Category: Wisconsin badger

 

 

The NCAA transfer portal for basketball is open from March 24 to April 22, 2025.

Wisconsin lost several key players to graduation, including John Tonje, Max Klesmit, and Steven Crowl.

Three players have transferred out of the Wisconsin program: Daniel Freitag, Camren Hunter, and Chris Hodges.

Although the NCAA Tournament Final Four and national title game are still to be played, the college basketball transfer cycle is in full swing.

 

The 2025 window opened on March 24, immediately following the tournament’s second round. It will remain open until April 22. Players have until that date to enter their names. Once in, there is no time limit on committing to a new program.

 

Wisconsin has major needs to address this transfer cycle. The program said goodbye to a large senior class after the 2024-25 season, including star wing John Tonje, starters Max Klesmit and Steven Crowl, and key bench contributors Carter Gilmore and Kamari McGee. It returns John Blackwell and Nolan Winter to lead the lineup, with starting spots at combo guard, wing and forward all up for grabs.

 

The program is already trending for several top transfer targets. We have live updates on those pursuits here.

 

With several Wisconsin players already gone to the portal and commitments imminent, here is an up-to-date tracker of the program’s finalized transfer activity.

 

 

IN: Virginia transfer guard Andrew Rohde

Mar 8, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Andrew Rohde (4) shoots against Syracuse Orange guard Kyle Cuffe Jr. (0) during the second half at the JMA Wireless Dome.

2024-25 Stats: Junior season. 30.9 minutes, 9.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.2 steals. 43% shooting, 41% from 3.

 

Andrew Rohde became Wisconsin’s first transfer commitment on April 3, choosing the program over top contender Iowa State. He played the last two years at Virginia after beginning his career at St. Thomas. The 6-foot-6 guard should fit seamlessly into Greg Gard’s lineup, especially with his proven ability to distribute the basketball and shoot from the outside. Virginia is also an easy culture fit with Wisconsin, although legendary coach Tony Bennett retired before the 2024-25 season. Rohde should also be a ‘plus’ on the defensive end.

 

The big question is where the Brookfield, Wisconsin, native slots into the Badgers’ lineup. The program’s remaining transfer movement will give that answer. As of now, he projects to start in the backcourt alongside Blackwell and a to-be-determined transfer.

 

OUT: Freshman point guard Daniel Freitag

MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 30: Daniel Freitag #5 of the Wisconsin Badgers dribbles the ball to the basket on Nick DeLuca #20 of the River Falls Falcons during the second half of the exhibition game at Kohl Center on October 30, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin.

2024-25 Stats: 29 total minutes, two points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal

 

Freitag’s departure is the most notable of the three. He joined the program as its top recruit in the class of 2024 with the long-term expectation of filling Chucky Hepburn’s shoes at point guard. The Minneapolis, Minnesota, native appeared in just 14 games as a true freshman, mostly in the final minutes of decisive wins. He enters the portal with three years of eligibility remaining, likely looking for a guaranteed role and playing time.

 

OUT: Junior guard Camren Hunter

Wisconsin guard Camren Hunter (3) misses a three-point basket during the second half of their game Sunday, December 22, 2024 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Detroit Mercy 76-53.

2024-25 Stats: 23 total minutes, three points, five rebounds, one assist

 

Hunter transferred to Wisconsin last offseason after three seasons at Central Arkansas. Unlike fellow transfers John Tonje and Xavier Amos, he was unable to crack the Badgers’ regular rotation. He and Freitag played similar roles off the bench in late-game situations. Hunter transferred back to Central Arkansas this week, where he previously averaged a combined 15.5 points, five rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game in two seasons as a major contributor (2021-23).

 

OUT: Junior forward Chris Hodges

MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 30: Chris Hodges #21 of the Wisconsin Badgers shoots a free throw during the second half of the game against the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds at Kohl Center on October 30, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

2024-25 Stats: 15 total minutes, one point, one steal

 

Hodges entered the portal after four seasons with the Badgers. He was a reserve throughout that time, seeing just 30, 21 and 15 total minutes of playing time as a redshirt freshman, sophomore and junior, respectively. His exit opens a fourth roster spot that Gard and his staff will look to fill with an experienced transfer.

 

 

 

Wisconsin’s John Blackwell declares for NBA draft, maintains option of returning to Badgers

Mark Stewart Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

 

John Blackwell’s ability to develop from a role player as a freshman to a go-to player as a sophomore was a key reason why the Wisconsin men’s basketball team exceeded expectations this season.

 

But is he ready for the NBA?

 

That is the question the 6-foot-4 guard will seek answers for over the next couple of months. Thursday he started that process by declaring for the 2025 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility.

 

Blackwell announced his decision on social media.

 

“My goal has always been to play in the NBA, and going through the process will take me one step closer to my dream,” he wrote.

 

If Blackwell returns to college, he wrote that he plans to come back to Wisconsin.

 

“Once a Badger, always a Badger!,” he wrote.

 

The deadline for early entry players to withdraw from the draft is June 15 at 4 p.m. central time.

 

Blackwell averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assist per game this past season. He shot 45.1% from the floor and 32.2% from three-point range.

 

His average of 31.2 minutes per game was just a shade off John Tonje’s team high.

 

Those numbers were significant increases over the averages Blackwell produced as a freshman: 8.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists per game. He played 18 ½ minutes per game and his field goal percentage was 44.6%.

 

In addition to getting input from his family and his agent, Blackwell noted that UW coach Greg Gard was part of the process.

 

“John has been a tremendous player for our program the last two seasons and has the drive to be the best player on the floor, wherever he is playing,” Gard said in a statement posted on the Badgers’ page on X. “This is a win-win opportunity for John to receive feedback from NBA personnel while retaining the ability to play for our program next fall.”

 

When meeting with the media after practice on Tuesday, Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell confirmed redshirt freshman Thomas Heiberger has moved to inside linebacker.

 

The team’s updated spring roster first indicated the shift, which is worth watching as the offseason period and 2025 season preparation continue.

 

Heiberger joined the program as one of its top class of 2024 signees. He was the No. 463 overall player, the No. 40 linebacker and the top player from South Dakota in the class.

 

The four-star recruit was an early standout at outside linebacker after arriving on campus last offseason. However, an August knee injury sidelined him for much of the season, halting his chance of cracking the initial two-deep. He returned to the field toward the end of the campaign, appearing in four games, all on special teams.

 

Heiberger’s move to inside linebacker is interesting to note. Wisconsin enters the season with 2024 starter Christian Alliegro and former USC transfer Tackett Curtis set to start at the position. Not much depth exists beyond that duo; redshirt sophomore Tyler Jansey and Western Carolina transfer Antarron Turner are the other primary options.

 

Outside linebacker, meanwhile, has returning veterans Darryl Peterson and Aaron Witt, incoming transfers Mason Reiger (Louisville), Michael Garner (Grambling State) and Tyreese Fearbry (Kentucky), and 2024 breakout player Sebastian Cheeks. Heiberger would face a long path to playing time at the position, even with several of those players entering their final year of eligibility.

 

The position change makes sense for that reason. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Heiberger quickly joined the two-deep at inside linebacker and potentially the regular rotation.

 

“Thomas (Heiberger) has moved to inside linebacker,” Fickell said when asked about the pass-rusher group. “Aaron Witt is (also) playing a little bit of a hybrid; he’ll play some of the edge stuff. … We’re just trying to use some more versatility. Again, it gives us a chance to get bigger.”

 

Wisconsin delivered on that final point of emphasis this offseason, landing four experienced defensive linemen and three edge rushers. The team’s new-look front seven figures to be a clear step up from a group that struggled down the stretch in 2024. The additions of defensive tackles Corey Walker (Western Michigan), Parker Petersen (Tulane), Charles Perkins (UT-Martin) and Jay’Viar Suggs (LSU), plus returning contributors Ben Barten and Brandon Lane, headline that projection.

 

“You’re playing nickel all the time, now you can go into a base defense, you can add a guy that’s 6-foot-4, 6-foot-5, 245 pounds as another piece on the field, along with the big 300-pounders,” Fickell continued. “It was an emphasis for us to be able to get bigger. Obviously, the way that we have to practice, this gives us a opportunity to get those guys more reps.”

 

The program has certainly done so along the front. Behind that group, Heiberger’s place on the depth chart will be worth monitoring as the spring and summer continue. If his flashes as a true freshman were any indication, he could emerge as a major contributor as early as this season.

 

 

 

Austin Rapp rebounds a ball with his right hand. He is in the college basketball transfer portal after one season at Portland

 

 

Wisconsin basketball was slated alongside a slew of other Big Ten teams after hosting the forward on a visit

 

The past two seasons, Wisconsin basketball head coach Greg Gard has found his team’s leading scorer in the college basketball transfer portal. After AJ Storr portaled again and John Tonje exhausted his eligibility, Gard is hoping to hit on another transfer.

 

So far, the Wisconsin Badgers have only lost players to the transfer portal. After one season in Madison each, guards Camren Hunter and Daniel Freitag are seeking other opportunities. However, it is not just depth in his backcourt that Gard needs to fill.

 

The Badgers have a seven-foot hole in the frontcourt. Veteran starting center Steven Crowl’s 25.6 minutes per game will have to be filled. Plus, Wisconsin needs to find some way to replace Carter Gilmore’s steady presence at forward off the bench.

 

The first step in rebuilding Wisconsin’s frontcourt may not be far away, as a standout prospect in the portal announced his top-five schools on Tuesday.

 

Transfer Portal Center Austin Rapp Includes Wisconsin Basketball in Top Five

Austin Rapp is a highly-coveted prospect after his one season in the West Coast Conference. As a freshman at Portland, he averaged 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. While the sheer volume was impressive, it was how Rapp compiled those numbers that may have played an even bigger role in earning him the WCC Freshman of the Year Award.

 

On 236 attempts, Rapp shot 35.2% from three. The All-WCC Second-Team honoree’s ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches changes the way defenses have to play. Rapp connected on three or more shots from deep 14 times his freshman year, including two games in which he connected on six three-pointers.

 

As Wisconsin basketball looks to replace Crowl, a career 36.3% shooter from beyond the arc, Rapp may be a perfect fit. Following a visit to Madison, the Badgers received encouraging news.

 

In a social media post, Rapp announced that he has narrowed down his recruitment to five schools. The Melbourne, Australia native will play his next season of college basketball with the Wisconsin Badgers, Michigan Wolverines, Iowa Hawkeyes, Oregon Ducks, or Clemson Tigers.

 

In a conversation with All Badgers before the 2024-25 season, Wisconsin basketball assistant coach Kirk Penney said that in UW’s overhauled offense, the Badgers “are really trying to spread the floor, create as much spacing as possible, giving guys the opportunity to drive if they want to, a lot of room for the bigs to roll without having too much help, and also having players that can shoot the ball.”

 

With that offensive philosophy in mind, it is easy to envision Rapp in the Gard-Penney offense.

 

At 6-foot-10-inches, 230-pounds, Rapp can complement rising junior Nolan Winter, another capable shooter, in the frontcourt on high-low actions, in addition to rotating minutes at center. Good things happen when Rapp tries getting to the rim, as he connected on 81.5% of his 92 attempts from the free-throw line last season – including a perfect ten-for-ten performance against the Washington State Cougars.

 

Rapp can play inside and out on both ends of the floor. A willing rim protector, he totaled 45 blocks in 31 games. No Badger has recorded a block per game since Nate Reuvers swatted away 1.3 per contest in the 2020-21 season.

 

Wisconsin basketball guard Daniel Freitag lifts his arms in the air to defend the lane

 

The transfer portal for NCAA men’s basketball is in full swing, and Wisconsin Badger fans are finally starting to get a grasp of the targets that Greg Gard and his staff are targeting. They aren’t offering or chasing everyone; they aren’t even after every big name that jumps into the portal. They have a small list of players that they want to prioritize, and while they won’t be able to land them all, they will get some good additions.

 

First, a refresher on the Wisconsin Badgers, who have already jumped into the portal and will be seeking a new school. As of now, there are only two players to move along.

 

Wisconsin players transferring out

PG – Daniel Freitag

PG – Camren Hunter

 

Second, and probably the primary reason you clicked into this article, is for the players that Wisconsin is targeting. It could be more than this, but these are the ones that we have seen reports of or have had confirmation of. We have even had a couple already visit, Austin Rapp and Nick Boyd. Here’s a full list of players that Wisconsin is reportedly pursuing in the transfer portal.

 

Transfer players reportedly linked to Wisconsin

C – Austin Rapp from the University of Portland

F – Morez Johnson Jr. from the University of Illinois

G – Keonte Jones from CSUN

G – Nick Boyd from San Diego State University

G – Alex Huibregtse from Wright State

G – Bubu Benjamin from Tarleton State

F – Amsal Delalic from Pitt

F – Jacob Ognacevic from Lipscomb

G- Andrew Rohde from Virginia

 

There are probably others who haven’t yet been reported, and there will be more coming in the next few weeks as players from other schools jump into the portal. It will be ever-expanding, but for now, Greg Gard and his staff seem to be focused on this. There’s a good chance a couple of these players listed above are Badgers next year.

 

 

The 2024-25 season for the Wisconsin men’s basketball program will be remembered for several incredible performances. And most of them involved John Tonje.

 

Tonje spent just one year in a Badger uniform, but he made the most of each and every game he played. A sixth-year transfer, Tonje scored 724 points, which places him second on the school’s single-season scoring list.

 

He also put together a record 37 points in the tough loss to BYU in the NCAA Tournament, which brought a close to Tonje’s career as a college athlete. He is now preparing for the NBA and NBA Draft, and likely will make a team very happy upon his arrival.

 

The 6-foot-5 Tonje shined in Nebraska as a prep, finishing as the state’s leading scorer his senior season. He used that to secure a spot at Colorado State, playing four seasons where he averaged just under 15 as a senior.

 

From Nebraska to Missouri to Wisconsin for John Tonje

From there, Tonje took a medical redshirt at Missouri in 2023-24 after spending the summer helping the Cameroon National Team go 4-0 in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament. He returned to the court as a Badger, putting his name on the map with a 41-point performance vs. Arizona.

 

Tonje won National Player of the Week honors three times, was the Greenbrier Tip-Off Tournament MVP, a first team all-Big Ten selection and second team All-American.

 

Not bad from a kid who had zero stars and held offers from Colorado State, hometown school Nebraska Omaha and Missouri Western coming out of high school.

 

 

Most now have Tonje as a Top 100 player on their big board for the NBA Draft. That would mean the end of the second round, but he could also be an undrafted free agent and have more control over where he goes.

 

Since 2011, Wisconsin has had just four players selected in the NBA Draft in Jon Leuer, Sam Dekker, Frank Kaminsky and Johnny Davis.

 

This article first appeared on Wisconsin Badgers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

 

 

 

Ex-Duke Basketball Center Returns to Transfer Portal

 

SEC Coach Denies Maryland Interest; Buzz Williams Top Candidate?

The Texas A M Aggies’ Buzz Williams was not the only SEC head coach who has been rumored to potentially be interested in the now-vacant Maryland Terrapins job. In the immediate aftermath of now former Terrapins’ coach Kevin Willard taking the same job at Villanova, Alabama coach Nate Oats joined Williams as the two high-profile current head men rumored to have an interest. However, now it seems Williams now has that category of rumored interest to himself.

 

According to a report the Field of 68 insider Jeff Goodman, the current Crimson Tide head coach has taken himself out of the running for the Maryland job. “Alabama head coach Nate Oats has no interest in the vacant Maryland job, source told Field of 68,” Goodman writes. Goodman went even further to say that there was “no truth” to the rumors that Oats had interest in leaving Tuscaloosa for Maryland.

 

Which obviously doesn’t do much for Aggie fans hoping to hear the same in regards to Williams. But the longer there is no official word on Williams’ desire to stay in College Station, it seems that no news may indeed be pending bad news for Texas A M. With Oats out of the running after taking the Crimson Tide to the Elite Eight, where they lost to Duke, Williams looks to be the highest profile candidate for the job.

 

Just days before Goodman broke the news on Oats’s future. He reported that the buzz surrounding Williams (pun intended) was indeed true. “Texas A M’s Buzz Williams trying to get involved in Maryland if/when it opens, source told Field of 68,” Goodman wrote on X Thursday. The 52-year-old just completed his sixth season in College Station, where for the third year in a row, he helped the Aggies earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

 

He’s compiled a 120-73 record in College Station and is fresh off a 23-11 season that saw him take the Aggies to the Round of 32, the farthest they’ve made it with him at the helm. And even while his time with the Aggies is viewed as a success, it does make sense why he would be interested in taking the Maryland. For one, they are coming off their best in a decade, as Willard took them to the Sweet 16. Secondly, historically, the Terrapins is a better job than Texas A M. Until a hire is officially made by Maryland, the Aggies may have to sweat out the coming days as they await to find out the future of their head coach.

 

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Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson plans to demote a few veterans in 2025

Former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus did all he could to try and instill a strong leadership core in the locker room for his third season with the team.

Before drafting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick, Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles hired offensive coordinator Shane Waldon and defensive coordinator Eric Washington to provide leadership from the coaching staff. The Chicago Bears’ “apex leadership group” is shrinking Eberflus made a unique choice to give the Bears eight team captains in 2024, calling them the “apex leadership group.”

They were to serve as communicators from the locker room to Eberflus and his staff. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, wide receiver DJ Moore, quarterback Caleb Williams, safety Kevin Byard III, linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, and tight ends Marcedes Lewis and Cole Kmet were named captains before the season. “It’s their locker room,” Eberflus said via the Bears website. “I told them it’s their team.

We’re gonna give you the keys. We’re gonna prepare you how to drive and all those things, and we’re gonna be there to help you. But it’s their team. They gotta drive it.” Ben Johnson wants fewer team captains Johnson will have a different approach for the upcoming season. Per Courtney Cronin of ESPN, Johnson said during the annual league meeting on Tuesday that the Bears would have fewer team captains (3-5) in 2025.

“Johnson said the Bears will “probably” have between 3-5 season-long captains that the players will vote on. That’s less than the 8 Chicago had during the 2024 season,” Cronin posted on X. Of the Bears’ eight team captains from 2024, only Lewis is not on the roster. He is a free agent who recently suggested that he wanted to end his career with Chicago.

Johnson’s plan means a few team captains from 2024 will be demoted from their official leadership positions. Eight was always too many team captains. This season, Johnson wants his staff to install their culture before letting the veterans take over. After 15 wins in three seasons, the veteran core of the Bears wasn’t getting the job done, regardless of what the coaching staff was or wasn’t doing.

 

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Raiders Drop Update on Possible Hunter Renfrow Signing

It’s no secret that the Las Vegas Raiders have a need at wide receiver, but with options limited in free agency, the team recently brought in Hunter Renfrow for a visit. The former fifth-round pick of the team was out of the NFL last season but is looking to make a comeback in 2025. He’s a former Pro Bowl and still just 29 so he could return to form in the right situation.

While there are few coaches and front office members left from Renfrow’s tenure with the team, the Raiders are at least a little interested in reuniting with the wide receiver. General manager John Spytek was asked about the visit and he gave some insight as to why they wanted to meet with Renfrow. “We were just visiting and checking in on him,” Spytek told reporters at the annual league meeting in Florida.

“I’ll just say he’s in a really good spot now where he wants to continue his career. We would be remiss if we didn’t think about it.” It sounds like the Raiders may still be evaluating their options. Renfrow also previously met with the Carolina Panthers so they could be lurking. The Raiders may wait to see how the 2025 NFL Draft plays out before making any kind of offer to Renfrow.

 

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NBA

Dominant Thunder break NBA record, eye more NBA history

On Tuesday, the Thunder (63-12) improved to 28-1 against Eastern Conference teams with a 145-117 win over the Bulls. In the process, Mark Daigneault officially clinched the best inter-conference record in NBA history, surpassing the previous benchmark set by the 1999-00 Lakers, 2006-07 Mavericks and 2015-16 Warriors, all of which finished with a 27-3 record against the East.

In its final away game in Detroit on Wednesday, OKC can improve to 29-1 against the East, adding to its NBA record. Technically, the Thunder lost another game to the Bucks this season, but its NBA Cup finals loss does not count as part of the regular season. OKC is also on pace to finish with the largest point differential (and net rating) in NBA history.

As of Tuesday, they’ve outscored opponents by an average of 13.36 points, which is more than a point clear of the ’71-’72 Lakers (12.28) and ’70-’71 Bucks (12.26). Even the 73-9 Warriors beat opponents by an average of 11.63 points. Thunder can also become only the third 70-win team in NBA history if they can go 7-0 in their final 10 games. Unless they rest all their starters, the milestone is within reach.

Scratch that, they’ve been drubbing teams even without key starters in recent weeks, going 19-2 since the All-Star break. Nothing is beyond reach for this spirited bunch. It’s going to take a bit for everyone to process what this OKC team, the youngest 60-win team ever, has achieved this season. But Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. continue to be disrespected, and understandably so. This team won’t get its fair share of credit unless the regular-season dominance translates to the playoffs.

At least the oddsmakers don’t consider OKC a regular-season wonder. After trailing the Celtics all season, the Thunder are now officially the odds-on favorites to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June. The shift in odds is monumental since the C’s have been favored to win it all since Oct. 2023, which predates their title victory in 2024.

 

 

Wisconsin freshman guard Daniel Freitag entered the transfer portal after one season with the Badgers.

Freitag, a former four-star recruit, saw limited playing time as a freshman and will look for a larger role elsewhere.

Freitag is the second Wisconsin player to enter the transfer portal since it opened on March 24.

Wisconsin will look to the transfer portal to fill out its roster for the 2025-26 season.

Wisconsin freshman guard and former top high school recruit Daniel Freitag entered the transfer portal on Monday.

 

Freitag is the second player to depart since the portal window opened on March 24, joining reserve guard Camren Hunter. The two, each in their first year with the program in 2024-25, combined for just 52 total minutes, five points, nine rebounds and four assists while converting just two of 19 shot attempts.

While both players entered the season, Freitag from high school and Hunter via transfer from Central Arkansas, with expectations to compete for a regular role in the rotation, walk-on freshman Jack Janicki emerged to capture the available bench minutes.

 

There wasn’t a guarantee that their place in the backcourt rotation would change entering 2025-26, even with veterans Max Klesmit and Kamari McGee gone to graduation.

 

Freitag’s transfer is the more notable of the two. The four-star prospect joined the Badgers last offseason as the No. 119 player in the class of 2024, No. 12 point guard and No. 3 recruit from the state of Minnesota. He did so with expectations of being Wisconsin’s point guard of the future after Chucky Hepburn’s transfer to Louisville. Now, the former top recruit will look to fulfill his top recruiting billing elsewhere.

 

The point guard took to X on Monday after the news of his transfer broke to share a message with the Wisconsin fanbase:

 

“My time at UW has been an enjoyable chapter in my life. The relationships I’ve built with my brothers here have meant everything to me, and I’m grateful for it all. Every challenge and obstacle will make me a better man, and I wouldn’t trade the adversity for anything. I never thought this day would come, but I’m aware God doesn’t make mistakes. Through it all, I will continue to trust His plan for my life and career.

 

To the Wisconsin fans, thank you for the support from the moment I arrived on campus. It has not gone unnoticed, and it has been amazing to experience. A special thank you to the guards who took me under their wing: Camren Hunter, John Blackwell, John Tonje, Max Klesmit, and Kamari McGee. There will always be a spot in my heat and in my mind for my amazing teammates.

 

After much thought and prayer, I have decided to enter the transfer portal. I’m looking forward to the next step, but I will always be grateful for my time as a Badger.”

 

Freitag enters the portal with three years of eligibility remaining. Wisconsin originally landed his commitment over in-state Minnesota, Notre Dame, Baylor and Virginia. While two of those programs have new coaching staffs, those four may be worth watching as his transfer process begins.

 

Wisconsin, meanwhile, is ramping up its transfer recruiting process. For more on the program’s interests and top targets, one of which was recently on campus for a visit, bookmark our transfer target tracker.

 

 

 

Gabriela Jaquez’s heroics lead UCLA past LSU to first Final Four

Gabriela Jaquez delivered on a key sequence that helped No. 1 seed UCLA hold off third-seeded LSU and send the Bruins to their first-ever Final Four with a 72-65 decision on Sunday in the Spokane Region 1 final. UCLA (34-2) led throughout the second half and by as many 14 points, but LSU went on repeated runs that had the Tigers within striking distance down the stretch. An 8-0 Tigers run late in the fourth quarter made the score 56-53 with 3:24 remaining.

Lauren Betts, who faced suffocating double- and triple-teams throughout her 17-point, seven-rebound performance, split a pair of free throws to push the Bruins lead back to four. Then, after LSU failed to score on the ensuing possession, Jaquez got to the foul line to sink a pair of foul shots. On the other end, Kailyn Gilbert missed a shot and Jaquez snagged a deflection for the rebound. Jaquez then fed Betts in the low post from the wing, relocated to the corner, regained the ball from Betts and fired in a 3-pointer.

Jaquez’s shot extended the UCLA lead to an insurmountable nine-point margin and put an exclamation point on her team-high 18-point, eight-rebound performance. LSU (31-6) got a game-high 28 points from Flau’jae Johnson. Aneesah Morrow added 15 points, but the Bruins limited the nation’s leading rebounder to seven boards before Morrow fouled out.

Morrow also came out for a stretch in the third quarter after a collision with teammate Sa’Myah Smith gave Morrow a broken nose. For her part, Smith finished with 10 rebounds and helped limit UCLA’s Betts to 7-of-14 shooting from the floor. Betts did her part for the Bruins defensively with six blocked shots. UCLA also got three steals from Jaquez. The Bruins went just 21-of-55 on field-goal attempts. However, with 10-of-24 coming from 3-point range — led by Timea Gardiner’s 5-of-8 for 15 points off the bench — UCLA withstood LSU’s 25-of-67 shooting for the game.

 

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Five potential Tyreek Hill landing spots amid latest trade rumors

Tyreek Hill has ignited a fresh wave of speculation about his future with some social media activity, and potential trade suitors have likely taken note. Hill had a series of cryptic posts on X Sunday that led many to believe he could seek a trade. The first hint came when a user posed a question asking if Miami Dolphins fans would be open to trading the star wide receiver. Hill responded with a smiley face emoji. Hill then found another post where a salary cap expert suggested Hill is a candidate to be traded during the NFL Draft.

Hill reposted the prediction with a peace sign emoji. Hill had to have known how those responses would be interpreted. Remember, this is the same player who indicated he would leave the Dolphins after their season ended. While the two sides were said to have smoothed things over, no one would be shocked if Hill were to ask for a trade in the coming weeks. If Hill does want out of Miami, which teams might have interest in acquiring him? Here are five potential landing spots for the eight-time Pro Bowl selection:

Los Angeles Chargers Ladd McConkey had an outstanding rookie season last year with 82 catches, 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. The former Georgia star looks like a true No. 1 receiver, but the Chargers are not nearly as deep at the wide receiver position as they were in years past. L.A. reacquired Mike Williams in a trade with the New York Jets midway through last season, but the veteran had three or fewer catches in every game.

Justin Herbert is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and Hill’s speed could add an element to the Chargers’ offense that would be incredibly difficult to stop. Dallas Cowboys How long can Jerry Jones go without making a huge splash? The Cowboys need to sign Micah Parsons to an extension, but they could find a way to do that and add Hill. What better way to welcome new head coach Brian Schottenheimer than by gifting him with a wide receiver duo of Hill and CeeDee Lamb? Dak Prescott will turn 32 this summer.

The quarterback has been banged up in recent years, and his prime will not last forever. You know Jones’ eyes are going to light up if Hill wants a change of scenery. New England Patriots The Patriots just signed Stefon Diggs to a four-year, $69M deal, but the contract is a lot more team-friendly than it sounds. New England also still has nearly $70M in salary cap space, according to Spotrac.

It can easily afford to take on Hill’s $30M salary. If the Patriots want Drake Maye to make a second-year leap, they need to surround him with weapons. A duo of Diggs and Hill would turn New England’s wide receiver room from one of the worst in the league to one of the best in a single offseason. Baltimore Ravens The Ravens signed DeAndre Hopkins this offseason, but he is the latest in a long line of past-their-prime wideouts who have landed in Baltimore. At 31, Hill is still playing his best football. Hill and Zay Flowers could do some serious damage in the same offense.

The Ravens will always be run-first as long as Derrick Henry is healthy, but Hill is the type of player who could push them over the top. Kansas City Chiefs Hill has been open about the fact that he never wanted to leave Kansas City. He simply wanted a new contract, and the two sides could not reach an agreement. Hill has even left the door open for a return to the Chiefs. The Chiefs have solid receivers in Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, but the latter is working his way back from a major knee injury. Travis Kelce’s best days are also behind him. If Kansas City wants to keep its Super Bowl appearance streak alive, adding Hill would be one way to instantly boost its chances.

 

Watch: Five players, two coaches ejected after Pistons-Timberwolves brawl

 

Men’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight winners, losers: It pays to be No. 1

The Final Four for the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament is set thanks to wins by Houston (69-50) over Tennessee, and Auburn (70-64) over Michigan State. Houston and Auburn now join Florida and Duke in this year’s Final Four in San Antonio where they will play for the national championship.

Here are some of the biggest winners and losers from Sunday’s Elite Eight action. Winner: No. 1 seeds For only the second time since the NCAA men’s tournament expanded to 64 teams, the Final Four will feature all four No. 1 seeds. Florida and Duke took care of their business on Saturday, while Auburn and Houston did the same on Sunday.

And there was very little doubt in either game on Sunday. Houston dominated Tennessee on its way to a 19-point win, while Auburn used a 17-0 first-half run against Michigan State to jump out to a huge first-half lead it would never give up. The 2008 tournament was the only other time all four No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four. Loser:

Tennessee’s first half The Volunteers picked the absolute worst time of the season for their offense to abandon them, scoring just 15 points in the first half of Sunday’s Elite Eight game against Houston. That 15-point performance was historically bad for a team seeded that high in the tournament. Even though they played Houston even in the second half (35-35), it is almost impossible to overcome a 15-point half against one of the best teams in the country.

Winner: The SEC Even though Alabama and Tennessee fell short in the quest to give the conference all four teams in the Final Four, Auburn and Florida still gave the conference two teams, and with them set to face each other in the semifinals, it guarantees that at least one SEC team will be playing for the national championship. That is fitting for the conference that has dominated the season.

Loser: The Big Ten The Big Ten got off to one of the best starts in the tournament through the first two rounds, but quickly saw its teams get knocked off as the tournament went on. So much so that not one team will be representing the conference in the Final Four. Tom Izzo’s Michigan State team was the conference’s last hope on Sunday, and it did not have enough to keep up with Auburn. Winner: KenPom ratings The KenPom ratings are not the end-all, be-all for evaluating college basketball teams, but they do give a pretty good indicator as to which teams are elite, which teams are contenders, and which teams are pretenders.

That rating system could not have been more accurate this season as it correctly nailed the top-four (and arguably top-five) teams in the country. It does not always work out that perfectly for the analytics. It did this season in a very big way. At least for one season, the numbers did not lie at all.

 

 

Badgers juniors Serah Williams and Ronnie Porter discuss their 91-61 loss to the Bruins in Wednesday’s regular season home finale.

 

It’s a true family affair with the Grzesk family and UW-Green Bay.

 

Gracie Grzesk will now add her own chapter with the Phoenix women’s basketball team after the University of Wisconsin freshman transfer committed to UW-Green Bay on March 23.

 

“It’s definitely special and kind of surreal getting to live on the family tradition and play in a Phoenix uniform. I’m really excited,” Grzesk said.

 

Gracie Grzesk’s father, Gary, was a four-year standout for the Phoenix from 1992-96, helping lead the Phoenix to three NCAA Tournament appearances, and later was an assistant coach during the 2001-02 season. Liz Hauger Grzesk, Gracie’s mother, also coached at UW-Green Bay, serving as an assistant under former Phoenix coach Kevin Borseth from 2002-04.

 

That familiarity with the Phoenix stems beyond Gracie Grzesk’s parents, though. Upon entering the transfer portal on March 13, Phoenix coach Kayla Karius (Tetschlag) was quick to reconnect with the former Green Bay Notre Dame standout.

 

It’s fitting, given Karius recruited Grzesk when she was part of the Badgers coaching staff from 2018-21 under former coach Jonathan Tsipis.

 

“Obviously a lot of the people that recruit you when you’re in the portal are familiar faces, and Kayla was super familiar to me,” Gracie Grzesk said. “I’ve talked to her for years, wherever she recruited me, so I obviously knew who she was right away and it just made everything so much easier.”

 

Grzesk, who averaged 4.4 minutes per game while scoring 10 total points in 16 games during her only season with the Badgers, didn’t state specifically why she chose to leave Wisconsin, stating her decision was “what was best for me and my situation.”

 

When she entered the transfer portal, numerous schools contacted her, both from the Power Four and mid-major level, as well as some Division II schools, with Drake and UW-Green Bay becoming the final candidates.

 

Gracie Grzesk1

Former Wisconsin guard Gracie Grzesk races after a loose ball against UW-Milwaukee’s Sophia Rampulla during a nonconference game on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Grzesk committed to UW-Green Bay on March 23. SEAN DAVIS, LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

While Grzesk said she “really could have seen myself happy at either place,” the Phoenix won out for two reasons.

 

“Ultimately, Green Bay is home, and the level of sustained success that the program has had is hard to beat,” Grzesk said.

 

That winning culture continued under Karius, a 2011 Phoenix grad, in her first season this winter, finishing 29-6, including 19-1 in Horizon League play, and winning both the conference regular season and tournament titles. UW-Green Bay fell to Alabama 81-67 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, the program’s 20th appearance all-time.

 

Grzesk will feel plenty comfortable on the court in the Phoenix’s read-and-react offense. It’s the same system Grzesk’s high school coach, Sara Rohde (Boyer), ran at Notre Dame, and the same one Rohde played in under Borseth from 2000-03.

 

The 5-foot-11 guard feels her versatility and size will play right into the system’s strengths.

 

“They post up their guards a lot, which is something that I’ve always done, and then just my IQ and their read-and-react offense, I think it just fits my style of play very well,” Grzesk said.

 

“Gracie is the prototype Phoenix women’s basketball player — great size, versatile skillset, strong IQ, and the ability to defend multiple positions,” Karius added of Grzesk in UW-Green Bay’s announcement of the latter’s signing.

 

Gracie Grzesk1

Wisconsin guard Gracie Grzesk said a chance to play for her father’s alma mater and the program’s success was “hard to beat” in her choosing to transfer to UW-Green Bay. SEAN DAVIS, LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Grzesk will also mesh well with the returning players, having competed against some of the players and met everyone else. She’ll also have plenty of opportunity to put that on display, with the Phoenix set to lose seven seniors to graduation.

 

Grzesk said Karius likened her to outgoing guard/forward Maddy Schreiber, the Phoenix’s second-leading scorer last season who averaged 12.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 25 games. Grzesk also understands that doesn’t guarantee her anything, and she’s eager to earn her place.

 

“I mean, no coach really promises playing time, so obviously there’s opportunity to play there, but at the same time, you have to work for it as well,” she said.

 

: Wisconsin women’s basketball hosts No. 2 UCLA in home finale

Halle Douglass

Wisconsin guard Halle Douglass attempts a 3-pointer during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Lily Krahn

Wisconsin guard Lily Krahn shoots over UCLA’s Elina Aarnisalo during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Natalie Leuzinger

Wisconsin guard Natalie Leuzinger looks for an open teammate during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Carter McCray

Wisconsin center Carter McCray drives against UCLA’s Lauren Betts during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

UCLA’s Lauren Betts

UCLA’s Lauren Betts, right, high-fives Angela Dugalic after making a basket through contact during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Tess Myers

Wisconsin guard Tess Myers follows through on a 3-point attempt during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Ronnie Porter

Wisconsin guard Ronnie Porter fires a pass up court during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Serah Williams

Wisconsin forward Serah Williams was named to the All-Big Ten first team and the all-conference defensive team on Tuesday. SEAN DAVIS, LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Alie Bisballe

Wisconsin forward Alie Bisballe looks for an open teammate during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

UCLA’s Angela Dugalic

UCLA’s Angela Dugalic looks for an open teammate while being guarded by Wisconsin’s Carter McCray during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Wisconsin coach Marisa Moseley

Wisconsin coach Marisa Moseley directs her team during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Halle Douglass

Wisconsin guard Halle Douglass tries to drive by UCLA’s Timea Gardiner during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Lily Krahn

Wisconsin guard Lily Krahn drives against UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Natalie Leuzinger

Wisconsin guard Natalie Leuzinger drives to the basket against UCLA’s Timea Gardiner during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

UCLA’s Timea Gardiner

UCLA’s Timea Gardiner tries to back down Wisconsin’s Halle Douglass during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Carter McCray

Wisconsin center Carter McCray shoots over UCLA’s Timea Gardiner during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Tess Myers

Wisconsin guard Tess Myers drives into the lane during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Ronnie Porter

Wisconsin guard Ronnie Porter drives around UCLA’s Londynn Jones during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Serah Williams

Wisconsin forward Serah Williams shoots over UCLA’s Lauren Betts during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

 

UCLA’s Kiki Rice looks to drive by Wisconsin’s Natalie Leuzinger during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN