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  • Noah Lyles and Other Athletes to Watch in the Diamond League 2025

    Noah Lyles and Other Athletes to Watch in the Diamond League 2025

     

    As the 2025 Diamond League Series kicks off, Noah Lyles and a host of global stars gear up for season-defining performances on the road to the World Championships in Tokyo.

    As the sun rises on the 2025 Wanda Diamond League season, Noah Lyles and other stars will be looking to make a mark on the global stage with the main focus on the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan in September.

     

    The stadiums across continents are gearing up to host the finest athletes in the world, from world to Olympic champions with each of them focusing on creating a legacy.

     

    This year’s Diamond League circuit comes around with a different type of buzz, especially coming off the back of the electrifying Paris 2024 Olympics. Most athletes have not competed since the end of the 2024 season and will be making their season debuts in the first leg of the Diamond League.

     

    Akani Simbine Obliterates Bayanda Walaza’s World Lead As He Beats Improving Ferdinand Omanyala In Botswana

    Akani Simbine Obliterates Bayanda Walaza’s World Lead As He Beats Improving Ferdinand Omanyala In Botswana

    One of the notable athletes that has yet to begin their outdoor season that fans will be looking forward to seeing in the Diamond League is Noah Lyles.

     

    As the world prepares for the Diamond League Meeting in 2025, Pulse Sports Kenya looks at Noah Lyles and other athletes to watch in the Diamond League 2025.

     

    1) Noah Lyles

    Noah Lyles

    Noah Lyles

    Noah Lyles has yet to begin his 2025 outdoor season and fans cannot wait to see what he has in store for them this season.

     

    The American sprint sensation has over the years commanded the attention of fans, rivals, and record books alike and he will be out to continue that legacy.

     

    Noah Lyles cemented his place as one of the greatest sprinters at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest where he won gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay.

     

     

    He went to the Paris Olympic Games with the hope of winning triple gold but testing positive for COVID-19 dimmed his medal haul as he earned bronze in the 200m and a gold in the 100m.

     

    Now healthy, focused, and more driven than ever, Lyles enters the 2025 Diamond League series with unfinished business and eyes firmly set on rewriting the record books.

     

    He has already competed indoors, winning two of his 60m races and as fans pack stadiums around the world, all eyes will be on him.

     

    2) Julien Alfred

    2) Julien Alfred

    2) Julien Alfred

    At the Paris Olympic Games, Julien Alfred not only put her country on the global athletics map, but also made a name for herself.

     

    As the 2025 Diamond League season unfolds, Julien Alfred stands as one of the most exciting and dangerous sprinters to watch.

     

    So far, since her transition to the professional circuit, she has impressed fans with her speed, explosiveness, and competitive fire.

     

    Now, with 2025 underway, Julien Alfred returns to the Diamond League stage with a clear objective, to win consistently.

     

    She has already opened her 2025 season, competing in the 300m indoors at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix where she won. She then kickstarted her outdoor season in her individual race in the 300m at the Miramar Invitational.

     

    Now, after her torrid 2024, Shericka Jackson is writing one of the most compelling comeback stories. After dominating the 2022 and 2023 seasons, she entered 2024 as the woman to beat, but as the season unfolded, she went down with an injury.

     

    She ended her season at the Olympic Games and she resumed training late last year. The two-time world 200m champion competed in her first race of the season in January, true to her fighting Jamaican spirit.

     

    Shericka Jackson has struggled in her first few meets but once she gets into the Diamond League mode, Shericka Jackson will be the one to beat.

     

    After he won the Olympic title in the 200m at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, all eyes will now be on Letsile Tebogo to now deliver a memorable experience once again.

     

    The world 100m silver medallist has already started his 2025 season, competing in a series of 400m races to polish his 200m.

     

    He finished second at the BAA Track And Field Series 2 in Botswana before winning the race at the ACNW League 6 in South Africa. Letsile Tebogo finished second at the ASA Athletics Grand Prix 1 and Maurie Plant Meet.

     

    Botswana Golden Grand Prix: Letsile Tebogo Blazes to Victory in First 200m of the Season on Home Soil

    Botswana Golden Grand Prix: Letsile Tebogo Blazes to Victory in First 200m of the Season on Home Soil

    He competed in his first 200m of the season at the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix where he, without a doubt, claimed the win.

     

    Now focus shifts to the Diamond League Meeting series where he has been confirmed for several competitions including Xiamen, Suzhou, Doha and Rabat. After narrowly missing out on the trophy in 2024, he now has a chance of redeeming himself.

     

    5) Faith Kipyegon

    Faith Kipyegon

    Faith Kipyegon

    Faith Kipyegon is another star that fans cannot wait to see making her track season debut in 2025. The three-time Olympic champion ended her season with a fifth diamond trophy and this season will also be another moment for her to shine.

     

    Faith Kipyegon enjoyed a spectacular 2024 season, winning a gold medal in the 1500m and silver in the 5000m at the Paris Olympic Games.

     

    She also broke her 1500m world record at the Diamond League Meeting in Paris, just before the Olympic Games. Now, she has another opportunity to show up for her fans and one thing is for sure, Faith Kipyegon never disappoints.

     

     

    She started her 2025 with the senior women’s race at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country where she failed to finish the race and has since been working around the clock in training.

     

    6) Sha’Carri Richardson

    Sha’Carri Richardson

    Sha’Carri Richardson

    The reigning Olympic 100m silver medallist is for sure one of the best sprinters of this generation and she has constantly had to prove herself.

     

    The world 100m champion has yet to open her 2025 season but once she does that, all eyes will be on her to deliver as she builds up to defend her title in Tokyo, Japan later this year.

     

    She had a mixed 2024 season, missing out on the gold at the Paris Olympic Games despite being the favourite to win the women’s 100m.

     

    Sha’Carri Richardson bounced back with a win at the Diamond League Meeting in Zurich, beating reigning Olympic champion Julien Alfred to second. She ended her season in the worst way, finishing distant eighth at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels.

     

    7) Kishane Thompson

    Kishane Thompson

    Kishane Thompson

    Fans are hoping that mystery man Kishane Thompson will at least start showing up for races, especially, the Diamond League Meetings.

     

    The Jamaican sprint king won a silver medal in the men’s 100m at the Paris Olympic Games, losing to Noah Lyles by a very tiny margin.

     

    He blamed the lack of experience for his loss but after a series of competitions and training, Kishane Thompson should now be ready to go.

     

    He has been prone to injuries, which might force him to compete sparingly, but one thing is for sure, fans are looking forward to seeing him in the Diamond League circuit like never before.

  • Former Gators WR Re-Enters Transfer Portal

    Former Gators WR Re-Enters Transfer Portal

     

    Andy Jean will now be looking for his second school since leaving the Florida Gators in December.

     

    Florida Gators wide receiver Andy Jean (6) gestures for a first down during the second half during the Florida Gators Orange and Blue Spring Game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

     

    Ncaa Football Florida Gators Orange Blue Spring Game

    Florida Gators wide receiver Andy Jean (6) gestures for a first down during the second half during the Florida Gators Orange and Blue Spring Game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, April 13, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] Ncaa Football Florida Gators Orange Blue Spring Game

    For the second time since leaving the Florida Gators, wide receiver Andy Jean on Monday announced that he will be re-entering the transfer portal again, ending a brief stint with Pitt.

     

    He committed to the Panthers on Jan. 4th, after originally entering the transfer portal in December. He will have three years of eligibility remaining after redshirting in 2023.

     

    While he did not record any statistics during Pitts’ Blue and Gold spring game, he was an active participant in spring practices, even flashing his potential during team competition periods.

     

    As a transfer portal prospect, 247Sports ranked him as a three-star prospect and 99th-best receiver prospect.

     

    Through two seasons in Gainesville, he played in five games, catching six passes for 97 yards (16.2 yards per catch) and returning two kicks for 44 yards.

     

    The best game of his collegiate career this far came during Florida’s 22-7 win against Charlotte, when he tallied 57 all-purpose yards, on a 32-yard catch and 25-yard reverse. He also hauled in four passes for 33 receiving yards during Florida’s 33-14 loss to Kentucky.

     

    Both games came during Jean’s true freshman season.

     

    As a sophomore, his only action of the season came during Florida’s win against Mississippi State, but he did not record a stat.

     

    Before becoming a Gator, Jean was a highly touted four-star recruit and was the 42nd-best wide receiver in the country, according to Rivals, out of Miami Northwestern High School, the same school as recent signee J’Vari Flowers.

     

    Besides Florida, he was also offered by programs like Alabama, Georgia and LSU before choosing the Gators, becoming one of a three-man receiver class in 2023 alongside Aidan Mizell and Eugene Wilson III.

     

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  • Kenny Bednarek Backed to Challenge in Noah Lyles’ Domain

    Kenny Bednarek Backed to Challenge in Noah Lyles’ Domain

     

    Kenny Bednarek (L) and Noah Lyles (R).

    American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has tipped American sprinter Kenny Bednarek to rival Noah Lyles in a key aspect of his Track and Field career.

    Track legend Justin Gatlin has tipped American sprinter Kenny Bednarek to challenge his compatriot and rival Noah Lyles, not just on the track, but in the realm of showmanship as well.

     

    This comes on the heels of Bednarek’s commanding performance at the Kingston leg of the inaugural Grand Slam Track meet.

     

    Stay updated with the Latest Sports News from Pulse Sports.

     

    Akani Simbine Obliterates Bayanda Walaza’s World Lead As He Beats Improving Ferdinand Omanyala In Botswana

    Akani Simbine Obliterates Bayanda Walaza’s World Lead As He Beats Improving Ferdinand Omanyala In Botswana

     

    Kenny Bednarek celebrates after winning the men’s Short Sprints at Grand Slam Track.

    Bednarek Steals the Spotlight in Kingston

    During the Kingston Slam, held from April 4 to April 6, Bednarek was in full “showman mode” as he clinched the double in the men’s short sprints.

     

    Beyond just winning, he brought flair and personality to the track, drawing comparisons to the charismatic Lyles.

     

    Bednarek made headlines with the debut of his signature headgear in dramatic fashion, something that caught even Gatlin’s attention.

     

    “Listen, Kenny understood the assignment from beginning to end, on the track and off the track,” Gatlin said on a recent episode of The Ready Set Go podcast with co-host Rodney Green.

     

    BREAKING: Aldrine Kibet, Amos Wanjala Headline Final Kenya U-20 AFCON Squad

    BREAKING: Aldrine Kibet, Amos Wanjala Headline Final Kenya U-20 AFCON Squad

    “At the press conference and red carpet photo shoot, he showed up dressed to impress, accompanied by a photographer dressed in all black and wearing a mask, carrying a bulletproof case. Inside was the official Kenny Bednarek headband, unveiled as part of his Grand Slam campaign,” noted Gatlin.

     

    The headband has become a signature element of Bednarek’s persona, further solidifying his unique star power.

     

    Bednarek’s dominance in the 100m and 200m saw him edge out top-tier athletes like Jamaican sprint sensation Oblique Seville and fellow American Fred Kerley, both of whom were part of the 2024 Paris Olympics lineup.

     

    2025 AFCON U20: Kenya Draw Nigeria, Morocco in Tough Group After Repeated Draw

    2025 AFCON U20: Kenya Draw Nigeria, Morocco in Tough Group After Repeated Draw

    Kenny Bednarek vs Noah Lyles

     

    Kenny Bednarek clocked 7th in the 100m Paris Olympics final as Noah Lyles edged out Kishane Thompson to claim gold.

    Gatlin’s co-host, Rodney Green, noted that Bednarek’s performance sent a clear message to reigning sprint king Noah Lyles.

     

    “Kung Fu Kenny came through with the hat trick—the 100m and 200m. He’s letting everyone know, ‘I ain’t scared.’ This makes me even more excited to see Noah now. Like, where’s Noah at? This is definitely a situation for him,” said Green.

     

    Bednarek and Lyles are expected to continue their rivalry from last season, which featured dramatic highs and lows.

     

     

    Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles claimed silver and bronze respectively behind Letsile Tebogo in 200m final in Paris

    However, Bednarek bounced back in the 200m, claiming silver ahead of Lyles, who took bronze—both finishing behind Botswana’s rising star, Letsile Tebogo.

     

    With both athletes eyeing major titles in the current campaign, fans can look forward to thrilling clashes as America’s top sprinters reignite their fierce rivalry.

  • Kentucky Wildcats Sharpshooter Officially Declares for 2025 NBA Draft

    Kentucky Wildcats Sharpshooter Officially Declares for 2025 NBA Draft

     

    Kentucky’s veteran sharpshooter Koby Brea takes next step after standout grad season.

     

    Koby Brea, a graduate transfer who made a significant impact during his lone season at Kentucky, has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. ESPN’s updated mock draft, released Tuesday, projects the skilled guard to be selected 54th overall by the Indiana Pacers.

     

    Brea’s path to the NBA isn’t built on hype or headlines, but on growth, grit, and elite shooting. After four seasons at Dayton, he took on a new challenge with the Wildcats, one he embraced fully while becoming one of college basketball’s most efficient perimeter threats.

     

    Koby Brea (4)

    Kentucky Wildcats guard Koby Brea (4) shows fake tears after the game against the Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Arena.

    Shooting Efficiency and Offensive Impact

    During the 2024–25 season, Brea averaged 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game over 36 contests, including 16 starts. He quickly established himself as one of Kentucky’s most reliable scorers, shooting 47% from the floor, 43.5% from three-point range, and 91.4% from the line.

     

    Brea’s consistency from deep was a major asset. He hit at least one three-pointer in 35 of 36 games, made multiple in 27, and knocked down three or more in 16 outings. His 93 total three-pointers tied for the seventh-most in a single season at Kentucky, trailing only a handful of the program’s legendary scorers.

     

    His shooting prowess was instrumental in helping the Wildcats set a school record with 341 made threes, while the team also ranked seventh nationally in scoring at 84.4 points per game. Kentucky featured six players averaging double figures for the first time in program history, and Brea’s spacing helped open the floor for others to thrive.

     

    Koby Brea (4)

    Mar 13, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Koby Brea (4) dunks the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Bridgestone Arena.

     

    Brea saved some of his best work for the spotlight. In Kentucky’s SEC opener, he erupted for 23 points on 7-of-9 shooting from deep in a 106–100 win over No. 6 Florida, the eventual national champions. He later matched that total in the NCAA Tournament’s second round, scoring 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting in a win over Illinois.

     

    Though the Wildcats’ season ended in the Sweet 16, Brea’s value as a mature, high-IQ scorer was clear throughout the year.

     

    A New Chapter Begins

    Reflecting on his college career, Brea expressed gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead. “Every step of my journey has shaped me into the person I am today,” he said. “While this moment is bittersweet, I’m excited for the next chapter of my life.”

     

    Brea now joins a long line of Kentucky players leaping to the NBA. With his shooting and experience, he brings a skill set built for the modern game, one that could earn him a role in the league for years to come.

     

     

  • Georgia Bulldogs Biggest Winners From Spring Scrimmage ‘G-day

    Georgia Bulldogs Biggest Winners From Spring Scrimmage ‘G-day

     

    Georgia Football’s biggest winners and risers from the Bulldogs’ spring scrimmage “G-Day”.

     

    Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates after pulling in a deep pass for a big gain during the Georgia G-Day spring football game in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

    Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates after pulling in a deep pass for a big gain during the Georgia G-Day spring football game in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 12, 2025. / Joshua L. Jones

    Georgia Football’s biggest winners and risers from the Bulldogs’ spring scrimmage “G-Day”.

     

    The Georgia Bulldogs have just completed their annual spring scrimmage as the Red Team defeated the Black Team by a score of 34-17. Given that this year’s event was not televised, those who did not make the trip to Athens were unable to catch the action. For everyone who missed this year’s event, here are some of the biggest winners from “G-Day”.

     

    Joenel Aguero

    While he did allow a touchdown, Joenel Aguero has developed as a defender in the passing game. The safety was seemingly all over the field all game and even got in on a handful of pass breakups. Combining Aguero’s already solid ability to defend the run with a more refined skillset in the passing game could make him one of the Dawgs’ best players in the secondary this season.

     

    Colbie Young

    After a lengthy absence in 2024, Colbie Young returned to action with the Bulldogs and looked almost unguardable at times. The wideout hauled in a touchdown pass had another called back and finished the day with a handful of impressive catches.

     

    Gunner Stockton

    While he didn’t play perfectly, it became quite clear that Gunner Stockton was a few steps ahead of the rest of the room in the quarterback battle.

     

    The offense seemed to move a bit more smoothly with Stockton at the helm and the quarterback completed some impressive deep balls in the second half. It’s not confirmed at the moment, but the majority of experts and analysts believe that he will be the starting quarterback in 2025.

     

    Jeremy Bell

    Jeremy Bell also flashed throughout Saturday’s scrimmage and even caught a touchdown pass of his own to give the Red Team a 27-10 lead. Should Bell carry momentum from today’s game into the fall, he could become a major component of the Bulldogs’ already-loaded wide receiver room in 2025.

     

    London Humphreys

    Humphreys was another receiver who made some massive flash plays in today’s game. The Bulldog hauled in a handful of impressive passes, including a 50-yard bomb from Colter Ginn. His addition to the Dawgs roster ahead of 2024 is proving to be more and more of an excellent decision for the Dawgs.

     

    With G-Day in the rearview mirror, the Dawgs will now turn their attention to preparing for their 2025 regular season. Georgia will begin its regular season on August 30th in Sanford Stadium when it plays host to the Marshall Thundering Herd. The Bulldogs are looking to maintain their home win streak of more than 30 games.

     

     

     

     

  • A former Kentucky seven-footer has entered the transfer portal

    A former Kentucky seven-footer has entered the transfer portal

     

    A former Kentucky Wildcats will be looking for a new home.

     

    Houston Cougars guard Terrance Arceneaux (23) is blocked out by Kansas State Wildcats center Ugonna Onyenso (34) and guard C.J. Jones (3) during the second half at Bramlage Coliseum.

    Houston Cougars guard Terrance Arceneaux (23) is blocked out by Kansas State Wildcats center Ugonna Onyenso (34) and guard C.J. Jones (3) during the second half at Bramlage Coliseum.

     

    When Ugonna Onyenso left Kentucky, many thought he would be a great player at his next stop, but the seven-footer had a very underwhelming season at Kansas State.

     

    This year, for the Kansas State Wildcats, Onyenso averaged 2.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. During the 2023-24 season, playing for Kentucky, Onyenson averaged 3.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game in 18.6 minutes.

     

    Onyenso only played 11.1 minutes per game for Kansas State, and now he has hit the transfer portal once again, where he will look for a spot to get some more minutes.

     

    Big Blue Nation knows that Onyenso is a player who has a lot of upside, and perhaps a new school will be able to get it out of the seven-footer.

     

    During the 2023-24 season, Onyenso was one of the best shot blockers in the nation, so with more minutes, he could be near the top of this stat, likely with new Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance.

     

    Onyenso is an all-around great defensive center who rebounds well. If he is able to continue to improve as a soccer in the paint, he is capable of being an outstanding college player. Onyenso shot 70% from the field this season at K-State, but he didn’t shoot the ball all that much, as he only averaged 1.7 field goal attempts per game.

     

    It will be interesting to see if Onyenso will end up at a good school or drop to a lower level of Division One hoops.

     

     

  • Letsile Tebogo Reveals Alarming Reason He Nearly Pulled Out of Botswana Golden Grand Prix

    Letsile Tebogo Reveals Alarming Reason He Nearly Pulled Out of Botswana Golden Grand Prix

     

    Letsile Tebogo overcame a last-minute challenge to deliver a memorable performance at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.

    Despite winning the 200m race at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, Letsile Tebogo has revealed that he almost withdrew from the race.

     

    Letsile Tebogo clocked a stunning 20.23 seconds to cross the finish line ahead of Luxolo Adams who timed 20.42 seconds. Kobe Vleminckx sealed the podium in a time of 20.45 seconds.

     

    Akani Simbine Obliterates Bayanda Walaza’s World Lead As He Beats Improving Ferdinand Omanyala In Botswana

    Akani Simbine Obliterates Bayanda Walaza’s World Lead As He Beats Improving Ferdinand Omanyala In Botswana

    Stay updated with the Latest Sports News from Pulse Sports.

     

    Now, the reigning Olympic 200m champion has made a damning confession about he almost failed to make it to the starting line.

     

    Why Letsile Tebogo almost withdrew from Botswana Golden Grand Prix?

     

    Why Letsile Tebogo almost withdrew from Botswana Golden Grand Prix?

    The reigning world 100m silver medallist revealed that at warm up area, he felt a slight discomfort on his hamstring and was unsure about competing.

     

    Letsile Tebogo revealed that he made the decision to compete since most of the fans were there to watch him. He added that it had been long since he competed on home soil and it was a great opportunity to showcase his talent.

     

    Going into the race, the world 200m bronze medallist revealed that he just wanted to implement what his coach had advised him and was grateful to have emerged as the winner.

     

    BREAKING: Aldrine Kibet, Amos Wanjala Headline Final Kenya U-20 AFCON Squad

    BREAKING: Aldrine Kibet, Amos Wanjala Headline Final Kenya U-20 AFCON Squad

    “Coming into this race when I started my warm up, I had a bit of a knock on my right hamstring and had to make sure I warm up as much as possible and come here and do it for the people,” Letsile Tebogo said in an interview after the race.

     

    “During the warm up, there is a point where I felt like I would be forcing my body to do it so I wanted to step back but I felt like some of the people wanted to see me do it on the home straight. I had to make sure I get out of the blocks nice and easy and transition very well out of the curve.”

     

    The 21-year-old added that, however, if he feels fit enough, he will compete in one more race in South Africa.

     

    2025 AFCON U20: Kenya Draw Nigeria, Morocco in Tough Group After Repeated Draw

    2025 AFCON U20: Kenya Draw Nigeria, Morocco in Tough Group After Repeated Draw

    “I have started, everything went well like I said. For now, I think we are going to rest, wait for China. If not, then there is a Grand Prix on Wednesday. If the body feels great, then we shall go to South Africa to do the Grand Prix,” Letsile Tebogo shared.

     

    Despite the early scare, Letsile Tebogo’s grit and love for his home fans saw him push through the discomfort to deliver a stellar performance.

     

    He now shifts focus to the series of Diamond League Meetings he has since been confirmed for as he prepares for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

  • A new name emerges in the transfer portal for Greg Gard and Wisconsin

    A new name emerges in the transfer portal for Greg Gard and Wisconsin

     

     

     

    Greg Gard has been busy in the college basketball transfer portal. He’s already added essentially three starters for Wisconsin’s next season’s roster. However, he’s still on the prowl for players that can give the Badgers a boost up and down the lineup. Gard targets specific players for specific fits for Wisconsin, and so it’s always intriguing which player emerges on his radar.

     

    The newest name is JaKobe Coles who entered the transfer portal out of Grand Canyon University.

     

    JaKobe Coles says he has heard from Wisconsin after entering his name in the portal

    JaKobe Coles is a 6’8″ forward who was a beast for GCU last season. He averaged 14.4 points per game on 51% shooting from the field, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He can also knock down the outside shot on occasion, and while most of his points come from inside, he isn’t afraid to take a shot from behind the arc. He attempted 92 three-point shots last season.

     

    Coles is entering the transfer portal as a grad transfer. He started his college career at Butler but was injured early in the season and had to have knee surgery. He is requesting a medical exemption from the NCAA to play one final season in college. After Butler, he went to TCU, where he played for three years. Finally, he transferred again to GCU, where he was able to really showcase his ability to score in the paint and from the free-throw line.

     

    It will be interesting to monitor if the recruiting relationship continues to develop between Coles and Wisconsin. It could have very well been an interest call or an aggressive pitch. They could use Coles with the loss of Xavier Amos, but they will have to compete with other schools also vying for him. He’s heard from Arizona State, West Virginia, Oregon, Cal, Iowa, Xavier, and Creighton.

  • We hear that…” Ferrari problem overcome by Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain

    We hear that…” Ferrari problem overcome by Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain

     

    Frustration for both Ferrari drivers revealed in F1 Bahrain Grand Prix

     

     

    Lewis Hamilton left the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix as the official ‘driver of the day’ after his run to fifth.

     

    It represented a remarkable 24-hour turnaround after his despondency on Saturday post-qualifying.

     

    “It happens every Saturday,” he sighed after qualifying ninth but he would enjoy a far more productive grand prix in Lusail.

     

    Hamilton was P5, one place behind teammate Charles Leclerc, giving Ferrari their best grand prix finish of the season.

     

    However, that speaks volumes about the struggles faced by Ferrari who brought a slew of upgrades to Bahrain to somehow jolt life into their campaign.

     

    Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari ‘closed the gap’

     

    “It’s been tricky, a tricky start for Lewis at Ferrari. Yesterday he was particularly down,” Sky Sports’ Naomi Schiff said.

     

    “Coming into this weekend, it felt like energy was particularly low.

     

    “From our understanding, we hear that they aren’t able to run the car in the optimum setup.

     

    “That has been frustrating for both drivers.

     

    “They brought the new floor here this weekend. Clearly they have closed the gap because both Charles and Lewis, towards the end, were very competitive.

     

    “Lewis always come back alive on a Sunday. His issues are on a Saturday with qualifying pace.

     

    “But with long run pace situations, he’s always a lot more on it. You can feel his energy is lifted, as soon as he delivers performance.”

     

    Leclerc left Bahrain bemoaning Ferrari’s lack of pace, but for Hamilton his issues clearly lie during qualifying.

     

    It was suggested that, next weekend at the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Ferrari tell Hamilton to test quali sims during practice sessions on the Friday.

     

    “I don’t know,” was Schiff’s reaction. “I guess that’s an option – but it feels like something you do with a younger driver.

     

    “Lewis understands the processes to get that car into the window it needs to be in qualifying.

     

    “I don’t know what’s lacking with him. Whether it’s confidence in the car, he’s talking about engine braking, every week it seems he’s mentioning more issues that he’s struggling to get on top of, after coming from another team.

     

    “For him it’s about being on track, driving as much as possible, getting to know this car, getting on top of those issues in the lower fuel runs.”

     

    Hamilton’s season so far has peaked with a sprint race win in China but P5 in Bahrain is his best grand prix result so far.

  • Mark Pope has his frontcourt set for the 2025-26 season

    Mark Pope has his frontcourt set for the 2025-26 season

     

    Kentucky center Brandon Garrison – Mont Dawson, Kentucky Sports Radio

    Kentucky center Brandon Garrison – Mont Dawson, Kentucky Sports Radio

    Mark Pope received two massive pieces of news on Saturday related to his frontcourt rotation for next season.

     

    It started with the commitment of Croatian big man Andrija Jelavic, a 6-foot-11 forward who averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 assists per contest this past season suiting up for Mega Superbet in Serbia. A few hours later, Brandon Garrison announced his return for a junior season in 2025-26.

     

    It feels particularly notable these two announcements came within hours of each — Garrison is clearly good with Jelavic, who will be a 21-year-old freshman, entering the mix. A little competition never hurt anyone. And in today’s age of college basketball, roster retention is among the most important offseason goals. That’s two important check marks for Pope and his staff.

     

    With Garrison and Jelavic now locked in, Pope appears to have solidified the frontcourt for his second season as head coach. Joining those two will be potential top-five 2026 NBA Draft pick Jayden Quaintance, versatile forward Mouhamed Dioubate, and 7-foot freshman Malachi Moreno. As Pope continues to try and add one more shooter in the backcourt (Sam Houston’s Lamar Wilkerson chief among them), it certainly feels like the frontcourt is locked in — but we can’t fully count out the idea of him adding someone else between now and the fall.

     

    Kentucky’s 2025-26 frontcourt (stats from 2024-25 season)

     

    Brandon Garrison (Jr.) 6-10, 250 | Kentucky: 5.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 50.9 FG%, 30 3PT%

    Mouhamed Dioubate (Jr.) 6-7, 215 | Alabama: 7.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, 61.7 FG%, 46.2 3PT%

    Jayden Quaintance (So.) 6-10, 225 | Arizona State: 9.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.6 BPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 52.5 FG%, 18.8 3PT%

    Malachi Moreno (Fr.) 7-0, 210 | Great Crossin HS: 21.5 PPG, 14.9 RPG, 3.5 BPG, 3.4 APG, 72.1 FG%, 27.3 3PT%

    Andrija Jelavic (Fr.) 6-11, 225 | Mega Superbet: 10.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 50.3 FG%, 32.3 3PT%

    Four of these five will expect to fill a meaningful role in 2025-26, Moreno being the odd man out as a true freshman. If we wanted to stretch the position rules, we could count 6-foot-8 Kam Williams and 6-foot-5 Trent Noah as forwards, but their skill sets will keep them mostly on the perimeter.

     

    Who will take over as the starters at power forward and center in the season-opener? It’s almost impossible to tell this early in the offseason — and possibly a moot point with the way Pope divvies up his minutes — but we might as well take a stab at it.

     

    Quaintance’s ACL injury complicates his potential as a day-one starter. He underwent surgery in the middle of March and has been open about being ready for the first game of the regular season, but it’s best to be cautiously optimistic with an injury as serious as that one.

     

    However, once he is fully healthy and ready to play, he could — and should, if Kentucky wants to reach its ceiling — eventually play his way into 20-plus minutes per game.