The Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins with just more than two weeks left in the regular season. The Denver Nuggets dismissed head coach Michael Malone with just three games remaining.

Consider this: The coaches who won NBA championships in 2019 (Nick Nurse, then with the Toronto Raptors), 2020 (Frank Vogel, then with the Los Angeles Lakers), 2021 (Mike Budenholzer, then with the Milwaukee Bucks) and 2023 (Malone) are no longer with that team.

It seems unlikely another coach will be fired before the regular season ends, but who knows.

Regardless, there is the possibility other coaches won’t return to the same team next season. Don’t forget, the Sacramento Kings have an interim coach and will be looking for a permanent hire.

Let’s look at other coaches who are on the hot seat:

NBA coaches on the hot seat

Willie Green, New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have been derailed by injuries. That’s not Green’s fault. He made the Pelicans a better team, going 36-46 in 2021-22, 42-40 in 2022-23 and 49-33 last season. But this season, they are 21-57 with the fourth-worst record in the league. Green’s future also depends on the future of the front office, led by David Griffin. If Griffin doesn’t return, a new head of basketball operations likely would select a new head coach.

Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves

Finch is a solid coach who led the Timberwolves to 56 victories and the Western Conference finals last season. However, they won’t reach last season’s win total and they are in a tight race to stay out of the play-in tournament. Playoff success could determine Finch’s future with the team. Also, he was not president of basketball operations Tim Connelly’s hire, and the Timberwolves are about to change owners with a group led by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore buying the team from Glen Taylor.

Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix Suns

Would the Phoenix Suns really fire three coaches in as many seasons? With the way owner Mat Ishbia has handled Phoenix’s lack of deep playoff runs, anything is in play. Budenholzer was brought in to improve the team after former coach Frank Vogel’s squad got swept in the first round of last year’s playoffs. But with four games remaining in the season, Budenholzer’s Suns have failed to make the Kevin Durant-Devin Booker-Bradley Beal experiment work, are 14 victories behind last season’s record and — sitting 2½ games out of the play-in picture — are dangerously close to crashing out in spectacular fashion.

Nick Nurse, Philadelphia 76ers

After acquiring Paul George in the offseason, the Sixers came in with massive expectations that were quickly derailed because of injuries. Joel Embiid played just 19 games, George — whose play declined significantly when he was on the court, anyway — appeared in 41 games and Tyrese Maxey played 52 games. The three played together just 15 times, though Philadelphia went just 7-8 in those contests. George and Embiid are very early in onerous contracts that could complicate next season, and beyond.

The 2025 Masters can’t begin until the annual Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, and this family-friendly event has become a rite of passage at golf’s first major and a big part of the charm at Augusta National Golf Club. 

Coverage of this year’s Par 3 Contest is set to begin at 12 p.m. ET, and it usually produces some of the most enduring images every tournament week, with wives and children of the world’s best golfers often stepping in as caddies. The atmosphere is unlike any in professional golf and shows these competitors in a different light ahead of the biggest tournament on the sport’s calendar. 

Rickie Fowler is the event’s defending champion. But winner beware: No golfer who won the Par 3 contest also won The Masters in the same year.

USA Today Sports is tracking all the action during the 2025 Masters Par 3 contest on Wednesday at Augusta National Golf Club. Follow along for live updates here:

What time is the Masters Par 3 Contest?

The Masters Par 3 Contest from Augusta National will begin at noon ET with live coverage via streaming on Masters.com, the Masters app, and ESPN+ Disney+, and Fubo, which is offering a free trial. TV coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Where to watch Par 3 Contest at the Masters 

TV channel: ESPN (starting at 2 p.m. ET)
Live stream: ESPN+, Disney+, and Fubo (Fubo offers a free trial subscription)

Watch the 2025 Masters from Augusta with Fubo

Masters weather forecast: Latest updates for Wednesday at Augusta

According to AccuWeather, the weather for the Masters Par 3 Contest on Wednesday could be the most pleasant of the week, with temperatures expected to be in the 60s during the contest. Winds will blow in from the east at 4-8 mph, and there is no threat of rain in the forecast. — Scooby Axson

Two college baseball teams took the field Tuesday having lost a combined 141 games in a row.

The astounding losing streak finally ended.

For both of them.

Lehman College and Yeshiva University split a doubleheader that ended streaks of futility for both Division III schools.

In the opening game, the Lehman Lightning ended a 42-game losing skid when they beat the Yeshiva Maccabees in extra innings, 7-6.

Yeshiva, a Modern Orthodox Jewish school in New York, then ended a 100-game losing streak by beating Lehman (located in the Bronx) in the second game, 9-5. The Maccabees celebrated on the field at Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, New Jersey, where the team plays home games.

Yeshiva had last won Feb. 27, 2022 in a doubleheader sweep over John Jay. Lehman’s last victory had come May 9, 2023, a 7-4 win against Baruch College.

Justin Chamorro, who pitched a complete game for Lehman in the opener, said ending the losing streak was “crucially important’’ for the Lightning.

“I felt a tremendous relief after, when everything ended,’’ Chamorro told USA TODAY Sports. “It’s what we needed for our morale.’’

Despite falling behind by four runs after two innings, Chamorro said he remained determined.

“I wasn’t going to get out of that game regardless,’’ he said. “Truthfully, I wasn’t going to let my coach take me out. Not one pitch, nope. If I had to go out 12 innings, I would’ve went out all 12 innings, I promise you that.’

In the second game, Yeshiva scored three runs in the first inning and never trailed. Lehman scored two runs in the third to pull within 3-2, but Yeshiva responded with four runs in the bottom of the inning and cruised. 

Yeshiva’s Jake Arnow went 3-for-3 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored. 

Arnow touted Yeshiva’s resilience in rallying after losing the first game.

“It was a big weight off our chest, I’ll tell you that much,’’ Arnow told USA TODAY Sports. “The losing streak has been going on for, what, two years already? So, amazing feeling. That’s all I can say.”

After the doubleheader was complete, Lehman coach Chris Delgado told USA TODAY Sports he feels empathy for Yeshiva “because we understand what they’re going through. We understand what they’ve been through the past couple of years.’’

This story has been updated with new information.

A message from the NBA has led to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant breaking out a new 3-point celebration. Morant played his first NBA game on Tuesday since a warning from the league and a $75,000 fine.

It didn’t take Morant long to make a 3-pointer against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. The Grizzlies star connected on a 3-pointer in the first quarter. After making the shot, Morant ran back on defense while covering his ears with his hands.

His new 3-point celebration appeared to mimic throwing a grenade.

Morant’s 3-point celebration has been a popular talking point around the league. On April 2, the NBA looked into the celebration mimicking a gun gesture. A day later, Morant was issued a warning.

The warning didn’t stop Morant from using the celebration against the Miami Heat in the Grizzlies’ next game. As a result, the league fined Morant $75,000 for using multiple gun gestures.

Morant missed Saturday’s Grizzlies win against the Detroit Pistons due to an illness.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

The NCAA men’s basketball season is over. The European pro basketball season is winding down. And focus is switching to the NBA draft.

Players considering the 2025 NBA draft are reviewing their options ahead of the draft combine set for May 11-18 in Chicago. The draft lottery, which determines the order of the first 14 picks in the draft, is May 12 in Chicago.

College players with eligibility remaining can enter the draft (the deadline for early entry is April 26) but still maintain their college eligibility as long as they take their name out of the draft before the NCAA’s May 28 withdrawal deadline.

Here is USA TODAY Sports’ latest mock draft after the Final Four. (Stats through games of April 7; age listed is age at time of June 25-26 draft):

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-9, 205, 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. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 215, 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. Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-10, 200, 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.

4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Freshman, guard, 6-5, 180, 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.

5. Tre Johnson, Texas

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 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. Kon Knueppel, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 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. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 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.

8. Derik Queen, Maryland

Freshman, center, 6-10, 246, 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.

9. Khaman Maluach, Duke

Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 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. Asa Newell, Georgia

Freshman, forward, 6-11, 220, 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.

11. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Freshman, guard, 6-4, 182, 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.

12. Liam McNeeley, UConn

Freshman, forward, 6-7, 210, 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.

13. Jase Richardson, Michigan State

Freshman, guard, 6-3, 185, 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.

14. Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Forward, 6-10, 198, 18
2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.0 spg, 51.7% FG, 27.2% 3PT, 70% 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.

15. Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Sophomore, forward, 6-8, 245, 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.

16. Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Guard, 6-6, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.5 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.1 spg, 45.7% FG, 28.9% 3PT, 72.1% 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.

17. Egor Demin, BYU

Freshman, forward, 6-9, 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.

18. Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

Guard, 6-4, 175, 19
2024-25 stats: 11.7 ppg, 4.6 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.2% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 73.5% 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.

19. Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

Freshman, forward-center, 6-10, 255, 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.

20. Kam Jones, Marquette

Senior, guard, 6-5, 205, 23
2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 spg, 48.5% FG, 31.6% 3PT, 64.3% 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 in his four-year career. 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.

21. Labaron Philon, Alabama

Freshman, guard, 6-4, 177, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.6 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 1.4 spg, 45.2% FG, 31.5% 3PT, 76.7% FT

Philon excels in transition with his speed and ability to finish at the rim; is capable on catch-and-shoot 3s but needs work on that part of his game. He’s a heady defender who disrupts opponents with his ability to get steals. He had a team-high 21 points, four assists and three steals in an SEC tournament victory against Kentucky but just three points on 1-for-9 shooting in a conference tournament semifinals loss to Florida. His best game of the NCAA Tournament came in an Elite Eight loss to Duke: 16 points (3-for-6 on 3s), five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

22. Boogie Fland, Arkansas

Freshman, guard, 6-2, 175, 18
2024-25 stats: 13.5 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.2 rpg, 1.5 spg, 37.9% FG, 34% 3PT, 83.3% FT

Fland is an aggressive defender, can hit mid-range shots, makes 3s off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots and attacks the rim. He is getting more comfortable reading defenses and finding advantages with the pass. Fland sustained a thumb injury Jan. 11 and did play from Jan. 18 (he had surgery Jan. 22) until the first game of the NCAA Tournament March 20.

 23. Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)

Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19
2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.8 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.

24. Carter Bryant, Arizona

Freshman, forward, 6-8, 225, 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.

25. Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)

Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18
2024-25 stats: 4.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 60.5% FG, 60% 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.

26. Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-6, 200, 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 multiple 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.

27. Alex Condon, Florida

Sophomore, forward-center, 6-11, 230, 20
2024-25 stats: 10.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.3 bpg, 49.3% FG, 32.8% 3PT, 60.4% FT

On a roster filled with talent, Condon, who is from Australia, provided scoring and rebounding with seven double-doubles this season, including 27 points and 10 rebounds in a late-season victory against Alabama. His scoring dipped in the NCAA Tournament but he contributed with his all-around game: rebounding, passing, defense. He had just one point in a Final Four victory against Auburn but came back with 12 points, seven rebounds and four steals in Florida’s win against Houston in the title game.

28. Johni Broome, Auburn

Senior, forward-center, 6-10, 240, 22
2024-25 stats: 18.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 bpg, 51% FG, 27.8% 3PT, 58.7% FT

A powerful and physical forward, Broome is a double-double machine in points and rebounds but also has a penchant for assists – 31 points, 14 rebounds against Georgia; 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks against Alabama; 21 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, three blocks against Ohio State. Broome led the No. 1-seeded Tigers to the Final Four, and in five NCAA Tournaments, he has three double-doubles in points and rebounds, including 25 points and 14 rebounds in a regional finals victory against Michigan State. He had 15 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks in a Final Four loss to Florida.

29. Noah Penda, Le Mans (France)

Forward, 6-8, 225, 20
2024-25 stats: 9.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.0 bpg, 43.3% FG, 31.6% 3PT, 73.8% 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.

30. Danny Wolf, Michigan

Junior, forward-center, 7-0, 250, 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.

Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams was talking earlier this season about the difficulty of drawing free agents to Buffalo or having players keep the city off their no-trade lists.

‘We don’t have palm trees. We have taxes in New York,’ he told reporters.

He acknowledged that life would be easier if the Sabres could get over the hump and become a playoff contender. But that is going to have to wait.

Despite a late surge, the Sabres’ postseason drought hit 14 seasons on Tuesday when they were officially eliminated from contention. That extended the team’s NHL record for futility and tied the NFL’s New York Jets for the longest active drought in North American sports. The skid looks even worse considering that the Pegula family also owns the highly successful Buffalo Bills.

What went wrong – again – with the Sabres this season? A closer look:

Offseason moves leave them short

The Sabres bought out the contract of Jeff Skinner, who had 24 goals last season and 30 or more the two seasons before that. The move ended up being fine, considering he got off to a slow start in Edmonton. But the thought going into the regular season was that Buffalo needed another top-six winger.

Veteran Jason Zucker played well enough to earn a two-year extension but offseason acquisitions Ryan McLeod, Sam Lafferty, Beck Malenstyn and Nicolas Aube-Kubel (since traded) were role players. Younger players Zach Benson and Jack Quinn didn’t take a step forward.

The Sabres brought back coach Lindy Ruff, who was behind the bench when the team last made the playoffs and who went to the 1999 Stanley Cup Final. But it wasn’t enough.

Yet another long losing streak

The Sabres often seem to be short-circuited by an early-season swoon, and it happened again. They lost their opening two games in Europe and when they finally pushed to two games above .500 on Nov. 23, they went a month before their next win. During that 0-10-3 slide, they scored two or fewer goals eight times and gave up four or more goals eight times. They dropped to an 11-19-4 record before they finally won again on Dec. 23.

The Sabres started to turn it around before and after the 4 Nations Face-Off, then had a six-game losing streak. That left too much distance for the Sabres to make up.

Players’ slow starts

In 2022-23, when the Sabres missed the playoffs by a point, Tage Thompson had 47 goals, Alex Tuch had 36, Skinner 35, Dylan Cozens 31 and Victor Olofsson 28. All those numbers dropped last season.

Skinner and Olofsson are gone this season, and Cozens had 31 points in 61 games before he was traded in March to Ottawa, where he’s averaging about a point a game.

Thompson and Tuch could end up matching their 2022-23 numbers, but a chunk of that is from a surge that started in March.

Injuries pile up

Only three players have played every game. Rugged winger Jordan Greenway has missed 42 games. Captain Rasmus Dahlin missed eight games (during the team’s first slide). Fellow defenseman Mattias Samuelsson missed 20. Thompson missed six. Josh Norris got hurt after coming over in the Cozens trade.

Statistics suffer

The Sabres (through Monday) give up the fourth-most goals and have the eighth-worst power play. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen ranked 86th in the league in MoneyPuck’s goals saved above expected.

What’s next for the Sabres?

Buffalo’s core of Dahlin, Thompson, Owen Power and Norris are locked in long-term. Tuch has another year left on his deal. There are plenty of restricted free agents to get signed, notably JJ Peterka, Bowen Byram, Quinn and McLeod. Backup goalie James Reimer is unrestricted, which gives an opportunity for Devon Levi next season.

The Sabres still could use a top-six winger, either their youngsters taking the next step in their development or finding a free agent who doesn’t mind the lack of palm trees.