The countdown to the 2026-27 college basketball season is officially underway, and Sports Illustrated is wrapping up its position-by-position series with a look at the nation's top centers.The series has highlighted the best players at each position; among the centers receiving recognition is Florida's Rueben Chinyelu, who enters the season as an important piece of the Gators' frontcourt. Chinyelu will be one of the most important pieces of Florida's frontcourt, especially as an impactful rebounder and defender. His 2025-26 rebounding campaign was historic and most comparable to Oscar Tshiebwe's in the last 15 years. Last season, Chinyelu averaged 11.2 rebounds, which ranked No. 4 in Division I basketball. Defensively, Chinyelu had a 4.2% block rate this season, which is above average for bigs, and held opponents to a 38.1% shooting percentage on 63 attempts at the rim.Chinyelu has embraced the role of Florida's ultimate dirty-work player, providing a physical presence as a rebounder while continuing to expand his offensive game.His impact extends beyond the box score, as Chinyelu was named Florida's Defensive Player of the Year and played a key role as the starting center on the Gators' 2025 national championship team. While Haugh and Condon may receive more of the spotlight, Chinyelu's ability to control the glass, defend at a high level, and handle the less glamorous aspects of the game could be just as important to Florida's hopes of maintaining its place among the nation's elite.Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Rueben Chinyelu lands among nation's top 10 centers

PREVIEW: Cardiff City host Wrexham in their Championship returnWrexham head to the Cardiff City Stadium to face the Bluebirds for a Monday night Welsh derby to open both of their EFL Championship campaigns.Brian Barry-Murphy will be hoping that he can guide Cardiff City to a successful return to the Championship following their instant promotion, bouncing back from relegation from the second tier in the 2024/25 season. Meanwhile, Phil Parkinson will be hoping that his Wrexham side can improve on their seventh-place finish in their first season in the league, narrowly missing out on the playoffs on the final day, and achieve the Hollywood dream of reaching the Premier League.Following their promotion-winning campaign and Barry-Murphys youthful, energetic approach, Cardiff have recruited lightly over the summer break despite deciding not to keep last seasons player of the season, Ryan Wintle, at the club. The Bluebirds have introduced Jack Moylan to the club from League One champions Lincoln City, while making goalkeeper Nathan Trotts loan move from FC Copenhagen a permanent one, and also bringing Calum Scanlon back on loan from Liverpool.Despite there being very limited off-field action during the summer, the Bluebirds have had an eventful pre-season on the pitch. Barry-Murphys side began their preparations for the 2026/27 season as they hosted Danish club FC Midtjylland, who thrashed the hosts 6-0 on the day. However, Cardiff ended their pre-season campaign looking much stronger than they began it, as they defeated Italian giants AS Roma 4-1 at The Cardiff City Stadium, with goals from Yousef Salech, Ollie Tanner, and a brace from homegrown talent Cian Ashford. At the same time, it was Paulo Dybala who scored Romas sole goal.Cardiff began their competitive campaign in round one of the Carabao Cup with a home fixture against Ian Holloways Swindon Town. It was an eventful encounter between the Bluebirds and the Robins, but it was Cardiff who were victorious in the 5-goal thriller as new signing Jack Moylan struck home in the dying embers of the tie to clinch a 3-2 win and progress to the next round, where Cardiff will face Norwich City.However, Wrexham couldnt follow the same feat as their fellow Welsh club in the Carabao Cup as Phil Parkinsons side were on the receiving end of a 1-0 defeat at The Riverside Stadium as Middlesbrough progressed through to the second round.Like Cardiff, Wrexham havent been very active during the summer transfer window, but their famous Hollywood backing has aided them to spend close to 20 million in transfer fees combined between their three signings. Parkinson decided to strengthen his midfield by signing Ben Whiteman from fellow Championship club Preston North End, whilst also strengthening in the right-back position by acquiring the services of Danny Imray from UEFA Conference League winners Crystal Palace. Wrexham also added to their goalkeeping department as they signed Anthony Paterson from Sunderland as he concluded his lengthy spell at the club.Phil Parkinsons side had a somewhat promising pre-season as they competed in the Premier League summer series and faced the likes of Liverpool, Sunderland and Leeds. The Red Dragons managed to pick up 2 victories against Premier League opposition across their preparations for the incoming season as they defeated Leeds 3-2 and Manchester United 1-0, raising expectations for the club heading into the brand new Championship season.The two Welsh clubs have a very rich and fierce history, where both clubs have picked up some memorable victories against each other. However, the most recent encounter came during the 2025/26 season Carabao Cup as Cardiff travelled to the Racecourse and emerged as surprise winners after Will Fish found the back of the net to claim a famous and unforgettable 2-1 win for the Bluebirds.Heading into the first Monday clash of the season, both sides will be hoping to claim not only their first win of the season, but their first derby win of the campaign in what is set to be an unmissable encounter in front of a sold-out Cardiff City Stadium.The game is scheduled to kick off at 8.00 PM BST, Monday 17th August 2026 at The Cardiff City Stadium and will be streamed on Sky Sports Football.

Caitlin Clarks Postgame Pitch Leads To Unexpected Offer For Fever Teammate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Caitlin Clark recorded 10 assists during the Indiana Fevers victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday night. Her most unusual assist may have come after the game.A playful exchange between Clark and Fever guard Tyasha Harris during their postgame press conference caught the attention of beverage company Olipop. The brand publicly invited Harris to discuss a potential opportunity after Clark joked that her teammate was available for endorsement deals.What began with Harris questioning why Clark moved a drink out of camera view quickly turned into an unexpected business opportunity.Caitlin Clark Makes Pitch For Tyasha HarrisClark, Harris and Fever coach Stephanie White spoke with reporters after Indianas 98-87 victory over Dallas.During the postgame media availability, Clark moved a can of Olipop away from the cameras. Harris noticed and jokingly asked why superstar athletes hide certain products.Because yall not sponsored by them? Harris asked.Clark clarified that she does not drink Olipop. Harris then moved her can away from the cameras as well, drawing a laugh from the Fever star.There you go, Clark said. Somebody else sign her. Shes on the market.Olipop noticed the exchange and responded directly to Harris on X.Gurl lets chat, the company wrote.There is no indication that Harris and Olipop have reached an endorsement agreement. Still, the public invitation gives the Fever guard an opportunity that did not exist before Clarks spontaneous pitch.Tyasha Harris Earned Attention Against WingsThe timing could not have been much better for Harris. She delivered one of her best performances of the season against Dallas, scoring 15 points in only 17 minutes. Harris went a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, with all five makes coming from beyond the arc.The performance ended a difficult offensive stretch. Harris had not made a field goal in her previous six appearances before catching fire against the Wings. Clark also enjoyed another big night, finishing with 29 points and 10 assists as Indiana overcame a double-digit deficit. She scored 20 points and recorded six assists after halftime.The Fever outscored Dallas 32-18 during the fourth quarter to complete the comeback and earn their third consecutive victory.Harris shooting played an important part in the win. Her ability to punish Dallas from the perimeter prevented the Wings from directing all their defensive attention toward Clark.The two guards praised each other after the game. Clark called Harris one of the best teammates she has had, while Harris explained that watching Clarks production can begin to feel normal even though it is anything but ordinary.Their lighthearted Olipop conversation further displayed the chemistry developing within Indianas backcourt.MORE:Indiana Fever celebrate Sophie Cunningham with special message on 30th birthdayClarks Popularity Continues To Benefit Fever TeammatesClarks arrival transformed the Fever into one of the most visible teams in American sports. That attention extends beyond television audiences and attendance figures. Players surrounding Clark also receive substantially more exposure.Sophie Cunninghams popularity has grown considerably since she joined Indiana. Lexie Hull also has landed several opportunities away from the basketball court while becoming a familiar member of the Fevers core. Harris could be the next beneficiary.The 28-year-old guard has built a strong WNBA rsum since the Dallas Wings selected her with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 draft. She won a championship with the Connecticut Sun in 2025 before joining Indiana. Harris has provided the Fever with another ballhandler, an experienced defender and a capable outside shooter. Fridays performance showed what she can contribute when her shot is falling.Clark helped Harris find five open three-pointers during the game. One day later, she may have helped her teammate land something much different.More WNBA news:A'ja Wilson vs. Olivia Miles debate is on with Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers lurkingChiney Ogwumike reacts to WNBAs Caitlin Clark suspension decisionWhy Indiana lieutenant governor is calling for Stephanie White's firing

Warriors linked to unexpected Klay Thompson reunion to salvage Stephen Curry's window originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Klay Thompson left Golden State two years ago chasing a fresh start in Dallas, and it did not go as planned. Now, with the Mavericks pivoting hard toward a Cooper Flagg rebuild, the door back to the Bay Area is open and the Warriors are reportedly ready to walk through it together with him.The reunion talk has moved well beyond sentiment. Thompson has made clear he wants to compete for a championship and now the Warriors have privately signaled they would welcome him back. So, the only thing standing between a Splash Brothers reunion and reality is a Dallas front office that would rather extract trade value than hand him a clean exit.Klay Thompson reunion talk heats up around Golden StateThompson and Stephen Curry won four titles together as the Splash Brothers before Thompson left for Dallas in 2024. Two years later, with the Mavericks rebuilding around Cooper Flagg, his path back to the Bay Area has resurfaced as more than idle chatter.Recently, NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that Warriors sources indicated Thompson would be welcomed back with open arms if he secures a buyout and reaches free agency.Dallas, has resisted a straight buyout and prefers a trade that recoups some value, even as interest builds from Miami and the Warriors.Thompson made his priorities clear on a Twitch livestream last week. "I want to compete for a championship," Thompson said. "Not necessarily win another one, but have the chance to try again."He went further when a fan asked him directly about a return earlier this year. "It'd be nice to end it in Golden State," Thompson said.Stephen Currys own decision looms large over Golden StateThe Warriors have quietly treated this season as something closer to a gap year, prioritizing internal development over aggressive additions, which only adds pressure to Curry's looming decision.Curry can sign a two-year extension worth a little over $136 million on Aug. 29, and reports suggest he is in no rush. It also signals that he expects more urgency from the front office after a quiet offseason that included missing out on LeBron James.Nearly the rest of Golden State's core, including Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, enters the final guaranteed year of their contracts, leaving the roster stuck between one more title push and a longer-term reset.A Thompson reunion would not resolve that tension on its own, but it would give Curry one more familiar weapon while the Warriors decide which direction to take the rest of his career.More NBA news:Klay Thompsons blunt LeBron James ranking catches everyone by surpriseKevin Durant reveals Russell Westbrooks true self in emotional retirement tributeKlay Thompsons only goal fuels fresh Mavericks exit talk amid buyout speculationLeBron James fans are furious with Scottie Pippen over something he didn't actually sayHeats Klay Thompson patience backfires as key free agent target accepts multi-million rival offerMeta:Slug:

The Philadelphia 76ers have had a strong summer under the guidance of President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey and the rest of the front office. The Sixers have leaned on Gansey, HBSE President of Sports Bob Myers, and Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Jameer Nelson in an effort to help the franchise reach the mountaintop.The Sixers have been able to lean on those three to overhaul the roster as they have been able to land Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and a slew of others to join Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe. Philadelphia will be looking to end a long title drought in the upcoming season with the additions made to the roster.The Sixers have reportedly made a front office hire with the addition of Tommy Balcetis as Head of Basketball Intelligence, Analytics, and Innovation. He spent the last 12 years with the Denver Nuggets and previously served as an assistant GM for the organization.The Philadelphia 76ers have hired Tommy Balcetis as Head of Basketball Intelligence, Analytics and Innovation, league sources told @hoopshype. Previously, Balcetis was an assistant general manager for the Denver Nuggets. He spent 12 years in total with Denver in several roles. pic.twitter.com/pb39fvnRp8 Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 16, 2026Balcetis will look to help the Sixers in a number of ways as Philadelphia looks to move up the ladder in the Eastern Conference.This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Report: Philadelphia 76ers to make big addition to their front office

Perkembangan pesat teknologi informasi nirkabel telah membentuk ulang lanskap rekreasi di era terhubung saat ini. Kegiatan mengisi waktu luang yang semula membutuhkan ruang fisik kini bergeser menjadi aktivitas interaktif yang dapat diakses secara praktis melalui layar gawai pintar atau komputer pribadi. Fleksibilitas ini memungkinkan masyarakat perkotaan untuk menikmati sarana permainan...

The San Francisco 49ers' injury report added two more names Wednesday, and it didn't take long for two more players to join them before practice was over.Defensive tackle Gracen Halton (ankle) and right guard Dominick Puni (concussion) were held out of practice, according to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. Puni's absence is a particular concern for an offensive line that has already been shuffling personnel through the opening weeks of camp, with Connor Colby working into the mix at left guard. Losing Puni to the concussion protocol, even temporarily, forces San Francisco to lean further on its depth up front.Halton's ankle issue adds to a defensive tackle room that's already been thin. The 49ers waived Mikail Kamara with an injury designation earlier in camp after he tore his ACL, and rookie C.J. West has been trying to establish himself in the rotation. That group took another hit Wednesday when West and edge rusher Titus Leo were both shaken up and left practice early, per the same report. Their statuses weren't immediately known, but any extended absence would thin out a front seven that's already dealing with attrition. Halton was enjoying a nice preseason before this injury.The new additions come on top of an offseason and camp that has been rough on San Francisco's roster. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was placed on season-ending injured reserve because of lingering issues from last year's PCL injury, and the receiver room has been further strained by Mike Evans (quad), Christian Kirk (calf) and De'Zhaun Stribling (hamstring) all missing time. Evans and Stribling are back, at least, and Stribling enjoyed a great preseason debut against the Titans. Running back Jordan James is also out with fractured ribs, and George Kittle opened camp on the active/PUP list as he continues working back from a torn Achilles.Christian McCaffrey is perhaps the biggest remaining question mark, as he continues to sit out of practice, held back by what the team has described as "tightness." Any missed practice time draws scrutiny given his recent injury history.None of Wednesday's new injuries have been labeled serious, but the pattern is becoming familiar for a 49ers team that dealt with a wave of injuries last season as well. With the regular season approaching, San Francisco's coaching staff will be monitoring Halton, Puni, West and Leo closely in the coming days to determine whether any of the injuries carry into the season opener.This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers injury list keeps growing with 2 new additions

WESTFIELD, INDIANA - AUGUST 04: Bryce Boettcher #50 of the Indianapolis Colts runs a drill during the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Grand Park Sports Campus on August 04, 2026 in Westfield, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesWhats up yall? With the NFL preseason fully underway, I thought Id try to highlight how some #ProDucks have been playing, game by game.THURSDAY GAMES:Cardinals @ Raiders: WR Malik Benson 2 catches, 26 yardsPackers @ Steelers: DT Derrick Harmon 1 assisted tackleMiss Bryce Boettcher already pic.twitter.com/lmmgzlHBRF Barstool Ducks (@BarstoolDucks) August 14, 2026Colts @ Patriots: LB Bryce Boettcher 3 assisted tackles, one viral hit (see above). TE Pharaoh Brown 1 target, no catches. DT Casey Rogers 1 solo tackle, 1 assisted, 1 pass deflection, 1 QB hit (no sack).Chargers @ Texans: RB Noah Whittington 13 carries, 40 yards. LB Jamal Hill 2 tackles, one solo, one assisted. CB Nikko Reed 3 tackles, two solo, one assistedFRIDAY GAMES:Dolphins @ Commanders: QB Marcus Mariota 1/2, 22 yards, left with injury. DE DJ Johnson 1 solo tackle.Broncos @ Falcons: DT Brandon Dorlus 1 solo tackle, 1 assisted tackle. WR Troy Franklin 1 catch, 23 yardsSATURDAY GAMES:Vikings @ Giants: S Ugo Amadi 1 solo tackle, DE/LB Kayvon Thibodeaux 1 solo tackleBrowns @ Bears: QB Dillon Gabriel 5-8, 23 yards, 1 INT. CB Dante Manning 1 solo tackle, 4 assisted. S Dillon Thieneman 1 solo tackle.Rams @ Chiefs: CB Jaydon Canaday 3 solo tackles, 1 assisted. LB Jeffrey Bassa 2 solo tackles, 2 assisted.Jabbar Muhammad with a CLUTCH PBU pic.twitter.com/6F5g3PS9fh NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2026Jaguars @ Saints: CB Jabbar Muhammad 6 solo tackles, 1 game winning pass breakup (see above). TE Patrick Herbert 1 solo tackle, 1 assisted.Cowboys @ Seahawks: WR Traeshon Holden 1 punt return, 1 lost fumble.There you have it, well be back again next week. As always, Sco Ducks

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Colton Cowser hit a two-run homer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand had a three-run double in a seven-run sixth, Trevor Rogers allowed two runs in six innings and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Tampa Bay Rays 10-2 on Sunday.Jackson Holliday also drove in three runs for Baltimore, which has won three consecutive games as it chases the final wild-card spot in the American League.Rogers (8-8) scattered seven hits while striking out six. The teams will conclude a four-game series on Monday.Freddy Peralta (5-10) allowed just one hit through 4 2/3 innings but allowed two runs to take the loss in his first start at home for Tampa Bay since being acquired from the New York Mets on Aug. 3. Peralta has not recorded a victory since June 14.Ryan Vilade fell a triple short of the cycle for the Rays, who have lost three consecutive games after winning nine in a row.The Orioles broke open the game with seven runs in the sixth after eight consecutive hitters reached base all with two outs. Cowser homered, Holliday followed two batters later with a two-run double and Encarnacion-Strand, who started the inning with a lineout to third, doubled with the bases loaded to make it 10-1.Vilade hit a solo home run in the fourth to give the Rays the lead. But the Orioles followed in the top of the fifth for three runs on an RBI single from Holliday and a two-run double by Pete Alonso.Up nextBaltimore will start RHP Brandon Young (9-3, 3.33 ERA) on Monday while Tampa Bay had yet to announce a starter.___See APs full MLB coverage here

Paula Creamer celebrated her 40th birthday in style. The 2010 U.S. Women's Open champion's surprise celebration was a sea of pink, her signature color. Even the Pink Panther mascot made an appearance. Creamer got her nickname, the "Pink Panther," decades ago from Casey Wittenberg at the IMG Academy given her love of all things pink.View this post on Instagram