Good morning to all, especially to MLB stars Jackson Merrill, Kristian Campbell, and Ketel Marte! They`ve all signed lucrative extensions. Merrill inked a nine-year, $135 million extension with the Padres, Campbell got an eight-year, $60 million extension with the Red Sox shortly after his debut, and Marte extended with the Diamondbacks through 2031 for $116.5 million.
In other news, Shohei Ohtani hit a walk-off home run for the Dodgers, Anthony Davis secured a win, and rumors suggest Kevin Durant might be traded this summer. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein are performing well for the Thunder, Carmelo Anthony is headed to the Hall of Fame, and Robert Kraft promised upgrades for the Patriots. JuJu Watkins won the Naismith Award, and Chris Beard received a raise from Ole Miss. The top 50 men`s college basketball transfers list is out, Rafael Devers finally got a hit, and Iván Herrera became the first Cardinals catcher to hit three home runs in a game. Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore now own the Timberwolves and Lynx, and Megan Rapinoe praised the USWNT youngsters.
Unfortunately, it`s not good news for Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid will have another arthroscopic surgery on his knee after being ruled out for the season in February. This marks his second knee procedure in 14 months. Embiid has played only 19 games this season, and the 76ers` season has been disappointing. Paul George and Tyrese Maxey are also sidelined with injuries.
In other less positive news, the NBA is investigating Ja Morant for finger gun gestures, Dillon Brooks received a technical foul for kicking Collin Sexton, and Trey Hendrickson criticized the Bengals` front office. A Gotham FC fan was banned for verbally abusing Barbra Banda, Tierna Davidson tore her ACL, Islanders coach Patrick Roy criticized Anthony Duclair`s performance, and Avery Howell entered the transfer portal for USC.
Cooper Flagg was named CBS Sports Freshman of the Year, and also Player of the Year, edging out Johni Broome. Kelvin Sampson was named Coach of the Year. Flagg, Broome, and Walter Clayton Jr. are on the All-America first team, along with JT Toppin and Braden Smith. You can see all three All-America teams.
Regarding the Final Four, Duke`s Kon Knueppel is highlighted as a potential X factor, averaging 14.4 points per game in March Madness with 53.8% from 3-point range. Other potential X factors include Auburn`s Miles Kelly, Houston`s Emanuel Sharp, and Florida`s Will Richard.
Also of note are stories on Kelvin Sampson`s connection to San Antonio, a feature on Thomas Haugh, and a Q&A with Jay Wright. On the women`s side, Isabel Gonzalez ranked the Final Four teams, and Xavier Handy-Hamilton discussed the biggest questions for each team, including UConn.
Tonight`s games to watch include Tottenham Hotspur at Chelsea (soccer), Grizzlies at Heat and Warriors at Lakers (basketball), and Oilers at Sharks (hockey).
Jasper Hawthorne