USC's JuJu Watkins suffered a season-ending injury Monday in the NCAA Tournament and will undergo...

USC's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/110970" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/110970">JuJu Watkins</a> suffered a season-ending injury Monday in the NCAA Tournament and will undergo surgery, the school <a href="https://x.com/USCWBB/status/1904406391747706986">announced</a>.The Trojans didn't specify the injury, but sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1904407495881204155">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> that it's a torn ACL.The sophomore went down in the first quarter of USC's second-round matchup with Mississippi State. She sustained the injury while driving toward the hoop on a fast break. USC went on to win 96-59.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I'd be lying if I told you that I wasn't rattled seeing JuJu on the court and crying," USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said postgame, according to the <a href="https://x.com/BenGolliver/status/1904395788366631001">Washington Post's Ben Golliver</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
USC star JuJu Watkins was carried off of the court in the first quarter of Monday's NCAA Tournament game vs. Mississippi State. <a href="https://t.co/Fiqtejuo9o">pic.twitter.com/Fiqtejuo9o</a>— The Comeback (@thecomeback) <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomeback/status/1904359949192360034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Watkins posted three points, one rebound, and two assists in her brief time on the court. Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97058" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97058">Kiki Iriafen</a> stepped up in Watkins' absence, posting a game-high 36 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.Watkins led USC in scoring this season, averaging 24.6 points per game to go along with seven rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks. The guard was named to her second straight AP All-America team.USC is a 1-seed, and the program made easy work of UNC Greensboro in the Round of 64 on Saturday. Watkins posted a game-high 22 points in the contest.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 24: USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) is helped off the court after being injured as USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb looks on during the Mississippi State Bulldogs game versus the USC Trojans in the second round of the NCAA Division I Women's Championship on March 24, 2025, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA.

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USC's Watkins suffers season-ending injury in NCAA tourney

Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis returned from an 18-game absence in Monday's 120-101 victory ...

Dallas Mavericks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> returned from an 18-game absence in Monday's 120-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.Davis was in the starting lineup but was restricted to 27 minutes of action. He posted 12 points, six rebounds, one steal, and one block in the contest."Physically I felt great," Davis said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44394097/no-doubt-return-help-hobbled-mavs">ESPN's Tim Bontemps</a>. "It's the mental aspect when you're coming back from something like that. To mentally be ready to go out and play. I was mentally ready. But then getting into game action where you can't anticipate what the other team is going to do. I overcame that in the first minute or so. From there, it was just about being smart."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Davis will be rested on the second night of a back-to-back Tuesday against the New York Knicks, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1904277348389679505">NBA insider Marc Stein</a>.The 32-year-old suffered an adductor strain in his Mavericks debut Feb. 8 after being acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the blockbuster trade that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> the other way.Davis had been rehabbing over the last week with the Mavericks' G League affiliate to prepare for game action. Dallas went 6-12 in his absence and fell to 11th place in the Western Conference."It was tough seeing these guys battling every single night," Davis said. "Winning close games, losing close games, blowing teams out, getting blown out. They are laying it on the line. For me, it was never a thought about if I was going to come back and play. Especially if I was healthy."The Mavericks lost <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110269">Olivier-Maxence Prosper</a> to season-ending injuries while Davis was out. Big men <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60087" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60087">Daniel Gafford</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110268" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110268">Dereck Lively II</a> are also sidelined with no return dates."Seeing these guys playing with seven guys," Davis said. "Guys playing 38, 40 minutes ... added a little bit more motivation for me. I was already motivated to get back. But it added a little bit more motivation seeing those guys battle each and every night and leaving it on the floor. There was no doubt in my mind I was going to come back."Davis played just over 30 minutes in his first game with Dallas and contributed 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks prior to getting hurt.He was averaging 25.7 points, 12 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and three blocks through 43 games this season ahead of Monday's contest.

DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks stands on the court during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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AD returns from 18-game absence in win over Nets

Mike Bibby has agreed to become the head coach of Sacramento State, the school announced Tuesday....

Mike Bibby has agreed to become the head coach of Sacramento State, the school announced Tuesday.Bibby played 14 NBA seasons for six different franchises before transitioning to coaching in 2013, during which time he averaged 14.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 1,001 games."Since 2001, Sacramento has felt like home to me," Bibby said in a statement. "The people, the fans, and the passion they have for the city and their teams is unmatched. I have always felt that passion, and will always be thankful for how I was embraced. Sacramento State is no different. After seeing the campus, and meeting with president (Luke) Wood and Mark Orr, their vision for the university and program was something I shared. We are going to build, we are going to develop, and we are going to win."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 46-year-old spent six years as a coach at his former high school, Shadow Mountain, in Phoenix. He led the program to five state championships.Bibby also led Shadow Mountain to its first state championship as a player in 1996.He attended the University of Arizona before the Vancouver Grizzlies drafted him in 1998.Sacramento State finished 10th in the Big Sky this season with a 7-25 overall record and 3-15 record in conference play.Bibby will replace interim head coach Michael Czepil.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 21: Mike Bibby looks on following a BIG3 game in Week Eight at the Orleans Arena on August 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Sacramento State brings in Mike Bibby as head coach

Xavier head coach Sean Miller is replacing Rodney Terry at Texas, the school announced Monday.  T...

Xavier head coach Sean Miller is replacing Rodney Terry at Texas, the school announced Monday.Texas announced Sunday it parted ways with Terry after three seasons.Miller's Musketeers eliminated the Longhorns in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament before losing to No. 6 Illinois in the Round of 64. Xavier finished fifth in the Big East at 22-12 overall and 13-7 in conference play.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Miller's best result in his second tenure with Xavier was a Sweet 16 appearance in 2023. He previously coached Arizona from 2009-21, taking the program to the Big Dance seven times.Terry led Texas to a 19-16 overall record this season with a 6-12 mark in SEC play. He took over the role on an interim basis after Chris Beard was fired in the middle of the 2022-23 season. Terry then led Texas to a conference tournament championship while in the Big 12 and then into the Elite Eight in March Madness.Terry was rewarded with a permanent job but struggled the following two seasons, barely making the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back campaigns. Last season, the Longhorns finished seventh in the Big 12 and were eliminated in the Round of 32.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 21: Head coach Sean Miller of the Xavier Musketeers looks on against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Fiserv Forum on March 21, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Texas hires Xavier's Miller to replace Terry as head coach

Iowa reached a deal to hire Drake's Ben McCollum as its next head coach, Hawkeyes director of ath...

Iowa reached a deal to hire Drake's Ben McCollum as its next head coach, Hawkeyes director of athletics Beth Goetz announced Monday.Iowa parted ways with Fran McCaffery on March 14 after 15 seasons with the program. The Hawkeyes finished the campaign with a 17-16 overall record and missed their second consecutive NCAA Tournament."We are excited to welcome coach McCollum and his family back to Iowa City," Goetz <a href="https://hawkeyesports.com/news/2025/03/24/ben-mccollum-named-iowa-head-mens-basketball-coach">said</a> in a statement. "Ben has a track record of success both on and off the court. His talent for developing student-athletes and fostering a strong team culture has been evident throughout his career.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I am confident that Hawkeye fans will enthusiastically support the McCollum family as we embark on the next chapter of Iowa men's basketball."McCollum guided Drake to a 31-4 mark during his lone season with the school. The Bulldogs won the Missouri Valley regular-season title and captured the conference tournament crown to advance to the Big Dance.Drake upset 6-seed Missouri for its first NCAA Tournament win since 1971 before falling to Texas Tech in the next round.McCollum previously spent 15 seasons with Division II school Northwest Missouri State, posting a 394-91 record and winning four national championships.

WICHITA, KANSAS - MARCH 22: Head coach Ben McCollum of the Drake Bulldogs reacts during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 22, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas.

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Iowa hires Drake's McCollum as head coach

Giannis Antetokounmpo took it upon himself to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a second-half comeback ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> took it upon himself to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a second-half comeback against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. "I just said f--k it," Antetokounmpo said following the 114-108 victory, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6224284/2025/03/23/giannis-antetokounmpo-bucks-kings/">The Athletic's Eric Nehm</a>. "I gotta be aggressive."The Bucks trailed by 12 at halftime after scoring only 49 points. The poor early performance marked the third time in the last four games that the Bucks failed to score 50 points in the first 24 minutes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Antetokounmpo responded by posting 22 points while playing the entire third quarter to get Milwaukee back into the contest. He finished with a game-high 32 points and 17 rebounds."He was just dominant," Bucks coach Doc Rivers said, per Nehm. "He wouldn't be denied."He wasn't forcing anything. He was getting to the basket. He took a couple of jump shots, made one, made two. … I can't remember any shot that he took where I thought he was trying to take (the game) over. It was just that he was taking over."Milwaukee's bench also thrived Saturday, outscoring the Kings' second unit 32-19 and giving the Bucks a two-point lead when Antetokounmpo sat for the first 6:10 of the fourth quarter."That's what you want your bench to do," Antetokounmpo said. "You want them to come in, score the ball, bring energy, defend the right way, keep the momentum going. And not just keep the momentum, they started the momentum for us."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70216" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70216">Kevin Porter Jr.</a> posted 18 points and six assists in 27 minutes off the Bucks' bench Saturday. He credited Antetokounmpo's efforts for giving the second unit the energy."Honestly, his third quarter sets everything off," Porter said. "His energy, him being a leader, coming out fast definitely got us up and elevated on the bench and ready to go and take it up a notch when he was ready to rest. So that's what it was."We know as a bench unit, we gotta come out and be ready. Especially when the energy's like that, and it's contagious, we can't let it slow. We gotta stay a foot on the gas."The Bucks have won back-to-back games since Rivers reportedly called a meeting with Antetokounmpo and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> following a loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.Lillard missed his second consecutive contest Saturday due to calf soreness.Milwaukee sits fifth in the East at 40-30.

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 22, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Giannis: 'I just said f--k it' before leading comeback vs. Kings

Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela will be sidelined at least three-to-four weeks with a ligament ...

Atlanta Hawks center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37601" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37601">Clint Capela</a> will be sidelined at least three-to-four weeks with a ligament injury in the fourth metacarpal of his left hand, the team announced Friday.Capela last played March 10 and has missed the Hawks' last four games.The 30-year-old is averaging 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on 55.9% shooting through 55 games this season. Capela started in his first 41 appearances but moved to the bench in favor of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93875" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93875">Onyeka Okongwu</a> in January.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He's set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason.The Hawks sit seventh in the Eastern Conference at 33-36. They return to action Saturday against the Golden State Warriors.

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 24: Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on February 24, 2025 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Hawks' Capela out at least 3-4 weeks with hand injury

Stephen Curry will miss the start of the Golden State Warriors' upcoming six-game road trip with ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> will miss the start of the Golden State Warriors' upcoming six-game road trip with a pelvic contusion, the team announced Friday.An MRI confirmed the guard avoided structural damage in Thursday's victory over the Toronto Raptors. Curry won't travel to Atlanta for Saturday's game against the Hawks and will be re-evaluated Monday.Curry contributed 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting prior to exiting late in the third quarter.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 11-time All-Star is averaging 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and six assists across 60 games this season. The Warriors have gone 16-3 since acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> from the Miami Heat in early February. They sit sixth in the West at 41-29.Golden State's road trip will also include games against the Heat, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Lakers.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 20: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 20, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Steph to miss start of road trip with pelvic contusion

Duke star Cooper Flagg is cleared to play in Friday's Round of 64 game against Mount St. Mary's, ...

Duke star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> is cleared to play in Friday's Round of 64 game against Mount St. Mary's, the school announced Thursday."I feel very good," Flagg said Thursday, per <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-ncaa-east-region-cooper-flagg-0c3b02eb317c10dd8c3cd88fa84fd406?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=share">The Associated Press' Aaron Beard</a>. "I'm very confident moving forward."Flagg sprained his ankle in Duke's ACC Tournament quarterfinal win over Georgia Tech last week and missed the Blue Devils' semifinal and final contests.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 18-year-old said he "hated every second" of missing those games.Despite not having Flagg in the lineup, Duke went on to win the ACC title over Louisville.Flagg averaged 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks during the regular season, helping the Blue Devils go 28-3 overall and 19-1 in conference play.The AP Poll put Duke in the No. 1 spot in its final rankings prior to March Madness. The program also earned a regional 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament.Flagg is widely projected to be the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 13: Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils plays against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the quarterfinal round of the ACC men's basketball tournament at Spectrum Center on March 13, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Duke's Flagg to play vs. Mount St. Mary's

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers called a meeting with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lill...

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers called a meeting with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> after Tuesday's 104-93 loss to the Golden State Warriors, <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1902445124199555416">NBA insider Chris Haynes</a> reports.The meeting was an open forum for both stars to provide input on ways to improve the team, Haynes added. It was a constructive session with each individual sharing their perspective. The Bucks have entered a rough patch recently, losing five of their past seven games. They are ranked 23rd in points per game during this stretch and 21st in offensive rating across the NBA.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Giannis has been averaging 26.4 points since March 8, 3.8 fewer points than his season average of 30.2. He struggled against the Warriors, posting just 20 points on 5-of-16 shooting.Lillard has also been below average, averaging just 20.7 points and a 33.9% clip from three-point range during this stretch.The Bucks are fifth in the East at 38-30 with 14 games remaining on the season. The Detroit Piston are just 0.5 games behind them in the 6-seed.Milwaukee returns to action Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 07: Damian Lillard #0, Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and ead coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks talk during the first half of the game against the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum on April 07, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Report: Bucks coach called meeting with Giannis, Lillard

McNeese State bench boss Will Wade reached an agreement to become the next head coach at NC State...

McNeese State bench boss Will Wade reached an agreement to become the next head coach at NC State, sources told <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/1902435382202925414">ESPN's Jeff Borzello</a>.Wade will make the switch following McNeese State's run in March Madness.NC State fired Kevin Keatts on March 9 after the Wolfpack went 12-19 overall and 5-15 in the ACC this season. Keatts spent eight campaigns with the program.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wade is in his second season with McNeese State. He's led them to 57 wins during that time, the most in a two-year span in the program's history. He earned Southland Conference Coach of the Year honors in both years.The 42-year-old's last high-major job was with LSU from 2017-22. He was fired after the school received a notice of allegations from the NCAA.Wade also coached VCU from 2015-17, leading the program to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. He led LSU to the Big Dance three times and McNeese State the last two years.Wade confirmed earlier Wednesday that he discussed the open position with NC State, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44317107/mcneese-wade-acknowledges-contact-nc-state">ESPN's Pete Thamel and Mike Reiss</a>.McNeese State will face Clemson in the Round of 64 on Thursday.

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 11: head coach Will Wade of the McNeese State Cowboys looks on as his team takes on the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Coleman Coliseum on November 11, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

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Report: McNeese State's Wade to become NC State's next head coach

Clemson is finalizing a new six-year deal with head coach Brad Brownell, sources told ESPN's Pete...

Clemson is finalizing a new six-year deal with head coach Brad Brownell, sources told <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1902384646366585040">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>. The agreement will keep Brownell with the program through 2031.Brownell led the Tigers to a 27-6 overall record this season and an 18-2 mark in the ACC. They finished second in the conference behind AP No. 1 Duke.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 56-year-old has been head coach of Clemson since 2010 and has led the program to six NCAA Tournament appearances. The Tigers reached the Sweet 16 in 2018 and made it to the Elite Eight last season for the first time since 1980.Brownell received a five-year, $20-million contract following last season.He's Clemson's all-time leader in victories with 292.The Tigers kick off March Madness against McNeese State on Thursday in the Round of 64.

CLEMSON, SC - FEBRUARY 10: Clemson Tigers head coach Brad Brownell during a college basketball game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Clemson Tigers on February 10, 2025, at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C.

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Report: Clemson finalizing new 6-year deal with Brownell

San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle's defense has caught the attention of his veteran teammat...

San Antonio Spurs rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a>'s defense has caught the attention of his veteran teammates."There are definitely All-Defensive awards in his future," Spurs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6285">Harrison Barnes</a> said, according to <a href="https://athlonsports.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs/how-stephon-castle-impressed-rookie-development">Athlon Sports' Mark Medina</a>. "It's just with his ability to guard one through four. And he's strong. There's still years before he's going to fill out his body and be the type of player that he is going to become. But I think that he shows a great aptitude to defend at a very high level."Castle ranks sixth in steals among rookies with 0.9 per game and boasts the seventh-best defensive rating on the Spurs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 20-year-old has taken on tough matchups throughout the season, specifically against two of the Los Angeles Lakers' scoring threats. Castle held <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> to 6-of-16 shooting through four games and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> to 1-of-6 shooting across three contests (two while Doncic was with the Dallas Mavericks) in head-to-head matchups."He's a two-way player," Spurs guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/314" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/314">Chris Paul</a> said. "He defends. He doesn't duck matchups. There's a whole different kind of shape that you have to be in when you play like that. And he understands that."Castle's offensive game isn't too far behind his defense: He's averaging 13.8 points and 3.5 assists on 42.7% shooting across 66 games."He's playing with poise," Barnes said. "He just has a confidence in himself to take big-game shots, to take on defensive matchups, and take on responsibilities of being a point guard in this league and all that entails. I think he's done a great job with that."The UConn product has encountered struggles as well; he's shooting a below-average 28.6% from three on 4.1 attempts per game. However, Castle said he tries to ensure adversity doesn't change his approach."It's just about playing free and not letting my confidence drop off of makes or misses," Castle said. "It's about allowing it to keep rising, based off the impact I make defensively. I feel like that's my strong suit. So I'm just trying to hold my own on that end. I feel like that kind of sets the tone for whatever kind of night I'm going to have."The Spurs have fallen down the standings since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> was ruled out for the rest of the season with a blood clot Feb. 20. Last week, the team announced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a> would undergo finger surgery and miss the remainder of the campaign as well.San Antonio sits 13th in the West at 28-39.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 15: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 15, 2025 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Castle's defense impressing his veteran Spurs teammates

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green shared his reasons for why he deserves to win his se...

Golden State Warriors forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> shared his reasons for why he deserves to win his second Defensive Player of the Year award."I look around the league and don't see many players impacting the game on the defensive end the way I do," Green said following Tuesday's 104-93 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44311897/warriors-draymond-green-wants-another-defensive-player-year-award-makes-case-vs-bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. "I don't see many players completely throwing off an entire team's offense the way I do. One thousand percent."Especially with (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a>) going down, seemed like he had it won. And now it is right there. So, 1 million percent I have a case, and I will continue to build that case for these next 13 games. Tonight was a prime example of that."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Green posted four blocks and two steals against the Bucks. He also helped limit star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> to 20 points on 5-of-16 shooting, the two-time MVPs worst shooting game over the past two seasons, according to ESPN Research.The Bucks' 93 points in the contest marked their lowest output of the campaign."Draymond, that defense tonight on Giannis was incredible," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "To hold him to five field goals, Draymond showed why he is still one of the great defenders in the world. It wasn't just the defense; it was the leadership, the energy."Green is averaging 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks through 55 games this season. However, he said his defensive abilities are better appreciated when watching him play."You got some people that have a vote on the East Coast that probably see us play four times a year," Green said. "And if you look at the stats, you be like, 'Oh, Draymond averages one steal and a block.' Those numbers don't jump off the page at you. But you watch me play and then ask the opposing coach what did I do to (their) offense? It's a different story."This award is widely based off statistics, and those statistics don't always tell the story. ... But I want another one, and I ain't retired yet. I still got a chance."The Warriors have gone 15-3 since acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> and are 40-29 overall to sit sixth in the West.

Draymond Green (23) defends against Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half as the Golden State Warriors played the Milwaukee Bucks at Chase Center in San Francisco, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

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Draymond: I '1 million percent' have case for DPOY

Philadelphia 76ers wing Paul George has been ruled out for the rest of the season after receiving...

Philadelphia 76ers wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> has been ruled out for the rest of the season after receiving injections in his left adductor muscle and left knee, the team announced Monday.The 34-year-old spent the past week consulting doctors. He's dealt with groin, finger, and knee injuries at separate points this season.George reportedly took pain-killing injections for five games before the NBA All-Star break.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The nine-time All-Star signed a four-year, $212-million max deal with the Sixers this past offseason, but he appeared in just 41 games in his first campaign in Philly. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over that span.Star center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> will also miss the rest of the season to rehab his own knee injury.The Sixers sit 25th in the NBA with a 23-44 record. Their first-round pick in this year's NBA draft is top-six protected and will otherwise go to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 04: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter at Target Center on March 04, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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76ers' George to miss rest of season with adductor, knee injuries

Arkansas is getting freshman guard Boogie Fland back for the NCAA Tournament, head coach John Cal...

Arkansas is getting freshman guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/161991" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/161991">Boogie Fland</a> back for the NCAA Tournament, head coach John Calipari confirmed Monday.Fland underwent hand surgery Jan. 22 and was expected to miss the rest of the season. He'll be available when Arkansas opens March Madness on Thursday against Kansas, but Calipari is unsure how many minutes he'll be able to play."'Will he play more than 15 minutes?' I don't know. Maybe less," Calipari said, according to <a href="https://www.hoopshq.com/sec/boogie-fland-returns-arkansas-ncaa-tournament">Hoops HQ's Mike Barber</a>. "But I know he's talented, and for our team, (he can) come in and rebound, defend, make easy plays, fly up and down the court, make the plays. … And that will help us."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Fland was averaging 15.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds prior to his injury. Arkansas finished the season 12th in the SEC, going 20-13 overall and 8-10 in conference play.

AUSTIN, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Arkansas Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland (2) on the court for warmups but in sweats due to his injury before the SEC college basketball game between Texas Longhorns and Arkansas Razorbacks on February 5, 2025, at Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

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Arkansas' Fland returning for March Madness

Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a left hamstr...

Brooklyn Nets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96032" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96032">Cam Thomas</a> is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a left hamstring strain, the team announced Saturday.Thomas sustained the injury during Thursday's loss to the Chicago Bulls.The 23-year-old has struggled with hamstring issues this season. He missed 13 games across November and December with his first strain and was sidelined close to two months after suffering the injury a second time Jan. 2.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Thomas was having a breakout season prior to the injuries. He averaged a career-high 24 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 43.8% shooting in 25 games.Thomas will be a restricted free agent this offseason.The Nets currently sit 12th in the Eastern Conference at 22-44.

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 11: Cam Thomas #24 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 11, 2025 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Nets' Thomas expected to miss rest of season with hamstring strain

Villanova is parting ways with head coach Kyle Neptune after three seasons, the school announced ...

Villanova is parting ways with head coach Kyle Neptune after three seasons, the school announced Saturday."Since coming to Villanova, I have been struck by Kyle's tireless work ethic and his dedication to the student-athletes he served," Villanova vice president and director of athletics Eric Roedl said in a <a href="https://villanova.com/news/2025/3/15/villanova-announces-leadership-change-in-mens-basketball-program.aspx">statement</a>. "We are grateful to Kyle for his long service to Villanova and his mentorship to the many outstanding young men he has coached."A national search for the school's next coach will begin immediately, and assistant coach Mike Nardi will fill the role on an interim basis.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Wildcats failed to reach the NCAA Tournament under Neptune but were perennial entrants with predecessor Jay Wright.Under Wright, the Wildcats missed March Madness just once from 2005-22.Neptune led Villanova to a 19-14 overall record this campaign and an 11-9 record in the Big East.Villanova's season ended Thursday with a 73-56 loss to UConn in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals. Villanova went 54-47 during Neptune's three seasons.

VILLANOVA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 1: Head coach Kyle Neptune of the Villanova Wildcats stands on the court during the first half against the Butler Bulldogs at Finneran Pavilion on March 1, 2025 in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

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Villanova fires Kyle Neptune

Utah Jazz forward John Collins will be sidelined for at least two weeks with a left lateral ankle...

Utah Jazz forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45122">John Collins</a> will be sidelined for at least two weeks with a left lateral ankle sprain, the team announced Friday.Collins suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of Wednesday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He underwent an MRI on Thursday that confirmed the ailment.The 27-year-old is averaging 19 points, 8.2 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block across 40 games this season. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Collins holds a $26.5-million player option for next season.The Jazz sit 29th in the NBA at 15-51 and are currently in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 28: John Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the first half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Delta Center on February 28, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Jazz's Collins out at least 2 weeks with ankle sprain

Iowa is parting ways with head coach Fran McCaffery after 15 seasons, the school announced Friday...

Iowa is parting ways with head coach Fran McCaffery after 15 seasons, the school announced Friday."Fran McCaffery has been an integral part of our Hawkeye family for the past 15 years," the school's director of athletics Beth Goetz said in a <a href="https://hawkeyesports.com/news/2025/3/14/lowa-announces-leadership-change-in-mens-basketball">statement</a>. "He is a tremendous coach and teacher, and we are grateful for the positive impact he has made on the institution and the community. We have a deep appreciation for his dedication to our student-athletes and his passion for the game that will have a lasting impact on our program."Iowa's season ended Thursday with a 106-94 loss to Illinois in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament. Officials ejected McCaffery from the contest after he received two technical fouls for arguing.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Hawkeyes finished the campaign at 17-16 overall and 7-13 in conference play.McCaffery is Iowa's all-time coaching wins leader with 297. He led the school to seven NCAA Tournament appearances and progressed to the second round four times but never reached the Sweet 16.Four Hawkeyes players - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110287" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110287">Kris Murray</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102776" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102776">Keegan Murray</a>, Joe Wieskamp, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96059" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96059">Luka Garza</a> - have been selected in the NBA draft since 2021.Iowa qualified for four consecutive NCAA tourneys from 2019-23, but the program struggled the past two seasons and missed the Big Dance in 2024 after finishing 10-10 in league play.

IOWA CITY, IOWA - MARCH 6: Head coach Fran McCaffery of the Iowa Hawkeyes argues a call during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 6, 2025 in Iowa City, Iowa.

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Iowa fires head coach Fran McCaffery

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Joseph Luca Casciaro

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