Danny Sprinkle and the Washington Huskies have established themselves among the top suitors for five-star power forward Ahmed Nur, one of the nation's top big men in the 2027 class.Nur, a product of Bella Vista Prep in Scottsdale, Arizona, is ranked as the nation's No. 23 overall prospect and No. 4 power forward in the 2027 class by the 247Sports Composite, and is reportedly considering Ole Miss, Mississippi State, SMU, Texas, USC and Washington from his list of 26 offers.He's set to take an official visit to Washington in September, and has also set trips to Ole Miss and Syracuse for October, after taking one to Purdue in June. However, the Orange weren't mentioned in a recent report from Rivals' Jamie Shaw, which could bode well for Washington's standing with the promising prospect.Ahmed Nur has surged onto the national scene with a strong summer thus far winning MVP in NBPA And leading Power 5 in the 3SSB circuit in scoring with 15.3 PPG.The 6-9 wing's blend of guard skills, length, fluidity makes him a potential NBA draft pick down the line and pushes https://t.co/WLMg1hSHkrpic.twitter.com/aQpVuf0zEb Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) June 12, 2026Nur was named MVP at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in South Carolina in June, where he averaged 14.8 points and 7 rebounds per game, while shooting 58 percent from behind the three-point line."The 6-foot-8 talented dual-forward was aggressive finding scoring opportunities, whether in transition or from beyond the arc," 247Sports' Brandon Jenkins wrote of his performance at the 3SSB Circuit, another stop on the summer tour for the nation's elite prospects. "He is comfortable stepping into rhythm jumpers from deep and attacking the basket with purpose off the dribble. As he continues to add strength to his frame, his game has the potential to reach higher levels."The Huskies have also been in hot pursuit of Nur's teammate at Bella Vista, five-star center Darius Wabbington, who took an official visit to Montlake in October 2025.This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington basketball among top contenders for five-star 2027 forward

The player wearing No. 50 for the Green Bay Packers will have a new name on the back of their uniform for the 2026 season. Offensive lineman Zach Tom is changing his name to Zach Bako-Bewele, the new last name representing a combination of his grandparents' Nigerian names. Per Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Bako is the last name of his dads mom, while Bewele is the last name of his dads dad.The name change is active on the team's website and in the Packers locker room.Here is the reasoning, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic:Zach Tom is no longer Zach Tom. He legally changed his name to Zach Bako-Bewele, a combination of his grandparents Nigerian last names.Especially when I start having kids, I want to have a name that I can pass down where it represents where they came from, where I came from. pic.twitter.com/JDPkjnvhtU Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 2, 2026Bako-Bewele, a 2022 draft pick of the Packers, has a given name of Zachary Miskom Tom by parents Michael and Vanessa Tom. During his first four seasons in Green Bay, Bako-Bewele became the full-time starter at right tackle, signed a $88 million contract extension and established himself as one of the game's best right tackles. He is coming off an injury-riddled 2025 season but arrived at training camp healthy.This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers OT Zach Tom changing name to Zach Bako-Bewele

Sri Lanka continued their dominance over Pakistan, registering a fourth straight victory in the ongoing white-ball series to clinch the T20I series after already wrapping up the ODI leg. Chasing a challenging target of 176, the hosts cruised to a six-wicket win with 14 balls remaining, extending their impressive run against their Asian rivals.Pakistan's blazing start fails to translate into a match-winning totalAsked to bat first, Pakistan made a flying start courtesy of their opening pair, who took full advantage of the Powerplay. Shawaal Zulfiqar led the early charge, smashing five boundaries in a single over as the visitors raced to 63 without loss inside the first five overs.However, Sri Lanka gradually wrestled back control after the explosive beginning. The scoring rate dipped through the middle overs before Pakistan lost opener Muneeba Ali at the halfway stage.Chamodi Praboda then struck another crucial blow by dismissing the well-set Shawaal, ensuring Pakistan couldn't fully capitalise on their dominant start. Although Eyman Fatima provided a late boost with an unbeaten 30, the visitors finished on 175, a total that appeared below par considering their explosive opening stand.Athapaththu sets the tone with explosive counterattackPakistan made the ideal start with the ball by removing centurion Imesha Dulani in just the second over. But the breakthrough only brought captain Chamari Athapaththu to the crease, and she immediately shifted the momentum in Sri Lanka's favour.Athapaththu unleashed an attacking display, tearing into the Pakistan bowling attack with a flurry of boundaries. Her rapid 40 off just 14 deliveries ensured Sri Lanka raced to 51 runs inside four overs, erasing any early pressure from the chase.Middle order finishes the job in styleFollowing Athapaththu's dismissal, Sanjana Kavindi seamlessly carried forward the momentum. She kept the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries before taking apart spinner Nashra Sandhu with back-to-back sixes around the halfway mark of the innings.Even after Kavindi departed, Sri Lanka never lost control. Harshitha Samarawickrama injected further urgency with a quickfire 24 off 11 balls, while Vishmi Gunaratne also made a useful contribution before being dismissed.With the required rate well under control, Sri Lanka comfortably crossed the finish line in the 18th over, sealing the T20I series in emphatic fashion and completing another commanding performance against Pakistan.

It won't be long before Usman Nurmagomedov decides where his next fight will take place, according to his cousin and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov.Usman (22-0) completed his PFL contract on Friday with a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan (13-1) at PFL New York to defend his lightweight title and show what a valuable asset he could be to any company that signs him.Khabib was in the corner with his star pupil and celebrated with Usman following the spectacular finish. He clearly recognized the significance of the moment, and heaped praise on Usman in the aftermath of the fight.Check out Khabib's complete reaction statement below, where he lays out a timeline of "very soon" for when Usman's future will be decided (via Instagram): View this post on Instagram"Usman has shown and proven over the last couple of years that he is the best lightweight outside the UFC. Not with words, but with his performances.When I said in 2020 that Islam (Makhachev) was the best at that time, there were many people who disagreed. Believe me guys, there are levels to this game.You will see for yourselves what happens next. There will be negotiations over the next month, and very soon you will find out for yourselves which league he will continue competing in."Usman, 28, said in the immediate aftermath of his PFL New York win that money will exceed legacy when dictating his next choice. There's much discussion about a potential UFC signing, with UFC CEO Dana White confirming interest following Saturday's UFC Fight Night 283 event Belgrade, Serbia.This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Khabib: Usman Nurmagomedov will make free agency decision 'very soon'

The Chicago Bears were not expected to win the NFC North last season.Ben Johnson was in his first season as the head coach, and Chicago's 2024 season was not very promising.The Bears brought in a lot of new pieces going into 2025 to turn things around, including defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.Jarrett is heading into his 12th season, having spent the first decade of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons and last season with the Bears.In his first year in Chicago, the two-time Pro-Bowler played in 14 regular season games and had eight quarterback hits.His numbers have never been the best, but Jarrett brings an energy to the team that cannot be quantified.His mindset is contagious and he is going into this season as the hunter, hunting down every opponent.Were always the hunters and thats the mindset.Because it doesnt really matter about what anybody else is doing, Jarrett said.Its about how were going about our process and what we do. Were always the hunters. Thats the mindset weve taken.While the Bears may have the mindset of being hunters, they are also the hunted.After winning the division last season, every team in the NFC North will be looking to take them down. The Minnesota Vikings may not be the most competitive given their quarterback situation, but the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers have rosters capable of winning the division.Jarrett and the rest of the defense will be key to Chicago winning another division title.Turnovers helped carry the Bears defense last season, but they will need to be more consistent against the run and the pass to win back-to-back NFC North titles for the first time since the 2005 and 2006 seasons.Follow Bears Wire onTwitter,FacebookandInstagramThis article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Grady Jarrett shares Bears' mindset going into 2026

Who are Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith? What to know about prospects traded for Tarik Skubal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Late Saturday night, the MLB world learned that Tarik Skubal, one of the best pitchers in baseball, was heading west to join the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.While a move always seemed possible given the Dodgers' recent success and their wealth of talent in the farm system, many MLB fans were still shocked that a deal actually came together. Now, Los Angeles' dynasty has somehow gotten even stronger and appears to be on a collision course with another World Series run.Many fans want to know which players Detroit received in exchange for Skubal. While losing an ace is never ideal, the Tigers managed to land a significant haul for their former star.Here's a look at the background of the three players heading to the Motor City in exchange for one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.MORE:LIVE tracker for the MLB trade deadlineWho isZyhir Hope?Hope is a 21-year-old center fielder who was the Dodgers' No. 5 prospect in their farm system, along with the No. 25-ranked prospect across the MLB, per MLB Pipeline. He will transfer over to join Detroit's Double-A affiliate, the Erie SeaWolves.The Chesapeake, Va., native was originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 11th round (No. 236 overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft. In January 2024, Hope was part of the trade that sent current Cubs first baseman Michael Busch to Chicago.While Busch has already established himself as a key contributor in the majors, Hope is now receiving increased attention early in his career after becoming a centerpiece of the return for Skubal.SeasonAVGHRRBIOBPOPSRSB2026.2932387.369.8996818MiLB career.28148212.384.86219157Zyhir Hopes 2026 Season so far:.293 AVG.899 OPS.369 OBP23 HR87 RBIs18 Stolen Bases24.9% K rate10.6% Walk rate.530 SLG130 WRC+.391 wOBAOne of the best hitters in the minor leagues, so excited to follow his journey to Detroit. pic.twitter.com/yfZWguaCKZ peyton (@pdubyaa) August 2, 2026MORE:Full details of Dodgers trade for Tarik SkubalWho isRiver Ryan?Ryan is a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who was the Dodgers' No. 7 prospect in their farm system, and No. 68-ranked across the MLB. He will join Detroit's Triple-A affiliate, the ToledoMud Hens.In 2021, Ryan was taken No. 340 overall in Round 11 by the San Diego Padres. He started his career as a versatile two-way player in college and was acquired by the Dodgers from the Padres in March 2022 in a trade for Matt Beatty. Just two seasons later, he made his MLB debut with four starts and had a 1.77 ERA in that big league stint. In August 2024, he fell victim to Tommy John surgery and missed the entirety of the 2025 season.SeasonWLERAAppearances (starts)SOIPWHIP2026314.468 (8)4336.11.29MiLB career6123.4357 (53)255212.21.26MLB career101.334 (4)1820.11.18We will never forget River Ryan before his injury. pic.twitter.com/ECLDiJNTt9 DodgersMuse (@LADodgersMuse) August 2, 2026MORE:Complete grades for the Skubal-Dodgers tradeWho is Brady Smith?The final player sent to Detroit in the Skubal trade was Brady Smith. Like Hope, Smith is only 21 years old. He was ranked as the No. 17 prospect in the Dodgers' farm system and will join Detroit's High-A affiliate, the West Michigan Whitecaps.Smith originally joined Los Angeles in the third round (No. 95 overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft. In Low-A this season with the Ontario Tower Buzzers, before earning a promotion to High-A, Smith went 0-6 with a 3.88 ERA, 104 strikeouts and 27 walks over 65 innings. He also recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts in June against the Visalia Rawhide, the Arizona Diamondbacks' affiliate.According to MLB.com scouts, Smith's changeup has continued to develop throughout his career, while his fastball consistently sits in the mid-90s.SeasonWLERAAppearances (starts)SOIPWHIP2026074.3621 (21)11374.11.24MiLB career0104.7231 (30)14295.11.27MORE:How does Skubal fit into Dodgers starting rotation?

The Los Angeles Sparks traded All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, getting a solid return.In exchange for Plum, the Sparks received an extremely valuable 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and guard Monique Akoa Makani.Plum, whose contract will expire at the end of the season, last played for the Sparks on June 21 in a win against the New York Liberty, but went down with a lower left leg injury shortly afterwards. She returned to practice late in July.BREAKING: The Los Angeles Sparks are trading five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first round pick and a 2028 second-rounder, sources tell me and @kendra__andrews. pic.twitter.com/0HvWAsrPGJ Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 2, 2026Trading Plum made sense for the Sparks, who currently sit seven games under .500 and have lost each of their last six games. They currently sit 5.5 games out of a playoff spot with 17 games remaining.The All-Star came to the Sparks ahead of the 2025 season in a three-team trade with the Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces, and immediately made an impact for LA. She earned her fourth consecutive All-Star appearance, averaging 1.9 points per game along with 5.7 assists and 3.1 rebounds.She played even better this season, averaging 23.9 points per game with 6.4 assists through 12 games as she earned yet another All-Star selection.Plum is a five-time All-Star, an All-WNBA selection, a former Sixth Player of the year selection and a two-time WNBA champion.Jun 15, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives during the second quarter against the Golden State Valkyries in a Commissioners Cup game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Kupbens-Imagn ImagesWho Did the Sparks Get For Kelsey Plum?Akoa Makani, 25, has played in 19 of the Mercurys games this season, starting in 16 of those appearances. On 23.4 minutes per game, the sophomore guard is averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game.She is shooting 43.6% from the field, with a nearly identical percentage from beyond the 3-point line. Shes sure to get plenty of time on the floor with the Sparks due to their lack of depth in the guard position.Why Did the Mercury Trade for Kelsey Plum?The Mercurys motivation for trading for Plum isnt clear, as theyre currently below the Sparks in the standings and will only have her for the remainder of the season.Theyre six games out of a playoff spot, and will have to make a significant push to make it into the playoffs with less than half of the WNBA season remaining. The post Sparks Deal Kelsey Plum in Trade Deadline Blockbuster appeared first on LA Sports Report.

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Warriors predicted to trade Steph Curry for $451M veteran package in blockbuster deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Golden State Warriors have not had the offseason many expected from a team trying to remain competitive in the Western Conference. Golden States summer has been interesting, as the organization has primarily focused on bringing back players from last seasons roster.The Warriors appear to be approaching the end of their dynasty, with Stephen Curry entering the later stages of his legendary career. Golden State has also made it a priority to bring back Draymond Green alongside Curry for at least another year.Draymond Green has agreed to return to the Golden State Warriors on a one-year, $27.7 million deal, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. The contract is the same Green opted out of to give the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James, but the sides land his return Tuesday, ESPN Shams Charania wrote.The Warriors lack of major moves has frustrated some fans and analysts who believe Golden State is not doing enough to maximize the final years of Currys career. ESPNs Kendrick Perkins has even urged Curry to begin considering an exit strategy.Steph needs to be planning his exit strategy from the Golden State Warriors," said Perkins on 'NBA Today'. "Think about it, over the last four years, the Warriors have been in the play-in tournament. And this year, the way that the West is stacked up, they're gonna be a play-in tournament team again. You can't waste any more time hoping and banking that Mike Dunleavy is gonna get it right or is gonna make the moves that are needed to make sure that you can compete for a title, especially in a tough Western Conference.If the Warriors ultimately decide to move on from Curry, they would have the opportunity to receive significant value in return. Sports Illustrateds John Karalis believes Golden State could send Curry to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Paul George, Sam Hauser, and future draft compensation.My trade package is going to be George, the picks acquired from Philadelphia, and Sam Hauser for Curry, Karalis wrote.The Warriors could use George, Hauser, and the additional draft capital to either remain competitive or begin a rebuild following the end of the Curry era. Meanwhile, Curry would get one final opportunity to compete for another championship.George has earned $406 million throughout his career, while Hauser is currently on a $45 million contract with the Celtics. A trade like this would officially mark the beginning of a new era in the Bay Area.More NBA news:Heat, Celtics reportedly in bidding war for $342M elite shooter, 3-time All-Star, 14-year veteranLakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia for $36M much-needed rim protectorLakers get major ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga update after $45M contract offerHeat reportedly told to sign $305M Future Hall of Famer, not 4-time NBA champion Klay Thompson

Martin O'Neill guided Celtic to a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season [SNS]Celtic were about 10 minutes away from losing their Scottish Premiership crown. What that would have meant for Martin O'Neill's future is unclear.Instead, a late winner from Daizen Maeda and a chaotic title-sealing goal from Callum Osmand claimed the trophy they have dominated in an unforgettable final-day decider against Hearts.A Scottish Cup triumph followed the next weekend, before O'Neill was confirmed as permanent boss after a tumultuous season in which the 74-year-old had two interim stints at the club where he holds legendary status.Despite a memorable end to the campaign, a lack of transfer business was again threatening to become the story of another summer at Celtic.However, the arrival of striker Kasper Hogh for a club-record fee, coupled with a positive pre-season for fellow new attacker Camilo Duran, has somewhat eased the restlessness within the fanbase.O'Neill has vowed to "drive forward together" and "not rest on past success", so what could a full season with the Northern Irishman at the helm look like?Celtic 'a really good match' for record signing KoghIpswich sign Japan forward Maeda from CelticScottish sides in Europe postpone league matchesWhat O'Neill's points per game tells us[SNS]The 82 points Celtic finished with last term was the lowest for a champion across a full Premiership season since Celtic themselves hit the same tally in an uncompetitive 2017-18 campaign at the summit.O'Neill's side were responsible for 59 of those points across 23 league games in charge over his two spells.That averages out at about 2.6 points per game. Spread that over a 38-game season and you get a staggering final tally of 99, which resembles O'Neill's league-winning totals in the early 2000s.Across his full seasons in charge in his first spell two decades ago, he recorded tallies of 97, 103, 97, 98 and 92, winning the title in three of those campaigns.He also went unbeaten in cup competitions last term, taking the team to a League Cup final, which they lost under Wilfried Nancy, before winning the Scottish Cup in his second interim stint.Had Celtic opted against hiring Nancy and kept O'Neill in charge for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, it is very possible they would have finished the campaign with another domestic treble and a greater cushion at the top of the league table.Backroom influence and set-piece focusGiven the desperate state of Celtic's season in January, O'Neill's return after Nancy's exit was a case of getting by and staying in touch with the leaders.Results took priority as the team attempted to string wins together to claw back the deficit at the summit.However, after a full pre-season, fans will be expecting more in terms of performance level.Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus will again form part of O'Neill's backroom staff. O'Neill is not one to do much on-field training and trusts his coaches to handle many of those duties, but he has stressed he wants his team to be flexible, and has hinted at deploying Kogh and Duran together up front in a departure from Celtic's favoured 4-3-3 formation.Former Hertha Berlin assistant Fotheringham is inspired by high-intensity German football, while ex-Hibernian manager Maloney is known to be something of a football purist.It will be intriguing to see how that dynamic works after a summer's worth of work, while the addition of set-piece specialist Ross Grant from Hearts highlights how Celtic are looking to place greater emphasis on their dead-ball output.New Celtic set-piece coach Ross Grant made a significant impact at Hearts last season [SNS]The R-wordDespite ending the season with a league and cup double, the concern for Celtic fans was that an ultimately successful campaign would mean the club's decision-makers learn nothing from the reasons that made the year a rollercoaster.Recruitment has regularly been scrutinised, with the past two transfer windows unconvincing at best.Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren represent the only two players among 17 incomings across the past 12 months who will go into next season as recognised starters.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain penned an extension after playing a part in the second half of last term before the arrival of Duran from Qarabag.The exit of Daizen Maeda, last season's title hero, following confirmation that Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi would not be returning to Parkhead, cranked up the fury among the fanbase.But do the arrivals of Duran and Hogh point towards a quality-over-quantity approach?The attacking pair have come with a reported combined cost of about 15m and arrive with Champions League pedigree.Duran has impressed in pre-season after scoring five of his 15 goals for Qarabag last term in Uefa's premier club competition. Hogh netted the same number in the same tournament as Bodo/Glimt defied the odds to reach the last 16.Little business had been done by the time Celtic were dumped out of Champions League qualifying by Kairat Almaty last year, setting the tone for Brendan Rodgers' ugly exit.Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond has insisted the club would ensure they are well prepared for the upcoming season. That was echoed by interim chairman Brian Wilson and chief executive Michael Nicholson.Fans are yet to be totally convinced by that given only two new faces have been recruited, but both arrive with CVs showing they can deliver at the highest level.As well as strengthening the squad, Celtic will be hoping to welcome back key duo Cameron Carter-Vickers (left) and Jota (right) from long-term injury [SNS]Will O'Neill flex European pedigree?It is imperative that the board deliver on their promise after mounting unrest between fans and club threatened to somewhat derail last season.It also cannot be taken for granted that O'Neill has now shown he can lead Celtic to honours with a squad light on both numbers and quality. He too will be demanding that the squad is strengthened.Failure to do so would only risk a repeat of last year's humiliation against Kairat and, therefore, their place at Europe's top table.It was Europa League football for Celtic last term, with elimination to Stuttgart in the first knockout round after a 4-1 home defeat was followed by a 1-0 win in Germany.Although it counted for nothing in terms of progression, that away victory in Stuttgart reaffirmed O'Neill's European credentials - as did an earlier win at Feyenoord and a draw at Bologna with 10 men.However, the tracksuit-wearing veteran will want to be doing his dugout air jumps in Uefa's premier club competition this season.No Champions League money for a second campaign running could severely impact summer spending towards the end of the window.Plus, with Maeda gone and Arne Engels linked with a move away, the lure of top-level European football can prove crucial in persuading star players to stay.It has been more than 20 years since O'Neill managed a Champions League match, or even a qualifier. A two-time European Cup winner with Nottingham Forest, his record as a manager in the competition stands at six wins from 18 matches.In three qualification attempts for the Champions League, he has been successful twice. There was also a Uefa Cup final appearance in 2003 and he made it to the quarters the following year.A two-legged play-off, set for 18-19 August and 25-26 August, stands between an older and wiser O'Neill and a return to the pinnacle of club football, where he could flex that European pedigree.Before then, an intriguing Premiership defence starts with a Monday night encounter at home to Dundee on 3 August and a trip to Kilmarnock the following Sunday.Visit our Celtic page for all the latest news, analysis and fan viewsGet Celtic news notifications in the BBC Sport app