Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Preston Murphy across Basketball, Baseball.
In the 2026 NBA Draft, Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr. was selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, the first Crimson Tide pick since 2023. Coach Nate Oats, credited by Philon for his development, recently signed a six‑year extension, while assistant Preston Murphy also received a contract renewal.
Alabama’s basketball outlook hinges on the performance of transfer Brandon Garrison, whose consistency and energy could lift the team to the top of the SEC.
Ball State’s baseball team completed a doubleheader sweep over Bowling Green, winning 6-5 and 10-2. The victories earned the Cardinals the No. 6 seed in the Mid-American Conference Tournament, where they will meet Northern Illinois or Toledo at ForeFront Field in Avon, Ohio, on Wednesday.