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As the Iowa Hawkeyes are gearing for spring practices, the quarterback position has become a hot topic amongst the fanbase.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz recently gave fans some insight to the quarterback room during a press conference last week, claiming that the coaching staff feels like they know the most about transfer portal quarterback Mark Gronowski due to his experience.
"I think the way I'd phrase it, we feel like we know the most, ironically, about Mark, even though he's not practicing," said Ferentz. "That doesn't make sense. But it's a contradiction in terms, I guess. But he's played the most and he has that production. That's a starting point."
After spending four seasons with South Dakota State, Gronowski became the prized-possession of Iowa's portal class this offseason. The former Jackrabbit was considered to be one of the best quarterbacks at the FCS level, throwing for over 10,000 yards while accumulating 130 total touchdowns in his four-year stint. However, shortly after his commitment, Gronowski would undergo surgery and miss spring football.
Despite not having his new addition for spring ball, Ferentz still believes that this could be a good opportunity for the other quarterbacks on the roster.
"This is a good opportunity for them," said Ferentz when talking about the other quarterbacks. "Obviously Brendan is a heck of a lot more comfortable now with what we're doing than he was a year ago. He got here in June. To me it's amazing what he did pick up in a short amount of time. The same thing with Hank. You have Jimmy there and then Jackson is back, too."
Ferentz also stated that the plan throughout the offseason will be to let the rest of the Hawkeyes quarterbacks to "practice and play" until Gronowski returns, and the coaching staff will officially evaluate the position until August.
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WNBA legend Lisa Leslie had three words for Angel Reese
Now in her second WNBA season, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is averaging a league‑leading 12.5 rebounds along with 13.8 points, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. She recently returned from injury and immediately picked up where she left off, posting her 16th double‑double of the season (11 points, 11 rebounds) on Tuesday night even as her Chicago Sky fell, 91-68, to the Minnesota Lynx. Then, on Wednesday, Reese showcased her brand power on Instagram, posting a pregame photo dressed head‑to‑toe in Gucci with the caption, "Don’t worry about me… life is GUCCI @gucci #guccipartner." The image quickly lit up her feed and drew an immediate response from one of the game’s all‑time greats, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, who commented, “Yessss it is❤️." Despite flashes of elite play, the Sky have struggled mightily, standing at just 7-17 and sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference. Their 76.7 points per game rank 12th in the WNBA, and opponents are torching them for 86.8 a night (12th in the league). With head coach Tyler Marsh searching for consistency, every bright spot has been a welcome reprieve for a franchise that won the title as recently as 2021. Front and center among Chicago’s bright spots is Reese. Off the court, Reese has quickly built a burgeoning portfolio of endorsement deals, including Reebok, Calvin Klein, Beats by Dre, Amazon and now Gucci, underscoring her status as one of the WNBA’s brightest personalities. On the other side, you have Leslie, whose voice carries more weight than arguably anybody in women’s basketball. A three‑time league MVP, two‑time WNBA champion and Finals MVP and eight‑time All‑Star, Leslie helped define the league’s early years with the Los Angeles Sparks, including driving home the first dunk in WNBA history in 2002. A Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (class of 2015), she remains a global ambassador for the sport.
Can LeBron James Be Traded to the Dallas Mavericks?
This year’s NBA offseason could see a lightning strike in the near future. The Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus has suggested a new, three-team trade between the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets that would send LeBron James, alongside his son Bronny James, to Dallas in a dramatic, yet significant deal to reshape all three teams’ futures. Here’s why. LeBron James to the Dallas Mavericks LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season. However, James’ decision was met with skepticism by several NBA executives. Some NBA insiders expected James, 40, to opt out and sign a one-plus-one deal. The decision drove chatter of possible discontent and a potential end to his Lakers run. James holds one of the NBA’s rare no-trade clauses. Therefore, James can decide where he would land. Multiple NBA insiders have said that the Dallas Mavericks are high on James’ list. Joining the Mavericks would allow James to reunite with Kyrie Irving, join forces with Anthony Davis again, and play under Jason Kidd, who served as an assistant coach during the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship run. James, Mavericks Outlook LeBron James is 40 years old and will turn 41 on December 30, 2025. However, James is still playing like a top-tier NBA player. If the Dallas Mavericks acquire James, the Mavericks could receive star power, shot creation, and veteran leadership. A Mavericks goal appears to be winning while the team’s NBA championship window is still open. The Mavericks would receive LeBron James (via Lakers), Bronny James (via Lakers), Drew Timme (via Nets), Tyrese Martin (via Nets), a $1.8 million trade exception, and a $1.1 million trade exception. The Mavericks could benefit from a solid core of James, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively II. The Lakers would receive Daniel Gafford (via Mavericks), PJ Washington (via Mavericks), Naji Marshall (via Mavericks), Caleb Martin (via Mavericks), Jaden Hardy (via Mavericks), a 2030 Los Angeles Lakers second-round pick (via Nets), a 2031 Los Angeles Lakers second-round pick (via Nets) and a $24.1 million trade exception. The Lakers could start the Luka Doncic era. The Brooklyn Nets would receive Dalton Knecht (via Lakers), Maxi Kleber (via Lakers), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (via Mavericks) and Dwight Powell (via Mavericks). The Nets would serve as a facilitator, as the team would acquire assets while helping two contenders shift money around, and perhaps cash considerations. Final Thoughts It’s highly unlikely that LeBron James will be traded to the Dallas Mavericks. However, nothing can be ruled out. The NBA world saw the Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers this past February, and if they’re old enough to remember, the Jason Kidd trade to the Phoenix Suns in December 1996. If and when James is traded to Dallas, James’ presence can help the Mavericks succeed. James can help improve team chemistry, instill confidence in the team, and build a winning culture. James can play multiple positions as a forward, but a huge concern would be James’ declining gameplay and shooting stats.
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 into 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 .217/.288/.408 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.
Padres' Manny Machado Bashes Cardinals Coach, Ex-Padre Jon Jay in Epic Rant
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado played a significant role in a benches-clearing incident against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, and exchanged words with Cardinals assistant coach and former Padre Jon Jay during the incident. The Cardinals plunked Machado twice in the contest, however the third baseman took exception with the second incident. After being hit, Machado had words for Andre Granillo, who threw the pitch, and home plate umpire Lance Barrett. The benches slowly cleared to diffuse the situation, however it exploded after Jay began speaking to Machado. The umpires tossed Jay after the scuffle. He is the only member of either team who left the game. Machado didn't reveal what was said during the exchange with Jay, but had no shortage of words for the assistant coach. “I mean, poor kid. … I know he probably doesn’t want to do that in that situation," Machado said of Granillo. "Obviously, you see him, what he does. He just kind of feels bad. You’re just pissed off, you know? It is what it is. I mean, there was nothing to it. But then you got somebody else coming up and yapping their mouth. That’s when s— starts getting real.” Machado and Jay have a history together, as they have previously worked out in the offseason with Machado's brother-in-law Yonder Alonso, who is also a former Padre and teammate of Jay's. After the game, Machado made it clear he was not friendly with Jay. “Yeah, right,” Machado said. “I know the real him. … No, absolutely not. Absolutely not.” Despite the incident, Jay also kept quiet about the specifics of the incident after the game, but acknowledged his lack of composure during the incident. “I was just having my team’s back, but I’m a coach, and I shouldn’t have said anything,” Jay said. For more Padres news, head over to Padres on SI.
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