The men’s college basketball season is coming to an emphatic end with the College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas, where drama, buzzer-beaters and everything in between is all but guaranteed. The second-year tournament will tip off on Wednesday with the elimination-style bracket leading up to the championship game Sunday. The new College Basketball Crown format features eight teams, all from power conferences, and will include a $500,000 NIL prize pool. Below is everything you need to know about this year’s tournament, from the official bracket to ticket information. Who is in the 2026 College Basketball Crown tournament? The College Basketball Crown tournament is made up of an eight-team field. Below are this year’s participants: [COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Expert Predictions and Analysis for Crown] Where is the 2026 College Basketball Crown? The 2026 College Basketball Crown will take place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in the quarterfinals and T-Mobile Arena for the semifinals and final. Where can I watch the College Basketball Crown? The 2026 College Basketball Crown will air on FOX, FOX One and FS1, with the quarterfinals broadcast on FS1 and the semifinals and final on FOX. [COLLEGE BASKETBALL CROWN: Purchase Tickets Here] College Basketball Crown Schedule and Bracket Crown Quarterfinals Wednesday, April 1Oklahoma vs. Colorado (8 p.m. ET on FS1)Baylor vs. Minnesota (10:30 p.m. ET on FS1) Thursday, April 2Stanford vs. West Virginia (8 p.m. ET on FS1)Rutgers vs. Creighton (10:30 p.m. ET FS1) Crown Semifinals Saturday, April 41:30 p.m. ET: TBD vs. TBD (FOX)4 p.m. ET: TBD vs. TBD (FOX) Crown Finals Sunday, April 55:30 p.m. ET: TBD vs. TBD (FOX) How do I purchase tickets to the College Basketball Crown? Vivid Seats will serve as the official ticket provider of the College Basketball Crown. Tickets for all match-ups can be purchased using this link.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. The Crown Basketball Tournament tips off with must-watch quarterfinal matchups, giving bettors an early opportunity to get involved. Oklahoma faces Colorado, while Baylor takes on Minnesota, with spots in the semifinals on the line. The intensity doesn’t stop there—programs like Creighton, Stanford, West Virginia and Rutgers are all chasing the same goal: survive and advance with a $500,000 NIL prize on the line. Every game brings win-or-go-home pressure, big-time moments, and the kind of urgency that makes this tournament a must-watch. You can place wagers through sportsbooks like FanDuel, Caesars, bet365 and more, while platforms like Kalshi offer alternative ways to engage by trading on outcomes. FanDuel How to Get $300 Back in Bonus Bets Every Day For 10 Days Promo, No Promo Code Needed Oklahoma vs. Colorado (8 p.m., FS1) Point spread: Oklahoma -8.5 (Oklahoma favored to win by more than 8.5 points, otherwise Colorado covers)Moneyline: Oklahoma -325 favorite to win; Colorado +260 underdog to winTotal Over/Under: 165.5 points scored by both teams combined What to know: Oklahoma ended the year with a 19-15 record. Nijel Pack led the Sooners, averaging 16.5 points per game, with Mohamed Wague leading the team in rebounds (6.7) and blocks (1.5). The underdog Buffs, on the other hand, come into this matchup with a 17-15 record and with an 11th-place finish in the Big 12. Their leading scorer is Isaiah Johnson, who averaged 16.9 ppg throughout the year. Kalshi How to Claim the Kalshi Welcome Bonus Baylor vs. Minnesota (10:30 p.m., FS1) Point Spread: Baylor -3.5 (Baylor favored to win by more than 3.5 points, otherwise Minnesota covers)Moneyline: Baylor -170 favorite to win; Minnesota +142 underdog to winTotal Over/Under: 148.5 points scored by both teams combined What to know: The Baylor Bears started off their year winning 10 of their first 12 before suffering a few losing skids. Eventually, they finished the year 16-16. Their opponents, the Golden Gophers, lost 10 games from Jan. 9 to Feb. 14 before ending the year at 15-17. bet365 How to claim bet365 Promo with Bonus Code ‘FOX365’. Caesars Sportsbook Sign Up and Claim the Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code College Basketball Crown Schedule and Bracket Crown Quarterfinals Wednesday, April 1Oklahoma vs. Colorado (8 p.m. ET on FS1)Baylor vs. Minnesota (10:30 p.m. ET on FS1) Thursday, April 2Stanford vs. West Virginia (8 p.m. ET on FS1)Rutgers vs. Creighton (10:30 p.m. ET FS1) Crown Semifinals Saturday, April 41:30 p.m. ET: TBD vs. TBD (FOX)4 p.m. ET: TBD vs. TBD (FOX) Crown Finals Sunday, April 55:30 p.m. ET: TBD vs. TBD (FOX)
The 2027 Kia Seltos has three powertrains and looks very much like the very new Kia Telluride. That’s surely no accident, with the Telluride historically being one of the brand’s best-selling SUVs. The new Seltos will come with three powertrains: two gas options and a hybrid, said Kia at today’s unveiling during the New York International Auto Show.
The first will be an entry-level engine: a gas-powered 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower. As the entry point, it’ll be standard on four trims: the Seltos LX, S, EX, and X-Line. All will be motivated via standard front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, but there will be optional all-wheel drive available for some models.
Moving up a rung, the mid-grade 190-horsepower engine is an old Kia favorite: the brand’s turbocharged 1.6-liter engine makes an appearance across the brand’s lineup. However, its availability is severely limited, being offered only on the X-Line model when optioned with all-wheel drive.
The final choice will be Kia’s mostly-to-be-announced hybrid powertrain. Details on this are harder to come by. Kia does say it will use a 1.6-liter four-cylinder as its base, but makes no mention of the battery pack, saying only that it will be offered with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. A six-speed automatic will be the sole transmission pairing.
Kia
The new design also led to new dimensions for the Seltos, which now has a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Inside, that translates to around 64 cubic feet of cargo space. The rugged-ish X-Line model will cater to a more outdoorsy crowd with its outdoorsy look and up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Kia offers a slew of screens, ranging from a 12.3-inch central screen to an identically-sized driver display.
Pricing for the outgoing model was set at $25,285, including destination charges. Undoubtedly, the new model will bring with it new pricing, though specifics aren’t clear yet.
Fleece is one of the most versatile outerwear fabrics, and its thicker/fuzzier cousin, high-pile fleece, is especially useful on chilly days. That said, it might not come as a surprise that high-pile fleece jackets are typically more expensive than standard fleece jackets, but there’s a deal at Target that’s offering one for under $25.
The $45 All In Motion High-Pile Fleece Full Zip Sweatshirt is down to $23 at Target in all sizes and colorways. You can get it in black, tan, or teal, and in sizes XS through 2XL. But it’s not the style or fabric that stands out the most here—it’s the price. Compared to high-pile fleece jackets from most of the outdoor brands, which typically land in the $50 to $200 range, this is a steal at just $23.
All In Motion High-Pile Fleece Full Zip Sweatshirt, $23 (was $45) at Target
The All In Motion High-Pile Fleece Full Zip Sweatshirt.
Best For: Outdoor activities, travel, everyday wear
All In Motion’s fleece jacket is a straightforward, cold-weather layer made entirely of recycled polyester high-pile fleece, making it soft, warm, and more substantial than a typical sweatshirt. For extra coverage, the sweatshirt also comes with a higher turtleneck-style collar, and it’s finished with two side pockets and a chest pocket for plenty of storage.
High-pile fleece jackets from the big outdoor brands can get expensive, so getting something with similar warmth and features at a price under $25 is smart. Even when you consider one of Columbia’s high-pile fleece jackets, which are generally on the lower side of the price scale, this one from Target remains a better value. While you miss out on some technical features and build quality, this sweatshirt isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, and that’s just the point—it still works well.
Reviews are pretty light at Target, but this jacket is sitting at a 4.4-star rating after a dozen votes. One shopper said that it’s “so comfy.” A second said that they love the jacket because it’s “very warm” and good at trapping heat.
It’s worth noting that one of the reviewers commented that the jacket ran big, so the “athletic fit” the company is advertising may mean it offers extra room for a muscular build. Don’t let that steer you away, though—boxy is in.
At just $23, the All In Motion High-Pile Fleece Full Zip Sweatshirt is a great piece to brave these cooler spring months, or if you’re just interested in trying out high-pile fleece for a bargain. A few sizes are already gone, so you should pick one up soon if you’re interested.
The college basketball season is winding down, but for many teams the offseason has already started. The coaching carousel has changed the landscape, and while the transfer portal doesn’t officially open until April 7, many players have expressed their intentions. Let’s take a look at some of the top players who are set to hit the transfer portal. Tyler Lundblade commits to Tennessee Former Belmont forward Tyler Lundblade reportedly transferred to Tennessee, announcing his commitment on Wednesday. Lundblade was able to forgo college basketball’s new April 7 portal opening date because he is a grad transfer. He is an elite perimeter shooter, who led the nation in 3-point percentage (48.1) during his junior season at Belmont in 2024-25, and averaged 15.6 points per game last season. Lundblade began his college career at TCU, before transferring to Belmont, and now is onto his third school. Mouhamed Sylla plans to enter the transfer portal Georgia Tech’s 6-foot-10 freshman center plans on entering the transfer portal, per Joe Tipton. He had a solid freshman season. He averaged 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks each game. South Florida’s Wes Enis seeks the transfer portal upon opening Wes Enis will be entering the transfer portal with a ‘Do Not Contact’ tag, per On3. During the American Conerence tournament, he was averaging 21.5 points and 2.5 steals, also collecting a spot in the All-AAC First Team. Overall, he averaged 16.4 points, 2.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game, showing increased aggression on the boards. South Florida’s former coach Bryan Hodgson went to Providence, so Enis’ DNC could indicate he is following him there. Georgetown guard intends to enter transfer portal Malik Mack plans to enter the transfer portal after his second season with Georgetown. He had a solid season with 13.6 points and 4.1 assists. He also played for Harvard during his freshman year, averaging 17.2 points, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals. Georgia’s star rim-protector plans to enter transfer portal Somtochukwu Cyril has plans to enter the transfer portal after leading the SEC in blocks per game with 2.3. This defensive-heavy season also included 9.3 points on the other end and 5.4 boards per game. Brant Byers plans on entering the transfer portal After stepping into a larger role this season with Miami (OH), he decided it was time to part ways. Byers will be entering the NCAA transfer portal. He averaged 14.2 points on an impressive 47.8% field goal percentage and 4.1 rebounds. He was also named ALl-MAC after his breakout season. Thomas Dowd plans to leave Troy The 6-8 junior is reportedly planning on entering the transfer portal. He had a great season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks each game, making the first team All-Sun Belt. Buffalo’s Star intends to hit the transfer portal Daniel Freitag plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This past season, he averaged 19.8 points per game, dishing out 3.8 dimes a game and grabbing 4.3 boards each game. Though his first season with Wisconsin didn’t go to plan due to an ankle injury, he came back and had a stellar season with the Bulls. Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo intends to enter transfer portal The 6-9 forward plans to enter the transfer portal, per Draft Express. He spent the last three seasons with the Yellow Jackets, averaging 12.6 points, 8.5 boards, and 1.1 blocks. This season, he was the second-leading scorer on the team behind senior forward Kowacie Reeves. Isaiah Harwell plans to leave Houston The No. 14 recruit coming out of high school spent a season with Houston and decided it was time to leave. He plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal after a lackluster season. In 2024, he tore his ACL, greatly affecting his ability to play at the highest level, as this season he averaged only 3.6 points and 2.0 rebounds. He did show flashes of success, having a 20-point performance against Jackson State. Sananda Fru plans to enter transfer portal The 6-11 center from Berlin, Germany, will be entering the transfer portal. The German center was ranked among the ACC’s top offensive rebounders and shot-blockers. He started 29 of his 35 games, delivering 9.0 points and 6.1 rebounds, all while shooting 75.3% from the field. Anthony Robinson plans to leave Missouri The 6-3 junior plans to enter the transfer portal. Starting over half of his 33 games played, he contributed a solid 8.9 points, 3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. His steal numbers earned him a spot in the SEC All-Defensive team last year. Georgia’s Jeremiah Wilkinson plans to enter transfer portal Georgia guard Jeremiah Wilkinson plans to enter the transfer portal. The 6-1 sophomore had a stellar season offensively, delivering 17.4 points, starting 21 of his 31 games played. He played one season with the Bulldogs after spending his freshman year at Cal. He also had a solid offensive season there, averaging 15 points per game for the Bears. Andrew McKeever intends to enter transfer portal The 7-3 sophomore plans to enter the transfer portal after averaging 8.2 points and an impressive 9.2 rebounds coming off the bench. McKeever becomes the latest Saint Mary’s player to leave the school after head coach Randy Bennett took the job at Arizona State. Devin Royal plans to leave Ohio State The 6-6 junior forward will be entering the transfer portal. Devin Royal spent three seasons with the Buckeyes, averaging 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds across his time with Ohio State. Kentucky’s Jaland Lowe plans to enter transfer portal Lowe will be entering the transfer portal when it opens. The 6-1 junior played only one season with the Wildcats, and only played nine games until he suffered a season-ending injury to his left shoulder. Though a limited sample size, he had eight points and 2.4 assists coming off the bench for the majority of his games because of lingering injuries. Fifth-year senior Frankie Collins intends to enter transfer portal Entering his last potential season of eligibility, Frankie Collins will need a medical hardship waiver to be available as a playe. He would be going into his sixth season as a college basketball player, previously playing with Michigan, ASU, TCU, and most recently, Vanderbilt. He averaged 7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists, until the 9th game of the season where he suffered a torn meniscus. Isaiah Johnson plans to enter transfer portal The 18-year-old breakout star has announced his desire to enter the transfer portal. Receiving an All-Big 12 Honorable mention, and leading all the Power-4 freshman guards in scoring efficiency, he’ll be a coveted target for teams looking for a new point guard. He averaged 16.9 points, one steal, and three assists a game, all while starting only 15 of his 32 games played. He also broke Colorado’s all-time freshman scoring record with a staggering total of 540 points. SDSU’s Miles Byrd intends to enter transfer portal The 6-6 junior has declared his intention to transfer. Miles Byrd is entering his final year of eligibility after three seasons with the Aztecs. He contributed solid numbers, averaging 10.4 points, 2.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds, starting every game. SDSU finished the season 14-6, placing second in the Mountain West Conference tournament, just barely missing the NCAA tournament. Karson Templin plans to leave Utah State The Mountain West Conference’s sixth man of the year, Karson Templin, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. The 6-9, 230-pound forward added much-needed intensity off the bench and played a crucial role in their conference championship, as well as NCAA tournament qualification. He poured in 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds, shooting 50.2% from the field. Utah State coach Jarrod Calhoun left for Cincinnati, which certainly impacted Templin’s decision, but it’s possible he returns to Logan. LSU’s Dedan Thomas Jr. plans to enter transfer portal Upon its opening, Dedan Thomas Jr. will be entering the transfer portal. The 6-1 junior averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 assists on 45.9 from the field. This season was cut short due to a left-foot injury causing him to play only 16 of the 31 games with the Tigers. Center Olivier Rioux intends to leave Florida Rioux is entering the portal, according to The Field of 68. The redshirt freshman, who’s listed as the tallest basketball player in the world at 7-foot-9, appeared in 11 games for the Gators this season, playing just 1.5 minutes per contest. After earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Florida was eliminated by the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the tournament. Virginia Tech’s Avdalis plans to enter transfer portal After starting every game for Virginia Tech his freshman season, Neoklis Avdalis will be entering the transfer portal. The forward averaged 12.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in his debut with the Hokies. Avdolis, who was born in Greece, previously played internationally, for Greece’s HEBA A1 League. Twice in the 2025-2026 season he scored 30 points, and he was named ACC Rookie of the Week on two occasions, as well. Williams leaving Iowa State for portal In addition to the other Iowa State players already sent to enter the transfer portal, junior guard Jada Williams is also planning to leave the team for a new one next season. Per USA Today, Williams, who averaged 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, a steal and a Big 12-leading 7.7 assists per game joins junior forward Addy Brown, sophomore guard Reagan Wilson, freshman guard Reese Beaty, sophomore guard Aili Tanke and junior center Lilly Taulelei, as was already known, along with another newly announced Cyclones player in junior forward Alisa Williams and freshman guard Freya Jensen. Five Iowa State players set to enter portal Five Iowa State women’s players, including one of its stars, Addy Brown, are planning to enter the transfer portal on April 7 per the Des Moines Register. Brown played in just 21 game this season thanks to an unnamed lower-body injury, but at the initial time of her absence she was second on the Cyclones in points, rebounds and assists per game – the versatile star was missed in-season, and the forward’s absence for her senior season will leave a hole that Iowa State must fill, as well. Brown averaged 31.5 minutes, 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and just 1.8 fouls per game over her three years for Iowa State. Brown isn’t the only Cyclones player to announce her intentions to play elsewhere in 2026-2027, however. Sophomore guard Reagan Wilson, freshman guard Reese Beaty, sophomore guard Aili Tanke and junior center Lilly Taulelei will also enter the portal. All of those besides Beaty averaged 9 minutes per game or fewer in 2025-2026, but those are still openings that have to be filled by a team that will now be without the player whose absence helped to crater what had been a promising campaign. San Diego State guard BJ Davis plans to enter transfer portal After starting 31 games in his sophomore season, Davis took a step back, coming off the bench as a junior at San Diego State. With starting point guard Elzie Harrington continuing to progress, Davis plans to go elsewhere for his final season of eligibility. Saint Mary’s forward Paulius Murauskas plans to enter transfer portal After head coach Randy Bennett left Saint Mary’s for Arizona State, Murauskas was the first domino to fall. He played one season at Arizona and two at Saint Mary’s, where he led the team in scoring with 18.4 points per game this season. The Gaels made the NCAA Tournament in each of Murauskas’ two seasons. He has one year of eligibility remaining. Georgetown guard KJ Lewis plans to enter transfer portal For a second straight season, Lewis will enter the transfer portal. He played two seasons at Arizona before coming to Georgetown, and will now finish out his collegiate career at a third stop. North Dakota guard Greyson Uelmen plans to enter transfer portal After a valiant effort fell short in the Summit League Tournament title game, North Dakota guard Greyson Uelmen will enter the transfer portal. Uelmen has two seasons of eligibility remaining. Oregon stars plan to enter the transfer portal After a 12-20 season, Oregon has lost two of its top players. Forward Kwame Evans Jr. and point guard Jackson Shelstad plan to enter the transfer portal. Evans will have one year of eligibility remaining, while Shelstad will have two because he played only 12 games due to an injury to his right hand. North Dakota State guard Damari Wheeler-Thomas plans to enter the portal After three seasons at North Dakota State, Wheeler-Thomas plans to enter the transfer portal. He averaged 14.5 points in his junior season, and helped the Bison earn an NCAA Tournament automatic bid as a 14-seed. South Carolina guard Eli Ellis plans to enter portal Ellis, 6-foot, averaged 8.6 points per game, coming off the bench for the Gamecocks in his freshman season. He has three years of eligibility remaining. Robert Morris forward DeSean Goode plans to enter portal Goode averaged 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds during his sophomore season at Robert Morris, and won Player of the Year in the Horizon Conference. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Hyundai has made it abundantly clear it wants to sell trucks here in America. First, the Hyundai Santa Cruz came along. The small truck was quirky, usable, and drove like a small SUV, but it couldn’t hack it compared to the Ford Maverick. Consumers had a clear preference there, so Hyundai is trying again, one more rung up the ladder, with a new midsize pickup. The truck will ride on a new body-on-frame platform, which underpins the Ford Bronco lookalike you see here, which the brand calls the Boulder concept.
Randy Parker, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America, said: “Body-on-frame trucks play a central role in this market, and we see a clear opportunity to bring customers a new alternative that reflects how they work, explore, and live. The Boulder Concept SUV signals our approach to this segment and how we are thoughtfully developing our midsize pickup with the needs and expectations of U.S. customers at the core.”
These needs are well-documented. The Boulder concept signals the brand’s intentions to meet the demands of those looking for a more rugged, off-road-focused model (both in truck and SUV form). Buyers have reportedly told Hyundai they also want a vehicle from the automaker that’s capable of doing the “serious” towing and hauling expected of a body-on-frame vehicle. The truck will be one of 36 new Hyundai models coming before the end of the decade.
As for the concept itself, Hyundai calls it a “four-wheeled love letter to the dynamic, off-road way of life” that its buyers have apparently been clamoring for. Evidently, there is not enough supply in the off-road segment to satiate buyers, even as Americans say they can’t afford their cars. Unlike the upcoming truck, this is just a concept, a production version of which hasn’t been confirmed. More likely, Hyundai will wait to see how its new truck does, as the two will probably be mechanically related.
Hyundai
The Boulder concept’s design features are a sort of amalgamation of the segment’s prevailing design inspirations. Toyota’s 4Runner is known for its drop-down window, something the Boulder will also accommodate, and the design language is very clearly inspired by the retro-futuristic vibe Ford brought to the Bronco revival. The concept also features a similarly retro-futuristic interior and huge 37-inch mud tires.
Meanwhile, the platform itself is in the “early days” of development, and Hyundai was tight-lipped about potential powertrains. Given the current regulatory climate surrounding the automotive industry right now, we’re expecting a gasoline-forward apprach, with potential hybrid models in the mix as well.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Tonight’s NBA slate features key matchups across the board, and it’s a great opportunity to jump in with the Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS, where new users can trade $10 and get a $10 bonus on Celtics vs. Heat, Spurs vs. Warriors, and more. The Boston Celtics face the Miami Heat in a crucial game for the Heat and their playoff spot, while the Golden State Warriors take on one of the best teams in the league, the San Antonio Spurs. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic go up against the Atlanta Hawks in a pivotal game that could have a major impact on playoff seeding. Claim your $10 bonus after trading $10 with the Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS and get involved in all of tonight’s NBA action. Kalshi How to Claim the Kalshi Welcome Bonus Kalshi Odds *Odds are subject to change* Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat – Game Details Top Performers Last 10 Games Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic – Game Details Top Performers Last 10 Games San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors – Game Details Top Performers Last 10 Games
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) – The booming drum beat from Portugal fans was a helpful reminder to anyone who might have been unaware: the World Cup is a mere two months away. That means it’s nervy times for players who are anxious to make a roster, even if they don’t show it. The U.S. men’s national team wrapped its last camp on Tuesday night in Atlanta with an unimpressive 2-0 defeat to Portugal in front of an announced crowd of 72,297 people, many of whom were wearing Cristiano Ronaldo jerseys (even though he did not make the trip). The result came a few days after a humbling 5-2 loss to Belgium. USA manager Mauricio Pochettino will announce his final 26-man roster on May 26 in New York City, and now the only thing players who may be on the bubble can do is wait. And wait. And after Tuesday’s loss, players didn’t have much time to chat after the match. Many were rushing out the stadium to catch international flights back home to rejoin their respective clubs. When a few of them were asked if they found any clarity about their place within Pochettino’s World Cup plans during this past week, they seemed exhausted. “I just try to block it out,” a fairly calm Sebastian Berhalter said off to the side of a crowded mixed zone following the Portugal loss. The 24-year-old midfielder played in both games during this window and is hoping to make his first World Cup roster. “Just focus on myself,” added defender Auston Trusty, who has only made five appearances for the national team and started on the back line vs. Portugal. “I can only control what I can control.” The ‘Painful’ Process of Picking a Roster The U.S. players are all in the thick of their respective club seasons, and this was a fully packed week in Atlanta. It wasn’t just about training and games, but also included other responsibilities like pre-tournament marketing opportunities and photo shoots. It can undoubtedly be taxing mentally to be part of those things when you don’t even know if you’re going to be on a World Cup squad. “Not too concerned with that, not too focused on that,” said goalkeeper Matt Freese, who made some quality saves against Portugal. Pochettino said the starting goalkeeper job is still open for competition, while Freese added that he has no inkling of whether it will be him or Matt Turner, who gave up five goals against Belgium. Pochettino said after Tuesday night’s game that he was still in the process of reviewing the player pool with his staff. “They know it’s going to be a competition,” Pochettino said. “They know that we are going to see [them play with their clubs] every single week, every single game, and we are going to assess one year and a half or more [of being with the team] and we are going to make the decision of 26 players being on the roster. “I think those who will be here will be happy, [and those] not on the roster will be sad.” Back in January, Pochettino said that for his team, the World Cup would begin in March. (the tournament’s actual date is June 11, with the U.S. opening group play on June 12 vs. Paraguay in Los Angeles). That comment insinuated that he had narrowed the group down somewhat, and he probably has. But following the Portugal match, he was asked how many players in his mind are still in contention. Are there 30 guys vying for 26 spots? Maybe 35? “Yes, yes,” Pochettino said, laughing. “Maybe a few more. It’s going to be painful in that process. Emotional. It’s going to be really difficult to pick 26 from 75 players.” To Get (or Not To Get) The Call Last Friday, Pochettino described his style that he’ll only call the players who make the team and not reach out to those who don’t. It’s a different approach to four years ago when former coach Gregg Berhalter called players who were going to Qatar and those who weren’t. “I haven’t heard anything about that,” Trusty said when asked about Pochettino’s approach, sounding a bit surprised. “That’s new information to me. I don’t have an opinion on that, really. Obviously, if you don’t get the call, I mean, it’s not a good situation regardless.” Some players would like to know either way. “I would, personally,” said midfielder Christian Roldan, who was part of the 2022 World Cup squad but didn’t play. “I think that I have so much respect for Pochettino and the coaching staff and look, they didn’t have to bring me in back in September, and they gave me the opportunity, and I’m extremely thankful for that opportunity. And I think that respect goes a long way. “So if I didn’t make the squad, I would love to hear from Pochettino the reason why or just having that man-to-man conversation that is difficult at times. But it definitely plays a part in your entire career, and it could impact the way you look at things.” Throughout this past week in Georgia, players spoke of how competitive and intense training sessions had been, as everyone knows no roster spot is guaranteed. Now, Pochettino has seen all he can from a national team perspective, and will spend these next few weeks putting the puzzle pieces together. “I think this camp is very positive,” Pochettino concluded. “It was the end of our cycle in preparation for the World Cup. The next roster is going to be the roster that is going to be involved [in the tournament]. “I am more positive than I was before because, seeing the team compete, we are not far away. It’s only details we need to improve. When we match the opponent in the areas that we need to match, we are going to have a possibility to beat them.”
Get your popcorn ready. Arizona, Illinois, Michigan and UConn are the last four teams standing in this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament and the Final Four tips off Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. As somebody that grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, it’s impossible for me to give you an unbiased side in the first game. I’ll be rooting for the Illini but don’t feel responsible advising you to bet ‘em when I spent years drinking blue guys at Kams and making orange BORGs at parties. C’est la vie. Here are three bets I do like this Saturday: Illinois (-2, O/U 139.5) vs. UConn While I truly believe Illinois has the better roster, Danny Hurley’s squad has been a cash-making freight train the last few tournaments. The Huskies are 17-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 18 tourney games, and now they are catching points in a game they could easily win. It should be obvious what I want to happen, but rooting and betting should never be parlayed together. Enter player props. After Braylon Mullins swished one of the most memorable shots in NCAA history to beat Duke, you’re paying a premium on his points prop. Sportsbooks are dealing him at O/U 12.5 juiced to the Under. He’s a sharpshooter with a bright future, but let’s be real — he’s UConn’s fourth option. I like Under 12.5 points at -130. On the other sideline, Andrej Stojakovic — yes, Peja’s kid — is a bucket getter. Thing is, the Huskies are so good defending the perimeter, and they do an incredible job harassing shooters. Sure, Stojakovic could score 20, but given his feast-or-famine range, I think the number is a smidge too high. He’s got the same line, albeit cheaper at -115. PICK: Braylon Mullins (-130) Under 12.5 pointsPICK: Andrej Stojakovic (-115) Under 12.5 points This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Michigan (-1.5, O/U 157.5) vs. Arizona This is the unquestioned game of the Tournament. Most pundits are calling it the de facto championship game, and it’s tough to poke holes in that assessment. Michigan and Arizona are complete teams that are dominant on both sides of the ball. Illinois has an elite offense, UConn has a top-tier defense. These two are extraordinary on both sides. As I wrote before March got mad, I love the Wolverines’ size, defense, shot making and experience. It’s the total package. They’ve been the best team from the nation’s best conference all season long, and there’s no player in America I trust more with the game on the line than Yaxel Lendeborg. Fundamentally, I refuse to lay 1.5 points in a college basketball game. My friend Bill Krackomberger always talks about paying the extra price to win these Tournament games and I wholeheartedly agree. I’ll pay the extra 10 cents just in case Arizona decides to bank in a 3 at the buzzer to lose by 1. Go Blue. PICK: Michigan (-120) moneyline
