Tag: ncaa bk

John Calipari rips NCAA after NBA player enters college mid-season: ‘We don’t have any rules’

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James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA Draft pick, was allowed by the NCAA to commit to Baylor to play the second half of this season — an unprecedented move that shocked many in the basketball world.

Among those confused by Nnaji’s commitment was Arkansas head coach John Calipari, who didn’t mince his words when discussing the state of college basketball following the Razorbacks’ 103-74 win over James Madison on Monday.

Calipari, who won a national championship during his time coaching at Kentucky, went almost seven minutes during his post-game press conference talking about today’s game after a reporter asked his thoughts on the Nnaji move.

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Head coach John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks reacts during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at American Airlines Center on Dec. 13, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

“I’ve got friends that are playing with 27-year-olds, and they feel bad, and I said, ‘Don’t feel bad. We don’t have any rules. Why should you feel bad?’” Calipari said, per Awful Announcing. “But let me give you this. Real simple: the rules bees the rules. So, if you put your name in the draft, I don’t care if you’re from Russia and you stay in the draft, you can’t play college basketball. ‘Well, that’s only for American kids.’ What? If your name is in that draft, and you got drafted, you can’t play college because that’s our rule. ‘Yeah, but that’s only for American kids.’ OK. OK.”

Nnaji may have started a trend that Calipari, and likely others, won’t like to see if it comes to fruition.

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Trentyn Flowers, who is currently on a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls after going undrafted in 2024, is reportedly drawing interest from the Michigan Wolverines. Flowers was a member of the National Basketball League as a member of the Next Stars program, playing for the Adelaide 36ers in Australia instead of going to college.

If Flowers is allowed to play anywhere in college basketball this season, the NCAA would likely face some vitriol considering it could open a vast portal of fringe NBA players looking to restart.

Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari looks on after the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida, on Dec. 3, 2024. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)

“Does anybody care what this is doing for 17-and 18-year-old American kids?” Calipari questioned in his monologue. “Do you know what this opportunity has done for them and their families? There aren’t gonna be any high school kids. Who, other than dumb people like me, are gonna recruit high school kids? I get so much satisfaction out of coaching young kids and seeing them grow and make it and their family’s life changes that I’m gonna keep doing it. But why would anybody else, if you can get NBA players, G-League players, guys that are 28 years old, guys from Europe — do we really know their transcript? Do we have somebody over there? Do we really know their birth certificate? Or don’t we?”

In Flowers’ case, Calipari was blunt, saying the NCAA has to stop allowing players to join programs mid-season.

While he did say that he feels selfish with his suggestions to the NCAA, Calipari also knows that there are rules that are clearly much different than anywhere else in college sports. He believes some of his suggestions, especially that of not allowing players to join programs mid-season, would benefit the game immediately.

Head coach John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks watches play during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at American Airlines Center on Dec. 13, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

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“We can do it without having Congress and the Senate getting 60 votes,” Calipari added. “We can do that. Let them sue us on that stuff.”

Calipari’s Razorbacks are currently ranked No. 18 in the AP Top 25, with Arizona sitting at No. 1 overall with a 13-0 record. Arkansas is 10-3 on the season.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

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December 30, 2025
Nebraska basketball player appears to chip tooth after being punched in back of head during game

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Nebraska guard Connor Essegian suffered what appeared to be a chipped tooth after he was punched in the back of the head during the Cornhuskers’ 84-72 win over New Mexico on Thursday night.

The ugly scene unfolded in the first half of the game when one of the Lobos’ leading scorers this season, Deyton Albury, took aim at the back of Essegian’s head with just over a minute remaining in the half.

Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Connor Essegian (0) reacts after scoring against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, on March 1, 2025. (Steven Branscombe/Imagn Images)

Albury was assessed a flagrant foul 2 for the contact and ejected from the game.

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“It looked like there was contact to his head, which is what they called it,” New Mexico coach Eric Olen said after the game, via The Santa Fe New Mexican. “That was a tough moment for us, losing Deyton like that and that took the wind out of our sails and we didn’t really finish the half.”

Essegian finished the game with 6 points, 7 rebounds and one assist in 31 minutes in the win that extended Nebraska’s winning streak to nine games. But he walked away with another trophy of sorts.

Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Connor Essegian (0) celebrates after a play in the first half of the championship game of the College Basketball Crown tournament against the UCF Knights at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 6, 2025. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)

The senior from Indiana took to social media after the game to show what appeared to be a chipped tooth.

“Well that was a first for me,” he wrote in a post on X, with a picture of a piece of his tooth in his hand.

He joked in a later post that users on the social media platform were “undefeated” after someone created an account with the handle, “Connor Essegian’s Tooth.”

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“Y’a’ll are too quick,” he wrote.

Albury posted an apology on X after the game, calling his actions a “selfish decision.” His message did not include an apology to Essegian.

“Lobo Nation you deserve better than what I displayed tonight. Regardless of what led to my selfish decision I put myself before the team during a time when I needed to demonstrate composure and leadership.

New Mexico guard Deyton Albury shoots over Nebraska guard Sam Hoiberg (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

“My actions are not a reflection of our players, coaches or the UNM basketball program. I sincerely apologize to Coach Olen and the rest of the staff, my teammates, Lobo fans and supporters, especially the young kids who witnessed my foolish decision on a national TV stage.

“Representing UNM and the city of Albuquerque is a privilege not a right. I accept full responsibility for what happened. I will never let our team, fans and the city down like this again.”

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The Cornhuskers are 5-0 to start the season, and their winning streak dating back to last season is the longest streak in the nation.

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November 21, 2025
BYU starter’s future at school in doubt after arrest for suspicion of DUI

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Kennard Davis Jr., a starter on the seventh-ranked BYU men’s basketball team, was arrested Thursday in Provo, Utah, on suspicion of driving under the influence after crashing his vehicle.

ESPN reported that Davis was treated for minor injuries following the crash and transported to a police station, where he was charged. The victim did not go to the hospital.

BYU students are required to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, vaping and substance abuse, according to the university’s honor code, and students who fail to do so could be expelled.

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Kennard Davis Jr. of the Brigham Young Cougars celebrates sinking a 3-point basket against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half of their exhibition game at the Delta Center Oct. 24, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

“We are aware of the allegations and looking into the situation,” BYU said in a statement to ESPN.

Davis transferred to BYU from Southern Illinois, and is the Cougars’ best 3-point shooter, knocking them down at a 50% clip.

Kennard Davis Jr. of the BYU Cougars during the first half of a Hall of Fame Series game against the Villanova Wildcats at T-Mobile Arena Nov. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. (David Becker/Getty Images)

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In his two games played this season, Davis has scored 12 and six points. He did not play Tuesday against Delaware because of a leg injury.

With Southern Illinois last season, Davis averaged 16.3 points per game at a 37.6% clip from 3-point range. He played 34.1 minutes per game, but that number has dipped to 27.0 in the early going this season.

Kennard Davis Jr. of the BYU Cougars during the first half of a Hall of Fame Series game against the Villanova Wildcats at T-Mobile Arena Nov. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. (David Becker/Getty Images)

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The Cougars face No. 3 UConn in Boston, the hometown of potential No. 1 pick and BYU star AJ Dybantsa, Saturday.

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November 15, 2025
Rick Pitino says he reached out to Terry Rozier to ‘be of any help’ after gambling indictment

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Terry Rozier’s college coach, Rick Pitino, reached out to his former player after Rozier was indicted in an illegal gambling case.

Pitino, who coached Rozier at Louisville, said he was “shocked” at the news of Rozier’s alleged involvement and arrest “because Terry makes $22 million a year.”

“It’s not like him,” Pitino told OutKick’s Dan Dakich.

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Louisville Cardinals guard Terry Rozier (left) and coach Rick Pitino celebrate against the Northern Iowa Panthers in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KeyArena. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

Rozier is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

“I love Terry. I texted him, ‘Terry, if I can be of any help. I love you, son. If there’s anything I can do to help you, please get a hold of me.’ I don’t know what’s going on with him there. It doesn’t sound like a person making $22 million is worried about a prop bet. That doesn’t make any sense to me at all.”

Rozier’s charges stem from a game in which he played less than 10 minutes, citing a foot injury. Multiple bettors placed high-stakes wagers on Rozier to perform poorly before the game, all of which won.

Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, admitted Rozier “told a friend” he would take himself out of a game early, which is “not a crime.”

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier during the second half against the Washington Wizards March 31, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

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Neither Hornets officials nor betting companies were made aware of Rozier’s plan, according to the indictment, and Rozier was not listed on the team’s injury report.

After Rozier played just nine minutes and never returned, the bets won. Rozier and his friend, Deniro Laster, counted cash winnings at Rozier’s home in Charlotte roughly a week later, the indictment says.

When asked if Rozier gave inside information for the purpose of illegal betting, Trusty said the answer was an “absolute not. Never happened.”

Rozier was placed on immediate leave from the Miami Heat, the NBA announced shortly after the arrest, “and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities.”

Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier looks to pass against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Spectrum Center. (Nell Redmond/USA Today Sports)

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“The integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said.

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November 8, 2025
Ex-Auburn coach Bruce Pearl issues grave warning 2 years after Oct 7 terror attacks

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Former Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl issued a serious warning on Tuesday, two years after the Oct. 7 attacks carried out by Hamas. His warning comes amid the Trump administration’s efforts to broker a peace deal.

During an appearance on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” Pearl called out the “atrocities” of the attacks on Israel. He also commended President Donald Trump’s efforts to return hostages – both alive and dead.

Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl reacts on the court against the Georgia Bulldogs at Stegeman Coliseum on Jan. 18, 2025. (Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)

“Today is the two-year anniversary of one of the world’s biggest holocausts, and that was the murder of 1,200 Israelis. And there were over 50 Americans killed two years ago on that day by Hamas and Palestinian terrorists that were basically protesting over the fact that they don’t have their own state,” the longtime college basketball coach said.

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“We need to continue to support President Trump. He has done an amazing job, instead of pressures from all over the world to cave and give these terrorists a reward of another state – his whole land-for-peace stuff that we tried in Gaza, it didn’t work. It failed.”

Negotiators from Israel and Hamas convened in Egypt on Monday to discuss the details of Trump’s proposed peace plan seeking to end the war and return the remaining 48 hostages being held.

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a meeting at the 80th session of the UN’s General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters on Sept. 23, 2025, in New York City. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Trump’s 20-point plan requires all hostages, both dead and alive, to be returned within 72 hours of Hamas signing off on the deal. It also calls for Israeli forces to withdraw its troops and for a complete disarmament of Hamas.

Pearl said regardless of the talks in Egypt, the return of hostages and the demilitarization of Hamas are the “baseline” for peace. He issued a grave warning about history being repeated.

“They spent all these years building a terrorist state and just waiting and waiting and waiting until a moment when they could do what they did on October 7th. We cannot let that happen again. The hostages have got to come home. Hamas has got to be demilitarized, and can no longer be involved in any future government.”

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl yells during practice at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, April 4, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

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“Once we go there, then there’s a real possibility for President Trump to build on the Abraham Accords and have there be a prosperous, peaceful Middle East.”

Pearl, one of a handful of Jewish coaches in college basketball at the time, was named chairman of the Board of Directors for the U.S. Israel Education Association (USIEA) in April. He has been an outspoken supporter of Israel since the Oct. 7 attacks.

At the time of the announcement, Pearl said he was “proud to continue advocating for greater understanding and collaboration” between the U.S. and Israel.

Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf and Diana Stancy contributed to this report.

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October 7, 2025
Bruce Pearl set to retire as Auburn’s men’s basketball coach as rumors of political interests swirl: reports

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Auburn Tigers men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl is expected to retire prior to the start of the 2025-26 season, according to multiple reports on Monday.

Steven Pearl, Bruce’s son, is reportedly set to take over the program. He was listed as the associate head coach.

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Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl reacts after a play against the Florida Gators during the second half in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome on April 5, 2025. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)

Bruce Pearl’s reported retirement comes as rumors swirl over whether he would be a candidate to replace Tommy Tuberville in the U.S. Senate. Tuberville is running for Alabama governor.

In July, Pearl addressed the possibility on the “Scott Jennings Show,” wondering whether he could make as big of an impact on the world as the head coach at Auburn.

AUBURN COACH BRUCE PEARL SAYS CHARLIE KIRK WAS ASSASSINATED BECAUSE ‘THEY COULDN’T BEAT HIM’ IN TRIBUTE

Head coach Bruce Pearl of the Auburn Tigers reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Auburn Arena on Jan. 22, 2022, in Auburn, Alabama. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

“Can I also have an impact as a basketball coach?” Pearl said. “I’m graduating kids. I’m teaching kids. … I don’t know that I have to be a Senator in order (to make an impact), there are so many things about Washington that are so dysfunctional that I don’t even know that I could make a difference there.”

Pearl, who is Jewish, has expressed his fervent support for Israel in the face of rising antisemitism in the U.S. since the Oct. 7 terror attacks in Israel. He’s been a supporter of how President Donald Trump has handled the conflicts in the Middle East as well.

Pearl was also tapped to be the chairman of the U.S. Israel Education Association.

Auburn Tigers coach Bruce Pearl at a press conference at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 21, 2024. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

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He was 246-125 as the Tigers’ head coach and led the team to two Final Four appearances.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

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September 22, 2025
College basketball player Deng Mayar, 22, dies in drowning incident

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Omaha men’s basketball player Deng Mayar died Saturday in a drowning incident, the school announced on Sunday. He was 22.

The incident occurred at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah, on Saturday, according to FOX 13 Salt Lake City. Mayar and 21-year-old Sa Mafutaga were struggling in the water. Mafutaga was able to reach the shore with the help of some bystanders and tried to get to Mayar but couldn’t reach him. Emergency personnel were called to the scene.

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North Dakota forward Deng Mayar (5) shoves Iowa forward Payton Sandfort (20) out of the way as he drives to the basket during a college basketball game between the North Dakota Fighting Hawks and the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 07, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, IA. (Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Emergency officials were unable to find him for hours before they used a submersible robot to locate his body, according to the outlet. Mafutaga was taken to a hospital but was expected to recover.

“Our entire program is devastated to learn of Deng’s passing,” Omaha head coach Chris Crutchfield said in a statement. “After competing against him for two years, we were elated to add him to our team and he made tremendous progress this summer. Deng was a joy to be around and made our culture better.

“We will miss him greatly. Jodi and I, along with our entire program, send our hearts and prayers to Deng’s family, friends and teammates.”

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Mayar transferred to Omaha after spending two seasons at North Dakota.

“Our hearts are broken to hear the tragic news of Deng’s passing,” North Dakota head coach Paul Sather said in a statement. “He was a wonderful person with a heart the size of a gym. Our thoughts are with his parents and family, along with all his teammates from UND and UNO.

North Dakota Fighting Hawks forward Deng Mayar (5) and Iowa Hawkeyes forward Ben Krikke (23) battle for the opening tipoff during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. (Jeffrey Becker/USA TODAY Sports)

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“As competitive as he was on the court, he had a gentle nature and kind soul off the court. Deng will be greatly missed by all of those that knew and loved him.”

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

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August 18, 2025