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The South Carolina Gamecocks Women's Basketball season came to a dissapointing end on Sunday following a beat down by UConn in the national title. Head Coach Dawn Staley hopes the loss hurts.
Sunday's National title against the UConn Huskies didn't go so well for the South Carolina Gamecocks. They were beaten, for the second time this season, beaten 82 to 59 at the hands of the Huskies.
The Huskies were led by the trio of Page Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong, who combined for 65 points between the three of them. South Carolina shot a putrid 34.4% from the floor and 25% from three on the night. It was a tough night for the Gamecocks. A tough night that head coach Dawn Staley hopes hurts.
When asked how she thinks the underclassmen on her roster will respond to the beatdown in the national title.
"I hope they’re crying. I hope they’re boo-hooing. That really makes you analyze in the offense how we close the gap. They’re really talented. They have the desire to get back to the national championship game and deliver the blows needed to win.”
The Gamecocks are already projected to be the favorite to win the title in the 2026 futures props according to the latest article from the New York Times.
Disclaimer:Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Troubling report surfaces on Patriots' first-round rookie
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye might not feel comfortable with his blindside protection early in the upcoming season. Following troubles at left tackle in 2024, the Patriots invested in the position by drafting LSU standout Will Campbell with the No. 4 pick in April's draft. Per Chad Graff of The Athletic, Campbell has been trending down at training camp this summer. "All eyes are on him every practice, which is a tough spot for a rookie," Graff wrote of Campbell. "So far, he’s been about what you’d expect from a rookie. He has some strong moments, particularly in the running game. But there have been struggles in the passing game. He’s been beaten for a sack in just about every practice, which isn’t great considering he’s usually on the field each practice for only 15 or so passing plays in full-team drills. "He tends to get beaten to the inside after oversetting, and it probably doesn’t help that the Pats don’t yet know who their left guard is next to him. Still, extrapolate those numbers, and that’s allowing two sacks each NFL game if you throw the ball 30 times. Not great." Graff believes the future is "bright" for Campbell, but doesn't think he will be a top-20 left tackle in 2025. NFL scouts had questions before the draft about Campbell's 32⅝ inch (or 33 inches, depending on whether one believes the league or LSU) arm length. Some suggested he'd be better suited to play guard in the league than left tackle. If Campbell continues to give up sacks, the Patriots might consider moving the 21-year-old to the interior part of the offensive line. Per OurLads, Campbell is projected to win the left tackle starting job for Week 1. If Campbell doesn't develop quickly in the preseason, Maye's progress as a thrower in the pocket could take a hit in the upcoming season.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Shares Impressive Take On Troy Fautanu Versus TJ Watt
The Pittsburgh Steelers felt very good when they were able to select offensive tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Fautanu quickly impressed during his rookie offseason, showing the kind of talent and maturity that led Head Coach Mike Tomlin to name him a starter before the regular season began. Unfortunately, his rookie year was derailed by a season-ending injury, and he never got the chance to showcase his ability on the field. Now in his second season with the team, there is a lot of excitement building around Fautanu’s return. At the same time, there is also pressure. With 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers expected to lead the offense, protecting the pocket becomes even more important. The Steelers are counting on Fautanu to stay healthy and play at a high level, especially as he takes on a critical role in protecting Rodgers from opposing pass rushers. On Wednesday, Tomlin was asked about Fautanu’s progress in training camp, and his response made it clear that he likes what he’s seen. Tomlin said he has been impressed with Fautanu’s growth and toughness, especially in his one-on-one matchups with star linebacker TJ Watt. Competing against Watt in practice is one of the toughest tests a young offensive lineman can face, and Fautanu has handled it well according to Tomlin. "I thought he [Troy Fautanu] represented himself well today [against TJ Watt]," Tomlin said. "As you mentioned, he really gets an opportunity to improve and improve fast because of who he gets to work against every day." The Steelers currently have one of the highest-paid defenses in the NFL, and they recently committed $41 million per year to Watt. The team has invested heavily in building a dominant pass rush, and while that has paid off on the defensive side of the ball, it has also created a valuable environment for the team’s young offensive linemen to grow. Going up against elite defenders like Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cam Heyward in practice has given the young group consistent, high-level reps. That kind of experience has helped them improve, and it’s exactly the kind of internal competition that the Steelers believe will lead to long-term success. Concerns are already starting to emerge about Broderick Jones and what he may or may not be able to contribute in the 2025 season. That uncertainty adds even more pressure to the second-year tackle, Fautanu, who will be counted on to solidify the right side of the line. Steelers' Have Full Faith In Troy Fautanu Even if Jones ends up playing well on the left, the right side will still need to be outstanding for the offense to operate efficiently. If Jones struggles again this season, Fautanu’s responsibilities will only increase, and the expectation will be for him to play nearly flawless football. Tomlin has remained confident in Fautanu’s development and has praised the way he has handled himself in practice, especially in matchups against Pittsburgh’s elite pass rushers. The Steelers do not typically move young, inexperienced players into the starting lineup as quickly as they did with Fautanu. That decision says a lot about how highly regarded he is by the Steelers’ leadership. Tomlin, General Manager Omar Khan, and Team President Art Rooney II clearly believe Fautanu has the tools and mentality to become a long-term fixture on the offensive line. While he still has to prove it during the regular season, everything he has shown so far points to a player who is capable of meeting the challenge.
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Lakers reportedly monitoring two-time All-Star's availability
The Los Angeles Lakers finished last season with a dud after propelling to the third seed of the Western Conference, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. The one thing that the Wolves exposed was the Lakers' lack of an inside presence. The center spot was weak once they traded Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic midway through the season, but they found a way to manage despite putrid numbers coming from the center position. The Lakers were bottom five in both rebounds and points per game for centers during the regular season after the All-Star break. However, in the postseason, the numbers got worse. They tried to use their original starting center, Jaxson Hayes, to man the paint, but he only played 7.8 minutes per game while only scoring 1.8 points and grabbing two rebounds per contest. This team knows it needs extreme levels of help for the center spot, which is why it is reportedly looking at a former All-Star center's situation. Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported that the Lakers are closely monitoring the situation between Nikola Vucevic and the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have shipped out several key players over the last year, with Vucevic being the lone former All-Star still on the roster. As his trade market winds down, some have speculated that a potential buyout is on the horizon. However, Chicago Bulls insider K.C. Johnson reported on "The Fastbreak" podcast that the Bulls have no intentions of a buyout and would like to move him for assets at the trade deadline. Vucevic would be a massive upgrade alongside Deandre Ayton, whom the Lakers signed earlier in the offseason. Vucevic put up very impressive numbers last season, averaging 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while shooting 53% from the field in 73 games. His career numbers are just as impressive, and he's a former two-time All-Star as well. The Lakers should continue to monitor Vucevic and assess the Bulls' ultimate plan for him. With Ayton already in the fold, a trade for Vucevic could put them at the top of the Western Conference.
Why the Chargers Are the Perfect Team to Trade for Micah Parsons
Three-time All-Pro Micah Parsons requested a trade from the Dallas Cowboys on Friday afternoon due to a lack of action from the Cowboys’ front office regarding signing Parsons to a long-term extension. Parsons, who placed in the top three for defensive player of the year voting for three consecutive seasons before his injury-riddled 2024, has made it clear that this request isn’t a typical situation where it’s mainly to pressure the team into getting a deal done. His statement, seen below, clearly indicates that he no longer wants to play for the Dallas Cowboys, making the idea of him actually being moved feel like more of a reality. If the Cowboys decide to trade him, the Los Angeles Chargers are an ideal trade partner due to their roster timeline, team needs in 2025, and financial flexibility to sign Parsons after the trade. The Chargers had a resurgent 2024 season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who brought an improved culture and a talented defensive coordinator to Los Angeles. That coordinator, Jesse Minter, helped turn around a Chargers defense that allowed the ninth-most points in the league in 2023, to the fewest allowed in 2024. Minter achieved this with a solid but not exceptional pass rush last season, with Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, and the aging Khalil Mack leading the team in sacks at 8.5, 6, and 6, respectively. If Parsons were dropped into this rotation, their pass rush could be fully weaponized, helping to ease some pressure on their young cornerback group and elevating the defense to truly elite status. The Chargers chose to avoid spending big in free agency this offseason, instead trusting that their recent draft picks will develop over the coming years. This decision leaves the Bolts with the third-most cap space in the league after the 2025 season, giving them the flexibility to make a blockbuster move such as this. Additionally, the Chargers have several key positions secured on either rookie contracts or long-term deals. Their promising tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are both signed for at least the next three seasons, with Alt on a rookie deal and Slater having recently agreed to a long-term extension. Justin Herbert, their star quarterback, is under contract through 2029, and their young receiving duo of Ladd McConkey and Tre’ Harris are on rookie deals for multiple years as well. All of this is to say that the Chargers are a young team that will likely remain inexpensive for a few years, which means they can and should consider making a bold move such as trading for Parsons, who could boost an already formidable defense into a world-wrecker. While many still believe Parsons will eventually sign with the Cowboys, don’t be surprised to hear the Chargers have been making calls to Dallas over the coming days and weeks.
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