#ncaa

Decision Made on Gamecocks Basketball Standout Madina Okot South Carolina’s Madina Okot will head to the WNBA after the NCAA denied her appeal for an extra year of eligibility. The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, marking the end of her collegiate career with the Gamecocks. Okot, who played her final game for the team, has decided to pursue professional basketball without the possibility of an additional season at the NCAA level. The NCAA’s decision came after Okot’s team, the South Carolina Gamecocks, submitted an appeal arguing that her two years at a university in her native Kenya should not count toward NCAA eligibility rules due to the significant difference in competition levels. Coach Dawn Staley, who has been vocal about the appeal process throughout the season, confirmed that the NCAA had been reviewing the case. However, the outcome was ultimately unfavorable, leaving Okot with no choice but to declare for the WNBA draft. Okot had to make her decision within 48 hours of her final game, which was a national championship loss to UCLA. Once she received the NCAA’s response, appealing further or pursuing legal action was deemed impractical, as the decision could have been overturned again, leaving her without a viable path to play in 2026. With the WNBA draft approaching, Okot’s move to the professional league was inevitable. Staley praised Okot’s contributions to the team and her personal journey, stating, “Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue the sport, but also to better her life. Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better.” The coach also highlighted Okot’s impact on the program, noting her leadership and skill set.#south_carolina_gamecocks #ncaa #dawn_staley #madina_okot #wnba_draft

NCAA Confirms Conclusion of Okot Eligibility – University of South Carolina Athletics The NCAA has officially concluded that Madina Okot, a senior center for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, has exhausted her collegiate eligibility. The decision follows the denial of a season of competition waiver submitted by the team, marking the end of Okot’s NCAA career. The ruling underscores the conclusion of her time as a student-athlete, despite her significant contributions to the program. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley reflected on Okot’s impact during her brief tenure with the team, highlighting her determination and growth. “Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue just the sport, but also to better her life,” Staley said. “Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better.” Staley’s comments emphasize the respect the coaching staff holds for Okot’s journey, even as her eligibility came to an end. Okot’s two seasons at South Carolina were marked by exceptional performance, establishing her as one of the top centers in the nation. During the 2025-2026 season, she ranked third nationally in double-doubles, tallying 22 such games. Her rebounding averages placed her 16th in the country at 10.6 per game, while her field goal percentage of .575 ranked her 19th nationally. These numbers reflect her ability to dominate the paint and contribute consistently to the Gamecocks’ success. Okot’s accolades extended beyond individual statistics. She was named to the All-SEC Second Team, a testament to her impact on the conference level. Her rebounding prowess was particularly notable, as she became the Gamecocks’ top rebounder in 29 of her 39 games played.#ncaa #dawn_staley #gamecocks #university_of_south_carolina #madina_okot

Geno Auriemma attacks the rims in March Madness rant -- and the NCAA should listen to him FORT WORTH, Texas -- On Friday, Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies beat the North Carolina Tar Heels by 21 points to advance to their 29th Elite Eight in the past 32 seasons. But in his postgame press conference, he wasn’t in an extremely celebratory mood. While discussing the poor shooting percentages in the game — the Huskies shot just 40% from the field and 20% from outside, well below their season averages — he focused not on his players, but on a staple of the sport that typically relegated to supporting-character status: the rims. "Do you ever notice when you come to the regionals, they use brand new baskets? These rims have never touched a basketball until now, so it's hard. You can't get a ball to go boop, boop, in. Once that ball hits the rim, it's going out of bounds. It's the weirdest thing," he said. On Saturday morning, Auriemma continued to attack the rims during his off-day press conference — which began at 9:30 a.m. local time, a full hour later than Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey had to face reporters — and this time, he came with receipts. "I'm going read you some numbers, OK? Write them down: 4 for 20, 4 for 22, 1 for 17, 5 for 18, 4 for 16, 7 for 26," he said, unprompted. "That's the 3-point shooting [Friday] across the country. How many arenas are we going to sell out with that bullshit? ... They bring in new baskets, new basketballs right out of the box. Got people dribbling the ball off their feet. You got people missing layups all over the place. You bounce the ball, and it goes up to the ceiling. There's just no concept of how basketball is played.#ncaa #uconn_huskies #geno_auriemma #fort_worth #north_carolina_tar_heels

UConn's Geno Auriemma Questions NCAA Tournament Setup, Prep FORT WORTH, Texas — UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma once again criticized the NCAA for its decisions surrounding the women’s basketball tournament, expressing frustration over the organization’s approach to the event. Speaking at a news conference the day before his team’s Elite Eight matchup against Notre Dame, Auriemma reiterated his concerns about the tournament’s two-site regional format, calling the decisions “a goddamn game” that needs to be better understood. Auriemma, a 12-time national champion and the sport’s winningest coach, has long voiced dissatisfaction with the NCAA’s shift from a four-site regional format to a two-site model, which debuted in 2023. The NCAA has confirmed the two-site setup will remain for at least five more seasons. Auriemma argued that the current system creates logistical challenges for teams, including reduced practice time and inconsistent shootaround schedules. For example, the Huskies’ Friday shootaround was not held at Dickies Arena, the primary venue for the regional, while Notre Dame’s practice time was scheduled for the evening of the game. Auriemma noted that his team’s practice time was set for 6:30 p.m. that evening, highlighting the lack of flexibility in the schedule. The coach also criticized the NCAA for bringing in new equipment, such as basketballs and baskets, for the regional games, which he claimed disrupts the normal flow of play. Auriemma pointed to the poor shooting performances of teams in the Sweet 16, including UConn’s 4-for-20 three-point shooting, as evidence of the issue. “How many arenas are we going to sell out with that bulls---?” he asked, expressing skepticism about the NCAA’s focus on attendance over player performance. Other coaches echoed Auriemma’s concerns.#ncaa #notre_dame #uconn #geno_auriemma #david_benedict

March Madness 2026 Preview The NCAA single-elimination basketball tournament, known as March Madness, is set to begin in early March, offering fans a thrilling showcase of collegiate competition. For the men’s tournament, the first round kicks off on March 19, while the women’s edition starts on March 20. Sixty-eight teams will compete in the opening round, with the bracket narrowing down to 32 teams in the second round before the tournament intensifies in the Sweet 16. By the time the final four teams are set, only eight will have advanced, and the ultimate victors will vie for the national championship. The tournament has become a global spectacle, drawing attention from NBA and WNBA prospects eager to elevate their draft stock. Past years have seen unforgettable moments, such as the 2023 NCAA Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Backed by standout players like Angel Reese and Catilin Clark, LSU secured its first title in program history. The matchup between Reese and Clark attracted nearly 10 million viewers, setting a record for the most-watched women’s basketball game. ESPN reported that the 2023 Final Four, Elite Eight, and Sweet 16 games collectively drew record-breaking audiences, with 9.9 million viewers tuning in for the final. This surpassed the viewership of the recently completed World Series, which averaged 9.1 million. The tournament’s structure is designed to maximize drama and unpredictability. The first round features 68 teams, with the bracket progressing to 32, then 16, and finally the Sweet 16. The Sweet 16 marks a turning point, as only eight teams remain, with half of them advancing to the Final Four. The final four teams will face off in the championship game, determining the national champion.#united_states #ncaa #angel_reese #espn #march_madness

UConn's Geno Auriemma Criticizes Title IX Implementation in College Sports UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma expressed concerns about the current state of Title IX enforcement, stating that the legislation’s intent has been largely abandoned in practice. Speaking ahead of his team’s Sweet 16 matchup against North Carolina, Auriemma argued that major college conferences have moved away from equitable funding for women’s sports, despite the law’s original purpose of prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education programs. Auriemma, in his 41st season as UConn’s coach and four wins away from his 13th national title, questioned whether women’s sports have reached a point where Title IX is no longer necessary. He pointed to the NCAA’s revenue-sharing model, which allocates $20.5 million per school, as an example of the disparity. “I don’t know that when you say we’re allocating $20.5 million, they’re going, ‘Yeah, well, women’s basketball is going to get the same amount as football and men’s basketball,’” Auriemma said. While some schools may strive to maintain equity in scholarships and opportunities, he argued that financial support for women’s programs has diminished over time. Title IX, enacted in 1972, was designed to ensure equal access to education and athletics for all genders. However, the college sports landscape has evolved significantly since then, particularly with the 2021 allowance of name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments for athletes. Schools now directly compensate athletes, but the Trump administration’s reversal of Biden-era guidance—requiring equitable distribution of these payments—has raised concerns. Critics argue that funds are disproportionately allocated to high-revenue sports like football and men’s basketball, undermining Title IX’s goals.#ncaa #uconn #geno_auriemma #title_ix #kenny_brooks

Oregon's Offseason Shifts with Kwame Evans' Transfer Decision Oregon forward Kwame Evans has officially decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal, marking a pivotal moment for the Ducks as they navigate the offseason following a challenging 2025-26 season. The move provides clarity for the program as it seeks to rebuild and reshape its roster amid lingering questions about its future. Evans, a former five-star recruit, shared his decision on social media, though the transfer portal will not officially open for two more weeks. Evans emerged as one of Oregon’s most dependable players during the 2025-26 season, suiting up in 30 of the Ducks’ 32 games. His consistency stood out in a year marred by injuries and inconsistency across the roster. Despite missing two contests due to minor injuries, Evans remained a key contributor, offering stability both in production and demeanor. Head coach Dana Altman frequently highlighted his resilience, noting how Evans maintained his focus and leadership even as the team struggled with setbacks. Statistically, Evans delivered his best season at Oregon, averaging 13.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His shooting efficiency was a standout, with a 45.4% field goal percentage and a career-high 3-point accuracy. Evans also recorded 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game, showcasing his all-around impact. His performance included standout efforts such as a 20-point, seven-rebound game against Washington on March 7, as well as four double-doubles against Oregon State, UC Davis, Rutgers, and Northwestern. Over three seasons with the Ducks, Evans has appeared in 101 games with 62 starts, averaging 8.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. However, his 2025-26 season felt like a breakthrough, as his confidence, aggressiveness, and leadership grew in tandem with his on-court contributions.#ncaa #transfer_portal #dana_altman #kwame_evans #oregon

Duke’s Isaiah Evans Highlights Harassment Concerns From College Player Props Duke Blue Devils sophomore guard Isaiah Evans, who recently helped the team secure a victory in the ACC Tournament, has raised concerns about the growing impact of sports betting on college athletes. Evans specifically highlighted an increase in harassment linked to player prop bets, noting that athletes are receiving hostile messages from bettors. In some cases, these interactions have escalated to threats, prompting broader discussions about the role of prop betting in college sports. College athletes face unique risks when it comes to harassment tied to sports betting, largely due to their age and the environment they operate in. Many are still teenagers or in their early 20s, balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments while navigating emotional and mental development. This makes hostile messages and threats more challenging to process. Additionally, these athletes have limited access to media training, security resources, and support systems compared to professional players, leaving them more exposed to potential harm. The NCAA has responded to these concerns by launching its “Draw the Line” campaign, which aims to address abuse related to sports betting. The initiative focuses on educating fans about the consequences of their behavior and encouraging accountability when interacting with student-athletes online. It also provides resources to help athletes report harassment and take steps to protect themselves. The campaign’s goal is to shield athletes like Evans from the negative effects of angry bettors. The issues raised by Evans have intensified calls for a ban on player prop betting in college sports.#college_sports #ncaa #duke_blue_devils #isaias_evans #draw_the_line

Score 2 Months of Paramount+ for Under $6 — the Best Deal for Live Streaming March Madness March Madness has officially begun, bringing with it a thrilling run of college basketball games that fans across the country are eager to watch. For those looking to stream every game without breaking the bank, Paramount+ is offering a limited-time deal that makes it easier than ever to follow the action. Until March 31, subscribers can get two months of Paramount+ for just $2.99 per month, bringing the total cost under $6 for the entire period. This promotion provides access to a wide range of March Madness games, including the First Round, Second Round, Sweet 16, and Elite Eight matches. Paramount+ serves as the primary streaming platform for CBS-broadcast games during the tournament, which means fans can catch most of the action without needing multiple subscriptions. While the 2026 men’s Final Four and NCAA national championship games will air on TBS, the majority of the tournament’s games will still be available on Paramount+ and CBS. This makes the deal particularly appealing for sports enthusiasts who want to stay updated on all major matchups without paying for additional services. The limited-time offer is designed to encourage viewers to commit to a longer subscription period at a discounted rate. At just $2.99 per month, the cost is significantly lower than the standard Paramount+ subscription price, making it an attractive option for those who plan to watch multiple games throughout the tournament. The promotion also highlights the growing trend of streaming services offering special deals around major sporting events, allowing fans to enjoy live sports at a fraction of the usual cost.#paramount_plus #ncaa #cbs #march_madness #tbs

March Madness Play-In Games Kick Off on March 17 The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament officially begins with the play-in games, also known as the First Four, starting on Tuesday, March 17, in Dayton, Ohio. These matchups will determine the final four spots in the 64-team bracket. The men’s tournament kicks off with the First Four games on March 17 and 18, followed by the first round on March 19 and 20. The women’s tournament will start its First Four games on March 18, with the first round beginning March 20. The play-in games feature four matchups, with the first two games scheduled for Tuesday, March 17. At 9:15 p.m. ET, No. 11 Texas will face No. 11 NC State, while No. 16 UMBC will take on No. 16 Howard at 6:40 p.m. ET. On Wednesday, March 18, the remaining First Four games will take place, with No. 11 Miami (OH) vs. No. 11 SMU at 9:15 p.m. ET and No. 16 Prairie Views vs. No. 16 Lehigh at 6:40 p.m. ET. The first game of the men’s tournament will be the 6:40 p.m. ET matchup between No. 16 UMBC and No. 16 Howard on Tuesday, March 17. All First Four games will be broadcast on truTV, with live streaming options available through the March Madness Live app and SlingTV. The games will be held at the University of Dayton’s UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. For the women’s tournament, the first game of the First Four is set for March 18, with the first round beginning March 20. Bracket submission deadlines for both the men’s and women’s tournaments are approaching. For the men’s tournament, brackets must be submitted by Thursday, March 19, with deadlines set for NCAA (noon), ESPN (12:15 p.m.), Yahoo! (12:15 p.m.), CBS (noon), and USA TODAY (noon). The women’s tournament brackets are due by Friday, March 20, with NCAA (noon), ESPN (11:30 a.m.), Yahoo! (11:10 a.m.), CBS (11:30 a.m.), and USA TODAY (11:15 a.m.) as submission times.#ncaa #march_madness #umbc #dayton_ohio #tru_tv

George Mason Men’s Basketball Secures Back-to-Back NIT Appearances FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men’s basketball team has been awarded a spot in the 2026 National Invitation Tournament, marking its second consecutive postseason berth. The Patriots will kick off the tournament with a Tuesday night matchup against Liberty, set for 6 p.m. on ESPN2. Tickets for the game, which will take place in Fairfax, are priced at $25 and will be available starting March 16. George Mason students will receive complimentary admission to the event. This marks the sixth time in program history that the Patriots have qualified for the NIT, with the past two seasons seeing them secure consecutive bids. The team’s recent success follows a postseason run in 2025, where they advanced to the NIT Second Round after their first victory in the event since 2004. The achievement also signifies the first time since the 2007-09 season that George Mason has made back-to-back postseason appearances, whether in the NCAA or NIT. Liberty, the team’s opponent, claimed the 2026 Conference USA regular season title with a 25-7 overall record and a 17-3 mark in conference play. The Flames and Patriots have a storied history, having faced each other nine times previously. George Mason holds a 6-3 edge in the series, with the most recent meeting occurring on December 10, 2011, in Fairfax. The Patriots emerged victorious in that game with an 84-54 score. The upcoming matchup represents a significant milestone for both programs, highlighting the competitive nature of collegiate basketball and the growing prominence of George Mason in postseason play.#ncaa #george_mason_university #liberty #nit #fairfax

President Donald Trump announces new executive order on college sports, anticipates legal challenges President Donald Trump outlined plans to sign a new executive order addressing issues in college athletics during a Friday roundtable discussion titled “Saving College Sports.” He emphasized that the measure would likely face legal challenges but expressed hope for a favorable judicial outcome. Trump reiterated his stance that the current state of college sports, particularly in the NIL (name, image, likeness) era, has created significant problems for institutions, athletes, and families. The executive order, which Trump said would be issued within a week of the roundtable, is described as more comprehensive than his previous July directive. The earlier order targeted pay-for-play practices in college athletics and sought to protect non-revenue sports while banning NIL-related pay-for-play arrangements. During the discussion, Trump highlighted the financial disparities in college sports, noting the disproportionate share of revenue allocated to football and basketball following the House v. NCAA settlement. He suggested the new order would address broader systemic issues, including the impact of NIL on college athletics. Trump acknowledged that the previous executive order served as a “test” and that the upcoming measure would incorporate lessons learned over the past six months. He emphasized the need for a “common sense” approach, stating that the document would be “very well-thought-out” and aimed at resolving the “disaster” he described for colleges, players, and families. However, he admitted uncertainty about its legal viability, noting that the outcome would depend on the judge assigned to the case.#president_donald_trump #executive_order #college_sports #ncaa #score_act