CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is headed to the NBA draft after what he called “the most fun year of my life” playing for the Tar Heels. The program released a video statement Monday from the 6-foot-10 forward regarded as a top prospect in the June draft. That made Wilson’s one-and-done route official. The Associated Press second-team All-American averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds in a dynamic season cut short by injury. The first was a broken bone in his left hand. The second was a broken right thumb when he was nearing a return from the hand injury.
MIAMI (AP) — Former Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was involved in a traffic collision in 2024 that resulted in the death of a passenger, according to a report. The Read Optional reported Sunday that Bain was driving an SUV that was involved in the crash on March 17, 2024, in Miami. The collision resulted in 22-year-old Destiny Betts being severely injured and in a coma before dying from her injuries. Bain was reportedly cited for careless driving, but the charge was later dropped. A text message sent by The Associated Press to the phone number listed for Bain in the crash report went unanswered.
UNDATED (AP) — The NFL draft is seeing fewer longshots from small schools. The rise of NIL deals and the crowded transfer portal have concentrated talent in power conferences. The shift is impacting the draft, with fewer players from nonpower conferences being taken during the three-day event. Only 24 of 257 NFL draftees last year came from nonpower conferences. The NCAA's policy changes on name, image, and likeness, along with transfer rules, have altered scouting strategies, focusing more on traditional football powerhouses.
UNDATED (AP) — The NIL deals that are transforming college sports are also allowing NFL teams to gain insight into how a young player will react to having money before they get a big pro contract. For many evaluators, it has become an important tool in the draft process. A prospect who stays focused despite lucrative deals is more likely to make a smoother transition to the pros. Scouts want to see if a player’s performance dips after making a lot of money or if he maintains the same work ethic and consistency. How they interact with teammates is also a key dynamic.
NEW YORK (AP) — Five Ohio State players plan to attend the first round of the NFL draft on April 23. Defensive back Caleb Downs, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, linebacker Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles and wide receiver Carnell Tate will be in the green room in Pittsburgh waiting for their name to be called. Ohio State has a chance to join Michigan State in 1967 and Notre Dame in 1946 as the only schools to have four players selected in the top 10. Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the projected first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, is expected to watch the draft in Miami.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer says wide receiver Noah Rogers will miss the early part of the regular season because of an injury sustained in the team’s annual spring game. Rogers was carted off the field Saturday after attempting to catch a pass in the end zone. DeBoer delivered a partial timeline Monday during a radio interview with WTUG-FM in Tuscaloosa. A fourth-year junior, Rogers caught 68 passes for 919 yards and three touchdowns over the last two seasons at N.C. State. Alabama opens the season against East Carolina on Sept. 5.
UNDATED (AP) — UCLA's baseball team is on the cusp of entering all-time territory with the 27-game winning streak it carried into the week. The Bruins have matched 2015 Illinois for most consecutive wins in Big Ten history. A nonconference win against UC Santa Barbara on Tuesday would give UCLA the longest streak in the nation since Fairfield won 28 in a row in 2021 and longest among power-conference schools since Texas reeled off 33 straight in 1982. Coach John Savage says he doesn't talk to the team about the streak. He says the Bruins have bigger goals.
