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Auburn men's basketball looked to make a run in this spring's NCAA Tournament, and at one point, it looked like the school may have been in the midst of a magical run.
But that run ended in the Final Four round when it lost to Florida, the eventual national champion, by a final score of 79-73.
The Tigers lost a few key players in the transfer portal, and Johni Broome, their star big man and best player this past season, is entering the NBA draft, which means they could be in for some big adjustments this fall.
On Friday, they promoted Ian Borders to an assistant under head coach Bruce Pearl. Broome reacted by congratulating Borders on Instagram.
"Well deserved," Broome wrote.
Borders has been a member of Auburn's staff since 2018. He started out as a video coordinator for the team, and in 2023, he became its director of scouting and recruiting.
Before coming to Auburn, he had been a graduate assistant at Florida State under Leonard Hamilton. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach at South Oldham High School in Kentucky on the staff of head coach Steve Simpson from 2010-15.
For many years, Auburn was an afterthought when it came to basketball and was mostly thought of as a football school. But since Borders' arrival, it has gotten to the Final Four twice and has started producing players who would go on to be drafted into the NBA.
Broome, who averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks a game this past season, could be a second-round pick later this month.
More must-reads:
- March Madness won't expand this season, and here's why it never should
- Texas' Arch Manning has concern on OL after season-ending injury
- The 'NBA playoff point-per-game leaders' quiz
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Yankees receive positive Aaron Judge update
The New York Yankees have recently been slumping, but they may be getting a boost soon. Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge took batting practice Sunday at the team's minor league complex in Tampa Bay, via Erik Boland of Newsday. The 33-year-old slugger is now expected to return to New York's lineup in Tuesday's road game against the Texas Rangers. The Yankees placed Judge on the 10-day injured list on July 27 because of a flexor strain in his right elbow. He suffered the injury during a 5-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on July 22 when throwing a ball from the outfield. New York manager Aaron Boone indicated the injury isn't a long-term concern, but they'll start Judge at designated hitter as a precaution. "No acute injury to the UCL. Overall, that's the good news," the manager said July 27, via MLB.com's Bill Ladson. "With those first few days coming off the IL, it's probably DH mode. Then he'll start throwing ... and hopefully, get back to the outfield shortly thereafter." Still, that's better than no Judge, especially for a team that's losing ground in the American League East race. Entering Sunday, New York (60-51) was third in the division behind the Boston Red Sox (62-51) and the Blue Jays (65-47). The Yankees had also dropped six of their past 10 games, including a shocking 13-12 home loss to the Miami Marlins on Friday. Judge was producing stellar numbers before the injury. In 377 at-bats in 103 games, the two-time AL MVP slashed .342/.449/.711 with 37 home runs. Judge returning at full power would help the Yankees rediscover their groove in the second half of the season.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Could Have A New Favorite Redzone Target
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a lot of changes to their roster throughout the 2025 offseason, leading to a lot of storylines. From new signings to unexpected departures, there’s been no shortage of things for fans and analysts to talk about. Even with all the moves, however, some big questions still remain, especially when it comes to depth at key positions and who will step up to fill certain roles. One of the biggest storylines has been the addition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and with him leading the offense, many are wondering who he’ll be throwing to in the passing game consistently. Recently, former Steelers Super Bowl champion Trai Essex released a new episode of his podcast, The Snap Count, where he and his co-host, Charlie Batch, talked about a variety of Steelers-related topics ahead of the upcoming season. Among the topics discussed on the podcast was the highly-talked about question of who Rodgers is expected to connect with the most in the Steelers’ passing game. Essex mentioned someone that hasn’t been talked about a lot during the offseason, someone he believes could have a big impact in the end zone this year. "You know, I think Darnell Washington is going to be a huge target for Aaron Rodgers in the end zone," Essex said. Darnell Washington, who is a tight end that was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, could have a bigger role this season. While Pat Freiermuth has remained the team’s first tight end, the arrival of Rodgers may create more opportunities for Washington to get involved in the passing game. With his combination of size, strength, and receiving ability, Washington has the ability to be a serious threat in the red zone, like Essex mentioned. Rodgers is a future Hall of Famer, with a historic and successful career behind him up until this point. However, as he begins the next step in Pittsburgh, some have concerns about his age and whether he can still perform at a high level in such a physical league. What has always set Rodgers apart is his arm talent, and according to a recent report, his arm strength remains his best attribute. That not only poses a challenge for opposing defenses, but also presents an exciting opportunity for the Steelers to have a dangerous passing game. The Steelers now have a crowded and talented tight end room, especially with the recent addition of Jonnu Smith, who adds proven receiving skills and versatility to the offense. With this depth at tight end, it’s clear the position will likely play a significant role in the Steelers' offense this season. As the team continues to build around Rodgers for this year, it will be interesting to see how the targets are distributed among the many weapons at his disposal. Steelers Have Plenty Of Receiving Options There’s been plenty of talk surrounding the Steelers' wide receiver group, especially given the amount of receiving talent across the offense, including a strong tight end unit. While DK Metcalf is the clear wide receiver one, the wide receiver two spot is possibly still up for grabs, despite wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni naming Calvin Austin III as the current second option. Like Washington, Austin has a real opportunity to step up and show just how valuable he can be in the offense, especially with a quarterback as talented as Rodgers throwing the football. With this potentially being Rodgers’ final season, there’s added pressure for the Steelers to deliver results now. While much of the spotlight will be on Rodgers to lead the offense effectively, there’s also significant expectation on key receiving players players like Austin and Washington to take a big step forward and make a meaningful impact.
With Hockenson banged up, Vikings sign journeyman veteran tight end
In need of some additional tight end depth, the Vikings have signed journeyman veteran Nick Vannett, the team announced on Monday afternoon. Reserve offensive tackle Marcellus Johnson was waived to make room on the 90-man roster. Vannett, 32, has played for seven teams in a nine-year NFL career since being drafted by the Seahawks out of Ohio State in the third round back in 2016. Since being traded by Seattle in 2019, Vannett has played for the Steelers, Broncos, Saints, Giants, Chargers, and Titans. Last season, with Tennessee, Vannett tied his career high with three receiving touchdowns. The Vikings needed more depth at the TE position for a couple reasons. Starter T.J. Hockenson appeared to get banged up at Saturday's practice and was seen favoring his groin. It's not believed to be a serious issue, but it could cost Hockenson some practice time. Additionally, rookie sixth-round pick Gavin Bartholomew has missed basically the entire offseason with a back injury and doesn't seem to be close to returning. Vannett is more than a camp body; he's a guy who now seems like a strong candidate to make the initial 53-man roster. He's played over 2,700 offensive snaps in his career and over 800 on special teams. More of a blocking tight end than a receiver, Vannett does have 108 career receptions for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns. The Ohio native is listed at 6'5" and 257 pounds. Here's what the Vikings' TE depth chart might now look like: T.J. Hockenson (injured?) Josh Oliver Nick Vannett Ben Yurosek (rookie) Gavin Bartholomew (PUP list) Giovanni Ricci Bryson Nesbit More Vikings coverage
Napheesa Collier Injury Update Adds Drama to Lynx’s Historic Victory
If you’re a Minnesota Lynx fan, your emotions are probably still doing somersaults. Sure, the Lynx just steamrolled the Las Vegas Aces 111-58, accomplishing the largest road win in WNBA history. But the team’s MVP frontrunner, Napheesa Collier, left the game limping, and no amount of points can distract from that gut punch. Collier’s departure came late in the third quarter with her team already leading by a colossal margin. She collided awkwardly with teammate Alanna Smith while jostling for a rebound, and down she went, landing uncomfortably on her right ankle. It was one of those moments that takes the air out of any arena, no matter the scoreline. Why Collier’s Injury Sends Chills Through the WNBA Collier was in peak form before the injury. Earlier in the quarter, her scoring kicked into high gear, bringing her total to 18 points, to go along with five assists, three rebounds, and two steals in just 26 minutes. The Lynx were cruising with a confidence that comes naturally when your franchise player elevates everyone around her. Which is exactly why her injury stings so much. This isn’t just any player. Collier leads the WNBA in points per game this season with 23.8 and has been the focal point of Minnesota’s stellar 24-5 record. Losing her for any length of time could shake up the entire league, not just the Lynx’s season. Cheryl Reeve Faces Tough Questions Head coach Cheryl Reeve didn’t escape post-game scrutiny, as reporters questioned why Collier was still on the court with such a huge lead. The Lynx were up by a staggering 43 points at the time. Reeve defended her decision, saying, “I didn’t think the game was over… these things happen.” She added, “I get it. People are going to rail on me… but we did what we think was right.” Love her or not (and Lynx fans mostly do), Reeve’s response hits at a deeper truth of pro sports. Coaches have to make a thousand judgment calls mid-game, and hindsight always paints the clearest picture. That said, having your star player laid out on the hardwood in a game that was, for all practical purposes, already locked up, is a moment you’d wish you could rewind. Some Sweet Among the Sour As chaotic as the injury drama was, the game itself was a textbook example of how to make dominance look easy. Kayla McBride was the showstopper, going 8-for-8 from three-point range in the first half, setting a new WNBA record. McBride’s 23 points led all scorers and were emblematic of a Lynx squad firing on all cylinders. Even with Collier’s setback, Minnesota’s victory margin wasn’t just historic; it was a statement. Their 53-point blowout dethroned a 1998 Houston Comets win for the largest road victory in league history. For fans looking for something to smile about amid the concern for Collier, that’s a decent silver lining. The WNBA Holds Its Breath Now the league waits. Collier is set to undergo testing and imaging in the coming days. Whether she travels with the team to their next game in Seattle or heads back to Minnesota for further evaluation remains unclear. Players and fans alike, however, are feeling the weight of uncertainty. Kayla McBride spoke for all of us when she said postgame, “You hate to see anybody go down, but especially your MVP.” The Bigger Picture for the Lynx This season, Collier hasn’t just been a player. She’s been a beacon, driving Minnesota from mere playoff contention to outright championship conversation. If her ankle injury sidelines her for longer than a game or two, the ripple effects will be seismic. For now, the Lynx have an MVP-sized gap to fill in Seattle. They’ll look to McBride and others to step up. But as Reeve so eloquently put it, “I can be both happy for our team and worry about Napheesa Collier at the same time.” Fans, It’s Time to Rally The WNBA has a knack for delivering brutal cliffhangers, and this is no exception. Every die-hard Lynx fan, and plenty of Collier admirers league-wide, are crossing their fingers for a quick recovery. What’s certain is this: Collier’s passion and work ethic have always set the tone for her team. Whether she’s on the court or cheering from the sidelines, you can bet her influence will resonate. For now, though, the Lynx’s postgame celebration is muted. Their historic milestone feels like a warm cup of coffee spilled before you can even take a sip. Here’s hoping Collier’s injury doesn’t turn this sweet season bitter.
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