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On April 6, just 10 days after Texas Tech was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, Darrion Williams announced he would enter the transfer portal. Among all the solid players and prospects of every sort in the portal, Williams is different.
The third best available - according to 247Sports - is a true difference-maker.
Texas Tech junior Darrion Williams is entering the transfer portal, as well as declaring for the NBA draft.
— PortalUpdates (@portal_updates) April 6, 2025
The 6’6” forward started all 34 games, averaging 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
Williams earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. pic.twitter.com/5E9fFgUsaQ
Williams averaged 15.1 points and 5.5 rebounds a game for the Red Raiders as a big contributor to the Elite Eight run, and the entire season as a whole.
He's a 6-6, 225-pound forward who has formed into a solid wing and can get to his spots efficiently. He can pick up on mismatches and is a three-level scorer, shooting. 43.9% from the field and 34% from behind the arc. With great skills for his size, and he could be a perfect fit for the Jayhawks.
The Jayhawks had their struggles over the past couple of years searching for the perfect fits in the portal - 2024-2025 was a glaring example of that. This upcoming season, they have a great group of guards in Darryn Peterson, Elmarko Jackson, and Jayden Dawson to build around.
They have their bigs in Flory Bidunga, Bryson Tiller and Samis Calderon. However, they need to find that wing or versatile forward. This is where someone like Williams would be the guy to get.
Williams is a player that would be great in Bill Self's system with his high motor and all around skill. Especially with the uncertainity of Tyran Stokes reclassing, Williams would be an instant impact athlete and a much needed get for Bill Self and Kansas.
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Five Takeaways: Arizona Men's Basketball Press Conference
It was a huge year in his first season at Arizona for Tobe Awaka and a year to sit and learn for Motiejus Krivas after suffering a season-ending injury early in the season. They return as two of the top bigs for the Wildcats under coach Tommy Lloyd. Here are five takeaways from Thursday’s press conference with Awaka and Krivas. Tobe Awaka did not consider transferring Awaka made it clear at Thursday’s press conference that he “had his eyes set” on returning to Arizona. “I felt like I had a coach that trusted me in coach Lloyd,” he added. “He has a great supporting staff as well, so in my mind there was no better place to be.” After playing a limited role across two years at Tennessee, Awaka saw his role take a significant step forward with the Wildcats. After not starting one game with the Volunteers, he started 36 of the 37 games he appeared in last season, and he figures to remain in a big role down low as one of the top offensive rebounders in the country. When reflecting on what he learned and how he grew last season, Awaka attributed his success to his teammates and coaching staff. “I think as a player, I really sort of grew learning how to play a game and how to make certain reads,” Awaka said. “I was sort of put in more uncomfortable situations in practice and games, and I think I became a better player because of it.” Motiejus Krivas fully healthy There were high expectations for Krivas going into next season. He appeared in the first eight games of the year before a lower leg injury cut his season short. Now with a new season around the corner, he is back to practicing in “full force” as he noted in Thursday’s press conference. “I’m feeling great so far,” Krivas said. He added that it was at the end of spring or the start of summer when he was fully cleared to do everything at practice. After having to sit for the majority of the season, Krivas learned not to take anything for granted. “Nothing is given to you,” he said. “I learned to become a student of the game and don’t feel bad for myself, but try to take every practice I used to watch or every game and learn something new from it.” Three-point shooting Krivas has not attempted a single three-point shot across 44 games he has played in with Arizona and Awaka attempted just five shots from deep across the 37 games he appeared in last year. It is something they have both talked about working on with their games this summer as a way of opening up the offense, most notably in rotations where they are on the court together. “For me, it has been a big area of focus,” Awaka said. “Just getting reps in on the move and stationary. Obviously it’s just really to help expand the offense, make it flow easier and give our guards easier driving lanes so there's not too much pressure on him.” It is an area of the game many bigs have worked on under Lloyd throughout his coaching career at Arizona, most recently with Henri Veesaar last season who attempted far more three-point shots in year two compared to year one in the system at Arizona. Krivas also added how it can help open up the offense when the bigs are able to play on the outside and shoot from deep. The group of new players The common theme among the players this summer, more notably the newcomers, is all about the physicality and maturity of the new players who are joining the team this year. That includes the incoming freshmen of Koa Peat, Brayden Burries, Dwayne Aristode and Bryce James. “They are very well mannered and mature in just how they carry themselves,” Awaka said. “They’re very focused and driven. They play really hard, so that’s great to see and obviously they have the skill set and the ability to play at this level.” Speaking specifically about James, Awaka immediately noted his sense of humor. “He is a regular kid and he’s been really fun to be around,” he added. “I feel like he has really ingratiated himself within the group. He is working hard in the weight room, on the court, learning the whole concept of college basketball and defensive schemes… It has been fun to see him grow.” Learning from last year’s tough schedule It was a gauntlet for Arizona immediately in non-conference play last season and it’ll be no different this year with a schedule that starts with a game against the defending national champions in Florida. Awaka talked about his biggest takeaway from last year’s schedule being more from a “schematics standpoint.” “Just how we want to run our offense and how we want to play defense, I think that’s what we sort of took the most,” he added. “I think also our unity as a team grew. I feel like within adversity, that drew us together… I definitely feel like it was sort of a bonding moment for the whole team.”
Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision
Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Packers rookie could miss time after suffering injury in training camp
The Green Bay Packers offense was dealt a bit of a blow early in training camp. Friday, third-round rookie wide receiver Savion Williams was a spectator for practice after suffering a concussion. Williams, chosen by the Packers with the No. 87 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, is aiming to climb the depth chart at a crowded wide receiver position this summer. At 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds, Williams ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.48 seconds during the NFL Combine and has the profile of potentially becoming a reliable possession receiver and after-the-catch weapon for quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers’ offense. Reaching those benchmarks and climbing the depth chart will have to wait, though, as Williams works his way through the concussion protocol and back onto the field for practices during training camp and the preseason this summer.
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