against Tennessee on October 20 before visiting Kansas on October 25. Duke officially opens the regular season against Army West Point on November 2.

For Belmont, Thursday represents the beginning of a new coaching era, with a challenging first opponent and a familiar face returning to Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Related: Jon Scheyer, Duke Receive Good News After College Basketball Season

Related: Duke Basketball Connected to No. 7 Transfer Portal Recruit

The freshman appeared positioned for an immediate role as the Wolverines prepare to defend their college basketball national championship, but those plans changed on Tuesday.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that McCoy suffered an ACL injury during Michigan’s overseas exhibition tour and will miss the entire 2026-27 college basketball season, and Michigan confirmed the news shortly after.

“NEWS: Michigan star freshman Brandon McCoy will miss the season with ‘an ACL injury,’ the school announced today,” Thamel reported. “The injury occurred in an exhibition game in Croatia last week. He was a Top 20 ranked player in ESPN’s rankings and projected to have a huge impact at Michigan this year.”

NEWS: Michigan star freshman Brandon McCoy will miss the season with “an ACL injury,” the school announced today. The injury occurred in an exhibition game in Croatia last week. He was a Top 20 ranked player in ESPN’s rankings and projected to have a huge impact at Michigan this… pic.twitter.com/Q8HmKgeqbA

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 1, 2026

McCoy suffered the injury during Michigan’s third and final exhibition game of its foreign tour. Twenty seconds into the matchup against Mega SUPERBET, the freshman slipped while advancing the ball in transition and went down beneath the basket.

McCoy couldn’t put weight on his right leg and required assistance from Michigan’s training staff and teammates to leave the floor. He did not return to the game.

The injury will cost McCoy his freshman season while leaving the timeline for the next stages of his rehabilitation open.

“Further updates on McCoy’s surgery and recovery status will be provided when available,” the program said.

A five-star prospect and a top-10 recruit in the nation per 247Sports Composite ranks, McCoy committed to Michigan in April after starring at Sierra Canyon School in California. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.2 steals as a senior while helping Sierra Canyon finish 30-1 and win a state championship.

Ultimately, the injury removes a player from Michigan’s roster who had already made an impression in the overseas preseason. McCoy started all three exhibitions and averaged 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals across the first two games.

Related: New Docuseries Explains Why Geno Auriemma Is Relentlessly Driven to Win

Related: 5-Star SF Reveals College Basketball Powerhouse Among His ‘Dream Schools’

Hamachek started by asking Auriemma to take off his shoes, because they were squeaking. Auriemma, the winningest coach in college basketball history, insisted it wasn’t his shoes, but rather the box they were perched on.

“I haven’t heard a word from my shoes,” the coach snapped. “It’s the box, it’s not the shoes.”

So Hamachek removed the box.

“Do you hear my shoes squeaking now?” said Auriemma. “No. Cause it ain’t the f-ing shoes, dude. … I’ll tell you the same thing I tell my players: Why the f–k would I say it if it wasn’t true?”

Okay.

“The Dynasty: UConn Huskies” is a three-part docuseries that premieres Aug. 21 on Apple TV. It spans 40 years of the most successful program in women’s college basketball history. There are exclusive interviews with great UConn players from Rebecca Lobo and Sue Bird to Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart to Diana Taurasi and Paige Bueckers. It goes behind the scenes of UConn’s 2024-25 run to its 12th national championship.

But while it’s true that some amazingly talented players fueled UConn’s unprecedented success, it might as well be a documentary about Auriemma himself. The 72-year-old head coach took over the Huskies program in 1985, when it was essentially irrelevant, and his legendary run has had as much to do with the growth of women’s sports as anything else.

“I didn’t give a s–t about the game growing,” he says in the doc. “I didn’t. I was growing our game here, at UConn.”

And grow it he did. Since 1995, Auriemma has won 12 NCAA national championships. He’s won more games than any college basketball coach in NCAA history, men’s or women’s. UConn’s rise runs parallel to the start of the WNBA, and Auriemma has sent dozens of players to the pro ranks.

“He just knew what buttons to push,” says Rebecca Lobo, who was UConn’s first star player when she got to Storrs in 1991. “It felt like he kinda can speak to your soul.”

Often, Auriemma pushes those buttons with authority. He can be brutally hard on his players, demanding greatness every step of the way.

Auriemma has embraced his role as a coach that will do what it takes to stay on top. And he’s aware of the reputation he’s created.

“This is the price you have to pay for winning a lot,” he says. “When you lose, people rejoice in your misery. ‘We love you on the way up, we love you once you get there, but then, you know what? We’re kinda sick of your s–t and we can’t wait for you to get beat.”

I spoke to Hamachek about his experience making this docuseries and the impact Auriemma has had on the sport.

Craig Ellenport: So your first sit-down with Coach Auriemma for this doc got off to an awkward start with the shoe incident. What were you thinking at the time?

Matthew Hamachek: Well, first off, I didn’t really know anything about the UConn women’s basketball program before I started making this thing. I had a cursory knowledge of who Geno Auriemma was beyond just, you know, he’s the winningest basketball coach in history in college.

And I think that the thing you get initially with him is, oh, there’s this really confident guy full of bravado and everything. And in a way, that’s the beginning of the series, you know, interacting with him, the audience interacting with him like that in that moment, was one of the things I wanted to capture, because that is an aspect of Geno and a very significant one. But as I got to know him and his story better, and Erica Sashin, my co-director, and I started to tell the story, you realize that there’s this other side to Geno, which is of this guy who came to America when he was six years old, or whatever it was, and didn’t speak the language.

He was on the playground and felt like he was an outsider, felt like he didn’t belong. And Geno talks about how he realized that the only way that he could feel like he belonged is to be better at something or to beat somebody at something. And he says that that was sort of this childish idea, but it’s one that has carried with (him) all the way through 40 years of coaching.

So I think that what makes Geno fascinating is that on one hand, yes, he is that guy that you see on TV every week. But he’s also this guy that one character describes as having an incredible amount of imposter syndrome. And that’s what makes him complicated, but endlessly fascinating.

CE: At the beginning of the docuseries, we see Auriemma’s leg shaking a lot, and he’s cursing, and he’s so intense. If I didn’t know he’s been doing this for 40 years, I would’ve thought he’d break down years ago. You tell the story about a mini-breakdown he had early in his career, but it’s surprising he’s lasted this long with all that intensity.

MH: Yeah, [in the second episode], he inherits what’s considered to be the greatest recruiting class in the history of college basketball (including, among others, Sue Bird, Tamika Williams and Swin Cash). There’s all these expectations of what they’re supposed to accomplish…  all of these incredible players. And when it doesn’t work out and he can’t figure out that thing that they need, he has this meltdown and goes underneath the bleachers. But, you know, in the midst of that moment, that’s when we do the backstory to help you understand who he is and what his origin story is and the way he sees the world.

And then you’re rocketed back into the story again and they lose and they don’t go far in the tournament that year. And I think as best as I can tell, that story of him as a little kid and that realization that he has is the thing that kind of keeps driving him. Because it’s an endlessly fascinating question.

It applies to a lot of these greats, whether it’s Tom Brady after he won the Super Bowl in Tampa, where people like you and me, we look at these people and we say, “Okay, it’s walk off into the sunset. You don’t need another year. Or to Geno, it’s like, you just won your 12th national championship (in 1995). It was your first in nine years. Why don’t you just retire?” But I think they have this inner drive that keeps pushing them further, even when they run into these obstacles. And that’s part of what makes them great, is they don’t let those things stop them.

CE: You also directed the docuseries about the New England Patriots’ dynasty. Aside from the Huskies and Patriots both located in the New England area, can you compare the two dynasties?

MH: You know, not really. I think the one thing that I’ve noticed in all of these people, whether it’s Tom Brady or Geno or Paige or anybody else, is that they obviously have raw talent, right? That has gotten them to a place where they are in the top 1% of the 1% of people who can compete at that level.

And then there’s these two other forces that I’ve seen over and over again, which is that on one hand, they’re incredibly confident and believe that they can do something that basically, you know, nobody else can do. And then they also have some form of insecurity. And that’s the thing that forces them, even when they’ve won 11, to say, I need to find another thing, a new way of looking at this.

In Tom Brady’s case, you know, when he’s won, I don’t know, four or five Super Bowls and then is looking to win the sixth or seventh, you know, to find the small little thing that can get him to the next place or change the way that he interacts with his teammates, whatever it is. And I think that all of these people have that combination of talent, confidence and insecurity all at the same time. And I feel like that’s the common thread that I keep finding.

CE: Tennessee and Pat Summitt had their dynasty as well, and the docuseries dives into the rivalry between Auriemma and Summitt. Regardless of the rivalry, it feels like the UConn dynasty did more to usher in the popularity of women’s college basketball. Why do you think that resonated more than Tennessee?

MH: Well, I don’t know if that’s the case. I mean, first off, I’m not an expert in what drew people into women’s basketball, because I think now it’s having a moment in a way that it really never has had before, even during the days when UConn was winning four in a row. I think that the rivalry, and that we cover to a great degree in the second episode between Pat and Geno, is what was the beginning of, you know, drawing a new audience into women’s basketball.

And that rivalry and all those press conferences where they’re kind of going back and forth through the media is probably…  Jackie MacMullan, the great journalist, says it was rocket fuel for the sport. And I think that’s one of the things that was really fascinating to watch. You know, they were incredible personalities, Geno on one hand, with all this swagger in the press.

And Pat is described as sort of a civil rights icon, and I think it’s true. What she did for the sport went way beyond just coaching, and is something that I think everybody obviously owes a great deal to her for everything she accomplished. But I think the two of them going in those two teams, going up against each other year after year after year, is what really drew the first audience and attention into that.

And I think in a lot of ways, the interesting thing is now everybody just looks back and looks at the sport and says, “Caitlin Clark is the reason this all happened.” And they forget that that rivalry is really what the spark was that started this whole thing.

CE: The docuseries ends with UConn winning the 2025 national title. This year, UConn reached the Final Four again, but lost a semifinal game to South Carolina — after which Auriemma instigated a heated exchange with South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley. What did you think when you saw that?

MH: You know, we’re tough on Geno. We’re fair, but we go into all of the criticisms of him and everything. We document all that stuff well.

With that in mind, what I will say as somebody who has poured over countless hours of footage of Geno is that that incident with Dawn at the end of last season… Geno has talked about how much he regrets it. I think everybody universally looks at it that way. But it definitely is an anomaly in his story. Because, you know, I saw the tape of him when he lost the 111-game win streak to Mississippi State (in 2017). And he’s walking off the court and he’s smiling. And so I look at it as a glitch in a 40-year career and one which he said he regrets. And it’s not a pattern that I saw over and over and over again. It was something that happened and he regrets

Related: Tom Brady and Troy Aikman Do Not Have Conflict of Interest

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All of the interest isn’t surprising, as he’s one of the top players in the 2027 recruiting class. At 6-foot-7 and 200 pounds, he is a five-star recruit, the No. 1 small forward and the No. 4 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.

While each of these eight schools has made an impression, some stand out for more personal reasons. When speaking to Rivals’ Joe Tipton, Henry stated that the Tar Heels are one of his dream schools.

“The whole coaching staff is reaching out, and it means a lot,” Henry said. “I grew up in North Carolina so those North Carolina blue bloods are dream schools of mine. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have that and I like what they’re doing with their program, building it up. They’re going to be a great team this year. I like how they’re recruiting me and they’re recruiting me hard, giving me feedback on what I need to do. It means a lot.”

North Carolina is under new leadership after hiring Michael Malone as its next head coach. Despite spending the majority of his career in the NBA, Malone and his staff have quickly adapted to the demands of high school recruiting.

While the Tar Heels haven’t landed any commitments in the 2027 class yet, it’s clear that they are making some noise on the recruiting trail. Landing Henry would be a major win for North Carolina.

As a junior at AZ Compass Prep National High School, he averaged 15.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 26 games. He also shot 54% from the field and 35% from beyond the three-point line, according to MaxPreps.

With some tough competition, getting him on campus for a visit is key to North Carolina’s chances. Henry’s only visits so far have been with Ohio State (Aug. 30, 2025) and BYU (Nov. 24, 2025).

Related: Arizona Basketball Gives Coveted 5-Star Recruit Compelling Reason to Choose Wildcats

The interest doesn’t come as a major surprise. At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, he is a five-star recruit, the No. 1 shooting guard and the No. 2 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.

Last season at Millennium High School, he was named the MaxPreps Sophomore Basketball Player of the Year. He averaged 22.5 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals per game.

With interest continuing to grow, some teams are making more of an impression than others. That includes Arizona, with the Wildcats pitching him as a future centerpiece of the program.

“Just the situation I would be put in,” Diggs said. “You know, just them talking to me. They’re telling me I would come, fill in like the Brayden Burries role, being like their star. Like more of a combo guard and coming in, changing games and being the game changer. That was really eye opening when they presented that to me. They told me, they’re going to put their trust in me and let me do what I got to do.”

Burries’ career with the Wildcats is certainly something worth striving for. He spent just one year with the team, averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game before being selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Diggs has shown mutual interest in Arizona. He’s already made his way to Tucson twice for unofficial visits with the Wildcats. The most recent came on June 18, with another occurring on Feb. 5.

As one of the top players in the 2027 cycle, the battle for his commitment will only intensify. As Arizona continues to make its case, the Wildcats will look to separate themselves from everyone else.

Related: Russell Westbrook Facing Decision After LeBron James, Miami Heat Update

The team’s ability to land highly rated recruits is consistently on display, putting together a top-15 class five times from 2020 to 2025. With many of the top players in the 2026 cycle already committed, Hurley and his staff are focused on the 2027 recruiting class.

They’ve yet to land a commitment, but are closing in on a few intriguing prospects. Rivals’ Joe Tipton revealed that UConn has been named one of the top eight schools for small forward DeMarcus Henry.

NEWS: 5⭐️ Demarcus Henry is down to eight schools, he tells @Rivals.

The 6-7 small forward is the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2027 class. https://t.co/mPNtfl17Hi pic.twitter.com/hP6HnGZS7G

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) July 7, 2026

The other seven he is considering are the North Carolina Tar Heels, Kansas Jayhawks, BYU Cougars, Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, Ohio State Buckeyes and Arkansas Razorbacks.

Landing his commitment would be a major win for the Huskies. At 6-foot-7 and 200 pounds, he is a five-star recruit, the No. 1 small forward and the No. 5 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.

As a junior at AZ Compass Prep National High School, he appeared in 26 games, averaging 15.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He also shot 54% from the field and 35% from beyond the three-point line, according to MaxPreps.

With the 2027 recruiting class earning more attention, UConn will continue competing with top programs in college basketball for elite recruits. Landing a prospect like Henry would give the Huskies yet another talented player to develop under Hurley.

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It was a surprising decision, and shortly after the news broke, Michigan named Mike Boynton Jr. the interim head coach. USA Today’s Jordan Mendoza reports that he is likely to hold the position for the 2026-27 college basketball season and could even become the permanent replacement.

After spending seven seasons as the Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach, Boynton has plenty of experience leading a team. However, any time there is such a major coaching change, it’s not surprising to see changes to the roster.

However, the Wolverines are hoping to keep their top player out of the transfer portal and in Ann Arbor. On Thursday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Tennessee Volunteers transfer forward J.P. Estrella won’t be going anywhere.

“NEWS: Michigan transfer big-man J.P. Estrella is going to remain with the Wolverines, he told ESPN, as he quickly bonded with interim coach Mike Boynton and his teammates after arriving on campus nearly two weeks ago,” Thamel wrote.

NEWS: Michigan transfer big-man J.P. Estrella is going to remain with the Wolverines, he told ESPN, as he quickly bonded with interim coach Mike Boynton and his teammates after arriving on campus nearly two weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/TTrdjLJB6R

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 2, 2026

At 6-foot-11, Rivals lists him as a four-star recruit, the No. 8 power forward and the No. 37 player to hit the portal this offseason. He was one of three transfer players the Wolverines secured commitments from.

Estrella is coming off a breakout season with the Volunteers. He appeared in 33 games, averaging 10 points, 5.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists, all of which were career highs. He also shot 59.6% from the field and 40% from beyond the three-point line.

While he committed to Michigan with expectations that May would be running the show, he isn’t going anywhere with Boynton now at the helm.

Related: Kentucky Basketball Among Final Contenders for Nation’s No. 1 Center

While Mark Pope and his staff are off to a hot start, they’re far from done. The Wildcats are still targeting some of the cycle’s top players, including center Darius Wabbington, out of Phoenix, Arizona.

As a junior at Sunnyslope High School, he appeared in 30 games and averaged 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He also shot 52% from the field and 36% from beyond the three-point line.

The battle for his commitment continues to heat up, and the Wildcats are right in the mix. On Tuesday, Rivals’ Joe Tipton reported that Wabbington has narrowed down his top six schools, which included Kentucky.

“Darius Wabbington, one of the top prospects in the 2027 class, is down to six schools, he told Rivals,” Tipton wrote. “Moving forward, the 6-foot-11 rising senior out of Sunnyslope High (AZ) will consider Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, and Texas.”

Making it this far is an exciting development for the Wildcats. According to Rivals Industry Rankings, the big man is a four-star recruit, the No. 1 center, the No. 4 player in Arizona and the No. 14 player in the nation.

The next big step Kentucky must take is to schedule Wabbington for an official visit. So far, he has OVs scheduled with Louisville (Sept. 11), Arizona (Sept. 25) and Texas (Oct. 9). Getting him to Lexington and making a strong impression is key to their chances at landing a commitment.

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His ability to ensure the Boilermakers are a contender year in and year out has made Purdue an attractive landing spot for high school recruits. That includes for class of 2028 center Erick Dampier Jr., out of Madison, Mississippi.

At 6-foot-9 and 230 pounds, he is a five-star recruit, the No. 2 center and the No. 4 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. His father, Erick Dampier, also spent 16 years in the NBA and was the Indiana Pacers’ No. 10 pick in the 1996 NBA Draft.

Purdue is one of the many teams that have already offered the big man. When speaking to Rivals’ Jamie Shaw, Dampier made it clear that the Boilermakers have already made a strong impression.

“Of course, they like to play with their bigs,” he said. “They throw the ball to them and play through them, and they shoot the most free throws. I mean, they are a good school to go to if you’re a big; they develop their bigs, too. A lot of people tell me that. They’re a pretty cool staff, we have a good relationship, and I like talking with them.”

As a sophomore at Madison-Ridgeland Academy, he appeared in 39 games, averaging 15.9 points, 13.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He also shot 70% from the field and converted 44% of his free throw attempts.

With strong numbers and high rankings, though, Purdue isn’t the only program in hot pursuit. He also holds offers from the Jackson State Tigers, San Diego Toreros and Mississippi State Bulldogs, which is his father’s alma mater.

With his recruitment still in the early stages, the Boilermakers will look to stay in the mix as one of the nation’s top-rated prospects evaluate his options.

Related: Nation’s No. 3 Recruit Reacts to Michigan Losing Dusty May

The legendary basketball sportscaster faced multiple cancer diagnoses of his own over the last several years. He continues to advocate and express optimism about beating the dreaded disease.

Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022. She shared that it recurred in December 2023 but cleared after treatment. The longtime ESPN analyst and former No. 1-ranked tennis player in the world will step back from her broadcasting duties.

“Please say 🙏🙏🙏 tonight for a champion & dear friend that gave so many fab moments to us tennis fans @ChrissieEvert .She is in a battle vs CANCER ! Chrissie please THINK POSITIVE HAVE FAITH & I know u are going to win this battle .My family loves you!” Vitale posted on X.

Please say 🙏🙏🙏 tonight for a champion & dear friend that gave so many fab moments to us tennis fans @ChrissieEvert .She is in a battle vs CANCER ! Chrissie please THINK POSITIVE HAVE FAITH & I know u are going to win this battle .My family loves you! https://t.co/Hmg5uiHBOK

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) June 25, 2026

Evert turned pro in December 1972 and retired in September 1989. She amassed 157 singles titles, including 18 Grand Slam championships. Her career featured a 90.09% winning percentage, the highest in professional tennis history.

The 71-year-old joined ESPN as a tennis analyst in 2011 and has been a fixture for a number of the network’s shows. She is regularly involved in ESPN’s coverage of Grand Slam tournaments.

Meanwhile, Vitale began his broadcasting career in 1979. He transitioned to broadcasting after coaching at the high school, college and NBA levels. Some of his popular catchphrases include “Diaper Dandy,” “PTPer” and “It’s awesome, baby!” 

Vitale coached East Rutherford High School for seven years before taking on the same role at the University of Detroit. He was also the Detroit Pistons’ head coach for one season.

Related: Legendary Announcer Dick Vitale Doesn’t Hold Back on Sixers’ ‘Embarrassing’ Sweep

The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 29.7 minutes per game during the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season. The stretch forward proved his shooting potential, making 5.6 free throws per game at a 79.0% clip while also making 1.3 3-pointers per game and shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc. The Virginia native also showed activity on the defensive end, averaging 1.0 steal and 0.6 blocks per game.

Ranked as the No. 4 overall recruit in the 247Sports Composite rankings, the Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School graduate justified that position with his play this season, earning a spot on the All-SEC Freshman Team. Although Ament arrived in Knoxville as a top-five talent, his girlfriend, Jazzy Davidson, outclassed him. Davidson is a 6-foot-1 guard who was ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2025 by ESPN.

The Oregon native spent her freshman season with the USC Trojans. Davidson was electric in her first season in Los Angeles, averaging 17.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. The 19-year-old scored a career-high 32 points in an 88-83 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season.

When it comes to the defensive end of the court, the Clackamas High School graduate outclasses her boyfriend. Davidson averaged 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game, leading to her being named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team. She was not limited to defensive honors, as the four-time Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year was also named the USBWA National Freshman of the Year.

Jazzy Davidson 📸 https://t.co/XLRzgM3eQ5 pic.twitter.com/2nnyH6zDY5

— Athlete Vanity (@AthleteVanity) April 12, 2026

While Ament declared for the NBA Draft, Davidson is returning for a second season with the Trojans.

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May’s exit from Ann Arbor and move to Dallas, where he will coach 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, was a shock to the college basketball and NBA worlds on the eve of the draft. ESPN first reported the news.

The Wolverines went 37-3 this past season, May’s second with the team, and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. After a Sweet 16 exit in his first year at Michigan, May loaded up in the transfer portal, landing eventual All-American Yaxel Lendeborg. The Wolverines were projected to open the 2026 season as one of the top teams in the country yet again, but they will now be under new leadership.

May is taking over a Mavs roster centered around Flagg that is in some ways still reeling from the Luka Dončić trade. Kyrie Irving will be back in the fold after missing the entire 2025-26 season. And Dallas owns the No. 9 pick in tonight’s draft, which it could potentially use to select one of May’s former players.

• Poll: Poll of the Day: Who Goes No. 1 in NBA Draft?

It was not long ago that May was the head coach at Florida Atlantic. After two Final Four trips, a national title and a 190-82 record over eight college seasons, he’s now one of 30 NBA head coaches.

May is hardly the first coach to make the jump from the NCAA to the NBA — and he won’t be the last. But there is a somewhat checkered history of coaches who made the transition before him. Here are some of the most famous examples.

Brad Stevens

Stevens broke into the college coaching ranks at just 30 years old in the 2007-08 season at Butler after several years as an assistant on staff. He coached the Bulldogs to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including back-to-back Final Four trips in 2010 and 2011.

After the Celtics traded coach Doc Rivers to the Clippers in 2013, Boston hired Stevens as its next head coach. He coached the C’s for eight seasons, including three separate trips to the Eastern Conference Finals, before he took a front-office role in 2021 as the president of basketball operations. Boston made the NBA Finals the following season and won the title in 2024.

College Record: 166-49
NBA Record: 354-282

Billy Donovan

Donovan got his start as an assistant coach for Rick Pitino at Kentucky before Marshall made him the youngest head coach in the country at 28. He spent just two seasons with the Thundering Herd before he landed the Florida job. Donovan helped turn the Gators into a powerhouse program, culminating in back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007. He became the winningest coach in school history across 19 seasons at Florida, where the court is named in his honor.

In 2015, Donovan was named head coach of the Thunder. Oklahoma City made the playoffs in all five seasons he was at the helm, but the team only advanced out of the first round in his debut. The two sides did not agree on an extension, and Donovan was hired as head coach of the Bulls in 2020. Chicago has only made one postseason appearance since then and Donovan’s name often comes up when high-profile college jobs open.

College Record: 502-206
NBA Record: 469-413

John Calipari

Calipari’s decorated and lengthy coaching career started at UMass in 1988. Eight promising years in charge of the Minutemen earned him an opportunity in the NBA to coach the Nets, though Calipari was fired early on in his third season and never returned to the pros.

Calipari returned to the college ranks as the head coach at Memphis and later Kentucky, where he won the 2012 national title. After 15 seasons with the Wildcats, Calipari left for Arkansas in 2024. He remains the coach of the Razorbacks.

College Record: 905-286
NBA Record: 72-112

Rick Pitino

Pitino’s legendary coaching career technically started at Hawaii, where he served as the interim coach for a few games in 1976. But he got his first head coaching job at Boston University in 1978. Success with the Terriers led to a brief NBA dalliance as an assistant with the Knicks. It wouldn’t be his last.

Pitino took over as the head coach at Providence in 1985, but he returned to the pros when he took the Knicks’ top job in 1987. He resigned after just two seasons in New York and again went back to the college game at Kentucky, where he won the 1996 title. Two years later, he tried his hand in the pros again as head coach of the Celtics. That, too, was a short stay before he resigned and returned to his college roots.

The next act for Pitino was his longest and most successful — but it was also shrouded in controversy. He spent 16 seasons at Louisville, where he won the 2013 championship. But that title, as well as a few seasons’ worth of wins, were vacated after an NCAA investigation into a sex scandal.

Pitino left the college ranks for a few years to coach overseas, but he returned in 2020 at Iona. A few successful seasons in charge of the Gaels landed him the opportunity to return to the power conference ranks at St. John’s, which he has transformed back into a contender.

College Record: 915-318
NBA Record: 192-220

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However, he won’t be chasing back-to-back national championships with Michigan. On Monday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that May is leaving the program and will become the next head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

It was a surprising move, with the Wolverines naming Mike Boynton Jr., the team’s assistant coach, as the interim head coach. While the move may affect the current roster, high school recruiting could also be impacted.

After news broke of May’s departure, Joe Tipton of Rivals spoke to several high-level recruits, including class of 2027 guard King Gibson.

“It’s definitely the most surprising coach change I’ve seen,” Gibson said. “But I think this program is still going to compete at a very high level.”

At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, he is a five-star recruit, the No. 1 combo guard and the No. 3 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.

This past season playing for the Spire Institute Academy in the Nike EYBL, he averaged 15 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 17 games. The Burlington, North Carolina native also shot 47% from the field and 46% from the 3-point line.

He’s shown a considerable amount of interest in the Wolverines. Gibson has taken just two unofficial visits so far, with one being to Ann Arbor on March 14. According to the Rivals Recruiting Prediction machine, Michigan has the second-best chances (19.9%) to land his commitment, behind the NC State Wolfpack (22.7%).

While Gibson is confident the Wolverines will remain a top program even without May, the departure may affect where they stand in his recruitment.

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The Wildcats made the tournament 16 times under Wright’s tenure, which lasted from 2001 to 2022. They also won the national championship in 2016 and 2018 and made the Final Four in 2009 and 2022.

Kyle Neptune then replaced Wright, and the program never finished above sixth in the Big East during his tenure. Willard replaced him in 2025 after leading Maryland to the Sweet 16.

Now, the latter coach has a new weapon, via Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.

“NEWS: Luigi Suigo has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and committed to Villanova, Sigma Sports and Excel Sports tell DraftExpress,” he reported on Saturday. “The 7’4, 289-pound 19-year-old will be a physical outlier in the Big East who can pass, space the floor, protect the rim, and finish effectively.”

NEWS: Luigi Suigo has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and committed to Villanova, Sigma Sports and Excel Sports tell DraftExpress.

The 7’4, 289-pound 19-year-old will be a physical outlier in the Big East who can pass, space the floor, protect the rim, and finish effectively. pic.twitter.com/S9HeU5kreq

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 13, 2026

Luigi Suigo Has Tools to Dominate for Villanova

Suigo declared for the 2026 NBA Draft after completing his professional season in Serbia’s ABA League. The center averaged 7.9 points with 5.1 rebounds and one block in 17.8 minutes (26 games) for the club Mega Superbet. He also played in three games for the Italian national team in the 2025-26 campaign

Before that, Suigo played for Olympia Milano of the LBA, which is the professional Italian league. He joined the junior team in 2022 played two senior games across the next two seasons.

Film on Luigi Suigo, DX’s No. 28 prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft.

He averaged 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.0 block in 18 minutes for Mega Superbet in the Adriatic League.

Should be able to boost his 2027 draft outlook considerably with a strong season in the Big East. https://t.co/XI6yOsOocj pic.twitter.com/jmkQ9rQcx8

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 13, 2026

Suigo will likely replace departed senior center Duke Brennan for Villanova, per The Villanovan’s Sammie McKee. Willard released a statement to Villanova Athletics, per McKee.

“We’re excited to welcome Luigi to Villanova and America,” he said. “He is a player with exceptional skill, length, and feel for the game. This is a great fit for our team.”

Given Suigo’s size and shooting ability, he could be the Wildcats’ version of Victor Wembanyama next season. The latter player was an NBA MVP finalist this season and led the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals at just 22 years old largely thanks to his size and skill, as the 7-foot-4, 235-pounder can play both inside and outside.

Villanova will begin next season with a matchup against Notre Dame at the Eternal City Tip-Off in Rome, Italy on Nov. 1.

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Now leading the six-time national champion Tar Heels, there are some major differences between college basketball and the NBA. One of the biggest is high school recruiting. However, Malone and his staff are already making strong impressions.

North Carolina is set to host class of 2027 power forward Paul Osaruyi for an official visit in August. While speaking to Rivals’ Jamie Shaw, he praised the team’s coaching staff.

“The coaching and the staff stands out for me,” Osaruyi said. “How they tell me they’re going to play, it fits my play style. I want to go there to check it out, see how it is and see what they’re talking about. My conversations with Coach Malone have been pretty good, we’re having great conversations. He reaches out to check in on me and he tells me what I need to do to get better on the court.”

At 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds, he is a five-star recruit, the No. 3 power forward and the No. 8 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. He also has an NIL valuation of $1.1 million, making him one of the most valuable recruits in the cycle.

While the Tar Heels are putting together a strong case, they aren’t the only ones fighting for a commitment. Osaruyi has an official visit set with the Arkansas Razorbacks while holding offers from the Kentucky Wildcats, Kansas Jayhawks and UCLA Bruins.

North Carolina and Malone will look to build momentum as the recruiting battle begins to heat up. With several other blueblood programs also making pushes, this official visit will be key in shaping Osaruyi’s decision.

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Throughout the offseason, the Huskies have kept a close eye on the constant movement. So far, they have landed seven transfer commitments, while five players have left for new programs. The group ranks 26th in the nation with an average transfer rating of 93.75.

On Monday, they made their latest addition. On3’s Pete Nakos reported that UConn received a commitment from former Arkansas Razorbacks center Elmir Dzafic.

The big man is coming off his freshman season and didn’t have much of an impact with the Razorbacks. He appeared in seven games, averaging 0.4 points, 0.1 rebounds and zero assists. The Tuzla, Bosnia & Herzegovina native attempted just six free throws, making three.

However, at 7-foot-0 and 285 pounds, Hurley and his coaching staff are hoping to develop Dzafic into a contributor. After his freshman season, he still has three more years of eligibility.

He is far from the flashiest addition UConn has made through the portal, bringing in bigger names such as forward Nik Khamenia (Duke Blue Devils) and Najai Hines (Seton Hall Pirates).

However, the Huskies need depth at center. Of their five transfer losses, two are centers, including Eric Reibe (USC Trojans) and Rrezon Elezaj (Appalachian State Mountaineers). They’re also losing Tarris Reed Jr. to the 2026 NBA Draft.

While Dzafic may not be an everyday starter right now, he provides Hurley with another piece to work with before the 2026-27 season.

Related: Arizona Basketball Linked to No. 3 Transfer Portal Recruit

They’ve landed just three commitments in the portal, including power forward Ugnius Jarusevicius (Nebraska Cornhuskers), guard Derek Dixon (North Carolina Tar Heels) and point guard JJ Mandaquit (Washington Huskies). The group ranks 68th in the nation, per Rivals.

However, they’re pursuing one of the cycle’s top players. Rivals’ Joe Tipton reports that Arizona is one of several teams pursuing former Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic.

“Several sources believe Louisville and Kentucky are the frontrunners, with St. John’s as a true dark horse,” Tipton wrote. “While Arizona has also come up in conversations, it sounds like Tommy Lloyd and the Wildcats still have some work to do in order to close the gap.”

Momcilovic withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday, retaining his final year of eligibility at the collegiate level. He’s garnering a lot of attention, listed as the No. 3 player to hit the transfer portal this offseason according to Rivals.

He is coming off an impressive season last year for the Cyclones, appearing in all 37 games. The Pewaukee, Wisconsin native averaged 16.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists. He also shot 50.6% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the 3-point line.

If Arizona wants to land his commitment, though, it may need to enter a bidding war. 247Sports’ Isaac Trotter reports that the forward is expected to land a deal that could reach $6 million.

With the Wildcats losing forward Dwayne Aristode (Oregon Ducks) and Sidi Gueye (Santa Clara Broncos) in the portal, Momcilovic would be a major boost and give Arizona a versatile weapon.

Related: Michigan Basketball’s Winning Identity Impresses Nation’s No. 5 Shooting Guard

It did not take long for excitement to explode across Illinois basketball circles afterward. From social media reactions to national analysts immediately reshuffling preseason expectations, the Illini program suddenly found itself right back in the center of the national championship conversation following the major announcement.

Stojakovic officially withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday and announced he will return to Illinois for the 2026-27 season.

The Illini quickly celebrated the decision online, while fans flooded social media reacting to the return of one of the team’s most important players from last season’s Final Four run.

“Deep down, all of us know that the job isn’t finished,” Stojakovic said in his announcement video. “I’m grateful for everything I gained from the draft process and combine. It pushed me and gave me perspective for the future.”

“This is a very difficult decision, but in the end, my heart led me back to Illinois.”

View this post on Instagram

Andrej Stojakovic Gives Illinois Massive Boost

Stojakovic’s return instantly changes the ceiling for Illinois entering next season.

The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season while emerging as one of the Big Ten’s most versatile two-way players. He also became a critical part of Illinois’ NCAA Tournament success, averaging 13.8 points during the team’s five-game tournament run to the Final Four.

His postseason performances included 21 points against the VCU Rams in the Round of 32 and another strong showing in the Elite Eight.

Illinois now returns five of its top eight scorers from last season’s Final Four team.

That core includes David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic and Jake Davis alongside Stojakovic, while the Illini also added major transfer portal and freshman talent during the offseason.

NBA Draft Process Helped Shape Decision

Stojakovic spent weeks evaluating his NBA future before ultimately deciding another college season made the most sense.

The son of former NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic impressed scouts at the NBA Combine, where reports praised his athleticism and overall upside. He reportedly posted a 41.5-inch max vertical leap, one of the best marks among combine participants.

Still, projections largely viewed him as a late second-round selection if he stayed in the draft.

Returning to Illinois now gives Stojakovic an opportunity to improve his draft positioning in what is expected to be a weaker 2027 NBA Draft class.

“Another year of proving what I can do,” Stojakovic said earlier this month. “Continue to grow.”

Illinois Suddenly Looks Like National Title Threat

The reaction from Illinois fans on Wednesday reflected more than simple excitement.

With Stojakovic officially back, many around college basketball now expect Illinois to enter the season ranked among the top teams in the country. The Illini already added top transfer guard Stefan Vaaks and incoming freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo during the offseason.

Now they also retain one of the roster’s most experienced and battle-tested players.

Stojakovic’s ability to attack the rim, defend multiple positions and create offense in big moments gives Illinois one of the highest floors in the country entering the 2026-27 season.

More importantly for Illini fans, it also keeps alive the belief that last year’s Final Four run may not have been the program’s ceiling.

Related: Illinois’ Keaton Wagler Reacts to Transfer Portal Decision

Related: Illinois Pushing for $1.5 Million Guard in College Basketball Transfer Portal

The Wolverines capped things off by winning the program’s second national championship in program history. As May and his staff bring a new standard to Michigan, it’s catching the attention of high school recruits.

They have been in pursuit of a shooting guard, Devin Cleveland, out of Chicago. As a member of the 2027 cycle, he is a four-star recruit, the No. 5 shooting guard and the No. 37 player in the nation, per Rivals.

He’s already taken one unofficial visit to Ann Arbor March 8. He was in attendance as the Wolverines defeated the Michigan State Spartans 90-80. Speaking to Rivals’ Jamie Shaw, Cleveland shared how the team’s on-court success is a major draw.

“I mean, Michigan speaks for itself,” Cleveland said. “They’re the national champions. I mean, the identity they built over the past two or three years has just been crazy… I mean, Coach May is just a winner, and I want to be a part of stuff like that.”

The Wolverines are taking a lead in this recruiting battle. They have a 54.2% chance of landing Cleveland’s commitment, according to the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine. However, the Illinois Fighting Illini (7.9%), Missouri Tigers (5.6%) and Arkansas Razorbacks (5.6%) aren’t going to give up.

Michigan is still working toward its first commitment in the 2027 cycle. With May being able to use their national championship as leverage, the Wolverines have positioned themselves as a premier destination for top recruits.

Related: Rick Pitino Clearly States His Opinion on the Knicks

The legendary coach has been in the game for over 50 years. While he spent most of his career in college basketball, Pitino has coached two NBA teams. He worked as an assistant for the Knicks from 1983-1985 before becoming the head coach after leading the Providence Friars to the Final Four in 1987. Pitino then left for the Kentucky Wildcats in 1989 before joining the Boston Celtics in 1997.

However, most, including Pitino himself, would rather remember his time in New York than Boston. Even years after his departure, the coach had positive things to say after the team’s Eastern Conference win. “In 1989, I thought we had a chance to win the NBA championship after going 4-0 vs the Bad Boys. MJ put an end to that dream,” Pitino wrote on X.

In 1989, I thought we had a chance to win the NBA championship after going 4-0 vs the Bad Boys. MJ put an end to that dream. Then in 1999 the Knicks caught lightning in a bottle but lost to the Spurs. I was a Jr at UMass when the last championship was won. This team gets it done.…

— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) May 26, 2026

This refers to the time when the Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons in all four meetings in the 1988–89 regular season under his coaching. While his team had the look of a championship contender, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls defeated them in the Eastern Conference semifinals, 4-2. The Pistons beat the Bulls 4-2 in the next round and then defeated the Los Angeles Lakers for their first of back-to-back NBA titles.

Pitino continued in his post by writing, “Then in 1999 the Knicks caught lightning in a bottle but lost to the Spurs. I was a Jr at UMass when the last championship was won.” New York is set to compete in its first NBA Finals since 1999, when the team lost to the San Antonio Spurs. Their last championship came in 1973.

Pitino ended by expressing his support for the current roster.

“This team gets it done,” Pitino predicted. “It’s time. Deep & talented group with a great attitude. The Moët is on ice. Go NY, Go NY, Go.” The Knicks have won their last 11 games in the playoffs.

Born and raised in the Big Apple, the 73-year-old has strong roots in the city and its teams. He currently coaches New York-based St. John’s, which frequently plays Big East games at Madison Square Garden. Now, as the Knicks compete in the final stage for their first championship in 53 years, Pitino is openly backing his former team.

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Shooting guard Oneal Delancy has caught Florida’s attention. Out of Saint Petersburg, Florida, he is an in-state target for the Gators, meaning they have a unique advantage in this recruiting battle.

As a junior for the Montverde Academy Eagles, he appeared in 30 games, averaging 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists. He also shot 35% from the field and 31% from beyond the three-point line.

Florida has made a strong impression throughout the recruiting process. Delancy recently spoke to Rivals’ Jamie Shaw and recapped what it’s like being targeted by one of the top in-state programs available.

“It’s special to be a Florida kid, recruited by Florida,” Delancy said. “That means a lot. It’s crazy there. Everything is top of the line. I mean, you go in there, and you’re in The Swamp. You’re surrounded by blue and orange the second you step into town. They got a great environment and atmosphere there.”

He would be a major addition for the Gators. At 6-foot-3 and 170 pounds, he is a four-star recruit, the No. 12 shooting guard and the No. 47 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.

He’s already taken two unofficial visits to Gainesville, the most he’s taken with any program. Florida is leading in its recruitment, with the best chance (24.2%) to land his commitment, per the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine.

However, the Gators are going up against several other enticing schools for Delancy. The guard also has offers from the Florida State Seminoles, LSU Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes and Maryland Terrapins.

Related: Kentucky Basketball Receives $6 Million Update on No. 2 Transfer Portal Recruit

The Gators entered the 2025-26 NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed in the South Region with a 26-7 record. Florida’s March Madness dreams came to an early end with a 73-72 loss to the No. 9 seed Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round.

Haugh announced that he is returning to college basketball for his senior season, hoping to lead the Gators back to the promised land. The All-American will not be alone in that endeavor, as it was announced that another rising senior will be returning to Florida.

On Thursday, it was reported that center Rueben Chinyelu will return for the 2026-27 men’s college basketball season. Chinyelu originally declared for the NBA Draft on April 20 before withdrawing his name Thursday. The Nigeria native averaged 10.9 points per game, 11.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game last year.

The Gators went to social media to celebrate the return of the 2026 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. In an Instagram post, Florida shared a graphic of Chinyelu with the words “He’s Back” displayed alongside his nickname, Big Rue, and his number, No. 9.

“The wait is over 🗣️🔥🔥,” the Gators wrote in the Instagram caption.

Haugh sent a clear message of support in the comments, posting “🤙🏼” in the replies. The emoji represents “hit me up,” with Haugh anticipating the return of his teammate.

View this post on Instagram

With the return of Haugh and Chinyelu, Florida fans expect head coach Todd Golden to bring a championship back to Gainesville next season.

Related: Connecticut Sun Announce Unfortunate Brittney Griner News on Wednesday

Their biggest addition so far has been four-star center Franck Kepnang (Washington Huskies). However, the coaching staff is looking to make an even bigger splash with former Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic.

After declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft, he has until May 27 to withdraw his name and return to college. Kentucky has been pushing for a commitment, even speaking with Momcilovic via a Zoom meeting, according to On3’s Jacob Polacheck.

He’s regarded as one of the best players on the open market. 247Sports transfer rankings list him as a five-star recruit, the No. 1 power forward and No. 2 player to hit the portal this offseason.

While landing Momcilovic would give the Wildcats a major boost, he may come with a big price tag. 247Sports’ Isaac Trotter reports that the forward is expected to land a multi-million dollar deal if he returns to college.

“I think the number for me is closer to six [million] at Kentucky or maybe even higher than that… It’s just hard to leave $6 million on the table, and I think he would probably get in that ballpark,” Trotter said.

Milan Momcilovic could reportedly make up to $6 MILLION by returning to college next season 🤯

“It’s hard to leave $6 million on the table, and I think he would probably get in that ballpark…” @Isaac__Trotter

The deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft and maintain college… pic.twitter.com/krQeovLIBQ

— 247Sports (@247Sports) May 21, 2026

It’s a total that surpasses his On3 NIL valuation of $2 million, which is already tied for the seventh-highest in college basketball. However, he has proven to be a valuable asset when on the court.

Momcilovic appeared in all 37 games for the Cyclones last season, averaging 16.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists. He also shot 50.6% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the 3-point line.

With less than one week to withdraw from the draft, though, time is running out for Kentucky to land a commitment. However, the Wildcats must also consider if he is worth spending $6 million on.

Related: Sports Doctor Estimates Injury Timeline for Spurs Rookie Dylan Harper

The Wildcats continue to weigh their options, with former Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic emerging as a target. Rivals’ Jacob Polacheck previously reported that Kentucky had a Zoom meeting with the junior.

There appears to be mutual interests between the two parties. In an article from Ben Roberts of the Lexington Herald Leader, Momcilovic says he would mesh well in Pope’s system.

“I think Kentucky would be a good fit,” Momcilovic said. “I obviously went against Pope at BYU his first year (in the Big 12), and I loved how his team played… But I think — if I were to choose Kentucky — that would be a good fit for me. I feel like I’d be a great player for him, and he’d be a good coach for me.”

Momcilovic is coming off his best season with the Cyclones. In 37 starts, he averaged 16.9 points (career-high), 3.1 rebounds and one assist. He also shot 50.6% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the three-point line, both of which were career highs.

With Kentucky’s leading scorer last season, Otega Oweh, leaving for the 2026 NBA Draft, the team is in need of help. Momcilovic, who is listed as the No. 3 player to enter the transfer portal this offseason according to On3 Industry Rankings, could help replace that offensive production.

However, the Pewaukee, Wisconsin native, has several options outside of the Wildcats. Along with having declared for the draft, Robinson noted that the Louisville Cardinals and St. John’s Red Storm are also in the mix.

With a deadline of May 27 to withdraw from the draft and return to school, Momcilovic is running out of time to make a decision. Under the belief that he would succeed playing for Pope, though, Kentucky continues to push for a commitment.

Related: Purdue Basketball Predicted to Receive Commitment From Nation’s No. 1 Center

Headlining the group are players such as guard Juke Harris (Wake Forest Demon Deacons), forward Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame Fighting Irish) and guard Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU Rams). Still looking to improve their roster, the Volunteers made their latest addition on Thursday.

On3 national basketball reporter Joe Tipton reported that Tennessee received a commitment from former VCU forward Christian Fermin.

Over the past four seasons with the Rams, Fermin has appeared in 90 games and made 49 starts. He has averaged four points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. He’s also shot 55.3% from the field and has never attempted a three-pointer.

His sophomore performance has been his most impressive so far, averaging 5.2 points (career-high), four rebounds (career-high) and 0.5 assists. Fermin was limited to just four games last season after stepping away for a personal reason and redshirting.

On3 Industry Rankings list him as the No. 119 power forward and the No. 483 player to hit the transfer portal this offseason. Now set to join the Volunteers, he has just one more year of eligibility.

He has the opportunity to help Tennessee replace some of its own lost talent through the portal. Barnes and his staff had seven players depart, three of whom are listed as power forwards. That includes J.P. Estrella (Michigan), Jaylen Carey (Missouri Tigers) and Cade Phillips (Texas A&M Aggies).

Related: Purdue Basketball Predicted to Receive Commitment From Nation’s No. 1 Center

One player who has caught the Boilermakers’ interest is Isaiah Hill out of Indianapolis. At 7 feet and 205 pounds, he is a four-star recruit, the No. 1 center and the No. 12 player in the nation, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.

As a junior at Pike High School, he averaged 12.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.3 blocks en route to being named the Marion County player of the year by the county’s coaches. As a sophomore, he averaged 10.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks. The big man shot 67% from the field and 38% from beyond the 3-point line.

He could end up being Purdue’s first commitment in the 2027 cycle. On Wednesday, On3’s Jamie Shaw, a senior national recruiting analyst, logged an expert prediction for Hill to commit to the Boilermakers with a 90 confidence level.

Hill has spoken highly of Purdue, telling Shaw, “I have a good relationship with them. They play really well through their big men, and they win a lot of games. … My relationship with coach Painter is good.”

Purdue is one of the few programs he’s taken a closer look at. He made an unofficial visit to the Boilermakers on May 10, 2025. He has also taken unofficial visits to the Illinois Fighting Illini (Sept. 27) and Louisville Cardinals (Oct. 25).

With Hill’s recruitment heating up, the Boilermakers will strive to stay in front. He also has offers from the Indiana Hoosiers, Syracuse Orange, Oregon Ducks and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, so Purdue is facing plenty of competition.

Related: Duke Basketball Connected to No. 7 Transfer Portal Recruit

While guard John Blackwell (Wisconsin Badgers) is viewed as the biggest splash commit so far, forward Drew Scharnowski (Belmont Bruins) and guard Jacob Theodosiou (Loyola Maryland Greyhounds) also are hoping to have an impact next season.

The Blue Devils are weighing other options as well. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello reported Duke has shown at least some interest in former Santa Clara forward Allen Graves.

“Former Santa Clara forward Allen Graves says the only two schools he’s had conversations with are LSU and Duke,” Borzello wrote. “He added that Kentucky has reached out to his agents, but Duke and LSU were his top two. Graves said he would prefer to stay in the NBA draft if he’s a first-rounder.”

Graves appeared in 35 games and made four starts for the Broncos last season as a redshirt freshman. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The forward also shot 51.2% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the 3-point line.

With three more years of eligibility, he is one of the top players on the open market. The On3 Industry Rankings list him as a four-star recruit, the No. 2 power forward and the No. 7 player to hit the transfer portal this offseason.

After suffering an Elite Eight loss to the UConn Huskies, the Blue Devils are looking for difference makers. Graves could be key to Duke’s efforts to replace Cameron Boozer, who is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.

However, as Borzello noted, Graves is hoping to leave for the NBA. CBS Sports lists him as the No. 30 player in the draft, making him a borderline first-round talent. If he opts to return to college, though, Duke is a potential landing spot.

Related: UConn vs. Michigan College Basketball National Championship Rematch Officially Scheduled

It is the kind of matchup that instantly grabs attention across the sport. These are two of college basketball’s biggest brands, coached by two of the game’s most intense personalities in Dan Hurley and Dusty May, and they are running back a title game that ended one of the sport’s most memorable seasons.

In an era where some programs are cautious with nonconference scheduling, UConn and Michigan are doing the exact opposite by opening the year with a game that already feels like March.

UCONN. MICHIGAN. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH. 🍿

The Huskies and Wolverines will face off at TD Garden on November 6th 👀 pic.twitter.com/VqJPCcdWt4

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 13, 2026

Michigan Ended UConn’s Dynasty Bid In Championship Game

The rematch has even more intrigue because of how the national championship game unfolded back in April.

Michigan defeated UConn 69-63 in Indianapolis to capture the program’s first national championship since 1989 while ending the Huskies’ pursuit of a third title in four seasons. The Wolverines relied on defense, toughness and late shot-making to survive a gritty battle that felt far different from many of Michigan’s explosive tournament wins earlier in March.

Trey McKenney delivered one of the defining moments of the game with a late dagger 3-pointer that pushed the Wolverines ahead for good. Elliot Cadeau led Michigan with 19 points while Morez Johnson Jr. anchored the defense with a dominant two-way performance.

UConn fought until the final seconds behind veterans like Alex Karaban, but the Huskies could never fully regain control after Michigan seized momentum late in the first half.

Dan Hurley And Dusty May Are Scheduling Aggressively

The rematch also says a lot about where college basketball scheduling is heading.

With the NCAA Tournament expanding to 76 teams next season, there has been growing concern that the regular season could lose urgency. Instead of backing away from difficult games, Hurley and May appear determined to lean into them.

UConn’s nonconference schedule already includes matchups against Duke, Kansas, Arizona, Ohio State, and Illinois, among others.

Michigan is building a loaded schedule of its own with games against Marquette, Villanova Wildcats, and Duke already on the calendar, in addition to the Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas.

That makes the Nov. 6 showdown even more fitting. Rather than easing into the season with lower-profile opponents, two of college basketball’s premier programs are opening the year with a game that could easily feel like another Final Four matchup.

Related: Dan Hurley, UConn Land Commitment From Transfer Portal Guard

Related: Dusty May, Michigan Suffer Double Loss on Friday

It has been more than two years since Clark left the Hawkeyes and entered the WNBA. Despite that, she remains supportive of the women’s basketball program and continues to keep up to date on everything happening with her former team.

On Tuesday, Clark couldn’t help panicking upon first glance at Iowa coach Jan Jensen’s social media post directed to Hawkeye fans.

Jensen’s post had a larger type first line that consisted of the words “Dear Hawkeye Nation” followed by a lengthy text block. The post contained a photo of Jensen smiling.

The packaging and first line mirrored former coach Lisa Bluder’s surprise retirement announcement almost two years ago to the day of Jensen’s post.

Though Jensen’s post turned out to be a heartfelt thank you to the fans for their overwhelming support through the years, many people, understandably, initially thought Jensen was saying goodbye.

Clark was among them.

She quickly commented, “Jump scare graphic.” The Indiana Fever star’s comment certainly summed up what many felt at first glance. One fan replied “for real.”

“Got me thinkin Jan was entering the transfer portal,” a commenter wrote. Another one told Clark, “exactly I was like what!!??”

“Literally had to take deep breaths,” a follower stated. A fifth poster said, “I was unwell im like Jan’s leaving?!!!”

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The good news is Jensen is not going anywhere. Clark and the rest of Hawkeye Nation can expect her to lead the program into the 2026-27 season.

Jensen is coming off a season in which Iowa went 27-7 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Related: Stephanie White Comments on Kelsey Mitchell After Indiana Fever Loss

Throughout the offseason, Mark Pope and his staff have struggled to utilize the transfer portal. With four additions and seven losses, Kentucky’s transfer class ranks 16th in the SEC and 79th in the nation.

While trying to replenish lost talent, the Wildcats are targeting a player from the team that handed them their final loss of the season. On Thursday, Rivals’ Jacob Polacheck reported that Kentucky has spoken to former Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic.

“Kentucky is eying a big fish in the transfer portal,” Polacheck wrote. “Sources tell KSR that Kentucky recently had a Zoom meeting with Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic. The 6-foot-8, 210-pound power forward is testing the NBA Draft waters.”

Momcilovic started all 37 games for the Cyclones last season. The Pewaukee, Wisconsin native averaged 16.9 points (career-high), 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. He also shot 50.6% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the three-point line.

His performance on the court led to him earning All-Big 12 second team honors. With one more year of eligibility, Momcilovic is viewed as one of the top players available. On3 Industry Rankings list him as a four-star recruit and the No. 3 player to enter the transfer portal this offseason.

While also considering the 2026 NBA Draft, he has a number of options to choose from. If Kentucky can land his commitment, though, Momcilovic would be their second forward added through the portal, joining Justin McBride (James Madison Dukes).

Early into his tenure with LSU, Wade hasn’t found much success with the transfer portal. The Tigers had 11 players depart during the 15-day window from April 7-21, which is the most of any SEC team. He and his staff have struggled to replace the lost talent.

They made just their second addition on Thursday. On3’s Joe Tipton reported that LSU landed a commitment from former Michigan State Spartans guard Divine Ugochukwu.

Coming out of high school in the 2024 cycle, he committed to the Miami Hurricanes. However, after one season in Coral Gables, where he appeared in 28 games and made 16 starts, he transferred to Michigan State.

Ugochukwu was limited to just 22 games during the 2025-26 college basketball season after suffering a season-ending foot injury on Feb. 4. Before the injury, he averaged 5.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He also shot 50.6% from the field and 44.2% from the 3-point line.

With two more years of eligibility, he joins an LSU team that is undergoing a coaching change after going just 15-17 last season. The Tigers have not made an NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2021-22 season.

Ugochukwu is the second player Wade has landed in the portal, alongside former Kentucky Wildcats forward Mouhamed Dioubate. The group now ranks 78th in the nation and 15th in the SEC, according to On3.

Related: Kansas Lands Transfer Portal Commitment From All-Conference Guard

Kansas has lost nine players to the transfer portal, with contributors such as center Flory Bidunga (Louisville Cardinals), forward Bryson Tiller (Missouri Tigers) and guard Melvin Council (uncommitted) all leaving.

However, the Jayhawks are working toward replacing those departures and recently made their fourth addition. On Thursday, On3’s Joe Tipton reported that Kansas received a commitment from former Radford Highlanders guard Dennis Parker Jr.

BREAKING: Radford transfer guard Dennis Parker Jr. has committed to Kansas, @JoeTipton reports.

Parker Jr. averaged 18.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game this past season.https://t.co/KHHINflDiY pic.twitter.com/sdDMMW6xzA

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) May 7, 2026

Parker began his career with the NC State Wolfpack as a four-star recruit in the 2023 cycle. After two seasons without much production in Raleigh, he transferred to the Highlanders and is coming off a breakout year.

During the 2025-26 college basketball season, Parker started 32 games for Radford. He averaged 18.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. He also shot 48.4% from the field and 37.7% from the three-point line.

After leading the Highlanders in scoring, the junior earned second-team All-Big South Conference honors. However, with just one more year of eligibility, his time with Radford is over.

Parker is the fourth transfer portal addition Kansas has made this offseason, joining center Christian Reeves (Charleston Cougars), guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (Toledo Rockets) and forward Keanu Dawes (Utah Utes).

However, the group still has a lot of ground to make up. Even after adding Parker, the Jayhawks’ transfer class ranks 16th in the Big 12 and 77th in the nation.

Related: Florida Basketball Star Expected to Make $5 Million Next Season

While Todd Golden and his staff were quiet in the transfer portal, bringing in just one player, one of their biggest offseason wins was retaining forward Thomas Haugh. He opted to return for his fourth year in Gainesville, despite potentially being a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, per The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie.

Despite passing on the NBA, the former three-star recruit is still expected to cash in on his talents.

In an article from On3’s Pete Nakos, it is reported that Haugh is expected to earn more than $5 million during the 2026-27 college basketball season.

“The Gators didn’t need to spend heavily in the portal because of the talent they kept — specifically forward Thomas Haugh, who is expected to make upward of $5 million next season in Gainesville,” Nakos wrote.

He broke out during his junior season with the Gators. In 34 starts, he averaged 17.1 points (career-high), 6.1 rebounds (tied for career-high) and 2.1 assists. Haugh also shot 46% from the field and 32.6% from the three-point line.

He’s exceeded expectations, coming out of the 2023 recruiting class as the No. 39 power forward and No. 198 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.

However, some lofty expectations accompany the high price tag. Florida has the third-best odds (+800) to win the national championship next season, per DraftKings. Whether or not they are serious contenders will heavily rely on Haugh’s performance.

Related: College Basketball’s No. 1 Recruiting Class to Break the Bank on $20 Million Roster

The Blue Devils are now expected to lose several key contributors, with forward Cameron Boozer and guard Isaiah Evans both declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft. Luckily, though, Jon Scheyer and his staff have a handful of incoming reinforcements.

Duke has landed five commitments and three signed players in the 2026 recruiting class. Headlined by three five-star players, forward Cam Williams, guard Deron Rippey Jr. and center Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, the group ranks first in the nation and is expected to produce multiple immediate impact players.

Duke also landed multiple transfers, including guard John Blackwell (Wisconsin Badgers), forward Drew Scharnowski (Belmont Bruins) and guard Jacob Theodosiou (Loyola Greyhounds). Combining all the new additions and returning talent, On3’s Pete Nakos reports the Blue Devils’ roster next season is expected to reach $20 million.

“Duke, which has traditionally built through the high school ranks and again holds the No. 1 class in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, is also expected to crack $20 million,” Nakos wrote.

Blackwell, who was the No. 2 player to hit the transfer portal this offseason, per On3 Industry Rankings, is set to make over $4 million. However, they aren’t the only team spending big.

Other programs expected to hit the $20 million threshold include the Tennessee Volunteers, Louisville Cardinals and Texas Longhorns, per Nakos. The Indiana Hoosiers, North Carolina Tar Heels and Miami Hurricanes are in the $10-$15 million range.

For Duke, though, it’s a number they can afford. According to Ranjan Jindal of The Chronicle, the Blue Devils men’s basketball program generated $44.8 million in revenue during the 2024 fiscal year.

While bringing in the nation’s top recruiting class, several transfer portal splashes and retaining talent such as Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba II and Dame Sarr, the Blue Devils are set to spend big on the 2026-27 season.

Related: Duke’s Caleb Foster Sends Message After Jordan Marsh’s Transfer Portal Decision on Tuesday

But the move did not affect just Temple’s roster. It also sparked reaction across the college basketball landscape, including from Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster, whose brief message quickly became part of the conversation surrounding Marsh’s next step.

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Jordan Marsh Lands at Temple

Temple confirmed that Marsh will join the program for the 2026-27 season, giving coach Adam Fisher another key addition through the portal. The 5-foot-11 guard arrives after spending last season with the USC Trojans. He averaged 7.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 35.7% from 3-point range.

Marsh showed flashes of his scoring ability throughout the year, including a 20-point performance against Maryland and a 19-point outing against Northwestern. He filled the stat sheet in his final game: 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Before USC, Marsh delivered a breakout season at UNC Asheville. During the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He earned All-Big South first-team honors, Big South Newcomer of the Year and recognition as a Lou Henson Award finalist.

He began his college career at Appalachian State and now heads to his fourth program with over 1,000 career points already to his name.

Caleb Foster Reacts to Transfer Decision

Shortly after Marsh’s commitment went public, Foster shared a brief reaction on social media, posting “the 1.” While short, the message drew attention, given Foster’s profile at Duke and the timing of the post.

Foster’s reaction hits a little differently because this was not just a random transfer portal comment. Foster previously told Pro Insight that he had “a brother on the team, Jordan Marsh,” while discussing his background at Hickory Ridge.

What Marsh Brings to North Broad

Marsh’s addition continues a busy offseason for Temple, which has aggressively used the transfer portal to reshape its roster. His combination of speed, scoring ability and playmaking gives the Owls another versatile option in the backcourt.

Fisher emphasized those traits, pointing to Marsh’s ability to create offense. That aligns with what Marsh showed at UNC Asheville, where he handled a primary role and consistently produced.

With multiple transfers joining the program, the focus shifts to fit and chemistry. Marsh’s experience across different systems could help ease that transition, especially as Temple looks to build a cohesive rotation.

Related: Duke’s Caleb Foster Reacts After Transfer Portal Move

Related: Caleb Foster Reacts to Duke Announcement Before St. John’s Game

Vitale, who started as a broadcaster with ESPN in 1979 and became a popular voice in college hoops, is currently battling cancer. He revealed in April that he was diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, a condition that requires him to undergo immunotherapy treatment.

Amid his health situation, Vitale has received plenty of support, including from Izzo and his family.

As the 86-year-old media icon shared, Izzo sent him an “inspiring message” that moved him to “tears.” While he didn’t reveal what Izzo told him, Vitale was full of appreciation for him.

The ESPN personality also mentioned that the legendary coach has “inspired” him even more to face his cancer.

“OMG moved to tears- this morning I received an inspirational message from @MSU_Basketball coach TOM IZZO who spent the weekend with Lorraine & I at our Gala,” Vitale wrote.

“He is a HOF coach but a genuine HOF person. He really has inspired me as I now focus on my latest battle with cancer.”

OMG moved to tears- this morning I received an inspirational message from @MSU_Basketball coach TOM IZZO who spent the weekend with Lorraine & I at our Gala.He is a HOF coach but a genuine HOF person. He really has inspired me as I now focus on my latest battle with…

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 4, 2026

Izzo was one of the honorees Friday night at the 21st Dick Vitale Gala, which raised $21 million for pediatric cancer research.

Vitale is set to undergo an immunotherapy Tuesday. On Monday, he shared his hope that the treatment will be effective against his cancer and that the side effects will be less severe.

The legendary announcer has overcome four types of cancer in the past, and despite his latest challenge, he remains optimistic that he can beat it once again.

Before his latest cancer diagnosis, Vitale overcame lymphoma and melanoma in 2022, vocal cord cancer in 2023 and another lymph node cancer in 2024.

Related: Legendary Announcer Dick Vitale, 86, Reveals Health Update Amid Cancer Battle

The 86-year-old Vitale has faced several health battles over the past few years. The broadcasting icon was first diagnosed with lymphoma and melanoma in 2021. He was cancer-free by 2022. However, he suffered from vocal cord cancer the following year and had to undergo radiation.

In 2024, Vitale underwent another procedure, this time to address a lymph node in his neck that tested positive for cancer.

Vitale faced all these health issues head-on and won, allowing him to return to the broadcast booth by February 2025.

That being said, Vitale is also staying optimistic despite the latest cancer diagnosis. As he takes on another battle with cancer, however, the media icon does have one hope about his upcoming treatment: less side-effects.

“This morning will have consultation with my oncologist as to what preparation do I need as I will do my immunotherapy treatment on Tuesday AM – [Praying] for it to be effective vs the cancer on my lungs & liver – hope minimum side effects,” Vitale wrote on X.

This morning will have consultation with my oncologist as to what preparation do I need as I will do my immunotherapy treatment on Tuesday AM -🙏🙏🙏for it to be effective vs the cancer on my lungs & liver – hope minimum side effects .

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 4, 2026

Vitale frequently shares updates about his health status on social media, so it’s safe to assume that he will also provide more information once he undergoes treatment this week.

While Vitale is facing another personal challenge, it hasn’t stopped him from making an impact on the community. He hosted his 21st annual gala last Friday and raised $21 million for pediatric cancer research.

Related: Dick Vitale Sends Message After Cameron Boozer News

Unfortunately, though, it wasn’t enough to help the Cougars make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. BYU entered March Madness as a No. 6 seed and suffered a first-round loss to the No. 11 Texas Longhorns.

Despite the early exit, Dybantsa lived up to expectations as the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 cycle, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. However, his time with the Cougars is over after declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft.

He isn’t the only contributor BYU is losing. 6-foot-6 forward Kennard Davis Jr. out of St. Louis, Missouri, wrapped up his first season with the team after transferring from the Southern Illinois Salukis.

The junior started 32 games, averaging 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He also shot 39.5% from the field and 32.1% from the three-point line. Just like Dybantsa, Davis is only spending one season with the Cougars, except he left through the transfer portal.

He was one of nine players that head coach Kevin Young lost to the portal. On Friday, Davis announced his next destination, revealing his commitment to the Missouri Tigers via an Instagram post.

While it’s an unfortunate loss for BYU, Dybantsa showed support for his now former teammate, commenting, “prouda u slime.”

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While Kennard prepares for his final year of eligibility with the Tigers, Dybantsa is focused on the NBA draft. The 19-year-old isn’t expected to last long once the first round begins at 8 p.m. ET on June 23. ESPN lists the forward as the No. 1 player available.

Related: Dusty May, Michigan Receive Unfortunate News After College Basketball Season

The group ranks fourth in the Big Ten and 11th in the nation, giving the Wolverines a handful of talented players who can make an immediate impact next season. However, none of the players Michigan had landed were as coveted as guard Juke Harris.

Last season for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, he started 35 games, averaging 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists, all three of which marked career highs. He also shot 44.4% from the field and 33.2% from beyond the three-point line.

It was a breakout season that led the guard to earn multiple honors. He was named the ACC Most Improved Player and earned All-ACC second team honors. On3 listed him as the No. 1 player to hit the transfer portal this offseason, and the Wolverines had been right in the mix.

Pete Nakos reported that Harris had narrowed his list down to three schools, choosing between Michigan, Tennessee and the North Carolina Tar Heels. On Friday, though, Josh Henschke of the Maize & Blue Review revealed that Michigan is no longer in the running for Harris.

Michigan has been informed they’re out of the running, increases my confidence of my prediction to Tennessee: https://t.co/GmO38vFOgt https://t.co/a1HR0jlnwk

— Josh Henschke (@JoshHenschke) May 1, 2026

It’s a disappointing update for the Wolverines, but they weren’t just battling Tennessee and North Carolina for the guard. Harris has also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft and has until May 27 to withdraw and maintain eligibility.

With the Wolverines no longer an option, many believe Harris will return to college. In fact, there have been three separate expert predictions from Rivals for the award-winning guard to transfer to the Volunteers.

Related: Nation’s No. 3 Center Says Arizona’s Atmosphere is ‘Amazing’

Their success has made them a top destination for the top recruits in high school. Class of 2027 center Darius Wabbington, out of Phoenix, Arizona, recently told Rivals’ Jamie Shaw that the Wildcats are one of the teams recruiting him the hardest.

The Indiana Hoosiers, Texas Longhorns, Washington Huskies, Purdue Boilermakers, and Louisville Cardinals are also making strong impressions.

With Arizona’s campus being located nearly two hours away from Wabbington’s hometown, they have an upper hand that others don’t. The big man has been to games in person, and when speaking to Shaw, he praised the atmosphere.

“I’ve been down there for a lot of games, you know, I just have a great relationship with the coaching staff at Arizona; we talk a lot,” he said. “The atmosphere is amazing. I would say that Arizona probably has the best fan base I’ve seen in a while. Everybody comes out, they’re tailgating four hours before the game, just enjoying their time there. You know, it’s great. That is definitely the type of atmosphere that I want to play in.”

At 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds, Wabbington is a four-star recruit, the No. 2 center and the No. 20 player in the nation, per Rivals Industry Rankings. As a junior at Sunnyslope High School, he averaged 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He also shot 52% from the field and 36% from beyond the three-point line.

Arizona has yet to land a commitment in the 2027 cycle. However, with their game-day experience making a strong impression on Wabbington, the Wildcats appear well-positioned in his recruitment.

Related: Jon Scheyer, Duke Receive Good News After College Basketball Season

That is especially true for the Tennessee Volunteers, a team that has been knocking on the door in recent seasons but is still searching for the piece that can push it over the top. As May begins and most rosters are starting to take shape, Tennessee is still working aggressively behind the scenes.

Now, a major development suggests the Vols may be closing in on the biggest prize available in this year’s portal, a move that could reshape expectations heading into next season.

NEW: On3’s @PeteNakos has logged an expert prediction for Tennessee to land Wake Forest transfer guard Juke Harris🍊

Harris is the No. 1 player in the On3 transfer portal rankings.https://t.co/f4ExVPJOBu pic.twitter.com/vEn8nbTrBo

— On3 (@On3) May 1, 2026

Juke Harris Emerges As The Top Target

According to a prediction from On3’s Pete Nakos, Juke Harris is expected to land with Tennessee, a move that would immediately give Rick Barnes one of the most impactful additions in the country.

Harris is not just another transfer name. He is widely viewed as the No. 1 overall player in the portal, and his production backs it up. The 6-foot-7 guard averaged 21.4 points and 6.5 rebounds this past season at Wake Forest Demon Deacons men’s basketball, showing the ability to take over games as a primary scoring option.

His size and versatility make him a matchup problem across the board. He can handle the ball, score at multiple levels, and create his own shot in late-clock situations. That profile is exactly what elite teams look for when building a roster capable of making a deep tournament run.

Why Tennessee Makes Sense

Tennessee’s pursuit of Harris has been calculated and aggressive. Head coach Rick Barnes and his staff have maintained consistent communication, even making in-person visits to stay firmly in the mix.

There is also a familiarity factor at play. Tennessee recruited Harris heavily out of high school, which has helped build trust throughout this process. In a portal environment where relationships often decide outcomes, that early groundwork matters.

From a roster standpoint, the fit is clear. Tennessee has already added multiple pieces through the portal, but Harris would be the kind of centerpiece addition that changes the ceiling of the entire team. He is the type of player who can create offense when games slow down in March, something every contender needs.

NBA Draft Decision Still Looms

One key factor remains unresolved. Harris has also declared for the NBA Draft, meaning his final decision is not strictly about choosing a school.

He has until late May to withdraw and maintain college eligibility, and that timeline could influence when a commitment becomes official. Most projections place him outside the first round, which often leads players to return to school and boost their draft stock with another season.

If that happens, Tennessee appears to be in a strong position.

What This Means For The Vols

If Tennessee ultimately lands Harris, it would mark one of the most significant transfer portal wins of the offseason. Adding the top-ranked player in the portal is not just about talent. It sends a message about where the program stands nationally.

The Vols have already been consistent contenders, reaching deep into March in recent years. But adding a player of Harris’ caliber could elevate expectations from competitive to championship-level.

At this stage of the offseason, predictions are not guarantees. But the momentum is clearly building, and Tennessee may be on the verge of securing the kind of addition that can define a season before it even begins.

Related: Dan Hurley, UConn Land Commitment From Transfer Portal Guard

Related: Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II Reacts After Transfer Portal Decision

Despite Tommy Lloyd extending his contract, Arizona has lost several players. While Koa Peat and Braydon Burries have declared for the NBA Draft, forward Dwayne Aristode announced on April 21 that he would leave Arizona and enter the Transfer Portal.

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The 19-year-old has now revealed that he will be committing to the Oregon Ducks. “Yuhhhhhhh”, wrote Bryce in response to the post. Similar to his father, LeBron James’ younger son has consistently shown support for teammates and even opponents on social media.

While he redshirted his first year in college, Bryce’s return to on-court action will look different following the departure of several players. Unlike James, who saw no game time, Aristode played 35 games and averaged 3.8 points per game for the Wildcats. He will now move to the Big Ten Conference.

As for Bryce, he has shown no signs of dissatisfaction during his time at Arizona. Coach Lloyd has praised his development and emphasized their shared focus on his long-term growth. For now, a departure from Arizona doesn’t appear to be a likely option for LeBron’s son.

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According to On3, Florida center Olivier Rioux has committed to UC Irvine. Rioux spent the last two seasons with Florida and is the tallest player in college basketball history.

He redshirted during the 2024-25 season, when Florida won the national title, before appearing in 11 games this past season, averaging less than one point and rebound per game. His career high in points is two.

Rioux is set to be a redshirt sophomore during the 2026-27 season and will get more playing time at UC Irvine. He’ll try to help the program return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2018-19 season, when it reached the second round.

UC Irvine finished the 2025-26 season with a 23-12 record, but couldn’t take home the Big West tournament title. The program was even better during the 2024-25 season, finishing with a 32-7 record.

BREAKING: Florida 7’9″ transfer center Olivier Rioux has committed to UC Irvine.https://t.co/MorD1lSVIl pic.twitter.com/cNuiPeNWwa

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) April 30, 2026

As for Florida, the program will make another go at a title next season after losing to Iowa in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Florida was trying to defend its title before getting upset.

This will likely be one of the top teams in the country and will also try to win the SEC title next season. Who knows, maybe the program will get a crack at Michigan in the 2027 NCAA Tournament after the latter won the national title this past season.

The 2026-27 college basketball season will start in the late fall.

Related: Florida’s 7-Foot-9 Center Makes Career Announcement After NCAA Tournament Exit

However, much of Duke’s dominance over the years stems from its ability to recruit at the high school and international levels. The program consistently relies on young talent, with players such as Cooper Flagg, Zion Williamson, Jahlil Okafor and R.J. Barrett all making considerable impacts as freshmen.

Jon Scheyer and his staff have already put together a 2026 cycle that ranks third in the nation and first in the ACC with five commitments. The Blue Devils made their latest addition to that group on Thursday.

At 7-foot-0 and 230 pounds, center Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, out of Spain, is listed as a five-star recruit according to 247Sports. This past season for Barca Liga U, a development team for FC Barcelona, he appeared in 30 games.

The big man averaged 16.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 50.8% from the field and 32.8% from beyond the three-point line. On Thursday, he announced his commitment to the Blue Devils via an Instagram post.

“Blessed and excited to announce my commitment to the Duke Blue Devils for next season!” Boumtje-Boumtje wrote. “Thank you to my family, my coaches, and my teammates who have been helping me throughout my journey! #brotherhood.”

The 16-year-old becomes the fourth five-star recruit the Blue Devils have landed in the 2026 cycle, joining forward Cameron Williams, forward Bryson Howard, and guard Deron Rippey Jr. Boumtje-Boumtje is also the second center in the group, alongside four-star Maxime Meyer.

Related: Bryce James Sends Message After High School Teammate’s Transfer Portal Decision

Arizona finished the regular season 32-2 and 16-2 in Big 12 play to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, they fell to the eventual champion Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four.

The son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James did not see action during his freshman season, electing to redshirt. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd noted the decision “was just a long play, to give Bryce the most options in his career as it unfolds.” While Lloyd has high hopes for the guard, one of James’ former high school teammates has already made a change to his basketball future.

Bryce Cofield, a 6-foot-6 freshman guard out of Sierra Canyon High School (Chatsworth, Calif.), was a three-star prospect in the recruiting class of 2025 on the 247Sports composite. He was the 296th-best prospect in his class, the 58th-best small forward and the 26th-best from the state of California. Cofield spent his final two high school seasons playing alongside James.

Cofield spent his first college basketball season with the Cal State Fullerton Titans, who finished 18-16 and in third place in the Big West. Across his 34 games played, including 22 starts, Cofield averaged 10.1 points on 46.2% shooting, 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Following the 2025-26 season, Cofield entered his name into the college basketball transfer portal.

On Wednesday, Cofield announced his commitment to Cal State Fullerton’s Big West rival, the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners.

“👌🏾#committed,” Cofield wrote on Instagram with numerous photos of himself in Cal State Bakersfield gear.

James took notice of his former high school teammate’s transfer decision, showing support for Cofield by sharing the post on his Instagram story, along with commenting, “Yeahhhhh.”

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Expected to return to Arizona for the 2026-27 season, James hopes to see action during his redshirt freshman year.

Related: Duke’s Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer React to Career Decision on Wednesday

As the calendar pushes toward May, most teams across the country are finalizing rotations, stacking portal additions and building toward the 2026-27 season. One major SEC program, however, finds itself in a completely different position. What should be a time of roster clarity has instead turned into a full-scale rebuild that has captured attention across the sport.

That spotlight intensified when Jeff Goodman posed a simple question on social media about the LSU Tigers and their roster situation. It turns out the answer is just as surprising as it sounds.

Doesn’t LSU only have one player on its roster? https://t.co/GneIIHLqBD

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 28, 2026

LSU Down to One Player After Coaching Change

According to reporting from Tiger Rag, head coach Will Wade currently has just one scholarship player on the roster: senior forward Mouhamad Dioubate, a transfer from Kentucky. That leaves LSU in an almost unprecedented spot for a major program this late in the offseason.

Wade acknowledged the challenge when he was introduced, making it clear the rebuild would be aggressive and immediate.

“We’re going to find 15 players that are willing to lay it on the line for us every night,” Wade said during his introductory press conference. “We’re going to build a winning program, and we’re going to build this thing quick.”

So far, that process has not materialized. The portal opened April 7, and weeks later, LSU is still searching for answers.

Portal Misses Continue to Pile Up

Part of the issue has been missed opportunities in the transfer portal. LSU has been involved with several high-profile targets, but many have committed elsewhere. Among them was Miikka Muurinen, a highly regarded international forward who ultimately chose Arkansas.

That trend has repeated itself across multiple positions. Several top-150 portal prospects linked to LSU have landed at other programs, leaving the Tigers behind much of the SEC in roster construction.

As a result, LSU’s current portal class ranks near the bottom of the conference and outside the top tier nationally. For a program trying to reset quickly, that is a significant hurdle.

Why This Situation Stands Out

Even in today’s transfer-heavy environment, LSU’s situation is extreme. It is not uncommon for teams to undergo major turnover after a coaching change, but dropping to a single player this deep into the offseason highlights just how volatile the modern game has become.

At the same time, the portal era does allow for rapid recovery. Rosters can be rebuilt in weeks, not months, and late additions are increasingly common. LSU still has time to reshape its lineup before next season begins.

The bigger question is how quickly Wade can deliver on his promise. Right now, LSU has one player and a long list of needs. How that changes over the next few weeks will define not just the Tigers’ season, but the early stages of this new era in Baton Rouge.

Related: Duke Makes Decision on Kon Knueppel’s Brother

Related: Dan Hurley, UConn Land Commitment From Transfer Portal Guard

Kager Knueppel, a 6-foot-10 junior out of Wisconsin Lutheran, has steadily built momentum with his size, shooting ability and overall versatility. His name is popular around Durham, North Carolina, thanks to his older brother, Kon Knueppel, a former Duke standout now playing in the NBA. But Kager is quickly proving he is carving out his own path, and Duke’s offer signals that the Blue Devils see real long-term value in his development.

Congratulations to ‘27 6’10” Kager Knueppel for adding an offer from @DukeMBB 🤩

The Jr Wing is shooting 54% from 3 after EYBL session 1 in ATL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UI2w7Oaa5l

— Team Herro (@team_herro) April 28, 2026

Duke Finally Enters 2027 Recruiting Cycle

For a program that typically moves quickly in recruiting, Duke’s patience with the 2027 class has stood out. The Blue Devils built one of the nation’s top 2026 classes without rushing into early offers for younger prospects. Now, with Knueppel, that approach shifts slightly.

His recent play on the AAU circuit, including a strong shooting performance that reportedly included elite 3-point efficiency, has accelerated his recruitment. Duke joins a growing list of suitors that already includes programs like Purdue, Toledo, Butler and DePaul.

A Familiar Name With a Different Path

It’s easy to connect Kager to his older brother’s legacy and dominance, especially given Kon’s impact during his one-and-done season in Durham. But the younger Knueppel brings a different profile. At 6-foot-10 with perimeter skill, he projects as a modern stretch forward, capable of spacing the floor while continuing to develop physically.

That mix of size and shooting is exactly what programs like Duke prioritize in today’s game. Scheyer and his staff have already shown a willingness to target versatile forwards who can fit multiple systems, and Knueppel fits that mold.

Recruitment Still Wide Open

While Duke’s offer is massive, this recruitment is far from decided at this point. Knueppel still has another year of high school basketball ahead, and more blue-blood programs are expected to get involved as his stock continues to rise.

There is also the natural question of whether he would like to follow his brother’s path to Durham or choose a different route entirely. For now, Duke has put themselves firmly in the conversation.

What happens next will depend on his development, visits, and how aggressively the Blue Devils pursue him moving forward. But one thing is clear. Duke is officially on the board in 2027, and Kager Knueppel is a name college basketball fans should keep watching.

Related: Michigan Guard Trey McKenney Announces Career News on Tuesday

Related: Dan Hurley, UConn Land Commitment From Transfer Portal Guard