Skip to main content
Shop
Tickets
United States [English]
Editions
United States [English]
Argentina
Australia
Brasil
Canada
India
日本
México
대한민국
España
ไทย
United Kingdom
United States [Español]
Việt Nam
NFL
NFL
Home
News
Teams
Scores
Schedule
Standings
Stats
Depth Chart
Transactions
Injuries
NFL Teams
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
New England Patriots
New York Jets
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs
Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Los Angeles Rams
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
NCAAF
NCAAF
Home
News
Teams
Scores
Schedule
Standings
Rankings
Playoff Bracket
EXPLORE NCAAF
CONFERENCES
ACC
Big 12
Big Ten
SEC
TOP TEAMS
Alabama
Arizona State
Boise State
Clemson
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa State
Kansas State
LSU
Miami
Michigan
North Carolina
Notre Dame
Ohio State
Oklahoma
Ole Miss
Oregon
Penn State
SMU
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
MLB
MLB
Home
News
Teams
Scores
Schedule
Standings
Stats
Transactions
Injuries
MLB Teams
AL East
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
AL Central
Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Guardians
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals
Minnesota Twins
AL West
Athletics
Houston Astros
Los Angeles Angels
Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers
NL East
Atlanta Braves
Miami Marlins
New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies
Washington Nationals
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
Milwaukee Brewers
Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
Soccer
Soccer
Home
News
Scores
Schedule
Standings
Teams
Leagues
Women's Soccer
EXPLORE SOCCER
Leagues & Cups
Premier League
Champions League
Europa League
MLS
NWSL
2025 Club World Cup
TOP TEAMS
Arsenal
Chelsea
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur
Barcelona
Real Madrid
TOP PLAYERS
Lionel Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo
•••
Explore More
NBA
WNBA
NHL
NCAAMB
NCAAWB
Boxing
MMA
WWE
F1
NASCAR
Golf
Tennis
College
High School
Darts
Horse Racing
More Sports
Fantasy
Fantasy
See More
Football
News
Rankings
Player Stats
Depth Chart
Transactions
Injuries
Betting
Betting
See More
Explore Betting
Home
How We Produce Content
Sports Betting Guides
Sportsbook Guides
Bet365
BetMGM
Caesars
DraftKings
Fanatics
FanDuel
Watch
Watch
How to Watch
Streaming Services
fubo
Sling
Paramount+
Peacock
ESPN+
Apple TV
DAZN
Best Streaming Services
Best VPN Services
Listen
SiriusXM
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
See More
The Scene
Entertainment
Fashion
Money
Relationships
Sneakers
Trending
Essentials
Tickets
Stadium Guides
Collectibles
Featured
NFL
NCAAF
MLB
Soccer
Sports
NFL
NBA
MLB
NHL
Soccer
NCAAF
NCAAMB
NCAAWB
WNBA
Boxing
MMA
WWE
F1
NASCAR
Golf
Tennis
College
High School
Darts
Horse Racing
More Sports
Explore More
Fantasy
Betting
Watch
The Scene
Tickets
Stadium Guides
Editions
United States [English]
Argentina
Australia
Brasil
Canada
India
日本
México
대한민국
España
ไทย
United Kingdom
United States [Español]
Việt Nam
About Us
Careers
Privacy Preferences
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
MORE FROM Mike DeCourcy
Oakland shocks Kentucky: These Wildcats never learned from their mistakes
Kentucky had the national freshman of the year, Reed Sheppard, but remained a group prone to errors that cost the Wildcats what could have been a share of the SEC title.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Nebraska's Keisei Tominaga brings his dazzling style to March Madness
There is no player in all of NCAA men’s basketball who can put the ball in the basket in more different ways than Nebraska's Keisei Tominaga.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Keith Dambrot is not done yet as Duquesne pulls off first-round upset of BYU
Coach Keith Dambrot has announced he is retiring at the end of Duquesne's season, and that season has been extended at least one more game.
Mike DeCourcy
•
East Region Breakdown: Upsets, sleepers to watch and Final Four pick
Duquesne is the best story in the East region, but the best team is UConn, and it isn't particularly close.
Mike DeCourcy
•
West Region Breakdown: Upsets, sleepers to watch and Final Four pick
If North Carolina is going to get to the Final Four, it will have to overcome and old frenemy.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Midwest Region Breakdown: Upsets, sleepers to watch and Final Four pick
For the last 40-plus years, the Final Four has not seen either Purdue or Tennessee. They enter the 2024 NCAA Tournament as the top two seeds in the Midwest.
Mike DeCourcy
•
South Region Breakdown: Upsets, sleepers to watch and Final Four pick
A potential matchup of defensive-minded Houston and offensive-minded Kentucky looms for the Elite Eight.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Mike DeCourcy's expert bracket for 2024 NCAA Tournament
The weekend’s events made it clear that the Huskies not only are the reigning champions, and the betting favorite to win 2024 edition of March Madness, but they also are the No. 1 overall seed.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Ranking the top 68 teams in March Madness 2024
Everybody who enters the NCAA Tournament would love to win the championship. Not all of them can. If you want to find the ones with the ability, check the top of this list.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Who might replace Juwan Howard at Michigan?
Michigan had a dreadful season in 2023-24, but it was still a surprise to see Juwan Howard dismissed. Here's where Michigan might look next.
Mike DeCourcy
•
UConn's Dan Hurley earns Sporting News Coach of the Year award
After years of following in the shadows of his Hall of Fame father and all-time great brother, Dan Hurley had the toughest act yet to follow: his own.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Zach Edey named Sporting News College Basketball Player of the Year
Only five players before Purdue's Zach Edey became two-time consensus national Player of the Year, and their names are among the greatest in the sport's history. The Sporting News award is the first step toward Edey joining their company.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The Sporting News 2023-24 College Basketball All-America Team
Reigning Sporting News Player of the Year Zach Edey of Purdue rules the 2023-24 Sporting News All-America team. But there's at least one massive surprise among the quintet on the first team.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy's Dozen: Let's appreciate the greatness of Houston, Purdue and UConn
The Big Three at the top of the sport have produced extraordinary seasons, and when that happens, one usually cuts down the nets.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Who won the 2024 Oscars? Full list of winners at the 96th Academy Awards
The full list of winners for the 2024 Oscars. Oppenheimer, which was nominated for 13 categories, won for best picture and had seven total Oscars.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Bubble Watch: 17 games to track as teams try to lock up their at-large bids
Wake Forest has a chance to improve their chances if it can halt its three-game slide.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The Big 12 may have gamed the NCAA NET, but ACC's complaints feel hollow
If manipulating the NCAA's NET rankings is as easy and beneficial as some ACC coaches are claiming -- why didn't they do it?
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy's Dozen: For Arizona, going from Tucson to Glendale will be tough
Unless your clothes are all stitched out of cardinal and navy with very large “A” attached prominently, you aren’t buying that Arizona is headed up Interstate 10 to greater Phoenix for the 2024 NCAA Final Four.
Mike DeCourcy
•
NCAA Bubble Watch: Gonzaga needs a win at Saint Mary's to lock up bid
Gonzaga could all but clinch a spot in the NCAA Tournament field with a win at Saint Mary's, but the Gaels will not give this up easily.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The road forward to the WNBA was the only path Caitlin Clark could have taken
Caitlin Clark's decision to enter the WNBA Draft after Iowa's season ends was the only choice for a supreme competitor -- and she is all of that -- to make.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Bigger isn't better: Why significantly expanding March Madness is a bad idea
Some of the authorities in power conferences are angling for an expansion to the NCAA Tournament over concern about access for those competing in 16- or 18-team leagues. But there's no reason to believe that'll be a problem.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The pluses and minuses of a 50-year-old-stat continue to be debated
Not quite a half-century ago, Andy Hill was a junior college basketball coach who came up with a new idea for a statistic. What the plus/minus rating has become in the years since still surprises him.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Decourcy's Dozen: Ranking the top 12, plus who should be behind Zack Edey for POY?
Purdue's Zach Edey is a shoe-in for Player of the Year? But who are some players that are at least worth a mention?
Mike DeCourcy
•
Bubble Watch: Will Texas A&M volunteer to sit out March Madness?
Texas A&M's once-secure position in the NCAA Tournament field has been imperiled by recent struggles. A road game to Tennessee could fix everything -- or wreck it all.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Caitlin Clark doesn't need Jay Williams or Pete Maravich to define her greatness
There still is one important college basketball career scoring record out there for Caitlin Clark to break. But it doesn't belong to LSU legend Pete Maravich.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy's Dozen sees change in leadership as UConn storms past Purdue
How much should Purdue be punished in DeCourcy's Dozen for losing to a team that just got done firing its coach? A little, at least.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Purdue's No. 1 seed in NCAA Tournament bracket preview reveals one thing
The NCAA Tournament selection committee showed they valued big victories more than power ratings when they revealed which teams would be the top four seeds in each region if the tournament started now.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Caitlin Clark brings greatness to her sport, but why are the greats not embracing it?
It's strange that the people most involved in women's basketball have been so resistant to the popularity Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark has attracted to the sport.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Chris Holtmann's biggest problem at OSU? Players who got too good, too fast
If a coach signs a player who'll head to the draft after one season, it better be someone like Zion Williamson or Anthony Davis — or that coach better have a lifetime's worth of job security. Very few, including former Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann, can survive "surprise" one-and-dones.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy's Dozen: Top 12 hoops teams ahead of committee's preview bracket
Purdue and UConn are the top two teams in the nation, and each has a different preferred path to the Final Four.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Patrick Mahomes proves again a Purdy good quarterback isn't enough to win Super Bowl
Even on an evening when he appeared to trend toward ordinary, burgeoning Chiefs legend Patrick Mahomes found a way to deliver a game-changing performance and grab Super Bowl 58 for Kansas City.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The 'wow' moment: When coaches, media knew Caitlin Clark was different
Caitlin Clark is going to become the leading career scorer in NCAA women's basketball history. Soon. Those who knew her when discuss how it all came about.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Decourcy's Dozen: Kansas charges forward, but still chasing Purdue, UConn
Kansas' victory over Houston makes the Jayhawks the most notable mover in DeCourcy's Dozen.
Mike DeCourcy
•
College football voices need not fret over losing coaches to the NFL
There were more laments about the transfer portal and player movement when Boston College's Jeff Hafley took a job with the Green Bay Packers as defensive coordinator. What they're missing: He left for a better job.
Mike DeCourcy
•
St. John's coach Rick Pitino is back in the Big East; and in the hunt for an NCAA bid
Rick Pitino spent a half-dozen years in relative exile after being dismissed by Louisville in the aftermath of allegations about improper recruiting in the program. He's in the big time again, and it's exactly where he belongs: New York, New York.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Meet Dalton Knecht, the nation's best transfer and surprise All-American candidate
Dalton Knecht was second-team All-Big Sky in his most recent college basketball season, and now he could be first-team All-America. What happened other than a change of venue to Tennessee?
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy's Dozen: Defending champ UConn is even better than last year
The Huskies are not at the top of this chart, but they could become the first repeat champ since 2006-07 Florida.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Dan Campbell's reckless coaching decisions cost Lions shot at Super Bowl
Just in the last decade, we've seen some dreadful and baffling coaching decisions on the NFL's biggest stage, but the Lions' Dan Campbell doubled down on his poor strategy, which might have made his performance twice as bad.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Lions QB Jared Goff is no underdog, but the former No. 1 pick feels like one
Jared Goff does not fit the quarterback stereotype -- except the part where he stands tall and wins football games The rest of it is for someone else.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Caitlin Clark's near injury another example why fans don't belong on the court
If things had gone in another direction – by maybe an inch, maybe less, who can know? – the biggest star in college basketball might have seen her 2024 basketball season end almost before it began.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy's Dozen: Auburn's weak schedule takes shine off string of blowouts
Auburn has managed to play 18 games of a 31-game regular season without defeating anyone ranked higher than 38th by KenPom, or 39th by the NET.
Mike DeCourcy
•
How the Ravens' new offense has turned Lamar Jackson into a potential Super Bowl-winning QB
Lamar Jackson won an MVP and the Ravens were winning regular season games with an option-style attack, but it rarely produced results in the postseason. Now, their embrace of his potential as a passer has changed their ceiling as a franchise.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The shot that changed everything: Notre Dame's Dwight Clay slays mighty UCLA
He was not Notre Dame's star or leading scorer, but when the Fighting Irish ended UCLA"s record 88-game winning streak 50 years ago, Dwight Clay -- the Iceman -- landed the clinching shot. Because it was not in March Madness, though, its importance is being overlooked.
Mike DeCourcy
•
LeBron James can do Bronny a favor by allowing him to develop at his own pace
LeBron James is not doing his son any favors by talking about how he's ready to play for the Lakers now -- when he is struggling to make an impact in college because of his late-summer heart scare.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy's Dozen: The power teams are not looking so powerful right now
North Carolina isn't getting challenged much by the ACC. There's always Duke to give it a go.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Kalen DeBoer's story is a magnificent one, but it has the potential to take a turn
Kalen DeBoer accepted one of the most prestigious coaching positions in sports when he agreed to coach the Alabama Crimson Tide. It's also one of the most pressurized.
Mike DeCourcy
•
NFL playoff game on Peacock: 10 good reasons to stay subscribed after Chiefs vs. Dolphins, from EPL to The Office
Let's just say NFL fans aren't happy about Saturday's Peacock-only NFL playoff game. It doesn’t have to be all bad, though.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Nick Saban's sudden exit did not do Alabama any favors to find his successor
Nick Saban took a different approach to retirement than Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski, who announced a year in advance he would retire.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy's Dozen: How does the college hoops world line up behind Purdue?
Our new weekly college basketball column will endeavor to rank the most accomplished teams in advance of Selection Sunday. No one said anything about the "best teams", because we take our analysis seriously.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Why does the NFL refuse to address wild card seeding issues year after year?
The NFL continues to move forward with an arcane playoff system that rewards division champions -- often over teams that produce better regular seasons. It means less will be on the line in the season's final weekend than should be.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Penny Hardaway has a better Hall of Fame case than you think
Knee issues that robbed Penny Hardaway of his explosiveness impacted the length of his career and his level of play as a veteran. His best, though, ranked with the best of the best — which makes him the Gale Sayers of the NBA.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese named The Sporting News Athletes of the Year
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark each play basketball with flair -- and with grand accomplishment. Their meeting in the 2023 NCAA Championship game accelerated the growth of their sport in a way that could become historic.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Sporting News Coach of the Year: Washington's Kalen DeBoer is a '20-year overnight success'
Kalen DeBoer has been an extraordinary success everywhere he's been, but he's been mostly been places where national TV coverage isn't plentiful. If you don't know his name, you will.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Will the Steelers fire Mike Tomlin? Years of success can't stop critics from searching for something different
The Steelers' loss Sunday to the Cardinals has Mike Tomlin's critics again playing the song that he should be removed as the team's head coach. Even though they've got a front-row seat to how stability has kept the Pittsburgh franchise among the league's most successful, they contend the Steelers should operate like those who win less.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The SEC's past success makes picking this bracket a challenge for committee
With three undefeated power conference teams, and Big 12 champion Texas owning a head-to-head victory over the fifth league winner, the College Football Playoff committee's decision shouldn't be that difficult. But the solution is complicated by the reputation of the SEC.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Georgia's SEC-record winning streak among the greatest of all-time
It can be argued the winning streak authored by the Georgia Bulldogs since the 2021 College Football Playoff began is the greatest in the sport's history. The longer it continues, the stronger the Dawgs' argument will become.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Conference title games promise to have drama on the field and off
Come for the conference championship games. Stay for the conference championship trophy presentations.
Mike DeCourcy
•
College basketball must solve its non-conference scheduling issues
With the Big Ten and ACC headed toward 18-team conglomerations and the SEC and Big 12 soon to be at 16 teams, there are questions to be answered about how each of them will conduct their league competition, and how that will affect interconference play.
Mike DeCourcy
•
CFP committee cannot exclude Florida State because of Jordan Travis injury
So many undefeated college football teams have been denied the opportunity to compete for a national championship. It's starting to feel like Florida State could join four different Penn State teams and teams from Arizona State, Boise State and UCF in a very frustrating category.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Sergino Dest's petulance led to a red card that punished his USMNT teammates — now it's time for him to pay the penalty
Sergino Dest showed once again he's a talented soccer player who can help the U.S. men's national team win big games. And then he reminded us he's still a young player with a volatile temper who needs to learn what it means to put his team first.
Mike DeCourcy
•
UCLA forward Berke Buyuktuncel cleared by NCAA to compete
Young Turkish forward Berke Buyuktuncel gained clearance to compete by NCAA in time to compete at the Maui Invitational, according to sources close to the situation.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Ricardo Pepi's late heroics rescue USMNT from another depressing night against Trinidad and Tobago
Ricardo Pepi has been through ups and downs in his young soccer career that might have wrecked a lesser man -- especially one who is only 22 years old. And he's become a super-sub for United States coach Gregg Berhalter.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Michigan's acceptance of the Jim Harbaugh suspension may be late, but still welcomed
Michigan accepted the three-game suspension issued to head football coach Jim Harbaugh by dropping its attempt to earn a temporary restraining order against the Big Ten Conference. At last.
Mike DeCourcy
•
USMNT has come a long way since 2017 World Cup qualifying disaster
The United States men's national team went to Trinidad in October 2017 needing only a draw against the last-place team in World Cup qualifying to reach Russia 2018. As anyone who follows the team can tell you, that didn't happen. But a lot of good has developed since.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Champions Classic: What will it take for Kansas, Kentucky, Duke and Michigan State to win it all?
All four teams at Tuesday's Champions Classic believe they can cut down the nets in April. But each showed in this doubleheader the apparent flaws that need to be addressed before that becomes possible.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Michigan State is Big Ten's best shot to end NCAA basketball title drought
Although there has been an abundance of NCAA Tournament entrants and Final Four teams, no Big Ten Conference team has won the national championship since Michigan State in 2000. This year's Spartans appear to have the goods to take MSU back to the top.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Sporting News 2023-24 college basketball Preseason All-America team: Zach Edey, Kyle Filipowski lead shining stars
The 2023-24 preseason All-America team for The Sporting News is a big deal. A very big deal. And that's just not us touting our own selections; the big men are the stars in the college game now.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Jim Harbaugh suspended by Big Ten: Michigan got off easy
The Big Ten did the right thing Friday by suspending Harbaugh from coaching on the sideline until the end of the regular season. It just wasn’t quite right enough.
Mike DeCourcy
•
No Pulisic, No Weah means no great comfort for USMNT
The United States front line will be missing two starters for its November games in the CONCACAF Nations League. Whether or not one values this competition, missing Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah for games that convey Copa America qualification is not ideal.
Mike DeCourcy
•
College basketball rankings 2023-24: Duke, UConn, Kansas lead the way
It's never been harder to project a college basketball top 25 than it is now, with so many players changing teams and transfers becoming eligible immediately. But that doesn't mean we don't have confidence in our picks.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The recruit: Dane Fife wanted everything Bob Knight represented at Indiana — and still wishes he had more
Why did top prospects still want to play for Bob Knight at Indiana even after the thrown chair and the head-butt and the public displays of temper? Dane Fife can answer that question as well as anyone, even if all of us might not understand.
Mike DeCourcy
•
So now you care about the NIT? Why histrionics about changes to event are much ado about nothing
The NCAA's decision to change the qualification process for the NIT is not about squeezing out the little guy in future editions of March Madness.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Cooper Flagg, the best American prospect in a decade, commits to Duke
Cooper Flagg is only 16, but already he is showing he is the best American basketball prospect in a decade. His commitment to Duke offers plenty of hope to Blue Devils fans, but Flagg himself could represent a throwback to when the best prospects routinely became the greatest pros.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The 1988 Dodgers: A Kirk Gibson story you've never heard
Middle reliever Brian Holton, who played a critical role for the Dodgers in the legendary opening win over the A's in the 1988 World Series, witnessed a stunning exchange between Tommy Lasorda and the Game 1 hero.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The final Big Ten East race with Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan will be magical
This week will begin the annual three-way competition between the Wolverines, Buckeyes and Nittany Lions to determine a spot in Indianapolis -- the start of the last ride for the Big Ten East.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Reyna's Ghana performance means he has a place in USMNT lineup — if healthy
Gio Reyna scored twice and dominated the midfield for the USMNT in a 4-0 blowout of Ghana in an international friendly. It was the kind of performance his coaches have been waiting for -- because he hasn't been available to deliver that in nearly two years.
Mike DeCourcy
•
MLB needs a salary cap to ensure competitive balance
While baseball refuses to adopt a salary cap system, its audience shrinks and stagnates at the time time sports such as the NFL and NHL continue to grow.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Gio Reyna looks good in start, but USMNT falters in finish vs. Germany
Installing Gio Reyna in the midfield was an obvious decision for USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, but there was no obvious fix for the absence of defensive specialist Tyler Adams.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Caitlin Clark's dazzling game set to bring the spotlight back to Iowa and women's hoops
NCAA women's basketball has never seen a player like Iowa guard Caitlin Clark -- which is a very big reason a lot more people are seeing NCAA women's basketball lately.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Gonzaga joining the Big 12 makes no sense for Gonzaga or the Big 12
The Big 12 Conference does not need Gonzaga. The Zags don't need the Big 12. So, yeah, Gonzaga to the Big 12 probably will happen.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Deion, Taylor and Messi are bringing sports to non-fans, and that's a good thing
A Icon, a pop megastar and a GOAT walked into American sports in 2023, and – well, it’s not a joke, it’s what actually happened.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Geno Smith's career revival with Seahawks is almost without precedent in NFL
Geno Smith isn't just winning games for the Seahawks. He's enjoying a career renaissance at QB that is almost without precedent in NFL history.
Mike DeCourcy
•
A legend says goodbye: Megan Rapinoe's final USWNT game
Megan Rapinoe plays her final game with the U.S. women's national team on Sunday. A living legend on and off the field, The Sporting News celebrates Rapinoe's final match with live commentary and perspective celebrating a remarkable career.
Mike DeCourcy
•
What's wrong with the Steelers offense?
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense was outscored by their own defense in Monday Night's 26-22 victory over the Browns. How much longer will they stick with offensive coordinator Matt Canada if some improvement doesn't manifest?
Mike DeCourcy
•
Can Deion Sanders' success at Colorado open more doors for HBCU coaches?
Only two head coaches not named Deion Sanders ever left HBCU football programs for jobs in what is now called the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision. Can the Coach Prime phenomenon help present more opportunities for others in HBCU leagues?
Mike DeCourcy
•
Mark Dantonio returns to Michigan State after Mel Tucker suspension
Why is Mark Dantonio back on the Michigan State coaching staff after three full seasons away from the program and the job? In part because not calling him in to help replace suspended Mel Tucker would have been a missed opportunity.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Deion Sanders may think the media is after him, but he's been great for business
Colorado coach Deion Sanders has had some verbal scuffles with the media, but we're not the problem. He's been great for business. It's his competitors who have expressed the greatest objections.
Mike DeCourcy
•
If Jets signing Tom Brady seems like a fantasy, what about his NFL career doesn't?
Tom Brady spent his entire NFL career as the greatest winner in quarterbacking history. Then he went out a loser. It's not beyond reason he could see the chance to take over the Jets as an opportunity to rewrite that ending.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The basketball world isn’t catching up to the U.S., development still best in America
The rest of the world is making progress in developing basketball players, but no one's catching up to the United States. All the evidence one needs of this is a routine night in the NBA.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Jets offer Aaron Rodgers a needed fresh start after things grew stale with Packers
The Aaron Rodgers story had become so boring during his time in Green Bay. He'd complain a lot, win a lot of regular-season games, come up short when it mattered most. Maybe the trade to the Jets will be exactly what he needed. At least it will be different.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Michigan State coach Mel Tucker surpassed stupidity with reckless behavior
No one expects a football coach -- or any other leader on a college campus -- to be perfect. But it's reasonable to demand they not exercise the degree of reckless behavior Mel Tucker has since signing an extraordinary, $95 million contract to coach Michigan State.
Mike DeCourcy
•
USA Basketball’s biggest flaw exposed in Germany loss
In the past five tournaments with sitting NBA coaches taking charge of the USA Basketball senior men's team, the Americans have won a single championship. What they're doing isn't working, and it's time for a new course.
Mike DeCourcy
•
America's embarrassment over Lionel Messi's dominance is embarrassing
Lionel Messi has scored a ton of goals and won a ton of games since joining Inter Miami in late July. And that's exactly what he's done in every league and every competition since becoming a pro nearly two decades ago.
Mike DeCourcy
•
SGA, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks rewriting Canada Basketball history
This is a different Canada basketball, and a first-ever semifinal appearance at the FIBA World Cup is all the proof you need – but maybe not all the proof you'll get.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Mikal Bridges' play in FIBA World Cup quarters defines what American basketball has become
American basketball still turns out great players such as Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler and, in the FIBA World Cup quarterfinal blowout against Italy, Mikal Bridges. But increasingly they seem to come from unexpected places.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Inside Austin Reaves' improbable rise to stardom at FIBA World Cup
Austin Reaves' improbable rise to stardom could be a key to USA Basketball's pursuit of its first FIBA World Cup title since 2014.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Soccer's GOAT could make USMNT's pursuit of Benjamin Cremaschi a bit messy
Gregg Berhalter has been a successful recruiter as USMNT head coach, but he's never had to go head-to-head with the greatest soccer player of all time.
Mike DeCourcy
•
An all at-large College Football Playoff field? That would be a big step backward
With the disintegration of the Pac-12 Conference, there is concern about the possibility the College Football Playoff board will give up on its plan to assure the highest-ranked league champions automatically enter the field. That'd be a huge step back for the sport.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Arizona State robs its own players with self-imposed bowl ban
By banning its 2023 football team from the postseason just four days before the opening game, Arizona State's administration showed a callous disregard for the athletes who chose to play there.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Stanford, Cal and SMU would bring nothing to the ACC table
There might be plenty of good reasons for the Atlantic Coast Conference to consider expansion. But none would be properly addressed by reaching all the way to the Pacific coast to add Stanford and California.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Hawaii prepares to kick off season in Week 0 in shadow of Maui tragedy
The fire that destroyed the beautiful city of Lahaina on the island of Maui is never far from the minds of Hawaii's football players as they prepare for their second season under coach Timmy Chang.
Mike DeCourcy
•
What next for women's soccer following success of FIFA Women's World Cup 2023?
Record crowds for Women's UEFA Champions league games, Euro 2022 and, now, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. A massive increase in franchise fees for America's NWSL. All the signs point to a massive growth surge in this decade. And, still, there are so many ways to make the women's game bigger.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Spain's World Cup win feels like a huge step forward — and back
The Spain women's national team player protests over treatment by the coaching staff and federation kept some of their stars at home, but it did not stop the nation from winning its first FIFA Women's World Cup. What does all that say about women's soccer in 2023?
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: List of potential candidates to be new USWNT soccer coach
The failure of the USWNT at the 2023 FIFA World Cup is set to open up the head coaching position. These are the best candidates for a replacement.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: England coach Wiegman shows why she should be USWNT No. 1 target
As U.S. Soccer ponders the future direction of its women's national team program, England's superb Sarina Wiegman offers a clue about what might be possible for the USWNT by reaching her fourth consecutive major tournament final.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Florida State's many gripes won't magically lead them to a new league
Florida State has been griping for months about how much less it will make in broadcast income as a member of the ACC than teams in the SEC or Big Ten. But no one forced the Seminoles to sign this deal.
Mike DeCourcy
•
After Realignment Madness, which basketball league will be the best?
The Big 12 has clearly been the best league over the last five years, but with 14 teams entering new power leagues in 2023 and 2024, the balance of power will shift.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Women's World Cup prize money improved, but still falls short
FIFA went beyond its promise to double the prize money awarded for participants in the 2023 Women's World Cup, but those close to the game contend there's still room for improvement.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Decision on USWNT coach needs to happen soon
The next major women's soccer tournament is just around the corner with the 2024 Olympics next July, and the tight turnaround mean that a decision on the future USWNT coach needs to come soon.
Mike DeCourcy
•
College hoops coaches, teams sending best wishes to Maui after wildfires
The devastating wildfire that destroyed a significant portion of Maui this week had a painful resonance for those who love college basketball and long have embraced one of its premier regular-season events, the Maui Invitational.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Conference realignment fallout: Federal legislation on athletes' NIL rights is probably dead
There's just about no way both houses of Congress and the United States president are going to agree on restrictions to Name/Image/Likeness rights for college athletes after the most recent round of conference realignment.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: What next for USWNT after World Cup elimination?
The USWNT is looking at a period of transition following the 2023 Women's World Cup, especially after Julie Ertz made a surprising declaration that the elimination against Sweden may have marked the end of her international career.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Dissecting the USWNT's elimination from Women's World Cup
The best way to get beyond Sweden was never to have played them at all — but the USWNT blew that was a dismal performance in group play that underscored their offensive weakness under Vlatko Andonovski.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Skill and talent is not why USWNT are struggling at World Cup
To suggest the U.S. women are struggling at the World Cup because the rest of the world is starting to show skills they haven't mastered is to diminish all their predecessors achieved.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Best USWNT lineup vs. Sweden? Time for changes in Rd. of 16
If USA manager Vlatko Andonovski can see that the USWNT performance against Portugal wasn't good enough — and he admitted it — then he must see it's time for his team to adopt a different look.
Mike DeCourcy
•
For UConn, an uncomfortable decision looms if Big 12 extends invite
The last time Connecticut was involved in a decision to depart the Big East Conference, its men's basketball program -- the best in the land in the past quarter-century -- collapsed. Fresh off an NCAA title, is it worth risking a repeat because the Big 12 might offer millions to join?
Mike DeCourcy
•
Carli Lloyd rips 'uninspiring' USWNT for dancing, celebrating after World Cup draw with Portugal
When she retired from the USWNT in 2021, Carli Lloyd was highly critical on a podcast of the program's culture and lack of focus on pursuing championships. Now, as Fox Sports analyst, she's getting paid for her opinions and coming down just as hard on the team's underperformance.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: What went wrong for USWNT in close call vs. Portugal
If the shot by Portugal's Ana Capeta just minutes from the end of the game had traveled a smidge to the left, the U.S. women's soccer team — two-time reigning World Cup champions — likely would have been eliminated after the group stage. For the first time, ever.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Lineup decisions, sluggish first half damaging as USWNT draw Netherlands
Winning Group E at the 2023 Women's World Cup would provide the USWNT a massive advantage as the tournament enters the knockout round, but slipping against the Netherlands could be costly in that pursuit.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Northwestern's David Braun's Big Ten dream comes with a nightmare attached
At Big Ten media day, Northwestern coach David Braun dealt with questions about replacing fired Northwestern legend Pat Fitzgerald, the hazing scandal enveloping the program and how to move forward.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Why USA vs Netherlands tonight is huge
For the United States women's national team, the difference between winning Women's World Cup Group E and finishing second is considerable, which is why their game Wednesday against the Netherlands is so vital.
Mike DeCourcy
•
College Basketball Academy aims to show prospects it's cool to go to school
Nike's 'Peach Jam' tournament is among the established stops in the July recruiting period. The NCAA and many others involved in the sport continue to believe there's a place on the circuit for an event that emphasizes the value of college basketball.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Tampa's GOAT Mountain of sports: Selmon, Brooks, Samkos, St. Louis
Tampa's greatest athletes come from the two teams with multiple titles and strong support in the Tampa Bay area.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Pittsburgh's GOAT Mountain of sports: Roberto, Franco, Mean Joe, Mario
Each of the foremost sports stars in Pittsburgh's history can be identified without a surname.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Sophia Smith is the shining light amid USWNT's attacking woes
Aside from Sophia Smith's two goals and assist, there was little to celebrate in the USWNT's 3-0 opening-game victory at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Sophia Smith's moment: With so many other top scorers injured, USWNT needs a singular star
The strength of the USWNT at FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 was to be the wide variety of scoring options in their attack. But injuries have left Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith as the one clear option to star. She talks as if she can handle it.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Why retiring Rapinoe is still key if USWNT wants to win World Cup
Megan Rapinoe's role in her final FIFA Women's World Cup almost certainly will be to provide scoring opportunities in games the U.S. trails — and to provide leadership for the team's young players. They'd rather have only the latter.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Why the USWNT won't win a record third straight World Cup
Injuries and youth are among a number of questions facing the United States women's national team in its attempt to win a third consecutive World Cup. Any one of them could ruin that dream.
Mike DeCourcy
•
'Indispensable' Julie Ertz may be biggest key to USWNT World Cup threepeat
For the U.S. women's national team to take its best shot at becoming the first team to win three consecutive World Cups, they'll need Julie Ertz — who had a baby less than a year ago — to return to her position in midfield and the form that made her and the team great.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Why Chris Livingston trading 1st round talent for 2nd round price in NBA Draft was an epic fail
Chris Livingston sold his first-round talent for second-round prices after only a single season at Kentucky. NBA history hasn't been kind to players making such decisions.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Dick Vitale goes silent ahead of latest vocal cord surgeries
Dick Vitale is on vocal rest for the next two months as he awaits surgery. He expects to be fine to return to calling college hoops games, but not speaking is no fun.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Complete 2023 USWNT World Cup roster breakdown
The USWNT will try to become the first ever to win three World Cups in a row, but first they must overcome injuries and absences to become the best version of themselves in Australia and New Zealand.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Injuries complicate USWNT's World Cup three-peat quest
An avalanche of injuries made all of the tough calls easy for USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski. He could only take the players who were healthy to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, including many first-timers on this stage.
Mike DeCourcy
•
John Herdman challenges Canada Soccer to pump more money into promising side
Canada had only four days of training camp heading into the CONCACAF Nations League knockout stage. The United States had 11. It's not because the Canadians didn't think they needed the practice.
Mike DeCourcy
•
With Folarin Balogun leading attack as USMNT's first true striker, fans can now dream big
Folarin Balogun could have played for England, where he grew up, instead of the U.S., where he was born. His choice of the USMNT could help advance their standing in world soccer.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Bob Huggins' best call was to retire as West Virginia coach
Bob Huggins has been involved in two incidents — just since May — that were significantly embarrassing to West Virginia University. The best conclusion to his career was his immediate retirement.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Berhalter was always the right person for USA coaching job
The culture Gregg Berhalter built as USMNT coach helped lead to promising striker Folarin Balogun choosing to represent the USA — and to Berhalter's return to run the team ahead into the 2026 World Cup.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: USA's win over Mexico? Most dominant in rivalry history
The U.S. men's national team dominated their rivals from Mexico so comprehensively in the 2023 Nations League semifinal that El Tri players almost inevitably chose to gain some retribution for being embarrassed on the field.
Mike DeCourcy
•
USMNT threatening to overtake Mexico in talent, depth
With so many players playing in Europe — and a few excelling — the United States men's national team appears to have a deeper, richer player pool than their rivals from El Tri. Lately, that's been showing up on the field.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Man City the greatest Champions League team ever?
Manchester City became the first English team since rivals Manchester United to claim a European treble, and in the process they entered the conversation of best Champions League teams of all-time.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: A second 'Miracle in Istanbul' could happen in Man City vs Inter
Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul will be hosting the Champions League final for a second time. The first is viewed by some as the greatest game in world sport, ever. Could it happen again?
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: How Messi's arrival will change MLS
While David Beckham entered Major League Soccer after it had just survived a near-death experience, Lionel Messi arrives with the league's clubs valued at half a billion dollars. But he can still make MLS even bigger.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Biggest signings in MLS history: The 12 biggest names before Messi
Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the greatest signing in Major League Soccer history, but there were 12 big names who tried their hand at conquering North America before La Pulga.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Julie Ertz dreamed of returning from childbirth to play in the World Cup, and now she's working to make it reality
After giving birth to her first child, Julie Ertz wasn't certain she would return to soccer in time to make the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. But now she's back and pushing hard for a spot on the USWNT roster.
Mike DeCourcy
•
The Hard Road: Jimmy Butler's path to stardom has not been easy
From high school to college to the NBA, Jimmy Butler has always been at his best when he finds a home.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Carmelo Anthony changed college hoops with a freshman season for the ages
Before Carmelo Anthony ruled the 2003 NCAA Tournament with Syracuse, many believed freshmen were to be seen and not heard (and often not seen). But it became impossible to ignore what Melo was doing on the floor.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Is Man City the greatest dynasty in world sport?
Manchester City clinched its fifth Premier League title in the past six seasons. How does that measure up to the best from other elite men's leagues in other highly competitive sports?
Mike DeCourcy
•
ACC schools can daydream, but they are locked in place for now
There has been plenty of conversation about some schools wanting out of the ACC because the league's long-term broadcast contract is not competitive with those of the Big Ten and SEC. They're stuck, though, with several reasons why.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Why did Folarin Balogun choose to join the USMNT over England?
Folarin Balogun only lived in the United States a couple years before his parents moved him to England for his formative years. But his decision to represent the U.S. in international competition might make him an immediate starter — and potential star.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Words alone won't be enough to repair damage Bob Huggins did with his language
West Virginia coach Bob Huggins dropped a slur into a radio conversation with a right-wing talk host — a word whose use has cost others their jobs. What happens next is hard to say.
Mike DeCourcy
•
NCAA hoops rules committee wisely tweaks charge/block call
The NCAA men's basketball rules committee wants defenders to be in position earlier if they want to draw charging calls. If enforced properly, it should be great for college hoops.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Kansas wins transfer portal prize in Michigan's Hunter Dickinson
The biggest programs in college basketball pursued transfer-portal prize Hunter Dickinson. Kansas' success in the recruitment was a win for the Jayhawks, although maybe not for the art of cinema.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Messi's plan to transform PSG was doomed to fail
The goal for everyone involved when Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain two years ago was to win the UEFA Champions League. They never really came close, which means his time in France adds up to a failed experiment.
Mike DeCourcy
•
LeBron is the GOAT - Is it even debatable at this point?
LeBron James has accomplished so much since he first made it clear he was the greatest player in NBA history, it's hard to believe anyone's still engaging in the debate.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Baker Dunleavy explains decision to become Villanova GM
Baker Dunleavy went 20-12 in his sixth year as the head coach at Quinnipiac, but hung up his whistle for a newly created general manager position at Villanova.
Mike DeCourcy
•
It's not hypocritcal for NFL to punish Jameson Williams and four others for gambling offenses -- it's smart business
The NFL needs to protect the integrity of its competition, but also is positioned to profit in a wagering world. It maintains certain regulations against player involvement in sports gambling, but they aren't hard to understand or follow.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: How Haaland can beat Messi to Ballon d'Or 2023
Messi won the World Cup, making him an automatic Ballon d'Or favorite. But voters could potentially be swayed by Erling Haaland's record-setting season now that it features only the second "treble" in English football history.
Mike DeCourcy
•
'Air' was a hit, but casting Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro was a miss
Some actors spend months preparing for their roles portraying real-world figures in motion pictures. Matt Damon appears to have prepared to play Sonny Vaccaro by looking in a mirror
Mike DeCourcy
•
Why college basketball's transfer explosion is a good thing
The typical reaction to change in college basketball is ever the same: complain. But the principals of this sport can help accelerate its growth by embracing the "free agency" period and how player movement will affect the upcoming season.
Mike DeCourcy
•
DeCourcy: Five USMNT players who have most at stake vs. Mexico
Wednesday's USA vs. Mexico match in Arizona is a big opportunity for fringe members of both men's national teams to get a chance to impress on a big stage with only nine World Cup players involved in the friendly.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Dan Hurley reaches pinnacle in front of his royal family, Husky legends
Bob Hurley Sr. always knew what his son was capable of. On Monday night, Dan Hurley showed it as UConn ran past San Diego State and won the school's fifth national title.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Seven impactful NBA Draft decisions to track for college hoops fans
The NBA Draft decisions of these seven players could shape next year's pursuit of the national championship at several schools.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Grading the college basketball coaching hires, from Rick Pitino to Chris Beard
We will have new coaches at Georgetown, Texas, Syracuse and more next season. Time to hand out some grades on the new hires.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25 for 2023-24
Our way-to-early Top 25 is a week early, and the favorite entering this year's Final Four is the preseason No. 1.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Redshirt freshman Alex Karaban has shot into position as UConn's 'unsung hero' on march to NCAA Championship game
Alex Karaban was a triple-digit prospect coming out of high school, not a five-star recruit. But from a ranking of 118 in the class of 2022, he has become one of the essential members of the team favored to win the 2023 NCAA title.
Mike DeCourcy
•
How to deal with UConn and San Diego State: Previous opponents share challenges of Huskies, Aztecs ahead of title game
We asked two assistant coaches, one whose team played UConn and one whose team played San Diego State, to examine the strengths and weakness of the two teams playing in the NCAA Championship game
Mike DeCourcy
•
Meet Nathan Mensah, the NCAA Tournament's most menacing intern
With no NIL opportunities available as an international student, Nathan Mensah found the chance to earn money he needed by interning at Concurrent, a wealth management company, while playing for the Aztecs and pursuing an MBA.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Adama Sanogo goes outside, then inside, to push UConn past Miami
UConn big man Adama Sanogo, with the help of sidekick Donovan Clingan, overwhelmed the Hurricanes in the frontcourt and give the Huskies another comfortable win in the NCAA Tournament.
Mike DeCourcy
•
How Lamont Butler's buzzer-beater came together for San Diego State
San Diego State won in the game's final second, but there was plenty that led up to the perfect ending at the Final Four.
Mike DeCourcy
•
If Final Four ratings tank, it'll mean precisely nothing to everyone smart enough to watch
If you're planning to watch the Final Four, don't feel alone. There will be millions just like you. Possibly not as many millions as customary, but what difference will that make to you?
Mike DeCourcy
•
Dream of San Diego State's greatest team was crushed in 2020, but endures with 2023 squad
In 2020, San Diego State's Aztecs finished 30-2 and were waiting for their NCAA Tournament seed and assignment when the world — and March Madness — shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those players are watching their successors live their dreams.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Banner year: Louisville's players, fans treasure 2013 title* run
There's a 2013 banner hanging in Louisville that proclaims the Cardinals 'No. 1', but not 'Champions'. Players and fans are proud of that run in March, and still disappointed with the NCAA's vacating of the championship.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Former NCAA officiating chief John Adams: How to fix replay reviews, charging and more
When John Adams was in charge of NCAA men's basketball officiating, he worked hard to improve the game. Some of his ideas were implemented; some were abandoned. He hasn't give up trying.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Ranking the Final Four teams, from UConn to FAU
This Final Four has broken a lot of molds. Will the champion continue that trend?
Mike DeCourcy
•
Dubious late foul mars San Diego State's last-second win in Elite Eight
The official's ruling on the final shot was the kind that always will be remembered and never forgotten, depending on whether one prefers the beneficiary or the victim. For those who prefer justice, what ought to have been a glorious ending felt a bit foul.
Mike DeCourcy
•
No. 1 Alabama bows out thanks to belief, teamwork of San Diego State
It required a team effort to chase Alabama, the No. 1 overall seed, from the NCAA Tournament. Teamwork is San Diego State's specialty.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Nick Saban's message was clear as Alabama preps for Sweet 16
When Nick Saban said "there's no such thing as the wrong place at the wrong time", he was referring to a suspended Tide defensive back. But the message echoed through Alabama basketball as it prepared for the Sweet 16.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Ranking the Sweet 16, from 1 (Alabama) to 16 (Princeton)
There are 16 teams left, including those we anticipated (Alabama, Houston, UCLA) and those we did not (everyone from Michigan State to No. 15 seed Princeton, the third team in three years on its seed line to advance to the Sweet 16).
Mike DeCourcy
•
K-State's Markquis Nowell proves to be too big for Kentucky
Markquis Nowell had a direct hand in more than 60 percent of Kansas State's scoring in a victory over Kentucky that sends Kansas State to the Sweet 16
Mike DeCourcy
•
Sean Miller, Xavier return to March Madness Sweet 16 after each fought hard to get back
The desire of the Xavier players to continue playing in the NCAA Tournament won't be questioned after they battled two terrific teams -- and, briefly, each other -- to make it through the two victories required
Mike DeCourcy
•
Sean Miller's old Pitt teammates face dilemma on Sunday
Sean Miller was teammates with Jason Matthews and Darrelle Porter at Pitt from 1987-91. WIth the Xavier team he coaches playing the Panthers for a spot in the Sweet 16, it's either a no-win or no-lose situation for the men who still call him a brother.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Kentucky obscures memories of Saint Peter's by opening 2023 March Madness with decisive win
The Kentucky Wildcats never faced a significant challenge in the second half of their 2023 NCAA Tournament opener -- a far distance from the opening 2022 loss to Saint Peter's that has been so difficult to escape.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Jack Nunge preserves Xavier's comeback with block for the ages
Jack Nunge turned around No. 3 seed Xavier's first-round game against Kennesaw State with a block 8 minutes from the end, then sealed a victory with an even bigger rejection.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Princeton's KO of Arizona was stunning, but ingredients for upset were there
Those who looked closely at recent Arizona performances might have noticed the direction the Wildcats were traveling did not resemble the road to the Final Four.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Mike DeCourcy's March Madness expert picks: Tide roll to title
Alabama looks the least vulnerable in a field that features issues with the top contenders.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Izzo Madness: Michigan State's coach proves again you can't have an NCAA Tournament without the Spartans
Tom Izzo has so dominated the NCAA Tournament for the past three decades, he almost has a month named after him. And now he's got a record that shows what he's done.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Who is Norm Roberts? The assistant who fills in for Kansas coach Bill Self has extensive experience
Kansas is facing the possibility of entering a game without head coach Bill Self for the eighth time this season, but assistant coach Norm Roberts is no newbie when it comes to running a basketball team's bench.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Ranking the 68 best teams in the NCAA Tournament, from Alabama to FDU
There are certain components every NCAA champion shares, so watch out when making your Final Four and title-game bracket picks
Mike DeCourcy
•
West Region breakdown: Sleepers, Final Four pick
An Elite 8 matchup between No. 1 seed Kansas and No. 2 seed UCLA would have all the makings of a blue blood tourney classic. Will either escape from the West Region unscathed? Or is there another team ready to make a surprise Final Four run?
Mike DeCourcy
•
East Region breakdown: Sleepers, Final Four pick
Duke is not as experienced as it was last year, from both the playing perspective and the coaching perspective. But it is still good enough to get to the Final Four.
Mike DeCourcy
•
South Region breakdown: Sleepers, Final Four pick
Not only is Alabama a No. 1 seed for the first time in school history, the Crimson Tide enter as the tournament's overall top seed. Do any sleepers capable of turning the tide lurk? Here's everything you need to know about the South Region.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Midwest Region breakdown: Sleepers, Final Four pick
Has No. 1 seed Houston been tested enough during the regular season? It will be tested in the tournament, especially if star guard Marcus Sasser is limited or missing with a groin injury.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim misplays his exit from Syracuse
Adrian "Red" Autry has not been a Division I head coach, let alone at a school with Syracuse's reputation and tradition. He can use all the help that's available. Publicly, he got none from Jim Boeheim on the day the school announced a coaching change.
Mike DeCourcy
•
NC State's miracle 1983 ACC tourney run set up Jimmy V's stunning title
Lost in the shuffle on the 40th anniversary of NC State's unforgettable 1983 NCAA title was its stunning three-game ACC tournament run that got it in the field.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Purdue's Zach Edey is Sporting News' Player of the Year
He came to Purdue with little experience in basketball but "a burning desire to be great." This year, Zach Edey learned all about what greatness entails as a college player, because he became the nation's best.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Texas' Rodney Terry is Sporting News' Coach of the Year
Texas' interim coach took over under trying circumstances and has the Longhorns on pace for their best NCAA seed in 15 years.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Sporting News 2022-23 college basketball All-America team
College basketball was long dominated by guard play, but that is no longer the case if you look at the Sporting News All-America team. Experienced big men are plentiful among our three teams for the 2022-23 season.
Mike DeCourcy
•
NCAA Jam snubs: Seven dream-like duos
Sporting News didn't have room for every dynamic two-on-two combo in NCAA Jam, but here are seven that are fun to think about.
Mike DeCourcy
•
NCAA Jam: The field of 16 is set
Sure, Michael Jordan and Vince Carter might be the favorite for our NCAA Jam 2-on-2 tourney, but don't sleep on David Thompson and NC State.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Loss to Duke further narrows UNC's road to March Madness
An indifferent season from the 2022-23 Tar Heels has them in jeopardy of missing the NCAA Tournament one year after they made it all the way to the title game with the same core group.
Mike DeCourcy
•
Newer
Latest News
Older