MORE FROM Mike DeCourcy

Steelers' partners pushing for Mike Tomlin's firing need a history lesson

There are flaws the Steelers must address this offseason, and there is every reason to believe Mike Tomlin will be the person addressing those flaws — as he should be.

Mike DeCourcy

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If you take time to look, college basketball has plenty of stars in its constellation

College basketball is better than it's ever been. You've just got to pay attention.

Mike DeCourcy

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West Virginia punch proves it's past time to make court-storming civilized

After yet another postgame incident — this one involving a West Virginia player punching a Texas Tech fan — it's clear we need to rethink court-storming procedure.

Mike DeCourcy

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If you feel good about Ryan Shazier, it's because he's writing the story

The NFL has not controlled the narrative regarding Ryan Shazier’s injury. Shazier is the one who has been in charge of his story since the moment he was carted off the field in Cincinnati.

Mike DeCourcy

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FS1 will mic up coaches, let them tell the story of DePaul-Providence game

The network will allow viewers to enjoy the glory of college hoops sans commercials.

Mike DeCourcy

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Embattled former five -star recruit Brian Bowen enrolls at South Carolina

Once a Louisville signee, Bowen's family was allegedly offered $100,000 to sign with the Cardinals.

Mike DeCourcy

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Indiana loses center De'Ron Davis for the season with achilles injury

The sophomore suffered the injury during a non-contact drill in practice last week

Mike DeCourcy

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Texas guard Andrew Jones diagnosed with leukemia

Jones was averaging 13.5 points before missing Saturday’s loss at Baylor.

Mike DeCourcy

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Steelers' time off due to regular-season success is good problem to have

Many of Pittsburgh's stars will have gone almost three weeks without playing when its divisional round game takes place. Coach Mike Tomlin is OK with that: Rest outweighs possible rust.

Mike DeCourcy

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Mike Krzyzewski knows fix for Duke's defensive issues is simple, but not easy

Duke owns the No. 104 defense in college basketball, according to KenPom.com. Mike Krzyzewski knows that number must improve if his team is going to compete for a national championship.

Mike DeCourcy

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Official Ted Valentine's threat to retire elicits no love from critics of 'TV Teddy'

Ted Valentine is considering retiring from officiating after being criticized for visibly turning his back on North Carolina star Joel Berry during an ACC game.

Mike DeCourcy

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Minnesota C Reggie Lynch found 'responsible' in alleged sexual misconduct incident

The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year could be banned from campus until 2020.

Mike DeCourcy

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Kevin Durant's donation to Texas discredits prevalent criticism of 'one-and-done' rule

Kevin Durant's $3 million donation to the University of Texas shows why the discussion surrounding the one-and-done rule is often filled with bombastic and inaccurate information.

Mike DeCourcy

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Kevin Stallings' '100 grand' comment shows his sideline behavior still is the pits

Pitt's head basketball coach hasn't learned a thing from his previous transgressions.

Mike DeCourcy

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Keeping Marvin Lewis means Bengals still broken

Marvin Lewis will coach a 16th and, perhaps, a 17th season in Cincinnati. He represents a status quo that team owner Mike Brown has little incentive to change.

Mike DeCourcy

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Villanova's number is up — and down — after Butler barrage

Villanova's depth problem was put on full display in the Wildcats' loss against Butler on Saturday.

Mike DeCourcy

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Unrivaled: Kentucky minds its own business in destroying Louisville

With questions that need to be answered on both sides of the Louisville-Kentucky rivalry, something was missing from their matchup on Friday.

Mike DeCourcy

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John Calipari's defense of Louisville coach better than Cardinals' against Kentucky

The Wildcats did all the right things on the court during a 29-point win against their rival and their leader said all the right things off it after.

Mike DeCourcy

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Deandre Ayton is the next NBA 'unicorn'

The 7-foot Arizona standout has the muscular build of an elite center and the mobility and skills of a guard.

Mike DeCourcy

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Mike Tomlin would be wise not to gamble Steelers' playoff health against Browns

The Steelers must decide whether to play their key starters against the Browns in Week 17. Given Pittsburgh's recent history of injuries in the playoffs, that should be an easy decision for coach Mike Tomlin.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA should give Brian Bowen a Christmas break: Let him play

Brian Bowen is paying for the actions of other people, namely Bowen's father and ex-Louisville coach Rick Pitino. The NCAA can cancel Bowen's debt with one statement.

Mike DeCourcy

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Indiana hired Archie Miller to perform a rebuild with the Hoosiers, not a miracle

IU didn't fall from among college basketball's elite in a day and its rise back won't be meteoric.

Mike DeCourcy

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Steelers' Ryan Shazier won't play in Pro Bowl, but he earned selection

Injured Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was playing at a Pro Bowl level before he suffered a severe spinal injury in Week 13.

Mike DeCourcy

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From the right angle, Patriots-Steelers rivalry has been closer than you think

The Patriots’ recent dominance over the Steelers has been exaggerated, so let's take a look at the facts.

Mike DeCourcy

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At a Crossroads, Indiana at last finds a way to win a big one

Indiana needed an incredible sequence to end the game — and a masterful performance from Juwan Morgan — to beat Notre Dame. It was a step in the right direction for the Hoosiers.

Mike DeCourcy

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Why UCLA, Louisville and others dropped out of top 25 (and what they can do to get back)

A half-dozen of the original top 25 teams in college basketball have been replaced in the rankings. What has gone wrong for those who have fallen out of the top-25 picture?

Mike DeCourcy

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Saquon Barkley, college football's most outstanding player, deserves Heisman Trophy

If the Heisman Trophy kept to its creed of awarding college football's most outstanding player — not the player with the best stats — then Penn State's Saquon Barkley would be the clear winner.

Mike DeCourcy

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UCLA better off without LiAngelo, LaMelo and especially LaVar Ball

The Bruins are blessed to be out of the Ball business.

Mike DeCourcy

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NFL's bad Steelers-Bengals suspension judgment obstructs justice for worse offenses

The NFL is telling us the actions of JuJu Smith-Schuster and George Iloka on Monday night were as bad as Rob Gronkowski's cheap shot Sunday. But they were not — not even close.

Mike DeCourcy

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LaVar Ball does what UCLA's Steve Alford should have with son LiAngelo

The Ball family is done with the UCLA men's basketball program now that freshman LiAngelo Ball is leaving. The Bruins should be grateful dad LaVar decided to end the relationship early.

Mike DeCourcy

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Big Ten championship: J.T. Barrett, Ohio State still standing after win vs. Wisconsin

There was nothing extraordinary about J.T. Barrett's performance against Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game, except that he had one at all.

Mike DeCourcy

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Xavier's Trevon Bluiett shows Cincinnati's Jacob Evans what a star turn should look like

Xavier’s most talented player embraces his responsibility as the Musketeers’ star. Cincinnati’s most talented player is content letting others set the tone.

Mike DeCourcy

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Cincinnati's Mick Cronin, Xavier's Chris Mack wage war of words after Crosstown Shootout

A confrontation between Cronin and XU guard J.P. Macura after the game led to some spirited post-game comments.

Mike DeCourcy

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Undefeated UCF makes strong case for expanding College Football Playoff

UCF is 11-0 in 2017 but still ranked behind 13 other teams by the College Football Playoff committee.

Mike DeCourcy

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Jeff Lebo is out because he couldn't win at ECU — but who could?

Lebo resigned Wednesday, but the Pirates' program has been doomed for years.

Mike DeCourcy

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The argument against the 'one-and-done' draft rule is an avalanche of lies

Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy debunks the myths about the dangers of the NBA's age restriction.

Mike DeCourcy

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Arizona has seven problems much more concerning than top-25 ranking

Arizona was missing from Monday's AP poll after three consecutive losses. But Sean Miller has more important issues than the Wildcats' ranking.

Mike DeCourcy

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Michael Porter Jr. arrival rebooted Mizzou hoops — and gave fans another kick in head

The injury that'll likely rob the former five-star recruit of his true freshman season is another in a long line of disappointments for Tigers fans.

Mike DeCourcy

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Obsession with Steelers' Patriots problem makes Pittsburgh seem weak

When did Pittsburgh become so soft?

Mike DeCourcy

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Kentucky's Champions Classic performance against Kansas wasn't a total loss

There were plenty of positives for Big Blue Nation to takeaway from the defeat at the hands of the Jayhawks.

Mike DeCourcy

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Duke's Grayson Allen shows in Champions Classic he's no longer the Devil you knew

Grayson Allen is acting like the elder statesman he is for No. 1 Duke. His 37-point effort against Michigan State was the work of an elite upperclassman whose game has evolved.

Mike DeCourcy

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Kansas freshman Billy Preston continues to ride bench as school checks out his wheels

Billy Preston will miss his second consecutive game Tuesday. The Kansas freshman was involved in an auto accident over the weekend. The vehicle appears to be under university scrutiny.

Mike DeCourcy

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Even with Frank Mason gone, Kansas' backcourt can be just as good in 2017-18

Kansas' backcourt will focus on different strengths and skills this season. But Bill Self thinks it could easily match the talent and effectiveness of last year's.

Mike DeCourcy

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Why Miles Bridges dodged the NBA Draft to stay at Michigan State

NBA prospect Miles Bridges faced an interesting predicament in returning to Michigan State for his sophomore season.

Mike DeCourcy

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Duke's Marvin Bagley III learning to stand above even his elite teammates

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski doesn't want the talented freshman, and potential No. 1 draft pick, taking a backseat to anyone.

Mike DeCourcy

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R.J. Barrett again bedevils John Calipari by making Duke his college choice

R.J. Barrett's decision to sign with Duke over Kentucky (and Oregon) isn't the first time he vexed John Calipari.

Mike DeCourcy

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Bridges, Colson and Wichita State will help erase college basketball's worst offseason ever

Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy gives us 10 reasons to be excited about the 2017-18 season and never, ever look back.

Mike DeCourcy

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Versatile Collin Hartman weds himself to Indiana for one more senior season

Collin Hartman's career at Indiana isn't over yet — he has one last shot at a healthy senior season, and he intends to make the most of it as a Hoosier.

Mike DeCourcy

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SN picks likely winner, biggest snub in Naismith award watch list

The top 50 candidates for college hoops' Naismith Trophy have been revealed, and Sporting News picks its favorite to win player of the year, plus the biggest snub to watch.

Mike DeCourcy

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Braxton Beverly enlists attorney's help in challenge to NCAA transfer rule

Braxton Beverly, who left Ohio State for N.C. State last summer after OSU fired Thad Matta, wants to play this year at his new school. His newly hired attorney has joined in Beverly's bid to have the NCAA waive its one-year transfer rule.

Mike DeCourcy

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Louisville scandal presents gigantic opportunity to interim coach David Padgett

Despite all the controversy surrounding the program, the Cardinals have one of the most talented rosters in the country.

Mike DeCourcy

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With two big NCAA wins this year, North Carolina's Roy Williams relieved to be coaching in clear

Through multiple knee surgeries and a lengthy NCAA investigation, the Tar Heels have been Williams' 'savior.'

Mike DeCourcy

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Duke's Mike Krzyzewski says 'Now is not the time for a Band-Aid' to fix NCAA basketball

In an exclusive interview with Sporting News, Coach K opens up on hot-button NCAA issues such as amateurism reform, sneaker company involvement and summer hoops.

Mike DeCourcy

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Braxton Beverly's denied eligibility at N.C. State doesn't make NCAA a villain

Braxton Beverly made a choice to transfer from Ohio State to N.C. State. Even though he was denied immediate eligibility, the NCAA's decision will only delay his success.

Mike DeCourcy

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Notre Dame's Josh Adams should have a spot on your Heisman ballot

Josh Adams demonstrated against USC that it'd be a mistake not to consider him for the Heisman Trophy.

Mike DeCourcy

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Villanova star Jalen Brunson says NBA 'can wait' as he pursues another NCAA title

Jalen Brunson's ultimate goal is to get to the NBA. But the Villanova star knows it's not going anywhere.

Mike DeCourcy

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Hints suggest Martavis Bryant's problem is closer to home than Steelers

Martavis Bryant appears to be in a difficult situation, and his dissatisfaction in Pittsburgh might have little to do with the Steelers.

Mike DeCourcy

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Underrated Notre Dame — you heard that right — threatening for playoff position

The Irish looked like the best one-loss team in the country on Saturday, and that lone defeat looks better and better every week.

Mike DeCourcy

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Saquon Barkley making charge at Penn State's best RB of all time

Everyone knows Saquon Barkley is one of the best players in college football this season. But he might just be one of the best running backs to ever don a Penn State uniform.

Mike DeCourcy

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Villanova's Jay Wright hopes NBA can join colleges in solving basketball's latest crisis

Wright has run squeaky clean programs for more than two decades.

Mike DeCourcy

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Rick Pitino would be easier to believe if he were more believable

The skin that surrounds the white of his eyes is as red as a Louisville Cardinals road jersey. Whether it is because he was wrong, or because he was wronged, it is clear to see this has not been an easy time for Rick Pitino.

Mike DeCourcy

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Michigan State star Miles Bridges believes FBI involvement might clean up college basketball

A former five-star recruit, the Spartans sophomore wasn't surprised when news of alleged corruption on the recruiting circuit broke.

Mike DeCourcy

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Steelers WR Martavis Bryant's trade request is more fantasy football

The Steelers are not going to trade Martavis Bryant before the deadline. If the wide receiver really wants out of Pittsburgh, he is dreaming the impossible dream.

Mike DeCourcy

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Attorney who questioned SEC commissioner Greg Sankey's bias says he 'proved his impartiality'

Sankey served as chairman of the NCAA Committee on Infractions while North Carolina was under investigation.

Mike DeCourcy

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If you think North Carolina got off easy, you need to see the bigger picture

Academic fraud scandal put the university's reputation in jeopardy.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA addresses recent scandals with fresh committee, old shot at one-and-done

The Commission on College Basketball is pondering rule changes that could fundamentally debase the future of the sport.

Mike DeCourcy

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Get this straight: Ben Roethlisberger insists he still is one of the best

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger provided a brand-new arsenal of material Tuesday for those who like to distort quotes from prominent athletes.

Mike DeCourcy

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ESPN abandoning 24-Hour College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon for 2017

A network rep cites programming difficulties for nixing the annual 24-hour slate of games which began in 2008.

Mike DeCourcy

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Arizona leaders, no longer silent, are clear about support for Sean Miller

Arizona's president and athletic director issue statements a week after an assistant to head coach Sean Miller was arrested as part of a federal investigation into alleged corruption in college hoops.

Mike DeCourcy

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LaVar Ball's latest: Will home-school, home-train youngest son LaMelo

LaVar Ball says his sons are done with high school basketball. LaMelo will not play for Chino Hills High this season. There's a chance LaMelo's only playing experience between now and the 2020 NBA Draft will be AAU ball.

Mike DeCourcy

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Changing NCAA, NBA rules won't stop college basketball corruption

The problem of corruption in college basketball isn't a result of NCAA or NBA rules. Changing those rules would solve nothing.

Mike DeCourcy

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College basketball is warned: FBI plays higher-stakes game than NCAA

The feds have gotten their hands on college basketball. Some people inside the game are applauding. Others are sweating — or should be.

Mike DeCourcy

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Rick Pitino can play victim, but sad end at Louisville is largely his fault

Rick Pitino had ample opportunity to go out on his own terms at Louisville basketball. Instead, he chose to exhibit the same apathetic habits that got him in trouble time and again.

Mike DeCourcy

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Louisville basketball may survive new scandal, with or without Rick Pitino

Rick Pitino may not have known about what allegedly transpired between an assistant coach and several Adidas officials. But that might not be enough for him to stay safe in Louisville.

Mike DeCourcy

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Steelers don’t take Trump’s bait, exercise right to not participate in anthem

By staying in the locker room during the national anthem — rather than be forced to publicly choose a side — the Steelers' silence spoke volumes about their views on President Donald Trump's comments.

Mike DeCourcy

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Bill Self's early retirement dream at Kansas is an old story that never comes true

Bill Self says he won't coach into his 60s at Kansas. But coaches coach — now, longer than ever.

Mike DeCourcy

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Mike Tomlin is right: Steelers are 'too fragile' to take Bears for granted

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday made a point to bring up his team's history of taking struggling opponents lightly. He knows Chicago, at 0-2, will put up a fight Sunday.

Mike DeCourcy

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LaVar Ball threatens to have son LaMelo blow off college basketball and UCLA — is that a promise?

It seems a shame that LaVar Ball is willing to imperil LaMelo's eligibility and long-term development. But it might be better for college basketball.

Mike DeCourcy

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Andrew Luck-Colts divorce discussion, rumors should be shut down by reality

Rumors of Andrew Luck wanting out of Indianapolis, catalyzed by an ESPN TV/radio discussion, are not based in reality. The quarterback has little choice but to stay with the Colts.

Mike DeCourcy

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Claims of a Steelers penalty epidemic under Mike Tomlin are lazy and false

Coach Mike Tomlin is well aware the Steelers need to cut down on penalties. The notion that a lack of discipline is somehow endemic to Pittsburgh under his watch is ragingly false.

Mike DeCourcy

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Colts coach Chuck Pagano enters pivotal season under unsettling circumstances

As the Colts begin the 2017 season without Andrew Luck, coach Chuck Pagano can only hope his players — and those who decide whether he will be fired — focus on the "process," not the results.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA transfers have most to lose if given immediate eligibility

There’s a good reason — a commonly ignored one — why immediate eligibility for transfers would be a mistake: It would be a terrible deal for the athletes.

Mike DeCourcy

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Remembering Jud Heathcote, the funniest coach who ever won it all

Former Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote was not only a coach, but also one of the funniest people who never made a living as a comedian.

Mike DeCourcy

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World University Games: Notre Dame's Martinas Geben helps Lithuania outmuscle Purdue for gold

Notre Dame's Martinas Geben played a significant role in Lithuania’s 85-74 victory against the U.S. Tuesday morning.

Mike DeCourcy

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World University Games 2017: Purdue 40 minutes from gold after wrecking Serbia

Purdue's sharpshooters have the team one win away from gold at the World University Games.

Mike DeCourcy

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Devilish devotion: Why Kodi Justice chose loyalty to Arizona State over grad transfer

Kodi Justice has myriad reasons to stay at Arizona State.

Mike DeCourcy

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Former UNC student on academic scandal: 'Nothing fake about the work I did'

A former UNC student who took classes synonymous with the UNC academic scandal says there was nothing fake about the course work he completed.

Mike DeCourcy

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Early Madness at Madison Square Garden brings big changes for Big Ten schedule

The 2017-18 Big Ten basketball season will be unlike any other we’ve seen in the past, and probably will for a good, long while.

Mike DeCourcy

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Coach K made top recruit Marvin Bagley a Blue Devil, now must turn him into a champ

Marvin Bagley is planning to be ready for classes a week after his Monday commitment to the Blue Devils. Is he ready to win, though? History has not been kind to him in that area.

Mike DeCourcy

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Duke, USC or UCLA? How Marvin Bagley's decision could change NCAA title chase

The five-star power forward would make whatever school he chooses a contender.

Mike DeCourcy

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Detroit Lions' No. 1 fantasy is heathy, productive Ameer Abdullah

Ameer Abdullah shows no effects from surgery to repair his foot. That's good news for the Detroit Lions and Matthew Stafford.

Mike DeCourcy

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Mike Krzyzewski's need for new knee costs Duke trip, but maybe saves season

Coach K will have surgery so he can be healthy throughout the Blue Devils' 2017-18 campaign.

Mike DeCourcy

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UCLA's Josh Rosen isn't only student making sacrifices for college education

Josh Rosen made a fair critique of student-athlete culture. But sacrifices in the pursuit of education aren't unique to college football players.

Mike DeCourcy

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Colts don't have Andrew Luck, but need good fortune to get offense ready without star QB

The Colts are in the unenviable position of trying to create a winning football team without star quarterback Andrew Luck.

Mike DeCourcy

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Zinedine Zidane's 'pasion' keeps him at Real Madrid, in world sport's toughest coaching job

Zidane's approach — and accomplishments — have made him as secure as any Real Madrid manager can be.

Mike DeCourcy

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In gambling on himself, Steelers' Le'Veon Bell made a sucker's bet

Le'Veon Bell is taking a big risk in choosing not to sign a long-term deal with the Steelers at this point.

Mike DeCourcy

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Zion Williamson working to leap from YouTube sensation to one-year college wonder

Although you might have seen Williamson on Twitter or Instagram, you haven’t really seen him until you’ve been in his presence. Massive seems to be the appropriate description. He is listed at 6-8, 230 pounds, but that doesn’t really capture the majesty of his frame.

Mike DeCourcy

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If star forward Marvin Bagley wants to be on campus this fall, he'll need to rush

One of 2018's top recruits could alter the landscape of college basketball, but it's not clear what his timetable is just yet.

Mike DeCourcy

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College basketball programs forced to wait for elite recruits as 'superteam' craze impacts recruiting

The highest-ranked player on the Scout list who has chosen a college is No. 13 E.J. Montgomery, a power forward who picked Auburn nearly a year ago. There are only four committed prospects in the entire top 25.

Mike DeCourcy

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Bol Bol won't hold grudge against John Calipari, Kentucky despite national team omission

Bol, a consensus top-5 prospect in the 2018 recruiting class, has no harsh feelings for the men who left him off the U19 U.S. team.

Mike DeCourcy

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For Michigan State recruit Foster Loyer, hoop springs paternal

John Loyer is not just Foster’s father, he is his personal coach — with an NBA resume.

Mike DeCourcy

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It's fair to criticize John Calipari for U.S. defeat at U19 Worlds, if you criticize him fairly

Is it fair to criticize Calipari for losing to Canada? Absolutely, that’s fair.

Mike DeCourcy

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John Calipari's US overwhelmed by Canada's R.J. Barrett in semifinals of FIBA U19 World Cup

The Americans were beaten by a team filled with players who play on the AAU circuit, who compete at U.S. high schools, and who relied largely on the brilliance of a single individual player.

Mike DeCourcy

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Purdue's Carsen Edwards helps U.S. survive against Germany, advance to FIBA U19 semis

Germany actually led U.S. basketball in the FIBA U19 World Cup quarterfinal. It didn't last long.

Mike DeCourcy

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Oregon's Payton Pritchard points way for USA Basketball to FIBA U19 quarterfinals

Payton Pritchard is the one player on the United States junior national team who has appeared in the Final Four, so it was no surprise that performing in the round of 16 at the FIBA U19 World Cup was not terribly daunting.

Mike DeCourcy

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Coming back for sophomore year hasn't been a jinx for pro prospects deciding against one-and-done

Heading to the NBA after one year of college is all the rage, but staying one more season is more lucrative.

Mike DeCourcy

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SN Exclusive: Kentucky's John Calipari swats down report that he is interested in running Knicks

Coach Cal tells SN he's just fine where he is.

Mike DeCourcy

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Romeo Langford will play for Calipari with USA, but rival college recruiters fighting to stay in hunt

Coach Cal, once again, has a leg up on the competition in the recruitment of a five-star prospect.

Mike DeCourcy

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Plot to form HBCU pro league is another doomed, anti-NCAA fantasy

The latest idea to undermine the NCAA is just another proposal that won't work.

Mike DeCourcy

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Kentucky's Hamidou Diallo working on succeeding as first-ever 1.5-and-done player

Hamidou Diallo was ready to turn pro after not playing a game in college. He decided at the last second to come back to Kentucky and try to improve his NBA draft stock.

Mike DeCourcy

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Duke's Marques Bolden cut by USA Basketball, but still time to make impact for Blue Devils

Bolden still will have the opportunity for a head start on his second college season by joining the Blue Devils on their August trip to the Dominican Republic for two games against the Dominican national team.

Mike DeCourcy

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John Calipari must avoid losing more than just games while coaching Team USA

Coaching Team USA is supposed to be the ultimate recruiting tool for John Calipari. But this process is trickier than many believe.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA infractions committee lets Louisville off easy for its worst offenses

Here’s what you need to understand about how and why the NCAA infractions committee bungled this case: The most severe sanctions were attached to the least egregious offenses.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA stripping Louisville's 2013 championship banner has Rick Pitino, Cardinals furious

Becoming the first champion in NCAA Tournament history to have its record erased would be an ugly stain on a historically significant program like Louisville.

Mike DeCourcy

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Penguins bring Stanley Cup home to Pittsburgh for another victory parade

This is how Pittsburgh does it: Conquer the world, then ride triumphantly through the city streets.

Mike DeCourcy

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Ohio State gets ideal coach in Chris Holtmann, but after Holtmann declined initial offer

Holtmann never said Monday why he demurred when Smith approached him initially.

Mike DeCourcy

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Stanley Cup Final 2017: We shouldn't laugh off Predators fans' catfish 'tradition'

SN's Mike DeCourcy explains why it's unwise to laugh off fans smuggling anything into packed arenas.

Mike DeCourcy

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Stanley Cup Final 2017: Sidney Crosby's pugnacity leads to hockey 'fight' between Pittsburgh radio hosts

Crosby sparks war of words between two Pittsburgh sports radio hosts from rival stations.

Mike DeCourcy

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One word to describe new Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann: 'Phenomenal'

Ohio State made a smart move hiring Butler's Chris Holtmann to replace Thad Matta.

Mike DeCourcy

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Butler has strong candidates available to succeed Chris Holtmann, inside the family and out

There are few programs in college basketball that have had more success in the speculative business of hiring head coaches than the Butler Bulldogs.

Mike DeCourcy

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Ohio State's offer to Creighton coach Greg McDermott raises more questions than it answers

Greg McDermott has lived most of his life in Big Ten country but he hasn't established a strong presence around Ohio.

Mike DeCourcy

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Sean Miller leaving for Ohio State will happen 'over my dead body', says Arizona president

Talk about having job security.

Mike DeCourcy

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Cameron Johnson claims Pitt error should allow him to join North Carolina immediately

Will Cam Johnson's letter be enough for Pitt to grant him full release?

Mike DeCourcy

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Thad Matta, his brilliant career derailed by health issues, faces an uncertain future

Matta's future is uncertain after his storied career at Ohio State. What is there to engage a basketball coach if it’s not coaching basketball?

Mike DeCourcy

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Stanley Cup Final 2017: One year later, Sidney Crosby and Penguins continue to 'just play'

These Penguins, and those who won the 2016 Stanley Cup, clearly aren't the same team that was on the brink of elimination in the Eastern Conference finals last season.

Mike DeCourcy

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Stanley Cup Final 2017: Picking between Penguins and Predators a painful process

Here is Sporting News' pick to win the 2017 Stanley Cup.

Mike DeCourcy

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North Carolina reinforces stance it had academic issues — not NCAA violations — as process nears end

Closure could finally be coming in the NCAA's infraction case against UNC.

Mike DeCourcy

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Hamidou Diallo talks the talk in Kentucky return, now has to shoot the shot

The once none-and-done prospect created the hype. Now, he has to deliver on the court.

Mike DeCourcy

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Tony Bradley's one-and-done departure not what North Carolina needs to juice recruiting

Tony Bradley leaving the Tar Heels for the NBA won't help Roy Williams attract more one-and-done recruits.

Mike DeCourcy

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ACC's Swofford says NCAA Tournament hurts regular season; evidence says he's wrong

ACC commissioner John Swofford says the popularity of the NCAA Tournament damages college basketball's regular season. Stats, especially attendance figures, rebut his statement.

Mike DeCourcy

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Pitt's Kevin Stallings wrong about restricting Cam Johnson transfer — but good luck convincing him

Pitt is restricting Cam Johnson from transferring to any other ACC school without losing a year of eligibility. Sound unfair? Pitt head coach Kevin Stallings has done this before.

Mike DeCourcy

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NHL playoffs 2017: Tommy Wingels' lack of punishment another blow to NHL integrity

The NHL had an opportunity to make a statement with Tommy Wingels' cheap move. It passed.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA rules committee makes a smart call — leaving the game as it is

The rules changes and officiating adjustments made over the past year appear to be working as intended, so the NCAA made a smart choice to make minor adjustments to the rules this year.

Mike DeCourcy

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Frank Jackson's departure gives Duke chance to land Trevon Duval

Jackson's decision to remain as a draft early entrant is the best possible news for Duke basketball. OK, well maybe not the best possible news. The best news for Duke fans would be elite recruit Trevon Duval committing to the Blue Devils.

Mike DeCourcy

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NHL playoffs 2017: Dumb format helps wreck Capitals' season, Stanley Cup excitement

The NHL's playoff format is like the league took all the dumb in Canada and all the dumb in the United States and mashed it together into one great pile of lunacy.

Mike DeCourcy

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Dayton's UD Arena getting major upgrades to improve experience for Flyers, NCAA Tournament

The University of Dayton announced a $72 million renovation of UD Arena that it contends will make it a state-of-the-art building.

Mike DeCourcy

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Five programs that could replace Valparaiso in the Horizon League

Horizon member Valparaiso stood as the obvious choice to replace WSU in the Missouri Valley Conference, but there are some good possibilities to replace the Crusaders in the league.

Mike DeCourcy

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Kentucky's already youthful roster just got younger with addition of Kevin Knox

With two 18-year-olds, four 19-year-olds and one 20-year-old, Kentucky's 2017-18 roster is very young and essentially no one could comfortably be called a veteran.

Mike DeCourcy

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Big man Ben Carter's sixth year of eligibility no small aid to Michigan State's NCAA title pursuit

One of the most significant obstacles between the 2016-17 Spartans and contention for the Big Ten Conference championship or another Final Four was their punishing lack of depth inside. Now, Izzo will have more bigs with Ben Carter returning.

Mike DeCourcy

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Mike Brown's defense of Joe Mixon draft pick rings hollow given Bengals' history

The Bengals are an organization that lacks the culture necessary to ignore a draft prospect like Joe Mixon.

Mike DeCourcy

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Northwestern State's Jalan West receives rare seventh year of NCAA eligibility

You know all those jokes about how a particular college basketball player seems like he's been in college for seven years? That player is now Jalan West.

Mike DeCourcy

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Time has come for Naismith Hall of Fame to consider West Virginia's Bob Huggins for enshrinement

He is one of only 11 Division I coaches ever with 800 or more career victories and deserves to be in the HOF conversation with the likes of Coach K, Jim Boeheim and Adolph Rupp.

Mike DeCourcy

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Sorry to disappoint, but Fournette, McCaffery bowl game strike will not lead to revolution

Skipping out on a bowl game requires a few difficult conversations, the abdication of one's own competitive instincts and the abandonment of all sporting logic. That's why Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey will be the minority.

Mike DeCourcy

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Paul George brushes off questions about future after getting swept by Cavs

There are so many questions surrounding Paul George’s future with the Pacers now that their 2016-17 season has ended, but there’s one person it doesn’t really help to ask: Paul George.

Mike DeCourcy

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NBA playoffs 2017: J.R. Smith back in Cavs' lineup for Game 3; defense main focus

J.R. Smith will be counted on to disrupt the Pacers' perimeter game Friday.

Mike DeCourcy

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Duke's Grayson Allen will become a senior, so it's time to act like one

What makes Grayson Allen’s case interesting is that his need to improve is not limited only to basketball matters.

Mike DeCourcy

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Dan Rooney's greatest gift to Pittsburgh: Transforming steel town into City of Champions

The late Dan Rooney was a football man and a Pittsburgher through and through. He is one of the main reasons the city defines itself by its pro football team.

Mike DeCourcy

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For Miles Bridges, return to Michigan State was never in question

Many top-tier talents have said they intend to play more than one year for their college team. When Miles Bridges said it, he meant it.

Mike DeCourcy

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Allonzo Trier's return to Arizona makes No. 1 preseason ranking look stronger

Trier decided he had unfinished business as a college basketball player and determined he would return to Arizona for his junior season in 2017-18 rather than enter the NBA Draft.

Mike DeCourcy

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Justin Jackson enters NBA Draft, ends North Carolina career as under-appreciated Tar Heels great

Justin Jackson has done what few Tar Heels have accomplished in their UNC careers, but it might take a while for his contributions to be fully appreciated.

Mike DeCourcy

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Memphis AD can't write his way out of mess Tigers basketball has become

The Memphis athletic department was OK with making Keelon Lawson Sr. a coach, and with demoting him, and with the son of the new head coach serving as one of the three assistant coaches allowed on a Division I staff.

Mike DeCourcy

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As Washington and Memphis now know, hiring parents for talent doesn't work

Although there was a time when a single player could make a long-term difference in a program, that passed when it became standard procedure for potential program-changing talents to spend no more than a year in college.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA championship 2017: With three titles, Roy Williams in class by himself among North Carolina coaches

Roy Williams is now, beyond debate, one of the greatest coaches in the history of the college game.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA championship 2017: Referees didn't cause Gonzaga, UNC to choose physicality when skill failed them

The biggest reason the referees called so many fouls is because there were so many fouls. That’s possible, you know.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Championship 2017: Bruised Berry picks up North Carolina with stunning play in ugly victory

Had Berry’s 22-point, six-assist, two-steal, one-turnover performance against Gonzaga been surrounded by a better basketball game, it might have had an epic quality to it. Instead, it was enough to produce a victory. And a championship.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Final Four: Wrong to pin academic scandal on today's North Carolina players

The current Tar Heels players didn't take part in the academic fraud that has the program under NCAA scrutiny, so don't use the scandal to try to minimize their accomplishments this year.

Mike DeCourcy

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Duke announces Marques Bolden staying, one day after transfer report

The Blue Devils center barely played as a freshman because of an injury. He'll try again in 2017-18.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Final Four: UNC's Roy Williams in awkward position to pass mentor Dean Smith with championship

This is exactly what Dean Smith wanted from Roy Williams, even if it is a bit awkward for the latter.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Final Four: For North Carolina, championship trumps tale of redemption

North Carolina and Gonzaga are playing for the 2017 NCAA championship because they are the two best, most complete teams. Everything else is just packaging.

Mike DeCourcy

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Gonzaga vs. North Carolina: Pick, prediction for 2017 NCAA Championship game

The NCAA Championship game matching North Carolina (32-7) against Gonzaga (37-1) is my last opportunity to get one correct, and it scares me that I feel so confident.

Mike DeCourcy

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Joel Berry II injury update: Will UNC's Berry be limited by ankles in championship vs. Gonzaga?

The Tar Heels point guard has suffered two ankle injuries during the NCAA Tournament. He'll be on the court for the championship game Monday night.

Mike DeCourcy

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Final Four 2017: Kennedy Meeks rebounds to become North Carolina hero against Oregon

Forget about the missed free throws. Kennedy Meeks sealed the deal to help advance the Tar Heels to the title game.

Mike DeCourcy

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Final Four 2017: Gonzaga's foul play on Gamecocks worked to perfection

Gonzaga coach Mark Few went with a gut feeling to foul South Carolina in the waning moments of the first Final Four game. It worked perfectly.

Mike DeCourcy

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Final Four 2017: The most underrated stories heading into Saturday's games

Here are the four most underrated stories heading into the games between Gonzaga-South Carolina and North Carolina-Oregon.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Final Four: Ranking each team's chances to win the national championship

Here is how the Final Four teams rank, in order of potential to be lifting the trophy Monday night in Glendale, Ariz.

Mike DeCourcy

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Final Four 2017: Four biggest determining factors in Saturday's games

Here's what to look for when the action tips off in Phoenix.

Mike DeCourcy

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Final Four 2017: Picks, predictions for Saturday's games

Saturday's Final Four games offer plenty of intriguing matchups. Which teams come away with a win?

Mike DeCourcy

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Final Four 2017: Mark Few's Gonzaga miracle won't make him a saint, but maybe a Hall of Famer

In a relatively remote area of the country, in a town of about 200,000, at a private university with an enrollment of less than 7,500, in a conference that regularly sent just a single member onto the NCAAs, Few determined it was possible to invent a major college basketball power.

Mike DeCourcy

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UNC's Roy Williams finds Final Four great medicine for NCAA-sized headache

It's not every coach who views the madness of March as a welcome respite. But not every coach has had to deal with what Roy Williams' has.

Mike DeCourcy

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Final Four 2017: South Carolina, most shocking NCAA champion ever? For Gamecocks, it's game on

It’s hard to understand how a team can suddenly reinvent itself under the greatest pressure and against the best competition, but South Carolina has managed to do it.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: What a trip to the Final Four means for one devoted, frustrated and now elated Gonzaga fan

SN's Mike DeCourcy has corresponded with a Gonzaga fan for over a decade. That fan finally got to describe what it was like to watch his team reach the Final Four.

Mike DeCourcy

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Why the Final Four is not better without one-and-done players

UNC’s win over Kentucky means there will be only two freshman starters in the 2017 Final Four, neither of the one-and-done variety. Many are celebrating this as a validation of the value of experience, of the superiority of college continuity. There are no real facts to support it.

Mike DeCourcy

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How Sean Miller allowed one lucky writer to witness Christian Laettner's shot

The most important shot in March 1992 was launched by Pitt point guard Sean Miller in the final game of his college career, the last shot he took as a competitive basketball player at any level. He missed.

Mike DeCourcy

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Kentucky-Duke: The greatest game ever played

Where were you on March 28, 1992? You might not know the answer to that question without a bit more information. Better question: Where were you when Christian Laettner hit "The Shot"?

Mike DeCourcy

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New coach Archie Miller the type of Hoosier that Indiana basketball needs

Archie Miller isn't an IU alum, but his devotion to basketball and recruiting the state fit with the program's ideals. His arrival should be welcome news to the school's hoops-savvy fans.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: North Carolina's 7 seconds of brilliance was years in the making

SN breaks down Luke Maye's winning jumper for the Tar Heels against Kentucky in the Elite Eight. This was no wing and a prayer; the Heels are well-coached on such plays.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Kris Jenkins celebrates with UNC family year after breaking Heels' hearts

Villanova standout Kris Jenkins is the brother of guard Nate Britt, who now has a chance to add a second NCAA national championship to the family home.

Mike DeCourcy

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In Madness of March, North Carolina finds talent needs toughness to survive

Toughness has been a recurring issue for North Carolina to address over the year. The Tar Heels' close victory over Arkansas may have changed that.

Mike DeCourcy

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Kentucky vs. North Carolina, South Carolina vs. Florida: Picks, predictions for Sunday's Elite Eight games

SN's Mike DeCourcy takes a shot at picking which teams from the East Region and South Region will be heading to Phoenix for the Final Four.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Gonzaga's Final Four berth means Bulldogs are beyond elite

There’s nothing left to use against Gonzaga but elitism now that the Bulldogs have clinched their first Final Four appearance.

Mike DeCourcy

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New Indiana coach Archie Miller was bound for the Hoosiers from start of coaching career

Growing up in Western Pennsylvania as the son of a legendary high school coach and the brother of a local college hoops hero, Archie Miller has prepared his entire life to become the head coach at a place such as Indiana.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Picks, predictions for Saturday's Elite Eight games

Mike DeCourcy lets you know who'll be heading to Phoenix and who'll be heading back to campus for good.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Let's talk up Kentucky G De'Aaron Fox's dominance of UCLA's Lonzo Ball

De'Aaron Fox's 39-point night speaks to how good he is and how important he is to Kentucky. It also should help keep his name out of LaVar Ball's mouth, unless LaVar wants to praise him.

Mike DeCourcy

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March Madness: LaVar Ball does the talking, Lonzo does the balling

UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball has heard his dad talk smack forever, but Lonzo will let his game do the talking when he takes on Kentucky in the Sweet 16.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Picks, predictions for Friday's Sweet 16 games

SN predicts which four teams will join Thursday's winners in this year's Elite Eight.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Those writing off Arizona's Miller ignore other coaches' histories

The internet had jokes immediately after Sean Miller's squad was upset by Xavier in the Sweet 16. The trolls don't accept the fact other high-level coaches needed years to break through.

Mike DeCourcy

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Rhode Island's Danny Hurley 'in play' for Georgetown head coaching job, SN source says

Danny Hurley finished an excellent fifth season at Rhode Island with an Atlantic 10 Tournament championship and advancement to the NCAA Tournament second round.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes, Bronson Koenig two wins away from exclusive club

Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig can join the rare Three Fours Club by surviving a tough East Region.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Picks, predictions for Thursday's Sweet 16 games

SN's Mike DeCourcy sends a few teams to the Elite Eight — and sends the rest home for the season.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Ranking the Sweet 16 championship contenders

Here’s how the remaining NCAA Tournament teams rank, in order of their ability to win the national championship.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Mike DeCourcy's (updated) Sweet 16, Final Four picks

SN writer Mike DeCourcy gets a do-over with the bracket, beginning with the Sweet 16. Who does he pick to win now?

Mike DeCourcy

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Indiana should search for the best coach for the job, not just the best Hoosier

The Hoosiers need to look beyond their circle and hire the the best candidate.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Beilein puts aside true love of Cardinals baseball for Michigan's Sweet 16

Michigan coach John Beilein is a huge Cardinals fan. There’s just one problem with all of this: spring training and March Madness happen at exactly the same time.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Kentucky's fresh approach to last-minute defense leads to Sweet 16

This year's Wildcats team is different, less gifted overall than its immediate predecessors, but it makes up for that with toughness and togetherness. Both were on display vs. Wichita State.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Wagner's second-half masterpiece carries Michigan to Sweet 16

Michigan likely wouldn't have beaten Louisville were it not for Moritz Wagner.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Nobody does it better (in March Madness) than Louisville's Pitino

This is why Rick Pitino's Louisville teams are so hard to beat in the NCAA Tournament.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Start times, predictions, info for Sunday’s games

The 2017 NCAA Tournament has been chalky so far, but that doesn't mean there will be a lack of good games.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Wisconsin does Wisconsin, and now it's back in Sweet 16

Wisconsin is in the Sweet 16 after knocking off last year's NCAA Tournament champion. The Badgers are enjoying success after going back to what made the program strong for more than a decade.

Mike DeCourcy

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Illinois shocks the sport — and delights its fans — by hiring away OK State's Brad Underwood

Brad Underwood left the 2017 NCAA Tournament in 40 minutes, and he left Oklahoma State University in less than a year. But he figures to stay as head coach of Illinois Fighting Illini for as long as he likes.

Mike DeCourcy

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NCAA Tournament 2017: Big East took advantage of breaks on way to being broken

Regular-season wins over injury-weakened Creighton and Xavier made the Big East look stronger than it was. The teams that benefited most from those injuries are now out of the tournament.

Mike DeCourcy

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