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Is Gonzaga’s Championship Window Closed for the Foreseeable Future?

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By: OOSSports

3/26/23

Is Gonzaga’s Championship Window Closed for the Foreseeable Future?

Gonzaga has been the best program in college hoops over the previous seven seasons, with its record being a remarkable 223–24 since the start of the 2016–17 season. Yet once again, the Bulldogs have lost out on the ultimate reward in the NCAA tournament, as they were stomped Saturday by 28 points against UConn to finish the career of standout big man Drew Timme and leave the program still without a national championship. The Huskies, victorious by double digits in their prior three NCAA tournament games, dominated Gonzaga Saturday, leading by as many as 33 and only trailing for less than a minute of the 40-minute encounter.

The Bulldogs were competitive early on, but they were unable to survive the early second-half blitz that has been UConn’s identity throughout this tournament. In the first five minutes of the second half of their last four games, the Huskies have outscored their opponents by 37 points. On Saturday, they increased a seven-point halftime lead to a 19-point halftime lead. Timme’s fourth foul, a controversial whistle on a rebound with 17:39 remaining and the Huskies trying to pull away, was the key moment of that run. With Timme sidelined, the game soon faded away, along with another opportunity for the Zags to finally capture their first NCAA Men’s Basketball Title in program history.

Timme’s illustrious career ended with little over two minutes on the clock, as Few substituted him out for the last time. The relationship between the coach and his star frequently resembled a complex, yet special one that led to A LOT of winning.  Several teammates have  jokingly called Timme the team’s “Union Rep” for the past two years, making fun of Timme’s attempts to reduce practice or loosen up on exercises, but this is an improvement over his rookie nickname, which was simply just, “Dumbass”. Timme embraced each player and staff member as he made his way down the bench. Once the buzzer sounded, Timme gathered his fellow teammates for some final goodbyes, before dispatching them down the tunnel. What did Timme say?

“[I] just told them we had a hell of a year. I was proud of them. I loved them. Wouldn’t want to do this journey with anyone else,”

Timme’s absence of a national championship should not diminish his status as one of March’s greatest players. His 10 NCAA tournament games with 20 or more points represent the most ever, including Thursday’s heroic 36-point explosion against UCLA. He accomplished this despite the absence of the NCAA tournament during his first year due to Covid. Timme shattered the record books in Spokane and nationally in the standard four years and is not utilizing his fifth. In an era where records are broken due to players using their additional year of eligibility, Timme rewrote the record books in Spokane and nationally in the traditional four years.

“I think he’s one of the greatest college players in this modern era,” Few said. “It was a hell of a good time walking out on the practice floor with him every time or hopping on a jet. And I’m sure going to have a lot of good times moving forward… It was a hell of a good time walking out on the practice floor with him every time or hopping on a jet. And I’m sure going to have a lot of good times moving forward.”

Timme also leaves behind a reputation as one of the greatest personalities college hoops has seen in a long time, as seen by his much-publicized mustache and consistently hilarious quips. College basketball needs players like Timme: identifiable figures that remain for four years, have a measurable influence on their program, and have a personality that fans may either love or despise. Even without a title, Gonzaga, famed for letting its players be stars, and Timme were a perfect match.

“The place took me for who I was. They didn’t ask me to be anybody but myself,” Timme told the media. “I’m forever in debt for Gonzaga, just the love I have for just everyone that helped me and made this journey so special and so fun. I just don’t think I could ever repay that.”

The conclusion of Timme’s career raises the question: Has Gonzaga’s chance at winning the national championship shut for the foreseeable future?The talent disparity was clear in this game, as it has been in other contests against top teams this season as well. While the Zags will probably make a transfer portal splash or two, its roster next year doesn’t appear exceptional on paper. With former top recruiter Tommy Lloyd now the head coach at Arizona and NIL’s influence on recruiting only growing, it is unlikely the Bulldogs will produce another Chet Holmgren or Jalen Suggs. It also may never have another Timme, the program’s all-time leading scorer and a clutch NCAA tournament player.

This is not to argue that Gonzaga will not produce consistently strong teams; as long as Few coaches in Spokane, the Bulldogs will continue to be a consistent force. He ranks among the sport’s top coaches as Gonzaga has been one of the nation’s best at player development, and the brand is strong enough at this time to continue luring in more talent. Even so, the highly prized national championship? If it didn’t happen after reaching the championship game in 2017 or ’21, in ’22 with Holmgren, Timme, and an excellent point guard in Andrew Nembhard, and with a senior Timme in a blown-out bracket, will it ever happen?

This era should not be viewed as a failure. Certainly, Gonzaga fell short of its ultimate objective of bringing a championship to Spokane’s small school. This is the cruelty of this one-and-done competition: According to KenPom’s criteria, Gonzaga had the best or second-best team in the country for five of the last seven years and ended in the top 10 in each of those seven seasons, yet the Zags did not win a national championship during that span. Occasionally, they were the victims of bad luck, like in the 2017 championship game versus North Carolina. Sometimes they were just outclassed, like as against Baylor in ’21 and UConn on Saturday.

Gonzaga has achieved all but winning the championship. sFollowing several years as serious contenders with no breakout, it is hard to imagine that the championship will ever won any time soon.  On Saturday, the door may have shut not just on Timme’s career, but also on a phenomenal run of success that will long be tied with failure by many.

LA Rams Release Leonard Floyd and Seven Others

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By: OutOfSightSports

3/10/23

Leonard Floyd, the Rams’ outside linebacker, has been released. 

Floyd and seven others were cut by LA on Friday, according to statements released by the organization.

TE Roger Carter, DB T.J. Carter, WR J.J. Koski, TE Jared Pinkney,WR Jaquarii Roberson, WR Jerreth Sterns, and DE Brayden Thomas were cut as well.

Floyd, 30, was in Los Angeles for three seasons. In 50 games, he recorded 29 sacks, logged 59 quarterback hits, and 184 tackles. In each of those three seasons, he produced at least nine sacks, including a career-high 10.5 in his debut season with the Rams in 2020.

He started all 17 games in 2022 and had a team-high nine sacks and 59 total tackles. Floyd recorded 9.5 sacks, 70 total tackles, and an interception in 17 games for the Rams in 2021, en route to winning Super Bowl LVI.

Whether or not the Rams are using Floyd’s post-June 1 designation remains a mystery. If they don’t, they will incur a $19 million cap hit in dead money while only saving $3 million on the cap.

For the Rams, a dead cap charge of $6.5 million in 2023 would be offset by a $15.5 million savings in cap space if the designation were made after June 1.

Stephen A. Smith to Tee Morant: ‘You’re Not One of His Boys, You’re His Dad’

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By: OutOfSightSports

3/8/23

Stephen A. Smith to Tee Morant: ‘You’re Not One of His Boys, You’re His Dad’

Ja Morant has reached a bit of a crossroads due to a near-impressively lengthy string of deplorable actions. He can assess the situation and determine that he would rather be the face of the NBA than throw it away. However, we could revisit this after a couple of years and ponder what could have been. Let’s hope that is not the case.

Now, Morant is not with the Memphis Grizzlies and there is no schedule for his return.

This sort of material might be a challenge for sports debate programs thought, as we saw Skip Bayless, of all people, bring up the Crips.  Stephen A. Smith took a different approach, equating Morant’s predicament to Allen Iverson’s early years.

Then he offered Ja’s father, Tee Morant, some parenting advice:

“Now in the case of pops, only thing, I’m not throwing any shade on somebody’s parent or anything like that,” Smith said. “I’m simply trying to highlight and illuminate to Tee Morant the importance of him being a dad. You raised him. You helped get him to this point. Make sure that you don’t let anybody get in the way of what he is on the verge of accomplishing. Make sure you do your part to protect him instead of joining in to have a good time like you one of his boys. You’re not one of his boys. You’re his dad.”

The world is at Ja Morant’s fingertips, and he must choose between doing the right thing or jeopardizing what looks to be like a hall-of-fame career when its all said and done.

Nike Issues a Statement Concerning Grizzlies Star Ja Morant

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By: OutOfSightSports

3/7/22

Nike Issues a Statement Concerning Grizzlies Star Ja Morant

After the Grizzlies’ game against the Denver Nuggets Friday night, Grizzlies superstar guard Ja Morant posted an Instagram live video of himself at what seemed to be a strip club early on Saturday morning.

Ja Morant above

During this video, Morant was seen brandishing a firearm at the camera, sparking the league to investigate him and the Grizzlies to also act quickly.

Nike issued a statement regarding Ja Morant’s present situation following the Memphis Grizzlies’ news that he’ll be missing the team’s next two games minimum,

“We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs. We support his prioritization of his well-being,”

according to reports from highly respected NBA Insider, Shams Charania.

Now, it does not appear that Morant will be dropped from Nike’s roster, but this incident with him carrying a pistol in the club might pose unforeseen situations between the two parties in the future.

Morant also made a statement via his agency, Tandem Sports & Entertainment, on Saturday. It stated,

The incident that got Morant in trouble ^

Ja Morant stated in his statement that he will “take some time apart” following his two-game “suspension” from the organization. It remains to be uncertain when Morant will return to the hardwood. If these last couple of days didn’t wake up Morant, this situation has the potential to turn real ugly.

The Grizzlies are suddenly extremely short-handed after Brandon Clarke tore his left Achilles tendon on Friday night and Dillon Brooks received his 16th technical foul of the season, which culminates in a one-game suspension from the NBA.

As of today, the Grizzlies sit only half a game above Sacramento for the #2 seed in the West with a record of 38-25.

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KD speaks on Relationship with Kyrie after the Suns and Mavericks Trades

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Kevin Durant Discusses Kyrie Irving, Trade Request | Complex

By: OutOfSightSports

3/1/23

KD speaks on Relationship with Kyrie after the Suns and Mavericks Trades

When Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving signed with the Nets in June 2019, the two players had high hopes of winning several NBA titles together with their new team.

When you factor in that Brooklyn was able to get James Harden for the 2020-21 season, the team’s chances of winning the NBA title were genuine, albeit not necessarily obvious. Instead, the three only played 17 games together as a unit due to a combination of on-court and off-court difficulties. Just 74 games were played by Durant, Irving, and the Nets while they were all on the same team.

Now that Irving is settling in with the Mavericks organization and Kevin Durant is waiting to make his debut with the Suns, the two-time defending NBA champion has stated that he is not upset by Irving’s choice to ask the Nets to move him.

Durant stated on the podcast The ETCs with Kevin Durant that he and Irving are “separate entities” and that they must do what is best for their respective professions. But, Durant, who is 34 years old, wished they had completed the current NBA season together.

“We all move and do the things that we wanna do for our careers,” Durant said. “I can’t fault somebody for doing that even though it might have been at our expense as a team. … I don’t wanna act like I wasn’t upset that we didn’t finish the season, because I love playing with [Irving]. I wanted to see where we can go with that because we were both playing at a high level.

“What [Irving] was doing behind the scenes, what his contract negotiations was, I don’t want to even think about none of that stuff. Whatever he is doing, that’s him. … We haven’t had a conversation, but eventually we will.”

Durant is scheduled to make his Suns debut against Charlotte later tonight, according to the franchise. The 13-time All-Star has not played since suffering an MCL sprain against the Heat on January 8.

This season, Durant has averaged 29.7 points per game in 39 appearances.

Nate Oats on Brandon Miller’s pregame ‘pat-down’ vs Arkansas: ‘Not appropriate’

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By: @OOSSports

2/26/23

Nate Oats on Brandon Miller’s pregame ‘pat-down’: ‘Not appropriate’

Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats, who has made an ass out of himself all week with his insensitive comments, finally did something half moral, saying that freshman forward Brandon Miller’s pregame introduction routine of being touched down by a walk-on before proceeding to mid court was ‘not appropriate’ after taking down Arkansas by 3 at home yesterday.

“I don’t watch our introductions, I’m not involved with them, I’m drawing up plays during that time,” Oats stated postgame.

“Regardless, it’s not appropriate. It’s been addressed and I can assure you it definitely will not happen again for the remainder of this year.” he went on to say.

Miller, who has done the same pregame pat-down for each game this season, resumed the process after Tuscaloosa Detective Branden Culpepper testified Tuesday that Miller brought now-former teammate Darius Miles’ gun to him the night of the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris, after Miles texted and urged him to do so.

Culpepper’s evidence was given during a preliminary hearing for Miles and Michael Lynn Davis, who are charged with capital murder for the death of Harris. Miles and Michael Lynn Davis are accused of killing Harris. According to the investigators, Miles acknowledged to delivering the pistol that was used in the shooting that resulted in a fatality, but Davis was the one who fired the firearm. Miles has subsequently been removed from the Crimson Tide program.

Miller has not been accused of committing a crime, and the Chief Deputy District Attorney in Tuscaloosa, Paula Whitley, stated on Tuesday that there is “nothing we could prosecute [Miller] with.” Oats and the investigators have reported that Miller has been cooperative with the police.

When Alabama’s sports information director advised the media to ask questions just concerning the Alabama-Arkansas game, Oats did react to the one non game question that was asked of him. The question was regarding whether or not he had reached out to the family of Harris at any point in time.

“Listen, to address it a little bit,” Oats said. “I apologize for my previous comments this week. We understand the severity of it all, but I’m following the administration’s lead on everything here, so we’re going to talk about the game is what they would like for me to talk about.”

On Saturday, Miller had a team-high 24 points and six rebounds and was applauded everytime he did something for the Crimson Tide. This is in stark contrast to Miller’s treatment on the road against South Carolina on Wednesday night.

Miller’s week was brought up later in Oats’ postgame news conference during a question regarding the game,

“He’s one of the most mentally, if not the most mentally tough kid I’ve ever coached in my life and I’ve been coaching for a while,” Oats said. “While he completely understands the situation’s tragic and he takes it very seriously and he’s been cooperating the whole time, he’s also done a great job being able to focus on practices, games and just getting this laser focus where he’s dialed in to where his feet are at.”

Three Potential Second-Year NFL Breakout Players

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By: @OOSSports

2/25/23

Three Potential Second-Year NFL Breakout Players

This past season saw a number of impressive displays from members of the 2022 NFL rookie class; however, it may take a few players a little longer to get familiarized with the speed of the game in the NFL. With that being said, I believe these three second-year guys will break out in 2023.

WR Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions:

The Lions were careful with Williams throughout his rookie season because he was dealing with an ACL injury he tore in the national championship game his final year at Alabama. Despite playing a diminished role, he was still capable of displaying his potential, building excitement for what will likely be his first complete NFL season in 2023.

CB Marcus Jones, New England Patriots

The movement skills which Jones possesses give the DB the tools necessary to mirror anyone in coverage, giving him the ability to lock down opposing receivers, even if they’re positioned in the slot. As a rookie, he gave up only an 83.7 passer rating. Jones has a bright future with the Patriots.

TE Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys

Dalton Schultz is an upcoming free agent who Dallas may opt to let go in order to cut expenses. Ferguson may make the Cowboys feel better about their decision. Ferguson showed off his talent in limited play, catching 20 of the 23 receptions thrown his way for 208 yards and two touchdowns. He played 480 snaps in all, largely as a run blocker, but his effort as a receiver was remarkable. The Cowboys might easily project that into a very successful season in 2023.

76ers Star James Harden Helps Paralyzed Michigan State Shooting Victim

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2/23/23

By: @OOSSports

76ers Star James Harden Helps Paralyzed Michigan State Shooting Victim.

After hearing that one of his biggest followers had been paralyzed in the terrible shooting at Michigan State a few weeks ago, Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden acted swiftly to show his support.

John Hao, one of the people shot at Michigan State who was also left paralyzed from the waist down, is still in a Michigan hospital where he is healing.

Harden FaceTimed Hao and sent the 20-year-old student a variety of different pairs of sneakers, including some worn in a game, in an effort to inspire and “brighten John’s day, even if it was just for one minute.”

“Everything will work itself out, be strong,” Harden said to Hao. “You’re alright. You’ll be alright. I promise you are … I love when you’re smiling, alright? I’m with you. I know it’s tough right now but you have to stay physically strong, you know what I mean? You gotta just think positive things and keep pushing and keep fighting.”

Three students were killed and five others were critically injured, including Hao, when a single shooter allegedly opened fire at two locations on Michigan State’s campus earlier this month. Later that same evening, the alleged shooter committed suicide. It happened to be the 67th mass shooting in the United States this year alone; which lead MSU leadership to cancel classes in wake of this tragedy.

Tom Izzo, the head basketball coach at Michigan State almost three decades, spoke at a candlelight vigil a few days later. Izzo, who has been with the program for 28 years now, recently watched his daughter receive her degree. His son Steven, a basketball walk-on, was on campus the night of the massacre.

Visibly upset and in distraught, Izzo told the crowd,

“Steven was at one of the buildings two nights ago about 10 minutes after things happened,” Izzo said. “So sometimes we don’t understand because we haven’t been through it. That little moment brought me a little closer to understanding … Our hearts are heavy. Our loss has been great. Our lives have been permanently changed. With a shared commitment to help each other and a promise to remember those we have lost, we will find joy again.”

At the vigil, Izzo also called for gun regulation, as have many other athletes in recent years.

“I think everybody spoke that something has to be done in our society,” Izzo stated. “Gun violence is insane right now. We all have a platform. Some are small, some are high. But we all have a platform. I hope each and every one of you use your platform to help others so other families don’t have to go through what these families are going through right now.”

Even though Hao was left crippled and still has a long way to go before he can fully recover, the gesture that Harden made was very much appreciated by him and his family, during what has otherwise been an extremely challenging time for them and their community.

Update on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Wrist Sprain

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By: OOSSports

2/21/23

Update on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Wrist Sprain

Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a damaged ligament in his right wrist, and he will seek treatment with the goal of returning to the lineup once the discomfort decreases, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday night.

After playing in the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Antetokounmpo was tested in New York on Monday.

Antetokounmpo left the lineup after scoring two points for Team Giannis in their 184-175 victory over Team LeBron on Sunday night.

OutOfSightSports NBA Draft 2023 Player Profile: Anthony Black

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By: @OOSSports

1/28/23

OutOfSightSports NBA Draft 2023 Player Profile: Anthony Black

This year before the 2023 NBA draft, we are going to publish 60 articles on who we believe are the top 60 players headed into the upcoming draft before. With this being said, this list is in no order so do not be up in my DMs complaining. The rankings will come at the conclusion of the 60 player list. Anyways, lets dive into our first prospect of the OutOfSight NBA Draft 23 player profiles! We will start with the versatile Razorback freshman, Anthony Black.

Physicals

Height: 6-7

Weight: 190

School/Class/DOB

College: Arkansas

Classification: Freshman (T)

Birthdate: 1/20/2004

Draft Prediction: Lottery Pick

Pros

Given his frame and physicals, he is is a relatively good scorer off the dribble.

Black gets after it and hustles like a dawg, a trait every NBA front office looks for in a potential draft pick.

Has a fantastic ability to get to the line, especially when he plays to his strengths.

He is a better than average passer for a freshman

Black overachieves at his size on the boards, thanks to his hustle and toughness.

Legit all around defender that can defend the perimeter and create takeaways. Black also possesses the ability to defend the paint and swat away shots.

Good athlete for a college player, but a GREAT one for a true freshman.

Has the ability to play multiple positions due to his versatility.

Cons

He needs to work on his shooting.

He needs to expand his shooting range.

Can have chaotic shot selection. Sometimes appears careless on offense, leading to turnovers. This creation can lead to a selfishness that some people criticize him for.

Seems to have a tough time defending faster players.

Player Profile Summary:

Anthony Black is a quick, skilled point forward who can run the offense and make hustle plays on both ends of the court. He’ll need to work on his shooting and scoring, but he’s a tall playmaker who could and should be a lottery pick in 2023, even with Arkansas being disappointing like they to this point of the season.