Rudy Goberts teammates have helped him embrace the role Minnesota needs him to play, while his pride and confidence continue to drive him. Hes driven by pride, Chris Finch concluded. Hes confident, and he has every reason to believe hes a good player because he really is. Hes a first-ballot Hall of Famer.EuroHoops.netThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Timberwolves coach Chris Finch: Rudy Gobert is a first-ballot Hall of Famer

According to Finch, Goberts mistakes attract disproportionate attention, while much of his defensive work goes unnoticed. All the things Rudy does at a very high level in the background arent always recognized. His mistakes, on the other hand, are very visible, so its easy for people to point them out. I think its unfortunate how much criticism he receives.EuroHoops.netThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: According to Finch, Goberts mistakes attract

Bei der Suche nach Visiovita Erfahrungen finden sich verschiedene positive Erfahrungsberichte auf produktnahen Webseiten. Einige Nutzer beschreiben beispielsweise einen angenehmeren Umgang mit längerer Bildschirmarbeit oder eine bessere visuelle Komfortempfindung. Solche Erfahrungsberichte sind allerdings persönliche Eindrücke und kein wissenschaftlicher Beweis für eine...

TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: India are rocked by another injury blow as their designated No. 3 batter Sai Sudharsan is all but ruled out of the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15 in Galle.The southpaw is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for a niggle in his foot, but the management was optimistic about having him available before the first Test got underway. However, as things stand, it is highly unlikely that the Tamil Nadu batter will get the necessary clearances for the crucial fixtures.Shaik Rasheed or Sarfaraz Khan could be drafted in as a replacement for the batter. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that Sarfaraz has already been at the CoE for his fitness assessment for over a week, and Rasheed has also been asked to report to the Bengaluru facility on Sunday.Rasheed recently toured with the India A team for the two fixtures in Sri Lanka last month, contributing scores of 45, 63 and 20 in the three innings. The youngster has been on the selectors' radar and was also scheduled to be part of a specialist batter camp at the CoE in the coming weeks. The camp is also set to feature players like R Smaran and Aman Mokhade.The Indian team management is reportedly worried about the lack of specialist batters and has already conveyed this need to the selectors. The selectors were keen to try out more specialist batters but could not because Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel featured in the two India A fixtures. It is understood that Sarfaraz has been advised by some key figures to bat higher up the order in the domestic circuit as he remains in the selectors' scheme of things.The Mumbai batter is a quality player of spin, has worked hard on his fitness and has had enough experience of international cricket to ease into the set-up. But as things stand, it would not be a surprise if Rasheed gets the nod, as his progress has been constantly tracked and the feedback from the coaches at the CoE has been very good for the 21-year-old. An official word from the Indian cricket board is awaited, which will clarify the replacement.Ruturaj Gaikwad is also in the fray and could be a wild selection call as he hasn't really set the stage on fire with his outings for India A.

Report: Arsenal make first move to hijack deal for world-class forwardBradley Barcola Transfer Latest as Arsenal Enter Liverpool BattleArsenal have stepped into the developing race for Bradley Barcola, with TeamTalk reporting that contact has now been made with the players camp as the club weighs up its options on the left wing.The situation is advancing, although Liverpool remain the frontrunners at this stage. The Merseyside club have already opened lines of communication with Paris Saint-Germain and have discussed the level of offer they may be willing to put forward. For now, that has not progressed into a formal bid, but the interest is described as concrete and active.Barcolas desire to move is central to the story. The 23-year-old is said to be keen to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer and had already informed PSG earlier in the window that he wanted to go. That has naturally alerted elite clubs across Europe, with two Premier League heavyweights now featuring prominently.Photo IMAGOLiverpool hold edge in Barcola pursuitLiverpool have done the most groundwork at this stage and remain in pole position, which is an important detail in a market where relationships, timing and clarity often shape the outcome. TeamTalk also states that the two clubs are in direct contact and Liverpools interest is genuine.PSGs stance is equally clear. The French champions remain firm in their valuation and believe 150million (128m) is a fair price for a player of Barcolas calibre. That figure would place any deal into record-breaking territory in Britain, so the next move depends on whether Liverpool are prepared to test that valuation with a formal proposal.There has also been an effort from all sides to calm assumptions. Liverpool sources have denied that they have agreed a deal in principle, while PSG have indicated no firm offer has yet landed.Photo IMAGOArsenal assessing left wing marketArsenals involvement is significant, even if it is still at the exploratory stage. The club have made contact with Barcolas camp as they continue to assess a number of options for the left side of their attack. That fits a wider recruitment picture, with Julian Alvarez admired primarily as a striker and the search for a left-sided attacker remaining a distinct priority.Barcola is understood to be one of several names under discussion, though Arsenal are prepared to consider a significant investment for the right player. In practical terms, that keeps them in the frame, particularly if Liverpool hesitate over the scale of PSGs demands.PSG valuation sets up major transfer decisionThis now looks like a test of conviction and budget. Barcola is pushing for a move, PSG are holding their line, and both Liverpool and Arsenal are watching the numbers closely. With Arsenal now firmly involved in the conversation, the race has become one to monitor carefully in the coming days.Photo IMAGOOur ViewFrom an Arsenal perspective, this is exactly the kind of report supporters will want to hear. The club need more explosiveness, more unpredictability and more one-v-one quality in the front line, and Barcola looks like a player who could bring all of that. If Arsenal are serious about competing on every front, they need another elite attacker who can change games quickly.The encouraging part is the wording around Arsenal being willing to make a significant investment for the right player. That feels important. For too long, fans have watched top targets drift elsewhere when the numbers became uncomfortable. If Barcola is viewed internally as a genuine difference-maker, then this is the sort of deal that should at least be pushed hard.There is also a broader point here. Arsenals attack can sometimes become a little predictable over the course of a long season. Adding a player with Barcolas speed, directness and confidence could give the side a different dimension, especially against deep blocks.Of course, 128m is a huge fee and there has to be discipline. Supporters would accept the club walking away if the deal becomes unreasonable. But if Liverpool are truly leading and Arsenal admire the player, then this is a moment to be bold. Hopeful Arsenal fans will be thinking the same thing, if a top-class left winger is available and wants a new challenge, Arsenal should be right there until the very end.Source: TeamTalk

Auburn basketball is preparing for the 2026-27 season by taking an overseas trip to Greece, where it will face some of the toughest competition the European circuit has to offer. On Saturday, the Tigers open their excursion by facing KK Mega Superbet at Ano Mera Indoor Hall on the island of Mykonos at 11 a.m. CT, and will get a rematch with the same club on Sunday at the same time. The Tigers are nearly as healthy as possible entering this weekend's action, with key returners Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton, as well as notable transfers Thomas Dowd and Adam Olson, available to play. According to Auburn Athletics, four players will be unavailable for this weekend's games. Vanderbilt transfer George Kimbel II and Creighton transfer Owen Freeman are injured, and international signees Mantas Rubtaviius and Narcisse Ngoy are being held out of this weekend's games in Greece as they await eligibility clearance from the NCAA. This year's overseas excursion is the first for Auburn basketball under head coach Steven Pearl, and the first since the Tigers visited Israel ahead of the 2022 season. This weekend's games will not be live-streamed or broadcast, but fans will be able to view behind-the-scenes content via TheStreamU. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Who is available for Auburn's games against KK Mega Superbet?

Aug. 8There are several moments and events that seem to indicate the official start of the college basketball season. One of those in Champaign is the annual Basketball Tip-Off Event hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Champaign-Urbana, which is now in its 102nd iteration.This year's event is in exactly one month Tuesday, Sept. 8 at the iHotel and Conference Center. Like in years past, the C-U community will get a chance to meet the current crop of Illinois basketball players, including several who helped the Illini reach the Final Four last season.for the event, with prices set for $70 for adults and $20 for children under 12. Proceeds will go to Kiwanis of Champaign-Urbana to help with the club's philanthropic, youth-focused community activities. Those include sponsorship of the C-U Kiwanis Little League, Camp Kiwanis Girl Scout Camp, the C-U Kiwanis Tom Jones Challenger League, Little Free Libraries and the Kendall Gill Golf Outing in support of Cunningham Children's Home.Doors will open for this year's event at 4:45 p.m., with a 5 p.m. cocktail social hour and hors d'oeuvres followed by dinner and dessert and the program featuring Illinois coach Brad Underwood. Underwood will preview the 2026-27 season and introduce all of the players.For more details about the event, contact Doug Fink at or by calling (217)-714-5204, or contact Joy Owen at Webber & Thies Law Offices at or by calling (217)-367-1126.

Aug. 8Andrew Todd had his hands on the football quite a bit last season.The Fisher junior compiled a team-high 725 rushing yards on a team-high 113 carries during his sophomore season in 2025 with the Bunnies. Todd will once again have his hands on the ball quite a bit during the upcoming 2026 season.Just in a different way.After playing fullback last season with the Bunnies, Todd is moving to quarterback this season. He'll get his first chance under center at 7 p.m. on Aug. 21 when Fisher hosts Cumberland at Kellar Field in the Lincoln Prairie Conference debut for the Bunnies.A conversation third-year Fisher coach Jeff Palmer had with his son, Jake, this offseason prompted the potential of Todd moving positions. Jake coached the Bunnies from 2016-2021, guiding Fisher to three playoff berths and two postseason victories, including its most recent one in both categories in 2019.He's back on the sidelines this season, serving as Fisher's offensive coordinator."Jake and I were just talking about it, and Jake was like, 'Who's your best dude?'" Jeff said. "Andrew is another really, really smart and high-character kid. He's picking up the things we're doing really well. He's never played quarterback before, but he looks really good."Blake Green started the first five games at quarterback last season for the Bunnies, but graduated in May. Keaton Jones started the final three games as a freshman, but Jeff said the sophomore will serve as Fisher's backup quarterback this season.Fisher has shifted junior Bo Epperson, last season's second-leading rusher with 428 yards, to fullback from halfback for this season to take the place Todd once occupied."It's like having two fullbacks back there," Jeff said.The flex-T, run-based offense the Bunnies like to use means Todd won't have to throw the ball much. His teammates have noticed his progression when it comes to that part of the game as Fisher tries to bounce back from a 1-8 season in 2025."He's very well-rounded," senior running back Cooper Miller said. "When we were doing routes on air, I was a little skeptical of him, but when we went through our first two scrimmages this summer, he was throwing some good balls. He caught me in stride a few times, which was pretty nice. I think he'll do really good this year."Fellow senior and four-year starter on the offensive line Gavin Rushing said he was shocked upon first hearing Todd would move from fullback to quarterback. He's come around on the concept, though."I was not expecting it, and I was surprised, but then the more I thought about it, it's a perfect fit," Rushing said. "He's smart. I can trust him to make the right play and the right decision. He can scramble. We all know that, and he can definitely throw the ball."* * *Another small-school area program known for its run-first approach is making a change at quarterback, too.Except the 2025 Salt Fork quarterback is still on the Storm's 2026 roster.Salt Fork second-year coach Les Siefert said he is planning on starting sophomore Weston Church at quarterback this season, with Zayden Bromley moving to halfback in the Storm's wing-T offense for his junior season.Bromley accounted for 17 total touchdowns last season and almost 1,400 yards of total offense split almost evenly between running and throwing the ball."Zayden, like all of our kids, was open to do something different if we asked, and we thought this is going to make us better," Siefert said. "He is a very good athlete, and he can play a lot of different spots for us, especially at the skill positions."Church started at quarterback last season for the Storm junior varsity team and at cornerback on the Salt Fork varsity team, and now has the chance to hold on to the position for the next three seasons."We're excited about Weston," Siefert said. "We're hoping Weston can be that guy for the next few years."The graduation of Weston's older brother, Ian, had a bit to do with the changes the Storm are making at two important skill positions. Ian was Salt Fork's second-leading rusher last season behind returning senior fullback Jamison Chambliss, with both players topping 700 rushing yards in 2025."We didn't really have that type of back with Ian graduating," Siefert said. "We're confident Zayden can step in and do that."Chambliss led the Storm in carries last season and will likely do so again this season, running behind an offensive line that returns four starters and will feature senior Mousa Abudayya at left tackle, senior Blake Trimmell at left guard, senior Bennett Smoot at center, junior Cale Boyd at right guard and senior Travor Boyd at right tackle.Chambliss has been impressed by Weston Church's toughness from last season when he played two games despite having a broken elbow and improvement in the weight room this offseason."He came back from those injuries really well," Chambliss said. "He works very hard in the weight room and has put on a lot of size. He's gotten a lot more vocal since last year, and he's not afraid to say what he thinks. It seems like he's been at quarterback for a long time."* * *Among area programs, Mahomet-Seymour had the most nonconference games it had to fill among its nine-game schedule. That's because the Apollo Conference only has six members, with those five league games taking place from Week 4 through Week 8.So, the Bulldogs will host Morton on Aug. 21 in their season opener the fifth straight season those two teams have met to kick off the season before hosting Normal U-High on Aug. 28 and playing Champaign Central at Tommy Stewart Field in Champaign on Sept. 4. M-S will end the regular season at home against Bloomington on Oct. 16. U-High, a former Corn Belt Conference member with M-S, Central and Bloomington are new additions to this year's schedule after the Bulldogs played Morris, Sycamore and Peoria Richwoods in their other three nonconference games in 2025."I was very thankful to get to play Morris and Sycamore in the past," M-S coach Jon Adkins said. "Those were two programs I wanted on our schedule, and I loved it. I hate that we couldn't renew that, but understand why."Central and Bloomington are already on the schedule for the 2027 season, too, and Adkins said he'd like to keep Morton on well into the future."Morton has been awesome about renewing our contract," Adkins said. "I love playing those guys because they're so much like us."The Bulldogs' coach is also grateful to U-High and Central for scheduling a program that has made five straight trips to the Class 5A playoffs and is 46-15 this decade."Thankfully, U-High and Central wanted to play us because, to be quite honest with you, a lot of teams told us no," Adkins said. "There were a few other teams that had those weeks open and turned us down. I know the kids are looking forward to that Week 3 opportunity against Central, but we've got to worry about Week 1. That's going to be a great test for us."