MORE FROM Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: An emphatic ending to the Dawgs' drought

Georgia put an end to all the 1980 talk with a championship drive and a game-clinching pick-six that sparked a celebration, and some tears from the winning QB.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Three keys to an Alabama victory

Alabama must protect Bryce Young again like it did in the SEC championship.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Three keys to an Alabama victory

Alabama must protect Bryce Young again like it did in the SEC championship.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Bigger would be better for CFP

Football need only look at the NCAA Tournament to understand that bigger can be better when it comes to the postseason.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Williams goes full superstar at Alabama after transfer

Wide receiver Jameson Williams saw an opportunity for more opportunities at Alabama than at Ohio State. And he took full advantage.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Not many were bigger than the Big Dog

Glenn Robinson's 1993-94 season was as dominant a season as college basketball has seen in the past 30 years.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Grieving RayQuan Evans touched by Purdue fans

Florida State senior RayQuan Evans carries a condolence card from Purdue's student section everywhere he goes.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Parity reigns in 2021 NFL playoff chase

The 2021 NFL season has become Roger Goodell’s dream season.

Mike DeCourcy

Meager NC State punishment shows NCAA's new enforcement body is playing the same old song

Say hello to the IARP, which has a crummy acronym, takes forever to complete a case and ultimately gives you the same sort of ruling the infractions committee would have delivered in more or less the same amount of time.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: NFL's fight against COVID-19 is the right one

There are calls for the NFL to loosen some of its COVID-19 policies, but the league has chosen the right path with the virus to date.

Mike DeCourcy

Fickell's landmark season earns him SN Coach of the Year

After leading Cincinnati to another undefeated regular season and berth in the College Football Playoff, Luke Fickell won Sporting News Coach of the Year award.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: UCL re-draw debacle leaves Real Madrid royally hosed

If there's one team that will feel hard done by the Champions League redo of the Round of 16 draw, it's definitely Spain's top team.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: NCAA infractions committee lets Auburn, Bruce Pearl off easy

The most severe consequences fall to a few young men who are totally unconnected to any of this.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Kirk Herbstreit is oddly unaware of CFP preference for biggest brands

Herbstreit's proclamation Tuesday regarding the propriety of the College Football Playoff reached a surprising degree of impudence.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Mock Brian Kelly all you want, but he'll reach CFP with LSU soon enough

If Brian Kelly had a dollar for every mean tweet circulated about him during the week after he became the new head football coach of the LSU Tigers, he’d be sitting on a pile of money about $95 million high. Oh, man, how about that? He does.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Purdue has far bigger goals in mind than No. 1 ranking

The goals at Purdue: win the Big Ten, reach the Final Four for the first time in four decades, try to claim the program’s first NCAA championship. Now, that would be truly historic.

Mike DeCourcy

42: Michigan honors Tate Myre, 'hero' of Oxford school shooting, during Big Ten championship victory

The Wolverines scored 42 points against Iowa. Tate Myre wore 42 for Oxford's football team.

Mike DeCourcy

Decourcy: No letdown for Michigan as it steamrolls Iowa

Michigan has climbed out of the Appalachian State valley and now finally resides in the rarefied air of the college football playoff.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: When Saban and Smart were on the same side

Jim McElwain worked with Nick Saban and Kirby Smart at Alabama early in the Saban era. He saw the relationship between the two men up close.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: 'One-and-done' Watson focused on 'one' at UCLA

Freshman Peyton Watson is high on NBA Draft boards, but his impact on this loaded UCLA team might not be felt in the early part of the season.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Spirit's title run like nothing you've ever seen

There is no championship team in U.S. sports history that has had to endure what the Washington Spirit did in its run to the 2021 NWSL crown.

Mike DeCourcy

USMNT's draw in Jamaica not as bad as it seems

The U.S. scored an away point in a draw vs. Jamaica. It’s a point more precious than American fans are likely to appreciate: The U.S. easily could have lost.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Sprinting 4 weeks after an ACL repair? It's possible

A West Virginia surgeon is pioneering a new ACL repair technique that significantly reduces rehab and is showing promising results.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Feinstein's book on racism his most important work yet

John Feinstein's 'Raise a Fist, Take a Knee' addresses the unbroken link between racism and sports that goes back decades.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Only a fool believes committee will let UC in

The CFP committee has made it clear its first priority is to include those programs with historic achievement and broad recognition, and only the most glaring failures will cause such teams to be excluded.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Freshmen hold fate of Coach K's farewell tour

Freshmen Trevor Keels and Paolo Banchero showed in a win over Kentucky at the Champions Classic that they have the goods to give Coach K the only parting gift he seeks.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Agbaji shows he's ready to lead Kansas

Kansas needs Ochai Agbaji to be its leader if it wants to be a Final Four contender. In Game No. 1, he looked like he is ready.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Dickie V's cancer battle won't sideline him long

The Hall of Fame broadcaster has raised millions for cancer research during his career. Now he's fighting the disease itself, and remaining tirelessly optimistic.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: As Duke, UK renew rivalry, an inside look at The Shot

Christian Laettner's shot to beat Kentucky propelled Duke and Mike Krzyzewski to a second straight national title and an elite status it has never relinquished.

Mike DeCourcy

SN Preseason All-America team

A true freshman from Duke lands with four veterans on SN's first team.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Brannen latest coach fighting for buyout after firing

Fired Cincinnati coach John Brannen is challenging Cincinnati's stance that he committed NCAA violations and jeopardized the well-being of his players.

Mike DeCourcy

Lloyd Legend: What makes USWNT star an all-time great

Beyond the goals and titles, what set Lloyd apart from the rest during her U.S. women's national team career was a drive and mentality that will not easily be matched.

Mike DeCourcy

Top 10 U.S. women's soccer players of all-time

How does Lloyd's legendary career compare to the other greats in the pantheon of the U.S. women's national team?

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Teams should say 'no, thank you' to Deshaun Watson

We are hearing from QB-needy teams interested in Deshaun Watson. Why aren't we hearing from QB-needy teams who aren't interested in Deshaun Watson?

Mike DeCourcy

Gonzaga, UCLA lead pack for SN's preseason Top 25

Gonzaga and UCLA had a thrilling Final Four matchup a year ago. Could they meet in the NCAA title game in April?

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Huggins' NCAA tournament idea is madness

Bob Huggins thinks limiting the NCAA tournament to 'power' programs would generate more revenue and interest. That's just not the case.

Mike DeCourcy

Decourcy: If Tennessee fans don't clean up act, empty the stadium

International soccer fans have been punished for unruly behavior with games held 'behind closed doors'. Could it happen with college football?

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Watt shows Seahawks why Steelers gave him all that money

The All-Pro edge rusher sacked Seattle QB Geno Smith twice in overtime. The second one highlighted why Pittsburgh gave him all that money before the start of the season.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Why this USMNT is unlike any in the world

The 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Costa Rica came with the youngest team ever fielded by the USA in this competition. That youth has become its defining trait.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: One-on-one with focused, and emotional, Coach K

As the clock ticks down on his Hall of Fame career, Mike Krzyzewski sat down with Sporting News to discuss his decision to retire, his focus on his team and what has already choked him up.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Woodson pushing IU to reconnect with greatness

Mike Woodson is at ease with his new team and pressures of coming home to coach at Indiana.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Faulting Berhalter for USMNT loss is a stretch

The U.S. men's national team is smarting from a narrow 1-0 loss to Panama, but to lay the blame at the feet of head coach Gregg Berhalter is a stretch and overreaction.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Sorry, Cincinnati; a perfect record won't be enough

Some in the college football universe think the College Football Playoff committee will finally invite an undefeated Group of 5 team. I'm not one of them.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: No one out there quite like Pepi

The U.S. national team has lost dual national players to Mexico over the years, but Ricardo Pepi was the one recruit it had to have

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Big Ten loaded with returning big men

With the role of big men changing in the NBA, the college game is seeing centers stay in school longer. Nowhere is that more evident than in the Big Ten.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Choice for USMNT starting 'keeper is obvious

U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter hasn't yet made up his mind on a starting goalkeeper, but performances over the course of the last two months make the choice clear.

Mike DeCourcy

No Pulisic or Reyna: 3 USMNT players who need to step up

The U.S. men's national team faces three World Cup qualifiers without its top two stars, Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, but three players are well-positioned to step up in a big way.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Fickell has built on foundation left by Kelly at Cincinnati

Brian Kelly took over a football program at a basketball school when he arrived at Cincinnati in 2007. Now Luke Fickell has that same program in the top 10 as he prepares to face Kelly and Notre Dame.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: McKennie's back and it's no mystery why

With the USMNT missing arguably its two best players for the three World Cup qualifiers coming up in October, Weston McKennie has a big opportunity to redeem himself after his dismissal from camp in September.

Mike DeCourcy

Steelers still can win with Ben Roethlisberger at QB, but no longer because of him

Ben Roethlisberger still is trying to play the same old hits, but the band is too young to follow his lead as closely. And too often he is forgetting the lyrics to his favorite songs.

Mike DeCourcy

One win from Notre Dame record

A victory Saturday at Soldier Field will advance the Irish to 4-0 on the 2021 season, but there is more to it than this. If the Irish win, it will be Brian Kelly’s 106th victory as Notre Dame head coach.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Duke makes big statement in recruiting rivalry with Kentucky

The Blue Devils' coup indicates they will continue to be on par with the Wildcats with Jon Scheyer as coach.

Mike DeCourcy

Who should be the USMNT's starting forward?

The October set of World Cup qualifying matches is only two weeks away, and there's an obvious frontrunner for the USMNT's starting forward position.

Mike DeCourcy

How Big 12 basketball wins with new additions

In exchanging Texas and Oklahoma for Houston, Cincinnati, BYU and UCF, the league picks up programs with a combined dozen Final Four appearances and two NCAA championships in their histories in exchange for two programs with a combined eight Final Four appearances and no titles.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: How the USMNT pulled off rare comeback win

The USMNT turned around a horrid first half of soccer to achieve a rare result in Honduras that got its 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign back on course.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: No need for Watt to fret about guarantees in contract talks

TJ Watt is reportedly continuing to hold out for guarantees in his contract extension, but the Steelers have shown that's not necessary.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: USMNT's slow start is no surprise

A young U.S. national team is stumbling out of the gates in 2022 World Cup qualifying, with costly missteps by an inexperienced group leading to a winless start.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: No end in sight to Ohio State's bullying of Big Ten

Ohio State has established a level of dominance in the Big Ten that is unprecedented, and there is no end in sight.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: USMNT under more pressure than ever to reach World Cup

The U.S. men's national team begins its quest to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, and it's under tremendous pressure to succeed.

Mike DeCourcy

USMNT's latest win over Mexico: Ricardo Pepi

As World Cup qualifying gets set to kick off next week, the USMNT registered another victory against Mexico in the pursuit of up-and-coming forward Ricardo Pepi.

Mike DeCourcy

Emoni Bates' commitment to Memphis delivers unprecedented recruiting success -- and huge challenge -- to coach Penny Hardaway

There is no precedent for this in Memphis. The school that has been home to Larry Finch and Keith Lee, to Penny Hardaway and Lorenzen Wright, to Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans, never has been graced by two such players at once.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Despite sea change in NCAA, March Madness will survive

The NCAA Tournament could see a change in format at some point, but college coaches and administrators feel despite the revolution in college sports, March Madness will survive as is.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Power is at alliance's core

The word “alliance” does not have the most esteemed history in the college sports world, so perhaps by the time the Big Ten, Pac-12 and ACC make formal their arrangement, they’ll assign it a more stately name.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Did Solo really see Rapinoe's 'almost bullying'?

Former USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo says she's "seen Megan Rapinoe almost bully players into kneeling," but a timeline of events puts that into doubt.

Mike DeCourcy

What does Lukaku's arrival mean for Pulisic at Chelsea?

Christian Pulisic found himself splitting playing time with several of the other star forwards at Chelsea and now Romelu Lukaku's arrival could also eat into his minutes.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Olympic basketball title should count as 12 golds, not 1

The Olympic medal standings need to be revamped. I've invented the Decourcy Podium Count.

Mike DeCourcy

Lillard had to step back so Team USA could move forward in quest for gold medal

It was the job of Damian Lillard, among others, to not lose the game for the Americans. And when it comes to the U.S. vs. the world in the sport of basketball, not losing is really what it's about.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Tokyo proves Games are better reformed than removed

The erasure of the Olympics would not mean there would be no more corruption or abuse of power in the world. But the dreams peculiar to Olympians — including merely to become an Olympian — would die.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: How Hall of Famer Jimbo Covert helped launch my career

Jimbo Covert is headed to the Hall of Fame on Saturday. Many years ago, he helped a young sportswriter out.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Change is coming to USWNT; the big decisions that lie ahead

After a subpar Olympics the U.S. women's national soccer team will require serious changes ahead of the 2023 World Cup in two years. That process starts now.

Mike DeCourcy

Booker's unwavering commitment is a major plus for Team USA

It remains astounding the U.S. could be getting so much from Booker as an all-around player when he wasn't able to gain any significant preparation time or any rest at all.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Team USA still has a sizable talent gap vs. rest of world

Led by Kevin Durant, Team USA showed it is still the best international basketball team in the world by a healthy margin in a rout of Spain.

Mike DeCourcy

USMNT bring back fight of old in underdog Gold Cup triumph

The U.S. men's national team wasn't expected to beat a near full-strength Mexico side in the final of the 2021 Gold Cup, but it accomplished the feat in part by rediscovering the classic American soccer fighting spirit.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: USWNT loss raises questions about coach's decisions

A surprise semifinal loss to Canada will cost the U.S. women's national soccer team a run for the gold medal at the 2021 Olympics and in the process shines a spotlight on head coach Vlatko Andonovski and his decisions.

Mike DeCourcy

KD must carry flawed Team USA to fourth straight Olympic gold medal

Durant is unquestionably the most important American player at this Olympic tournament.

Mike DeCourcy

USWNT's quarterfinal hero: "She's the reason we're still in this"

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher struggled on a couple of instances during regulation, but she redeemed herself by stopping three penalty kicks, including one during the 90 minutes, as the USA advanced to the Olympic semis.

Mike DeCourcy

NBA Draft grades 2021: Complete results, analysis for every pick in Round 1

Sporting News provided instant grades as the picks were announced on Thursday. Check out our 2021 NBA Draft analysis below.

Mike DeCourcy

SN's NBA Draft big board: Top 60 prospect rankings

Our big board of 2021 NBA Draft prospects takes an in-depth look at the players likely to be selected inside the lottery, plus a comprehensive ranking of the top 60 players overall.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Mocking Thursday's 2021 NBA Draft

Sporting News' updated 2021 mock draft projecting pick Nos. 1-30 still has Cade Cunningham going first overall to Detroit, but the Pistons' decision isn't clear-cut.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Team USA can be criticized for some things. Commitment is not one.

Team USA has been criticized for not caring about the Olympics. Well, answer me this - why are they even here?

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Before criticizing Simone Biles, imagine walking a mile in her Air Jordans

Simone Biles is the greatest in her sport, like Michael Jordan was. And we cannot imagine what it is like to be them.

Mike DeCourcy

USWNT under fire for settling for a draw

The USWNT advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2021 women's Olympic soccer tournament, but the scoreless draw against Australia that clinched it has stirred debate among fans about the effort put forth to win, with both teams seemingly content with the draw, saving their energies for the knockout rounds.

Mike DeCourcy

Pop running out of time to show he can win as Team USA coach

Team USA's loss to France is a direct result of deciding its senior men’s coach is a lifetime achievement award rather than a job to be done by the person with the time and energy to do it.

Mike DeCourcy

Is the USWNT back? Key takeaways from a big win

With the humbling loss against Sweden still fresh in their memory, the USWNT players took a big step in setting things straight by trouncing New Zealand 6-1 in their second group match, all but securing a place in the Olympic quarterfinals.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Greg Sankey needs to say 'no' to Texas and Oklahoma

Neither the Big 12 nor the SEC is better off if Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC. Commissioner Greg Sankey needs to show leadership and turn down the Sooners and Longhorns.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: USWNT still confident after Sweden loss, but play must improve

Sweden ran away from the U.S. in the women's soccer opener. There's still time to rally for a gold medal run, but play must be improved.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Giannis Antetokounmpo delivers Magic masterpiece for Bucks

Forty years from now, basketball fans will recall Giannis' masterful performance in much the same way people remember Magic Johnson's NBA Finals clincher as a rookie.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Why this USWNT would be GOAT with Olympic gold

The U.S. women's national soccer team that will be chasing an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo has the chance to go down as arguably the greatest in the history of women's soccer. From increased world-class competition to starting-caliber talent up and down the roster, the case will be a strong one if the USWNT can finish the job in Japan.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Chris Paul getting off easy for Game 5 blunder

Chris Paul fouling Giannis Antetokounmpo on an alley-oop in the final seconds of Game 5 was a brain cramp that is being overlooked.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: USA roster scramble beginning to resemble '04 shuffle

Team USA is scrambling to maintain a full roster for Tokyo. One change is at least curious.

Mike DeCourcy

HBCU coaches get no ticket to ride on D-I carousel

Simply put, the "coaching ladder" that candidates often follow to get the most lucrative jobs — from success in "one-bid leagues" to opportunities at major-conference programs — doesn't extend to the conferences composed of HBCUs.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Failing grades all around for USA Basketball, Popovich

Gregg Popovich may not remember when Team USA blew teams out, but the rest of us do.

Mike DeCourcy

Face it: Anyone paying attention knows why Devin Booker was benched

If you were looking for Suns All-Star Devin Booker in the final 12 minutes, 48 seconds of Game 3 in the 2021 NBA Finals, you were not going to find him without turning your eyes from the action.

Mike DeCourcy

Bright spot for USMNT vs. Haiti? It's Acosta

Even head coach Gregg Berhalter was critical of the performance by the U.S. men's national team in its 2021 Gold Cup group stage opener against Haiti. But there was one player who offered a glimpse of what he could come to represent for the USMNT moving forward: Colorado Rapids midfielder Kellyn Acosta.

Mike DeCourcy

Kenneth Lofton Jr. may not have won MVP, but he played like one for USA

Chet Holmgren may have taken home the MVP trophy at the FIBA U-19 World Cup, but without Kenneth Lofton Jr., Team USA wouldn't have taken home the gold medal.

Mike DeCourcy

Football's coming home: Why those words irritate millions

By the time Sunday rolls around, many will have grown tired of the barrage of "It's coming home" and "Football's coming home" in reference to England's quest for its first title since 1966. Here's why it's come to grate at so many around the world.

Mike DeCourcy

USA back in U-19 World Cup final after hurdling Canada, 7-4 Zach Edey

Team USA's U-19 squad is going to a World Cup final for the fourth time in the last five FIBA World Cups.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: UCLA among big winners of 'draft deadline' with return of Juzang

Johnny Juzang's return to UCLA means the Bruins the full rotation from the Final Four team will be back on L.A., along with five-star freshman Peyton Watson.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Deandre Ayton is proving a perfect fit with Suns

Deandre Ayton endured some criticism early on, but the former No. 1 pick may help deliver the Suns a championship.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: USATF blows it with decision to exclude Richardson from relay

The USATF had a chance to include Sha'Carri Richardson, America's top female sprinter, on the 4x100 Olympic relay team. But it had difficulty with thinking and problem solving.

Mike DeCourcy

USWNT is a shutout machine: But is it ready for Tokyo?

The USWNT's defense was rarely tested during the team's Olympic tuneup matches. So how can it possibly be ready for the likes of No. 5 Sweden and the other powers it will face at the Tokyo Olympics?

Mike DeCourcy

Will Messi finally win the Copa America?

Lionel Messi has never succeeded in leading Argentina to a Copa America triumph although he came close on a few occasions. At age 34, this could be his last chance to do it, although Brazil, the host of the competition, will likely stand in his way.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Heath is back, but her spot now belongs to Press

Tobin Heath made her return for the U.S. women's national soccer team in a 4-0 win over Mexico, scoring a goal 52 seconds into the match. But with another two goals of her own and her performances over her last 36 appearances, Christen Press has laid claim to Heath's position.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Greatest point guards of all time? Chris Paul is in the club

Chris Paul may not be the best point guard in NBA history, but he is certainly among the elite of the elite.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: FIBA U-19 World Cup should help new LSU guard Adam Miller

The Illinois transfer will use the USA Basketball summer experience to bolster his first season at LSU.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Suns need healthy Cameron Payne to close out Clippers

Cameron Payne's ankle injury is looming larger than some may think.

Mike DeCourcy

England vs. Germany: 5 reasons why it's must-watch

It doesn't get much better than England vs. Germany when it comes to world soccer powers facing off in official competition. The history, the players, the storylines and the stakes guarantee it will be great theater at Wembley Stadium in London.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Suns proving drafting 'old' 20-somethings is sometimes wisest

Banking on 'upside' of teenagers doesn't always work. The Suns seem like they already knew that.

Mike DeCourcy

USWNT's older Olympic roster? It's all about gold

U.S. women's national soccer team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has come under fire for picking an aging roster for the Olympics and not giving space to young players. Mike DeCourcy explains why it might be the right move.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Suns-Clippers ending marred by drama-sapping reviews

The issues with NBA replay review are profound, and they were on display in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.

Mike DeCourcy

USWNT makes big bet with Olympics roster

U.S. women's national soccer team head coach Vlatko Andonovski opted to include veterans Tobin Heath and Julie Ertz on his final 18-player Olympics roster for Tokyo. Both are still on the mend from serious injury.

Mike DeCourcy

Why isn't Sabrina Ionescu on Team USA's roster for the 2021 Olympics?

There was one question when USA Basketball revealed its loaded team for Tokyo: Wait, no Sabrina Ionescu?

Mike DeCourcy

DECOURCY: NCAA's regretful stubbornness may lead to more problems

It appears red states and blue, Republicans and Democrats, can agree on one thing: The NCAA is in the wrong.

Mike DeCourcy

Make It Five: Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi headed back to Olympics again

Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi continue a trend of athletes pushing their prime years further and further.

Mike DeCourcy

Mexico fans banned for slur, but officials fear worse

FIFA has disciplined Mexico's soccer federation with two matches to be played behind closed doors after repeated use by fans of a homophobic chant. Mexico soccer federation officials fear worse punishment could be on the way.

Mike DeCourcy

FIFA prize disparity remains an issue in USWNT fight for equal pay

The USWNT is pushing for the U.S. Soccer Federation to make up for the FIFA prize disparity between men and women, but the USSF says that it would "bankrupt the federation."

Mike DeCourcy

Olympics at age 39? USA's Lloyd making her case

Carli Lloyd is set to turn 39, but she continues to produce world-class performances for the U.S. women's national soccer team in her quest to make the 2021 Olympic team.

Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Expand the Playoff? Then ditch the 12th game

There was no good reason to approve expanding the college football regular season to 12 games other than getting an extra home gate for the power programs. And there’s even less reason now to let it stand if the sport’s leaders are serious about expanding the playoff structure.

Mike DeCourcy

Hey, Charles Barkley — the NBA Super Team is nothing new

NBA Super Teams have been around for as long as the league itself.

Mike DeCourcy

Will Duke remain true blueblood after Coach K leaves?

A member of Mike Krzyzewski staff since 2013, Scheyer will have big shoes to fill at Duke.

Mike DeCourcy

Pulisic makes history and takes U.S. soccer along for the ride

Christian Pulisic became the first American to play and win a Champions League final, playing a major role in Chelsea's triumph. When it came time for the celebrations, he made sure to give a nod to his American soccer roots.

Mike DeCourcy

Will Pulisic get to start the Champions League final?

U.S. national team star Christian Pulisic has made it abundantly clear he wants to be a regular starter for Chelsea. The UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City could be the opportunity for him to cement that role as the club's undisputed difference maker.

Mike DeCourcy

Why Pulisic playing the Champions League final is a big deal

U.S. national team star Christian Pulisic is set to become the first U.S. national team player to take the field in a UEFA Champions League final. It's a big deal as far as milestones in American soccer history.

Mike DeCourcy

Can Pulisic become a crossover soccer star?

Christian Pulisic is recognized as a world-class soccer talent with Chelsea. As he prepares to play the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City, what will it take for Pulisic to turn into a crossover soccer star?

Mike DeCourcy

COVID, cancellations, calls for social justice: Kevin Warren's early experiences as Big Ten commish went beyond sports

It only took 17 months for Kevin Warren to become one of the longest tenured power five conference commissioners. That’s how much turnover there has been in that position of late. They were 17 months that felt like 17 years, though.

Mike DeCourcy

Columbus Crew blunders with fan base could serve as enduring lesson for big league owners

The people who care the most about sports teams ought to be coveted and engaged, not patronized and ignored.

Mike DeCourcy

Elite prospect challenges history in picking Milwaukee over Duke, Georgetown

Baldwin chose to play for the Panthers primarily because his father, Patrick Baldwin Sr., is the team’s head coach.

Mike DeCourcy

Columbus Club rebrand worthy of an F grade

The Crew won the most recent MLS Cup title and will soon enter a beautiful new downtown stadium. All that goodwill can’t be allowed to last, can it?

Mike DeCourcy

NCAA gets flopping right, but foul experiment is foul

Making punishments harder on players who flop is an ideal outcome, but the NCAA experimenting with fouls is a bad idea for all involved.

Mike DeCourcy

Pulisic shows nerves of steel in helping to carry Chelsea to Champions League final

The American star will make history if he appears in the final match against Manchester City on May 29.

Mike DeCourcy

American star Christian Pulisic flourishing in spotlight as Chelsea stands 90 minutes from Champions League final

Pulisic and his Chelsea teammates will take their slight advantage over Real Madrid into a home game Wednesday at Stamford Bridge

Mike DeCourcy

Aaron Rodgers' attempt to throw insults at Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is mostly bull

If you wanted to call Aaron Rodgers the “Michael Jordan of quarterbacks,” if you wished, and not be far off in your assessment. Not far at all, it turns out.

Mike DeCourcy

Drafting Najee Harris should not lead Steelers to overemphasize 'commitment' to running game

A commitment to running the ball need not be the same as a commitment to being good at running the ball. Super Bowl champions tends to understand the difference.

Mike DeCourcy

NFL Draft luck? Picking a Pro Bowler like Aaron Donald or Dak Prescott is not as easy as it looks

If drafting were easy, every first-rounder would be a Pro Bowler, every top-10 pick would be an All-Pro and every player chosen at the very top of the draft would be handed a ballcap with his new team’s logo and a postdated plane ticket to Canton.

Mike DeCourcy

Najee Harris might have words if Steelers fans think a first-round running back is a bad idea

It’s fair to assume that the Steelers desire to choose a running back if the right one is available.

Mike DeCourcy

It's about to get Real for Chelsea and USMNT star Christian Pulisic in Champions League semifinals

For American fans of soccer, a game matching Chelsea FC and Real Madrid C.F. in the Champions League semifinals is going to be a huge deal regardless of which players take the field wearing blue uniforms and which are adorned in Real’s classic all-white attire. For fans of American soccer, though, it matters very much whether one of the 11 names included in the Blues’ lineup wears jersey No. 10.

Mike DeCourcy

How the European Super League unraveled in 48 hours: What it means for soccer, fans, teams

The discussion surrounding the proposed Super League for European soccer now has lasted a day longer than the league itself. Unofficially, of course.

Mike DeCourcy

Manchester City, Chelsea defections mean Super League revolution won't last one day more

In the broader history of really terrible business decisions, we may have a new winner.

Mike DeCourcy

European Super League, explained: What it would mean for soccer and the teams involved

The announcement Sunday of a plan for a dozen top European soccer teams to form a breakaway “Super League” is nothing short of a sporting revolution. Here's what it could mean for the world's most popular sport.

Mike DeCourcy

European Super League complaints are too little, too late, too lame

Those fretting it as an abdication of the “sporting merit” principle miss the whole movie. Sporting merit has not been the guiding principle in the European game for more than two decades.

Mike DeCourcy

Gonzaga's Zags bag Minneapolis center Chet Holmgren, the No. 1 prize in 2021 recruiting class

Gonzaga is back on a winning streak.

Mike DeCourcy

MLS must seize chance to take next step forward

The teams that won the two biggest trophies in Major League Soccer will open their seasons Sunday evening on network television. This is a big deal to the teams involved. It probably ought to be a bigger deal to the league in general.

Mike DeCourcy

NCAA's DQ change is a solution desperately seeking a problem

This is a solution desperately seeking a problem.

Mike DeCourcy

If all MLS owners were like Austin FC investor Matthew McConaughey, everyone would be a fan

When the opportunity to get involved in the ownership group of new Major League Soccer club Austin FC was presented to Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, the only problem was whether he might get too involved.

Mike DeCourcy

15 reasons why promoting Patriots' Julian Edelman for Hall of Fame is ludicrous

It should be obvious to all, with little more than a glance, that advocating for Julian Edelman as a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is preposterous.

Mike DeCourcy

Zags' WCC affiliation not to blame for loss to Baylor

Gonzaga has more wins and Sweet 16 berths in the last six NCAA Tournaments than any other team. If the Zags aren't prepared for March Madness, who on Earth is?

Mike DeCourcy

Gonzaga, UCLA lead way-too-early top 25 for 2021-22 season

Trying to select a preseason top 25 in such proximity to the college basketball season ending always has seemed as challenging as flying a jet plane blindfolded.

Mike DeCourcy

Baylor reminds Gonzaga of how tough it is to win it — and them — all

The Bulldogs were trying to complete an undefeated championship season. The Bears emphatically made them 0 for 2 on that front in the final game of the season.

Mike DeCourcy

Hubert Davis has the camera on him now — and no choice but to embrace it

Hubert Davis preferred to stay in the background as a member of Roy Williams' staff in Chapel Hill. He can no longer hide now that he is succeeding Williams as the Tar Heels' head coach.

Mike DeCourcy

At last, Gonzaga-Baylor: A gift fans deserve, a showdown teams have earned

The top two teams in college basketball wanted to play each other during the regular season but COVID-19 interfered. They won their way to a meeting in the national championship game.

Mike DeCourcy

No losers in Gonzaga-UCLA classic

The Bulldogs freshman entered Final Four lore with a banked 3-pointer from just inside midcourt at the end of OT. The game itself is now part of NCAA history, too, and both teams can feel like winners after it.

Mike DeCourcy

Baylor had to wait a year to reach the Final Four — and Houston paid for it

COVID-19 prevented the Bears from competing for a spot in the national title game in 2020. They were not going to squander their opportunity in 2021.

Mike DeCourcy

Few's singular vision has come to life: Gonzaga, national power

Mark Few had a singular vision for the Bulldogs two decades ago. Two trips to the Final Four in four years end the debate over whether Few could make it a reality.

Mike DeCourcy

Former Spartan is a coaching success, but in business rather than basketball

Ishbia played on Michigan State's 2000 title team and appeared in two Final Fours under Izzo. He could have coached after playing but instead heeded Izzo's advice and went into business.

Mike DeCourcy

Comment: Maybe Williams' retirement will bring deserved recognition

Maybe the end of his career will convince those who didn’t truly appreciate him to understand: There goes Roy Williams, damned close to the best there ever was in this game.

Mike DeCourcy

Ranking the Final Four teams' chances to win it all, from the Zags to Bruins

Which team is most likely to be the last one standing on April 5?

Mike DeCourcy

Bobby Hurley's 3-pointer beat the unbeatable UNLV Rebels, but 30 years later it's an insiders' story

It wasn't a lead-changer. It wasn't a buzzer-beater. But Bobby Hurley's clutch 3-pointer in 1991 was the difference.

Mike DeCourcy

UCLA's improbable Final Four run is new to Bruins, but they won't turn it down

The players from this UCLA team are all going to the Final Four. As so many Bruins did before them, with bigger names, more ability — but no greater desire to win.

Mike DeCourcy

Gonzaga among NCAA Tournament’s greatest teams? Maybe, but first they have a party to attend

The Bulldogs dominated their Elite Eight meeting with USC from the jump.

Mike DeCourcy

Sampson's daunting road back to Final Four

Kelvin Sampson's journey back to this stage, after six years away from college coaching, stands as an uncommon achievement.

Mike DeCourcy

UCLA's Cronin gets 'bailed out' after fouled-up decision

The Bruins' head coach usually has his players foul with a three-point lead in late-game situations. He went against that philosophy Sunday night and it almost cost his team a spot in the Elite Eight.[

Mike DeCourcy

Only March Madness perfection can satisfy Gonzaga now

The overall top seed in the NCAA Tournament is focused on going 3-0 to finish its season as an undefeated national champion.

Mike DeCourcy

USC vs. Oregon odds, picks, predictions for March Madness Sweet 16 game

Here's everything to know about betting on USC vs. Oregon in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, including updated odds, trends and our expert's prediction for the Sweet 16 game.

Mike DeCourcy

Gonzaga vs. Creighton odds, picks, predictions for March Madness Sweet 16 game

Here's everything to know about betting on Gonzaga vs. Creighton in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, including updated odds, trends and our expert's prediction for the Sweet 16 game.

Mike DeCourcy

NCAA rules created fair ending to Oral Roberts-Arkansas

Max Abmas' shot attempt against Arkansas was not only dramatic, but done in a way that ensured a fair ending for both teams.

Mike DeCourcy

Baylor's D sends warning to March Madness contenders

Baylor's defense has returned to being a strength for the Bears. It couldn't have come at a better time or against a more appropriate team.

Mike DeCourcy

Oregon State adapts and then advances

The Beavers have been in win-or-go-home mode since the Pac-12 season. They're still winning, thanks to a huge defensive adjustment by their respected head coach.

Mike DeCourcy

Loyola Chicago vs. Oregon State odds, picks, predictions for March Madness Sweet 16 game

Here's everything to know about betting on Loyola Chicago vs. Oregon State in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, including updated odds, trends and our expert's prediction for the Sweet 16 game.

Mike DeCourcy

Baylor vs. Villanova odds, picks, predictions for March Madness Sweet 16 game

Here's everything to know about betting on Baylor vs. Villanova in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, including updated odds, trends and our expert's prediction for the Sweet 16 game.

Mike DeCourcy

Texas' 10 best candidates to replace Shaka Smart after his departure for Marquette

Texas basketball always has seemed like an ideal job for someone seeking to coach Division I men’s basketball. But is it the Eden so many presume it to be?

Mike DeCourcy

Quentin Grimes' revival at Houston is the best basketball story of the Sweet 16

In the purest basketball sense, Grimes is what college basketball is all about: developing as a player to the fullest extent, however long that might take — so long as it occurs within the allotted four seasons of eligibility.

Mike DeCourcy

Arkansas guard Jalen Tate tops his father and brother with Sweet 16 trip, but he wants more

Jalen will go where no Tate man has gone before.

Mike DeCourcy

Ranking the Sweet 16 teams' chances to win it all, from Gonzaga on down

It’s not Gonzaga and the rest. It’s Gonzaga and what’s left.

Mike DeCourcy

Tournament shows how mad it is to play tough nonconference schedule

Scheduling tough is a sucker’s bet, as the 2021 NCAA Tournament has demonstrated through its opening weekend.

Mike DeCourcy

Rick Pitino prefers Iona over any opening: 'I'm here as long as God will bless me with the ability to coach'

Rick Pitino is so content as head coach of the Iona Gaels and so loyal to its leadership that he would not leave for another college coaching job — even if it were Kentucky, which he refers to as the best job in all of college basketball.

Mike DeCourcy

Buddy Boeheim: Getting father to 20th Sweet 16 'means everything'

The Orange are on to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament after being a prime candidate to miss the dance. The coach's son is glad to have a role in the program's latest March run.

Mike DeCourcy

Committee's seeding decision didn't eliminate 1-seed Illinois from March Madness — Loyola did

Loyola has proven itself a complex problem to solve — for both Illinois and the NCAA selection committee.

Mike DeCourcy

Abilene Christian's foulest of shooters improbably delivers in upset of Texas

Joe Pleasant is a below-average free throw shooter, but you couldn't tell that as he confidently sank a pair to help the Wildcats eliminate the Longhorns.

Mike DeCourcy

COVID-19 knocks VCU out of NCAAs; another heartbreak for Rams

For the second time in as many postseasons, COVID-19 has taken the Rams off the floor before a game. VCU is out despite, it says doing "the right things all the way through."

Mike DeCourcy

Assessing Big Ten after upsets: Battle-tested or worn-out?

The Buckeyes and Boilermakers were unexpected first-round casualties. It's fair to wonder whether the overall strength of their conference played a role.

Mike DeCourcy

Florida takes high road to victory by benching reserve Omar Payne for throwing elbow

That the Gators won Friday afternoon’s basketball game almost is beside the point, except that this is the NCAA Tournament, and the entire objective is to survive and advance.

Mike DeCourcy

Mike DeCourcy's expert NCAA Tournament bracket picks

Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy makes his predictions for the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Mike DeCourcy

Bruins coach savors tourney win and seeing father again

The Cronin men saw each other in person for the first time since February 2020, thanks to the NCAA Tournament being in Indiana.

Mike DeCourcy

Cowboys' Cunningham says he never feared NCAA Tournament ban

For those who remember the headlines of last summer, it seems at least curious, perhaps downright baffling, to see Oklahoma State preparing to compete in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Mike DeCourcy

March Madness bracket 2021: Ranking the easiest, hardest paths to the Final Four for each No. 1 seed

The NCAA Tournament selection committee had a better opportunity to balance the strength of the four regions in the 2021 event than at any point in nearly two decades because contesting the entire event in the state of Indiana meant geography no longer was a concern.

Mike DeCourcy

March Madness: Upset predictions, Final Four pick in Midwest Region

Sporting News offers its take on the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament, from upset watches and the all-region team to its Final Four pick.

Mike DeCourcy

March Madness: Upset predictions, Final Four pick in South Region

Sporting News offers its take on the South Region of the NCAA Tournament, from upset watches and the all-region team to its Final Four pick.

Mike DeCourcy

East breakdown: Sizing up threats to Michigan

Sporting News offers its take on the East Region of the NCAA Tournament, from upset watches and the all-region team to its Final Four pick.

Mike DeCourcy

March Madness bracket 2021: Upset predictions, Final Four pick in West Region

Sporting News offers its take on the West Region of the NCAA Tournament, from upset watches and the all-region team to its Final Four pick.

Mike DeCourcy

Gonzaga will not finish as undefeated NCAA champion without conquering the Curse of the Hoosiers

When one is dealing with the supernatural, it’s hard to know what sort of powers are at work.

Mike DeCourcy

12 figures who helped turn Indiana into a hoops hotbed

With all 67 NCAA Tournament games to be played in Indianapolis and its vicinity this March, the state of Indiana will become the center of the basketball world. To which those who of us live in Indiana might say: What else is new?

Mike DeCourcy

What is the lowest seed to win NCAA Tournament? Revisiting Villanova’s 1985 March Madness run

Remembering the1984-85 Villanova Wildcats, the lowest-seeded team ever to win the NCAA Tournament.

Mike DeCourcy

March Madness 2021: Ranking the 68 best teams in the NCAA Tournament from Gonzaga on down

If it’s Gonzaga or the field, take the field.

Mike DeCourcy

NCAA removes six top game officials from March Madness over positive COVID-19 test, contact tracing

One official tested positive for COVID-19 and five others were impacted by contact tracing after the group went to a restaurant upon arriving to Indianapolis.

Mike DeCourcy

Georgetown's miracle run complicates committee's seeding plans

The Hoyas made the NCAA Tournament with a 13-12 record but also four wins in four days in the postseason. What seed should that get them?

Mike DeCourcy

Kansas' predicament shows there are no easy answers with this March Madness

The alarmism, the search for the simplest of answers to the most complex of problems — it’s not helping anything.

Mike DeCourcy

Virginia waits on its own NCAA bubble as COVID test knocks Cavaliers out of ACC Tournament

Virginia may be on the worst NCAA Tournament bubble ever.

Mike DeCourcy

Duke's season ended without a defeat, but the Blue Devils still lost big

It’s not the that the 2021 Duke Blue Devils suddenly were going to morph into the 1991 Blue Devils. It's that the 2021 Blue Devils were starting to look like themselves — what the scouts and analysts suggested they'd be, what their coaches imagined was possible, what their fans hoped would emerge.

Mike DeCourcy

March Madness bubble watch: Can Syracuse play its way into the field?

Those teams aspiring to enter the NCAA Tournament that are considered to be on the bubble and are competing today have got to be delighted with that circumstance.

Mike DeCourcy

A year after pandemic shutdown, Big East returns to Madison Square Garden — with its magic intact

Staging the conference tournament in the Garden means different things to athletes of different backgrounds.

Mike DeCourcy

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