Notre Dame's Josh Adams should have a spot on your Heisman ballot

Josh Adams demonstrated against USC that it'd be a mistake not to consider him for the Heisman Trophy.

Villanova star Jalen Brunson says NBA 'can wait' as he pursues another NCAA title

Jalen Brunson's ultimate goal is to get to the NBA. But the Villanova star knows it's not going anywhere.

Hints suggest Martavis Bryant's problem is closer to home than Steelers

Martavis Bryant appears to be in a difficult situation, and his dissatisfaction in Pittsburgh might have little to do with the Steelers.

Underrated Notre Dame — you heard that right — threatening for playoff position

The Irish looked like the best one-loss team in the country on Saturday, and that lone defeat looks better and better every week.

Saquon Barkley making charge at Penn State's best RB of all time

Everyone knows Saquon Barkley is one of the best players in college football this season. But he might just be one of the best running backs to ever don a Penn State uniform.

Villanova's Jay Wright hopes NBA can join colleges in solving basketball's latest crisis

Wright has run squeaky clean programs for more than two decades.

Rick Pitino would be easier to believe if he were more believable

The skin that surrounds the white of his eyes is as red as a Louisville Cardinals road jersey. Whether it is because he was wrong, or because he was wronged, it is clear to see this has not been an easy time for Rick Pitino.

Michigan State star Miles Bridges believes FBI involvement might clean up college basketball

A former five-star recruit, the Spartans sophomore wasn't surprised when news of alleged corruption on the recruiting circuit broke.

Steelers WR Martavis Bryant's trade request is more fantasy football

The Steelers are not going to trade Martavis Bryant before the deadline. If the wide receiver really wants out of Pittsburgh, he is dreaming the impossible dream.

Attorney who questioned SEC commissioner Greg Sankey's bias says he 'proved his impartiality'

Sankey served as chairman of the NCAA Committee on Infractions while North Carolina was under investigation.

If you think North Carolina got off easy, you need to see the bigger picture

Academic fraud scandal put the university's reputation in jeopardy.

NCAA addresses recent scandals with fresh committee, old shot at one-and-done

The Commission on College Basketball is pondering rule changes that could fundamentally debase the future of the sport.

Get this straight: Ben Roethlisberger insists he still is one of the best

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger provided a brand-new arsenal of material Tuesday for those who like to distort quotes from prominent athletes.

ESPN abandoning 24-Hour College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon for 2017

A network rep cites programming difficulties for nixing the annual 24-hour slate of games which began in 2008.

Arizona leaders, no longer silent, are clear about support for Sean Miller

Arizona's president and athletic director issue statements a week after an assistant to head coach Sean Miller was arrested as part of a federal investigation into alleged corruption in college hoops.

LaVar Ball's latest: Will home-school, home-train youngest son LaMelo

LaVar Ball says his sons are done with high school basketball. LaMelo will not play for Chino Hills High this season. There's a chance LaMelo's only playing experience between now and the 2020 NBA Draft will be AAU ball.

Changing NCAA, NBA rules won't stop college basketball corruption

The problem of corruption in college basketball isn't a result of NCAA or NBA rules. Changing those rules would solve nothing.

College basketball is warned: FBI plays higher-stakes game than NCAA

The feds have gotten their hands on college basketball. Some people inside the game are applauding. Others are sweating — or should be.

Rick Pitino can play victim, but sad end at Louisville is largely his fault

Rick Pitino had ample opportunity to go out on his own terms at Louisville basketball. Instead, he chose to exhibit the same apathetic habits that got him in trouble time and again.

Louisville basketball may survive new scandal, with or without Rick Pitino

Rick Pitino may not have known about what allegedly transpired between an assistant coach and several Adidas officials. But that might not be enough for him to stay safe in Louisville.

Steelers don’t take Trump’s bait, exercise right to not participate in anthem

By staying in the locker room during the national anthem — rather than be forced to publicly choose a side — the Steelers' silence spoke volumes about their views on President Donald Trump's comments.

Bill Self's early retirement dream at Kansas is an old story that never comes true

Bill Self says he won't coach into his 60s at Kansas. But coaches coach — now, longer than ever.

Mike Tomlin is right: Steelers are 'too fragile' to take Bears for granted

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday made a point to bring up his team's history of taking struggling opponents lightly. He knows Chicago, at 0-2, will put up a fight Sunday.

LaVar Ball threatens to have son LaMelo blow off college basketball and UCLA — is that a promise?

It seems a shame that LaVar Ball is willing to imperil LaMelo's eligibility and long-term development. But it might be better for college basketball.

Andrew Luck-Colts divorce discussion, rumors should be shut down by reality

Rumors of Andrew Luck wanting out of Indianapolis, catalyzed by an ESPN TV/radio discussion, are not based in reality. The quarterback has little choice but to stay with the Colts.

Claims of a Steelers penalty epidemic under Mike Tomlin are lazy and false

Coach Mike Tomlin is well aware the Steelers need to cut down on penalties. The notion that a lack of discipline is somehow endemic to Pittsburgh under his watch is ragingly false.

Colts coach Chuck Pagano enters pivotal season under unsettling circumstances

As the Colts begin the 2017 season without Andrew Luck, coach Chuck Pagano can only hope his players — and those who decide whether he will be fired — focus on the "process," not the results.

NCAA transfers have most to lose if given immediate eligibility

There’s a good reason — a commonly ignored one — why immediate eligibility for transfers would be a mistake: It would be a terrible deal for the athletes.

Remembering Jud Heathcote, the funniest coach who ever won it all

Former Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote was not only a coach, but also one of the funniest people who never made a living as a comedian.

World University Games: Notre Dame's Martinas Geben helps Lithuania outmuscle Purdue for gold

Notre Dame's Martinas Geben played a significant role in Lithuania’s 85-74 victory against the U.S. Tuesday morning.

World University Games 2017: Purdue 40 minutes from gold after wrecking Serbia

Purdue's sharpshooters have the team one win away from gold at the World University Games.

Devilish devotion: Why Kodi Justice chose loyalty to Arizona State over grad transfer

Kodi Justice has myriad reasons to stay at Arizona State.

Former UNC student on academic scandal: 'Nothing fake about the work I did'

A former UNC student who took classes synonymous with the UNC academic scandal says there was nothing fake about the course work he completed.

Early Madness at Madison Square Garden brings big changes for Big Ten schedule

The 2017-18 Big Ten basketball season will be unlike any other we’ve seen in the past, and probably will for a good, long while.

Coach K made top recruit Marvin Bagley a Blue Devil, now must turn him into a champ

Marvin Bagley is planning to be ready for classes a week after his Monday commitment to the Blue Devils. Is he ready to win, though? History has not been kind to him in that area.

Duke, USC or UCLA? How Marvin Bagley's decision could change NCAA title chase

The five-star power forward would make whatever school he chooses a contender.

Detroit Lions' No. 1 fantasy is heathy, productive Ameer Abdullah

Ameer Abdullah shows no effects from surgery to repair his foot. That's good news for the Detroit Lions and Matthew Stafford.

Mike Krzyzewski's need for new knee costs Duke trip, but maybe saves season

Coach K will have surgery so he can be healthy throughout the Blue Devils' 2017-18 campaign.

UCLA's Josh Rosen isn't only student making sacrifices for college education

Josh Rosen made a fair critique of student-athlete culture. But sacrifices in the pursuit of education aren't unique to college football players.

Colts don't have Andrew Luck, but need good fortune to get offense ready without star QB

The Colts are in the unenviable position of trying to create a winning football team without star quarterback Andrew Luck.

Zinedine Zidane's 'pasion' keeps him at Real Madrid, in world sport's toughest coaching job

Zidane's approach — and accomplishments — have made him as secure as any Real Madrid manager can be.

In gambling on himself, Steelers' Le'Veon Bell made a sucker's bet

Le'Veon Bell is taking a big risk in choosing not to sign a long-term deal with the Steelers at this point.

Zion Williamson working to leap from YouTube sensation to one-year college wonder

Although you might have seen Williamson on Twitter or Instagram, you haven’t really seen him until you’ve been in his presence. Massive seems to be the appropriate description. He is listed at 6-8, 230 pounds, but that doesn’t really capture the majesty of his frame.

If star forward Marvin Bagley wants to be on campus this fall, he'll need to rush

One of 2018's top recruits could alter the landscape of college basketball, but it's not clear what his timetable is just yet.

College basketball programs forced to wait for elite recruits as 'superteam' craze impacts recruiting

The highest-ranked player on the Scout list who has chosen a college is No. 13 E.J. Montgomery, a power forward who picked Auburn nearly a year ago. There are only four committed prospects in the entire top 25.

Bol Bol won't hold grudge against John Calipari, Kentucky despite national team omission

Bol, a consensus top-5 prospect in the 2018 recruiting class, has no harsh feelings for the men who left him off the U19 U.S. team.

For Michigan State recruit Foster Loyer, hoop springs paternal

John Loyer is not just Foster’s father, he is his personal coach — with an NBA resume.

It's fair to criticize John Calipari for U.S. defeat at U19 Worlds, if you criticize him fairly

Is it fair to criticize Calipari for losing to Canada? Absolutely, that’s fair.

John Calipari's US overwhelmed by Canada's R.J. Barrett in semifinals of FIBA U19 World Cup

The Americans were beaten by a team filled with players who play on the AAU circuit, who compete at U.S. high schools, and who relied largely on the brilliance of a single individual player.

Purdue's Carsen Edwards helps U.S. survive against Germany, advance to FIBA U19 semis

Germany actually led U.S. basketball in the FIBA U19 World Cup quarterfinal. It didn't last long.

Oregon's Payton Pritchard points way for USA Basketball to FIBA U19 quarterfinals

Payton Pritchard is the one player on the United States junior national team who has appeared in the Final Four, so it was no surprise that performing in the round of 16 at the FIBA U19 World Cup was not terribly daunting.

Coming back for sophomore year hasn't been a jinx for pro prospects deciding against one-and-done

Heading to the NBA after one year of college is all the rage, but staying one more season is more lucrative.

SN Exclusive: Kentucky's John Calipari swats down report that he is interested in running Knicks

Coach Cal tells SN he's just fine where he is.

Romeo Langford will play for Calipari with USA, but rival college recruiters fighting to stay in hunt

Coach Cal, once again, has a leg up on the competition in the recruitment of a five-star prospect.

Plot to form HBCU pro league is another doomed, anti-NCAA fantasy

The latest idea to undermine the NCAA is just another proposal that won't work.

Kentucky's Hamidou Diallo working on succeeding as first-ever 1.5-and-done player

Hamidou Diallo was ready to turn pro after not playing a game in college. He decided at the last second to come back to Kentucky and try to improve his NBA draft stock.

Duke's Marques Bolden cut by USA Basketball, but still time to make impact for Blue Devils

Bolden still will have the opportunity for a head start on his second college season by joining the Blue Devils on their August trip to the Dominican Republic for two games against the Dominican national team.

John Calipari must avoid losing more than just games while coaching Team USA

Coaching Team USA is supposed to be the ultimate recruiting tool for John Calipari. But this process is trickier than many believe.

NCAA infractions committee lets Louisville off easy for its worst offenses

Here’s what you need to understand about how and why the NCAA infractions committee bungled this case: The most severe sanctions were attached to the least egregious offenses.

NCAA stripping Louisville's 2013 championship banner has Rick Pitino, Cardinals furious

Becoming the first champion in NCAA Tournament history to have its record erased would be an ugly stain on a historically significant program like Louisville.

Penguins bring Stanley Cup home to Pittsburgh for another victory parade

This is how Pittsburgh does it: Conquer the world, then ride triumphantly through the city streets.

Ohio State gets ideal coach in Chris Holtmann, but after Holtmann declined initial offer

Holtmann never said Monday why he demurred when Smith approached him initially.

Stanley Cup Final 2017: We shouldn't laugh off Predators fans' catfish 'tradition'

SN's Mike DeCourcy explains why it's unwise to laugh off fans smuggling anything into packed arenas.

Stanley Cup Final 2017: Sidney Crosby's pugnacity leads to hockey 'fight' between Pittsburgh radio hosts

Crosby sparks war of words between two Pittsburgh sports radio hosts from rival stations.

One word to describe new Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann: 'Phenomenal'

Ohio State made a smart move hiring Butler's Chris Holtmann to replace Thad Matta.

Butler has strong candidates available to succeed Chris Holtmann, inside the family and out

There are few programs in college basketball that have had more success in the speculative business of hiring head coaches than the Butler Bulldogs.

Ohio State's offer to Creighton coach Greg McDermott raises more questions than it answers

Greg McDermott has lived most of his life in Big Ten country but he hasn't established a strong presence around Ohio.

Sean Miller leaving for Ohio State will happen 'over my dead body', says Arizona president

Talk about having job security.

Cameron Johnson claims Pitt error should allow him to join North Carolina immediately

Will Cam Johnson's letter be enough for Pitt to grant him full release?

Thad Matta, his brilliant career derailed by health issues, faces an uncertain future

Matta's future is uncertain after his storied career at Ohio State. What is there to engage a basketball coach if it’s not coaching basketball?

Stanley Cup Final 2017: One year later, Sidney Crosby and Penguins continue to 'just play'

These Penguins, and those who won the 2016 Stanley Cup, clearly aren't the same team that was on the brink of elimination in the Eastern Conference finals last season.

Stanley Cup Final 2017: Picking between Penguins and Predators a painful process

Here is Sporting News' pick to win the 2017 Stanley Cup.

North Carolina reinforces stance it had academic issues — not NCAA violations — as process nears end

Closure could finally be coming in the NCAA's infraction case against UNC.

Hamidou Diallo talks the talk in Kentucky return, now has to shoot the shot

The once none-and-done prospect created the hype. Now, he has to deliver on the court.

Tony Bradley's one-and-done departure not what North Carolina needs to juice recruiting

Tony Bradley leaving the Tar Heels for the NBA won't help Roy Williams attract more one-and-done recruits.

ACC's Swofford says NCAA Tournament hurts regular season; evidence says he's wrong

ACC commissioner John Swofford says the popularity of the NCAA Tournament damages college basketball's regular season. Stats, especially attendance figures, rebut his statement.

Pitt's Kevin Stallings wrong about restricting Cam Johnson transfer — but good luck convincing him

Pitt is restricting Cam Johnson from transferring to any other ACC school without losing a year of eligibility. Sound unfair? Pitt head coach Kevin Stallings has done this before.

NHL playoffs 2017: Tommy Wingels' lack of punishment another blow to NHL integrity

The NHL had an opportunity to make a statement with Tommy Wingels' cheap move. It passed.

NCAA rules committee makes a smart call — leaving the game as it is

The rules changes and officiating adjustments made over the past year appear to be working as intended, so the NCAA made a smart choice to make minor adjustments to the rules this year.

Frank Jackson's departure gives Duke chance to land Trevon Duval

Jackson's decision to remain as a draft early entrant is the best possible news for Duke basketball. OK, well maybe not the best possible news. The best news for Duke fans would be elite recruit Trevon Duval committing to the Blue Devils.

NHL playoffs 2017: Dumb format helps wreck Capitals' season, Stanley Cup excitement

The NHL's playoff format is like the league took all the dumb in Canada and all the dumb in the United States and mashed it together into one great pile of lunacy.

Dayton's UD Arena getting major upgrades to improve experience for Flyers, NCAA Tournament

The University of Dayton announced a $72 million renovation of UD Arena that it contends will make it a state-of-the-art building.

Five programs that could replace Valparaiso in the Horizon League

Horizon member Valparaiso stood as the obvious choice to replace WSU in the Missouri Valley Conference, but there are some good possibilities to replace the Crusaders in the league.

Kentucky's already youthful roster just got younger with addition of Kevin Knox

With two 18-year-olds, four 19-year-olds and one 20-year-old, Kentucky's 2017-18 roster is very young and essentially no one could comfortably be called a veteran.

Big man Ben Carter's sixth year of eligibility no small aid to Michigan State's NCAA title pursuit

One of the most significant obstacles between the 2016-17 Spartans and contention for the Big Ten Conference championship or another Final Four was their punishing lack of depth inside. Now, Izzo will have more bigs with Ben Carter returning.

Mike Brown's defense of Joe Mixon draft pick rings hollow given Bengals' history

The Bengals are an organization that lacks the culture necessary to ignore a draft prospect like Joe Mixon.

Northwestern State's Jalan West receives rare seventh year of NCAA eligibility

You know all those jokes about how a particular college basketball player seems like he's been in college for seven years? That player is now Jalan West.

Time has come for Naismith Hall of Fame to consider West Virginia's Bob Huggins for enshrinement

He is one of only 11 Division I coaches ever with 800 or more career victories and deserves to be in the HOF conversation with the likes of Coach K, Jim Boeheim and Adolph Rupp.

Sorry to disappoint, but Fournette, McCaffery bowl game strike will not lead to revolution

Skipping out on a bowl game requires a few difficult conversations, the abdication of one's own competitive instincts and the abandonment of all sporting logic. That's why Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey will be the minority.

Paul George brushes off questions about future after getting swept by Cavs

There are so many questions surrounding Paul George’s future with the Pacers now that their 2016-17 season has ended, but there’s one person it doesn’t really help to ask: Paul George.

NBA playoffs 2017: J.R. Smith back in Cavs' lineup for Game 3; defense main focus

J.R. Smith will be counted on to disrupt the Pacers' perimeter game Friday.

Duke's Grayson Allen will become a senior, so it's time to act like one

What makes Grayson Allen’s case interesting is that his need to improve is not limited only to basketball matters.

Dan Rooney's greatest gift to Pittsburgh: Transforming steel town into City of Champions

The late Dan Rooney was a football man and a Pittsburgher through and through. He is one of the main reasons the city defines itself by its pro football team.

For Miles Bridges, return to Michigan State was never in question

Many top-tier talents have said they intend to play more than one year for their college team. When Miles Bridges said it, he meant it.

Allonzo Trier's return to Arizona makes No. 1 preseason ranking look stronger

Trier decided he had unfinished business as a college basketball player and determined he would return to Arizona for his junior season in 2017-18 rather than enter the NBA Draft.

Justin Jackson enters NBA Draft, ends North Carolina career as under-appreciated Tar Heels great

Justin Jackson has done what few Tar Heels have accomplished in their UNC careers, but it might take a while for his contributions to be fully appreciated.

Memphis AD can't write his way out of mess Tigers basketball has become

The Memphis athletic department was OK with making Keelon Lawson Sr. a coach, and with demoting him, and with the son of the new head coach serving as one of the three assistant coaches allowed on a Division I staff.

As Washington and Memphis now know, hiring parents for talent doesn't work

Although there was a time when a single player could make a long-term difference in a program, that passed when it became standard procedure for potential program-changing talents to spend no more than a year in college.

NCAA championship 2017: With three titles, Roy Williams in class by himself among North Carolina coaches

Roy Williams is now, beyond debate, one of the greatest coaches in the history of the college game.

NCAA championship 2017: Referees didn't cause Gonzaga, UNC to choose physicality when skill failed them

The biggest reason the referees called so many fouls is because there were so many fouls. That’s possible, you know.

NCAA Championship 2017: Bruised Berry picks up North Carolina with stunning play in ugly victory

Had Berry’s 22-point, six-assist, two-steal, one-turnover performance against Gonzaga been surrounded by a better basketball game, it might have had an epic quality to it. Instead, it was enough to produce a victory. And a championship.

NCAA Final Four: Wrong to pin academic scandal on today's North Carolina players

The current Tar Heels players didn't take part in the academic fraud that has the program under NCAA scrutiny, so don't use the scandal to try to minimize their accomplishments this year.

Duke announces Marques Bolden staying, one day after transfer report

The Blue Devils center barely played as a freshman because of an injury. He'll try again in 2017-18.

NCAA Final Four: UNC's Roy Williams in awkward position to pass mentor Dean Smith with championship

This is exactly what Dean Smith wanted from Roy Williams, even if it is a bit awkward for the latter.

NCAA Final Four: For North Carolina, championship trumps tale of redemption

North Carolina and Gonzaga are playing for the 2017 NCAA championship because they are the two best, most complete teams. Everything else is just packaging.

Gonzaga vs. North Carolina: Pick, prediction for 2017 NCAA Championship game

The NCAA Championship game matching North Carolina (32-7) against Gonzaga (37-1) is my last opportunity to get one correct, and it scares me that I feel so confident.

Joel Berry II injury update: Will UNC's Berry be limited by ankles in championship vs. Gonzaga?

The Tar Heels point guard has suffered two ankle injuries during the NCAA Tournament. He'll be on the court for the championship game Monday night.

Final Four 2017: Kennedy Meeks rebounds to become North Carolina hero against Oregon

Forget about the missed free throws. Kennedy Meeks sealed the deal to help advance the Tar Heels to the title game.

Final Four 2017: Gonzaga's foul play on Gamecocks worked to perfection

Gonzaga coach Mark Few went with a gut feeling to foul South Carolina in the waning moments of the first Final Four game. It worked perfectly.

Final Four 2017: The most underrated stories heading into Saturday's games

Here are the four most underrated stories heading into the games between Gonzaga-South Carolina and North Carolina-Oregon.

NCAA Final Four: Ranking each team's chances to win the national championship

Here is how the Final Four teams rank, in order of potential to be lifting the trophy Monday night in Glendale, Ariz.

Final Four 2017: Four biggest determining factors in Saturday's games

Here's what to look for when the action tips off in Phoenix.

Final Four 2017: Picks, predictions for Saturday's games

Saturday's Final Four games offer plenty of intriguing matchups. Which teams come away with a win?

Final Four 2017: Mark Few's Gonzaga miracle won't make him a saint, but maybe a Hall of Famer

In a relatively remote area of the country, in a town of about 200,000, at a private university with an enrollment of less than 7,500, in a conference that regularly sent just a single member onto the NCAAs, Few determined it was possible to invent a major college basketball power.

UNC's Roy Williams finds Final Four great medicine for NCAA-sized headache

It's not every coach who views the madness of March as a welcome respite. But not every coach has had to deal with what Roy Williams' has.

Final Four 2017: South Carolina, most shocking NCAA champion ever? For Gamecocks, it's game on

It’s hard to understand how a team can suddenly reinvent itself under the greatest pressure and against the best competition, but South Carolina has managed to do it.

NCAA Tournament 2017: What a trip to the Final Four means for one devoted, frustrated and now elated Gonzaga fan

SN's Mike DeCourcy has corresponded with a Gonzaga fan for over a decade. That fan finally got to describe what it was like to watch his team reach the Final Four.

Why the Final Four is not better without one-and-done players

UNC’s win over Kentucky means there will be only two freshman starters in the 2017 Final Four, neither of the one-and-done variety. Many are celebrating this as a validation of the value of experience, of the superiority of college continuity. There are no real facts to support it.

How Sean Miller allowed one lucky writer to witness Christian Laettner's shot

The most important shot in March 1992 was launched by Pitt point guard Sean Miller in the final game of his college career, the last shot he took as a competitive basketball player at any level. He missed.

Kentucky-Duke: The greatest game ever played

Where were you on March 28, 1992? You might not know the answer to that question without a bit more information. Better question: Where were you when Christian Laettner hit "The Shot"?

New coach Archie Miller the type of Hoosier that Indiana basketball needs

Archie Miller isn't an IU alum, but his devotion to basketball and recruiting the state fit with the program's ideals. His arrival should be welcome news to the school's hoops-savvy fans.

NCAA Tournament 2017: North Carolina's 7 seconds of brilliance was years in the making

SN breaks down Luke Maye's winning jumper for the Tar Heels against Kentucky in the Elite Eight. This was no wing and a prayer; the Heels are well-coached on such plays.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Kris Jenkins celebrates with UNC family year after breaking Heels' hearts

Villanova standout Kris Jenkins is the brother of guard Nate Britt, who now has a chance to add a second NCAA national championship to the family home.

In Madness of March, North Carolina finds talent needs toughness to survive

Toughness has been a recurring issue for North Carolina to address over the year. The Tar Heels' close victory over Arkansas may have changed that.

Kentucky vs. North Carolina, South Carolina vs. Florida: Picks, predictions for Sunday's Elite Eight games

SN's Mike DeCourcy takes a shot at picking which teams from the East Region and South Region will be heading to Phoenix for the Final Four.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Gonzaga's Final Four berth means Bulldogs are beyond elite

There’s nothing left to use against Gonzaga but elitism now that the Bulldogs have clinched their first Final Four appearance.

New Indiana coach Archie Miller was bound for the Hoosiers from start of coaching career

Growing up in Western Pennsylvania as the son of a legendary high school coach and the brother of a local college hoops hero, Archie Miller has prepared his entire life to become the head coach at a place such as Indiana.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Picks, predictions for Saturday's Elite Eight games

Mike DeCourcy lets you know who'll be heading to Phoenix and who'll be heading back to campus for good.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Let's talk up Kentucky G De'Aaron Fox's dominance of UCLA's Lonzo Ball

De'Aaron Fox's 39-point night speaks to how good he is and how important he is to Kentucky. It also should help keep his name out of LaVar Ball's mouth, unless LaVar wants to praise him.

March Madness: LaVar Ball does the talking, Lonzo does the balling

UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball has heard his dad talk smack forever, but Lonzo will let his game do the talking when he takes on Kentucky in the Sweet 16.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Picks, predictions for Friday's Sweet 16 games

SN predicts which four teams will join Thursday's winners in this year's Elite Eight.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Those writing off Arizona's Miller ignore other coaches' histories

The internet had jokes immediately after Sean Miller's squad was upset by Xavier in the Sweet 16. The trolls don't accept the fact other high-level coaches needed years to break through.

Rhode Island's Danny Hurley 'in play' for Georgetown head coaching job, SN source says

Danny Hurley finished an excellent fifth season at Rhode Island with an Atlantic 10 Tournament championship and advancement to the NCAA Tournament second round.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes, Bronson Koenig two wins away from exclusive club

Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig can join the rare Three Fours Club by surviving a tough East Region.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Picks, predictions for Thursday's Sweet 16 games

SN's Mike DeCourcy sends a few teams to the Elite Eight — and sends the rest home for the season.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Ranking the Sweet 16 championship contenders

Here’s how the remaining NCAA Tournament teams rank, in order of their ability to win the national championship.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Mike DeCourcy's (updated) Sweet 16, Final Four picks

SN writer Mike DeCourcy gets a do-over with the bracket, beginning with the Sweet 16. Who does he pick to win now?

Indiana should search for the best coach for the job, not just the best Hoosier

The Hoosiers need to look beyond their circle and hire the the best candidate.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Beilein puts aside true love of Cardinals baseball for Michigan's Sweet 16

Michigan coach John Beilein is a huge Cardinals fan. There’s just one problem with all of this: spring training and March Madness happen at exactly the same time.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Kentucky's fresh approach to last-minute defense leads to Sweet 16

This year's Wildcats team is different, less gifted overall than its immediate predecessors, but it makes up for that with toughness and togetherness. Both were on display vs. Wichita State.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Wagner's second-half masterpiece carries Michigan to Sweet 16

Michigan likely wouldn't have beaten Louisville were it not for Moritz Wagner.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Nobody does it better (in March Madness) than Louisville's Pitino

This is why Rick Pitino's Louisville teams are so hard to beat in the NCAA Tournament.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Start times, predictions, info for Sunday’s games

The 2017 NCAA Tournament has been chalky so far, but that doesn't mean there will be a lack of good games.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Wisconsin does Wisconsin, and now it's back in Sweet 16

Wisconsin is in the Sweet 16 after knocking off last year's NCAA Tournament champion. The Badgers are enjoying success after going back to what made the program strong for more than a decade.

Illinois shocks the sport — and delights its fans — by hiring away OK State's Brad Underwood

Brad Underwood left the 2017 NCAA Tournament in 40 minutes, and he left Oklahoma State University in less than a year. But he figures to stay as head coach of Illinois Fighting Illini for as long as he likes.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Big East took advantage of breaks on way to being broken

Regular-season wins over injury-weakened Creighton and Xavier made the Big East look stronger than it was. The teams that benefited most from those injuries are now out of the tournament.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Wichita State embraces opportunity Kentucky presents

Outside the coaches, few people who were part of the classic Wichita State-Kentucky NCAA Tournament matchup of 2014 are still around. That doesn't make Sunday's game any less interesting.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Michigan gives Oklahoma State triple trouble in historic performance

Michigan needed 3-pointers to take down Oklahoma State on Friday — A LOT of 3-pointers.

NCAA Tournament 2017: The 10 injuries that will redefine road to Final Four

Some injuries will leave a mark.

New Indiana coach must use classic Hoosier formula to reach former glory

The memory of what Indiana basketball used to be is tough for longtime fans to shake.

March Madness 2017: Ranking every team in the NCAA Tournament's chances

SN's Mike DeCourcy rates this year's Big Dance participants' chances.

NCAA bracket predictions: These tournament upset picks could incite March Madness

Here are Mike DeCourcy's NCAA Tournament upset alerts and sleeper picks that could incite March Madness.

March Madness 2017: Mike DeCourcy's NCAA Tournament bracket picks

Dominate your March Madness pool with Mike DeCourcy's NCAA Tournament bracket picks.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Minnesota turnaround on, off court brings Gophers to big stage

This is Richard Pitino’s fifth season as a college head coach, and it is the first he will close in the NCAA Tournament. His focus both on and off the court has taken Minnesota to new heights.

March Madness 2017: Late Butler star's inspirational message still resonates

Joel Cornette's words about being an underdog carry weight 14 years after he spoke them. They still apply to all the small, anonymous schools with dreams of making a run in March.

NCAA Tournament bracket 2017: Upset predictions, Final Four pick in East Region

Duke was a near-unanimous preseason No. 1, and should make a Final Four run in the East Region.

NCAA Tournament bracket 2017: Upset predictions, Final Four pick in Midwest Region

The Jayhawks are in a rough-and-tumble Midwest Region with the likes of Louisville and Oregon.

NCAA Tournament bracket 2017: Upset predictions, Final Four pick in West Region

Gonzaga is going to have to wait for that ever-elusive NCAA Tournament championship, thanks to Arizona.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Kentucky gets slapped with the bracket once again

Once again, Kentucky could be facing a "murderer's row" of opponents, and that's not a great thing for Coach Cal.

NCAA Tournament bracket 2017: Upset predictions, Final Four pick in South Region

Roy Williams will guide the Tar Heels to another Final Four appearance, but a little bit of luck will help them make it there.

Mizzou's Cuonzo Martin can be a great coach; time for him to show it

Cuonzo Martin enjoyed limited success during short stays at Tennessee and Cal. Now back home, Martin needs to take the next step in his development as a coach as he works to revive the Tigers' program.

March Madness 2017: NCAA selection committee must end obsession with bracketing by geography

In the NCAA Tournament, you can have a shorter trip or an easier game; which do you choose? Coaches said the easier game.

UNC-Duke rivalry boils over into NCAA Tournament debate — that Tar Heels should win

Duke holds a 2-1 series lead over UNC, that likely won't be enough for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Michigan not throwing away shot at unprecedented Big Ten tournament championship

If you’re expecting to be a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, you are hoping the selection committee perceives Michigan as a No. 6 or buries them in an 8/9 game. You don’t want them as your No. 7

Michigan flying high into Big Ten Tournament semifinals with no plans to land soon

What had been an uneven 2016-17 season for Michigan lately had begun to brighten, and the Big Ten Tournament offers the opportunity to pursue a championship of which the Wolverines can be proud, and which they’re capable of winning.

Ranking the contenders: North Carolina regains its title as the team to beat

The Tar Heels have everything it takes to win a title.

Gonzaga's Mark Few is Sporting News Coach of the Year

Mark Few has changed the Gonzaga program from middling Bulldogs into mighty Zags during a two-decade run of excellence. This year he and his staff have molded a top five squad that rates a high NCAA Tournament seed.

Kansas' Frank Mason III is Sporting News college basketball Player of the Year

Frank Mason III has gone from mid-major recruit to Jayhawks immortal. He put himself in SN's college basketball pantheon with an outstanding senior campaign.

UCLA's 'rock star' Lonzo Ball is Sporting News Freshman of the Year

The truth is no freshman has had as profound an impact on this season as UCLA's Lonzo Ball.

Sporting News 2017 college basketball All-Americans

Kansas senior guard Frank Mason III was the only unanimous selection for the panel of voters.

Vandy, Wake offer plenty of evidence 2017 NCAA Tournament stuck with bad bubble

When someone tells you the 2017 bubble isn’t that bad, remind them about Vanderbilt and Wake Forest and how low the committee might have to sink to find 68 teams to place on the bracket.

UNC's thrilling win over Duke reminds us why this is America's greatest rivalry

Duke and UNC played in a thriller on Saturday. That this was simply more of the same from these two teams proves their supremacy over other American rivalries.

Ranking March Madness contenders: UCLA's best defense is the best offense

In our ranking of teams we believe can win the 2017 NCAA Tournament, UCLA now is in the mix — and pretty firmly entrenched.

Northwestern’s greatest play was veteran assistant Brian James’ best moment in coaching

James reflects after dialing up the biggest play in Northwestern hoops history.

True March Madness: NCAA Tournament fails to recognize strength of dominant mid-majors

It’s not a matter of generosity. It’s about justice.

Gonzaga's defeat cost Bulldogs a perfect season, perhaps a No. 1 NCAA seed

There is a price to pay for imperfection.

Ranking March Madness contenders: Size, incentive puts North Carolina on top

At this point, 10 schools have a legitimate claim to the NCAA Tournament championship. There could be more, and there could be fewer by Selection Sunday.

Joe Lunardi's conference record provision would punish teams in top conferences

Requiring a .500 conference record for NCAA Tournament entry is unreasonable because all leagues are not the same.

Mick Cronin's 300th win seems a perfect number after what he has been through at Cincinnati

Cronin did not immediately smile when he won the 300th college basketball game of his career Saturday, but no doubt he was proud.

N.C. State's opportunity to get a coach hire right has never been better than this

The people making the hire must identify what makes a successful college basketball coach generally, what peculiarities make the State job unique and what sort of coach will be necessary to excel there.

Wisconsin will have different look as star Bronson Koenig recovers from injury

The Badgers have to cope without their senior leader for the time being.

John Calipari grabs another possible recruiting edge as head coach of USA Basketball U-19s

Coach Cal might have a leg up on the competition for prime 2018 talent.

Florida loses center John Egbunu to knee injury with SEC title, March Madness in sight

Egbunu has been a massive athletic presence for the Gators through the course of the 2016-17 season, delivering six double-figure rebound games.

RPI just part of NCAA Tournament criteria, so why all the hate?

The NCAA Tournament selection committee uses the Ratings Percentage Index to help determine the Field of 68. It's often forgotten that the RPI isn't the committee's only tool.

SN exclusive: N.C. State reaching out to candidates to replace Mark Gottfried as coach

Gottfried is still in charge, but high-ranking officials at N.C. State have had enough.

Tom Crean risks Indiana players tuning him out by publicly blasting them

Tom Crean's frustration with his players boiled over during a radio interview after another crushing IU loss. His rant could cause him to lose the locker room.

Perfection not enough for Gonzaga in early peek at NCAA Tournament bracket

None of the three teams ranked ahead of the Bulldogs — overall No. 1 Villanova, then Kansas, followed by Baylor — has accomplished enough to trump a perfect record with several high-quality victims.

For Gonzaga, perfection should not be viewed as an obstacle to greatness

As Gonzaga enters the home stretch with an undefeated record, there are those who will tell you, the Zags can win more by losing this game. It’s a myth.

ACC threatens to make NCAA Tournament history with unprecedented depth

The 15-team ACC of 2017 compares very favorably to the 16-team Big East of six years earlier. It's so good, it could land almost one-sixth of the entire Field of 68.

Naismith snubs of Cal's Ivan Rabb, Iowa's Peter Jok show college game in excellent health

These exceptional players are having outstanding seasons, but there was simply no room for them on the Naismith Trophy watch list.

NCAA Tournament selection preview might become annual show, but don't expect it weekly

The NCAA Tournament selection committee is dipping its toe Saturday into some revealing television programming, but don’t expect a deep dive anytime soon.

Ferocious February will consume dozens of teams chasing March Madness dreams

There are 30 major-conference teams that are considered bubble teams. Good luck to the selection committee in sorting that out.

Everything you need to know about college basketball now that the Super Bowl is over

Football season is over, so it's time to move on to the most glorious part of the American sports calendar: the race to March Madness.

The Falcons' historic Super Bowl 51 choke, in five acts

Atlanta could have won Super Bowl 51 with smarter play-calling and just a little better execution.

Former Seton Hall star Herb Pope's robbery conviction echoes 'White Men Can't Jump'

Mike Krzyzewski announces he will return to sideline for Duke vs. Pitt

The Blue Devils were 4-3 while Coach K recovered from back surgery.

Northwestern intends to march on even with star Scottie Lindsey sidelined

It felt like Wednesday night represented still another step forward for the Wildcats as a basketball program, even if the night included an 80-59 defeat.

Purdue's biggest area of concern before March boils down to defense

Will Purdue allow its one deficiency to bring the season to a premature conclusion?

Gonzaga may learn perfection isn't perfect, but it's a heck of a ride

The Zags are looking to run the table, heading into the NCAA tournament.

Edmond Sumner's season over because of knee injury, but Xavier vows to keep battling

The Musketeers will be without their second-leading scorer for the rest of the season.