
Illinois Emerges as NBA Guard Factory
Illinois has quietly become a magnet for NBA‑ready guard talent, with three of its alumni hearing their names called in the first round of the draft since 2024.
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Illinois has quietly become a magnet for NBA‑ready guard talent, with three of its alumni hearing their names called in the first round of the draft since 2024.

The Chicago Bulls have named Bryson Graham as executive vice president of basketball operations and Acie Law IV as vice president of player personnel, marking a major overhaul of the team’s front office.

The Chicago Bulls are set to add Stephen Mervis to their executive roster, leveraging his cap‑management expertise, while Acie Law is expected to join as VP of player personnel under new leadership.

A five‑star recruit who dominated the EYBL circuit and earned a spot on the USA Nike Hoop Summit, Ethan Taylor will head to East Lansing, where he hopes to learn from coach Tom Izzo and help the Spartans rebuild.

Michael Malone is shaping his first coaching staff at the University of North Carolina, enlisting Bryan Tibaldi, whose extensive background spans college and NBA roles, to bolster the program’s development and scouting capabilities.

Nearly 80 hopefuls gather in Chicago, including several Illinois-linked players, as they vie for a limited number of draft slots.

The Tar Heels announced the hiring of Bryan Tibaldi, a seasoned assistant with NBA and major‑college experience, to bolster Malone’s coaching staff.

The first‑round selections in the 2026 NBA mock draft promise significant shifts in fantasy basketball value, especially for dynasty leagues that reward long‑term upside.

The latest mock draft reveals how landing spots for the top 14 selections could reshape fantasy values across redraft and keeper formats, from the Wizards' surprise choice to the Grizzlies' immediate impact prospect.

Matt Able’s projected 39th‑overall pick highlights both his potential and the uncertainty surrounding his impact on UNC’s roster.