Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers had a golden opportunity in front of them, but squandered it Friday night.

The Pacers could’ve taken a 3-1 lead and been one game from winning the franchise’s first title, but instead lost 111-104 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in front of their home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Haliburton had 18 points and seven assists for the Pacers. T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin were limited to just eight points each in Game 4. Mathurin had scored 27 points in Game 3.

Meanwhile, league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had struggled in the first three quarters, scored 15 of Oklahoma City’s final 16 points as the Thunder overcame a seven-point deficit in the final frame.

Charles Barkley didn’t hold back while talking about the Pacers.

‘No. 1, they gave it away,’ Barkley said on NBA TV. ‘I thought you saw the difference between All-Stars guys and really good players and superstars. Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander) brought this thing home.”

Pascal Siakam led the team with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists, but Barkley felt he could’ve done more for Indiana.

“I have no idea what the Pacers were doing on the offensive end,” Barkley said. “Me and Grant (Hill) were going crazy like, ‘Yo man, get it to (Pascal) Siakam, he’s your best 1-on-1 player. They didn’t even run a play for him … It was so frustrating. Grant, we can say all we want to about Oklahoma City — the Pacers blew this game.’

One year after experiencing euphoria from winning the 2024 U.S. Open, defending champion Bryson DeChambeau is experiencing agony at the 2025 U.S. Open.

DeChambeau finished on the wrong side of the projected cut line (+7) on Friday following an underwhelming day at Oakmont Country Club. DeChambeau started off the second round by bogeying four of the first seven holes and carding a double-bogey on hole No. 5. His play didn’t improve. He finished with a double-bogey, eight bogeys and three birdies on Friday, bringing him to 10-over on the tournament, three strokes above the projected cut line.

It would mark only the third time DeChambeau has missed the cut at the U.S. Open in 11 total appearances, and the first time since 2017. The American golfer has experienced much success at the third major of the year. Both of DeChambeau’s two major wins came at the U.S. Open in 2020 and 2024.

The second round of the 2025 U.S. Open was suspended at 8:15 p.m. ET on Friday due to lighting in the area with a handful of golfers still on the course. The cut line won’t be finalized until the second round officially concludes Saturday. Play resumes at 7:30 a.m. ET.

DeChambeau highlights a list of former champions and big-name golfers that are all but officially done after 36 holes following troublesome first and second rounds. Here’s a look at the notable golfers that are expected to miss the cut:

Who will miss the 2025 U.S. Open cut?

The cut line fluctuated between 5-over to 8-over on Friday, but as the second round nears an end, the cut line is projected at 7-over. Rory McIlroy flirted with elimination, but has seemingly lived to fight another day after hitting a birdie on hole No. 18. Everyone wasn’t so lucky.

Here’s some notable golfers that found themselves on the wrong side of the projected cut line on Friday:

Lucas Glover (+8) — 2009 U.S. Open champion
Patrick Cantlay (+8)
Cameron Smith (+8)
Phil Mickelson (+8) — 6-time major champ/U.S. open runner-up
Ludvig Aberg (+8)
Tommy Fleetwood (+9)
Min Woo Lee (+9)
Gary Woodland (+10) — 2019 U.S. Open champion
Bryson DeChambeau (+10) — 2024 U.S. Open champion
Dustin Johnson (+10) — 2016 U.S. Open champion
Joaquín Niemann (+10)
Sepp Straka: (+11)
Justin Thomas (+12) — 2-time major champ
Justin Rose (+14) — 2013 U.S. Open champion
Shane Lowry (+17)

2025 U.S. Open leaderboard

1. Sam Burns: -3 (F)
2. J.J. Spaun: -2 (F)
3. Viktor Hovland: -1 (F)
T4. Adam Scott: E (F)
T4. Ben Griffin: E (F)
T6. Thriston Lawrence: +1 (17)*
T6. Victor Perez: +1 (F)
T8. Thomas Detry: +2 (F)
T8. Russell Henley: +2 (F)
T8. Brooks Koepka: +2 (F)
T8. Si Woo Kim: +2 (F)

*play suspended due to lightning 

How to watch 2025 U.S. Open:

The 2025 U.S. Open will be broadcast on NBC and the USA Network.

*All times Eastern Time.

Date: Thursday, June 12-Sunday, June 15
Location: Oakmont Country Club (Oakmont, Pennsylvania)
TV Channel: NBC, USA Network

Round 3, Saturday: 10 a.m.-noon (USA), noon-8 p.m. (NBC)
Round 4, Sunday: 9 a.m.-noon (USA), noon-7 p.m. (NBC)

Streaming: Peacock, usopen.com, USGA app, DirecTV or YouTube TV

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Sure, the 2025 NBA Finals is drawing all the attention, but looming in less than two weeks is the NBA draft.

That means that teams across the league — even the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder — are putting the final touches on their draft boards as they sort out needs and the best available players.

And while it seems like there’s a consensus atop the board, with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper the likely selections at No. 1 and No. 2, it’s anyone’s guess what happens as the draft unfolds.

Here’s a look at USA TODAY Sports’ NBA mock draft two weeks out from the NBA draft on June 25-26:

(Age listed is age at time of the draft; for U.S. college players, height (without shoes) and weight taken at NBA draft combine)

2025 NBA mock draft

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7¾ , 221, 18 years old
2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg, 48.1% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 84% FT

The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama. Flagg had 27 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a Final Four loss to Houston.

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Freshman, guard, 6-4½ , 213, 19
2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT

The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper’s best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers’ lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Freshman, guard, 6-4, 193, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT

The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA Tournament second-round loss to Duke.

4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7½ , 202, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT

Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn’t easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC.

5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas

Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 190, 19
2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT

Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He had three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA Tournament loss to Xavier.

6. Washington Wizards: Kon Knueppel, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5, 219, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT

He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games. He had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in an Elite Eight victory against Alabama, and 16 points and seven rebounds in a Final Four loss to Houston.

7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Freshman, guard, 6-2½, 180, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT

Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA Tournament first-round loss to UConn.

8. Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 205, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT

Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Xavier.

9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke

Freshman, center, 7-0½, 253, 18
2024-25 stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.2% FG, 76.6% FT

Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA Tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. He struggled to make an impact in the Final Four loss to Houston with just six points and no rebounds.

10. Houston Rockets: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Sophomore, forward, 6-6½, 239, 20
2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT

Although he’s a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC’s No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant, Arizona

Freshman, forward, 6-6½, 215, 19
2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT

The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA Tournament.

12. Chicago Bulls: Derik Queen, Maryland

Freshman, center, 6-9¼, 248, 20
2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT

An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida.

13. Atlanta Hawks: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Forward, 6-10, 198, 18
2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 51.6% FG, 27% 3PT, 70.5% FT

The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up.

14. San Antonio Spurs: Asa Newell

Freshman, forward, 6-9, 224, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT

Based off of his size, Newell wouldn’t appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Danny Wolf, Michigan

Junior, forward-center, 6-10½, 252, 21
2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT

The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in a NCAA regional semifinals loss to Auburn.

16. Orlando Magic: Egor Demin, BYU

Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 199, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT

The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Liam McNeeley, UConn

Freshman, forward, 6-6¾, 215, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT

What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year’s Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA Tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s.

18. Washington Wizards: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

Freshman, forward-center, 6-9¼, 263, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT

The standout freshman required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who’s just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame.

19. Brooklyn Nets: Jase Richardson, Michigan State

Freshman, guard, 6-0½, 178, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT

Richardson improved as the season progressed and turned into the Spartans’ steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA Tournament in four games – 5-for-11 shooting and 15 points against Bryant, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, and 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn.

20. Miami Heat: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Guard, 6-6, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 45.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 72.7% FT

He’s just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect.

21. Utah Jazz: Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)

Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18
2024-25 stats: 5.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 61.5% FG, 58.4% FT

Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn’t have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, has made him a first-round prospect. Another player who has improved throughout the season.

22. Atlanta Hawks: Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

Guard, 6-4, 175, 19
2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.9% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 72.8% FT

Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He’s quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February.

23. Indiana Pacers: Will Riley, Illinois

Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 186, 19

2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.2% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 72.4% FT

Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many, looks for offensive rebounds. His shot is a work in progress but the mechanics are there and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini’s final six games.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-5¼, 202, 23
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT

Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot of things – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams’ final six games before the NCAA tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland.

25. Orlando Magic: Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s

Junior, forward, 6-8¼, 232, 20
2024-25 stats: 14.75 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 apg, 53.1% FG, 39% 3PT, 74.3% FT

Fleming is a mobile forward who plays a physical game and has strong footwork to finesse his way around defenders. He likes to get easy buckets in transition, his 3-point percentage in nearly five attempts per game is encouraging and he is valuable in pick-and-rolls as the screener. Defensively, he deflects passes and can protect the rim. Fleming averaged 18.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.9% in the last six regular-season Atlantic 10 Conference contests.

26. Brooklyn Nets: Noah Penda, Le Mans (France)

Forward, 6-8, 225, 20
2024-25 stats: 10.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 spg, 45.8% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 67.9% FT

A solidly-built wing, Penda may not be the most explosive athlete, but he has flashed excellent footwork in the low block, has steady enough ball-handling abilities and can knock down 3s with relative efficiency. Penda has also shown that he can move well without the ball, often slashing through a defense on cuts for easy buckets. Improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

Senior, guard, 6-2, 199, 22
2024-25 stats: 18.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.2 spg, 44.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT, 85.7% FT

Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Clayton had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators’ final three games. Has range on 3-point shots and can shoot off the dribble or pass but needs to improve as a playmaker and defender.

28. Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)

Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19
2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT

One of Europe’s top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He’s still raw.

29. Phoenix Suns: Kam Jones, Marquette

Senior, guard, 6-5, 205, 23
2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 5.9 apg, 4.5 rpg, 1.4 spg, 48.3% FG, 31.1% 3PT, 64.8% FT

All-Big East first-team selection, Jones is a strong, physical guard who can finish on drives to the rim, possesses solid footwork and isn’t afraid of contact. He improved as a playmaker/passer this season and is a solid rebounder with at least 10 five-plus rebound games. The left-hander had a dip in his 3-point shooting percentage this season but has shown the ability to make them off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots as a career 37% shooter from deep. Jones was solid in the Big East tournament with 28 points (11-for-22 shooting, 5-for-10 on 3s), five assists and four rebounds in a victory against Xavier and 24 points (3-for-12 on 3s) and seven rebounds in a loss to St. John’s. He had 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in a NCAA tournament first-round loss to New Mexico.

30. Los Angeles Clippers: Drake Powell, North Carolina

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5¼, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 64.8% FT

Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn’t possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential. Was an efficient scorer in limited opportunities and can be a solid rebounder from the perimeter.

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Wade Miley addressed the accusation that he supplied former teammate Tyler Skaggs – who died of an overdose in 2019 – with prescription drugs when they were teammates with the Arizona Diamondbacks, claiming he was ‘never a witness for any of this.’

‘I hate what happened to Tyler,’ Miley told reporters on Friday, June 13, a day after The Athletic reported that Miley’s name surfaced in new court filings. ‘It sucks. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

‘But I’m not going to sit here and talk about things that somebody might have said about me or whatnot.

‘I was never a witness for any of this. I’ve never been accused of any wrongdoing.’

Miley’s name came up in a deposition with Skaggs’ former agent in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Skaggs’ family against the Los Angeles Angels in June 2021, seeking $210 million in damages. Ryan Hamill of Creative Artists Agency said in the deposition that he was concerned with Skaggs’ drug use in 2013 and informed his family.

“(Skaggs) came clean,” Hamill testified, according to The Athletic. “He said he had been using – I believe it was Percocets – and he said he got them through Wade Miley.”

Miley and Skaggs were teammates with the Diamondbacks in 2012 and 2013.

The 38-year-old Miley refused to answer further questions about the report – including whether he had been contacted by MLB – and maintained ‘no wrongdoing.’

Miley’s name also surfaced in the criminal proceedings against Angels communications director Eric Kay that resulted in a 22-year sentence. Kay informed his mother on a recorded prison phone call that Miley had been a drug source for Skaggs.

The filings were from the Skaggs family’s attorneys as part of a motion for summary judgment as potential evidence to demonstrate that multiple Angels employees were aware of Kay’s drug use and that he was providing illegal drugs to Skaggs. It was part of the testimony, including portions of depositions from witnesses that were made public to the court’s online portal, and uncovered by The Athletic, instead of being kept under seal.

Reds manager Terry Francona told reporters he found out about the report “when everybody else” did.

“From where I sit, other than me caring about Miley and certainly having respect for the sadness of the family, there’s nothing for me to say,” Francona said. “I don’t know anything about it. I don’t think commenting makes a whole lot of sense.”

Miley had the two best two seasons of his 15-year career in 2012-2013 with the Diamondbacks, making the All-Star Game in 2012, going 26-21 with a 3.44 ERA, pitching 397 ⅓ innings in 65 games. He since has pitched for seven more teams, signing a minor-league contract this spring with the Reds and called back up to the major leagues a week ago.

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OMAHA, NE ― Day 2 of the 2025 Men’s College World Series will get underway June 14 with the second half of the bracket beginning play.

In the afternoon game (2 p.m. ET, ESPN), Murray State will take on UCLA. In the nightcap (7 p.m. ET, ESPN), Arkansas will face LSU.

The game between the Tigers and Razorbacks is the only one among the Omaha openers featuring two teams that hosted a regional.

Saturday’s two losing teams will play an early game Monday in the losers bracket, while the winning teams will play Wednesday night for a spot in the semifinals.

Here are our predictions:

Murray State vs. UCLA

UCLA 9, Murray State 7

How’s this one for intrigue? UCLA hasn’t been to Omaha since its national title run in 2013 and Murray State is making its first trip ever. The Racers are the mid-major darlings who have proven near-impossible to put away. Their offense is a perfect fit for Charles Schwab Field, too.

But the Bruins, while lacking a true ace, have a trump card: arguably the best player in Omaha, shortstop Roch Cholowsky. He has the ability to take over any game, and that’s a powerful thing.

LSU vs. Arkansas

Arkansas 4, LSU 2

This matchup, which features a battle of aces (Zach Root vs. Kade Anderson), is the headliner of the Omaha slate. It’s easy to see either team coming away victorious, as LSU has better top-end pitching, but Arkansas has more depth and a better offense. The Tigers won the series when the two teams faced off earlier this season in Baton Rouge, but the bet is that the Razorbacks get a few more big hits.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.

Murray State is making its first appearance in the Men’s College World Series.
As a No. 4 seed, Murray State joins a select group of teams to reach the CWS, including 2008 national champion Fresno State.
Murray State’s first opponent is UCLA in 2025 CWS.

OMAHA, NE ― Dan Skirka doesn’t actually cut the grass at Murray State’s home ballpark, as a viral social media post wrongly asserted, but the Racers’ coach has still done more with much less.

Murray State, making its fourth NCAA tournament appearance and first since 2003, is in the Men’s College World Series for the first time. The Racers stunned in the Oxford Regional, defeating Ole Miss and Georgia Tech, and then again in the Durham Super Regional, defeating Duke.

The No. 4 regional seed — the lowest possible entering the NCAA Tournament — will take on UCLA in their opening game of the CWS on June 14 (1 p.m. CT, ESPN) at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.

It’s rare for No. 4 seeds to reach Omaha — only three other teams have accomplished the feat — but it’s not unprecedented for those teams to make noise (most notably Fresno State, the 2008 national champion).

Here’s how bottom seeds have fared in the College World Series and how Murray State compares to the teams that made runs:

2008 Fresno State

The original mid-major Omaha darling, Fresno State made the most of its 2008 trip to the CWS by winning the whole thing.

The Bulldogs weren’t a traditional No. 4 seed, as expectations were high entering the season. They were ranked in two polls and picked to win the WAC in the preseason. The roster consisted of four eventual major leaguers. But despite the talent, they got off to an 8-12 start.

Fresno State still won the WAC regular season and conference titles, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs won a regional at Long Beach State and a super regional at No. 3 national seed Arizona State to advance to Omaha. Despite losing Game 1 of the championship series to Georgia, Fresno State won the final two games by a combined score of 25-11.

2012 Stony Brook

Led by future big leaguer Travis Jankowski, Stony Brook was the class of the America East. The Seawolves had a whopping 43-7 regular season record and swept the America East tournament. A team from that conference, typically one of the worst in Division I, had never advanced to Omaha. And Stony Brook didn’t have an easy route. The Seawolves were sent to a regional against Miami, and they waded through the losers’ bracket to win. Then they rallied to win a super regional against LSU despite dropping the first game in a 12-inning heartbreaker.

Stony Brook’s run in Omaha ended quickly, as the Seawolves lost to UCLA and Florida State and were the first team eliminated.

2023 Oral Roberts

After a so-so start to the season, Oral Roberts got hot at the right time. The Golden Eagles were 14-2 in April and 11-0 in May, and even after being assigned a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament, it was clear they were dangerous.

Oral Roberts went 3-0 in the Stillwater Regional, defeating Oklahoma State, Washington and Dallas Baptist. Like Stony Brook, the Golden Eagles won their super regional, against Oregon, despite losing Game 1.

Oral Roberts was competitive in Omaha, too. The Golden Eagles won their first game against TCU and played a one-run game against Florida. But they ran out of gas and fell in their second game with TCU to end their season.

How Murray State compares to previous CWS 4-seeds

Murray State wasn’t ranked preseason and likely won’t have as many major leaguers as the Fresno State team that won it all. But the Racers are more akin to the 2023 Oral Roberts team than the Stony Brook underdogs. Murray State was viewed as one of the strongest — if not the strongest — 4-seeds in the field, and while the Racers have never been on this stage, teams from the Missouri Valley Conference have a good track record. Indiana State and Evansville, the last two MVC champions, advanced to super regionals, and the Sycamores even hosted in 2023.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.

The DC Defenders have made it to a spring football championship game for the second time in three seasons. They did so despite losing their coach six days before the 2025 UFL season.

Reggie Barlow left the Defenders less than a week before the 2025 season to take the coaching job at Tennessee State, which opened late in the offseason hiring cycle after Eddie George was hired for the same job at Bowling Green.

DC had to pivot quickly with just days remaining until their season opener against the three-time reigning champion Birmingham Stallions. They ultimately decided to promote quarterbacks coach Shannon Harris into the interim coaching role.

That decision delighted Harris’ long-time collaborator, Defenders offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss.

‘That’s who I thought deserved it,’ Kaiss told USA TODAY about Harris’ promotion. ‘I think that’s what this league is all about.’

Why Shannon Harris was ‘the guy’ to take over UFL’s Defenders

Kaiss has been witness to Harris’ growth throughout their 19-year history together. The 66-year-old used to view himself as the mentor to his long-time No. 1 assistant.

The tables haven’t yet turned in full, but in recent years, they have shifted.

‘There’s aspects of the game where he’s passed me,’ Kaiss said.

Despite Harris’ progression, the two still work collaboratively. Kaiss insists they are ‘always on the same page’ and that if you asked the two each to draw up 100 plays without consulting the other, 90 would be the same. That’s one of the perks of their two decades working together – and their decision to live together during the 2025 UFL season.

Their bond was also key in navigating DC’s early-season turbulence. The Defenders didn’t just lose Barlow to Tennessee State. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams stepped down to join Barlow’s staff while offensive line coach Cody Crill took a job at North Texas in the weeks leading up to the season.

The Harris-Kaiss partnership also allowed the Defenders continuity while quickly achieving stability. They came with built-in chemistry, while the other notable replacements on staff – Brian Braswell, who played for Kaiss during his college days, and Blake Williams, son of Gregg Williams – were able to quickly integrate themselves into DC’s operation.

‘When you got other coaches around you that you trust, that makes the job much easier,’ Harris said. ‘Now, it just turns into knowing how to manage it all.’

Harris successfully managed those goals and expectations. He helped build upon the winning culture Barlow created – something for which Harris is careful not to take too much credit – while also instilling the idea the Defenders would be ‘a player-led football team’ in 2025, as quarterback Jordan Ta’amu described.

Harris’ ability to do so helped allow him to smoothly transition into the Defenders coaching job.

‘We just flowed with it,’ Harris explained of his elevation. ‘Everyone rallied around myself. The team rallied around each other, and it was kinda status quo from that standpoint.’

Because, in part, of that cohesion, the Defenders are playing for a UFL championship Saturday against the Michigan Panthers.

Kaiss, 66, acknowledged he would love to win that game not just for himself, but also for Harris.

‘I think I’ve had more stress on me this year than I have in a lot of years, and it’s mainly because I want this for him,’ Kaiss said. ‘I want to see him succeed. He deserves this. He’s a really good football coach.’

Regardless of the result, Kaiss is coming away with the conviction he was spot-on about Harris’ chances of succeeding as DC’s coach.

‘I believe he was the guy. I believe he was ready,’ Kaiss said. ‘He’s proven it without question.’

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen showed up to training camp with a new ring on his ringer — not a Super Bowl ring, but a wedding band following his nuptials to “Sinners” actress Hailee Steinfeld on May 31.

‘Got some hardware now, so good to go,’ Allen said at the Bills’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.

The couple, who went Instagram official in July 2024 after a year of speculation, is notoriously private about their relationship, so not many details about their Santa Barbara, California wedding have been shared, until now. Steinfeld offered fans an inside look into their big day by sharing memories and photos they ‘can’t stop thinking about’ in the latest issue of her ‘Beau Society’ newsletter.

‘As you know, I’m always somewhere in between wanting to share every detail and wanting to keep them close to my heart,’ Steinfeld wrote on Friday. ‘But Beau Society felt like the right place to share some of the love and magic that made up our wedding weekend.’

Here are four things we learned about Allen and Steinfeld’s wedding:

Breakfast for two with pancakes on the menu

The bride and groom are traditionally separated from each other ahead of the wedding, but Allen and Steinfeld moved the goalposts and opted for an intimate breakfast with just the two of them.

‘On the morning of our wedding, Josh and I met for breakfast just before 7,’ Steinfeld wrote. ‘I’m so glad we did that. I don’t think I could’ve gone the whole day without seeing him! We had a little spread, which included my favorite lemon ricotta pancakes.’

Josh Allen ‘stunned’ by Steinfeld’s wedding dress

Steinfeld walked down the aisle in a strapless ivory wedding dress designed and tailored by Tamara Ralph, which was ‘easily the most perfect gown I’ve ever put on my body,’ she said. Steinfeld accessorized her gown with a pair of long, sheer gloves, Mikimoto earrings and a sleek bun adorned with a French Chantilly lace veil. Steinfeld said she ‘stunned (Allen) when I got to the altar,’ but noted that her wedding day look almost didn’t happen.

‘We were on the tightest timeline. Six weeks before the wedding, my mom and I flew to Paris straight from the ‘Sinners’ premiere in London for the fitting,’ she revealed. ‘I really had to lean into the whole ‘trust the process’ thing and thank God for Rob, Mariel, Tamara, and her team for pulling it all together in time. On our wedding day, when I put on this dress, I actually lost my breath. I’ve never felt more like myselfand more beautiful.’

Allen donned a Tom Ford tuxedo that he paired with a pleated shirt and black cufflinks. ‘Josh looked like the man of every dream I’ve ever had,’ Steinfeld gushed.

As for the guests? Steinfeld said the dress code was ‘all-black black tie’ to seamlessly match their ‘very classic and bold’ theme. The wedding was also ‘a no-phone wedding,’ which was ‘one of the best decisions we made.’

They walked down the aisle to this classic song

Steinfeld ditched a wedding bouquet and instead walked down the aisle with one single crystal rose. She was accompanied by her father Peter Steinfeld, which she called an emotional moment.

‘I’m very proud of us. It became a running joke that we’d be crying too hard to walk straight,’ she said. ‘I just remember the walkup looked like a façade. Josh was standing under this huge structure; it was the most surreal thing I’d ever seen.’

After Allen and Steinfeld said ‘I do,’ the newlyweds exited the altar to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).’ They also got a round of applause, from the sky that is: ‘The coolest thing happened after we got married: We walked off the aisle … and it started thundering. No rain, just thunder and lightning. Magical.’

The bridal party jumped into the pool

Allen and Steinfeld hosted an underground after-party to comply with sound ordinances in the area. The party was decked out with a cigar bar, Angel Margarita, grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies served with shot glasses of milk. The party didn’t stop until around 3 a.m. and they ended it with a bang. The bridal party jumped into the pool (except Steinfeld, who was dressed in feathers) in their tuxedos and dresses.

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If the goal was to save the best for last then the schedule-makers at the College World Series did their job with the lineup on Day 2 of the event.

Friday’s action saw two of the five national remaining seeds take the field. Saturday’s nightcap that wraps up the initial matchup in the opening round will feature the top two teams, which also to be SEC rivals. No. 2 Arkansas is the highest seed remaining. The Razorbacks will face perennial power LSU, the No. 7 seed in the field. It’s a dream matchup that should be full of drama.

But before those teams meet, there’s also another chapter to add to the story of Murray State. The Racers are the fourth No. 4 seed to make the CWS. They’ll get a matchup with UCLA in the afternoon, and we’ll see if the slipper still fits Cinderella.

How will the games play out? We break down the matchups.

No. 15 UCLA (47-16) vs. Murray State (44-15)

Time/TV: Saturday, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN

After quieting Texas-San Antonio’s hot bats in the superregionals, the Bruins’ first challenge in Omaha is another high-scoring squad. Michael Barnett (12-1, 4. 09 ERA) will likely draw the assignment, but whoever climbs the hill can count on a solid defense behind him. UCLA leads the nation with 63 double plays turned, exactly one a game.

The Racers figure to get traffic on the bases, as they lead the Omaha field in total hits with 641 and sport a .309 team batting average.  Much of the power is supplied by Jonathan Hogart with 22 homers, while Dom Decker and Dustin Mercer set the table.

No. 3 Arkansas (48-13) vs. No. 6 LSU (48-15)

Time/TV: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

This pairing might be viewed as an argument for reseeding the field, as pitting the highest-ranked survivors against each other in their first action in Omaha seems somewhat unbalanced. The Razorbacks, on paper at least, are the most complete squad here with the most home runs (124) as well as the nation’s best strikeout-to-walk ratio. Wehiwa Aloy leads the onslaught from the plate with 20 round-trippers, while Zach Root enters with 119 punchouts in 92.2 innings pitched.

It is worth noting, however, that LSU took a regular-season series from the Hogs in Baton Rouge in early May. The Tigers’ one-two punch of Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson also rack up their fair share of strikeouts, and Jared Jones paces a typically scary LSU batting order.