#college-basketball

#college-basketball

At Madison Square Garden, the lights were bright and the energy was real as No. 5 St. John's took the floor against No. 7 Michigan in an exhibition that felt far more like a March showdown than a preseason tune-up. This game absolutely lived up to its hype, with both teams exchanging blows for all 45 minutes, but Michigan came out victorious with a 9694 overtime win. Yaxel Lendeborg led all scorers with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field, adding 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Speaking at Big 12 media day on Wednesday, Peterson -- a five-star recruit and 6-foot-6 guard who is projected to go No. 1 in ESPN's latest 2026 NBA mock draft -- said he's focused on helping the Jayhawks win this season, not the chatter about his future. "I handle it by not even paying any attention to it," Peterson told ESPN. "I'm just going to go out and play and win games."

Who is most likely to battle for those rights is more apparent in the major conferences. Duke's Cameron Boozer and NC State's Darrion Williams are candidates in the ACC. Donovan Dent, the UCLA star who transferred from New Mexico, could push Purdue's Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn in the Big Ten. Kentucky's Otega Oweh and Florida's Alex Condon lead a crowded field of candidates for individual honors in the SEC.

Sportsbooks flagged dozens of suspicious bets made by gamblers repeatedly wagering against the same small-conference teams in at least 11 men's college basketball games over six weeks last season, documents obtained by ESPN show. As the NCAA and federal authorities investigate alleged point-shaving in college basketball, the documents reveal new details about the behavior of an alleged gambling syndicate and the games suspected members targeted between Dec. 1, 2024, and mid-January 2025. ESPN obtained the documents in a public records request.

After winning the national title, Todd Golden lost the best backcourt in America. Departures included the NCAA tournament's Most Outstanding Player in Walter Clayton Jr. and two more players who were selected in the 2025 NBA draft (Alijah Martin and Will Richard) -- but that's only part of the story. The return of Golden's frontcourt wasn't a guarantee as key players flirted with the NBA draft.

"I've been a part of college basketball for almost 50 years, and the truth is, it's time," Pearl said tearfully in a video announcing his retirement. "I told myself when I got to the point where I could not give it my all, or I wasn't necessarily 100%, or I couldn't be the relentless competitor that [Auburn fans] expected of me, that it was going to be time."

Former San Jose State player Steven Vasquez was one of three men's Division I college basketball players who had their eligibility permanently revoked on Wednesday by the NCAA after an investigation determined they bet on their own games and shared thousands of dollars in payouts. The NCAA Committee on Infractions released findings from an enforcement investigation that uncovered violations by Vasquez, and former Fresno State players Mykell Robinson and Jalen Weaver.

A Fresno State men's basketball player manipulated his performance for gambling purposes and conspired with two players to place bets on his statistics, according to findings from an NCAA investigation released Wednesday. The NCAA ruled that Fresno State forward Mykell Robinson, San Jose State guard Steven Vasquez and Fresno State guard Jalen Weaver are permanently ineligible due to gambling violations and are no longer enrolled at their schools.

Posted up against a wall of the air-conditioned gym at Peach Jam in mid-July, Tulane coach Ron Hunter prepared to greet an approaching SEC colleague, expecting a handshake and pleasantries. But his powerhouse peer had other intentions for the interaction with Hunter, who has developed multiple players who have transferred to elite programs -- including former Duke star Sion James -- in recent years. "He came over to me and he said, 'Ron, you're doing a hell of a job ... getting kids ready for our level,'" Hunter told ESPN at the basketball camp in North Augusta, South Carolina. "And I didn't know whether to be mad or to say thank you."

Florida Gators boast depth with multiple frontcourt players capable of starting. The team likely utilizes big lineups, potentially featuring 6-foot-11 Alex Condon at small forward.

Pitino's comments about Ian Jackson being the 'most potential' player reflect a belief he has significant growth opportunities, highlighting a perceived gap in his fundamental game understanding.

Mike Krzyzewski stated, '[Grant Hill] is the best player to ever play at Duke,' and '[Christian Laettner] is the most accomplished.' He also praised Cooper Flagg as 'definitely the best freshman that has ever played.'

Deron Rippey Jr., a 6-foot-2 point guard from New York City, is a top-20 national prospect and the No. 2 point guard in the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite.

Expanding the NCAA tournament isn't the terrible idea many have suggested, particularly if it prevents high majors from creating separate tournaments.

The St. John's Red Storm is switching sides in college basketball's brand wars, and it's a big win for Adidas.

The spotlight on Arkansas basketball is brighter than ever, thanks to John Calipari's presence and his strategic approach to the nonconference schedule.