Marcel Louis-Jacques, ESPNDec 12, 2023, 02:11 AM ET
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Marcel Louis-Jacques joined ESPN in 2019 as a beat reporter covering the Buffalo Bills, before switching to the Miami Dolphins in 2021. The former Carolina Panthers beat writer for the Charlotte Observer won the APSE award for breaking news and the South Carolina Press Association award for enterprise writing in 2018.
MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill played only 33 snaps in Monday night’s 28-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans after suffering an ankle injury in the first quarter.
Hill was tackled out of bounds after catching a pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and immediately writhed in pain before leaving the field. He initially walked across the field from the Titans’ sideline to the Dolphins’ but ran the final 20 or so yards after hearing “MVP” chants from the home crowd.
The NFL’s leader in receiving yards didn’t play another snap until the Dolphins’ second drive of the third quarter, inspired in part by a text from his wife.
“When it happened, like my first reaction was like, man, my ankle is gone,” he said. “My adrenaline kicked in, I ran off the field, then I sat for a while and it got stiff and I was going through a lot of pain. Then I just made up in my mind, I came in at halftime, I texted my wife, I was like, ‘This s— hurt.’ I need an ankle massage tonight, and she’s like, ‘You’d better get your ass back in that game, dawg.’ I was like, ‘All right.’
“So I just made up my mind that it’s going to hurt. It’s going to suck. Tonight and tomorrow morning. I just went back in the game on my own, without anybody saying, ‘Reek, go.’ It was like, no, f— this, I’ve got to get out there and bring some energy and be that spark.”
Miami was outgained by the Titans 403 yards to 366 and largely struggled without Hill in the game. Miami played without starting offensive linemen Terron Armstead, Robert Hunt and Isaiah Wynn, who were inactive, and center Connor Williams, who left the game because of a knee injury in the first quarter and did not return.
After the game, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he hadn’t spoken with the training staff yet for an update on Williams, who was seen wearing a knee brace while standing on the sideline during the game.
“I know it would take a lot to keep him out,” McDaniel said. “It’s probably not the most positive.”
While the Dolphins averaged 5.1 yards per carry, rushing for 158 yards on 31 attempts, they were far less successful throwing the ball.
Against Miami’s decimated offensive line, the Titans attacked, pressuring Tagovailoa on 39% of his dropbacks Monday night. Tagovailoa completed just 4 of 11 passes for 27 yards when pressured and was sacked five times.
He finished with 240 scoreless yards, completing 23 of 33 passes and snapping a streak of 21 consecutive games with a passing touchdown.
“I think what they wanted game-plan-wise was to put a shell over our team, forcing us to run the ball, forcing us to beat them that way,” Tagovailoa said. “But when you have someone like Tyreek go down, it does make it tough, but when you also have a couple of your key O-linemen go down, as well, it does hurt the guys up front and sort of the way we operate.
“I think one of the toughest parts of that is a lot of those guys haven’t gotten reps at some of the positions. It’s not to say that we practice for situations like this to happen. It just so happened that Connor went down and we already had a couple of our guys out. But needless to say, I know the guys up front will get better. I know the guys around me will get better. I will continue to get better. That’s the only way we can grow. We’ve just got to watch the tape. Tough loss tonight, but it’s going to linger like this if we don’t do anything about that.”
Despite playing a minimized role, Hill finished with 61 yards on four catches. Jaylen Waddle led the team in receiving yards with 79 on six catches.
“So I just made up my mind that it’s going to hurt. It’s going to suck. Tonight and tomorrow morning. I just went back in the game on my own, without anybody saying, ‘Reek, go.’ It was like, no, f— this, I’ve got to get out there and bring some energy and be that spark.”
Tyreek Hill on returning to MNF game after injuring ankle
Miami clearly looked off rhythm without Hill, but McDaniel blamed the loss more so on a lack of red zone production — two touchdowns on five red zone trips — rather than Hill’s injury.
“There’s a good amount of offense that goes through [Hill]. However … ‘Ced’ [Cedrick Wilson Jr.] made a couple plays,” he said. “It wasn’t the reason for the lack of first half — or really first three quarter — points. I think there were just critical times that we would be off a hair on first or second down and you’re put in a third down situation, and our protection wasn’t exactly what maybe we’d be used to on a play or two.
“Obviously a player of Tyreek’s caliber, it hurts when he’s not in. However, I think there was plenty of offense to be had and we’ve got a lot of guys that I trust to do that. I think that just bottom line, you have things like that happen in a game, you’re going to lose and those are lessons that are learned usually one way, and that’s the hard one.”
At 9-4, the Dolphins still hold a two-game lead in the AFC East over their division rival Buffalo Bills and host the New York Jets on Sunday. With a win and a Bills loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Miami would set itself up for a division-clinching scenario in Week 16.
There is no guarantee that Hill plays against the Jets — unless the decision is left up to him.
“That’s never something that I would be thinking about,” he said. “But if the trainers come to me, if they see something in the scans whenever I get these scans, they say, ‘Hey, Reek, you can sit out,’ I do it. But me being me, I don’t want to sit out. I want to be able to help this team any way I can, and that’s just who I am. I just don’t want to miss any games.”
Atalanta takes on AC Milan in an exciting Serie A match. Milan looks to win their third straight game and has a good chance of doing so against Atalanta, who’s 6-6-2. At 9-2-3, Milan has been one of the better teams in Serie A this season.
This is the first time the two match up in the league this year, but previous games indicate we should have competitive play. Atalanta, however, has struggled in their first 14 matches and in their last five games. They’re 6-6-2 this season and 1-3-1 in their last five. This is the biggest indication of a Milan win.
Milan suffered injuries in their recent win, which could again be the case against Atalanta. Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud were both out against Frosinone in Milan’s 3-1 win. Although Leão is still doubtful for the game against Atalanta, Giroud is set to return and aims to build on his tally of 11 points, currently placing him second in the Serie A rankings.
Atalanta Needs A Win
At some point, Atalanta has to win a game. The 6-6-2 record isn’t much to write home about, but the start of the season proved that they’re one of the better teams in Serie A. Atalanta may not be counted among the elite teams, but they can defeat any opponent.
They’ve done everything at an average rate thus far. Atalanta has allowed 16 goals, which is about the middle of the pack, and has scored 21 goals, which is slightly above average.
Gianluca Scamacca and Ederson have been pivotal for their club, with both players ranking in the top 20 for points this season. But Scamacca is out injured till next month, while Ederson hasn’t scored in the last three domestic games.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Atalanta and AC Milan have met 34 times. Milan currently leads the all-time series with 16 wins. Atalanta has 10 wins, and there have been eight draws. Atalanta has not secured a victory in their last five encounters with Milan. The two teams met in February of 2023 with Milan winning 2-0.
Bet here
Player Focus
The standout player in this matchup is undoubtedly Olivier Giroud. Giroud is one of the best players in the league and will impact every game he plays. Given his absence in their last game, how he plays is something to look out for. Milan will find themselves in a good position to win if he does what he typically does.
Tactical Analysis
AC Milan has been a force on offense, posting 24 goals. Their ability to score and defend has been impressive and shows the complete team they are. They’re the more talented team in this matchup, so unless Olivier Giroud is out, expect them to win.
Atalanta vs. Milan Expert Predictions and Analysis
With this being a home game for Milan and them being the better team, they’re most likely the best pick for the match. Expect them to come out and win in a closely contested game. Atalanta has struggled recently, which will play a huge factor.
Betting Odds
Atalanta is 2.52 to win the game, while AC Milan is 2.84. A draw, which is my second favorite football bet for the game, is 3.28 odds.
Conclusion
Due to the oddsmakers giving us 2.84 odds for Milan to win, we can’t pass it up. These odds give us an opportunity to make money at plus value. This will be a good, close game, but ultimately, Milan sneaks away with a close win.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all football predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here.
In the world of online gaming, the intersection of sports fandom and casino entertainment is creating a unique and thrilling experience for enthusiasts. One such fusion that has gained immense popularity is the targeting of the “Book of Dead” slot game – with its special offerings of Book of Dead free spins – to draw in audiences from the passionate fanbase of the National Hockey League (NHL).
This unlikely pairing is proving to be a winning combination, offering hockey fans a new way to engage with their favorite sport and potentially make some good wins in the process.
About the Slot
The “Book of Dead” slot, developed by Play’n GO, has become a household name in the online casino world. Known for its captivating graphics, immersive gameplay and the potential for good winnings, it has attracted players from various backgrounds.
However, it’s the recent surge in popularity among NHL fans that has given this slot game a new dimension.
The Connection With the League
The connection between a slot game and a sports league may seem unconventional at first, but the Book of Dead’s theme lends itself well to the excitement and intensity of NHL matches. The game is set in ancient Egypt, following the adventures of an explorer searching for hidden treasures. This theme resonates with hockey enthusiasts who are used to the thrill of the game and the pursuit of victory.
What sets this fusion apart is the introduction of “Book of Dead Free Spins for NHL Fans.” Online casinos are now offering special promotions that cater specifically to hockey lovers, allowing them to enjoy their favorite slot game with added benefits. Free spins on the Book of Dead slot are being given away as part of these promotions, providing fans with an extra layer of excitement as they spin the reels in anticipation of uncovering hidden treasures.
The synergy between the slot game and NHL fandom goes beyond the thematic connection. The fast-paced nature of hockey mirrors the adrenaline rush experienced during a spin on the Book of Dead slot. Both activities demand quick thinking, strategic decision-making and a bit of luck to achieve a favorable outcome. For NHL fans who already relish the unpredictability of the game, trying their luck on the slot reels adds an extra layer of entertainment.
Immersive Experience
To make the experience even more immersive, some online casinos are incorporating hockey-themed elements into the Book of Dead slot interface. Players may find themselves surrounded by hockey jerseys, ice rinks and cheering crowds as they embark on their quest for wins. These additions enhance the connection between the slot game and the beloved sport, creating a seamless blend of casino entertainment and NHL enthusiasm.
The Wrap-Up
For hockey fans looking to take their love for the sport to the next level, the Book of Dead Free Spins promotions offer a golden opportunity. Not only can they revel in the excitement of spinning the reels, but they also stand a chance to win real prizes while celebrating their passion for the NHL. As this trend continues to gain momentum, the marriage of slots and sports fandom is likely to become a staple in the online gaming landscape, providing a thrilling experience for fans across the globe.
With the emergence of the Saudi Pro League this summer and the huge spending spree their clubs went on in order to bring in high profile and incredibly well known European footballing talent, many in the wider world of the sport are expecting another big splash when the transfer window opens again in the New Year, and given all the rumour mill speculation that surrounded the future of Liverpool and Egyptian wizard Mohamed Salah, his name will undoubtedly continue to do the rounds over the next few months.
As it happened, the SPL transfer deadline closed a week after the European one did, but no move for Salah was finalised even though it has been claimed that the Anfield outfit rejected a late offer of around £150 million from Al-Ittihad for the 31 year old, sticking to their line that he was not for sale this summer. There was no fun88 in a deal being done.
SPL chief and director of football, Michael Emenalo, was recently discussing the league’s business with Sky Sports given they spent over £700 million to bring in the players that they did, and he would not rule out further attempts to lure the attacker to them in the future.
“First and foremost, Mohamed Salah is one of the best players on the planet. I’ve said before, privately and publicly that we welcome anybody that wants to come and that includes Salah. But we have to do things in a very professional and respectful manner. That’s what we’re there for, it’s what the SPL has been refined to do – bring professionalism, respect of efficiencies, and to do things in a competent way.”
“If it didn’t happen, it’s not because we no longer fancy the player, or because we have a problem with Liverpool. It’s because certain things that need to align for all the parties involved in the process didn’t align. Nobody is angry, we move on, but we absolutely close no doors and if the opportunity is there to do things and do it well – and it brings Mohamed Salah to the Saudi Pro League we will all be very grateful.”
With Salah scoring against Aston Villa ahead of the international break, it takes his Liverpool tally to 188 goals in 309 games, and it is patently obvious why the SPL would like to see him make the move there and play his own part in helping to boost their profile, in the way their captures of the likes of Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo have in more recent weeks.
They are far from alone in having made the move as well as plenty of former Premier League stars have made the switch this summer, and as you at least listen to Emenalo, he keeps referencing a long term project for the league so few will think this was a one off splurge and that speculation will not be rife again come the next window.
Whether or not that does mean further interest in Salah is open for debate, but Liverpool fans will be hoping that his contract length keeps him safe for the next season or two at least.
Through the first quarter-and-a-half of action in the Boston Celtics’ Monday night win over the New York Knicks, the shots weren’t falling. Sam Hauser jumped out to a 3-of-4 start from distance, but outside of him, the Celtics shot 2-for-12 to open the game.
Boston’s offense process looked good. They were moving the ball, hitting their spots, and generating open looks. However, a bad result can lead to hanging heads, especially when the approach is sound.
But in head coach Joe Mazzulla’s mind, the threes weren’t the issue.
“Can I ask you a question?” Mazzulla said when asked about the cold shooting start. “Do you know how any missed layups we had in the first half? How come no one notices those? We had four missed layups for shots at the other end. I thought we played with great balance, and I think a missed layup can hurt you more than a missed three because it’s usually a five-on-four situation.”
Derrick White missed two, Kristaps Porzingis missed one, and Jaylen Brown did as well. For the Celtics, those missed opportunities led to clean looks for the Knicks on the other end of the court.
“I mean, if I could come up with another shot besides a three or a layup, I’ll do it,” Mazzulla said with a laugh. “You can’t kick it in. I mean, we couldn’t throw it in the ocean.”
Missing layups may be more costly on the court, but NBA players are confident in their ability to make shots at the rim. Missing a bunch of threes, on the other hand, could lead to hesitation.
Jayson Tatum started the game 0-for-6 from distance, but that didn’t slow him down.
“You put the work in,” Tatum said of his confidence level to keep shooting. “I’ve played enough games, had enough tough shooting nights. I mean, Game 6 last year was the prime example against Philly. I couldn’t hit a shot.
“But all good really, really good scorers know it just takes one to change your momentum, change how you feel about yourself shooting the ball. And once you see one go in you just feel a lot better about yourself.”
His cold start quickly turned into a red-hot scoring night, as he shot 5-of-6 from deep following his 0-of-6 opening. Tatum finished the night with 35 points on 13-of-23 shooting, and the interlude between his three-point slump and three-point barrage was full of new-look offense.
Tatum started the game 3-of-3 from the field, and then he took the ball beyond the arc.
Nothing. Three misses in a row from distance.
After three straight missed triples, he took the ball back inside. Tatum posted up, got in deep, and sunk a tough and-one just inside the paint.
Then he went back out behind the arc.
Nothing once again.
He followed that up with a dunk in transition and another post-up against Hart from which he nailed a turnaround jumper.
Then, after a few more misses, Tatum finally nailed a three at the 4:19 mark of the third quarter. From there, the floodgates were open. He shot 4-of-5 from deep the rest of the game and made his last four attempts.
Despite a rough stretch from deep, Tatum was able to find a rhythm by getting inside and working the post, something he’s been collaborating with assistant coach Sam Cassell on. And he’s not the only player getting to those spots.
“I think this year, what we have that we didn’t last year is we go to our post-up,” Mazzulla explained. “That kind of settles us down a little bit. It gets to a different spacing. It allows guys to give them a comfort level, and it helps us get to the free throw line a little bit. They beat us at the free-throw line.
“So I think when you’re going through those [cold spells], it’s something that we didn’t go to as much last year. This year, it’s like, ‘Okay when you want to settle it down, can we get JB JT Jrue into a post situation to create something? But you got to make the shot at some point.”
The Celtics shot 7-of-19 from three in the first half. A respectable 36.8%. But they were getting clean looks. And with a little work inside, they transferred their interior dominance to the outside.
In the second half, they went 12-of-24 from distance. A healthy process is the key to a successful offense, but having multiple spots to attack helps smooth out the kinks when shots aren’t falling. For the Celtics, the post-up is their newest weapon.
Mohamed Salah now has more Premier League Player of the Month awards than anyone else currently playing in the English top flight after his October 2023 win.
The Liverpool forward scooped the prize with the five goals he scored last month, with the Egypt international delivering excellent performances that fans have become so used to seeing.
Salah has slipped into that realm where less noise is made about his triumphs because he has been doing it for so long in the top flight. That said, he’s still caught the eye enough to bag his fifth POTM award since joining Liverpool.
In doing so, he has moved ahead of two Manchester United players in the all-time standings, with neither looking likely to pick up their fifth any time soon.
While Mohamed Salah still needs two more Premier League POTM awards to match all-time leaders Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane, he is certainly worthy of five and no one would begrudge him more in the future.
November 2017
Salah was unstoppable / James Baylis – AMA/GettyImages
Salah’s first POTM award came in November 2017, only five months after he joined the club from AS Roma.
It was a truly incredible month in which he started to prove so many people wrong. The Egyptian could not stop scoring and racked up seven goals in one month. He became the first ever Egyptian player to win the award, having found the net against West Ham, Southampton, Stoke City and Chelsea.
He beat players like Burnley’s Robbie Brady, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, and Man Utd’s Ashley Young to the prize.
February 2018
Salah was in full flow / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages
Everyone remembers just how frightening and unstoppable Mo Salah was during the 2017/18 season when Liverpool suddenly became one of the best teams in the Premier League again.
A few months after his first award, Salah’s four goals and two assists in the Premier League meant he secured his second POTM. Liverpool got two wins and a draw and started to look like a safe bet for a top-four spot.
“The players make it easier and the boss also makes it easier for me,” Salah said. “It’s nice to win it again especially because it’s the Player of the Month of the Premier League, so that’s something good. I say always try to help reach the three points and to be in a better position.”
March 2018
Salah made it back-to-back POTM wins / Chloe Knott – Danehouse/GettyImages
In the following month, Salah’s form did not slow down. If anything, it just increased and Liverpool were marching towards Champions League qualification again. Salah grabbed six goals in the month of March to make it successive awards.
A big part of his success was the four goals he scored in one game when Liverpool battered Watford 5-0 at Anfield. He also scored a really important winner at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace.
October 2021
Salah was the key to one of Liverpool’s best ever wins / Michael Regan/GettyImages
Incredibly, Salah then went three and a half years without winning the award, despite Liverpool remaining in and around the title race and the top four. The initial excitement around his form subsided and he was soon just a consistently really good player.
He got an incredible five goals and four assists October 2021, showing his creative spark on top of his clinical edge. The goals included a great solo effort against Manchester City for which he won Goal of the Month and a hat-trick in a 5-0 win away at Manchester United.
October 2023
Salah secures his fifth POTM award / MB Media/GettyImages
Exactly two years later, Salah bagged the award again.
Liverpool took seven points from a possible nine in October in the Premier League and in the only game they didn’t win – a 2-2 draw away at Brighton – Salah scored twice. He also netted a brace in the 2-0 win over Everton at Anfield before his October ended with a goal in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
It was a month that restored Liverpool’s place in the Premier League title race and with Salah getting so many of their goals, a huge part of that achievement can be attributed to him.
By winning his fifth POTM award, Salah has moved ahead of three current Premier League players. The Egyptian is now level with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, while Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo are one further up the road.
He has now moved ahead of Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, neither of whom are showing the kind of form that suggests they will be changing that in the coming months.
He has also moved beyond Tottenham’s Son Heung-min. Son only got his fourth POTM award in September 2023 and has been playing really well this season, so he could feasibly join Salah on five soon. That being said, James Maddison’s injury could limit the number of chances he gets to score in the foreseeable future.
Rank
Player
POTM wins
1.
Sergio Aguero
7
1.
Harry Kane
7
3.
Steven Gerrard
6
3.
Cristiano Ronaldo
6
5.
Robin van Persie
5
5.
Wayne Rooney
5
5.
Mohamed Salah
5
7.
Dennis Bergkamp
4
7.
Bruno Fernandes
4
7.
Thierry Henry
4
7.
Frank Lampard
4
7.
Marcus Rashford
4
7.
Son Heung-min
4
7.
Paul Scholes
4
7.
Alan Shearer
4
7.
Jamie Vardy
4
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“It’s the Year of the Big Man in men’s college basketball!”
That was the phrase being uttered ahead of last year’s college hoops season, and for good reason. Heading into last year, with reigning national player of the year Oscar Tshiebwe returning to lead a cast that included Drew Timme, Zach Edey, Adama Sanogo, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Armando Bacot, Hunter Dickinson, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Azuolas Tubelis, the momentum surrounding the center position was clearly the headline across the country.
As a result, five of the 10 players named to the first and second AP All-America teams last year played the center position (Edey, Jackson-Davis, Timme, Tshiebwe and Tubelis).
But big men headlining college basketball is not a one-hit wonder, instead, it will be a theme in the sport this season and for many to come. While calling last year “The Year of the Big Man” was understandable, this trend is going to continue because as it stands right now for traditional post players, or most centers for that matter, it is more beneficial to stay in college than attempt a jump to the NBA.
Why?
Name, image and likeness.
The ability of a traditional big man to profit off his success and brand outweighs the benefits of going pro and either spending time between the G League and maybe the NBA, or playing overseas. Big men who are dominant at the college level can certainly get paid in both avenues, but the latter options are always going to be there. College eligibility is precious for players like Bacot, who told FOX Sports that he will “easily” make seven figures in NIL dollars in his fifth and final season at North Carolina.
It’s not a coincidence that Edey is the second straight reigning national player of the year who chose to return for another season. Before Tshiebwe did it last year, that had not occurred since Tyler Hansbrough did so in 2008, leading North Carolina to a national championship and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in college basketball history. That’s now the task for Edey, who looks to lead Purdue from an all-time low in the NCAA Tournament to redemption and that elusive Final Four run in the Matt Painter era.
So, not only are the big men across college basketball talented, but they are also featured in some of the very best storylines that the sport has to offer again this season.
[10 burning questions for the 2023-24 college basketball season]
With that in mind, we at FOX Sports present …
THE BIG MAN LADDER.
This series will be rolled out monthly throughout the season to update you on the sport’s best big men, featuring interesting numbers, exclusive interviews and more.
The criteria for our featured big men are as follows: We are zoning in on players who stand 6-foot-10 or taller and are making significant contributions for ranked teams across the country. This list can be adjusted as the year goes on. As Edey showed last season, you could go from being a notable big man entering the season to the best player in the sport. If someone’s impact calls for attention, we’ll add another rung to the ladder!
Edey’s numbers last season were simply incredible. When you combine those figures with the fact that he’s entering only his seventh year of playing the sport after not picking up a basketball until his sophomore year of high school, that makes his whole story even more unbelievable.
The Boilermakers’ star big man enters his senior year of college already in a class of his own, as he is the only player in the history of the sport to record 750 points, 400 rebounds, 70 blocks and 50 assists in a single season. Last year, Edey joined Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant as the only high-major players in the last 20 years to rank in the top 10 nationally in both scoring and rebounding in the same season.
Edey was a dominant force every time he stepped onto the court last season. He doesn’t have a perimeter game — that’s up to Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer — but the fact that he could somehow be better this year, something Matt Painter said at Big Ten media day, is wild to think about. How he handles ball screens defensively is a big key to Purdue’s season because teams will try to exploit Edey on that end of the floor with spacing. But overall, we should appreciate the fact that we get to watch the reigning national player of the year for another season in West Lafayette.
Bacot passed Hansbrough last year as UNC’s all-time leading rebounder with 1,335 and counting. Add that to the fact that he also owns the program record for double-doubles with 68, and it becomes quite clear that his career numbers are up there with the best to ever wear Carolina blue. But for Bacot, this upcoming season isn’t about what he does individually. All of those records are great, but as he told me in an exclusive conversation, it’s about charging North Carolina to a second Final Four in the last three years and shedding away the bad taste the Tar Heels had in their mouths last season.
When North Carolina reached the national championship game in 2022, Bacot became the first player in college basketball history to notch six double-doubles in one NCAA Tournament. He is made for the March stage. This upcoming season, his fifth in Chapel Hill, is about getting there again.
Hubert Davis has star guard RJ Davis back to charge the backcourt, while he and his staff crushed it in the transfer portal with Cormac Ryan and Harrison Ingram coming in from Notre Dame and Stanford, respectively. If five-star freshman Elliot Cadeau comes in and makes an immediate impact as a ball handler, watch out. This UNC team could get to Arizona in April.
In my opinion, Hunter Dickinson is the biggest name to enter the transfer portal in its history. The fact that a former All-American and three-time All-Big Ten selection, who has averaged over 18 points and nine rebounds per game in the last two seasons, left Michigan to go to another program instead of the pro ranks, is really something.
The fact that Dickinson is now pairing up with Hall of Fame head coach Bill Self, who is an offensive mastermind, is scary for the rest of the Big 12 and college basketball. Dickinson joins a Jayhawks program that is setting aim on a second national championship in the last three years. He joins a group that has Dajuan Harris Jr. back at point guard and fellow returnees Kevin McCullar Jr. and KJ Adams in the fold as well.
This feels like a match made in heaven between Dickinson and Self, who called the big man the best offensive post player he’s ever worked with.
[40 players, coaches who will shape the 2023-24 men’s college basketball season]
Filipowski was the third-highest-ranked recruit in Jon Scheyer’s 2022 class, but he quickly established himself as the alpha of that group, going off for 17 points and 14 rebounds in his third college game against Kansas. Filipowski’s versatility and length make him a tough cover for opposing defenses, which led to him recording 16 double-doubles last season. He could have been a top-20 NBA Draft pick had he left after his stellar freshman campaign. Instead, the Duke sensation is back with classmates Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell on a Blue Devils team that ranks No. 2 in the FOX Sports Preseason Top 25.
Filipowski could go from a middle first-round pick in the draft to a top-10 selection if his jumper can evolve. As a freshman, he shot 28% from 3-point range. But more than anything, he’s back at Duke to lead the Blue Devils in their quest to win their first national championship since 2015.
Last season, Kalkbrenner joined Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo and seven others as one of only 11 players in the history of the Big East to be named the conference’s defensive player of the year twice. The 7-1 senior is an invaluable rim protector that has totaled 161 rejections over the last two seasons. Being a part of six NCAA Tournament wins at Creighton, more than any player in program history, he averaged 20 points and six rebounds per game during the Jays’ first Elite Eight run in modern tournament history this past year. Not only is he a force on defense, but what stands out about Kalkbrenner is his efficiency. He is adding a 3-pointer, but the way he can play above the rim and execute in screen-and-roll situations is tremendous.
Kalkbrenner led the Big East in field goal percentage in each of the last two seasons, and his 67% clip would be sixth all time in NCAA history for a career. He will be at the forefront of a Creighton team that is ranked No. 6 in the FOX Sports Preseason Top 25. When you combine the guard play of Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander and Steven Ashworth with Kalkbrenner, that’s a lethal formula. His presence means everything to what Greg McDermott wants to do.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, who has gone 61-11 in his first two seasons on the job, unlocked something out of his frontcourt duo of Tubelis and Ballo last year. They combined for 34 points and 17.7 rebounds per game, with Tubelis being named a second-team All-American and becoming one of the best players in the country. This year, Ballo goes from Robin to Batman in Tucson, and the Mali native will look to form a new dynamic pair with San Diego State transfer Keshad Johnson, who was a starter on the national runner-up Aztecs team last season.
[FOX 2023-24 college basketball schedule: 10 dates to circle, how to watch]
Ballo’s evolution has already been really impressive, having more than doubled his numbers from the 2021-22 season when he averaged 6.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, which led to him being named Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year. Possessing a 7-6 wingspan, Ballo is also an NBA Academy Latin America alum who led Mali to its best finish in the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup. His athletic ability and strength has always been present, but it’s the different ways he can impact the game offensively that is a direct reflection of what Lloyd and his staff are able to do with talent. The Wildcats will have a backcourt filled with options featuring North Carolina transfer Caleb Love, rising star Kylan Boswell, Alabama transfer Jaden Bradley, and returnee Pelle Larsson. Ballo won’t have to fight with Tubelis for touches this year. It’s his show on the interior, and that’s why he is a FOX Sports preseason third-team All-American.
Those numbers don’t look gaudy, but Clingan did that while playing 13.1 minutes per game, serving in a critical role to back up Sanogo on the national championship Huskies team last season. By every account in Storrs and beyond, the sophomore from nearby Bristol, Connecticut is poised for an All-American type season for the Huskies.
Clingan returned to practice this past week after missing the previous four weeks with a right foot strain. His strength, finishing ability around the rim and an emerging 3-point shot make him a really scary player for opposing teams this year. Is he going to be the next great UConn big man? All signs point to that happening, provided the foot doesn’t cause any injury flare-ups.
John Fanta is a national college basketball broadcaster and writer for FOX Sports. He covers the sport in a variety of capacities, from calling games on FS1 to serving as lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Network to providing commentary on The Field of 68 Media Network. Follow him on Twitter @John_Fanta.
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The pressure will be on Sheriff and Servette on Thursday as they return to Europa League action. Both sides are still searching for their first victories in Group G, and only a win will do for either to keep alive their hopes of finishing in one of the top two positions.
Europa League Preview
There will be pressure on both Servette and Sheriff this week, as neither have picked up a point in the Europa League so far this season. Servette sit a place higher in the standings courtesy of their slightly better goal difference, but they have easily slipped to defeats against Slavia Praha and AS Roma across the opening two matchdays.
Sheriff also sit without a point in the current Group G standings, as they have allowed a group-high of eight goals after matches against Roma and Slavia Praha. However, a victory for the hosts this week could reignite their chances of finishing in one of the top two places to progress through to the next round of the competition.
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However, the hosts have really underperformed across matches in the Europa League in recent seasons, as they have now lost nine of their previous eleven. Over that period, they have recorded just two victories. They will need to be more competitive against their rivals this week if they are to gain maximum points.
Servette are one of four teams that are yet to find the net in the Europa League this season. Meanwhile, only Villarreal has accumulated a lower expected goals than the visitors on Thursday. But, the Swiss side has never lost three matches on the bounce in Europe without finding the back of the net.
Sheriff vs Servette Head to Head
Sheriff will be coming up against a Swiss rival for just the second time in their history. They lost both legs against Basel in the Champions League qualifying round in 2010. Meanwhile, Servette will be coming up against a side from Moldova for the first time in their history on Thursday.
Sheriff vs Servette Prediction
Both of these sides will need to bounce back to their best form this week, as victories in the double header will reignite their chances of progression. However, the slight preference is for Servette, who could be good value to upset the odds and record an away win in Moldova this week.
Make sure to bet on Sheriff vs Servette with 22Bet!
Looking for the heaviest NBA player 2023? Read more below and find out who are the heaviest NBA players currently.
Heaviest NBA player 2023
Unlike football, weight is not that much of a factor in basketball. Basketball players aren’t linemen who need to have bigger frames to thrive throughout the game.
In basketball, weight is a double-edged sword. It can be advantageous for certain players since they can easily create space using their bodies. However, it can also be the number one cause of injuries since it puts stress on the knees. Being heavy also means you are a step slow on the defensive end, which can be problematic for teams.
Here are the ten heaviest players in NBA currently…
10. Wendell Carter Jr., 270 pounds
Wendell Carter Jr. is one of the best rebounders in the game. Combined with his athleticism, he uses his 270-pound frame to gather rebounds. Last season, he had 21 double-double games.
Apart from his inside scoring and rebounding, Carter can also stretch the floor. He can thrive on the perimeter and shoot the three-ball.
9. Andre Drummond, 270 pounds
We all remember Andre Drummond for leading the league in rebounds four times. He was a monster on both the offensive and defensive glass, reaching 15+ rebounds a game.
Drummond wasn’t uber-athletic. Rather, he uses his large frame to create space and coral rebounds.
However, as the game evolved, Drummond’s game declined. After all, he was a traditional center who lived mainly in the paint.
8. Kenneth Lofton Jr., 275 pounds
Standing at 6-foot-7, Kenneth Lofton Jr. is an undersized power forward. His bread and butter is his back-to-the-basket game where he uses his 275-pound frame to overpower smaller defenders. Even against taller defenders, Lofton can make them out of position with his strength.
Apart from his low-post scoring, Lofton can also stretch the floor and create plays for his teammates. He displayed his offensive versatility when he scored a career-high 42 points and 14 rebounds against the Thunder. It’s unclear whether Lofton will crack the Grizzlies rotation in the upcoming season, but it’s great to have a player like him at the end of the bench.
7. Joel Embiid, 280 pounds
After winning the MVP, Joel Embiid should be in the discussion of being one of the top centers in NBA history. Last season, he averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 55% shooting. He won the league MVP and became the scoring champion.
Embiid’s 280-pound frame and strength allow him to dominate in the paint. He’s simply unstoppable when he gets the ball in the post. Apart from his strength, he has the footwork and soft touch around the rim to put his defenders out of position.
In addition to his dominance down low, Embiid can also shoot and handle the ball well. Slower centers don’t stand a chance against him even on the perimeter.
6. Robin Lopez, 281 pounds
Up to this date, Robin Lopez is still a serviceable center due to his defense and rim protection. His big frame allows him to become a solid defensive anchor inside the paint.
Lopez has been a journeyman throughout his career, playing for teams such as the Blazers, Bucks, and Bulls. He last played for the Cavs to serve as a backup to Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
5. Brook Lopez, 282 pounds
Brook Lopez is one of the best rim protectors in the league right now. His rim protection and three-point shooting are what make him valuable to the Bucks. He averaged a career-high in blocks last season with 2.5 swats per game. Despite being heavy, Lopez makes up for it with his verticality and elite timing to block shots.
Apart from being a block machine, Lopez can stretch the floor and shoot the three-ball well. Last season, he shot 37% on nearly 5 attempts per game from beyond the arc.
4. Nikola Jokic, 284 pounds
After winning the NBA championship in the 2022-23 season, Nikola Jokic is officially one of the top centers in NBA history. He’s arguably the most complete offensive player in the league right now. For his size, he has elite playmaking, rebounding, and shooting ability.
At 284 pounds, he uses his body well in the post to overpower defenders and shoot over them. What’s great about him is that he has soft touch for his size. He can make any shot even when it’s awkward looking.
3. Zion Williamson, 284 pounds
When it comes to the heaviest NBA player 2023 discussions, Zion Williamson‘s name will always be mentioned. After all, he has been struggling to stay healthy which can be attributed to his weight. His explosive style of play combined with his weight puts a lot of stress on his body.
When healthy, Zion is a hell of a player. He’s a freakish athlete who can bully defenders using his strength and dunk over defenders emphatically. Last season, he averaged 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 61% shooting.
2. Boban Marjanovic, 290 pounds
At 290 pounds, Boban Marjanovic will go down as one of the tallest and heaviest players in league history. His size is a matchup nightmare for his defenders in the post. He uses his size well to punish and shoot over defenders without getting blocked. He can easily dunk the basketball without even jumping.
Marjanovic has been a solid backup center for different teams such as the Pistons, Clippers, Mavericks, and Sixers. However, his minutes started dwindling down in the past few seasons. It’s unclear whether he will crack the rotation with the Rockets in the upcoming season.
1. Jusuf Nurkic, 290 pounds
Jusuf Nurkic is the heaviest NBA player in 2023. Despite being one of the biggest players in the league, Nurkic can move well for his size. He uses his body well to back down defenders and he has great footwork and touch around the rim.
In the past seven seasons with the Blazers, he has been a solid starting center, averaging 14.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. However, he has had trouble staying healthy in the past few seasons. Phoenix took a big risk trading for Nurkic this offseason.
Questions have been asked over the scheduling of the ICC Cricket World Cup after the tournament opener was welcomed by thousands of empty seats.
For the first time since the 1996 World Cup, the host nation did not participate in the first match of the tournament, as England and New Zealand faced off in Ahmedabad.
The match lacked the buzz of a World Cup opener, with thousands of seats inside the 132,000-seater Narendra Modi Stadium vacant as England came out to bat.
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It prompted former England captain Michael Atherton to pose a question while on commentary.
There were thousands of empty seats in the stands as England and New Zealand kicked off the World Cup (Gareth Copley via Getty Images)
“Do you not think it’s sensible the hosts should start?” Atherton asked co-commentator and Indian great Ravi Shastri.
“Because you’re guaranteed a full house and an immediate lift for the tournament.”
Watch every Australian Cricket World Cup match and other headline games live and free on Channel Nine and9Now
“Absolutely, especially on a ground like this,” Shastri replied.
“I understand you want one of the finalists to play or the former champion to play, but at all costs (you should) have a home team play.
England’s Joe Root is bowled out during the World Cup opener against New Zealand in Ahmedabad (AP)
“If this was India-England, you’re guaranteed a full house (or) at least 70-80,000 people, even on a working day.
“It just kicks off the tournament, gives it a buzz, there’s a build-up.”
Shastri and Atherton weren’t the only ones to notice the empty stands either, with fans on social media critical of the match being played in Ahmedabad as opposed to a smaller stadium elsewhere in the country.
After being sent in to bat, England finished its 50 overs on 9-282 with Joe Root (77 off 86) and skipper Jos Butler (43 off 42) leading the way.
Matt Henry (3-48 off 10 overs) and Mitchell Santner (2-37 off 10 overs) were the pick of New Zealand’s bowlers.
India, the sole host nation of this year’s World Cup, will not be in action until the tournament is three days on when it hosts Australia on Sunday night.
