Today’s pro day at Colorado under coach Deion Sanders might be the most hyped workout session of the 2025 NFL draft process, maybe even more so than the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis earlier this year.

That’s because Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his teammate, wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter, are expected to participate.

We don’t know exactly what the two players are going to do. But this day is important because if they do work out, it will be the first time either has publicly done so for NFL teams. Neither player worked out in Indianapolis at the scouting combine.

Either way, both of these players could be top five picks. So we have to pay attention.

These possible workouts may not change the minds of team executives, but they could solidify some opinions either way.

USA TODAY Sports will provide the latest updates, highlights and more from the pro day workouts of Sanders and Hunter.

What other Colorado players deserve NFL attention?

It’s not just the Shedeur and Travis Show. Colorado said 16 total draft-eligible players would participate in drills Friday in front of NFL scouts.

Four of them previously were invited to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis: Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, receiver LaJohntay Wester and receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.

Another receiver to watch is Will Sheppard, a 6-foot-3 transfer from Vanderbilt who ranked third on the team last year behind Hunter and Wester with 48 catches for 621 yards receiving.

On defense, several playmakers will showcase their skills, including Arizona State transfer lineman B.J. Green, the team leader in sacks (7.5) and quarterback hurries (13) in 2024.

Besides Shilo Sanders (Deion’s middle son), there’s also another safety prospect that intrigues as a ballhawk who just seems to love to play football – Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig.

He was Colorado’s leading tackler in 2024 after transferring with the Sanders family from Jackson State two years ago. He’s the kind of player who might be undrafted but still could have a solid NFL career simply because he’s got a nose for the ball, plays hard and does what the coaches want him to do.

Shilo Sanders hoping for big day

This is an especially big day for Deion Sanders’ middle son, Shilo, Colorado’s safety. He is considered more a fringe draft prospect who did not get invited to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis and instead channeled his draft preparation for this very day, especially the 40-yard dash.

He contacted Zybek Sports, a local company that has been timing the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine for the past 13 years. The idea was to use the same timing equipment as the NFL combine to measure his speed and improve his time in the lead-up to today.

His dad also made a promise to him that if he runs the 40-year dash in 4.4 seconds, he’d buy him a new car, as documented by the YouTube channel of Shilo’s eldest brother, Deion Jr.

“If you run a 4.4, what kind of car you want?” Deion Sanders Sr. said to Shilo in the video.

Shilo, 25, has proven himself to be a hard-hitting ballhawk in his two seasons at Colorado, when he led the team in tackles in 2023 and ranked third on the team in tackles in 2024 despite missing three games with a broken forearm.

Why is this event a big deal for Colorado?

Colorado hasn’t seen this kind of NFL interest in more than a decade. All 32 NFL teams were expected to send representatives to attend the event and at least 150 media members have been credentialed to cover it, according to the school.

The Buffaloes haven’t had two first-round NFL draft picks in the same year since 2011 and haven’t had a quarterback drafted at all since 1997. That’s when the Philadelphia Eagles selected Koy Detmer in the seventh round. The last time they had a player selected in the top five was 1995, when the Washington football team picked wide receiver Michael Westbrook at No. 4 overall.

Last year, after Deion Sanders’ first season as coach, the Buffs didn’t have any players drafted but did have some prospects sign with NFL teams as undrafted free agents, including receiver Xavier Weaver (Arizona).

When is Shedeur Sanders’ pro day?

It’s today, you goof. That’s why you clicked on the story. It’s at Colorado and scheduled for Friday, April 4 at 2:30 eastern. The event is set to air live on NFL Network. The NFL Network generally does a remarkable job airing these pro days.

Who will work out with Sanders?

His Colorado teammates but the most important of those could be Travis Hunter, the two-way star who’s expected to come off the board possibly in the first five picks. Hunter is the Heisman Trophy winner.

Will Deion Sanders be there?

Does a Buffalo bleep in the woods? Or on the range? Or wherever Buffaloes go. Yes, he’ll be there. It’s a big day for his son. But almost as important: it’s a big day for his program. This is free and extensive exposure.

Where could Shedeur Sanders go in the draft?

That’s the million-dollar question and it’s looking it could be almost anywhere in the first round. He could go second overall to the Browns or third overall to the Giants or even late in the first round. I’m hearing from several teams that the evaluations of Sanders are all over the place.

Where will Hunter go in the draft?

His situation is completely different. It would be a mild shock if he slipped past five overall.

Are pro days dumb?

Yes. And no. Also, maybe.

In Sanders and Hunter’s case, this will be the first time teams have been able to truly evaluate them on the field since their college seasons ended. In that way, this is an important moment.

Also, many of the top players decline to work out at the combine, and they use the pro days (and the favorable conditions) as their one chance to impress teams.

Don’t you have anything better to do at 2:30 on a Friday, Mike?

No, and you don’t either. So let’s party!

How to watch Shedeur Sanders’ pro day

Date: April 4
Time: 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Colorado’s indoor practice facility
TV: NFL Network
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James produced a team-high 33 points for the Los Angeles Lakers in Thursday’s 123-116 home loss to the Golden State Warriors.

James managed to overcome a slow start but his efforts ultimately weren’t enough.

The Lakers remain in first place in the Pacific Division despite the loss to their division foe, but the game carried bigger stakes as a potential postseason series preview.

The Lakers are now the fourth seed in the Western Conference standings and sit a half-game back of the Denver Nuggets. Los Angeles entered the day as the third seed. The Warriors are one game behind the Lakers as the fifth seed. If the season ended today, the Lakers and Warriors would square off in the first round.

“It’s always a challenge when you play Golden State,” James said. “It’s been like that for over a decade. … They will try to keep you off-balance all game and you have to try and figure it out and we did. Offensively we were really good, especially in the second half.”

The game had a playoff-like atmosphere but even that came to a sudden halt for the fans in the first half when James was slow to pick himself up off the court.

James was considered probable on the team’s injury report Wednesday evening for the Thursday contest, due to a left groin strain.

After colliding with the Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga, the Lakers star was down on the court with 5:07 left in the first quarter. He briefly was checked out by athletic trainers on the court, but James managed to get back up on his feet and walk back to the bench under his own power. 

He checked back into the game moments later but finished the first quarter scoreless.

James gathered some momentum in the second quarter and finished with eight points after going 2-for-2 from the 3-point line and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.

James said Thursday was “the best I felt since the injury.

‘I have to get down hill and find my rhythm, as far as my jump shot that felt pretty good,’ James added. ‘…It’s probably the best physically that I’ve felt and I can build off that.”

Steph Curry led all scorers with 37 points. Golden State’s Brandin Podziemski had 28 in the win.

Austin Reaves was the Lakers’ second-leading scorer with 31 points, and Rui Hachimura added 24. Luka Doncic had 19.

LeBron James stats vs. Warriors

Points: 33
FG: 10-for-15
3PT: 5-for-8
FT: 8-for-9
Rebounds: 5
Assists: 9
Steals: 1
Blocks: 1
Turnovers: 4
Fouls: 2
Minutes played: 39:51

The Final Four is always a star-studded event at the women’s NCAA Tournament, and that extends to legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi.

The basketball icons will be at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, broadcasting both Final Four games as well as the national championship game as part of ‘The Bird & Taurasi Show,’ with ESPN giving fans the chance to listen to analysis and commentary from two of the greatest to ever take the court.

Bird and Taurasi — along with some yet-to-be-announced special guests from sports and culture — will call Friday’s Final Four contests, with Texas taking on South Carolina, before UConn (where both players starred collegiately) squares off with UCLA. ‘The Bird & Taurasi Show’ will pick back up on Sunday afternoon, with the former Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury guards also calling the national championship game live.

Here’s what to know about ‘The Bird & Taurasi Show’ at the 2025 women’s Final Four, including times and how to watch:

Bird & Taurasi Show: How to watch Final Four alternate telecast

In addition to Friday’s main Final Four broadcast on ESPN, ‘The Bird & Taurasi Show’ alternate telecast will be broadcast at the same time on ESPN2. The show will feature game commentary from WNBA legends Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi (as well as some surprise guests) live from Amalie Arena in Tampa. Florida.

Bird and Taurasi Final Four broadcast

Date: Friday, April 4
Time: 7 p.m. ET (Texas vs. South Carolina) | 9 p.m. ET (UConn vs. UCLA)
TV channel: ESPN2
Streaming options: ESPN+, Fubo (Free Trial)

Watch the Bird & Taurasi Alt-Cast on Fubo

Bird and Taurasi championship broadcast

Additionally, Sunday’s national title game (main broadcast on ABC) will feature one more round of ‘The Bird & Taurasi Show’ alt-cast, with the two basketball icons convening once again – this time on ESPN – to see who wins the 2025 NCAA women’s basketball championship.

Date: Sunday, April 6
Time: 3 p.m.
TV channel: ESPN
Streaming options: ESPN+, Fubo (Free Trial)

What to know about Sue Bird

Sue Bird’s career speaks for itself. The Syosset, New York native won four WNBA championships in her 21 years in the league, all of which were spent with the Seattle Storm. During that time, Bird was named to the All-WNBA First or Second Team eight times and made 13 WNBA All-Star teams. In 2011, Bird was named one of the best 15 players in league history, and despite retiring in 2022, she remains the WNBA’s all-time leader in assists (3,234) and games played (580).

That came after an incredible college career at UConn, where Bird helped the Huskies to national titles in 2000 and 2002. Bird holds program records for three-point field goal percentage (.459) and free-throw percentage (.892), and was named the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2002 as a senior. For Team USA, Bird won five Olympic gold medals and was part of four FIBA World Championship-winning teams.

Since retirement, Bird has become a part-owner of the Storm and NWSL club NJ/NY Gotham FC, and among other interests hosts the A Touch More podcast with her fiancée, U.S. women’s national team icon Megan Rapinoe.

Bird was named a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in February. Inductees into the Class of 2025 will be announced April 5.

What to know about Diana Taurasi

Diana Taurasi is a WNBA legend not just for her accomplishments, but for her competitive side that is notorious even among the league’s best-ever players. ‘DT’ spent 20 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, winning the WNBA MVP award in 2009 while winning three league titles. Like Bird, Taurasi was named one of the 15 best players in WNBA history in 2011, making the All-WNBA First or Second Team a staggering 14 times.

It’s probably no surprise that the five-time WNBA scoring champion is the league’s all-time scoring leader, with her 10,646 career points nearly 3,000 more than any other player has totaled. She also holds league records in three-pointers made (1,447), free throws made (2,517). At the Olympics, Taurasi has won a record six gold medals, including one last summer in Paris.

Like Bird, Taurasi starred at UConn, winning the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2003 and 2004. The Huskies collected three national titles during Taurasi’s four seasons, and the guard was an All-American three times. The California native holds the UConn record for assists as a sophomore (208) and is third all-time in career assists (648) and three-pointers made (318).

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin needs three goals to break Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals in NHL history.

Ideally, he would get it done in front of the home fans who have supported him for 20 seasons.

Ovechkin will face the Chicago Blackhawks at home on Friday night before playing the New York Islanders on the road Sunday afternoon. The Capitals also play at home on April 10 (Carolina Hurricanes) and 13 (Columbus Blue Jackets). They’re on the road on April 12, 15 and 17 to finish the regular season.

He’ll need a hat trick on Friday, but he does have two this season and 32 in his career. One of those was against Chicago on Dec. 13, 2022, a game in which he reached 800 goals.

Here’s what to know about Friday’s game between the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks:

When is Alex Ovechkin’s next game? Capitals vs. Blackhawks start time

The Washington Capitals play the Chicago Blackhawks at 7 p.m. ET Friday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Where to watch Capitals vs. Blackhawks game

The Capitals vs. Blackhawks game is being aired on NHL Network.

How to stream Capitals vs. Blackhawks game

Fubo and Sling carry NHL Network. Fubo is offereing a free trial to new subscribers.

Watch Alex Ovechkin’s record goal chase on Fubo

Capitals vs. Hurricanes date, start time, where to watch

Game Day: Friday, April 4, 2025
Game Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Capital One Arena (Washington, D.C.)
TV Channel: NHL Network
Live Stream: Fubo  | Sling TV

Alex Ovechkin goals vs. Blackhawks

Ovechkin has 15 goals in 25 career regular-season games against the Blackhawks. He missed the teams’ earlier meeting this season because of a fractured left fibula.

When you watch the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four Saturday, you won’t just be watching some of the best players in college hoops.

You will be watching future NBA players, too.

First-rounders and potential first-rounders abound in the Florida-Auburn and Houston-Duke games in San Antonio.

Duke has three players who are projected lottery picks (Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach); Auburn (Johni Broome) and Florida (Alex Condon) each have potential first-round picks. The Blue Devils, Gators and Cougars also have potential second-round selections (Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr.; Houston’s JoJo Tugler, Milos Uzan; Duke’s Tyrese Proctor, Sion James, Isaiah Evans).

Here is USA TODAY Sports’ latest mock draft ahead of the Final Four. (Stats through games of April 2; 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: 18.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 bpg, 48.3% FG, 37.4% 3PT, 83.4% FT

The do-it-all young star leads 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 has 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 is leading 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.

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. Kon Knueppel, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 47.7% FG, 40.1% 3PT, 91.2% 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, including 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in Elite Eight victory against Alabama.

6. 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 has 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.

7. Khaman Maluach, Duke

Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 18
2024-25 stats: 8.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.4% FG, 76.4% 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.

8. 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 of the season. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA tournament victory against Xavier.

9. 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-rou nd 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 Florida.

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 has 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 has improved as the season has progressed and has 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 – 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn.

14. Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Forward, 6-8, 198, 18
2024-25 stats: 10.8ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 52% FG, 27% 3PT, 69.8% 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. Egor Demin, BYU

Freshman, forward, 6-9, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.6 ppg, 5.5 apg, 3.9 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41.2% FG, 27.3% 3PT, 69.5% 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.

16. 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.

17. Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Guard, 6-6, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.1 spg, 45.2% FG, 27.4% 3PT, 71.3% 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.

18. Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

Guard, 6-4, 175, 19
2024-25 stats: 11.7 ppg, 4.5 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.7% FG, 27.7% 3PT, 72.1% 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 will miss the remainder of the season, requiring surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15. 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 has 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. The Crimson Tide finished the regular season with seven games against ranked opponents, going 3-4, and Philon had 15 points in an overtime victory against top-ranked Auburn on March 8. 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 on March 20.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)

Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18
2024-25 stats: 4.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 60.3% FG, 60.6% 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 versatile wing who does a lot of multiple things – scoring, rebounding, passing 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: 10.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.4 bpg, 50% FG, 33.9% 3PT, 60.4% FT

On a roster filled with talent, Condon, who is from Australia, provides scoring and rebounding with seven double-double 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.

28. Johni Broome, Auburn

Senior, forward-center, 6-10, 240, 22
2024-25 stats: 18.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 bpg, 51.2% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 59.3% 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, who has led the No. 1-seeded Tigers to the Final Four, is in the running for college player of the year, and in four NCAA tournament games, he has three double-doubles in points and rebounds, including 25 points and 14 rebounds in a regional finals victory against Michigan State.

29. Noah Penda, Le Mans (France)

Forward, 6-8, 225, 20
2024-25 stats: 9.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.0 bpg, 44.4% FG, 30.3% 3PT, 72.5% 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 has played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he’s 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 an NCAA regional semifinal loss to Auburn.

SAN ANTONIO – Welcome to the Final Four, brought to you by the AARP, the Social Security Administration and Geritol. By college basketball standards, the Alamodome this weekend might as well be a nursing home. If you’re looking for a collection of players who are, shall we say, unusually mature to still be in college, you’ve come to the right place.

Meet No. 1 overall seed Auburn, a team whose starting lineup averages 23.4 years of age – the same as the Oklahoma City Thunder and older than the Portland Trail Blazers or Atlanta Hawks.

Meet Houston, a team that starts a pair of 23-year-olds who have played a combined 316 games of college basketball.

Meet Florida, a team that has gotten 56 percent of its scoring in this NCAA Tournament from just three players – all of whom are age 22 and older.

And then there’s Duke, the only team remaining with a teenager in its starting lineup. In what seems like a sacrilege in this era of college basketball, the Blue Devils start three of them.

“I think there’s a part of you that feels maybe you’re a little crazy at times, just because it’s so different,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said.

Back in 2008, the last time there were four No. 1 seeds in the Final Four, you had Memphis, whose best player was 19-year-old Derrick Rose. You had a UCLA team led by 19-year-old Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook. North Carolina had spectacular 20-year-olds in Wayne Ellington, Danny Green and Ty Lawson supporting 22-year-old Tyler Hansbrough. And national champion Kansas was the grizzled team of the bunch, whose starting lineup averaged a ripe old 21.4 years of age.

That’s how college basketball used to be.

For better or worse, that’s not how it is anymore.

“The landscape has definitely changed,” said 23-year-old Houston guard L.J. Cryer, who started his college career with Baylor back in 2020-21. “It’s beneficial for us to stay in college as long as you can. I mean, if we had seven years (of eligibility), we would come back.”

Had he been a few years older, Cryer might not have stayed in college this long. He’s a borderline NBA prospect, probably headed for a career in Europe or hoping to get a two-way NBA contract that would shuttle him between the G League and the big club. Those types of players – and there were hundreds of them every year in college basketball – often tried to leave as early as possible, even if they were unlikely to get drafted.

But that all changed in 2021 when the NCAA rescinded its longstanding rule that prevented players from profiting off their name, image and likeness. Suddenly, players in Cryer’s situation had an economic incentive to stay as long as possible, with the opportunity to earn six or even seven figures in some cases playing college basketball.

When you combine that with all the other amenities college players get – first-class travel and accommodations, catered meals, medical care and playing games on national television – as opposed to the low-wattage lifestyle of the G League or playing in a country they’ve never heard of, it’s a pretty easy decision to stick around as long as possible.

“I mean, why not?” said Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara, who clocks in as the Final Four’s oldest player at age 25. “You can get paid and be able to help your family (while) getting a college degree or a college education. Why not?”

Having some older players on this stage isn’t necessarily a new phenomenon in college sports. Every now and then, the NCAA would grant a sixth year of eligibility due to injuries. BYU has been a bit of an outlier historically in both football and basketball because of how many athletes went on two-year Mormon missions and came back much more physically mature.

But what’s happening now across the country is a culmination of both the NIL era and the fact the NCAA granted any athlete whose season was impacted by COVID in either 2019-20 or 2020-21 an extra year of eligibility. With a handful of exceptions, the glut of super seniors will filter out of the system by the next academic year.

It does seem a little ridiculous that several players in this Final Four, including Duke’s Mason Gillis and Houston’s J’Wan Roberts, were part of the high school class of 2019. They entered college at the same time as players like Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Maxey, who are now five-year NBA veterans.

“I think it’s good having some guys stay,” Scheyer said. “I think there’s a limit to it, though. I think we’re getting to a place here now where four or five years is enough. But shoot, we’ve been able to take advantage of it too.

‘Having Mason Gillis has been an awesome thing for us. And if they missed a year with COVID, they deserve that year back. But I do think going forward, it’s probably going to be pretty good having that age where it should be. You know, 23 years old should probably be the last year around that.”

Of course, Scheyer doesn’t have much to complain about. He chose to zig where the rest of college basketball was zagging, and it has worked out beautifully for Duke. That was possible because Cooper Flagg came to college a year early – by age, he should have been a high school senior this year – and exceeded all expectations even though he didn’t actually turn 18 until December. Shooting guard Kon Knueppel and 7-foot-2 center Khaman Maluach have also performed the way five-star prospects and possible NBA lottery picks are expected to.

“We felt like we had a special class that you can’t have every year,” Scheyer said. “And then we especially felt confident when we knew we could support them with great experience, toughness, winning players in the portal and returning with Tyrese (Proctor) and Caleb (Foster).”

But history has shown that’s not an easy needle to thread, even with incredibly talented freshmen.

Duke couldn’t quite do it in 2019 even though it had the No. 1 pick (Zion Williamson), the No. 3 pick (R.J. Barrett) and the No. 10 pick (Cam Reddish), losing in the Elite Eight to an older Michigan State team. Kentucky’s freshmen-dominated teams under John Calipari won a lot of games, but struggled at times to reach the sky-high expectations placed upon them.

In fact, in the last nine NBA drafts, just four players have gone from playing in the Final Four as freshmen to becoming top-10 picks a few months later: Stephon Castle (UConn), Paolo Banchero (Duke), Jalen Suggs (Gonzaga) and Zach Collins (Gonzaga).

Meanwhile, coaches noticed that the championships were being won by programs like Villanova, North Carolina, Virginia and Baylor who had NBA-level players that developed over multiple years. One-and-done went out of style, and the new mantra became “Get old and stay old.”

“I think you can get away with playing some freshmen as long as you have veterans around them,” Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said. “But those guys stopped being freshmen somewhere around Thanksgiving. By Christmas, hell, they might have been sophomores. Now they’re just pros.”

To win a title, though, Duke’s teenage pros will have to buck a well-established college basketball trend at the oldest Final Four of the modern era.

TAMPA, Fla. — Cori Close had a unique opportunity after her first season leading UCLA women’s basketball.

The Bruins didn’t make the NCAA Tournament after that 2011-12 season, and she decided to make use of her extra offseason time. She called former Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw and UConn coach Geno Auriemma, asking if she could come watch practice to learn from them.

Both McGraw and Auriemma obliged, and Close spent the first two rounds watching Notre Dame prepare for March Madness. Then she went to Storrs, Connecticut to watch Auriemma work.

‘It was just tremendous,’ Close said Thursday during a media day ahead of the women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four. ‘And the next year, in October, I brought my entire staff out to watch (Auriemma’s) practice. He’s a master teacher … When people who have set the standard of the game are willing to reach back and teach somebody else, it goes a long way.’

It was a formative experience for Close as she began to build a program in Los Angeles. The next season, UCLA went 26-8 and made it to the NCAA Tournament second round. Six Sweet 16 appearances and one Elite Eight later, Close will lead No. 1 seed UCLA (34-2) against the No. 2 seed Huskies (35-3) in the Final Four at Amalie Arena on Friday (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

‘If I had known, I wouldn’t have let her in,’ Auriemma joked.

Auriemma remembers when he was a young coach, especially at the high school level, he always admired the coaches who were open and willing to share their ideas.

Auriemma, now in his 40th season with UConn said he’s never been one to want to hide anything in the name of competitive advantage. Auriemma even had three players from rival Tennessee come watch for practice for a few days. Basketball is basketball, Auriemma said, and he believes it’s part of his job to share amongst coaches if they ‘have anything that’s worth it.’

‘You can’t worry about anything else,’ Auriemma said. ‘Our relationship, and through USA Basketball, Cori and I got to know each other a little bit. And we both share a passion for wines. Her energy and all that she has, that she brings is just infectious. I’m glad when coaches have success. That’s what we’re here for.’

Friday’s matchup is an interesting dynamic. Close is going up against someone who mentored her and shared invaluable knowledge that helped her build the top program in the country this season. Close led UCLA to its first Final Four appearance ever, and now she’s tasked with taking down a program that’s making its 24th appearance, which is an NCAA record. The Huskies are 12-11 all time in Final Four games.

On paper, UConn is the underdog Friday. But in reality, and in the grander scheme of history, it feels like UCLA is. And it’s felt like the Bruins have been viewed as a bit of an underdog all season, Close said.

‘We’ve spent more time as number one in the country all year long and we were the most non-talked-about No. 1 team in history,’ Close said. ‘But I can’t complain about that because I think it allowed our team to stay focused on the right things.’

UCLA star Lauren Betts said, ‘It almost feels like we don’t have any pressure on us right now. We don’t really care what other people say about us.’

Close said she isn’t bothered by the lack of attention on her team, and she loves the media coverage of the sport. She also credited UConn for earning the attention going into the matchup, because she saw ‘a real turn in them’ over the last six weeks of the season.

The history of UConn also lends to more coverage. The Huskies are attempting to win their first national championship since 2016.

But Close said she’s fine playing the underdog, whether they truly are or not, and she feels confident going into the matchup. She watched the Bruins start out ‘not a very confident team’ and earn it little by little. They haven’t been surprised by anything, preparing to win step by step, starting with South Carolina in November. This is just the next hurdle.

‘We’re not preparing to be here; we’re preparing to win,’ Close said. ‘We’re trying to prepare in such a way that we have the confidence to do so.’

The first day UCLA returned from the offseason, Kiki Rice could see Lauren Betts was different.

She hadn’t overhauled her game or developed a new shot. The All-American center hadn’t needed to. What Betts had been missing was confidence, the ability to see in herself what everyone else did.  

“I could tell what a different player she was and the different confidence she had about her,” Rice said Thursday during a media day ahead of the women’s Final Four in Tampa, Florida. ‘We all knew the entire time the incredible player she was. But I think a lot of it was about her realizing that.”

Betts is the engine that has powered overall No. 1 seed UCLA’s first-ever trip to the Final Four in the NCAA era. She’s averaging close to a double-double with 20 points and 9.6 rebounds a game, and is ranked fifth in the nation with three blocks a game.

But Betts’ power is not limited to what she does on the basketball court. She has been open about her struggles with mental health, hoping she can be an example for other girls and young women who are suffering in silence as she once did.

‘I had mentors and I’m really thankful, but I know there’s a lot of young girls who don’t,” Betts said Thursday. “For me to be an outlet and to kind of validate their feelings and to know there’s someone out there who is dealing with the same thing that I am is, I think, is just really important.”

It has never been easy to be a kid who is perceived as ‘different.’ Betts, the daughter of a former professional basketball player, was already 5-foot-6 in third grade, and remembers being mocked and gawked at because of her height. She is 6-foot-7 now.

But our online culture, social media in particular, has made the cruelties and comments exponentially worse. It wasn’t just the kids in her class or the people at the mall who made Betts feel small, it was cowardly people who tore her down from the safety of their keyboards.

‘If I could (have), I would literally shrink,’ Betts said in an ESPN story last month that gave an unflinching look at her struggles with mental health. ‘Or I would become invisible so that no one could see me. I just was so tired.’

Those close to Betts could see the toll it was taking — she left Stanford after her freshman year because of what she described as a callous atmosphere — but no one knew how bad it was until January of last year.

‘I got into a state, the lowest state I’ve ever felt in my entire life,’ Betts told ESPN. ‘To a point where I was like, ‘I can’t be here. Like, I can’t be here. I can’t do life anymore.”

She had already taken a leave from basketball. A team doctor took Betts to a hospital, where she spent the night. When she was released, Betts began regular therapy and made a point of taking medication she’d been prescribed.

She stopped trying to please all those doubters and naysayers and focused on herself.

‘I always try to tell myself that I’m so much more than basketball,’ Betts said. ‘I’m a daughter. I’m a teammate. I’m a sister. I’m a friend. Just reminding myself that, yes, basketball is what I do, but it’s not who I am at the end of the day.

“All of this is amazing. But when I go back home to my teammates and my family, that’s really what matters to me.”

It is hard to quiet the negative voices you’ve been hearing almost since you can remember. But Betts has not had to do it alone.

Her teammates have been unfailingly supportive, with Rice saying it’s ‘an incredible honor” to stand alongside Betts. UCLA coach Cori Close, who sat at the hospital with Betts and her mother last year, altered the way she coached Betts. Rather than giving Betts instructions, which Betts instinctively took as criticism, Close goes through assistant coach Shannon LeBeauf.

But Close is quick to give Betts credit for the turnaround in her mental game.

‘It’s really the courage of her inner work that she’s been willing to do — that few adults are courageous to do,” Close said after UCLA’s win over Ole Miss in the Sweet 16 last weekend. “I think last year, she almost got too good too quick, and that’s been sort of documented that that was really hard.

‘Well, she’s now done all the work in this offseason to now be equipped to be that good. And I knew last year she could become that, but now she’s equipped from the inside out to sustain that.”

The difference that Rice saw last summer is now evident to anyone who watches UCLA play. There is a fierceness that radiates from Betts on the floor, and a pride she exudes off it. Yes, people are looking at her, but she recognizes now that it’s in wonder. Yes, people are talking about her, but she recognizes now that it’s because she’s one of the best players in the country.

Mostly, though, Betts recognizes herself for who she is. And she likes what she sees.

‘I think one of the reasons why I wanted to come out with the story is because I felt like I was finally in the right place to do so. I think that I just had done a lot of healing since then,’ Betts said. ‘I was like, you know what? I just don’t feel like I have to really hide this anymore.

“I think the responses that I’ve had since then have truly just validated what I did and what I put out,” she added. “And I think the amount of love and support that I’ve gotten just means a lot to me.”

Betts has always stood tall on the court. Now she’s standing tall off it, too.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.