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Former Ravens WR admits he was too cold to enter a game last season

Baltimore was too cold for former Ravens receiver Diontae Johnson. Perhaps the weather in, uh, Cleveland will be more agreeable for one of the Browns’ newest pass-catchers.

In a recent interview with the Sports & Suits podcast, Johnson confessed that he refused to enter a game for the Ravens last season because he was cold.

‘End of the third going into the fourth, they were like, ‘Tae, we need you,” Johnson said. ‘I was like, ‘Nah, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me.’ Like, my legs are already ice cold and I didn’t wanna go out there and put bad stuff on film.’

According to the National Weather Service, the Baltimore area experienced a high of 44 degrees and a low of 21 degrees on Dec. 1, 2024, the date of the game in question: a Ravens Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Johnson went on to say that his business decision was the reason the Ravens, who had acquired him at the trade deadline from the Carolina Panthers earlier in the season, suspended him for one game. Baltimore waived him a week after he served his suspension, and the Houston Texans claimed him a few days later.

The former Raven didn’t stick in Houston long. He also told Sports & Suits that the Texans prioritized their younger guys for playing time after he joined the team. Before long, Johnson said he ‘checked out mentally.’

‘After that, they said I was a distraction and they released me,’ the veteran said.

Houston waived Johnson after Week 18, and the Ravens re-claimed the wideout. But he was ineligible to play the remainder of the postseason and became a free agent after Baltimore lost their divisional round playoff game.

Johnson finished the 2024 season with 33 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns across stints with three different teams.

In April, Johnson signed a one-year, $1.17 million deal with the Browns.

According to data collected by the National Weather Service, average temperatures in Cleveland during the fall months of the football season — between September and November — have hovered around four degrees colder than Baltimore since 2000. In the winter months of December and January, temperatures in Cleveland have been an average of 6.5 degrees colder than in Baltimore during the same period.

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Trump says US would strike again if Iran rebuilds nuclear program

The U.S. would strike Iran again if the country attempts to rebuild its nuclear program, President Donald Trump said Wednesday.

Trump made the statement during an exchange with reporters while attending a NATO summit in the Netherlands on Wednesday. The U.S. has touted a report from Israel stating that the strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities set back the country’s program ‘many years.’

A reporter asked Trump whether he would strike Iran again if it were to rebuild its nuclear facilities.

‘Sure,’ came Trump’s blunt response.

The exchange came after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised Trump as a ‘man of strength’ and a ‘man of peace’ during Wednesday’s summit.

‘I just want to recognize your decisive action on Iran,’ Rutte said at the start of his joint remarks with the president. ‘You are a man of strength, but you are also a man of peace. And the fact that you are now also successful in getting this ceasefire done between Israel and Iran — I really want to commend you for that. I think this is important for the whole world.’

Rutte also praised Trump’s effort to get NATO members to pay more and said the president was ‘flying into another big success’ after all countries—except Spain—agreed to spend 5% of their GDP on defense. He added that Trump achieved something ‘NO American president in decades could get done.’

Leaders of NATO member states had mixed reactions to the strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, with several calling for de-escalation while acknowledging the threat a nuclear Iran would pose to global security.

Trump cajoled Iran and Israel into a ceasefire on Tuesday that has so far held after an uncertain start that saw Trump unleash his frustration with both countries.

Fox News’ Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.

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Louisiana mom warns ‘half of what we’re working for’ at risk if Trump’s budget bill fails

Toni McAllister is a prominent voice in Louisiana’s logging industry, but as she told Fox News Digital on Tuesday, she is also ‘a mom and a wife’ from a middle-class family.

She is one of four Americans from across the country invited by House GOP leaders to Capitol Hill to promote President Donald Trump’s ‘one big, beautiful bill.’

It is a vast piece of legislation aimed at advancing Trump’s priorities on taxes, immigration, energy, defense and the national debt – which is taking Herculean political maneuvering to pass.

On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other leaders pivoted from promoting it themselves, instead inviting their four guests to talk about their support for the bill, and what is at stake if it does not pass by the end of this year.

‘I believe that our tax rates in Louisiana for small businesses will jump up to around 43.4%. I mean, that’s literally half of what we’re working for. So what will we be working for to pay taxes?’ McAllister told Fox News Digital.

She is the executive director of the Louisiana Logger’s Association, a trade group representing loggers in the Bayou State. In addition to that, however, McAllister said she was concerned about a tax hike for her family if the bill is not passed.

‘I’m just a regular middle-class family. And in Louisiana, the average tax hike would be around $1,300. That’s a month of groceries. That’s anything extra that we can do with our kids. $1,300 is a lot of money,’ she said.

Projections released by the House GOP show that under the lower chamber’s version of the bill, an average family could see an additional $1,300 in tax relief, while a failure to pass it could lead to a $1,700 tax hike.

Republicans are aiming to use the bill to extend Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as implement a host of new policies like eliminating taxes on tipped and overtime wages.

Retired Sheriff James Stuart said those latter measures, which Trump campaigned on in 2024, will be critical to law enforcement recruitment in Minnesota.

‘One of the most persistent struggles of agencies across the country is retention and recruitment. No tax on overtime will increase take-home pay for our peace offices, which will boost morale and ease burdens for them and their families,’ Stuart, who is also executive director of the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association, told Fox News Digital.

However, Paul Danos, the head of a family-owned offshore energy service company in Gray, Louisiana, told Fox News Digital that Republicans’ energy policies are also critical for his business.

‘If this bill doesn’t pass, then we find ourselves where we were in the last administration, with that lack of predictability around lease sales,’ Danos said.

‘Those multibillion-dollar investments that are creating jobs, that are providing safe and affordable energy here in the US, are jeopardized. We start having to depend on other nations for our oil and gas.’

That, he argued, would lead to higher prices for everyone.

Sam Palmeter, who leads engineering at Laser Marking Technologies, one of the last two laser technology companies owned and operated in America, said he and others in Michigan were ‘tired of brain drain,’ hoping Trump’s bill could reverse that and revitalize manufacturing in the region.

‘We won’t grow, and we won’t provide as many jobs in the industrial manufacturing and engineering space,’ Palmeter said.

‘And that’s sad, because there’s nothing that makes me more proud than hiring a local kid…So he’s working 13 miles from home. He doesn’t have to leave his family and everything to exercise that degree.’

It is not yet clear if their arguments or others in favor of Trump’s bill will have any effect, however. 

The legislation has been met with Republican critics in the House and Senate, while GOP leaders have styled it as the best possible path forward for a conservative policy overhaul while they control Congress and the White House.

While the dissent is coming from a relatively small number of Republicans, it could be enough to derail the legislation – both House and Senate GOP leaders are grappling with razor-thin margins of just a few votes.

Trump recently ordered lawmakers to remain in Washington, D.C., until the bill is passed – despite a planned recess next week for the Fourth of July holiday.

The bill passed the House by one vote last month, and a modified version is expected to get a Senate vote sometime this week. Both the House and Senate must pass identical products before they can be sent to Trump’s desk.

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Steve Spurrier questions Arch Manning’s expectations at Texas

Fresh off its second straight College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, Texas football enters the 2025 college football season as one of the most looked-forward-to and hyped around teams in the country.

The leading contributing factor to that is Arch Manning, the presumed favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and a preseason frontrunner for No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, officially running the Longhorns offense.

But as the hype surrounding Manning and Texas continues to build up, former Florida and South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier isn’t so sure about those expectations. He appeared to have said that much during a recent appearance on the ‘Another Dooley Noted Podcast.’

‘You only have to ask Coach Sark how come you played that one instead of this one. Hopefully, he will say, because he was better than that one.’

Arch, a New Orleans native, is currently listed as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy according to oddsmakers on BetMGM at +600 odds. Texas has not had a Heisman Trophy winner since Ricky Williams won it in 1998.

The 6-foot-4 quarterback, however, hasn’t had to sit in the passenger seat that whole time, especially this past season. Manning showed flashes of his dual-threat skill set and passing acumen in 2024 for the Longhorns, as he started two games for Texas when Ewers was out with an injury and came on in short-yardage situations late in the season.

In 10 games this past season for Texas, Manning completed 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 108 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries — an unusual sight for a member of the Manning family. In his first career start vs. UTSA on Sept. 14, Manning became the only FBS or NFL quarterback in the last 25 years to record a 75+ yard touchdown pass, a 65-yard rushing touchdown and another 50+ yard touchdown pass in the same game according to OptaStats.

Manning is set to start his first game as Texas’ full-time quarterback on the road at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio against defending national champion Ohio State, on Aug. 30 at noon ET.

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Evidence in secret arbitration shows NFL encouraged collusion

The arbitrator, Christopher Droney, dismissed the arbitration of the NFL Players’ Association “in its entirety” earlier this year. But Droney noted that the NFL Management Council – which negotiates with the players’ union and other entities on behalf of the 32 owners – “encouraged 32 member Clubs of the NFL to reduce guarantees in future contracts with players at the March 2022 annual meeting.” The clubs, however, did not engage in collusive conduct, the report found.

Both the NFL and NFLPA declined to comment when reached Tuesday by USA TODAY Sports. The ruling had been kept a secret until Torre published his findings on June 24.

The March 2022 meeting at the center of the arbitration claim took place not long after the Cleveland Browns traded for and signed quarterback Deshaun Watson to a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million over five years.

According to the report, eight owners, Goodell, high-profile player agents, Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson testified at a hearing held by Droney over 10 days in New York last summer.

The NFLPA initially brought the case under former executive director DeMaurice Smith, who was replaced by Lloyd Howell in 2023. The union alleged a high-ranking league executive asked New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to tell fellow owners to not negotiate with large, fully guaranteed contracts. Both Goodell and Kraft denied this at the hearings, and Droney agreed Goodell did not make the request.

In March 2022, per the ruling, the management council presented to the league about the salary cap and a 42% increase in salary guarantees.

Kyler Murray (five years, $230.5 million with $160 million guaranteed), Wilson (five years, $245 million with $165 million guaranteed) and Jackson (five years, $260 million with $185 million guaranteed) all signed extensions within the next calendar year.  

Jackson, who does not have an agent and represents himself, had a contentious negotiation with the Ravens and general manager Eric DeCosta. No team reached out directly to Jackson after the team placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him. Jackson apparently did not supply a list of teams he’d be interested in playing for because of phone issues.

Ranking all 32 NFL teams from most to least entertaining: Who will be most fun in 2025?

“Only a couple of teams expressed interest to DeCosta in signing him prior to the Ravens’ decision to franchise him,” the report said.

The document also unveiled text communication between two owners, the Cardinals’ Michael Bidwill and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Dean Spanos.

“Your deal helps us for our QB next year,” Spanos wrote.

“I think many teams will be happy with it once they have a chance to review,” Bidwill wrote back. “Cleveland really screwed things up, but I was resolved to keep the guaranteed relatively ‘low.’”

Droney’s role in the arbitration is set by the collective bargaining agreement between the league and union. The same CBA lays out severe penalties for collusion between teams, including the union’s right to terminate the CBA in the event of widespread collusion. Proving collusion also requires more than a preponderance of evidence.

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Russian official says Moscow has ‘no intention’ of supplying Iran with warheads, following Trump taunts

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that Moscow is not planning to supply Iran with nuclear warheads, after President Donald Trump mocked him for suggesting that other countries would step in and provide Iran with nuclear weapons after the U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. 

Medvedev, now the deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, originally said Sunday that Iran would continue to advance its nuclear program and would receive assistance from other nations to do so.

Although Medvedev did not specify any countries, he clarified later Monday that he was not talking about Russia. 

‘I condemn the U.S. strike on Iran — it failed to achieve its objectives,’ Medvedev said in a Monday post on X. ‘However, Russia has no intention of supplying nuclear weapons to Iran because, unlike Israel, we are parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.’

‘I know quite well what this would entail, having overseen our nuclear forces as president,’ Medvedev said. ‘But other countries might — and that’s what was said.’ 

Medvedev’s statement came after Trump called him out by name in a post on Truth Social following the Russian leader’s original Sunday remarks. 

‘Did I hear Former President Medvedev, from Russia, casually throwing around the ‘N word’ (Nuclear!), and saying that he and other Countries would supply Nuclear Warheads to Iran? Did he really say that or, is it just a figment of my imagination? If he did say that, and, if confirmed, please let me know, IMMEDIATELY. The ‘N word’ should not be treated so casually. I guess that’s why Putin’s ‘THE BOSS,’’ Trump said in a Monday Truth Social Post. 

Andrea Sticker, the deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ nonproliferation and biodefense program, chalked up Medvedev’s initial statement as an attempt to brag and said it was unrealistic for any country to provide such assistance to Iran. 

‘Medvedev’s original claim was likely bluster about Russia or another country supplying Iran with nuclear weapons,’ Stricker said in a Monday email to Fox News Digital. ‘No country, including Pakistan or North Korea, would supply atomic devices to Tehran because they would be held accountable by the United States if Iran used the weapons. Moscow and Pyongyang, at least from available open-source information, appear to be standing mostly idle as their ally Iran takes a major beating.’

The U.S. launched strikes late Saturday targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities, which involved more than 125 U.S. aircraft, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine told reporters Sunday. 

Trump announced early Tuesday that a ceasefire had gone into effect between Israel and Iran but scolded both countries hours later following accusations from both sides that the other had violated the agreement. 

Trump told reporters both Israel and Iran failed to follow the terms of the agreement, which he said is still in effect. 

‘I’m not happy with them. I’m not happy with Iran either but I’m really unhappy with Israel going out this morning,’ Trump said at the White House Tuesday morning. 

‘We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f— they’re doing,’ he said. 

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Top DOJ official faces test in Senate over nomination to become federal judge

Emil Bove will appear Wednesday before the Senate, where he is expected to face tough questions during a hearing about his controversial entrance into Justice Department leadership and former role as President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer.

Trump nominated Bove, who fiercely defended the president during his criminal prosecutions, to serve in a lifetime role as a judge on the Pennsylvania-based Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Trump said Bove would ‘restore the Rule of Law,’ a remark that came as sitting judges have drawn Trump’s ire for handing down dozens of orders blocking parts of his agenda.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who has worked closely with Bove for years, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview ahead of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that Bove was a ‘freaking brilliant lawyer’ and that his nomination to the appellate court was a ‘no-brainer.’

Blanche described his colleague as the ‘most gentle, empathetic, great person that anybody could ever work with,’ a characterization sharply at odds with some who have been in Bove’s crosshairs.

In his early years, Bove was a high-achieving student, a division one athlete on his college lacrosse team and a Georgetown University law school graduate.

He went on to clerk for two federal judges and worked for about a decade as federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, where he led high-profile terrorism and drug trafficking cases through 2019.

Blanche brought Bove into his private practice, where they tag-teamed Trump’s prosecutions, including by appearing by the president’s side during his six-week hush money trial in Manhattan last year. At the end of it, Trump was convicted by a jury of 34 counts of falsifying business records, marking the lone case out of Trump’s four to lead to a conviction.

Blanche said that behind the scenes, Bove was critical to their defense work and wrote the vast majority of their legal briefs.

In letters to the Senate, a group of Republican state attorneys general said Bove was courageous for representing Trump ‘when few other attorneys would step up.’ Attorney Gene Schaerr called Bove’s brief writing ‘superb.’ One of Bove’s past law firms said he was ’eminently qualified.’

Nearly three dozen retired law enforcement officials praised Bove as a ‘trusted and respected partner,’ saying he had a profound understanding of the Drug Enforcement Administration and was responsible for breaking apart transnational criminal networks.

‘His efforts have directly contributed to high-impact cases that have saved lives and protected vulnerable populations,’ the retired officials wrote. Others heaped similar praise.

The rosy picture that Blanche and Bove’s supporters paint is drastically different from the one presented by a handful of DOJ officials who left the department because of Bove and defense lawyers who observed him in action during his time as a New York prosecutor.

While Bove was serving as acting deputy attorney general ahead of Blanche’s confirmation in March, two top lawyers in the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office and five officials in the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section chose to abruptly leave their jobs instead of complying with Bove’s order to drop New York Mayor Eric Adams’s federal corruption charges.

During the debacle, a judge dismissed the Democratic mayor’s charges with prejudice, instead of without prejudice as Bove had requested, meaning the Trump administration could not bring the case again.

The judge’s decision came after the ousted lawyers blasted Bove for engaging in a dishonest quid pro quo with the mayor. The chain of events left some conservative legal analysts harshly questioning the wisdom of Bove’s actions, saying it undermined the DOJ’s work.

Trump’s mass deportation plan involved the unprecedented move of invoking a wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act. Bove indicated during an internal meeting in March that he anticipated judges would attempt to shut down the operation, according to attorney Erez Reuveni.

Reuveni, a 15-year DOJ veteran who was fired after struggling to defend one of the Trump administration’s deportation during a Maryland court hearing, said in a whistleblower complaint published Tuesday that Bove shocked meeting attendees by telling them they would ‘need to consider telling the courts ‘f*** you’ and ignore any such court order.’

Reuveni said Bove’s remarks were far afield of anything he had heard at DOJ during his tenure there and that court defiance and misleading judges were a hallmark of the department during some of the most controversial immigration cases that arose in March.

DOJ attorneys have been admonished by judges for appearing to flout court orders, but they have, thus far, avoided being held in contempt of court and other sanctions.

Bove was known by some of his peers as a zealous prosecutor during his SDNY days, but defense lawyers were alarmed by his ruthlessness. Some viewed him as vicious, rude and power-hungry, according to interviews with attorneys and media reports.

One longtime defense lawyer who crossed paths with Bove in New York told Fox News Digital the nominee was an arrogant ‘bully’ and browbeat people.

In 2018, a band of defense lawyers said in emails reported by the Associated Press that Bove needed ‘adult supervision’ and could not ‘be bothered to treat lesser mortals with respect or empathy.’

A retired New York City FBI agent told the Associated Press that Bove’s perceived turnabout on Jan. 6 riot cases was ‘almost like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.’ Bove showed no outward concerns while in New York when he helped with prosecuting the cases, the retired agent said.

When Bove stepped into his role at Trump’s DOJ, he warned the FBI in a formidable memo that leadership would take ‘personnel action’ against FBI agents who participated in Jan. 6 cases, which Trump ‘appropriately described as a ‘grave national injustice’ that has been perpetrated upon the American people,’ Bove wrote. The notion that thousands of employees who interacted in some way with a Jan. 6 case would see their jobs at risk prompted Bove to issue a follow-up note clarifying that employees who merely followed orders had no reason to worry.

An online petition launched by retired New York federal prosecutor Laurie Korenbaum has dozens of signatures as of this publishing and calls Bove’s nomination a ‘travesty.’

Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats have demanded more information on Bove’s time at SDNY, signaling they plan to grill Bove over it during the hearing.

Blanche told Fox News Digital the viewpoints surfacing in the media about Bove were ‘distorted.’

‘The misconception about him is completely driven by kind of a fear that if he takes the bench, he’s going to do something crazy, which he will not,’ Blanche said.

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Best Duke players in NBA: Ranking Cooper Flagg’s competition

It’s going to be a big night for Duke basketball at the 2025 NBA Draft.

Cooper Flagg is expected to become the sixth No. 1 pick in school history and third since 2019. Teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, meanwhile, are also projected to be top-10 selections in the draft beginning Wednesday, June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Multiple Duke players will be selected in the first round for the seventh time in eight years, and for the third time since 2018 the Blue Devils could have three players chosen in the top 10.

There are 102 NBA players all-time who went to Duke, according to Pro Basketball Reference, including 23 active players this past season. But even though the Blue Devils have a storied college basketball history, and enjoyed unprecedented success (and five national championships) under former coach Mike Krzyzewski, ex-players’ success in the pros has often been unpredictable.

Flagg’s status as the top prospect in this year’s draft class comes with the promise that he can soon join the conversation about the best Duke product to play in the NBA. Where he ranks will depend on whether he can fulfill expectations that envision Flagg as one of the prominent players in the league right away. Only a select few Duke players have been able to do so as planned upon reaching the pros.

With that in mind, USA TODAY Sports took a stab at subjectively ranking the best Duke players to play in the NBA based on their accomplishments, statistics and longevity:

NBA draft 2025: What Duke player had the best NBA career?

Note: Accomplishments include NBA championships, NBA All-Star Game appearances, All-NBA status and NBA awards.

1. Grant Hill (1990-94)

NBA draft: No. 3 overall pick in 1994
NBA seasons: 19 (1994-2013)
Accomplishments: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, 7-time All-Star, 5-time All-NBA, NBA Rookie of the Year
Background: Hill is the only Duke basketball player in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and earned All-NBA status in five of his first six seasons before a foot injury altered the rest of his NBA career.

2. Kyrie Irving (2010-11)

NBA draft: No. 1 overall pick in 2011
NBA seasons: 14 (2011-present)
Accomplishments: 2016 NBA champion, 9-time All-Star, 3-time All-NBA, NBA Rookie of the Year
Background: No Duke player has scored more points or dished out more assists in the NBA than Irving.

3. Jayson Tatum (2016-17)

NBA draft: No. 3 overall pick in 2017
NBA seasons: 8 (2017-present)
Accomplishments: 2024 NBA champion, 6-time All-Star, 5-time All-NBA
Background: Tatum has arguably had the best start to an NBA career among Duke products and could vault past Hill and Irving if he successfully recovers from a torn Achilles suffered with the Celtics during the 2025 NBA playoffs.

4. Elton Brand (1997-99)

NBA draft: No. 1 overall pick in 1999
NBA seasons: 17 (1999-2016)
Accomplishments: 2-time All-Star, 1-time All-NBA, NBA Rookie of the Year
Background: Brand has more minutes, blocks and rebounds in the NBA than any Duke player.

5. Carlos Boozer (1999-2002)

NBA draft: Second round, No. 35 overall pick in 2002
NBA seasons: 13 (2002-2015)
Accomplishments: 2-time All-Star, 1-time All-NBA
Background: Boozer averaged more rebounds per game in the NBA (9.5) than all but one Duke product all-time and averaged a double-double in five different seasons.

6. Luol Deng (2003-04)

NBA draft: No. 7 overall pick in 2004
NBA seasons: 15 (2004-2019)
Accomplishments: 2-time All-Star, 1-time all-defense
Background: Deng has logged the third-most minutes in the NBA among Duke players and ranks among the top 10 in points, rebounds, steals and blocks.

7. Shane Battier (1997-2001)

NBA draft: No. 6 overall pick in 2001
NBA seasons: 13 (2001-2014)
Accomplishments: 2-time NBA champion, 2-time all-defense
Background: Won back-to-back championships with the Miami Heat and ranks in the top three among Duke players in blocks and steals in the NBA.

8. Jeff Mullins (1961-64)

NBA draft: No. 6 overall pick in 1964
NBA seasons: 12 (1964-1976)
Accomplishments: 1975 NBA champion, 3-time All-Star
Background: Ranks third all-time among Duke players in NBA assists.

9. Jack Marin (1963-66)

NBA draft: No. 5 overall pick in 1966
NBA seasons: 11 (1966-1977)
Accomplishments: 2-time All-Star
Background: Marin averaged in double figures in scoring in nine different seasons in the NBA. He averaged 20.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists during the Baltimore Bullets’ run to the 1971 Finals.

10. Zion Williamson (2018-19)

NBA draft: No. 1 overall pick in 2019
NBA seasons: 6 (2019-present)
Accomplishments: 2-time All-Star
Background: Williamson’s career average of 24.7 points per game is the highest all-time among Duke players in the NBA.

11. Paolo Banchero (2021-22)

NBA draft: No. 1 overall pick in 2022
NBA seasons: 3 (2022-present)
Accomplishments: 1-time All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year
Background: Banchero’s scoring average through three seasons (22.4) ranks among the top five all-time for Duke players in the NBA. The Orlando Magic star is likely to move into the top five of this list if he stays healthy and continues on his current trajectory.

12. Brandon Ingram (2015-16)

NBA draft: No. 2 overall pick in 2016
NBA seasons: 9 (2016-present)
Accomplishments: 1-time All-Star, 2020 NBA Most Improved Player
Background: Ingram is one of six Duke players to average more than 19 points per game in the NBA.

13. JJ Redick (2002-06)

NBA draft: No. 11 overall pick in 2006
NBA seasons: 15 (2006-2021)
Background: No Duke player has made more 3-pointers in the NBA than Redick.

14. Christian Laettner (1988-92)

NBA draft: No. 3 overall pick in 1992
NBA seasons: 13
Accomplishments: 1-time All-Star
Background: Laettner didn’t live up to his hefty college resume in the NBA, but he ranks among the top 11 Duke products in career rebounds, assists, blocks, steals and minutes played.

15. Corey Maggette (1998-99)

NBA draft: No. 13 overall pick in 1999
NBA seasons: 14 (1999-2013)
Background: Maggette averaged more than 20 points per game in three different seasons during his career.

Also considered: Mike Dunleavy Jr., Mason Plumlee, Mike Gminski, Tyus Jones, Johnny Dawkins

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NCAA may allow college athletes, staffers to bet on pro sports

A top NCAA policy-making group on Tuesday, June 24 voted to propose that the association change its rules to allow Division I athletes and athletics staff members to bet on professional sports events, the association announced.

The move by the NCAA Division I Council will not become final until the group concludes meetings on June 25 and will not take effect unless similar governance groups representing Division II and Division III approve the move later this summer. In addition, it will require formal adoption by the Council in October. This past April, the Division III Management Council “took action to support, in concept, noncontroversial legislation deregulating betting on professional sports.”

At that time, by a 21-1 vote, it directed the Council — a panel mainly comprising athletics directors — to: “adopt legislation to deregulate the prohibition on wagering on professional sports and directed the NCAA staff to develop concepts for the appropriate committees to consider regarding a safe harbor, limited immunity or reduced penalties for student-athletes who engage in sports wagering but seek help for problem gambling.” And the Board of Directors has the authority to overrule the Council.

Current NCAA Division I rules say athletes, coaches and administrators cannot “knowingly participate in sports wagering activities or provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition.”

In 2023, 25 athletes from Iowa State and Iowa were arrested for illegal sports betting. Some of those athletes were alleged to have bet on college games. Many of the criminal charges were based on underage betting.

The NCAA’s announcement said that under the Council’s recommendation, college athletes and staff members would continue to be prohibited from betting on college sports and from sharing information with bettors about college sports events. The NCAA also said it would continue to keep NCAA championships free from ‘advertising and sponsorships associated with betting.’

Many college sports coaches’ and athletics directors’ contracts with schools expressly prohibit their involvement with sports betting of any kind. For example, Alabama’s agreement with football head coach Kalen DeBoer states that he is barred from: ‘Soliciting, placing, or accepting … a bet or wager on any intercollegiate or professional athletic contest whether through a bookmaker, a pool, online, or any other person, means, or method, or permitting, encouraging, or condoning such acts by any member of (his) coaching staff, any student-athlete, or any other person; or:

‘Furnishing … information or data relating in any manner to football or any other sport or to any student-athlete to any individual known to (him) to be or whom (he) should reasonably know to be a gambler, bettor, or bookmaker, or an agent of any such person, or the consorting or associating by (DeBoer) with such persons;…’

The Council’s move comes against the backdrop of a proliferation of legalized sports betting in the United State since the Supreme Court struck down federal limits on the activity in May 2018. It is now legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia, according to the American Gaming Association.

‘NCAA rules prohibiting sports betting at all levels were written and adopted at a time when sports gambling was largely illegal nationwide,’ Illinois athletics director and Division I Council chair Josh Whitman said in the NCAA’s statement. ‘As betting on sports has become more widely accepted across the country, Division I members have determined that further discussion of these sports betting rules is warranted, particularly as it relates to the potential distinctions between betting on professional versus collegiate sports. Throughout our discussions, the council has remained focused on student-athlete wellness and educating student-athletes about the risks and potentially harmful impacts of betting.’

NCAA President Charlie Baker has been lobbying lawmakers across the country to ban prop bets on college sports events.

In April, the NCAA and Genius Sports announced the extension of a contract under which the firm provides data to sportsbooks. Under agreement, the firm agreed ‘to strengthen integrity protections and promote responsible betting practices, including limiting risky bet types, ensuring compliance and safeguarding student-athletes,’ according to an announcement by the firm.

This story has been updated with new information

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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NBA mock draft: Final projection for every team’s first-round pick

As the NBA calendar crosses off another day and moves on from the NBA Finals – congratulations to Oklahoma City Thunder, and even though the Indiana Pacers came up short, it was enjoyable to watch their commitment – it’s time for the NBA draft.

The Dallas Mavericks, who are still trying recover from trading Luka Doncic, have the No. 1 pick in the first round Wednesday, June 25 (8 p.m., ESPN) and by all accounts, they will select Duke one-and-done forward Cooper Flagg.

Rutgers’ Dylan Harper is the projected No. 2 pick by the San Antonio Spurs, and from there, Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, Texas’ Tre Johnson, Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears and Duke’s Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel are in the top-10 mix. All were freshmen last season.

Here’s a look at USA TODAY Sports’ latest NBA mock draft :

(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. He is the only U.S. player who has not worked out for any teams, and his approach to the draft could impact where he is drafted.

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: 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.

7. New Orleans Pelicans: 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.

8. Brooklyn Nets: 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.

9. Toronto Raptors: 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.

10. Houston Rockets (traded to Suns for Kevin Durant): 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.

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: 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.

13. Atlanta Hawks: 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.

14. San Antonio Spurs: 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.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder: 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.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (from Orlando): 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.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: 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.

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: 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.

20. Miami Heat: 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.

21. Utah Jazz: 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.

22. Atlanta Hawks: Cedric Coward, Washington State

Senior, guard, 6-5¼, 213, 21
2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 55.7% FG, 40% 3PT, 83.9% FT

Coward started his college career at Division III Willamette University, then transferred to Eastern Washington and then switched to Washington State. He played in just six games in 2024-25 with a shoulder injury ending his senior season in November. Coward has great size for a guard, is solid on catch-and-shoot 3s and has the ability to get to the rim.

23. New Orleans (from Indiana): 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 turned into a first-round selection 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.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: 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.

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: Maxime Raynaud, Stanford

Senior, center, 7-0¼, 237, 22
2024-25 stats: 20.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.4 bpg, 46.7% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 77% FT

Born in Paris, Raynaud spent four seasons at Stanford and was first-team All-ACC his senior season. He can make 3s, rebound, protect the rim – the easy comparison is Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren. Raynaud works well in the pick-and-roll, runs the floor well, sees the court and can play in the low post.

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: 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.

30. Los Angeles Clippers: 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.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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