Q: When youve listed out point guards, you have Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith and then the two-way player, Tre Donaldson. Ira, how is that good enough for a contender? Thats what we should be looking for. Wes.A: But you also have to find players who fit. Russell Westbrook, for example, still is available, but does not come off as a player who would fit a team in need of spacing. If a decision is made to go with another point guard, accepting that it would have to be at the minimum, the belief here is that Gabe Vincent would be as good as anything thats left. But with only two standard roster spots to be filled before the season, the question becomes if there even is room for another point guard, considering the possibilities of Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan and Bradley Beal.Related Articles Submit your Ask Ira question here! Q: I was around and cheering the Heat during the Alonzo Mourning-P.J. Brown era, and then add Jamal Mashburn as the small forward. What an amazing frontcourt. It just so happened to be during the Michael Jordan era and the Jeff Van Gundy Knicks era, which had the Heats number. But an awesome combo Zo and Brown were. Douglas.A: Which was the point of the Sunday column, to show that as much as Giannis Antetokounmpo-Bam Adebayo is expected to be special, there is a history of quality power players over the franchises previous 38 seasons.Q: Headlined by Dwyane Wade and Shaquille ONeal, and then Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, the Heat were No. 1 finishers at the rim in two of three championship seasons. Last season, they struggled at the rim, comparatively speaking: ranking 25th of the 30 NBA teams. The NBA has gotten more efficient: In 2006 teams averaged .601 FG% within 3 feet, in 2026 .703 FG%. Antetokounmpos .800% within 3 feet will help bolster that glaring weak point for Miami and create more spacing for shooters. Leonard, Charlotte.A: Yup, finishing at times was painful last season and during recent Heat seasons. That should be a clear upgrade with Giannis Antetokounmpo. (If it isnt, the Heat are in trouble.)

University of Kentucky athletics director J Batt speaks with members of the media during an interview session in Lexington, Ky., on June 16, 2026. Batt was introduced this week as the successor to retiring athletics director Mitch Barnhart. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters CoCollege athletics looks vastly different than it used to, with one thing needed to compete at the highest level across each sport. Money.Schools have tried numerous different ways to gain that money, especially with rev-share now a part of the equation. It appears we are now headed toward joining the ways of professional sports, as jersey patches are coming to college sports.We first saw Ohio State sign a mega-deal with JPMorgan Chase Bank; now the question is coming to new UK Athletic Director J Batt about when the Cats will be adding a patch to their uniforms.Were gonna be really intentional about doing it, but its gotta be the right fit, said Batt during an interview with ESPN Radio in Lexington.They will be coming to the Cats uniforms, but who could it be? There are plenty of companies that would love to put their logo next to the Kentucky on the basketball uniforms. It will also come with plenty of money to help set the athletic department up for success as sports keep changing and rosters keep building.Who do you all think the Cats should add as their jersey patch? Let us know in the comments below!

La ricerca di siti non AAMS è un argomento che suscita interesse tra gli utenti che vogliono conoscere meglio le piattaforme di gioco online presenti al di fuori del sistema italiano. Tuttavia, prima di soffermarsi su offerte, cataloghi o promozioni, è importante capire cosa distingue un operatore autorizzato in Italia da una piattaforma che opera secondo un quadro normativo...

lista casino non AAMS riguarda le piattaforme digitali internazionali che non dispongono di un'autorizzazione italiana ADM. AAMS è il nome storico dell'autorità oggi conosciuta come Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli. Gli operatori esteri possono essere soggetti a normative differenti in base al Paese in cui operano. Questo articolo è di carattere generale e informativo e...

Atleti-Manchester City line-ups: Simeone surprises, Maresca dictatesAtltico de Madrid and Manchester City face off in Seoul in the final friendly for both teams before the season begins.For this match, Diego Pablo Simeone and Enzo Maresca are starting with these lineups.ATLTICO DE MADRID XIOblak - Jorge Domnguez, Le Normand, Dani Martnez, Hancko - Obed Vargas, Koke, Hjulmand, Mendoza - Carlos Martn, Lookman.MANCHESTER CITY XIDonnarumma - Nunes, Reis, Ruben Dias, Gvardiol - Reijnders, Kovacic - Savinho, Foden, Semenyo - MarmoushThis article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here.

Santos says he already feels at home at Manchester UnitedAndrey Santos has said he already feels at home at Manchester United, following his move to the club from Chelsea.Santos signed for Manchester United from Chelsea in a 50m deal earlier this summer and has been getting to know his new teammates across the pre-season campaign.The Brazilian midfielder played 65 minutes as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, as preparations for the Premier League campaign continue.Speaking at full-time, the new arrival said he already feels so comfortable at Old Trafford.I feel so comfortable, he said to manutd.com.Here now, its my home. Since my first day, I felt at home and Im so happy to be here and to play very well.United created the better chances against the European champions, in an encouraging display from Michael Carricks side. Reflecting on the game, Santos said he can see clear improvements in the sides.This match was a little bit hard you know, its pre-season, he said. For sure we are improving more and more and more. You know, its football, I think we played better in the first half and controlled more of the game, created a lot of chances, but you know, its football, you have to train hard for the next game.Fantasy Premier League 69 classic FPL team names to use ahead of 2026/27See Also The biggest transfer fees ever paid for teenagers in football historyFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|YouTube|TikTok

How to watch Liverpool vs Monaco pre-season friendlyLiverpool continue their pre-season campaign under Andoni Iraola against AS Monaco this afternoon.The Reds return to Anfield against the Ligue 1 side, following a pre-season tour of the USA. Results were mixed for Liverpool, who claimed wins over Sunderland and Wrexham, before defeat to Leeds United. Iraolas side conceded four goals to let a two-nil lead slip against Leeds and the new head coach will demand defensive improvement.Liverpool should be boosted by the return of names including Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Cody Gakpo, who were among those not included in the tour of America, following their 2026 World Cup exploits.The fixture is set to come too soon for Ronald Araujo, who is travelling to Merseyside today to complete his loan move to the club from Barcelona. How to watch Liverpool vs MonacoLiverpool vs AS Monaco will be televised in the UK on All Red Video, Liverpools in-house video streaming service, with kick-off at 2.30pm BST.Every Liverpool pre-season fixture will be broadcast on the service, which requires membership. An annual subscription to All Red Video is 42.99. Liverpool are also due to host Como at Anfield next Sunday.Fantasy Premier League 69 classic FPL team names to use ahead of 2026/27See Also The biggest transfer fees ever paid for teenagers in football historyFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|YouTube|TikTok

Carrick hails good signs as Man United hold PSG, eyes strong finish to preseasonMichael Carrick has said he has seen good signs from Manchester United during the clubs pre-season campaign.Bryan Mbeumos goal earned Manchester United a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, as the Red Devils held the European champions in Gothenburg.Despite conceding the majority of the possession, the Red Devils carved out the clearer chances to underline their threat.Reflecting on the performance, Carrick said his side showed they can implement his tactical plan.Red Devils impress in Gothenburg draw; Carrick praises progress, fans energy, and preseason momentumThe things that we were trying to get out of the game, a lot of it was there, he said to MUTV. Its good sometimes that the boys have to problem solve and find their way a little bit. We dont want to always give them the answers, when we dont have to.It prepares them a little bit for the season as well. In that respect, there are a lot of things people dont always see that we were quite happy with. There were some good signs there.United conclude their pre-season campaign with fixtures against Leeds United and AC Milan, before the Premier League opener at Hull City on August 22nd. Carrick is confident his team are in good shape ahead of the new season.I feel its been a good pre-season so far, added Carrick. In the games that weve had, weve kind of built and taken steps throughout that. Weve seen quite a bit of Scandinavia and its nice to do in a bit more of a relaxed fashion. Normally, if youre travelling, its literally hotel and going to the stadium but weve had a walk and a bit and seen the supporters.This time of year, thats always important because you feel the energy and passion from the fans. Its what were all here for, to give something for them to cheer about.Unfortunately, we didnt quite get the win today but, hopefully, there was lots of positive action and they can say they enjoyed the game.Fantasy Premier League 69 classic FPL team names to use ahead of 2026/27See Also The biggest transfer fees ever paid for teenagers in football historyFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|YouTube|TikTok

PAWTUCKET Yutaro Tsukada provided the heroics in his first game in Pawtucket.Rhode Island FCs latest addition scored in the 70th minute in his debut match at Centreville Bank Stadium. Koke Vegas stalled Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC giving the Japanese striker his opportunity in a rematch of the 2024 championship. Leo Afonso sent possession out wide to Agustin Rodrguez before the midfielder drove a dangerous cross into the box. Tsukadas first attempt was redirected back onto his foot and he buried the rebound goal in front of 9,502 on a humid night in Pawtucket. JJ Williams added an insurance score, his 11th across all competitions, tying his career-best single-season tally for Rhode Island in a 2-0 finish on Aug. 8.I think the level is high, Tsukada said of the USL. The intensity is high this is the second division in the US, so it has to be high. The team also has so many good players from the backline to the attack. I'm enjoying this high level of competition.Tsukada was added on loan from Orlando City SC on July 30 and played in 20 minutes of Rhode Islands loss to Birmingham Legion FClast week. He played his college soccer at West Virginia before being selected in the 2024 first-round MLS SuperDraft. Tsukada, who tore his ACL in 2025, played in five games with Orlandos senior team between 2024 and 2026.Tsukada hadnt played in a match since April 26 with Orlando City B before last weeks match.Not difficult when he's good. It's not difficult, it's easy, Smith said of integrating Tsukada. Good players, they figure it out. He fits into the locker room well.I think his skill set is a dying art. Players that just love taking people on 1-on-1, we didn't have that profile of player. I love having those options, but he's a lovely kid. Just works hard, shows up, does his work, so when he became available,there was no way I was going to let him go somewhere else.Vegas handled the first-half highlight with two right-handed saves in the 30th minute. Colorados Aidan Rocha started the sequence with a blistering shot from the right wing to the far post. The rebound went out to Jonas Fjeldberg, just outside the 6-yard box, but Vegas pushed away the attempt to keep RIFC level.Rhode Island was under constant pressure in the first half and it amassed five yellow cards in just 52 minutes. Vegas stymied Fjeldberg again in the 50th minute to give Rhode Island another edge before Tsukada struck.I think that's a very good team, Smith said. I think, along with Charleston, probably the best team we played all year in terms of how hard they were to get off the ball. They made us work really, really hard. For once this season, we were fortunate and got some luck. How many times have we been home, had so many chances, so certainly got lucky in moments. But you make your own luck.Williams missed an open header in the 36th minute and had a set-piece goal waived off four minutes later after a poor foul call by the referee before the shot. It had the makings of a tough night, Colorado finished with nearly 60% of the possession, but Rhode Island escaped with three points.The Ocean State club can climb to as high as fourth with a win, and some help, against Tampa Bay next weekend.The hard part is just staying consistent every week no matter who we are playing, Williams said. If we can focus on ourselves throughout the week and then start every game that way, going into halftime well, then it should be a cake walk for us. But thats just something that we have to continue to work on.This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Newcomer lifts RIFC over Colorado Springs in 2024 title rematch

'No doubt he is a role model!': VVS Laxman opens up on Virat Kohli's elite fitness standards & his impact on youngsters at CoE originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:VVS Laxman praises India star Virat Kohli's professionalism and calls him a role model.Kohli's diet is 90% steamed, boiled, fully plant-based now.Training focuses on mobility, functional movement over raw strength.VVS Laxman lauds 'exemplary professional' Virat Kohli: How his fitness standards inspire CoE youngstersVVS Laxman, who heads the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, held up Virat Kohli as the kind of "exemplary professional" every young cricketer coming through the CoE looks upto, and insisted that his self-driven discipline is proof of what's possible with the right mindset.He noted that Kohli holds himself to an incredibly high bar, and more importantly, actually chases that standard every single time he steps onto the field, no matter the opponent.Laxman added that this relentless pursuit of excellence is precisely why Kohli has become such a strong role model, with numerous young players and teammates actively looking to follow his example."I think there is no doubt that Virat is an exemplary professional," he told reporters."And the standards he sets for himself are something which he tries and goes out each and every time he plays for whichever team to meet those standards."And that's why he is a great role model. And I think a lot of youngsters or players want to emulate him. And that's been one of the high points (of his CoE tenure)."MORE:Full list of injuries suffered by India stars in 2026: Latest updates with Indian cricket in a fitness crisisKohli's transformation into one of cricket's fittest athletes has roots tracing back to a specific moment during India's 2011 tour of Australia.Sachin Tendulkar recounted the story back in 2022, and recalled how a younger Kohli frequented a Thai restaurant in Canberra during that tour. One evening, following an especially heavy meal, Kohli turned to Tendulkar while walking back to the hotel and admitted he'd had enough, declaring it was time to seriously focus on his fitness.Paaji, bahut ho gaya, ab fitness par dhyan dena hai (Enough is enough. I need to start taking my fitness seriously)," Tendulkar had sharedin a special video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).I have to say that you have left no stone unturned. You have been a terrific role model. Cricketing numbers are a different story altogether. That particular evening, I remember you said that you have achieved your goal. Its been fantastic to watch you over the years."MORE:Gill injury scare: India captain injures thumb ahead of warm-up Test (getty) How Kohli's diet & gym routine fuels his physical transformationKohli has often credited nutrition as the foundation of his physical transformation, telling Star Sports that while gym work demands hard effort, food presents a different kind of challenge entirely, one tied closely to personal cravings and mental discipline.He explained that he's reached a point where he can eat the same meal three times a day for six months straight without any issue.Around 90 per cent of his diet now consists of steamed or boiled food, seasoned simply with salt, pepper and lime, avoiding masala altogether. In recent years, Kohli has also transitioned to a fully plant-based diet, replacing grilled chicken and red meat with lentils, quinoa, vegetables and protein shakes.Inside the gym, Kohli's sessions revolve around fast, explosive movement like sprints, HIIT drills, plyometric jumps, and strength routines built specifically around what batting and fielding actually demand from his body.MORE:Sai Sudharsan ruled out of Sri Lanka Test series: Three players who can replace injured Indian batterBut the real difference isn't how hard he trains; it's the thinking behind it. Before the T20 World Cup 2022, he put up an Instagram clip of a lower-body workout with just three words attached: "Mobility is key." That line summed up his belief that staying flexible and moving well count for just as much as brute strength.Even his mornings reflect that same discipline. Former cricketer Sandeep Patil once shared a story about Kohli doing yoga at 5 AM, hitting the gym not once but twice afterwards, and then still going out and smashing a double hundred that same day.Why Kohli's example matters beyond the record booksWhat makes Laxman's comments stand out is the timing of it; right when Indian cricket is grappling with a wave of injuries before the Sri Lanka Test series.Kohli's journey isn't really about raw talent; it's about staying consistent for well over a decade, something that's become harder to find in a sport now stretched thin across formats and back-to-back tournaments.He's also never pretended fitness came easy to him, openly talking about wrestling with food cravings rather than making it sound effortless, and that honesty is probably why so many young players find his story easier to relate to.With the BCCI's sports science setup currently under the microscope over how it's handling player injuries, Kohli's approach quietly makes the point that no amount of institutional backing replaces personal discipline and playing the long game with your own body.For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary, and to share your voice, head to ourFacebook,InstagramandX (Twitter)pages.