Teams Await Bracket Reveal For March Madness

With a 68-60 win over Stony Brook, Drexel became the final women’s basketball team to secure an automatic berth to this year’s March Madness. It ends a semi-chaotic Championship Fortnight that saw a handful of major upsets. However, Portland was the only major “bid-stealer” in their upset of Gonzaga. Despite this, the 32 automatic berths include two first-time dancers and a handful of teams ending lengthy droughts. This includes Eastern Washington, who appear in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1987. Later today, 36 teams will join the 32 conference champions.

Furthermore, the bracket reveal will answer several pressing questions. For example – who takes the final two No. 1 seeds? South Carolina and Iowa are locked in, which leaves USC, Stanford, and Texas all vying for the last two spots on the top line. ESPN currently favors the two Pac-12 schools despite Texas’ Big 12 title. Another question will surround which bubble teams make it and which miss the tournament. Will Columbia finally make March Madness before Abbey Hsu graduates? Or did losing to Princeton in the Ivy League title game seal their fate?

Read More: Long Beach State Reaches March Madness Despite Firing Coach

Oklahoma Could Miss Out On March Madness Hosting Duties Due To Scheduling Conflict

(Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, an interesting situation surrounds Oklahoma. Oklahoma could be named as one of the top-16 seeds in the tournament, which would typically come with the right to host first- and second-round games. However, a scheduling conflict could mean that Oklahoma may miss out on that opportunity. The Big 12 gymnastics tournament is scheduled to be hosted at Oklahoma’s basketball arena on the same weekend as the opening rounds of March Madness.

ESPN currently has the Sooners as a five-seed in a quadrant hosted by Colorado in Boulder. However, the Sooners’ regular season title plus Gonzaga’s shock loss in the WCC title game could see Oklahoma move up to a four-seed. Due to rules about when teams from the same conference can play each other, that would see Oklahoma and Kansas State, the current five-seed in Gonzaga’s quadrant, swap places. However, due to Oklahoma’s scheduling conflict, Gonzaga would still have the option to host the games in Spokane.

Read More: Juwan Howard Fired By Michigan After Historically Bad Season

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NCAA Sued Over Transgender Inclusion Policy

A group of current and former college athletes, led by former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, has sued the NCAA over its policy allowing transgender athletes to compete. The lawsuit primarily focuses on the inclusion of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas (Penn) at the 2022 NCAA National Championships. Gaines, who has become a right-wing anti-trans advocate since graduating, finished joint fifth with Thomas in the 200-yard final. However, Gaines claimed she was excluded from celebrating because Thomas was handed the fifth-place trophy and not her. Another plaintiff is Tylor Mathieu (Florida). Mathieu finished 9th in 500 free qualification. This meant she missed out on the final, which Thomas won.

Of course, it’s far from the first time Thomas has been the target of right-wing attacks. The right-wing media, Gaines included, lost their collective minds when it was reported that Thomas had been nominated for “NCAA Woman of the Year”. Except she hadn’t. She had been nominated as Penn’s candidate for the Ivy League nomination but ultimately wasn’t selected.

Read More: Enes Freedom Says He’d Put Up Ridiculous Numbers In The WNBA During Anti-Trans Rant

Brittney Griner Defends Inclusion Of Trans Athletes

Lia Thomas
(Photo by Mike Comer/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, WNBA star Brittney Griner reiterated her support for the trans community. The press conference was also part of a launch of a campaign between the Mercury and the Bring Our Families Home campaign. Bring Our Families Home seeks to help free American political prisoners held overseas. Griner was freed after spending nine months in a Russian jail on drug charges. Furthermore, her imprisonment, which occurred days before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was widely seen as a political detention.

Griner, who is a cisgender woman, has long been an advocate for the rights of transgender athletes. When asked about the recently passed House bill, Griner said that she “definitely will be speaking up against that legislation and that [trans ban] law expected to be passed.” Continuing, Griner said “Everyone deserves the right to play. I think it’s a crime to separate someone for any reason.” While not segregated because of her gender, Griner has experience on what it is like to be yourself. Identifying as lesbian, Griner was reportedly told by her college coach Kim Mulkey to not be openly gay while on her Baylor Bears squad.

Read More: USA Boxing Allows Transgender Fighters To Face Opponents Who Match Their Gender Identity

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Drake Gave His Memorable Kentucky Locker Room Meme A Hilarious (But Heartfelt) Modern Update

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This past weekend saw the beginnings of most NCAA conference basketball postseasons, which means March Madness has begun. Drake, the walking meme and ardent Kentucky Wildcats fan whose love for the team apparently knows very few bounds, commemorated one of his most memorable team-related moments ten years on.

Back in October 2014, Drake launched a thousand memes, one truly horrendous airball, and even a cease-and-desist from the University itself when he attended UK’s Midnight Madness event to kick off the team’s 2014-15 campaign. In addition to starting the lint roller meme and prompting the near-universal ridicule that inspired him to get his jump shot form together, Drake joined the team in their film room, suited up like he was just another player hoping to get some playing time in John Calipari’s system.

Ten years later, though, all the players from that photo have moved on, with Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, Trey Lyles, and Tyler Ulis all joining the NBA in the years since. Coach Cal is still around, but when Drake headed to the film room to get pic, he did so all by his lonesome. “Oh hell nah all my brothers left me,” he captioned the photo. Of course, his “brothers” were happy to roast him a bit in the comments. Booker wrote, “Mann we left when u did.”

It’s all in good fun, of course, and you can bet that should they make it to the Big Dance, Drake’s bet on the team will be sizable, as always.

Kemba Walker Net Worth 2024: What Is The Basketball Star Worth?

Kemba Walker has etched out an illustrious career in the NBA. It culminates in a net worth of $80 million by 2024, as reported by Sportskeeda. Walker’s journey from the playgrounds of the Bronx to the bright lights of the NBA is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the sheer talent that has made him one of the premier players in the league. His financial success is paralleled by his achievements on the court, where he has consistently demonstrated his value as a player capable of changing the course of a game with his dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities.

Ascension To NBA Stardom

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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 04: Kemba Walker #15 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts after a play against the. Butler Bulldogs during the National Championship Game of the 2011 NCAA Division. I Men’s Basketball Tournament at Reliant Stadium on April 4, 2011 also in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Kemba Walker’s basketball journey is one of continuous growth and relentless pursuit of greatness. Incredible achievements marked his college career at the University of Connecticut. Most notably, he led his team to an NCAA championship in 2011. This victory elevated his status as a top-tier college player and set the stage for his entry into the NBA. Drafted as the 9th overall pick by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) in the 2011 NBA Draft, Walker quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise, showcasing his skills as both a scorer and a leader. His tenure with Charlotte and subsequent stints with teams like the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks have been highlighted by multiple All-Star selections, further cementing his status as one of the league’s elite guards.

Financial Acumen & Endorsements

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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 24: Kemba Walker poses for a portrait during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center on September 24, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Beyond his basketball earnings, Kemba Walker’s net worth has been significantly bolstered by his savvy financial decisions and lucrative endorsement deals. Aligning with major brands, Walker has leveraged his on-court success and charismatic personality into partnerships that extend his influence beyond the basketball arena. His endorsements and wise investment strategies have played a crucial role in building his financial portfolio, showcasing his insight in navigating the business aspects of his career. This strategic approach to his finances and brand management is a key component of his overall success, underscoring the multifaceted nature of professional athleticism today.

Impact On & Off The Court

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 27: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half of the game against the. Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on November 27, 2019 also in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Kemba Walker’s influence extends far beyond his financial success and basketball achievements. Known for his philanthropy and commitment to the community, Walker has utilized his platform to give back and inspire the next generation of athletes. His involvement in various charitable endeavors and youth programs emphasizes the importance of giving back, highlighting his role as a mentor and positive figure in the community. This aspect of his career enriches his legacy and illustrates the broader impact successful athletes can have in shaping society and encouraging positive change.

Kemba Walker’s net worth encapsulates his basketball career’s financial rewards and broader contributions to the sport and society. His journey from a hopeful young athlete to an NBA superstar is a narrative of perseverance, talent, and strategic foresight. As Walker continues to leave his mark on the game, his legacy as both a player and a person will undoubtedly continue to grow, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary basketball.

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Johnny Manziel To Boycott The Heisman Awards In Support Of Reggie Bush

Johnny Manziel has announced he will boycott the annual Heisman Awards in support of Reggie Bush. “After careful thought and consideration I will be humbly removing myself from the Heisman trophy ceremony until @ReggieBush gets his trophy back. Doesn’t sit right with my morals and values that he can’t be on that stage with us every year. Reggie IS the Heisman trophy. Do the RIGHT thing @NCAA the ball is in your court,” Manziel wrote on X.

Bush lost his 2005 Heisman trophy in 2010 after the NCAA concluded that he had received impermissible benefits to attend USC. However, Bush has argued that he should be welcomed back into the fold of the NCAA. This is due to the age of NIL and other benefits that athletes can now receive. The NCAA has long denied a return for Bush.

Read More: Johnny Manziel Reveals He Lost 40lbs Due To Cocaine Use After Being Cut By The Browns

Reggie Bush Sues The NCAA

Last year, Reggie Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA. “The lawsuit is based on the NCAA maliciously attacking his character through a completely false and highly offensive statement that was widely reported in the media and substantially and irreparably damaged his reputation,” according to law firm McCathern, PLLC. The statement in question was provided to media outlets in July 2021. It came when the NCAA announced their new NIL policy. Specifically, it was the answer to enquiries about whether the policy would mean the reinstatement of Bush’s expunged records.

“Although college athletes can now receive benefits from their names, images and likenesses through activities like endorsements and appearances, NCAA rules still do not permit pay-for-play type arrangements,” the statement said. “The NCAA infractions process exists to promote fairness in college sports. The rules that govern fair play are voted on, agreed to and expected to be upheld by all NCAA member schools.” Bush, the 2005 Heisman winner, had his collegiate record expunged in 2010. It was a result of an investigation that found he had accepted “impermissible benefits” during his time at USC.

Read More: Johnny Manziel Apologizes To Drake

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Angel Reese Joins Elite LSU Club With 2000th Point

Angel Reese became the sixth LSU WBB player to score 2000 points as she surpassed the mark in a dominant win over Tennessee. Reese joined Joyce Walker, Seimone Augustus, Julie Gross, Cornelia Grayden, and Sylvia Fowles in the exclusive club. Reese began her career at Maryland, where she scored 719 points. However, she is now forever linked with the Tigers. Reese’s mark stands at 2006 after scoring 11 against the Volunteers.

Reese and LSU are second in the SEC. However, that is as close to a regular season title they will get this season as South Carolina will guarantee themselves that honor with a win over Kentucky. Instead, Reese and company will look to finish out the season against Georgia and Kentucky before turning their attention to the SEC tournament and then, a March Madness tournament they will enter as defending champions. LSU is currently a four-seed in ESPN‘s latest bracketology.

Read More: Angel Reese’s Pep Talk For Hailey Van Lith Draws Draymond Green & Kevin Durant Comparisons

Angel Reese Calls Out Barstool Sports For “Double Standards”

However, Reese isn’t just comfortable taking shots on the court. Last month, Reese criticized Barstool Sports for a “double standard” in how they reported on two instances of the same celebration. “Lol I’ve seen this before,” Reese said in response to a post on X about Barstool‘s reporting of celebrations performed by Ja Morant and Quinn Ewers. On December 26, Ja Morant faced scrutiny for performing the “Rock Ya Hips”, a dance move popularized in New Orleans. Morant used it to troll the Pelicans. However, the celebration was initially misreported as a gunfire celebration. “Ja spraying imaginary bullets into section 113 after slam,” was the way that Barstool reported it on social media. However, when Texas QB Quinn Ewers did the same celebration during the Sugar Bowl, Barstool said that Ewers was “having fun”.

Of course, Reese is no stranger to the ire of Barstool. The outlet, and its founder Dave Portnoy, were some of the biggest critics of Reese after she hit Tony Yayo‘s “You Can’t See Me” during the National Championship. Barstool‘s coverage has long been criticized for racial bias, especially against Black athletes.

Read More: Angel Reese Returns To Baltimore In Hometown Sellout

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Three College Swimmers Killed In Horrific Car Crash

The University of Wyoming is reeling after three members of their varsity swim and dive team are reported to have died in a car crash in Colorado. According to police, the crash occurred yesterday afternoon on US 287 just south of the Colorado-Wyoming border. The athletes have been named as freshman Carson Muir, sophomore Charlie Clark, and junior Luke Slabber. Two other athletes were injured but are expected to survive, according to the school. However, the two injured athletes have not been named. The southbound SUV, which swerved and rolled, was not on an official school trip. Additionally, more details will not be available until a full investigation into the crash is conducted.

“My thoughts and prayers are with our swimming and diving student-athletes, coaches, families and friends. It is difficult to lose members of our University of Wyoming family, and we mourn the loss of these student-athletes. We have counseling services available to our student-athletes and coaches in our time of need,” Wyoming AD Tom Burman said in a statement. Additionally, the NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships take place in Minneapolis and Knoxville next month.

Read More: N3on Briefly Detained By Police Over Stolen Car

Horrifying Repetition Of History For Wyoming

However, long-tenured members of the Wyoming athletics department will be thinking back to 2001 tonight. On the same highway three members of their swim & dive team just lost their lives, eight members of the cross country team died in 2001. Furthermore, Clint Haskins, a Wyoming student at the time, swerved into oncoming traffic and caused the crash that killed the eight athletes. Haskins was the only survivor of that crash and later pled guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide. Furthermore, he would serve nine-and-a-half years in prison as as result.

“We are heartsick at the news of this terrible tragedy for our university, our state, our student-athlete community and, most importantly, the families and friends of these young people,” University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel said in the statement about this week’s tragedy. This remains a developing story.

Read More: Miami Hurricanes Tight End Granted Ninth Year Of College Eligibility

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Caitlin Clark Closing In On NCAA History

Caitlin Clark is on the precipice of history. The Iowa Hawkeyes senior is now just 66 points away from setting a new women’s NCAA record for career points. After dropping 38 against Maryland, Clark moved her tally to 3462 points. The current women’s NCAA record is held by former Washington Husky Kelsey Plum and sits at 3527. Earlier this week, Plum told reporters that she was “excited” to see Clark break the record that she set in 2017.

However, there are two more scoring records firmly within Clark’s reach. First is the women’s record for major college basketball. That mark stands at 3649 and dates back to the pre-NCAA days of the AIAW. Then there is the all-time NCAA record, held by LSU legend Pete Maravich. Pistol Pete’s mark sits at 3667. Clark is currently averaging 32.4 points per game. If Clark matches her average across Iowa’s final seven regular-season games, she will close out conference play with 3739 points. Once all postseason games are accounted for, Clark could set the record at close to 4000 points.

Read More: Caitlin Clark Collides With Fan During Court Invasion: Watch

Clark Still Coy About Draft Declaration

However, despite her historic season, no one is quite sure if Clark will be headed to the WNBA Draft this year. Clark is the presumptive No. 1 pick in the draft and would join former South Carolina standout Aliyah Boston in Indiana if chosen. However, before the season, Clark revealed that her mind wasn’t fully made up yet. “I’m going to know when I need to know. I think it’s very similar to my college decision. It’s like I’m in the recruiting process again. It’s really not something I think about every day or let weigh on me. I’m focused on helping this team be the best they can be. The biggest thing is I’m just going to trust my gut. I’m not going to do a lot of research on what’s better. I’m going to trust my gut and go with that,” Clark said.

Clark, who turns 22 in February 2024, is part of the final class of players who can declare for a fifth year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been one of the best, if not the best, players in women’s college basketball during her time at Iowa. She won National Player of the Year last year and was second in scoring average as well as first in assists and made threes. Players have until 48 hours after their final game of the season to declare for the draft.

Read More: Angel Reese Addresses Caitlin Clark Beef, Eyes Title Defense

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Bronny James Hears “Overrated” Chants” From ASU Students After Blowing Easy Layup: Watch

When you share the same last name as LeBron James, expectations are going to be sky-high. That is the challenge that the media, fans, and basketball savants are thrusting at Bronny as his young college career continues. Many saw him as a fairly high-level recruit for USC. However, the freshman is still trying to put it all together. Of course, coming into the season, Bronny had dealt with a lot of uncertainty after going into cardiac arrest during training. So, it is just good to see him get some run this year in what is shaping up to be a lost season for the Trojans.

At just about the halfway mark of the 2023-2024 campaign, USC sits at 11th in the Pac-12 with a record of 8-11 (2-6). They are also on a four-game skid. The respected program was ranked as the 21st best team in the country heading in. However, any expectations of reaching the March Madness tournament are all but over. The team is still desperately missing their two best players, Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier, to injury. But, even with some extra minutes being trickled down to Bronny, he cannot seem to find a rhythm.

Read More: Myron Gaines Net Worth 2024: What Is The “Fresh & Fit” Podcaster Worth?

Bronny James Is Still Growing

That was apparent this past weekend with another in-conference matchup with Arizona State on the road. They would go on to lose 67-82 and that snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Trojans for ASU. On top of the loss, Bronny also had a blunder near the end of the game. On a fast break, he had a gift of a layup but it missed. Moments after the play, the student section rained down “overrated” chants toward him. Vlad TV is credited for finding the clip above. Fans are going to want to see greatness, especially when you have a dad who is a basketball legend. But, it does not come as easy for everyone. Bronny still has a ways to go, and that is okay.

What are your thoughts on Bronny James missing an open fast break layup against Arizona State? Is he shaping up to be a bust if he gets drafted to an NBA team? How long will he stay in college, and should he stay for more than two years? Why do you think he is struggling right now? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Bronny James. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the sports world.

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Miami Hurricanes Tight End Granted Ninth Year Of College Eligbility

Cam McCormick has been granted an unprecedented ninth year of college eligibility by the NCAA. “I’m blessed that it was me to go through it because a lot of people would have folded under the pressure — both mentally and physically. But it’s pushed me to be a better person and teammate — everything. I’ve learned so much from every year and everything I’ve had to overcome,” McCormick told ESPN. It will be his second season in Miami.

McCormick first entered college football in 2016 as a three-star prospect for the Oregon Ducks. However, redshirting a true freshman and five seasons in which he has been eligible for a medical redshirt meant that he is now in the unprecedented position that he is now. McCormick has 231 career yards and 4 career touchdowns. He transferred to Miami ahead of the 2023 season to reunite with Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes ended the season 7-6, ending their season with a 31-24 loss to Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Read More: Pop-Tart Mascot Becomes Instant Highlight Of Bowl Season

College Teammates Share Stores About Jason Kelce

Meanwhile, former college teammates of Jason Kelce have shared stories about the veteran center as he seemingly prepares to retire. “Those two, it was just insane. Like, holy sh-t, these guys are crazy. Those two are really good at drinking beer. They used to love playing Nintendo 64 for hours, smashing the controls and chugging beers at the same time. They would just come up with these random drinking games while playing, and they were incredibly good at it,” Tom DeTemple recalled to The Athletic.

“We were having a party after one of the games and Jason was a little bit inebriated, let’s say, and he ripped the sink out of the wall in one of the bathrooms. And everybody was like, “What the hell? Who is this guy? This walk-on just ripped the freaking sink out of the wall,” Craig Carey said of the older Kelce. Additionally, Isaiah Pead, another former teammate, said that Jason was consistently referred to as “Big Kelc” as opposed to his name.

Read More: Travis Kelce Will Play In 2024

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