This is default featured slide 1 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

This is default featured slide 2 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

This is default featured slide 3 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

This is default featured slide 4 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

This is default featured slide 5 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

dl

"zone name","placement name","placement id","code (direct link)" direct-link-1798409,DirectLink_1,23050697,https://www.highcpmgate.com/rrafqkvmm?key=b2efdc77796ce8f7559adb663e370f07

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Tommy Lloyd says comment on next Arizona coach wasn’t about UNC opening

March 31, 2026  ,  No comments

Arizona men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd cleared the air about the postgame comments he made following Arizona’s win in the Elite Eight over Purdue on Saturday.

Lloyd said on Saturday, “Arizona’s going to have another good coach after me, I promise you,” which caused many fans to take Lloyd’s comments out of context and speculate it to mean he would be leaving Tucson.

Lloyd has been heavily linked to the open North Carolina job since the firing of Hubert Davis on March 24. The Wildcats head coach is reportedly a frontrunner for the vacancy in Chapel Hill, along with Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan.

“It’s absolutely true. There’s gonna be another coach. This is a great program. 
I didn’t say when,” Lloyd told reporters on Tuesday in Tucson before his team departs for the Final Four in Indianapolis. “People are going to speculate all they want. Guys, this team has my full focus.

RELATED STORIES

“Nothing, nothing — I promise you, nothing — is knocking me off that path. And you guys might call them distractions, ’cause you’re distracted.

“That doesn’t mean I’m distracted or we’re distracted. You know what’s pretty cool? Once you get some experience in this deal, and you’re a player or you’re a coach who’s been at it a while, you get pretty good at, you know, eliminating the distractions.”

Lloyd took Arizona to its first Final Four in 25 years, and the Wildcats are 148-35 (.809) under the coach, including trips to at least the Sweet 16 in four of his five seasons.

Lloyd’s buyout at Arizona is reportedly $9 million if it comes on April 1 of after; however, his representatives have reportedly been in talks with the University of Arizona over a new contract since before the start of the NCAA Tournament, Desiree Reed-Francois told CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein ahead of Arizona’s Sweet 16 game against Arkansas.

Lloyd was hired by former Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke ahead of the 2021-22 season, and there are reported differences between Lloyd and Heeke’s successor, Reed-Francois.

Lloyd initially signed a five-year contract upon being hired and later agreed to a five-year contract extension in 2024. He signed an additional extension the following year, keeping him under contract with Arizona until after the 2030 season.

Lloyd’s contract at Arizona sees him earn $4.4 million in base salary in 2025-26 and 2026-27 before annual increases of $250,000 the next three seasons.



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/1SqUBs7

Read More

Rain or Shine forges record margin with huge victory over Blackwater

March 31, 2026  ,  No comments

Rain or Shine set a new record for the biggest blowout in PBA history that kept its status as the only unbeaten team in the Commissioner’s Cup. The Elasto Painters dismantled the Blackwater Bossing, 151-95, on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium with import Jaylen Johnson back from suspension, Andrei Caracut stepping up and coach Yeng

from Inquirer Sports https://ift.tt/kca0We8

Read More

Inspiring fans take center stage on Opening Day for 1st pitch, National Anthem

March 31, 2026  ,  No comments

PHOENIX — Many times, the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day is thrown by a franchise icon or a celebrity fan, and the national anthem performed by a top-selling artist.

The Arizona Diamondbacks gave a pair of young fans who have persevered through arduous circumstances the opportunity of a lifetime on Monday, to welcome baseball season into the Valley.

Beauden Baumkirchner, who suffered from sepsis that led to the amputation of both of his legs at a young age and survived, threw out the first pitch to his favorite player and D-backs outfielder Corbin Carroll.

Joe Giacinto, a blind and autistic clarinetist with big dreams as a musician, performed the Star-Spangled Banner.

Both received thunderous applause from the sold-out crowd in the ballpark.

Baumkirchner suffered what was first thought to be a typical cut when riding a bike during a vacation in 2020. He was three years old. He contracted a rare staph infection and went into septic shock, tragically, and Baumkirchner underwent more than 20 surgeries.

Years later, Baumkirchner is now a baseball player at Lake Havasu Little League, using prosthetic legs. He and his family are big Diamondbacks fans, and Carroll had sent him a personal message. 

“Shocked,” Baumkirchner told MLB Network in January when he received the message.

When asked by Hot Stove host Matt Vasgersian if he’s been to Chase Field and met Carroll in person, the young man said he had not. That’s now been rectified in a big way.

Baumkirchner aimed and fired a pitch to Carroll, who with a big smile gave Baumkirchner a high five and signed the baseball for him. Perhaps Baumkirchner brought Carroll good luck, as the two-time All-Star hit a triple and a home run in the first two innings of the ballgame.

Giacinto is a self-taught musician from the Valley who powered through the anthem with fireworks and the classic Opening Day flyover in the background.

The fans started to erupt before he hit his last note, and he had a big smile on his face after the memorable performance.

“Let’s go!” Giacinto exclaimed when asked to perform on Opening Day by D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall. “I can’t wait.”

The artist has already played the anthem at an Atlanta Hawks game earlier this NBA season, as he continues to showcase his talents in front of large audiences.



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/tm7jR0a

Read More

Suns great Amar’e Stoudemire elected to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026

March 31, 2026  ,  No comments

Phoenix Suns great Amar’e Stoudemire is among the inductees for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Stoudemire is joined by Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and Doc Rivers, among others.

Coming straight out of high school, Stoudemire arrived in Phoenix as the No. 9 overall pick in 2002. He went on to win Rookie of the Year before earning an All-NBA First-Team selection in 2007 and All-NBA Second-Team nods in 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2011.

RELATED STORIES

The five-time All-Star, who was inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor in 2024, helped lead Phoenix to the playoffs five times.

In his eight seasons with Phoenix, Stoudemire averaged 21.4 points on 54.4% shooting. He added 8.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.4 blocks across 34.3 minutes per game.

From a franchise history standpoint, he’s seventh in points (11,035), third in rebounds (4,613) and fifth in blocks (722).

Following his time in Phoenix, Stoudemire played five seasons with the New York Knicks (2010-15) where he added one more All-Star accolade to his resume. He also had stops in Miami (2014-15) and Dallas (2015-16).



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/9JmoMYb

Read More

Monday, 30 March 2026

Japanese Olympian resets Asian track record

March 30, 2026  ,  No comments

TAGAYTAY—Kaiya Ota of Japan reset his own Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships elite men sprint record in the qualifying round before eventually winning the gold medal with relative ease at Tagaytay CT Velodrome on Sunday. Ota clocked 9.348 seconds in the qualifiers to smash the previous Asian mark of 9.350 seconds he himself

from Inquirer Sports https://ift.tt/6A4jIJG

Read More

Cardinals come away with 3rd-round QB in Matt Miller mock draft

March 30, 2026  ,  No comments

When it comes to the list of teams would could make a splash for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals are penciled in at the very top.

ESPN analyst Field Yates recently predicted the Cardinals to trade up and select Alabama’s Ty Simpson late in the first round while NFL.com’s Charles Davis had Arizona pulling the trigger at No. 3 overall (with a caveat).

In ESPN analyst Matt Miller’s three-round mock draft published Monday, he instead sees the Cardinals waiting until the third round and using the No. 65 overall pick on Miami’s Carson Beck.

After missing on Simpson in Round 2, the Cardinals could take a swing at QB here. Beck’s experience and strong pocket play would allow him to run the play-action-based offense Mike LaFleur brings to Arizona.

By the time the Cardinals are on the clock at the start of the third round, Beck is left as the best available option.

Simpson falls to the second round, but ultimately goes off the board one pick before the Cardinals at No. 33 overall to the New York Jets. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Penn State’s Drew Allar are also taken within the first 64 selections.

Beck’s lone season as a Hurricane saw him throw for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. When playing at State Farm Stadium in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8, he threw for 268 yards and scored three touchdowns to help Miami advance to the National Championship Game.

Selecting Beck could give the Cardinals a potential long-term answer at third-round value, but most likely doesn’t alter the expectation of Jacoby Brissett starting Week 1.

As a result of Simpson not being available at No. 34 overall, Miller has Arizona pivoting to another pressing need at edge rusher with Missouri’s Zion Young.

The Cardinals would just miss on Simpson falling to them here, though they could trade up, which is what they did in Field Yates’ and Jordan Reid’s most recent mock drafts. Young would be a strong consolation prize, giving Arizona a powerful defensive end to complement the speed Josh Sweat and Baron Browning provide.

Standing at 6-foot-6, 262 pounds, Young recorded 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2025, earning a First-Team All-SEC nod in the process. His pre-draft offseason has included earning Player of the Game honors at the Senior Bowl and impressing Miller himself in positional drills at the NFL Combine.

To begin their 2026 NFL Draft, Miller predicts the Cardinals to play it safe with Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 3 overall.

General manager Monti Ossenfort addressed the offensive line in free agency by bringing in Isaac Seumalo and Elijah Wilkinson, but a permanent answer at the right tackle spot still eludes Arizona.

Far and away the most-linked prospect in the Arizona Sports Mock Draft Tracker with 68 out of 182 entries, Miller is the latest analyst to go that route on Day 1. The move also reunites Miami alums Mauigoa with Beck.

With the drop-off after Mendoza at QB, Arizona could choose to stick with veteran Jacoby Brissett in 2026 and wait until a deeper 2027 draft to select their next signal-caller. So this pick can be the start of their future foundation. Mauigoa is the draft’s top-ranked offensive lineman and allowed only two sacks during Miami’s run to the national title game. He is a fierce run blocker who would be an immediate replacement for right tackle Christian Jones opposite Paris Johnson Jr., giving Arizona a pair of young offensive line bookends.



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/pE9htj5

Read More

Cardinals expected to have joint practice with Packers

March 30, 2026  ,  No comments

All signs point to the Arizona Cardinals heading to Green Bay for a joint practice with the Packers this preseason.

There’s still a final sign-off from the NFL, but new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said things are in the works.

“I love joint practices, because you get to hit somebody else, you get to see somewhat of a different scheme, all that,” LaFleur said during the annual NFL owners meeting on Monday. “But we’re going against different players, different corners, different D, we’re blocking different guys. Training camp is long and so for the same team to be hitting each other for that many weeks in a row, you’ve got to break it up.

“Inevitably we all know what’s going to happen after you keep hitting your own brother for a while. We’re going to hug each other after it, but when you’re going, you’re going. And it should be competitive. We’re working through that still. I don’t know if I can stamp anything. I’m waiting for kind of the league in terms of all that kind of stuff, but when that gets done, we’ll go up there.”

On top of getting a week of work in with his brother and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, Mike LaFleur is also going to get a taste of former head coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense now that the ex-Cardinal is Green Bay’s defensive coordinator.

Gannon was a huge fan of joint practices, heading to Minnesota (2023), Indianapolis (2024) and Denver (2025) during his three-year run in Arizona.

And while it’s expected there will be some similarities between the Nick Rallis-led Arizona defense and Gannon’s new unit, LaFleur isn’t concerned about any potential crossover.

RELATED STORIES

“I know someone’s going to say, ‘Well, JG’s kind of probably a similar scheme.’ They’re going to do whatever Green Bay’s going to do now, and he’s going to fit it to their players,” LaFleur said.

Another benefit of getting out of Arizona during the preseason? The weather.

It’s going to be toasty in Tempe (it already is getting that way) in the not-so-distant future. Add on another week of preseason action thanks to the Hall of Fame Game, and escaping the heat is a key component in heading to the Midwest for joint practice.

“We’ll turn it up, but at the same time we got to make sure that we’re taking care of these guys,” LaFleur said. “At some point (after training camp indoors), we got to go back home. We got to go back to Tempe and kind of get going there. To be able to do that joint after we get back, that gets them out of that heat.

“Like I told some of the guys already, if we could go to Canada, we would, they just don’t have a team. So, the next best thing is just going up to Wisconsin, because we can’t go to Seattle for obvious reasons. It’ll be fun.”



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/oXuLQJ5

Read More

Sunday, 29 March 2026

Food delivery rider aboard cheap bike resets national cycling mark

March 29, 2026  ,  No comments

TAGAYTAY City—Zedrick Ivan Honorica, who pedals for Food Panda to make a living, just did something grand with his cheap bike on Sunday. Riding the same P2,500 bike that he just upgraded with P12,000 wheels, the 21-year-old from Marikina shattered a 20-year-old national record in the Asian Cycling Confederation Track and Para Track Cycling championships

from Inquirer Sports https://ift.tt/aPZscSJ

Read More

‘You players figure it out’: How a players-only meeting spurred Arizona to the Final Four

March 29, 2026  ,  No comments

SAN JOSE — As Arizona faced its first deficit of the NCAA Tournament and just its fifth halftime deficit of the season, a players-only halftime meeting supercharged a second-half rally on Saturday, which helped propel the Wildcats to the Final Four.

Arizona trailed by seven at halftime — matching its largest halftime deficit of the season — after being out-rebounded 20-15 and allowing Purdue to shoot 7 of 14 (50%) from 3-point range.

With a longer-than-usual halftime ahead, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd wanted to make the most of the extended break.

Associate head coach Jack Murphy opened the break by showing the Wildcats some film before Lloyd entered the room and told the team what needed to change: rebounding.

“Just stay calm. Get the (offensive rebounds). Box them out. Don’t do stupid mistakes and just keeping going possession by possession and just play steady,” Arizona center Motiejus Krivas said when describing Lloyd’s message.

“The message to the guys from me was, like, ‘Stay steady, let’s work ourselves back in the game,'” Lloyd said. “We’ve been great at the start of the second half. Then we’ll go from there.”

With the long intermission still taking place, it was then time for Lloyd’s light bulb moment to commence. Lloyd and his staff stepped out, and the message became the players’ to own.

“This is when we’re at our best. I said, ‘Guys, the coaching staff and I are going to leave right now. You guys got a few minutes to talk amongst yourselves and kind of figure this deal out, and let’s go kick their ass in the second half,'” Lloyd said.

Lloyd said he had previously used the tactic with success “probably four or five times this year,” including during a few timeouts and a couple of halftimes.

“Coach always has these things they want to talk about,” Arizona guard Anthony Dell’Orso said. “We watch film. We kinda get a quick few pointers, but something this coaching staff does is they leave and they say, ‘You players figure it out.’

“And they all leave the room, we all talk about it and we’re always positive and we’re always just saying, ‘Let’s go. Let’s figure it out. We’re good. We’re gonna win this game.’”

As Lloyd left the locker room, Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, Ivan Kharchenkov and Krivas led the discussion.

“(They) told us to keep going,” Arizona freshman Koa Peat said. “You know, we’ve been through adversity this season. Can’t get too high or too low. Just stay even keeled. And we went out there and played our game and came out victorious. I’m just proud of the guys. We stayed together.”

RELATED STORIES

Coming out of the half, the Wildcats went on a 13-5 scoring run in a span of just more than five minutes to take their first lead since the 4:28 mark of the first half.

“Our guys did a good job. They came out, and we tied the game pretty quick,” Lloyd said. “Then it’s a 0-0 game, and can we win it down the stretch? Then somehow, some way we were able to sustain that run.”

Arizona more than sustained that momentum and outscored Purdue 48-26 and out-rebounded the Boilermakers 22-16 in the second half.

Lloyd said he felt like a spectator.

“The most powerful thing in a team sport is a player-led program,” Lloyd said. “The coach, you have to help them navigate it, but when you can get the players to kind of own these moments, you are just so much better. You are so much better.”



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/rPJg5vN

Read More

Saturday, 28 March 2026

Hotshots feel they have locked in key ingredient with new import

March 28, 2026  ,  No comments

Coach LA Tenorio used wordplay to summarize Magnolia’s difficulties to start the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. “Ironically we are called the Chicken Timplados, pero hindi namin mahanap ang tamang timpla (we couldn’t find the right mix),” Tenorio said after the Hotshots finally got on the win column on Saturday. Magnolia found the right mix, at least

from Inquirer Sports https://ift.tt/o5kYR0v

Read More

Fantasy Baseball Two-Start Pitchers: Rankings & Pickups (Week 1)

March 28, 2026  ,  No comments

Fantasy Baseball Two-Start Pitchers: Rankings & Pickups (Week 1)

Now that the season is beginning, you should be grinding the fantasy baseball two-start pitchers to give you an advantage over your competition.

Each week, I will be giving you a breakdown of the two-start options for your fantasy leagues, broken up into the following tiers:

  • Must Start: The guys that you have to start because of their talent and/or matchups.
  • Should Start: These are the guys that are rostered in most formats and probably should be in your lineup.
  • Here We Go: Pitchers that you are probably starting in most formats, but have some level of risk to them.
  • Feeling Lucky: Pitchers that are risky, but viable in deeper formats.
  • Desperate Measures: Pitchers you shouldn’t use unless you have no other choice.

These are projected two-start pitchers and are subject to change, and they will with the season just getting going.

Fantasy Baseball In-Season Waiver Wire & Trade Advice

Fantasy Baseball Two-Start Pitchers: Week 1

Let’s explore this week’s fantasy baseball two-start pitchers, ranging from must-start options to those you should probably avoid.

Must Start

Max Fried (NYY) at SEA, at MIA
Edward Cabrera (CHC) vs LAA, at CLE
Chase Burns (CIN) vs PIT, at TEX

Should Start

Ranger Suarez (BOS) at HOU, vs SD
 If you drafted Suarez, you are most likely using him here in spite of tough matchups. I have some reservations with him this year because Boston’s infield defense is not nearly as strong as it was in Philadelphia, but he should still give you good ratios and plenty of win potential.

Ryan Weathers (NYY) at SEA, vs MIA
 I have reservations about Ryan Weathers this year, but that has everything to do with health. He has never had a season in the Majors where he reached 100 innings, and I just don’t trust that he will this season. However, that is a problem for later, as Weathers is extremely talented and healthy right now.

Cody Ponce (TOR) vs COL, at CHW

Kris Bubic (KC) vs MIN, vs MIL
 Similar to Weathers, I do not have much faith that Bubic can stay healthy for an entire season, but he is healthy right now, and he showed last year that when Bubic is on the mound and healthy, he is a fantastic starting pitcher.

Luis Castillo (SEA) vs NYY, at LAA
 Castillo has been a top 50 pitcher or better every year of his career. Sure, the skills are beginning to decline, but he puts up great volume with good ratios and is protected at home. He has a difficult start to begin the week and an easier one to wrap it up, so you are starting him in most formats.

Here We Go

Jack Leiter (TEX) at BAL, vs CIN
 Leiter has amazing stuff, but can struggle with command and control. He looked pretty good this spring and could be primed for a breakout this season. These are scary matchups versus two offenses that should be pretty good this season. I would probably roll with him in deeper leagues, but in shallower formats, you should have better options.

Mick Abel (MIN) at KC, vs TB
 Abel is coming off a fantastic spring training where he showed amazing stuff and very good command and control. He has decent matchups here and should be in most lineups outside of the very shallow leagues.

Kyle Harrison (MIL) vs TB, at KC
 Harrison was traded to Milwaukee in the offseason and looks like a new pitcher. He added a new pitch, and the results were impressive, posting a 24% K-BB%. He has two good matchups this week and, like Abel, should be in most lineups outside of shallow formats.

Braxton Ashcraft (PIT) at CIN, vs BAL
 Ashcraft has great stuff and looked good in spring, but he has two tough matchups. Going to Cincy can be very scary, while the Orioles game is at home

FantasyPros Fantasy Baseball Discord

Feeling Lucky

Nick Martinez (TB) at MIL, at MIN
 Martinez will be making his Rays debut this week, and while you usually want to target the Twins and their terrible looking team, it’s hard to know how the Rays will employ Martinez. He has experience being a starter and reliever, and the Rays have a history of using these guys as openers or followers.

Brandon Pfaadt (ARI) vs DET, vs ATL
 I have been a Pfaadt believer for years, and just when that seemed like it might finally be coming to an end, he started to draw me back in with a fantastic spring training. That being said, these are two tough matchups, and while he is at home, it is pretty risky to use him here.

Justin Verlander (DET) at ARI, vs STL
 Verlander is returning to the Tigers for one last run with them, and it is a fun story to watch. He was great down the stretch last season as well, but there is a bunch of risk to this one. He will get a lot of run support, but the Diamondbacks are a legitimately good team, and the Cardinals are more dangerous than they get credit for.

Desperate Measures

Chris Bassitt (BAL) vs TEX, at PIT
 David Martin (CWS) at MIA, vs TOR
 Parker Messick (CLE) at LAD, vs CHC
 Aaron Civale (CHC) at ATL, vs HOU
 Lance McCullers Jr. (HOU) vs BOS, at ATH
 Bryce Elder (ATL) vs ATH, at ARI
 Jose Suarez (ATL) vs ATH, at ARI
 Chris Paddack (MIN) vs CHW, at NYY
 Taijuan Walker (PHI) vs WAS, at COL
 Foster Griffin (WAS) at PHI, vs LAD
 Kyle Leahy (STL) vs NYM, at DET
 Michael Soroka (CWS) vs DET, vs ATL
 Tomoyuki Sugano (NYM) at TOR, vs PHI
 Roki Sasaki (LAD) vs CLE, at WAS
 German Marquez (COL) vs SF, at BOS
 Adrian Houser (CWS) at SD, vs NYM
 Landen Roupp (SF) at SD, vs NYM

Fantasy Baseball Trade & Waiver Wire Advice


Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | SoundCloud | TuneIn

  
  



from FantasyPros https://ift.tt/SXzucyw

Read More

Friday, 27 March 2026

PVL: Making All-Filipino semis couldn’t be sweeter for Cignal

March 27, 2026  ,  No comments

For years, Cignal was on the heartbreaking end of games against the crowd-favorite Creamline. Until their last meeting, when the Super Spikers refused to crack and flipped the script. Facing another collapse after falling behind 2-1 in sets in their qualifying match, the Super Spikers stood their ground and wrote a different ending by hacking

from Inquirer Sports https://ift.tt/Nz8RI6B

Read More

Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Grades & Start/Sit Advice (Week 1)

March 27, 2026  ,  No comments

Read More

Thursday, 26 March 2026

Foreign teams to field standouts with Filipino roots in NGVL national finals

March 26, 2026  ,  No comments

There’s going to be a lot to look forward to in the coming national finals of the National Grassroots Volleyball League (NGVL) this May, when some of the best young talents of the country showcase their skills and show their potential to be part of the sport’s future. Aside from the top local talents, the

from Inquirer Sports https://ift.tt/uoKvVP5

Read More

Ketel Marte leads off Diamondbacks’ Opening Day lineup vs. Dodgers

March 26, 2026  ,  No comments

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day lineup is set ahead of Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Leading off for Arizona is second baseman Ketel Marte, followed by right fielder Corbin Carroll and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo.

For Carroll, being in the lineup is a major positive after suffering a broken hamate bone as spring training began.

Batting cleanup for Arizona is catcher Gabriel Moreno, with designated hitter Pavin Smith and new addition Nolan Arenado next up.

First baseman Carlos Santana and outfielders Alek Thomas (center) and Jordan Lawlar (left) round out the batting order.

RELATED STORIES

Taking the mound for Arizona is starter Zac Gallen, who was given the nod with original Opening Day starter Merrill Kelly dealing left intercostal nerve irritation.

Kelly was placed on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday.

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day lineup

1. Ketel Marte (2B)
2. Corbin Carroll (RF)
3. Geraldo Perdomo (SS)
4. Gabriel Moreno (C)
5. Pavin Smith (DH)
6. Nolan Arenado (3B)
7. Carlos Santana (1B)
8. Alek Thomas (CF)
9. Jordan Lawlar (LF)

P: Zac Gallen

The Diamondbacks take on the Dodgers at 5:30 p.m. MST. Catch all the action on the Arizona Sports app, 98.7 and ArizonaSports.com.



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/ibmFLH9

Read More

NFL.com’s Charles Davis makes bold Cardinals QB prediction in mock draft

March 26, 2026  ,  No comments

NFL.com’s Charles Davis tossed the proverbial grenade and walked away when it came to the Arizona Cardinals’ No. 3 overall pick in his mock draft published Thursday.

Instead of linking Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. or Francis Mauigoa to Arizona’s first-round pick — some of the prospects being heavily connected to Arizona’s top pick — Davis chose chaos with Alabama’s Ty Simpson heading the Cardinals’ way, albeit with a caveat.

Last year, I opined in one of my early mocks that Jaxson Dart would go to the Giants with the third overall pick, but I didn’t stick with the pairing as the process unfolded. Dart, of course, ultimately ended up with New York after Big Blue traded back into the first round and selected the quarterback at No. 25. This year, I think Simpson ends up with the Cardinals, even if this is not the spot where they pick him.

Simpson marks the third prospect Davis has linked to the Cardinals’ No. 3 pick this offseason. In his first two mock drafts, he had Mauigoa and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, respectively, heading to Arizona.

RELATED STORIES

There is no denying Simpson and the Cardinals have been linked to one another this draft cycle. Just not so much at No. 3.

Instead, the quarterback has been a late first-round target for the franchise. A big piece of those trades includes the No. 34 overall pick the Cardinals have in the second round.

ESPN analyst Field Yates’ latest mock draft has the Cardinals moving Nos. 34 and 65, plus a 2027 third-round pick in exchange for the No. 26 overall pick from the Buffalo Bills.

But will Simpson still be there, especially after all the chatter he’s received this week from ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky and others?

Even before his name was reinjected into national sports shows, Mel Kiper Jr.’s recent mock draft for ESPN had Simpson landing as high as No. 16 to the New York Jets.

As for the prospects that have been heavily linked to the Cardinals’ No. 3 overall pick in Davis’ mock draft?

Reese ended up with the Jets at No. 2. Bailey went to the Tennessee Titans at No. 4. Bain fell to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 9, while Mauigoa found a new home with the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13.



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/4unSdfO

Read More

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

NBA team owners approve exploring expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas

March 25, 2026  ,  No comments

     NEW YORK – The NBA Board of Governors voted on Wednesday to authorize the league to explore potential expansion teams for Las Vegas and Seattle that would bring the league to 32 clubs. The move is the first step in a lengthy process that could lead to a new team in Seattle, where

from Inquirer Sports https://ift.tt/QzShCmI

Read More

Fantasy Baseball Opening Day: Sleepers & Must-Have Team

March 25, 2026  ,  No comments

Fantasy Baseball Opening Day: Sleepers & Must-Have Team (2026)

Fantasy Baseball Opening Day is finally here… sort of.

The 2026 MLB season kicks off with a single-game teaser before the full slate arrives, and while the format leaves something to be desired, the fantasy baseball implications are already in motion. From injury updates to bold predictions and “my guys” lists, there’s plenty to unpack before fantasy baseball lineups lock across the industry.

Fantasy Baseball In-Season Waiver Wire & Trade Advice

Fantasy Baseball Opening Day: Sleepers & Must-Have Team

Let’s break down the biggest takeaways from the FantasyPros “Leading Off” episode and what they mean for your fantasy squads right now.

Opening Day Feels… Off, But Fantasy Is Full Go

There’s no way around it. A one-game Opening Day doesn’t hit the same. The energy of wall-to-wall baseball is missing, and for fantasy players, that means fewer immediate data points and a slower ramp-up.

Still, the season has technically begun, and that’s enough to shift into in-season mode. Waiver wires, lineup decisions, and streaming strategies all start now.

Injury News to Monitor Early

The biggest headline: Gerrit Cole is officially on the IL to start the year.

There’s optimism he could return in May, making him a prime stash candidate if your league has IL flexibility. The advice here is simple: grab him, sit him for a few starts upon return, then deploy once he’s fully stretched out.

Meanwhile, Carlos Rodon is also sidelined, further muddying the Yankees rotation outlook early in the season.

Welsh’s All-2026 Fantasy Team: Value and Upside Blend

Welsh’s roster leans into cost-effective upside and category juice:

Key Targets

Will Smith (C – LAD)
Falling in drafts despite top-tier production potential.

Vinnie Pasquantino (1B – KC)
A favorite breakout bat, especially with ballpark changes boosting power outlook.

Jeremy Pena (SS – HOU)
Injury discount + strong spring signals = value.

Wyatt Langford (OF – TEX)
A 20/20 baseline with room for more.

Chandler Simpson (OF – TB)
Elite speed with sneaky average. A potential league-winner in stolen bases.

Pitching Core

The theme: build a stable base, then chase ceiling.

Joe’s All-2026 Fantasy Team: Youth Movement and Breakouts

Joe’s roster leans more aggressive, with a heavy emphasis on young bats and upside plays.

Core Hitters

Francisco Alvarez (C – NYM)
Still just 24, with 30-HR upside at catcher.

Bo Bichette (SS – NYM)
A bounce-back candidate with contract-year motivation.

Roman Anthony (OF – BOS)
One of the most exciting young bats entering 2026.

Jac Caglianone (OF – KC)
Massive power upside and rising hype.

Pitching Targets

Joe’s approach leans into ceiling and breakout potential, especially with prospects ready to impact early.

Chandler Simpson: The Bold Prediction That Could Win Leagues

One of the most aggressive calls from the episode: Chandler Simpson could steal 100 bases.

That sounds wild, but the logic checks out:

  • Elite stolen base rate per plate appearance
  • High contact profile
  • Improved MLB rules favoring base stealing

Even if he falls short, 50+ steals feels like a realistic floor. That alone makes him a premium fantasy asset.

Shohei Ohtani Is Still the Cheat Code

After an 11-strikeout performance, Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine fantasy value.

In daily lineup leagues, the flexibility to use him as both hitter and pitcher creates unmatched roster leverage. If your format allows it, he’s still the clear 1.01.

Tyler O’Neill Opening Day Streak: Bet or Stay Away?

Tyler O’Neill has homered on Opening Day six straight years.

Seven in a row would be historic. The odds sit around 3-to-1, making it one of the most talked-about bets of the slate.

The hosts? They’re out.

The takeaway? Fun narrative, but don’t force it into your betting strategy.

Connelly Early Watch

Prospect arms like Connelly Early are already creating buzz.

Even if usage is limited early due to service-time manipulation, the advice is clear:

  • Add now
  • Be ready to churn if needed
  • Monitor performance closely

These are the types of players that swing leagues by midseason.

Fantasy Baseball Takeaways

  • Stash Gerrit Cole if you have IL space. May return could provide ace-level value.
  • Target undervalued hitters like Vinnie Pasquantino and Jeremy Pena in drafts and trades.
  • Chandler Simpson is a must-roster for stolen base upside. Could lead MLB.
  • Lean into upside prospects like Roman Anthony and Jack Caglianone where possible.
  • Shohei Ohtani remains the most valuable fantasy asset in flexible formats.
  • Don’t chase narrative bets like Tyler O’Neill unless you’re comfortable with the risk.
  • Be aggressive early with pitching prospects. Quick adds and drops can pay off.

Fantasy Baseball Trade & Waiver Wire Advice


Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | SoundCloud




from FantasyPros https://ift.tt/LOfp0eJ

Read More

Grand Canyon guard Makaih Williams to enter the transfer portal

March 25, 2026  ,  No comments

Grand Canyon junior guard Makaih Williams will enter the transfer portal, his agent told 247Sports.

Williams transferred to GCU in 2024 after playing at the University of Texas-Arlington as a freshman. In 27.1 minutes per game during this past season, he averaged 14 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game and two assists per game on 43% shooting in 20 starts.

He also finished as the team’s second-leading scorer and only he and senior guard Jaden Henley (17.7) averaged at least 10 points per game.

Williams was selected to the All-Mountain West Third Team and became one of three Antelopes to receive all-conference honors alongside Henley as a First Team selection and All-Defensive forward Nana Owusu-Anane.

This decision is the first bit of activity for GCU in the transfer portal during the 2026 offseason.

The Antelopes finished 20-12 and 13-7 in-conference in the program’s first season in the Mountain West Conference.



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/rDP3Xgj

Read More

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Cardinals host Arizona CB Treydan Stukes for pre-draft visit

March 24, 2026  ,  No comments

The Arizona Cardinals hosted Arizona Wildcats cornerback Treydan Stukes for a pre-NFL Draft visit, the prospect told SI.com’s Justin Melo.

Stukes added he’s visited the Tennessee Titans and was planning to meet with more NFL teams as the draft closes in.

While he played primarily cornerback at Arizona, he is also being viewed as a safety at the next level thanks to his versatility.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defensive back is coming off his sixth season with the Wildcats where he recorded 52 tackles, one sack, a career-high four interceptions and six passes defensed in 10 games played.

Stukes then turned it on at the NFL Draft Combine, highlighted by a 4.33-second 40-yard dash and 1.50-second 10-yard split. Those marks were good enough for third and second, respectively, among safety prospects.

RELATED STORIES

While the Cardinals have plenty of depth at cornerback, they could find a need for Stukes at safety.

Despite the Cardinals watching seven-year starter Jalen Thompson depart for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason, Arizona did replenish the room with the free-agent signing of Andrew Wingard.

Budda Baker is locked in as a unquestioned starter. Beyond him, though, it’s up for debate with Thompson no longer in the picture.

The most likely candidates to take over Thompson’s role are Dadrion “Rabbit” Taylor-Demerson and Wingard. Kitan “Bug” Crawford is another name to watch, though he played sparingly on defensive behind 14% of available snaps.

Adding Stukes wouldn’t hurt from a competition or depth standpoint.

He is, however, being viewed as a second-round pick as the draft approaches, with NFL.com’s Chad Reuter linking the safety to the Chicago Bears’ No. 57 overall pick.

Stukes marks one of the only known draft prospects to visit the Cardinals, joining Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks.



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/Xn81uGO

Read More

La Salle renews UST rivalry with win No. 9 in sight

March 24, 2026  ,  No comments

La Salle shoots for a ninth straight win, while University of Santo Tomas looks to tighten the Final Four race in a key UAAP women’s volleyball showdown on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The unbeaten Lady Spikers (8-0) face the Tigresses (5-3) at 1 p.m., with La Salle aiming to further distance itself from

from Inquirer Sports https://ift.tt/zY7wXLQ

Read More

ASU basketball flips former Saint Mary’s commit, 4-star recruit JRob Croy

March 24, 2026  ,  No comments

Arizona State men’s basketball earned a commitment Tuesday from 4-star guard JRob Croy, who was formerly set to join new ASU coach Randy Bennett‘s 2026 recruiting class at Saint Mary’s.

The Riverside Polytechnic High School standout told 247 Sports he was excited to follow Bennett to a new school that has much to prove.

“The opportunity to go play in the Big 12 and do it at a place that hasn’t been successful recently is super exciting,” he told 247 Sports’ Travis Branham after Bennett a day prior was announced as the Sun Devils’ new coach. “We can do something that’s really cool. We can turn this program around. I’m super excited. It’s a great challenge.”

The 6-foot-5, 190-pound Croy is the 124th-ranked guard in the 2026 class, according to 247 Sports.

RELATED STORIES

Croy had offers from schools including Gonzaga, USC, Oregon, Texas A&M and Stanford. He officially committed to Saint Mary’s in November 2025.

Arizona State’s 2026 class previously only included 3-star forward Seven Spurlock, but he decommitted on March 15 upon Bobby Hurley’s firing.

The Sun Devils’ roster after going 17-16 this past season is expected to undergo significant change with scoring and assist leader Moe Odum out of eligibility, though there is a chance Bennett could pursue the return of second-leading scorer Massamba Diop.



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/jaeyBMl

Read More

Monday, 23 March 2026

Filipinas grace PSA Forum

March 23, 2026  ,  No comments

The Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum will present members of the Philippine women’s football team that qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup when it holds its weekly session on Tuesday at PSC media room. Midfielder Alesandrea Carpio is expected to be joined by other players and key personnel of the Filipinas team coming off the

from Inquirer Sports https://ift.tt/5MH7Yk9

Read More

ESPN’s Kram lists Dillon Brooks trade as one of 10 best moves since 2025 NBA offseason

March 23, 2026  ,  No comments

In a season where the Phoenix Suns have surpassed all preseason expectations, forward Dillon Brooks has proven to be a major piece to the puzzle.

His vital role in the team’s surprising jump from the draft lottery to playoff contention since joining the team last summer has led to ESPN NBA reporter Zach Kram including the Suns’ trade for Brooks on his ranking of the 10 best deals since the 2025 NBA offseason.

Brooks was one of nine assets Phoenix received in the historic seven-team deal that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. In his first year on a Suns team that ESPN’s Kevin Pelton gave a 34.7 projected win total, the nine-year veteran forward is setting several career-highs with 20.9 points per game on 44% shooting and an 85.6% mark from the free throw line.

Paired alongside 2026 All-Star Devin Booker, Brooks’ role in the Suns reaching a record of 32-23 and firmly entering the Western Conference playoff picture heading into the All-Star break is enough for Kram to put his acquisition at the No. 6 spot.

It seemed like Brooks was included in the Rockets’ trade for Kevin Durant primarily for salary-matching purposes. But the veteran wing has had a much greater impact in Phoenix, where’s he spearheaded the Suns’ turnaround from lottery team in 2024-25 to playoff hopeful in 2025-26.

This move makes the “best” list not only because of Brooks’ play on the court — he’s averaging a career-high 20.9 PPG — but because of his off-court influence on the Suns’ culture.

However, any chance for the move to climb up the list further was dampened when Brooks fractured his left hand on Feb. 21 and hasn’t returned since.

Since then, the Suns have lost eight of their last 15 games, including a five-game losing streak that they just broke out of on Sunday in a 120-98 win over the Toronto Raptors.

RELATED STORIES

That’s not to mention that Brooks is facing two misdemeanors after being cited for reckless driving and exceeding the speed limit on Jan. 12.

He was also arrested on March 6 for suspicion of driving under the influence.

The reevaluation period for Brooks’ injury is set to begin on Tuesday, meaning that an update on his status is imminent.

Phoenix currently sits as the conference’s seventh seed at 40-32 with 10 games left on the schedule. The return of a fully healthy Brooks at a similar pace of play either at the tail end of the regular season or at the start of the postseason means that there’s a chance for him to prove that his acquisition has been more fruitful than a sixth-best ranking.

Brooks hasn’t played since Feb. 21 due to a broken hand, though his projected four-to-six-week absence means he could return in time for the postseason. The Suns need a healthy Brooks to make any noise in the playoffs, as he ranks second on the team in points and minutes.



from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/RybMAia

Read More