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Every draft cycle, there's an under-the-radar wing who blasts up draft boards late in the process. This year, it was Washington State forward Cedric Coward, who went from a second-round projection to a borderline lottery pick on many draft boards.
Coward played just six games last season, but averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 40% from 3-point range, impressing enough to warrant an invite to the NBA Combine. It was there his draft stock truly skyrocketed to the now lottery projected range.
In NBA Draft On SI's latest mock draft, Coward was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 13 overall pick, becoming the fifth Washington State Cougar to be drafted this decade, including fellow former Cougar turned Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye.
Coward fits in smoothly with the Hawks roster, full of lanky, ball-handling wings to surround Trae Young. He'd join 2024 first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, 2024-2025 Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels and double-double machine Jalen Johnson in the core, and has a clear path to carve minutes for himself.
Coward's on-ball scoring prowess could lead to him harnessing a big role on the bench right away, potentially taking over many of Caris LeVert's shot attempts with the bench unit. Coward can be a high-usage player in many different lineups due to his switch ability and shooting.
Atlanta has the perfect mix of youth and talent in what could be a weak Eastern Conference next season, and adding Coward to the team as a win-now contributor with star potential would be the perfect fit.
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ESPN is disrespecting Kentucky star Otega Oweh ahead of the college basketball season
Duke Basketball Enters Fray for Underrated Recruit
Last week, Sierra Canyon School (Calif.) rising senior Maximo Adams saw his list of suitors grow to over 30 with the additions of Kentucky, UNC, Maryland, Purdue, and Michigan State. And on Sunday afternoon, the Duke basketball program became the latest to formally join the pursuit of the 6-foot-8, 205-pound versatile forward. Adams revealed his offer from the Blue Devils via the following post on social media, thanking fourth-year head coach Jon Scheyer and the staff in Durham for believing in his abilities as a stock-rising prep: For now, Adams sits at No. 100 overall, No. 39 among small forwards, and No. 9 in California on the 247Sports 2026 Composite. However, given the buzz surrounding the 17-year-old following his impressive performances in grassroots action throughout the spring and summer, his ranking appears due for a considerable bump. Meanwhile, the Duke basketball coaches now have offers out to nine undecided talents on the 2026 recruiting trail. Scheyer and his Blue Devils, who have finished with a top-ranked class two years in a row, are still looking for their first commitment in the cycle.
Calipari lobbies for order in current landscape of college athletics
Longtime Maple Leafs Defenseman in Serious Contract Dispute With His New Team
The longtime former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Conor Timmins is in a serious contract dispute with his new team, the Buffalo Sabres. Nobody appears happy to stay with the Buffalo Sabres organization. Most of the talented players on the team were included in trade or free agency rumors, and now, Timmins doesn't appear too excited to sign with the team. Indeed, the Restricted Free Agent, who was traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Sabres earlier this offseason for Connor Clifton and a second-round pick, isn't close to reaching a deal in Buffalo. With arbitration hearings set to take place over the coming days, Timmins and the Sabres are likely to meet for that reason soon. Unless a deal is reached before then, the hearing will take place on August 2nd. The Ontario native is coming off a rocky season, where he played 51 games for the Leafs and 17 more in Pittsburgh after being traded. In those 68 games, the 26-year-old defenseman tallied 15 points, including three goals. After seeing three players around the NHL reach deals before their hearing date, some fans hoped to see the Sabres and Timmins sign a contract soon, but multiple reports confirmed that there hasn't been any 'traction' between both camps. As of now, five more players are scheduled to have salary hearings. Here's the full list, per PuckPedia: Arvid Soderblom (Chicago Blackhawks) - July 28 Maksim Tsyplakov (New York Islanders) - July 29 Dylan Samberg (Winnipeg Jets) - July 30 Conor Timmins (Buffalo Sabres) - August 2 Nicholas Robertson (Toronto Maple Leafs) - August 3 Jayden Struble (Montreal Canadiens) - August 3 It'll be interesting to see what kind of contract Timmins would get in a hearing, or if a deal will be reached before the date. With the Sabres' reputation, it's not surprising to see that he appears reluctant to sign in Buffalo. Hopefully for their fans, massive changes will be done to the team to make sure they can attract top talent and convince them to stay with the team.
Yankees not close to done adding ahead of trade deadline
The New York Yankees already made headlines by acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Friday. That may not be their only move ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, the Yankees have an extensive shopping list. While a right-handed hitting infielder is a priority, New York is also looking for help in the rotation and bullpen. Acquiring McMahon may have contributed to the push for a right-handed hitting infielder. McMahon has struggled against left-handed pitching throughout his career, posting a .231/.307/.378 batting line in 1,079 plate appearances, hitting 34 homers and 35 doubles. Those struggles have been even more pronounced this year. McMahon is slashing .207/.289/.310 in 97 plate appearances against southpaws, with two homers and three doubles. Kirschner specifically listed Minnesota Twins utility man Willi Castro as someone the Yankees are targeting, whose career .260/.306/.399 batting line in 689 plate appearances against lefties would make him a solid complement to McMahon. Likewise, the club's pursuit of pitching makes sense. Marcus Stroman has been much better since returning from the injured list at the end of June, but he cannot be considered a reliable option. Rookie Will Warren has been inconsistent, and with Clarke Schmidt likely lost until 2027 due to Tommy John surgery, the rotation needs work. New York's relief corps may be further down the team's needs. While every contending team looks to bolster the bullpen ahead of the trade deadline, the Yanks' upgrades could come from within. Relievers Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. are expected back in August, while fellow reliever Yerry De los Santos was activated from the IL on Saturday. The Yankees still have a lot of work to do ahead of the trade deadline. It could be a busy next few days in the Bronx.
Ichiro had the most backhanded compliment for Marlins during Hall of Fame speech
Ichiro Suzuki delivered an amazing speech as he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, and it even included a surprising swipe at one of his own former teams. During the iconic speech, Ichiro took the time to thank each of of the three MLB teams that he played for across his 19 MLB seasons. When he arrived at the Miami Marlins, he made a hilarious wisecrack about how he had never heard of the team before they offered him a contract in 2015. “And to the Miami Marlins: I appreciate David Samson and Mike Hill for coming today. Honestly, when you guys called to offer me a contract for 2015, I had never heard of your team,” Ichiro joked. Many were surprised to hear Ichiro deliver his speech in English, as he almost always used an interpreter in interviews during and after his playing career. The fact that the 51-year-old was able to entertain the crowd while not speaking in his native language made the speech even more iconic. While thanking the New York Yankees, Ichiro had a funny comment about how his former teammates were only there to support CC Sabathia, who was also being inducted into Cooperstown. Ichiro is one of the greatest hitters in MLB history, and fans have enjoyed seeing the less serious side of him in recent months. Earlier this year, he also took a hilarious shot at the lone Hall of Fame voter who snubbed him. Ichiro called out the voter again during his speech on Sunday.
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