The Duke Blue Devils are gearing up to take on the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers in the first round of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/march-madness">March Madness</a>. Barring a historic upset, Duke, the No. 1 seed in the East Region, should advance to the second round and make a deep run. However, the bigger concern lies in Cooper Flagg’s ankle injury, which sidelined him for the ACC Tournament semifinal and championship game.



As the biggest tournament in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a> approaches, the Blue Devils are hoping their star player can be back available and fully healthy during the competition.



Regardless, it may be wise for head coach Jon Scheyer to preserve <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Flagg</a> during the early games—though he’d be taking a risk, it’s a relatively mild one. However, Flagg is eager to be on the court with his teammates as they embark on a challenging run through the East Region.



Ahead of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/duke">Duke</a>‘s first test against what should be a very favorable opponent on paper, Cooper Flagg was asked about his health status, leading to a two-word response about his feelings going into the game.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250320_BUS_360120_Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-1024x576_448cab56.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jon Scheyer Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-356591" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils speaks with Cooper Flagg #2 during the second half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 01, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina.</figcaption></figure>



“Pain-free,” Cooper Flagg stated about his ankle injury, as reported by ESPN’s David Hale. Following Flagg’s statement it is believed he will be fully healthy and will participate during the Blue Devils matchup with the Mountaineers.


 

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<h2>Odds are in Duke’s favor</h2>



Whether Flagg is healthy enough to play against Mount St. Mary’s or not, many believe Scheyer should keep the star out of harm’s way and allow him to continue his recovery. After all, Duke is expected to handle the No. 16 seed comfortably, with or without Flagg.



If the Blue Devils were to lose to the Mountaineers, the school in Durham would join an exclusive—and infamous—club, becoming just the third program ever to fall as a No. 1 seed to a No. 16 seed in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> Tournament.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250320_BUS_360120_GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576_e59992d2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils" class="wp-image-268979" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils </figcaption></figure>



<h3>Historic upsets</h3>



In 2018, the No. 16 UMBC Retrievers handed the Virginia Cavaliers the most humiliating defeat in program history, knocking them out of the NCAA Tournament in the first round. 


 

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Just five years later, the last-seeded FDU Knights pulled off another historic upset by toppling the No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers. Before this year’s tournament began, No. 1 seeds held a dominant 154-2 record against No. 16 seeds.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg delivers 2-word injury update ahead of Duke’s March Madness debut

Blue Devils icon Jay Bilas makes strong statement about Cooper Flagg ahead of NCAA Tournament

Cooper Flagg draws comparison to NBA Hall of Famer

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg delivers 2-word injury update ahead of Duke's March Madness debut - Bolavip US

Cooper Flagg delivers 2-word injury update ahead of Duke's March Madness debut

miniaturas

The NCAA Tournament is officially underway, and the craziness has only begun with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/march-madness">March Madness</a>. While announcing his 64-team bracket, Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley dropped a shocking prediction involving Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils. 



Barkley has played for many teams in the league, though he is mostly recognized for his great years with the Suns, where he won the MVP award in 1995 and led Phoenix to an NBA Finals appearance. However, in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a>, there is only one place he calls home: Auburn.



The former star has been closely following the season as it unfolded, and Bruce Pearl’s program was selected as the No. 1 seed in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> Tournament’s South Region. While he roots for the Tigers through thick and thin, Barkley doesn’t envision the school winning the national championship. However, he did predict that they would make it to the Final Four.



One of the biggest storylines in college basketball revolves around <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a> and the Blue Devils from Durham. As Flagg continues to recover from his ankle injury, hoping to return to the court for Duke’s first-round game on March 21, Barkley made a bold prediction about the school’s fate during March Madness.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250320_BUS_360027_Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-1024x576_2c28d9f1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on November 22, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona" class="wp-image-355012" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on November 22, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona.</figcaption></figure>



According to Barkley’s March Madness bracket, Flagg’s Duke will fall to No. 4 Arizona during the Sweet Sixteen stage. No. 1 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/duke">Duke</a> is the biggest favorite to win the NCAA Tournament, so a loss in the third round would be a devastating blow for Jon Scheyer’s team and the program in Durham.


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<h2>Other predictions</h2>



Barkley is well aware of the frenzy that takes over of college basketball during March Madness, where anything can happen. Therefore, the legendary <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Suns</a>‘ player, issued a series of surprising predictions.



For example, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/charles-barkley">Barkley</a> stated No. 11 in the Midwest region, Xavier, will take down Illinois and Kentucky, the sixth and third seed, respectively, in a Cinderella run to the Sweet Sixteen.



<h2>Barkley’s Final Four</h2>



According to his predicted bracket, Auburn, Florida, Gonzaga, and Arizona will make the Final Four. However, Barkley didn’t let his love for Auburn blind his judgment and stated that the Florida Gators will eliminate the Tigers in the NCAA Tournament semifinal.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250320_BUS_360027_CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-1024x576_6b21517b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="CBS commentator Charles Barkley looks on during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal between the Auburn Tigers and the Virginia Cavaliers at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota." class="wp-image-345534" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>CBS commentator Charles Barkley looks on during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal between the Auburn Tigers and the Virginia Cavaliers at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. </figcaption></figure>



No. 8 Gonzaga will take down Arizona in the other semifinal matchup, en route to a National Championship Game between the Bulldogs and Gators. Ultimately, according to ‘Chuck,’ the champagne bottles will pop in Gainesville, as the Gators crown themselves champions in his prediction.

Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley makes surprising March Madness prediction about Cooper Flagg’s Duke

Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley makes surprising March Madness prediction about Cooper Flagg's Duke - Bolavip US

Suns legend Charles Barkley reveals surprising March Madness prediction for Flagg's Duke

With March Madness right upon us and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>season about to come to an end, it’s officially time to talk about the prospects who will turn pro soon.



Of course, that includes Ace Bailey. Unfortunately, his freshman season was cut short because of his team’s struggles, and we won’t get to watch him play again until he’s in the NBA.



Bailey is currently projected to be either the second or third-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, NBA analyst Sam Veciene revealed that executives believe his decision-making will lower his ceiling.



<h2>Ace Bailey isn’t a consensus top-pick, says insider</h2>



“He’s likely to go in the top five, but there is a bit of polarization about him,” Vecenie explained. “Some see real star upside, while some see a good, Michael Porter Jr.-like role player, and yet others worry significantly about his decision-making. The pre-draft process will be incredibly important.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250320_BUS_359130_Ace-Bailey-1024x576_ef4937dc.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-290606" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Ace Bailey #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights </figcaption></figure>



Then again, Bailey’s physical tools and raw talent are just too notorious to ignore. He’s drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant in the past, and he’s an elite three-level scorer.



Whether he ends up going before or after his fellow Scarlet Knight remains to be seen, but as talented as he is, it’s clear that he will have to work on some of the flaws in his game.

2025 NBA Draft: There’s one major concern about Ace Bailey

2025 NBA Draft: There's one major concern about Ace Bailey - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils are the best team in the nation right now. That’s not much of a surprise, considering that they also have the best player in all of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a>.



Even if he doesn’t play another minute for Jon Scheyer’s team, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> has already established himself as the consensus first-overall pick in the 2025<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> Draft.



His size and ability to score at all three levels of the court make him a deadly matchup. However, per Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, his defensive prowess and passing skills remind him of Kevin Garnett.



<h2>Expert compares Cooper Flagg to Kevin Garnett</h2>



“This would be a Kevin Garnett-type impact player, although there are some differences stylistically, with Flagg displaying more traditional wing creation skill. Like Garnett, though, Flagg mixes power forward size with ball-handling and passing. He has also been a highly efficient post scorer at Duke, as well as an encouraging mid-range shooter,“ Wasserman wrote. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250320_BUS_359113_garnett-1-1024x576_2f281e61.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-355755" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kevin Garnett #21 of the Minnesota Timberwolves </figcaption></figure>



Judging by what Garnett was able to accomplish in his career, this is definitely a flattering comparison. And while Flagg isn’t as outspoken, vocal, and trash-talking as the Minnesota Timberwolves legend, the resemblance in their games is evident.


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Garnett was one of the most dominant two-way players in the league in his prime. And if Flagg manages to be two-thirds of the driving force he was, whoever takes him will be in for a treat.

Cooper Flagg draws comparison to NBA Hall of Famer - Bolavip US

While UConn star Paige Bueckers has drawn most of the attention in women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> this season, two rising stars are more than ready to take the throne.



Notre Dame star Hannah Hidalgo and USC phenom JuJu Watkins are next in line, and some scouts believe they could thrive in the WNBA right now if they were eligible to enter the league.



That’s why there’s no wilder dream for any fan than to watch them team up. And, according to Vincent Pensabene of Sportskeeda, Hidalgo could join forces with Watkins by transferring to USC next season.



<h2>Will Hannah Hidalgo enter the transfer portal?</h2>



“If fans are going to be dreaming, might as well dream for the stars as the pairing of JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo on the same team would be an amazing thing to see,” Pensabene wrote. “Hidalgo can guard the best guard on the floor and take some pressure off Watkins to be a monster scorer as she has shown throughout her first two years.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250320_BUS_359146_juju-watkins-1024x576_85cce32c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="JuJu Watkins" class="wp-image-296758" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19201408/juju-watkins-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19201408/juju-watkins-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19201408/juju-watkins-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19201408/juju-watkins-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19201408/juju-watkins-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19201408/juju-watkins-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19201408/juju-watkins-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19201408/juju-watkins.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins </figcaption></figure>



There are no indications of Hidalgo being uncomfortable at Notre Dame, and there’s no reason to believe she will transfer, much less to USC. Then again, we’ve seen crazy things happen in the NIL and transfer portal era.


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NIL opportunities and the prospect of having the two biggest young sensations in college basketball might be appealing, but that doesn’t seem like a realistic scenario right now.

NCAAB News: Hannah Hidalgo could team up with JuJu Watkins next season

NCAAB News: Hannah Hidalgo could team up with JuJu Watkins next season - Bolavip US

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights didn’t live up to the expectations this season. Despite being one of the most talked-about teams in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, they didn’t make it to the NCAA Tournament.



Unfortunately, not even having two of the top-three prospects in the nation, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, was enough for them to go the distance and make history.



Now, with both of them heading to the pros, Harper wanted to uplift his teammate. When asked about Bailey, he explained what made him the best prospect in basketball.



<h2>Dylan Harper gushes about Ace Bailey</h2>



“My favorite part about him is the joy he brings to the game,” Harper said of his teammate. “No matter what is going on, he is going to have high energy and things like that. He is one of those guys who, at 6-foot-10, you can give the ball to him and he can get a bucket at will. That’s really him. He knows how to use his body and get to his spots. There’s no complaints about playing with him at all.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250320_BUS_359116_Dylan-Harper-1024x576_32f7080d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dylan Harper" class="wp-image-285819" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dylan Harper #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights </figcaption></figure>



There’s still no consensus on whether Harper or Bailey will go second-overall, as most scouts believe that Duke star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>is the clear-cut first-overall pick in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft.



Whatever the case, it seems like teams can’t go wrong either way, and it will most likely go down to the team’s needs and fit. Both of them have the potential to become legitimate stars.

Dylan Harper explains why Ace Bailey should be the top pick in the NBA Draft

Dylan Harper explains why Ace Bailey should be the top pick in the NBA Draft - Bolavip US

It takes a lot to find success as a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>coach. It’s not just about Xs and Os or even getting the best recruits; you’re also preparing young men and women for life.



That’s one of the reasons why Geno Auriemma has found that much success during his lifelong tenure in charge of the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team.



With that in mind, he shared his thoughts on the biggest changes and improvements he’s seen from her superstar, Paige Bueckers, ahead of what might be her final shot at a National Championship. 



<h2>Geno Auriemma talks about Paige Bueckers’ growth</h2>



“The coaching is less at this time than it was as a freshman because her freshman year, it was all new,” Auriemma said. “There’s an excitement and a newness to the NCAA tournament, and the fact that we were able to go to the NCAA tournament during her freshman year, got to the final four, and be in the bubble, which was not great.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250320_BUS_359155_paige-bueckers-1024x576_88588b59.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="paige bueckers" class="wp-image-274696" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Paige Bueckers playing for UConn.</figcaption></figure>



Now, the coach acknowledged that Bueckers is much more knowledgeable and, more than that, she’s also grown to become a leader who can help the younger players who were once in her position.



“But that whole year was mostly about trying to get Paige to understand what college basketball is and what’s in store down the road. Now she knows the drill she knows exactly what’s coming ahead of her I think more of getting her to apply what she’s learned to the other players on the floor that don’t have the same level of experience,“ the coach added.


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Bueckers has been spectacular again this season, averaging 19.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game on 53.6% from the floor. And while she’s still eligible to return for another year, that doesn’t seem likely.

Geno Auriemma reveals the biggest change in Paige Bueckers since her freshman year

Geno Auriemma reveals the biggest change in Paige Bueckers since her freshman year - Bolavip US

Long before the start of the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> season, scouts, analysts, and fans were raving about the 2024-25 Rutgers Scarlet Knights. They were a legitimate dark horse, at least on paper.



Fast forward to today, and they didn’t even make it to the NCAA Tournament. As such, March Madness will go underway without Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, two of the three best prospects in the nation.



However, as disappointing as this turn of events was, Harper has no regrets. When asked about his first and only campaign on campus, he had nothing but positive things to say. 



<h2>Dylan Harper is still thankful for his days at Rutgers</h2>



“Just fortunate for the great time I had here at Rutgers,” Harper told Sports Illustrated. “Even though it looked like we had a lot of ups and downs, I had a great season with a great group of guys and great culture staff. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but just things I’ve taken away in the season is just really [how] I’ll go about my everyday life, it’s the little things that I gotta do.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250319_BUS_359114_Dylan-Harper-rutgers-1024x576_38aad4a4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-304003" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dylan Harper #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights </figcaption></figure>



At the end of the day, a team’s success doesn’t depend on just one player. Even so, his detractors will most likely try to use him to take him down, as if he weren’t an elite prospect.


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Still, you just need to watch him play for a while to realize that he’s an outstanding player with a sky-high upside, and it won’t be long before we watch him with the pros.

NCAAB News: Dylan Harper gets brutally honest on disappointing season at Rutgers

NCAAB News: Dylan Harper gets brutally honest on disappointing season at Rutgers - Bolavip US

Just last week, South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley affirmed that her team would get the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. That wasn’t the case.



Instead, the UCLA Bruins got the nod, and Staley was visibly frustrated for that. She claimed that she would make some adjustments to her schedule, hinting at the Bruins having an easier path.



Needless to say, it didn’t take long before the internet reacted to her words. That included analyst Steve Kim, who put her on blast and stated that she had a ‘perpetual sense of entitlement.’



<h2>Steve Kim says Dawn Staley has ‘a sense of entitlement’</h2>



“Wasn’t UCLA the No. 1-rated team for a good portion of this past season?” Kim asked. “What’s the complaint here? You lose head-to-head, they are a good team. But Dawn Staley has a perpetual sense of entitlement and absolutely participates in the ‘victimhood Olympics’ even when she’s on top and she has a monster of a program that is a dynasty.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250319_BUS_358974_Dawn-Staley-1024x576_0d4d41be.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315503" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks</figcaption></figure>



Even if they didn’t get the No. 1 overall seed, the Gamecocks should still be considered one of the strongest teams in the nation, and they won’t have to face UCLA unless they both reach the National Championship game.


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The Bruins blew out the Gamecocks by 29 points earlier in the season, so the defending national champions will most definitely hope that their paths don’t cross again this season.

NCAAB analyst rips ‘entitled’ Dawn Staley

NCAAB analyst rips 'entitled' Dawn Staley - Bolavip US

In a not-surprising turn of events, USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins and Notre Dame Fighting Irish phenom Hannah Hidalgo got their second consecutive AP All-America selections.



Watkins averaged 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game to lead the Trojans to the Big Ten regular-season title, which was their first conference championship since 1994. 



Hidalgo, on the other hand, earned ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors after averaging 24.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game. With this selection, they’ve joined a very short list of players.



<h2>JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo joined a very exclusive list</h2>



“The duo on Wednesday became only the third and fourth players to earn first team All-America honors in their freshman and sophomore years, joining Oklahoma’s Courtney Paris and UConn’s Maya Moore,” AP reported.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250319_BUS_359145_Hannah-Hidalgo-1024x576_344ab146.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Hannah Hidalgo celebrating" class="wp-image-295588" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Hannah Hidalgo (3) </figcaption></figure>



Hidalgo and Watkins figure to be the players to watch in women’s college hoops for years to come, especially with Paige Bueckers, another All-American selection, most likely declaring for the 2025 WNBA Draft.


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They might even be ready to turn pro right away, as they’re clearly ahead of schedule in their development. Unfortunately, the WNBA Draft eligibility rules won’t allow them to do so.

Hannah Hidalgo and JuJu Watkins make history with latest honor

Hannah Hidalgo and JuJu Watkins make history with latest honor - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils — and the entire<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> scene — are keeping close tabs on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>. He’s still not cleared to play in the NCAA Tournament, although he intends to do so.



Needless to say, that puts a lot of pressure on the top seed. They need their best player, who’s also the projected first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, to be on the court.



However, even if he plays, Tim Donnelly believes Jon Scheyer has bigger things to be worried about right now, as the team’s sky-high expectations could come back to hurt him.



<h2>Expectations might hurt Jon Scheyer, says analyst</h2>



“This is his third season and he had not been a head coach anywhere else … he’s still learning and Scheyer has to deal with a legendary like blue blood problem, a legendary Duke problem,” Donelly said. “But the challenge is this, the target is on your back you are the favorites , expectations are the highest for you.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250319_BUS_359132_jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631_19678878.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216615" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jon Scheyer head coach of Duke</figcaption></figure>



In two seasons since he took over the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, he’s led the Blue Devils to a No. 5 and No. 4 seed. This time, however, they’re the odds-on favorites to win the whole thing.


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He already had some big shoes to fill after replacing Coach K. Now, with all that comes with being Duke’s coach and the No. 1 seed, he will have to prove that he’s up to the task.

March Madness: Analyst reveals the biggest issue with Duke, and it’s not Cooper Flagg’s injury

March Madness: Analyst reveals the biggest issue with Duke, and it's not Cooper Flagg's injury - Bolavip US

The Arkansas Razorbacks went through a lot this season. Eventually, they still managed to sneak their way into the NCAA Tournament. Their first stop, however, will be a tough one.



John Calipari and his troops arrived in Providence for a date with the Kansas Jayhawks. That will be yet another epic matchup between Coach Calipari and Bill Self.



That’s why Calipari had no choice but to tip his hat to his fellow Hall of Famer colleague. When asked about the upcoming matchup, he lamented that they had to face off.



<h2>John Calipari has nothing but respect for Bill Self</h2>



“Unbelievable the culture he’s built, the program, all of that stuff,” Calipari said. “He and I are friends. I hate playing people that I consider friends or know well. All these teams, why you gotta put me against him first game? So, we know what we’re up against.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250319_BUS_359131_Bill-Self-1-1024x576_dfd9bb3c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Bill Self in 2024" class="wp-image-287587" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06142546/Bill-Self-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06142546/Bill-Self-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06142546/Bill-Self-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06142546/Bill-Self-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06142546/Bill-Self-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06142546/Bill-Self-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06142546/Bill-Self-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06142546/Bill-Self-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks</figcaption></figure>



Calipari and Self have beaten one another to win National Championships in the past. A title isn’t at stake right now, but one could end the other’s season another time.


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Of course, given how inconsistent the Razorbacks were this season, the Jayhawks should take care of business. However, anything can happen in a win-or-go-home situation.

March Madness: John Calipari admits he doesn’t want to face Bill Self

March Madness: John Calipari admits he doesn't want to face Bill Self - Bolavip US

The North Carolina Tar Heels kicked off their <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">NCAA</a> Tournament run on the right foot after defeating San Diego State. UNC’s arrival at this stage was surrounded by controversy following the selection committee’s decision, but this is something that Seth Trimble couldn’t care less about.


 


After the game, in which the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/north-carolina">Tar Heels</a> defeated their opponent 95-68, the talented shooting guard spoke to the press and made it clear that his team doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone at this stage.



“We know we deserved to be here,” Trimble said, per InsideCarolina.com’s Jeremiah Holloway. “We’re not looking to send a message to anybody else. We’re just looking to compete as a team and be the team that we know that we’re capable of being. I think we did that tonight. We’ll go through that when we get to Milwaukee and go from there. We hear what people say. We don’t really care. It is what it is. We’re focused on us.”



Coming off the bench, Trimble provided a significant contribution to his team’s offense in his 27 minutes of play, scoring a total of 16 points. It is expected that his performance in the next game will be equal to or even better, as the team looks to achieve great things in this tournament.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250319_BUS_358763_North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-1-1024x576_57748c1c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="North Carolina Tar Heels" class="wp-image-358827" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19120228/North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19120228/North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19120228/North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19120228/North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19120228/North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19120228/North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19120228/North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19120228/North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>The North Carolina Tar Heels celebrate after a three point shot during the second half in the First Four game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at University of Dayton Arena on March 18, 2025 in Dayton, Ohio.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The keys to victory according to RJ Davis</h2>



RJ Davis was one of the standout players for UNC, leading the way with 26 points and shooting a perfect 6-of-6 from beyond the arc, pacing the team on a night in which they made 14 three-pointers, marking a new program NCAA Tournament record.



In a post-game interview with the press, the talented player made it clear, according to his perspective, what the main keys were to securing the victory.



“I think we did a good job of sticking to our game plan and playing Carolina basketball. We got out in transition, we shared the ball, and that’s what got us going. We shared the ball, everyone contributed in so many ways. And I just think our defense really set the tone for the remainder of the game, the way we was able to get into passing lanes and help guys were there and defensive rebounding was key for us. That allowed us to get easier looks.


 


“Elliot was phenomenal today. He had 12 assists, and he was able to find guys with pitch-aheads. Seth was amazing attacking the rim. Little things like that allowed us to go into a run,” he stated.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250319_BUS_358763_rj-davis-1024x576_74eba17d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="RJ Davis" class="wp-image-279568" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/rj-davis-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/rj-davis-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/rj-davis-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/rj-davis-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/rj-davis-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/rj-davis-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/rj-davis-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/rj-davis.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> RJ Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the game against the Elon Phoenix at the Dean E. Smith Center on November 04, 2024</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What’s next for the Tar Heels?</h2>



After the solid victory against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-diego-state">San Diego State</a>, showcasing a great performance on the court, Hubert Ira Davis Jr.’s team will face the Ole Miss Rebels. The game will be played next Friday in Milwaukee at 4:05 p.m. ET.

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NCAAB News: Seth Trimble makes something clear after Tar Heels win vs San Diego State - Bolavip US

Despite being unable to compete in the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">NCAA</a> Tournament, the Indiana Hoosiers are not wasting any time looking ahead, securing the hiring of their new head coach. After his successful stint at Drake and West Virginia, Darian DeVries adds a new chapter to his career.


 


The news was confirmed by college sports journalist Pete Thamel, who, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, provided more details regarding the arrival of the successful coach to the Hoosiers.



“Sources: Indiana is targeting West Virginia coach Darian DeVries to be the next coach, sources tell me and @jeffborzello. DeVries spent one year at WVU, where he went 19-13 and got snubbed from NCAA Tournament. He led Drake to three NCAA tournaments in four years,” Thamel reported via @PeteThamel.



Once his arrival at the program was confirmed, DeVries broke his silence, stating that he feels he is facing one of the most important challenges of his career.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250319_BUS_358656_Darian-DeVries-1-1024x576_54251c6e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Darien DeVries" class="wp-image-358685" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19095524/Darian-DeVries-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19095524/Darian-DeVries-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19095524/Darian-DeVries-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19095524/Darian-DeVries-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19095524/Darian-DeVries-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19095524/Darian-DeVries-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19095524/Darian-DeVries-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19095524/Darian-DeVries-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Darian DeVries of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on in the first half during a college basketball game against the Houston Cougars at the WVU Coliseum on January 29, 2025 in Morgantown, West Virginia.</figcaption></figure>



“This is unquestionably one of the top jobs in America. As someone who grew up in the Midwest loving the game of basketball, I’ve always admired the IU Basketball program for its championship-level success, tradition, and fan support,” DeVries announced via&nbsp;Alec Lasley.


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“There’s a passion to succeed at the very highest levels both within the Big Ten and in the NCAA Tournament, and that’s a desire that as a coach I share. On top of that, the alignment is there on a department and university level to make that happen. I’m excited for this opportunity and am ready to work relentlessly to assemble a staff and a roster that competes for championships.”



<h2>Scott Dolson’s confidence in DeVries</h2>



Hiring a new coach for a program can represent a significant risk if expectations are not met. Despite this, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana">Indiana Hoosiers</a> Athletic Director Scott Dolson stated that DeVries meets all the requirements to lead the program forward.



“We went into this coaching search with some very specific things we were looking for in our next head coach, and Darian emerged as someone who, on paper, met and often exceeded our criteria,“ he started.


 


“Once we had a chance to talk to him, we knew we had the right person. Darian has a plan for building a championship culture that can compete at the highest level on a year-in, year-out basis. He has extensive D-1 coaching experience that includes 15 trips to the NCAA Tournament as a head coach or as an assistant. This past season at West Virginia, he inherited a last-place Big 12 team with no significant contributors returning, and managed to more than double its win total despite a pair of significant season-ending injuries. Finally, he is passionate about the opportunity to lead our program. We are excited to welcome Darian and the entire DeVries family to our Hoosier family.”



<h2>DeVries’ great tenure at Drake and West Virginia</h2>



Before the HC DeVries arrived, Drake had struggled for six consecutive seasons, including three years with fewer than ten wins. In his first season, he led the team to a 24-10 record and a conference championship. DeVries is responsible for three of the seven all-time NCAA Tournament appearances for Drake, marking the school’s first trip since 2008.



Darian DeVries’ impressive six-year tenure at Drake earned him the head coaching position at West Virginia last offseason. Over those six years, he posted a 150-55 record. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs captured one regular season title, two conference tournament championships, and made three NCAA Tournament appearances. The team earned No. 10, 11, and 12 seeds, but were eliminated in the first round each time.

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NCAAB News: Former Drake HC Darian DeVries breaks silence after joining Indiana Hoosiers - Bolavip US

NCAAB News: Former Drake HC Darian DeVries breaks silence after joining Indiana Hoosiers

The eyes of the nation will be on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> Tournament as March Madness takes center stage. Among the most scrutinized programs are the Michigan State Spartans, who will face big expectations and high pressure in their first-round matchup against the Bryant Bulldogs. While the noise around the Spartans is loud, head coach Tom Izzo set the record straight about his team’s mindset.



The Spartans failed to make the Big Ten Championship Game after falling to the Wisconsin Badgers by a score of 77-74. While the loss in the semifinal was deflating, the bigger challenge and objective is still before <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michigan-state">Michigan State’s</a> eyes.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a> program led by 30-year veteran coach Tom Izzo will be chasing its third NCAA Tournament championship in school history. Izzo guided the Spartans to a title during the 1999-00 season and hopes to spark another celebration in East Lansing a quarter-century later.



It won’t be easy, whatsoever. Needless to say, it won’t be Izzo’s first rodeo, and the experienced head coach may have a trick under his sleeve as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/march-madness">March Madness</a> approaches. They say pressure is a privilege, but the Spartans’ bench boss may not share that thought.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250318_BUS_358518_Head-coach-Tom-Izzo-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-looks-on-before-the-start-of-the-game-against-the-1024x576_4b3ee465.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on before the start of the game against the Purdue Boilermakersat Breslin Center on February 18, 2025 in East Lansing, Michigan." class="wp-image-347791" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03152911/Head-coach-Tom-Izzo-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-looks-on-before-the-start-of-the-game-against-the-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03152911/Head-coach-Tom-Izzo-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-looks-on-before-the-start-of-the-game-against-the-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03152911/Head-coach-Tom-Izzo-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-looks-on-before-the-start-of-the-game-against-the-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03152911/Head-coach-Tom-Izzo-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-looks-on-before-the-start-of-the-game-against-the-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03152911/Head-coach-Tom-Izzo-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-looks-on-before-the-start-of-the-game-against-the-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03152911/Head-coach-Tom-Izzo-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-looks-on-before-the-start-of-the-game-against-the-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03152911/Head-coach-Tom-Izzo-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-looks-on-before-the-start-of-the-game-against-the-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03152911/Head-coach-Tom-Izzo-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-looks-on-before-the-start-of-the-game-against-the.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on before the start of the game against the Purdue Boilermakersat Breslin Center on February 18, 2025 in East Lansing, Michigan. </figcaption></figure>



“I don’t have nothing to prove. I really don’t,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said, per On3. “I’m comfortable in my own skin where the program is at. Two years ago we were in a Sweet Sixteen. If we win that game, we lose in overtime, we may be in a Final Four that year. It’s amazing how that works.“


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<h2>Nothing like it</h2>



As difficult—actually, nearly impossible—as it is to predict a perfect March Madness bracket, with its one-in-nine-quintillion odds, making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament is also extremely challenging, though many take it for granted.



“Unfortunately we see coaches getting fired because people don’t understand how difficult it is,” Izzo said. “I’m not proving anything in the NCAA tournament. I’m hoping to continue to win games but I’m smart enough to know, and I think most of you are, because the reason it’s called one and done is because one bad minute and you’re out.“



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250318_BUS_358518_Jaxon-Kohler-0-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-celebrates-against-the-Wisconsin-Badgers-during-the-s-1024x576_c16b1a02.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-358528" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18193135/Jaxon-Kohler-0-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-celebrates-against-the-Wisconsin-Badgers-during-the-s-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18193135/Jaxon-Kohler-0-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-celebrates-against-the-Wisconsin-Badgers-during-the-s-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18193135/Jaxon-Kohler-0-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-celebrates-against-the-Wisconsin-Badgers-during-the-s-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18193135/Jaxon-Kohler-0-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-celebrates-against-the-Wisconsin-Badgers-during-the-s-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18193135/Jaxon-Kohler-0-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-celebrates-against-the-Wisconsin-Badgers-during-the-s-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18193135/Jaxon-Kohler-0-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-celebrates-against-the-Wisconsin-Badgers-during-the-s-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18193135/Jaxon-Kohler-0-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-celebrates-against-the-Wisconsin-Badgers-during-the-s-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18193135/Jaxon-Kohler-0-of-the-Michigan-State-Spartans-celebrates-against-the-Wisconsin-Badgers-during-the-s.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jaxon Kohler #0 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 15, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.</figcaption></figure>



Michigan State will hope their bad minute doesn’t come until later in the competition. To kickstart the frenzy, the Spartans will take on the Bulldogs on March 21 at 10p.m EST at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.

Ahead of March Madness, Tom Izzo makes something clear about the Spartans' pressure

NCAAB News: Michigan State HC Tom Izzo drops blunt admission ahead of March Madness - Bolavip US

Michigan State HC Tom Izzo drops blunt admission ahead of March Madness

NCAAB News: Michigan State HC Tom Izzo drops blunt admission ahead of March Madness

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