Memphis guard PJ Haggerty plans to enter the transfer portal, he told The Athletic's Tobias Bass....

<p>Memphis guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103097" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103097">PJ Haggerty</a> plans to enter the transfer portal, he told <a href="https://x.com/tobias_bass/status/1912959986596040749">The Athletic's Tobias Bass</a>.</p><p>The 6-foot-3 guard's asking price is $4 million-plus, as well as assurances that he will spend the majority of his time at point guard next season, sources told the <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1913325885664706744">Field of 68's Jeff Goodman on Friday</a>.</p><p>Haggerty averaged 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game for the Tigers this season. He was named second-team All-American for his efforts.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Haggerty began his collegiate career at TCU. He transferred to Tulsa after averaging 2.8 points with the Horned Frogs. Haggerty vastly improved, posting 21.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists with the Golden Hurricane.</p><p>Memphis forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/84318" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/84318">Dain Dainja</a> also intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, his agents told <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1912963593924165786">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>. Dainja reached first-team All-AAC this season and was named the league's Newcomer of the Year after averaging 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.</p><p>The Tigers have reached March Madness three times in the past four seasons under Penny Hardaway. They lost to No. 12 Colorado State in the first round of the tournament.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 19: PJ Haggerty #4 of the Memphis Tigers plays defense during the first half of a basketball game against the Charlotte 49ers at Dale F. Halton Arena on January 19, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Memphis' Haggerty to enter portal, reportedly wants $4M

California wing Andrej Stojakovic will enter the transfer portal, his agent told ESPN's Jonathan ...

<p>California wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110606" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110606">Andrej Stojakovic</a> will enter the transfer portal, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1912958715600269396">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>.</p><p>Stojakovic led the Golden Bears in points (17.9) and blocks (1.2) this past season. The team finished 15th in the ACC with a 14-19 record, including a 6-14 conference finish.</p><p>He will not test the NBA draft process, according to Givony.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 6-foot-7 forward started his collegiate career at Stanford, averaging 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds with the Cardinal. </p><p>Stojakovic is the son of 13-year NBA veteran Peja Stojakovic. The Serbian wing made three All-Star Games, as well as All-NBA second team in 2004. Stojakovic also won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 12: Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the California Golden Bears plays against the Stanford Cardinal during the second round of the ACC men's basketball tournament at Spectrum Center on March 12, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Sophomore Stojakovic transferring from Cal

The Dallas Mavericks are optimistic that Kyrie Irving will return from his ACL tear by January, E...

<p>The Dallas Mavericks are optimistic that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> will return from his ACL tear by January, ESPN's Shams Charania <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1912672453597540598">reported</a> on "NBA Countdown" Wednesday.</p><p>Irving played 50 games this season before suffering the injury in early March. He averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in his 14th season in the Association. </p><p>The 33-year-old holds a player option worth $43.9-million for next season. The Mavericks hope Irving will decline it to sign a new three-year deal that would align him with general manager Nico Harrison and star center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>, Charania added.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Irving has not played in more than 65 games since the 2018-19 season.</p><p>Dallas finished the regular season with a 39-43 record. The Mavericks beat the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night in the play-in tournament to keep their season alive but still have to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday to earn a playoff matchup against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>

DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 27: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on February 27, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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.

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Former Princeton guard Xaivian Lee has committed to the newly crowned national champions Florida,...

<p>Former Princeton guard Xaivian Lee has committed to the newly crowned national champions Florida, he announced on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIhsn0tvUA2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">Instagram</a>.</p><p>The 21-year-old is one of the top players remaining in the transfer portal. He played three seasons with Princeton, making first-team All-Ivy League the past two campaigns.</p><p>Lee averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in his junior year with the Tigers. He is also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3258190" href="https://thescore.com/news/3258190">testing</a> the NBA draft process.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 6-foot-4 guard had visited Kansas and St. John's.</p><p>Lee also played high school ball with Gators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110697" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110697">Thomas Haugh</a>.</p><p>Florida's NCAA title was its first since 2007.</p>

PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 15: Princeton Tigers guard Xaivian Lee (1) shoots the ball during the college basketball Ivy League Tournament semifinal game between the Princeton Tigers and the Yale Bulldogs on March 15, 2025, at the Pizzitola Sports Center in Providence, RI.

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Florida lands Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee

NBA referee James Williams did not approve of Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young's actions that led t...

<p>NBA referee James Williams did not approve of Atlanta Hawks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a>'s actions that led to his ejection from Tuesday's 120-95 play-in tournament defeat to the Orlando Magic.</p><p>Young was ejected after receiving two unsportsmanlike technical fouls in succession during the fourth quarter. He was handed the first one for throwing the ball at Williams after a layup, then was given the second for kicking the ball away from a different game official.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5JpXtPaoo_o?si=EEiNJVgzKOV3cCIo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>"He received his second unsportsmanlike technical foul for kicking the ball away and making a mockery of the game as we were attempting to shoot the free throw for the first technical foul," Williams <a href="https://official.nba.com/pool-report-on-the-technical-fouls-called-on-atlantas-trae-young-during-tonights-atlanta-hawks-vs-orlando-magic-game/">said</a> in the postgame pool report interview.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Players are ejected after receiving two technical fouls in a game.</p><p>Young finished with 28 points and six assists before exiting the contest.</p><p>"Sometimes when I take my frustration out on the refs it's not just for me," Young said, according <a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawks-trae-young-ejected-8d7eab1326a5c81451b4ed8de7f56dc9">Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press</a>. "It's for my teammates. I see Dyson Daniels going; he may not be a household name yet, but he deserves the same amount of respect as some of these other guys. If you see a foul, you should call a foul. That's pretty much all it was for me."</p><p>Hawks head coach Quin Snyder said Young addressed the team after the game, emphasizing his need for keeping his composure, according to <a href="https://x.com/WilliamsLaurenL/status/1912332049421115546">Lauren Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>.</p><p>"He's quick to own that," Snyder said, per <a href="https://x.com/WilliamsLaurenL/status/1912333029252518368">Williams</a>. "But the game was out of hand at that point. But again, this is playoff basketball, there's going to be adversity. We have to continue to handle it in a way that can power through some of that."</p><p>The Hawks can still advance to face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers with a victory against the Chicago Bulls or Miami Heat on Friday.</p>

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - APRIL 15: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on April 15, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

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Follow the 2025 WNBA Draft with theScore's live tracker to view all 38 selections as they happen....

<p><em>Follow the 2025 WNBA Draft with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267064" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267064">theScore's live tracker</a> to view all 38 selections as they happen.</em></p><p>The Golden State Valkyries have selected Lithuanian guard Juste Jocyte with the fifth pick in the WNBA draft, their first selection in franchise history.</p><p>Jocyte averaged 12 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists for ASVEL in France. She was the teammate of Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga, the second overall pick.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jocyte made her EuroLeague debut at 14 years old, the youngest player to ever do so.</p><p>She also led Lithuania to a FIBA U18 women's basketball championship in 2022, beating Spain for the gold medal.</p><p>The Valkyries open their season against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16.</p>

MADRID, SPAIN - JULY 21: #04 Juste Jocyte of Lithuania during Round 16 match of U19 Women's Basketball World Cup between Lithuania and Spain at Wizink Center on July 21, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.

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<p><em>Follow the 2025 WNBA Draft with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267064" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267064">theScore's live tracker</a> to view all 38 selections as they happen.</em></p><p>The Washington Mystics drafted Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron with the third pick in the WNBA draft Monday.</p><p>The franchise also added USC forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97058" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97058">Kiki Iriafen</a> with the fourth pick and Kentucky guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91399" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/91399">Georgia Amoore</a> with the sixth selection.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Citron averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in her senior season at Notre Dame.</p><p>The Mystics acquired the third pick from the Chicago Sky for a package including two-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/40940" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/40940">Ariel Atkins</a>.</p><p>Washington finished with a 14-26 record and parted ways with head coach Eric Thibault after two seasons. Former Sky assistant Sydney Johnson was hired to fill the vacancy.</p>

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Sonia Citron #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish drives the ball down court during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament game against the Ole Miss Rebels held at Purcell Pavilion on March 25, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana.

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Mystics add Citron with 3rd pick in WNBA draft

<p><em>Follow the 2025 WNBA Draft with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267064" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267064">theScore's live tracker</a> to view all 38 selections as they happen.</em></p><p>The Seattle Storm selected French center Dominique Malonga with the second pick in the WNBA draft Monday.</p><p>Malonga averaged 16.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game for French club ASVEL. The 6-foot-6 center won a silver medal with France at the 2024 Paris Olympics. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Storm acquired the pick from the Los Angeles Sparks in a massive three-team trade that also involved the Las Vegas Aces. Seattle traded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/26136" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/26136">Jewell Loyd</a> to the Aces, while Las Vegas sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/33404" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/33404">Kelsey Plum</a> to Los Angeles.</p><p>Seattle also received center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/102655" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/102655">Li Yueru</a>, a second-round pick in 2025, and a first-round selection in 2026 in the trade.</p><p>The Storm finished 25-15 last season and lost in the first round of the postseason. The franchise have won two titles since 2018 and only missed the playoffs in 2023.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: (L-R) Dominique Malonga poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City.

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Braden Smith announced his return to Purdue for his senior season Monday.                        ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102884" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102884">Braden Smith</a> announced his return to Purdue for his senior season Monday. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIcF__wx5VU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIcF__wx5VU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIcF__wx5VU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Braden Smith (@sm1thb)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Smith averaged 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in his junior season with the Boilermakers. The 21-year-old ranked second in assists per game among Division I players, behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95598" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95598">Ryan Nembhard</a> of Gonzaga (9.8).</p><p>Smith was honored with Big Ten Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American selection. He also won the Bob Cousy Award, given to the top men's point guard in the nation, and was a finalist for the Wooden Award.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Purdue reached the Sweet 16 of March Madness before losing on a last-second shot from Houston. The Boilermakers were defeated by UConn in the championship two seasons ago.</p>

CHAMPAIGN, IL - MARCH 07: Purdue Boilermakers Guard Braden Smith (3) dribbles during the college basketball game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on March 7, 2025, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

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Braden Smith returning to Purdue for senior season

James Harden and Kawhi Leonard combined for 72 points as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Golden...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> combined for 72 points as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Golden State Warriors 124-119 on Sunday and clinched the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.</p><p>The Clippers will face the fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the playoffs.</p><p>The Warriors finished seventh and will host a play-in tournament contest against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 15 at 10 p.m. ET.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Clippers held on despite standout performances from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a>. Curry scored 36 points, while Butler added 30 points and nine assists. The Warriors led by as much as 12 points during the contest.</p><p>Los Angeles also got 22 points and 17 rebounds from center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52287" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52287">Ivica Zubac</a>.</p><p>The Clippers went 2-2 in the regular season against the Nuggets but haven't beaten Denver since December.</p><p>Golden State won three out of four contests against the Grizzlies this campaign. The winner of the play-in game between the two franchises will face the No. 2 Houston Rockets.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 13: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers passes the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 13, 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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Clippers clinch No. 5 seed, Warriors fall into play-in tournament

The 2025 WNBA Draft takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET Monday at The Shed in New York City. Here's every...

<p><em>The 2025 WNBA Draft takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET Monday at The Shed in New York City. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the marquee event.</em></p><h3>How to watch 📺</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Channel</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td> TSN/SN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>U.S. 🇺🇸</td>
<td> ESPN</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Draft order (Round 1) 🔢</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td> Wings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td> Storm (via LA)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td> Mystics (via CHI)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td> Mystics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td> Valkyries</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td> Mystics (via ATL)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td> Sun (via PHX)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td> Sun (via IND)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td> Sparks (via SEA)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>x</td>
<td> Aces - Forfeited*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td> Sky (via CON)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td> Sky (via MIN)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td> Wings (via NY)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* Aces forfeited their first-round pick after violating league rules regarding impermissible player benefits and workplace policies.</em></p><p>Click <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/wnba/full_draft">here</a> for draft order in Round 2 and 3.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Valkyries making history ⚔️</h3><p>The WNBA's newest franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, will make the first draft selection in team history at fifth overall. The Valkyries <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3149891" href="https://thescore.com/news/3149891">completed</a> their expansion draft in December to form a roster for the team's inaugural season.</p><h3>Mock draft 🔮</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777748/cropped_WNBA_mockdraft1.jpg?ts=1743189686" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777748/w220xh124_WNBA_mockdraft1.jpg?ts=1743189686 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777748/w320xh180_WNBA_mockdraft1.jpg?ts=1743189686 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777748/w640xh360_WNBA_mockdraft1.jpg?ts=1743189686 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777748/w768xh432_WNBA_mockdraft1.jpg?ts=1743189686 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777748/w1080xh607_WNBA_mockdraft1.jpg?ts=1743189686 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Take a look at our final <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241630" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241630">mock draft</a> for a detailed look at the players we predict to have their names called in the first round.</p><p><em>Editor's Note: Mock draft was published prior to the Sky's acquisition of the No. 11 pick from the Lynx in exchange for a first-round selection in 2026.</em></p><h3>Players to watch ✍️</h3><p><strong>Paige Bueckers, Guard (UConn)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779197/cropped_GettyImages-2208877457.jpg?ts=1743973089" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779197/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208877457.jpg?ts=1743973089 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779197/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208877457.jpg?ts=1743973089 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779197/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208877457.jpg?ts=1743973089 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779197/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208877457.jpg?ts=1743973089 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779197/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208877457.jpg?ts=1743973089 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>All eyes will be on Bueckers when the draft begins. She capped off her collegiate career on top, leading Connecticut to its first NCAA championship since 2016. Bueckers shined throughout the Big Dance, averaging 24.8 points on 52.8% field-goal shooting and 48.3% on threes - making 2.3 per game. She also set a school record for most points in a March Madness game with 40 against Oklahoma.</p><p>The Wings are heavily expected to make the electric guard the No. 1 pick, becoming the next face of the franchise after Satou Sabally's departure to the Phoenix Mercury in the offseason. Bueckers' elite scoring and playmaking abilities will have Dallas fans excited for the present and future. </p><p><strong>Dominique Malonga, Center (Lyon ASVEL 🇫🇷)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779349/cropped_GettyImages-2163794676.jpg?ts=1744052136" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779349/w220xh124_GettyImages-2163794676.jpg?ts=1744052136 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779349/w320xh180_GettyImages-2163794676.jpg?ts=1744052136 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779349/w640xh360_GettyImages-2163794676.jpg?ts=1744052136 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779349/w768xh432_GettyImages-2163794676.jpg?ts=1744052136 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779349/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2163794676.jpg?ts=1744052136 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">ANTONIN THUILLIER / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Malonga has seen her name rise up draft boards leading up to the event while players such as Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, and Flau’jae Johnson have decided to stay in college for another season. The 6-foot-6 center has been shrouded in mystery as she's played for two French sides - Tony Parker's club Lyon ASVEL and the women's national team.</p><p>Drawing <a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-female-wemby-dominique-malonga-reveals-4x-nba-champ-making-offer-could-not-refuse">comparisons</a> to Victor Wembanyama by Parker, Malonga averaged 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.6 combined blocks and steals for Lyon this season - showcasing versatility as an inside scorer who could extend her range beyond the 3-point arc in the future. At just 19, she has a chance to develop into a premier interior option for the right team.</p><p><strong>Kiki Iriafen, Forward (USC)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779346/cropped_GettyImages-2207555824.jpg?ts=1744051864" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779346/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207555824.jpg?ts=1744051864 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779346/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207555824.jpg?ts=1744051864 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779346/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207555824.jpg?ts=1744051864 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779346/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207555824.jpg?ts=1744051864 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779346/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207555824.jpg?ts=1744051864 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>After three seasons at Stanford, Iriafen averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds in her senior campaign with USC - propelling the Trojans to a 31-4 record and their first Big Ten regular season title. Iriafen stepped up in March Madness after JuJu Watkins tore her ACL, scoring 36 points and grabbing nine rebounds against Mississippi State. Kansas State and UConn made it harder for her to score later in the tourney, limiting her to 6-of-28 field-goal shooting.</p><p>Despite the disappointing finish, Iriafen still has outstanding touch in the paint and can create second-chance opportunities at will. Depending on how the draft shakes out, the 22-year-old could remain in California and be the first selection in Valkyries' history.</p>

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 31: Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies runs up court in a game against the USC Trojans during the Elite Eight round of the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held at Spokane Arena on March 31, 2025 in Spokane, Washington.

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Everything you need to know about 2025 WNBA Draft

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher recorded the most points in a single game by a rookie th...

<p>Atlanta Hawks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121714" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121714">Zaccharie Risacher</a> recorded the most points in a single game by a rookie this season, scoring 38 in a 133-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.</p><p>The No. 1 pick tallied 23 points in the first half. He shot 15-of-20 from the field and went 6-of-11 from three while adding four rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 35 minutes.</p><p>"I'm just happy to be someone that can make his mark in this league," Risacher said, according to <a href="https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/zaccharie-risacher-drops-another-career-night-to-lift-hawks-past-nets/Y44V7NEPGNACHNBGT4TCSJ4ZYY/">Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>. "And I just feel like I'm grateful, and all this happened because I’m working really hard every day, but also because I couldn't make - I couldn't score 38 without my teammates."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a> scored 24 points in the victory, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44950" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44950">Terance Mann</a> added 14 off the bench.</p><p>Risacher has five 30-plus-point outings this season. He scored a previous career-high of 36 points in a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on March 30.</p><p>Only three other rookies have scored 30 points in two contests: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121679" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121679">Dalton Knecht</a> of the Los Angeles Lakers, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121672" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121672">Jared McCain</a> of the Philadelphia 76ers, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a> of the San Antonio Spurs.</p><p>Since the beginning of March, Risacher has averaged 14.8 points and 3.5 rebounds. He's shooting 51% from the field and 38% from three, knocking down just over two per game in that time frame.</p><p>The Hawks improved to 38-42 with the victory. Atlanta closes out the season with contests against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday and Orlando Magic on Sunday.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after making a three pointer during the second quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 10, 2025 in New York City.

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Hawks' Risacher drops 38 vs. Nets, most points by rookie this season

Notre Dame star Olivia Miles is transferring to TCU, she announced Tuesday on the NBA on TNT.  Mi...

<p>Notre Dame star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97805" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97805">Olivia Miles</a> is transferring to TCU, she <a href="https://x.com/NBAonTNT/status/1909750091256156261">announced</a> Tuesday on the NBA on TNT.</p><p>Miles spent the last four seasons with Notre Dame. She averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals this past campaign to earn an All-American second-team nod.</p><p>No. 3 Notre Dame recently fell to TCU in the Sweet 16, marking the fourth straight year the program's season ended in that round.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>TCU went on to lose in the Elite Eight, capping off its most successful campaign after adding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91688" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/91688">Hailey Van Lith</a> from the transfer portal last offseason. Van Lith is expected to be drafted into the WNBA later in April.</p><p>The Horned Frogs finished first in the Big 12 with a 34-3 record in coach Mark Campbell's second season.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Olivia Miles (5) dribbles up the court during the women's college basketball game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the USC Trojans on November 23, 2024 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA.

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Olivia Miles transfers to TCU

Texas freshman guard Tre Johnson is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, he announced on ESPN.  John...

<p>Texas freshman guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/163396" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/163396">Tre Johnson</a> is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, he <a href="https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1909697133709578338">announced</a> on ESPN.</p><p>Johnson averaged 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game for the Longhorns and was named SEC Freshman of the Year, as well as All-SEC second-team. </p><p>The 6-foot-6 guard is projected to be a lottery selection in June. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This season was a roller-coaster ride," Johnson said, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44586662/texas-tre-johnson-projected-top-5-pick-enters-nba-draft">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>. "But it was a great experience, wins and losses aside. Going up against the best teams in the country. Playing at Texas was the best experience I've ever had, being with a great group of guys and a great coaching staff."</p><p>Texas lost in the First Four to Xavier. After the Longhorns fired Rodney Terry on March 23, they quickly hired Musketeers coach Sean Miller as his replacement.</p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 12: Tre Johnson #20 of the Texas Longhorns shoots the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament - First Round at Bridgestone Arena on March 12, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Texas freshman Johnson declares for NBA draft

Florida State guard and Divison I scoring leader Ta'Niya Latson announced her commitment to South...

<p>Florida State guard and Divison I scoring leader <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/104904" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/104904">Ta'Niya Latson</a> <a 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her commitment to South Carolina on Tuesday.</p><p>Latson averaged 25.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.2 steals for Florida State this campaign. She's averaged more than 20 points in all three of her collegiate seasons.</p><p>The Seminoles lost to LSU in the second round of March Madness.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Latson will <a href="https://x.com/HollywoodRaven/status/1909662462900945219">reunite</a> with high school teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97161" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97161">Raven Johnson</a>. Johnson said she and Latson played AAU ball with South Carolina teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/111389" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/111389">MiLaysia Fulwiley</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/104313" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/104313">Ashlyn Watkins</a>, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44589862/taniya-latson-join-south-carolina-transfer-portal">ESPN's Andrea Adelson</a>.</p><p>South Carolina lacked a lead scorer this season, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/163076" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/163076">Joyce Edwards</a> topped the team with 12.7 points per game. But with a balanced attack, the Gamecocks reached the Finals before losing to UConn on Saturday.</p>

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - JANUARY 30: Florida State Seminoles guard Ta'Niya Latson (00) looks on before a women's college basketball game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Boston College Eagles on January 30, 2025, at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, MA.

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D-I leading scorer Latson transfers to South Carolina

The Denver Nuggets announced Tuesday that they fired head coach Michael Malone and won't be exten...

<p>The Denver Nuggets announced Tuesday that they fired head coach Michael Malone and won't be extending general manager Calvin Booth's contract after the season.</p><p>Assistant coach David Adelman will take over the Nuggets' bench on an interim basis.</p><p>The franchise was expected to move on from either Malone or Booth after this season due to a "cold war" between the two, <a href="https://x.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1909680026720899235">sources told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This decision (to relieve Malone) was not made lightly and was evaluated very carefully, and we do it only with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA championship and delivering another title to Denver and our fans everywhere," Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment said in a statement.</p><p>Malone guided the Nuggets to their only championship title in 2023 and is the franchise's winningest coach, collecting 471 victories since taking the helm in 2015.</p><p>"While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, as Coach Malone helped build the foundation of our now championship level program, it is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now," Kroenke added. "Championship-level standards and expectations remain in place for the current season, and as we look to the future, we look forward to building on the foundations laid by Coach Malone over his record-breaking 10-year career in Denver."</p><p>Malone's dismissal is tied for the latest coaching change in a season in NBA history, matching Hubie Brown's departure from the Atlanta Hawks in 1980-81, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1909664499138769016">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The Memphis Grizzlies also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3252646" href="https://thescore.com/news/3252646">parted ways</a> with head coach Taylor Jenkins late this season, firing him at the end of March.</p><p>Malone previously served as head coach of the Sacramento Kings. He was fired 24 games into the 2014-15 season, paving the way for him to join Denver the following offseason.</p><p>The Nuggets promoted Booth to general manager in 2020 after he joined the club as an assistant GM in 2017.</p><p>"We are grateful to Calvin for his eight years with the Nuggets and know his place in Nuggets history as our first championship-winning GM will be honored for years to come," Kroenke said.</p><p>Denver ranks fourth in the Western Conference with a 47-32 record. The Nuggets are on a four-game losing streak and are only half a game out of the play-in tournament. The team has three contests remaining against the Grizzlies, Kings, and Houston Rockets.</p>

DENVER, CO - APRIL 6: Head Coach Michael Malone claps on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena on April 6, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Nuggets fire coach Malone, won't retain GM Booth

Michigan State freshman guard Jase Richardson is entering the NBA draft, he told ESPN's Jonathan ...

<p>Michigan State freshman guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/163573" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/163573">Jase Richardson</a> is entering the NBA draft, he told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44587989/michigan-state-freshman-jase-richardson-enter-2025-nba-draft">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>.</p><p>Richardson, a projected lottery pick, averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in his lone season with Michigan State, shooting 41% from three. He earned Big Ten All-Freshman team and third-team all-conference honors.</p><p>"I'm incredibly grateful to my teammates and coaches for the season we had," Richardson said. "After evaluating everything with my family, this was the best decision for me. We had so many incredible moments as a team. Even though we didn't go as far as I had hoped in the NCAA tournament, this is exactly how I wanted my freshman year to go."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Michigan State won the Big Ten regular-season championship with a 17-3 conference record this past campaign. The Spartans reached the Elite Eight of March Madness for the first time since 2019.</p><p>Richardson is the son of 14-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson, a former second-team All-American at Michigan State who won a national title with the Spartans in 2000.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 28: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks with Jase Richardson #11 during the Sweet Sixteen round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at State Farm Arena on March 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Michigan State's Richardson declaring for NBA draft

Arizona State forward Jayden Quaintance has committed to Kentucky, his father told ESPN's Jonatha...

<p>Arizona State forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121786" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121786">Jayden Quaintance</a> has committed to Kentucky, his father told <a href="https://www.espn.com/espngamer/ncb/story/_/id/44586018/ex-arizona-state-star-jayden-quaintance-re-commits-kentucky">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>. </p><p>Quaintance, the No. 17 prospect in the 2024 ESPN 100, originally committed to Kentucky last year but re-opened his recruitment after Wildcats head coach John Calipari joined Arkansas. </p><p>"We always liked Kentucky," Haminn Quaintance said. "He was committed there before John Calipari left for Arkansas, which is the reason we ended up at Arizona State. We were always hoping they'd come back around and recruit him. It didn't make sense for Coach Pope last time, trying to take on one of Cal's guys, but this time it really felt like he wanted him to be there."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Quaintance favored Kentucky over multiple other schools, including Auburn and Kansas.</p><p>In his freshman season, he averaged 9.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks for Arizona State. The 6-foot-9 forward was selected to the Big 12 All-Freshman and All-Defensive teams. </p><p>Quaintance was the youngest player in college basketball last season, as the 17-year-old graduated high school early. He tore his ACL during a game in February and is expected to be ready for the start of next season.</p><p>Quaintance is projected to be a top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. </p><p>The Wildcats went 24-12 in Mark Pope's first season as head coach. They lost to Tennessee in the Sweet 16.</p>

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Jayden Quaintance (21) makes a move on Arizona Wildcats forward Henri Veesaar (13) during the college basketball game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona State Sun Devils on February 1, 2025 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona.

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Arizona State forward Quaintance commits to Kentucky

North Carolina guard and former five-star prospect Ian Jackson entered the transfer portal, sourc...

<p>North Carolina guard and former five-star prospect Ian Jackson entered the transfer portal, sources told <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/1909331186578551133">ESPN's Jeff Borzello</a>.</p><p>Jackson was the Tar Heels' premier prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, ranking seventh on the ESPN 100. The 6-foot-4 guard also received offers from Bryant, Kansas State, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall, St. John's, and UConn.</p><p>Jackson finished second on North Carolina in scoring with 11.9 points per game while adding 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and a steal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Tar Heels ended the season with a 23-14 record, ranking fourth in the ACC. They lost in the first round to No. 6 Ole Miss.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 21: Ian Jackson #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles the ball against the Ole Miss Rebels 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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Report: North Carolina's Jackson enters transfer portal

The Portland Trail Blazers signed general manager Joe Cronin to a multi-year contract extension, ...

<p>The Portland Trail Blazers signed general manager Joe Cronin to a multi-year contract extension, the franchise announced Monday.</p><p>The Blazers have won 14 more games this season than last and still have three regular-season contests left in 2024-25. The club sits 12th in the Western Conference with a 35-44 record but is 22-16 since Jan. 19.</p><p>"Joe has demonstrated leadership and vision during his time as general manager, and I'm excited to see him continue building the foundation for a long-term, winning team," Blazers chairperson Jody Allen said in a statement. "We are all thrilled with the team's forward momentum and excited for the future of Trail Blazers basketball."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Portland has also built a steady rotation this campaign, with seven players averaging more than 10 points per game.</p><p>The Blazers initially promoted Cronin to interim general manager in 2021 before signing him to a four-year deal to become the full-time GM in 2022. Cronin started as an intern and worked his way up through the organization.</p>

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 19: General manager Joe Cronin of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Moda Center on December 19, 2024 in Portland, Oregon.

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Blazers extend general manager Cronin

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Donald Higney

Basketball News Editor

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