Category: Sports

Lillard managed to amass 50 points before the third quarter even ended in the Portland Trail Blazers’ 134-124 win over the Utah Jazz. Lillard’s performance featured nine 3-pointers, which catapulted him over Vince Carter into the sixth spot for most 3-pointers made all time. Lillard also now owns the five highest-scoring performance in Trail Blazers history.

---

Jayson Tatum, 51 points, Jan. 16, 2023

Tatum garnered his latest roar of MVP chants from the Boston Celtics crowd on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with his 51-point performance, which was capped off with 17 points in the fourth quarter of a 130-118 win against the Charlotte Hornets. It was the fifth 50-point performance of Tatum’s career, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

---

Damian Lillard, 50 points, Jan. 12, 2023

Lillard did everything he could with the 50 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it wasn’t enough to get his team a win as the Portland Trail Blazers fell to Cleveland 119-113. For Lillard, it was the third time in his career that he scored 50 points or more in a loss, the last occurrence being his 51-point performance in a 129-121 overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019.

---

Giannis Antetokounmpo, 55 points, Jan. 03, 2023

Antetokounmpo set his new career high with his 55-point performance in the Milwaukee Bucks‘ 123-113 win over the Washington Wizards. It wasn’t a one dimensional performance for the former MVP either, as he also added 10 rebounds and seven assists. For Antetokounmpo, it was his third straight game with at least 40 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

---

Thompson was the hero in the Golden State Warriors‘ dramatic 143-141 double-overtime win against the Atlanta Hawks with 54 points, which helped Golden State offset the absence of Stephen Curry at the time. It was an emotional moment for Thompson, as it was the most points he had put up since his return from his long injury absence that started with a torn ACL in the 2019 Finals and an Achilles injury just prior to the start of the 2020-21 season.

---

Mitchell turned the NBA season on its head with a historic 71-point performance in the Cleveland Cavaliers 145-134 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls. The scintillating performance set the Cavaliers’ franchise record for most points in a single game and was the most points scored in any NBA game since Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. Mitchell became just the seventh player in NBA history to ever cross that mark, joining Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, David Robinson and Devin Booker.

---

Luka Doncic, 51 points, Dec. 31, 2022

Doncic’s third 50-point performance helped the Dallas Mavericks earn their sixth straight win in a 126-125 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on New Year’s Eve. Doncic closed out the game with two rebounds and two free-throws in the final 4.5 seconds to secure a clutch win over a Spurs team that was looking to break the Mavericks’ hot streak.

---

Luka Doncic, 60 points, Dec. 27, 2022

Doncic made NBA history when he scored 60 points in a come-from-behind 126-121 overtime win over the New York Knicks. His career-best 60 points was actually only one piece of the puzzle, as he also grabbed 21 rebounds and dished out 10 assists to become the first player in NBA history to record 60 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in a game.

---

Luka Doncic, 50 points, Dec. 23, 2022

Doncic kicked off his scorching hot holiday week with a 50-point performance to help lead the Mavericks past the Houston Rockets in a 112-106 victory. His 50 points was a season-best at the time, and he paired it with 10 assists and 8 rebounds, falling just two rebounds shy of another triple-double. “Sometimes you know you’re going to make more shots than usual,” Doncic told reporters after the game. “When you feel hot, you feel like everything will go in.”

---

Siakam had 34 points total in the second and third quarters, including Toronto’s final 17 points over a seven-minute span in the third in a 113-106 win over the New York Knicks. New York limited Siakam to one field goal in the fourth quarter and held him to nine points in the period. Siakam’s 52 points — tied for the second most in a game in Raptors history — was the most by an opposing player at Madison Square Garden since James Harden had 61 in 2019.

---

Devin Booker, 58 points, Dec. 17, 2022

Booker scored 25 consecutive points for the Suns starting from the 3:30 mark of the third quarter to the 7:43 mark of the fourth quarter in a 118-114 comeback victory against the New Orleans Pelicans. “The only person that could’ve stopped him tonight was me by taking him out the game,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. Booker’s 58 points were the third most in his career, and his most ever in a victory. It was the fifth 50-point game of Booker’s career, and at 26 years, 48 days old, he became the youngest player to record five 50-point games in his career since Kobe Bryant, who had his fifth at 24 years, 217 days.

---

Joel Embiid, 53 points, Dec. 11, 2022

Embiid was serenaded with MVP chants during the 131-113 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Embiid became the third player in Sixers history to have multiple 50-point games in the same season, joining Allen Iverson (2000-01 and 2004-05) and Wilt Chamberlain (1965-66 and 1967-68). It is also the 30th game in Embiid’s career with 40 points and 10 rebounds. The only other player in franchise history to accomplish that feat was Chamberlain. “The ball just found me,” Embiid said. “I thought we moved the ball well all night and the ball just found me.”

---

Anthony Davis, 55 points, Dec. 4, 2022

Davis’ performance in a 130-119 win against the Washington Wizards was one of the finest of the 11-year veteran’s career. It was the second-most points he has ever scored, and the most he has had in a Lakers uniform as he joined Shaquille O’Neal as the only Lakers with back-to-back games with 40-plus points and 10-plus rebounds. It had been three decades since any player in the NBA put up a stat line of 50 or more points, 15 or more rebounds and three or more blocks while connecting on at least 70% of his shot attempts, as Davis (73% from the field) mirrored Patrick Ewing’s 50 points on 71% shooting, 15 rebounds and three blocks that the New York Knicks star put up back on Dec. 1, 1990.

---

Devin Booker, 51 points, Nov. 30, 2022

Booker scored a season-high 51 points in just three quarters in a 132-113 win against the Chicago Bulls. Booker scored 25 points in the first half and had 26 more in a sublime third quarter that included 10 of 11 shooting. After a contested 3-pointer splashed through the net, “MVP! MVP!” chants broke out across Footprint Center, and the 26-year-old is certainly making an early season case. “It felt like a double-sized rim out there,” Booker said. “If I rise up, it’s going in.”

---

Stephen Curry, 50 points, Nov. 16, 2022

Curry’s 50-point night wasn’t enough for the struggling Golden State Warriors to beat the Suns. All five Suns starters scored in double figures in the 130-119 win. The eight-time All-Star made 17 of 28 shots, going 7 of 11 from 3-point range. Curry was at his best in the first half, making 10 of 13 shots from the field, including 4 of 5 3-pointers. The two-time MVP came into the game averaging about 31 points per game and hit that mark with a free throw near the end of the second quarter.

---

Garland poured in a career-high 51 points — 27 of them in the fourth quarter — and made a career-best 10 3-pointers in a 129-124 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Cleveland played without injured All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen. Garland’s point total was briefly the highest in the NBA this season, but roughly one hour later, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid scored 59 in a win over Utah.

---

Joel Embiid, 59 points, Nov. 13, 2022

After scoring 41 points against the Atlanta Hawks the night before, the 76ers big man scored his career high against the Utah Jazz along with 11 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 blocks in lieu of a 105-98 victory. Embiid virtually carried Philadelphia to the win by scoring 26 of the team’s 27 points in the fourth quarter, along with registering five of his seven blocked shots in the final period. He became the first player to outscore both teams by himself in a fourth quarter (26-21) since Tracy McGrady in 2006. Coach Doc Rivers declared, “I’ve never seen a more dominating performance, when you combine offense and defense.”

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Facebook Messenger
• Pinterest
• Email

The U.S. men’s national team is in action in a friendly against Serbia in Los Angeles, in its first match since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar ended.

Kickoff is at 10 p.m. ET, so join us for live updates, reaction and analysis from the match.

1. QB Devin Leary — Kentucky

2. WR Dominic Lovett — Georgia 

3. WR Dont’e Thornton — Tennessee 

4. CB Tony Grimes — Texas A&M 

5. CB Denver Harris — LSU 

6. QB Graham Mertz — Florida 

7. LB Monty Montgomery — Ole Miss 

8. DL Justin Rogers — Auburn 

9. WR Aaron Anderson — LSU 

10. TE C.J. Dippre — Alabama 

Jan. 16 vs. Houston Rockets: 48 points

The NFL could see its first blockbuster coaching trade since 2002 this offseason.

Coaching trades are rare in the NFL because they involves sending draft picks in exchange for the rights to the coach’s contract, but the market for former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton might change that. A coaching trade has not involved a first-round pick since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers acquired Jon Gruden from the Raiders in 2002 for two picks in the first round and two in the second.

Payton stepped down from his coaching position in 2022 after 15 seasons with New Orleans, where he compiled a 152-89 record and won Super Bowl XLIV.

But even though Payton — who is working as an analyst for Fox — isn’t currently coaching, the Saints hold his rights for the next two seasons, meaning any franchise that wants him to be its next coach would have to compensate his former team.

So far, of the five teams with open coaching positions, the Saints granted permission to the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers to speak with Payton to see if there’s any interest to take the next steps and begin to negotiate. The Indianapolis Colts don’t appear to be in the chase for Payton, having not sought permission from the Saints to interview him.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has been coy about what it would take to get Payton, as every team involved has different assets available, but other factors could be involved as well. The asking price for a division rival such as the Panthers would likely be higher than for an AFC team the Saints rarely face.

Payton could also choose to stay out of coaching or not be hired in the 2023 cycle, which would probably drop the asking price significantly next year.

Here are the teams that have expressed interest in Payton, the assets they have available and how they might persuade him to join their franchise in 2023:

Arizona Cardinals

What’s the pitch from the GM to Payton?

There are three pitches general manager Monti Ossenfort can throw at Payton:

1. It’s an hour flight to Los Angeles, where Payton currently resides.

2. It’s a dry heat. No more coaching in the humidity.

3. The Cardinals have an offensive roster that’s built to win — and win now.

Arizona has the skill players needed to not just make the playoffs but make some noise in the postseason once it’s there, starting with quarterback Kyler Murray. Of the teams vying for Payton, Arizona is the only one with an established young quarterback. From there, the Cardinals can boast about wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins (for now), Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore; tight ends Zach Ertz and Trey McBride; and running back James Conner. With a rebuilt line, that’s an offense that can win 10 to 12 games with the right coach.

What draft capital does your team have to offer?

The Cardinals have the No. 3 overall pick this year, but that’s unlikely to be moved for a coach. However, it’s not unreasonable to think Arizona could, or would, trade its second- or third-round picks. It also has a fourth-rounder and a sixth-rounder this year. What could help the Cardinals is that they still have all of their prime picks for the following two years. — Josh Weinfuss

Carolina Panthers

What’s the pitch from the GM to Payton?

You will be among the three highest-paid coaches in the NFL and have complete control over all roster decisions.

You’re only a quarterback and few midrange players from being a viable playoff team in an NFC South, where quarterback play is an issue across the board and the winner of the division went to the playoffs with a losing record this season. You’ll have a chance to fill the quarterback spot through trade or free agency. You’ll also have 2022 third-round pick Matt Corral to groom at the position.

You’ll have the nucleus for a top-10 defense with a young, talented roster led by Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns. The salary cap won’t be an issue because most of your key players, including all but one on the offensive line, are signed for 2023. Also, the weather is nice.

What draft capital does your team have to offer?

Ideally, the Panthers don’t want to give up the No. 9 overall pick, but it’s there. Team owner David Tepper’s only real justification for not hiring defensive-minded interim coach Steve Wilks would be the desire to win after five straight losing seasons since paying at the time an NFL-record $2.275 billion for the franchise. The Panthers also have two second-round picks this year and two fourth-round picks. — David Newton

Denver Broncos

What’s the pitch from the GM to Payton?

Start with three Super Bowl trophies, fan support with a current home-game sellout streak that dates back to 1970 and the richest ownership group in the NFL, with the funds to do whatever it wants, including making a coach one of the highest-paid in the NFL.

The Broncos finished the season with 22 players on injured reserve, but the roster includes plenty of youth as well as star power in quarterback Russell Wilson, conerback Pat Surtain II, safety Justin Simmons, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, left tackle Garett Bolles and running back Javonte Williams.

Fixing Wilson’s play, or at least getting it far closer to the final two games of the season, when he had six touchdowns under interim coach Jerry Rosburg, is at the top of the to-do list.

What draft capital does your team have to offer?

Here is the rub (and it’s a big one) for the Broncos. In the wake of last year’s trade to acquire Wilson, Denver has the least to offer in terms of draft picks. It might have to offer so much (of what’s left) in a trade for Payton that it would essentially be left with minimal picks — making his job much more difficult.

The Broncos traded five draft picks (including two first-rounders and two second-rounders) to acquire Wilson last March and now have the first-rounder they acquired from the Miami Dolphins for Bradley Chubb. However, that pick comes via the San Francisco 49ers — so it now will be the 28th, 30th or 31st pick depending on how the Niners fare in their the Super Bowl run.

The Broncos don’t have a second- or seventh-rounder in April, but they have two third-round picks as part of their six total. They also have six picks (no sixth-rounder) in 2024. — Jeff Legwold

Houston Texans

What’s the pitch from the GM to Payton?

The Texans’ roster needs work, but it’s not devoid of talent.

There are promising young playmakers on both sides of the ball in safety Jalen Pitre, ,cornerback Derek Stingley and running back Dameon Pierce. Pierce finished with 1,104 scrimmage yards in 13 games and Pitre had 147 tackles and five interceptions.

Offensive tackle is one of the most valuable positions in the NFL and the Texans are set there with Tytus Howard and Laremy Tunsil. The duo combined to allow fewer than three sacks this season. The team’s cap space situation is one of the best in the NFL, so Houston can be aggressive in free agency.

What draft capital does your team have to offer?

Among their 11 picks in 2023, the Texans have Nos. 2 and 12 overall. The Texans also hold the No. 33 overall pick and two third-rounders. They have nine picks in 2024, including two in both the first and fourth rounds. — D.J. Bien-Aime

ESPN New Orleans Saints reporter Katherine Terrell contributed to this report.

CINCINNATI — Two of the Bengals‘ top offensive linemen did not practice Wednesday as their status for the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs remains uncertain.

Right guard Alex Cappa and left tackle Jonah Williams continue to deal with lingering injuries; Cappa is recovering from a left ankle injury, while Williams has a dislocated kneecap.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor said both players are day-to-day and making progress.

“You know, every day that passes makes it probably a little more difficult, but we’ll see,” Taylor said Wednesday.

The Bengals used three reserves in Cincinnati’s divisional playoff win over the Buffalo Bills. Jackson Carman replaced Williams, while Max Scharping took over for Cappa. Hakeem Adeniji has been at right tackle since Week 17, after La’el Collins went on injured reserve with a torn ACL.

The unit received ample praise following the 27-10 win against Buffalo. Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked just once in the victory.

“It was just one of their best games of the year, rushing, pass-blocking,” Burrow said after the game. “It might be our most complete game of the season as a team.”

Williams and Cappa were both spotted in the team’s locker room after practice. Cappa was observed without a protective boot on his left ankle for the first time since the injury occurred.

Cincinnati center Ted Karras said the team will need to replicate the practice it had on Wednesday amid wintry conditions inside Paycor Stadium.

“I thought we had high energy, good practice, good execution,” Karras said. “We’re going to need another two of them before we head out to Arrowhead.”

Karras represented some good news for the Bengals’ offensive line. After suffering a knee injury in the win against the Bills, Karras was a full participant at Wednesday’s practice.

Whoever plays for Cincinnati will have to contend with Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones, an Associated Press All-Pro selection who tied his career high with 15.5 sacks in 2022. Taylor said even though the Bengals have played Kansas City four times in the past 13 months, preparing for Jones doesn’t get any easier.

“You can tell how smart of a player he is,” Taylor said. “I’ve never met him, but you can just tell his style of play. He’s a very intelligent player. He’s a real challenge to go against.”

Jalen Hurts, Justin Jefferson and Patrick Mahomes are finalists for The Associated Press 2022 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also are finalists for MVP.

Hurts had 3,701 passing yards, 760 rushing yards and 35 combined touchdowns while leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 14-3 record in the regular season and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Eagles are in the NFC Championship Game for the second time in six seasons.

Jefferson led the NFL with 128 catches and 1,809 receiving yards in his third season with the Minnesota Vikings. He was one of two unanimous choices for AP All-Pro along with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Mahomes, the 2018 NFL MVP, helped Kansas City go 14-3 to earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Chiefs are in the AFC title game for the fifth straight season and will host the Bengals on Sunday. Mahomes led the NFL with 5,250 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. He received 49 of 50 votes for AP first-team All-Pro.

San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons are the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year. Bosa led the NFL with 18½ sacks, Jones had 15½ and Parsons got 14½.

Brian Daboll, Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan are the finalists for Coach of the Year. Daboll led the New York Giants to a 9-7-1 record in his first season as coach. Pederson guided the Jacksonville Jaguars to a 9-8 record and an AFC South title in his first year with the team. Shanahan led the 49ers to a 13-4 mark, going 5-0 down the stretch with third-string rookie quarterback Brock Purdy.

Purdy, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III and New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson are the finalists for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Purdy, the final player selected in the 2022 draft, began the season as the third-string quarterback and stepped in after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. He led San Francisco to a 5-0 record to finish the regular season, two playoff wins and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game at Philadelphia.

Walker led all rookies with 1,050 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Wilson led all rookies with 83 catches and 1,103 receiving yards.

Jets cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen are the finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Giants running back Saquon Barkley, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith are the finalists for Comeback Player of the Year.

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen are the finalists for Assistant Coach of the Year.

The winners will be announced at NFL Honors on Feb. 9. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league completed voting before the start of the playoffs.

This was the first year for the AP’s new voting system. Voters chose a top five for MVP and top three for all other awards. For MVP, first place was worth 10 points. Second- through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.

For all the other awards, first-place votes equaled 5 points, second were 3, and third were 1.

PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0ncmEtY29udGFpbmVyIGRpc3Ryb19hZCc+CjxkaXYgY2xh
c3M9J3ZpZGVvLWFkLXdyYXBwZXInPgo8c2NyaXB0IGFzeW5jIHNyYz0nLy9j
LmpzcmRuLmNvbS9zL2NzLmpzP3A9MjI1NDYnIHR5cGU9J3RleHQvamF2YXNj
cmlwdCc+PC9zY3JpcHQ+CjxkaXYgY2xhc3M9J3ZpZGVvLWNvbnRhaW5lcicg
aWQ9J2RzX2RlZmF1bHRfYW5jaG9yJz48L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+CjwvZGl2PgoK

{{ timeAgo(‘2023-01-25 17:38:48 -0600’) }}
football
Edit

Adam Gorney
•
Rivals.com

National Recruiting Director

For Ted Hammond and Michigan, everything just fit.The 2024 four-star defensive end from Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier committed to the Wolverines over nearly 20 other offers and the reasons were pre…

You must be a member to read the full article. Subscribe now for instant access to all premium content.

• 
  

  Members-only forums

• 
  

  Predict prospect commits with FanFutureCast

• 
  

  Exclusive highlights and interviews

• 
  

  Exclusive coverage of Rivals Camp Series

• 
  

  Breaking recruiting news

PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0ncmEtY29udGFpbmVyIGRpc3Ryb19hZCc+CjxkaXYgY2xh
c3M9J3ZpZGVvLWFkLXdyYXBwZXInPgo8c2NyaXB0IGFzeW5jIHNyYz0nLy9j
LmpzcmRuLmNvbS9zL2NzLmpzP3A9MjI1NDYnIHR5cGU9J3RleHQvamF2YXNj
cmlwdCc+PC9zY3JpcHQ+CjxkaXYgY2xhc3M9J3ZpZGVvLWNvbnRhaW5lcicg
aWQ9J2RzX2RlZmF1bHRfYW5jaG9yJz48L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+CjwvZGl2PgoK

{{ timeAgo(‘2023-01-25 17:14:40 -0600’) }}
football
Edit

Ryan Wright
•
Rivals.com

National Recruiting Analyst

You must be a member to read the full article. Subscribe now for instant access to all premium content.

• 
  

  Members-only forums

• 
  

  Predict prospect commits with FanFutureCast

• 
  

  Exclusive highlights and interviews

• 
  

  Exclusive coverage of Rivals Camp Series

• 
  

  Breaking recruiting news

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Facebook Messenger
• Pinterest
• Email

With the January transfer window now open around Europe there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

All the top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Arsenal are considering a £75m move for Moises Caicedo and could once again go head-to-head with Chelsea in the transfer market as the race intensifies for the Brighton midfielder.

Newcastle United will end their interest in Anthony Gordon and leave the winger trapped at Everton if their Premier League rivals do not lower their £60m asking price.

Everton are looking at the former Stoke City and West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic as a possible emergency January signing as they face up to the battle to stay in the Premier League.

Chelsea are prepared to compete with Liverpool for Wolves’ Matheus Nunes when they step up their pursuit of midfielders in the summer.

THE SUN

Chelsea would prefer to offload unsettled Hakim Ziyech to Roma rather than a rival Premier League club.

AC Milan are among several clubs monitoring Joao Cancelo’s situation at Manchester City.

Newcastle have reportedly launched a third bid for Flamengo wonderkid Matheus Franca.

AC Milan are preparing a loan move for out of favour Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin, according to reports.

DAILY MAIL

Aston Villa are considering whether to submit a formal bid for Luiz Henrique after enquiring about the Real Betis attacker.

Everton are not giving up on their plan to appoint Marcelo Bielsa as their new manager but face the prospect of paying at least £11m a year to land their No 1 target.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is interesting Brighton but any deal could hinge on whether Liverpool are prepared to let the midfielder leave for nothing this month.

Eight illegal gamblers, including two from England, have been kicked out of Twenty20 matches in South Africa during the first two weeks of the SA20 competition amidst concerns over corruption.

THE ATHLETIC

Sporting Lisbon have enquired about the possibility of signing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey on loan.

THE TIMES

Chelsea have stepped up their interest in the Everton midfielder Amadou Onana as a possible alternative to Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo.

Steph Houghton has emerged as the leading candidate to become the first chairwoman in the PFA’s 116-year history.

DAILY MIRROR

Sean Dyche has re-emerged as the favourite to take over at Goodison Park as doubts over Marcelo Bielsa’s enthusiasm for the job increased.

Juventus’ off-field problems are stacking up after fresh claims in Italy that more than 20 players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, were paid €90m (£79.5m) in deferred wages off book.

THE INDEPENDENT

Brighton and Hove Albion have had an offer rejected for RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara.

DAILY STAR

One bookmaker has already paid out on Arsenal to win the Premier League – with one supporter taking home a cool £14,000.

Barcelona are reportedly in talks to sign Marco Asensio from bitter rivals Real Madrid.

DAILY RECORD

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has reportedly been “offered” to Inter Milan as the striker’s agent Alejandro Camano looks to seal a pre-contract agreement.

THE SCOTTISH SUN

Galatasaray are plotting a shock move for Rangers comeback star Ianis Hagi and the president of his famous father Gheorghe Hagi’s club in Romania hopes they will complete a deal this month.

Kevin Nisbet could beat Ryan Porteous out of the exit door at Hibs.

LSU

*****

FLORIDA 

*****

ALABAMA 

*****

AUBURN

*****

GEORGIA 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — If there was ever a doubt about his availability for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, Patrick Mahomes put an end to it.

“AFC championship week,” the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback said about Sunday’s conference title game against the Cincinnati Bengals. “Ready to go.”

Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in the first quarter of Saturday’s 27-20 divisional round playoff victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He returned to the game in the second half.

Coach Andy Reid said he expected Mahomes to be a full practice participant Wednesday. Mahomes said the ankle has progressed since the game against the Jaguars.

“It’s doing good,” he said. “I’ve done a few days of treatment, a few days of rehab. Excited to get on the practice field and kind of test it out and see where I’m at. But it’s feeling good so far.

“I felt better than I thought I was going to be after the game. Moving on it during the game definitely hurt. But after the game, I was able to rest it and kind of ice it up and do different stuff like that. I felt in a little bit better position and obviously the next morning felt a little bit better, and then I’ve continued to get better throughout the week, so we’ll see how I feel today at practice.”

Mahomes’ style of play changed after he returned to the game against the Jaguars. He led the league in passes from outside the pocket in the regular season but made no such throws in the second half.

It was only his second half this season in which he made no throws outside the pocket. Mahomes said he anticipated he would have to work around the injury against the Bengals.

“I’ll have to find ways to be able to push off and be able to still make the throws the right way,” he said. “I’ll push it a little bit today and then the next day and then the next day again and see what I can do then. Not reaggravate the injury, obviously, but push it to see what I’ll be able to do on Sunday.”

Twenty-four of the top 32 prospects in the espnW 100 have been named McDonald’s All Americans. Arizona, Notre Dame, LSU, South Carolina and UConn lead the way with each program having signed two of the McDonald’s All Americans in the 2023 class.

Let’s break down each player, their development, what makes them stand out from the rest of the players in the country, and what they will bring to their respective college programs:

Signed with: UConn | 2023 espnW 100 ranking: 6
Germantown HS (Wisconsin)

Arnold is an intense, physical and energetic point guard who sets the tone defensively with ball pressure. She excels in the open court with her speed and ability to push the ball and change pace, which creates instant offense and leads to paint touches and opportunities at the rim. Over her high school career, she improved her perimeter shooting, which has added a new dynamic to her game. She brings the hate-to-lose mentality that is requisite for the elite at the next level. Arnold is averaging 23.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game this season.

---

Signed with: Oregon | 2023 espnW 100 ranking: 26
Jesuit HS (Oregon)

Bell has a shooter’s mentality in that she is very confident when she lets the ball fly. She has proven to be clutch and has become more than a shooter over the last year as she expanded her game to attack in transition off the dribble and get to the rim more. Bell has great size (6-foot-1) and length at the guard position and is averaging 19.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.

---

Signed with: Texas | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 12
Germantown HS (Mississippi)

Booker is a matchup problem with her versatility and ability to knock down the 3-point shot both in catch-and-shoot situations and off the dribble either in transition or as she creates space for herself. She is one of the hybrid forwards that can be utilized to initiate and facilitate the offense. This opens the floor up and allows teammates better driving angles and less defensive help to confront. Her feel for the game, coupled with her passing and floor vision, make her fun to watch. We have seen her grow over time in her intensity and physicality on the boards. Booker is a two-time gold medalist with USA Basketball: U16 at FIBA Americas in 2021 and U17 at the FIBA World Cup in 2022, where she started all seven games.

---

Signed with: NC State | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 9
St. John Vianney HS (New Jersey)

Brooks is a gifted scorer who can flat out put the ball in the basket. Over the past 18 months, she has really gone to work on her conditioning and it brought her game to another level. She is a true three-level scorer. Defenses must be there on the close out, but containing Brooks is no easy feat as she attacks angles, changes speeds, and has the footwork and handle to counter. Her strength allows her to finish with contact at the rim and her touch provides an array of floaters and usage of the glass for buckets. Brooks sees the floor well and zips passes to teammates for open looks. Defensively, she has fantastic instincts and is good in passing lanes and in the press. Brooks is averaging 24 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season.

---

Signed with: Iowa State | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 31
Derby HS (Kansas)

Brown is a utility forward who can fill any hole on the floor. A physical rebounder who can stretch the floor to the 3, she is one of those players that is somewhat position-less. Defensively, Brown can guard from the perimeter to an inside post player, something she was tasked to do all summer with her club squad. The most outstanding quality of her game may be her passing — her teams can run the offense through her and she is often the best decision-maker on the floor. She will grab a rebound and ignite the break or throw a touchdown-like outlet pass to a teammate running the floor. Over the past year, she has gotten more aggressive offensively, and it has taken her game to a new level. She led her Team Lex squad this summer to the adidas 3SSB championship. Her sister, Kennedy, was a 2019 McDonald’s All American and plays for Duke. The Iowa State signee is averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists while shooting 55% from the field this season.

---

Signed with: Alabama | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 22
Valdosta HS (Georgia)

Cody is what many likely consider to be an old-school power forward. She is physical inside and battles on the boards as well as being a solid screener and rim-runner. What has really matured in her game over the last few months is her conditioning, motor and mobility. Skill-wise, she has added the 3-ball and quality decision making and defensive reads, which has added to her versatility. Alabama has a really good class coming in and Cody is the crown jewel. She averages 17 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game this season.

---

Signed with: Arizona | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 14
La Jolla Country Day (California)

In a time where we are seeing fewer true bigs who operate on the block, Cunningham still provides that domination down low. She carves out space on the block for post-ups and easy touches inside. She has great hands and an advantageous high release when she gets the ball inside. Cunningham, who’s 6-4, has a nice touch out to the high post area and is patient and deliberate on the floor. She operates well in the pick-and-roll and finds the angles to receive the pass on her way to the rim. She has shown marked improvement and willingness to finish with her left hand over the last year, which opens up more opportunities for her to contribute. As she learns the demands of the nuances of defense at the next level, her game will continue to grow. Cunningham is a two-time gold medalist with USA Basketball: U16 at FIBA Americas in 2021 and U17 at the FIBA World Cup in 2022, where she led the team in rebounding and double-doubles.

---

Signed with: LSU | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 7
The Webb School (Tennessee)

Del Rosario is another old-school big. She contributes primarily from the low block and by clogging up the paint defensively. The thing that really separates her is her passing ability and court vision. She has shown a particular knack for passing out of double-teams to cutters or skipping the ball to open shooters. Del Rosario is quite mobile for her size (6-5) and has the ability to knock down the 3-ball in the slot. She has improved her energy level and as she adds strength and core work at the next level, expect to see her bring more to the floor. Del Rosario was a member of the U18 FIBA Americas team who won gold in 2022. She led the team in rebounds at 7.8 rebounds a game.

---

Signed with: Duke | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 3
Sidwell Friends School (Washington, D.C.)

Donovan’s agility and leaping ability allow her to make plays that many others simply cannot. She fills a lot of holes defensively with her sense of anticipation and nose for the ball. She has made some pretty incredible rebounds and weakside blocks by leaping in from out of the area to make spectacular plays. Donovan is a hard matchup offensively because she is hard to keep off of the offensive glass and not many opponents can rise with her to challenge her jump shot. Over the last season, she is showing more of a willingness to shoot the 3-ball, but that is still in progress. Donovan complements her shear athleticism and slashing ability with court vision and quality passing. Simply put, she makes winning plays. Donovan is a two-time gold medalist with USA Basketball: U16 at FIBA Americas in 2021 and U17 at the FIBA World Cup in 2022, where she led the team with a 60.4% FG percentage.

---

Signed with: South Carolina | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 13
W. J. Keenan HS (South Carolina)

Fulwiley is arguably the most entertaining player in the country with the ball in her hands. She has it on a rope and can shake and dance against any defender. She is dynamic in the open court and has a knack for making the spectacular play. Fulwiley is a fantastic finisher at the rim and it is hard for defenses to keep her from getting there. Couple that with her rangy 3-point attempts, and you have a matchup problem. She wants the clutch moments and the end-of-game shots. Dawn Staley has a history of taking extremely talented play-making guards and teaching them how to run a team full of talent, and Fulwiley is next in line. Fulwiley is averaging 29.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season.

---

Signed with: Notre Dame | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 5
Paul VI HS (New Jersey)

If there is something on the basketball court worth competing for, count Hidalgo in. Once inside the lines for the tip, she is all go, all the time. End-to-end, Hidalgo may be the fastest guard in the country and she is almost impossible to guard off the dribble with single coverage. Between her sophomore and junior year, she really went to work on her perimeter shooting and now that she is a legitimate threat from downtown, she is essentially an impossible cover 1-on-1. She finishes well against contact, has a package of floater options, and can get hot from the 3. Defensively, the opposing point guard will feel the heat of constant pressure. Hidalgo is a gold medalist from the U17 at the FIBA World Cup in 2022.

---

Signed with: Virginia | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 24
St. Anne’s-Belfield HS (Virginia)

In what will be remembered a one of the most historic shoe circuit championships ever, Johnson this summer led her West Virginia Thunder team through four overtimes to the win in the Under Armour championship. Johnson is a supremely skilled guard with incredibly deep range. She is poised and mature on the floor and her most outstanding quality is she makes everyone else better. Johnson makes the right reads at the right times and makes things happen. Known for her dedication to development, Johnson has turned herself into one of the best in the country. She is averaging 21.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 59% from the field, including 46% from 3-point range.

---

Signed with: South Carolina | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 25
Saint Michael Albertville (Minnesota)

Johnson can flat out shoot the basketball. You name it — mid-range pull up, open 3, transition jumper — she is a threat from everywhere on the floor. She has a smooth fundamental game and that consistent production keeps opponents completely focused on her at all times. She complements her ability to score with her decision-making and facilitation on the floor. She battled an injury for part of her junior year of high school and came back to have an impactful summer and senior season, including a 51-point performance in December. Johnson will bring much needed perimeter shooting to Dawn Staley and South Carolina in another loaded class.

---

Signed with: UCLA | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 32
Heritage HS (California)

Muse is a mobile, agile and long post player who has a great motor and never stops working. She does a great job of blocking shots without fouling and gets down in stance and keeps smaller players in front with her defensive footwork and discipline. Muse is relentless on the glass and is a tough block-out as she goes for offensive boards. She has a nice touch out to the high post area and beyond. Over time, she has improved her strength and low block ability — from mostly jump hooks and turn-around jumpers to drop-step power finishes as well. Muse is averaging 15.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game this season.

---

Signed with: Maryland | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 18
Bullis School (Maryland)

Nelson is a tall (6-foot), long guard with range and 3-level scoring ability. There were times during the Nike EYBL and USA Basketball Trials where she made a strong case for the top shooter on the floor. She has always had a sweet stroke, but over the past couple of years added the footwork improvements and the strength and physicality to make a competitive mark on each game she plays. Her confidence really grew this summer and she knocked down shots and scored with ease. Nelson is averaging 16.8 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this season.

---

Signed with: Stanford | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 10
Westminster School (Georgia)

Ogden is the epitome of versatility on the perimeter. She is skilled enough to facilitate offense as well as put the ball in the hole in bunches. She has a strong frame and at times even is tasked with making plays in the middle of zones as a forward. Ogden has a smooth pull-up jump shot and stretches the defense to the 3. She makes the right plays and brings a leadership and calm intangible to the floor that leads to winning. She helps make others better. It will be interesting to see how coach Tara VanDerveer utilizes her talent at Stanford. Ogden is averaging 21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3 assists per game this season.

---

Signed with: Florida | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 19
Shabach Christian Academy (Maryland)

Reynolds is a pure scorer. She always has excelled in the up-tempo pressing style of play, but over the last year has really refined her overall fundamental skills. She is a big guard (6-0) who can create off the bounce, is efficient with her dribbles, can post up, and can knock down the 3-ball. Reynolds proved this spring she is committed to the little things — defensive rotation and rebounding on both ends, making the extra pass, as well as create for others. She will excel in Kelly Finley’s open system at Florida.

---

Signed with: Notre Dame | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 20
Palm Bay Magnet HS (Florida)

Notre Dame is getting a knock-down shooter. Risch is known to catch fire from the 3-point line and has had multiple games this year of five-plus 3-point makes. Risch has a great feel for the game which allows her to know the finer details of reading screens and timing of when to relocate to get open opportunities. It is to her advantage that as a major focus of the defense, she can use that gravity to pull and manipulate defenders as she creates for teammates. She is a big guard (6-1) with a crafty handle that complements her shooting with a touch for floaters and finishing in the paint. Risch is averaging 24 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game this season.

---

Signed with: Arkansas | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 11
St. John’s Country Day School (Florida)

Scott is another pure scorer in this 2023 class and she can do it in droves. She may be the best in the class in creating her own shot from the perimeter off the bounce. She is always on balance and she shifts, changes tempo, and utilizes the hesitation well … and once she sets her feet with a sliver of space, she is in rhythm. Scott is a 3-level scorer with supreme confidence and will flourish in the open system of Mike Neighbors at Arkansas. She is a volume shooter and scorer now, and we look for her efficiency to increase in college. Scott is averaging a blistering 37.4 points per game this season.

---

Signed with: UConn | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 15
La Lumiere School (Indiana)

Shade set herself apart with her work ethic a long time ago. She has a reputation for being a gym rat, working on her skills or through strength and conditioning improvements. She brings a certain seriousness and intensity to the floor that proves she is all about competing while in between the lines. Shade has a pretty jump shot and truly elevates when she gets to her spots. She has proven over the last year to be able to provide some minutes at the lead guard or off-guard spots, and she has improved her 3-point shooting as well. Shade elevates well on her takes to the rim and relishes contact for the and-one opportunities. She and fellow UConn signee and All-American KK Arnold will bring a certain physicality on the perimeter to Storrs for Geno Auriemma. She is averaging 28.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season.

---

Signed with: USC | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 1
Sierra Canyon (California)

The No. 1 player in this year’s class is a trend setter. She excels beyond all expectations on the court and is breaking barriers off the court. It does not hurt that she attends the same high school as the children of Hollywood celebrities and famous NBA players and they have all taken notice — the list of attendees of the Sierra Canyon games looks like an A-list music awards show and a who’s who of social media fame. There is nothing Watkins cannot do on the basketball court. She gets end to end about as fast as any player in the country. As a big guard (6-0), her pull-up jumper is automatic and her 3-point shot is deadly as well. Watkins has gotten quicker and faster and finds herself among the elite in any class when compared historically. She committed to the defensive end of the floor as well as rebounding, and she truly set herself apart. Along with Mikaylah Williams in this class, she has a pro projection that should allow her to play for many years to come at a very high level. Watkins is a two-time gold medalist with USA Basketball: U16 at FIBA Americas in 2021 and U17 at the FIBA World Cup in 2022, where she led the team in scoring at 13.1 points per game.

---

Signed with: Arizona | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 21
La Jolla Country Day (California)

Williams has been a recognizable name in this class since she was in middle school. She garnered early attention for her ball-handling skills and overall charisma. She has leveraged that into being one of the early pioneers in the high school space for the newly developing name, image and likeness opportunities for student athletes. Before her junior year, she transferred from Missouri to California’s La Jolla Country Day. On the court, she excels as a true point guard. Williams is solid in the pick-and-roll game as she makes reads and delivers dimes. The range on her shot keeps defenses honest and she is not afraid of the big moment. She and fellow All American and high school teammate Breya Cunningham are headed to Arizona to play for Adia Barnes. Williams is a two-time gold medalist with USA Basketball: U16 at FIBA Americas in 2021 and U17 at the FIBA World Cup in 2022.

---

Signed with: LSU | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 2
Parkway HS (Louisiana)

There are elite players in every class, respectively. Williams is one of those players who is the elite of the elite, in any class. The race for No. 1 was a tight one and it is more like No. 1A and No. 1B in this 2023 class — take your pick or take your preference in a given matchup. Williams is a strong-framed guard who can both lead the offense or be a straight bucket- getter. She creates off the dribble to the rim and for a hint of space for the jumper. She is a 3-level scorer and thrives against contact. She is an elite defender — both on the ball and in help situations and passing lanes. She rebounds well and her court vision is hard to compare. It is safe to say Williams has pro potential, even this early. Do not be surprised if she logs minutes at the point for Kim Mulkey and LSU during her time there. Williams is a three-time gold medalist from the 2022 U17 FIBA World Cup and 2021 FIBA 3×3 World Cup as well as the 2022 FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

---

Signed with: Oklahoma | 2023 espnw 100 ranking: 23
Waterloo West HS (Iowa)

A stat-stuffer who leaves an imprint all over the floor and in several statistical categories, Williams has added to her game by improving her changes in tempo and her ability to break defenders down off the dribble. She sprints the lanes competitively and is able to get to the rim or catch and shoot the 3. She puts a lot of pressure on the ball defensively and is a terror in the passing lanes. Williams moves well without the ball and has a great fundamental feel for the game. Oklahoma plays an up-tempo and spaced system and it is easy to believe she will be successful there for coach Jennie Baranczyk. She is averaging 19.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.7 assists and is shooting 52.6% from the field.