
Nate Pickens Returns Ready to Lead BYU After Injury Setback
After a season‑ending ankle injury, Nate Pickens used his recovery to deepen his basketball IQ and now aims to become a key defensive force and leader for BYU.
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After a season‑ending ankle injury, Nate Pickens used his recovery to deepen his basketball IQ and now aims to become a key defensive force and leader for BYU.

The South squad rolled past the North side 126-81 in the annual North‑South Boys’ Basketball Classic, turning a modest contest into a showcase of offensive firepower.

The South Cardinals survived a back‑and‑forth battle to defeat the North Bears 80‑78 in the annual North‑South Girls’ Basketball Classic, highlighted by strong defense and balanced scoring.

Natalie Nakase’s second season with the Golden State Valkyries is marked by a healthier roster, a 9‑5 record and a renewed emphasis on defensive intensity.

Brae Beadles, who helped Edwardsburg capture a district title and expand the Five Star Life program, will take the helm of Fairfield High School's varsity basketball team.

The Odessa YMCA’s ‘Families for Fairways’ fundraiser, held at Ratliff Ranch Golf Links, aims to raise money to replace a 50‑year‑old basketball court that has become a hub for the community’s youth.

Michaela Onyenwere, the sixth‑overall pick in 2021 and 2021 Rookie of the Year, has rebounded with the Washington Mystics, signing a two‑year deal worth over $1.4 million and averaging 12.7 points per game.

A young refugee turned his displacement into a thriving basketball academy that trains, mentors and connects refugee youth with educational and professional opportunities.

The University of Washington basketball program is assembling a blend of familiar faces, new transfers and international prospects while navigating a series of health challenges that have reshaped the roster.

Kendrick Perkins, a 2007-08 NBA champion and longtime ESPN analyst, has agreed to lead Jackson State’s men’s basketball program as general manager, bringing his championship experience and media presence to a university seeking a resurgence.

Tyson Pogi, a 2027 basketball recruit from Southmoore High School, has been upgraded to a four-star rating by 247Sports.com, becoming the state's leading prospect and the 137th best player nationally. His commitment marks the first pledge for Coach Steve Lutz's upcoming class, underscoring a renewed recruiting push that could restore the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament.

Indiana University is courting Florida forward Anthony Brown, a versatile 6‑foot‑6 prospect whose skill set could bolster the Hoosiers' frontcourt if his shooting improves.

Logan Chwastyk, a highly ranked center in the Class of 2028, is attracting attention from Duke and dozens of other powerhouse schools, even as he eyes a future beyond the U17 national team.

After seven years in Minnesota, Jessica Shepard signed a two‑year, seven‑figure deal with the Dallas Wings and is now delivering career‑best performances that have her in the conversation for the WNBA All‑Star game.

Nate Ament, a Tennessee freshman, is ranked ninth in ESPN's final NBA Draft Top 100, projected as a lottery selection, while teammates Felix Okpara and Ja'Kobi Gillespie hold late‑first‑round positions. The NBA Draft will be broadcast Tuesday and Wednesday on ABC and ESPN.

After four consecutive seasons outside the NCAA Tournament, Virginia Tech’s men’s basketball program is banking on the growth of Tyler Johnson, the arrival of Isaiah Elohim and the shooting upside of Kuol Atak to spark a turnaround.

The Cyclones lost their leading scorers but retain a high percentage of offensive output, setting the stage for emerging contributors and a pivotal season under Coach T.J. Otzelberger.

Rowan County’s top players have been named to the East-West All-Star rosters, set to compete in Greensboro on July 20

A four‑star rating from 247Sports has propelled Tyson Pogi to the top of Oklahoma’s 2027 class, linking his future to a legacy of Oklahoma State quarterbacks and a coach’s tournament ambition.

Kendrick Perkins, a 14‑year NBA veteran and ESPN analyst, has been appointed men's basketball general manager at Jackson State University. He will continue his analyst duties at ESPN and collaborate with head coach Trey Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson. The move reflects a broader shift of former NBA stars into collegiate administrative positions.

The Crimson Tide will travel to Des Moines for a December 2026 clash with the Hawkeyes, marking the third meeting between the programs and continuing a rivalry that last intersected in 2006.

Analyst Zach Lowe praises Cameron Boozer’s high‑IQ play, noting his Duncan‑like fundamentals and the Bird‑Johnson‑style court vision that could translate into an immediate NBA impact.

Gene Bess, the winningest coach in college basketball history, died this week at 91. His decades‑long tenure at Three Rivers College produced a storied legacy of championships, honors and NBA talent.

Kentucky will field six prospects at the 2026 FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup in Istanbul, where the U.S. team aims to extend its perfect record and battle France, Japan and Italy in the group stage before a single‑elimination knockout.