For most of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>season, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> has been the consensus first-overall pick in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft. However, we’ve seen how quickly things can change.



Some believe that Rutgers star Ace Bailey actually has a higher ceiling. Judging by the tape, there’s a case to be made for him being the No. 1 selection in almost every class.



Nevertheless, that’s not how Wynston Wilcox of FanSided feels. In his latest column, he shed light on Bailey’s early-season shortcomings and how he doesn’t compare to Cooper Flagg.



<h2>Analyst says Cooper Flagg is still the top prospect</h2>



“Bailey is a good player, but he showed a lot of flaws early on in his one year at Rutgers. For one, he’s a volume shooter. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, but he has to take a lot of shots to get into a rhythm and they aren’t always good looks,” wrote Wilcox. “To me, that’s his biggest flaw and why he won’t get drafted over Cooper Flagg and certainly won’t be the No. 1 pick. Flagg’s game can translate to the NBA right now. Bailey needs to fine tune his game more to be elite like a No. 1 overall pick.”



<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_20250225_BUS_343309_Ace-Bailey-1024x576_1076a5e4.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>



Of course, that doesn’t mean that Bailey isn’t an elite prospect or that he can’t end up being a superstar at the next level. He could even turn out to be better than Flagg.


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Then again, at this point in their developments, it seems like Bailey’s flaws are bigger and more evident than Flagg’s, and he’s not as complete as a player, either. You couldn’t go wrong either way, though.

NCAAB News: Expert explains why Ace Bailey shouldn’t be the first-overall NBA pick

NCAAB News: Expert explains why Ace Bailey shouldn't be the first-overall NBA pick - Bolavip US

miniaturas

For months, scouts and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>fans have raved about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>, and for very good reasons. However, he’s not the only potential superstar in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> right now.



The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have another NBA-caliber talent in Dylan Harper, the son of former NBA champion Ron Harper. Standing at 6-foot-6, he’s much bigger and physical than the average point guard.



Nevertheless, as pointed out by Tyler Rucker of No Ceilings, he’s much more than just a big guard. In his latest column, he explained what makes him such a unique talent.



<h2>Dylan Harper’s size and skills make him a generational talent</h2>



“Until you turn on the tape, you won’t realize that this 6’6” combo guard is quick as lightning with a lethal first step and fantastic hesitations. Harper looks like a prospect that was created to star in a horror film. He gives opponents nightmares with the versatility he has on the offensive side of the ball. Pair all of that with a relentless motor and the mentality to be great, and that’s something that gets NBA front offices drooling,” wrote Rucker.



<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_20250225_BUS_343308_Dylan-Harper-1-1024x576_44d5d2e3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-304004" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130351/Dylan-Harper-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130351/Dylan-Harper-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130351/Dylan-Harper-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130351/Dylan-Harper-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130351/Dylan-Harper-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130351/Dylan-Harper-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130351/Dylan-Harper-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130351/Dylan-Harper-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dylan Harper #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights </figcaption></figure>



Harper has had some health issues this season, and his team’s shortcomings have also left some to be desired. Then again, you just need to watch the tape to realize he’s a special talent.


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He’s currently projected to be the third player taken in the 2025 NBA Draft, but as we’ve seen in the past, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he ends up being the best player in his class.

NCAAB News: Analyst explains why Dylan Harper might be the best player in his class

NCAAB News: Analyst explains why Dylan Harper might be the best player in his class - Bolavip US

The Arkansas Razorbacks have had to endure some tough losses this season. Resiliency is a must in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, especially with the end of the line getting closer and closer.



That’s why John Calipari wanted to inspire his young players. He wants them to realize the importance of what they’re doing right now and how it can affect the rest of their lives.



That’s why, following their win over Missouri, the legendary coach urged the team to learn from the 1990 Arkansas team that went to the Final Four, and things got emotional.



<h2>John Calipari wants his players to look at past glories</h2>



“Well, I went to the dinner last night and if you were there, I mean, they shed some tears now,” Calipari said, in reference to the 1990 Arkansas team. “They shed tears and they hugged each other. You know, I love you. I mean, I told the team, you understand that’s how you’re going to be 35 years from now with this team. The same way, there’s only one group going through what we’re going through and it’s that team. And the adversity we faced, the ups and downs of this, they all got through it, and by getting through it, they’re going to be better for it later, 35 years later, that team was there.”



<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_20250225_BUS_343316_John-Calipari-1024x576_f27027eb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287684" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari</figcaption></figure>



Of course, the Arkansas have an uphill battle if they want to emulate their success. They haven’t necessarily lived up to the sky-high expectations they had this season.


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Then again, anything can change in a win-or-go-home scenario, and we’ve seen teams get on unlikely and deep runs in the tournament in the past. They just have to play as hard as their predecessors.

NCAAB News: John Calipari gives his players a big-time lesson

NCAAB News: John Calipari gives his players a big-time lesson - Bolavip US

When it comes to Duke, everybody’s quick to rave about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>, and rightfully so. However, they have much more besides the best player in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. 



In recent games, Isaiah Evans has gotten an expanded role. He’s paid that confidence back with back-to-back 17-point games and shooting 45% from beyond the arc.



Evans is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft, but if you were to ask coach Jon Scheyer, he should be taken much higher because of his work ethic.



<h2>Jon Scheyer gushes about Isaiah Evans</h2>



“I could talk forever about Isaiah and how proud I am of him. He’s never been hesitant to shoot in his life; he’s got supreme confidence with that. The thing that he’s done, though, he’s become a really good defender,” Scheyer said.



<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_20250225_BUS_343322_jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631_2db4ec4c.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>



He then raved about his work ethic and how stronger he’s gotten throughout the course of the year. Per Scheyer, this breakout is a product of the effort he’s put in the weight room:



“He’s gotten stronger with the work that he’s done in the weight room. His ability to move his feet, his rebounding, his positioning, he’s a two-way, big-time wing. When he’s in there, I have full confidence in what he’s doing,” he added.


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Evans has scored double digits in back-to-back games for the first time in his collegiate career, and it seems like he’s going to have a prominent role for the Blue Devils going forward.

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer raves about Duke’s new not-so-secret weapon

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer raves about Duke's new not-so-secret weapon - Bolavip US

Throughout the course of history, the Duke Blue Devils have had a myriad of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>-caliber talent. This is the case again this season, with<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Cooper Flagg</a> leading the way.



Flagg recently admitted that he would love to return to campus next season. However, as the projected first-overall pick, the chances of that happening seem to be slim at best.



That’s why Illinois coach Brad Underwood wants the NCAA to make the most of the NIL era to figure out a way to make sure Flagg doesn’t take his talents to the pros next season.



<h2>Illinois coach wants the NCAA to find a way to keep Cooper Flagg in college</h2>



“I hope he stays in school. I mean, if I’m the NCAA or the ACC, I’m figuring out an NIL deal to keep that dude in school, because he’s everything that’s right about our game,” Underwood said. “Somebody threw out some story about it. I hope he stays. Man, he’d be great. He could probably make more here than he could in the NBA. He’s also got really good people around him, and that helps.”



<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_20250225_BUS_343303_cooper-flagg-2-1024x576_2dfe0930.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="cooper flagg" class="wp-image-279653" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



The fact that Coach Underwood said this right after Flagg and the Blue Devils crushed past his team speaks volumes about his potential impact on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> game.


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Even so, as much as everybody — himself included — would love that to happen, the financial incentives of making the jump to the pros are just too big to overlook here.

NCAAB News: Coach makes pitch to keep Cooper Flagg in college

NCAAB News: Coach makes pitch to keep Cooper Flagg in college - Bolavip US

Most coaches would’ve been more than happy when their best player excels. However, Geno Auriemma has proven over and over that he’s not like the average coach.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> legend showed his true colors again after the UConn Huskies’ big win over Butler. Paige Bueckers had another big performance, but her coach was unfazed.



When asked about Bueckers’ strong game, the legendary coach actually called her out for not being where he wanted her to be. Of course, it was all in good spirits.



<h2>Geno Auriemma jokingly calls out Paige Bueckers</h2>



“She’s never where I want her to be,” Auriemma laughingly said during the halftime interview. “You know I think there’s always a little bit more (Bueckers can 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_20250224_BUS_343332_geno-auriema-1024x576_1ccfd0c9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Geno Auriemma" class="wp-image-270158" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies</figcaption></figure>



Bueckers had scored 17 of her team’s 42 points at that point in the game. She had as many first-half points as the entire Butler team, but it wasn’t enough for coach Auriemma.


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That’s the kind of motivator he is, and that’s why UConn continues to be a never-ending pool of elite talent. Bueckers is on her way to the WNBA, and a lot of that is because of Auriemma’s tough love.

NCAAB News: UConn coach has subtle complaint about Paige Bueckers despite stellar outing

NCAAB News: UConn coach has subtle complaint about Paige Bueckers despite stellar outing - Bolavip US

The No. 6 South Carolina Gamecocks are back on track. That tough loss to the UConn Huskies is in the rearview mirror after an epic outing vs. the Vanderbilt Commodores.



The Commodores were an inferior team on paper, but star freshman Mikayla Blakes was coming off a 55-point performance, and she could’ve been a problem for Dawn Staley’s team.



Clearly, that wasn’t the case. The Gamecocks overcame a slow start to the game en route to an 82-54 win. When asked about the halftime tweaks she made to get the game out of reach, coach Staley was rather candid. 



<h2>Dawn Staley snubs halftime adjustments in win over Vanderbilt</h2>



“We really didn’t make any adjustments. What we did was make layups. We didn’t make as many layups as we did as we did in the first half. I thought we made multiple efforts in just rebounding and defending,” she said.



<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_20250224_BUS_343242_Dawn-Staley-1024x576_1ec7f761.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-304085" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31134212/Dawn-Staley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31134212/Dawn-Staley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31134212/Dawn-Staley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31134212/Dawn-Staley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31134212/Dawn-Staley-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31134212/Dawn-Staley-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31134212/Dawn-Staley-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31134212/Dawn-Staley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks </figcaption></figure>



Well, sometimes, basketball is a simple sport, so it might be just like that. They weren’t making any shots, so they started making some, so they wound up winning the game.


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At the end of the day, there’s nothing you can do against talent sometimes. The Gamecocks are one of the teams to beat for a reason, and teams like Vanderbilt have learned it the hard way.

NCAAB News: Dawn Staley delivers clear response to halftime-adjustments question

NCAAB News: Dawn Staley delivers clear response to halftime-adjustments question - Bolavip US

The UConn Huskies entered the season as one of the teams to beat. Unfortunately for them, that hasn’t been the case at all for the back-to-back national champions.



Dan Hurley, one of the most renowned coaches in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, has also been in the spotlight for his questionable quotes and behavior throughout the course of the season.



Even so, he’s still an authorized voice to discuss hoops, and when he speaks, we all listen. That’s why he wanted to put the world on notice by deeming St. John’s as a sneaky pick to make some noise in the tournament.



<h2>Dan Hurley tips hat to St. John’s</h2>



“They’re elite,” he said. “They’ve got a championship-level defense. They’ve got championship-level offensive rebounding and, obviously, how their season goes from here – in large part – is going to come down to being able to make enough shots from the perimeter. If they shoot the ball like that from the perimeter, they’re going to be a problem for anyone.”



<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_20250224_BUS_343323_Dan-Hurley-2-1024x576_c9f1e47f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287689" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dan Hurley</figcaption></figure>



The defending national champions found out about all of that the hard way. They couldn’t keep up with the No. 10 Johnnies during an 89-75 loss at Madison Square Garden.


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Notably, this was their second loss of the season to them, and it’s the first time that St. John’s has swept the Huskies in the regular season since the 1999-2000 campaign.

NCAAB News: Dan Hurley shares his pick for Tourney’s dark horse

NCAAB News: Dan Hurley shares his pick for Tourney's dark horse - Bolavip US

The Kentucky Wildcats continue to tread water on the defensive end of the floor. That was evident again in their 96-83 loss to Alabama, and allowing almost 100 points a game will rarely get the job done in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.



The Wildcats failed to contain Crimson Tide star Mark Sears on Saturday. He blew up for a whopping 30 points on 8-of-17 from the floor, adding four rebounds and four assists.



Alabama shot 52.5% from the floor and 35.5% from three-point territory in the win. That’s why coach Mark Pope acknowledged that they needed to tighten things up on defense. 



<h2>Mark Pope calls out Kentucky’s defense vs. Alabama</h2>



“Alabama is a terrific team and they put us in tough situations that we didn’t respond well to on the defensive end,” Pope said. “It’s a work in progress. This is growth, guys, we talk about this all the time. It’s fits and starts and this was not our best defensive performance tonight. Mark Sears had a lot to do with that and Alabama had a lot to do with that, and we had a lot to do with that.”



<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_20250224_BUS_343317_Mark-Pope-1024x576_72325d21.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mark Pope" class="wp-image-285800" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kentucky head coach Mark Pope </figcaption></figure>



The coach acknowledged that this was the worst time of the year to have defensive miscues. Even so, he still believes his team can get it together on that end of the floor.



“We’re getting down into the stretch run and us getting better on this end of the ball is something that we’re obsessing about and we’re determined to do. If we do it well, then we’re going to have a good stretch,” he added.


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The Wildcats are dealing with some key injuries right now, and it might be a while before their starting guards return, so it’ll be interesting to see how they adjust to fix these woes.

NCAAB News: Mark Pope reveals big concern after loss to Alabama

NCAAB News: Mark Pope reveals big concern after loss to Alabama - Bolavip US

Duke star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> recently made the news by admitting that he would love to return to campus. Then again, that would be one of the most shocking turns of events in recent history.



Flagg is projected to be the first player taken off the board in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft. As such, he may have already chosen his preferred destination to begin his career in the pros.



As reported by Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World and Wemby Central on X, it seems like Flagg would be more than glad to team up with a fellow first-overall pick: Victor Wembanyama.



<h2>Cooper Flagg wants to team up with Victor Wembanyama</h2>



“ESPN BET recently posted an image of Flagg alongside Victor Wembanyama with the caption, ‘Imagine this duo in San Antonio.’ Fans noticed that Flagg had liked the post, leading to excitement over Flagg potentially joining the San Antonio Spurs,” wrote Bhattacharya.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="711" height="1024" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250224_BUS_343302_Gkgtn-zWYAE1K21-711x1024_af61a77f.webp&amp;width=711&amp;height=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-343286" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24134757/Gkgtn-zWYAE1K21-711x1024.jpg 711w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24134757/Gkgtn-zWYAE1K21-208x300.jpg 208w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24134757/Gkgtn-zWYAE1K21-768x1106.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24134757/Gkgtn-zWYAE1K21-1067x1536.jpg 1067w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24134757/Gkgtn-zWYAE1K21.jpg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px"></figure><figcaption>Flagg liked the picture (Via Wemby Central)</figcaption></figure>



Of course, he won’t have any say in this. The San Antonio Spurs would have to win the NBA Draft Lottery or trade up to No. 1 or maybe No. 2 to have a chance to get him.


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Nevertheless, this is a mouth-watering prospect for Spurs fans nonetheless, and with Wembanyama out for the remainder of the season, they might have a slim chance of getting the No. 1 pick.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg may have hinted which NBA team he’d like to play for

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg may have hinted which NBA team he'd like to play for - Bolavip US

Throughout the course of history, the Duke Blue Devils have had nothing but the creme of the crop of college recruits. That’s why it’s not easy to stand out from the rest of the pack.



Even so, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> is most definitely a unique talent. It’s not only that he can fill up the stat sheet and play hard on both ends of the floor. It’s not even his unique combination of size and shooting.



Flagg, according to coach Jon Scheyer, is different from most <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> players because he doesn’t seem to care about his numbers. Instead, he just wants to get the job done.



<h2>Jon Scheyer praises Cooper Flagg’s mature approach</h2>



“Cooper literally does not care about statistics, he cares about winning; That’s contagious,” Scheyer said.



<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_20250221_BUS_340991_jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631_1b2f39dc.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>



Flagg knows he’s the leader and the best player on the team. He also knows all eyes are on him as the projected first-overall pick in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft. However, that’s not why he’s there.


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He’s led by example in his first — and most likely only — season at Durham. In an era when players only care about their brands and social media, it’s refreshing to see someone actually respecting the game.

NCAAB News: Duke coach explains why Cooper Flagg is unique, and it’s not his play

NCAAB News: Duke coach explains why Cooper Flagg is unique, and it's not his play - Bolavip US

The Kentucky Wildcats have been through a lot this season. The injury bug stung them in the worst possible way, and they’ve had several key contributors on the shelf.



Kerr Kriisa has been out since early December with a foot injury. Andrew Carr has struggled with back injuries, and Lamont Butler sustained a shoulder injury. On top of that, Jaxson Robinson has also been out with a wrist injury.



The team has only played seven games at full strength this season, and they’re currently playing without their two starting guards. Even so, coach Mark Pope has loved the way the rest of the team has responded, especially in the win over Vanderbilt.



<h2>Mark Pope raves about his ‘new’ team amid string of injuries</h2>



“I think (the win) should give our guys a lot of confidence,” the coach said. “I’m happy for our guys that they get this little injection of energy, positive energy. …We’ve got a brand-new team. Game one. We played well but we didn’t finish the way we wanted to. Game two we played really well. Now we’ve got the epic challenge of all challenges going to Alabama and seeing if we can deal with that insanity down there and it’s going to be fun and it’s fun to grow this group.”



<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_20250221_BUS_340999_Jaxson-Robinson-1024x576_2eb6d949.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-314241" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jaxson Robinson #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats </figcaption></figure>



Needless to say, he would still most definitely rather have his team at full strength. He has a very talented team, and no coach wants to see his players get hurt.


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Nevertheless, some teams find a sense of resiliency in adversity. This isn’t ideal, and it wasn’t a part of the equation, but it might be bringing the best out of his players.

NCAAB News: Mark Pope explains how injuries have made Kentucky better

NCAAB News: Mark Pope explains how injuries have made Kentucky better - Bolavip US

The Arkansas Razorbacks have been up and down this season. That wasn’t what they signed up for when they brought John Calipari and several Kentucky players in the offseason.



They just suffered another setback. This time, they lost to No. 1 Auburn in a hard-fought game. The pressure is mounting as the clock is ticking, and the NCAA Tournament is just around the corner.



Nevertheless, Coach Calipari isn’t ready to call it quits. If anything, he knows his team still has an opportunity to shock the world and sneak into the tournament with a strong end to the season. 



<h2>John Calipari says fate is in Arkansas’ hands right now</h2>



“I want to write our own story. I want us to write it,” Calipari said. “We have a chance. It is all in our hands. It’s not going to be in a committee’s hands. It’s in our hands. You either do it or you don’t.”



<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_20250221_BUS_341005_John-Calipari-1-1024x576_ebe35fb1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Arkansas Razorbacks head coach JOHN CALIPARI gives instructions during Arkansas s win over MD Eastern Shore at Bud Walton Arena." class="wp-image-290604" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari</figcaption></figure>



Of course, this will be way easier said than done. The SEC is an absolute bloodbath, and the Razorbacks will square off vs. high-end competition until the end of the season.


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They certainly have the talent and the resources, and some of their losses have been quite close. But from this point on, this team will have no more margin for error.

NCAAB News: Arkansas’ John Calipari puts basketball world on notice with major statement

NCAAB News: Arkansas' John Calipari puts basketball world on notice with major statement - Bolavip US

While she still has a long way to go before turning pro, some people argue that JuJu Watkins would kill it in the WNBA right now. The USC star is one of the most electrifying scorers in the game.



A sensation in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, Watkins is firmly expected to be one of the first girls off the board when she declares for the WNBA Draft. In the meantime, she’s leading the No. 4 team in the nation to the top.



Watkins has trained and learned from some current and former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>players. With that in mind, she was asked whether she could beat Carmelo Anthony, one of the greatest iso-scorers ever, in a one-on-one matchup.



<h2>JuJu Watkins doesn’t think she could beat Carmelo Anthony</h2>



“Probably Carmelo [Anthony], but just to see his bag, ’cause I know it’s crazy,” Watkins said when asked who she would like to face one-on-one. “I would get beat,” she admitted later. 



<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_20250221_BUS_341015_Carmelo-Anthony-3-1024x576_dbd944bf.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-337204" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/15202525/Carmelo-Anthony-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/15202525/Carmelo-Anthony-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/15202525/Carmelo-Anthony-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/15202525/Carmelo-Anthony-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/15202525/Carmelo-Anthony-3-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/15202525/Carmelo-Anthony-3-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/15202525/Carmelo-Anthony-3-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/15202525/Carmelo-Anthony-3.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Carmelo Anthony </figcaption></figure>



For now, Watkins will have bigger things to worry about. Her team has two games left in the regular season, and they’re both against ranked opponents like No. 25 Illinois and No. 3 UCLA.


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Needless to say, it won’t be easy to close out the campaign against such strong competition, but a player like Watkins always gives her team a chance to end up on top.

NCAAB News: JuJu Watkins shares thoughts on whether she could beat Carmelo Anthony one-on-one

NCAAB News: JuJu Watkins shares thoughts on whether she could beat Carmelo Anthony one-on-one - Bolavip US

Cooper Flagg is, by most standards, the best player in all of college basketball. The Duke Blue Devils have been almost impossible to beat, and his talent and physical traits are just mesmerizing.



So far, he’s averaged 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game on almost 37% from beyond the arc. That’s why he’s projected to be the first-overall pick in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft.



Nevertheless, Illinois coach Brad Underwood believes he could end up being a legend if he decided to return to college, just like Caitlin Clark was forced to do at Iowa because of the WNBA Draft’s eligibility rules.



<h2>College coach says Cooper Flagg could be the Caitlin Clark of male college basketball</h2>



“If he stayed in school, he would be the face of college basketball and elevate basketball to the levels Caitlin Clark did on the female side” Underwood said.



<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_20250221_BUS_340982_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_16b36f13.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-278552" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



This speaks volumes about Clark’s massive impact on the game. It might be the first time someone has claimed that a male hooper could end up being the next big thing by comparing him to his female counterpart.


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Even so, regardless of what Cooper said about wanting to be back next season, the chances of him forgoing the NBA Draft and staying for another year seem quite slim.

NCAAB News: Coach makes bold Caitlin Clark-Cooper Flagg comparison

NCAAB News: Coach makes bold Caitlin Clark-Cooper Flagg comparison - Bolavip US

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