Saturday marked John Calipari’s long-awaited return to Rupp Arena. For the first time in his tenure with the Arkansas Razorback, he was going to face his former team.



Needless to say, expectations were at an all-time high for him in his return to Kentucky. Also, he brought several former Wildcats with him to try and pull off an upset.



DJ Wagner, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Adou Thiero would also return, helping the Razorbacks win 89-79. Following the game, coach Calipari admitted that his players were worried about him.



<h2>Arkansas players were worried about Coach Calipari</h2>



“I called them in together,” Calipari said. “And I said, ‘Are you guys okay going back here? Are you going to be OK?’ And they all said, ‘We’re fine, coach. We’re worried about you.’ That’s the kind of team I have. That’s the kind of players they are. They were worried about me. I said, ‘I’m fine.’ No, they were good.”



<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_20250203_BUS_327376_johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631_11fda1c5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216672" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari </figcaption></figure>



This was a huge win for the Razorbacks. Not only was it an emotional matchup, but it was also a much-needed triumph for an Arkansas team that had struggled in SEC play.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Thiero gave his former fans a glimpse of what they’re missing with 21 points and eight boards, while Wagner and Ivisic added 17 and 14, respectively. Now, Coach Cal and company will look to keep the ball rolling against the Texas Longhorns.

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes emotional admission over his players after win vs. Kentucky

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes emotional admission over his players after win vs. Kentucky - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Things can change pretty fast in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a>. One day, a prospect might look like a superstar in the making, just to look like a mere mortal in his very next outing.



Unfortunately, that was the case with Rutgers star Ace Bailey in his latest game. With Dylan Harper still out with an injury, the Scarlet Knights, and especially Bailey, struggled to get much going.



Basketball analyst Troy Finnegan shed some light on Bailey’s struggles, pointing out how Michigan’s physicality often forced him to take tough shots in the 66-63 defeat.



<h2>Ace Bailey’s inefficiency worries NBA analyst</h2>



“Ace Bailey did not have a very good day for Rutgers basketball against Michigan, as the Wolverines forced him into tough shots consistently and made things difficult for him on the offensive end. The result was one of his most inefficient nights of the entire season: 10 points on 3-for-15 shooting and 0-for-7 from 3-point range. Bailey added six rebounds and three assists with a block and a steal, but his scoring efficiency was the most concerning part,” wrote Finnegan.



<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_20250203_BUS_327377_Ace-Bailey-1024x576_48f7baf7.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>



Despite his long frame and scoring prowess, Bailey has often struggled to create separation against physical opposition, and that trend could be a major concern at the next level:



“Michigan did a great job limiting Bailey to tough shots with a hand in his face, which forced a lot of the misses that he was struggling with throughout the day. However, that is becoming a bit of a concerning theme with Bailey. At times, he struggles to get separation and space to shoot both on and off the ball, which forces him into those contested looks,” he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


At the end of the day, Bailey is just too physically gifted and talented not to be worth a risk early in the first round. Then again, he clearly still has a long way to go.

NCAAB News: Analyst expresses concerns after Ace Bailey struggles vs. Michigan

NCAAB News: Analyst expresses concerns after Ace Bailey struggles vs. Michigan - Bolavip US

It’s safe to say that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>didn’t disappoint in his first — and most likely only — rivalry game vs. the UNC Tar Heels. Like the rest of John Scheyer’s team, he answered the call.



The Blue Devils dominated their hated rivals with an 87-70 win at Cameron Indoor Stadium. However, the game was never close, and it was way more lopsided than the final score.



That’s why Flagg couldn’t be more satisfied with his team’s effort in the win. When asked about the keys behind their success, he talked about his team’s ability to make the most of their length to make deflections.



<h2>Cooper Flagg credits deflections for route over UNC</h2>



“I thought our length kind of discouraged them, throwing a bunch of passes, getting a lot of deflections,” said Flagg. “I think we had the most deflections we’ve had all season, so that was huge for us.”



<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_20250203_BUS_327378_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_ea5cd1ec.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-284788" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg</figcaption></figure>



The Blue Devils jumped to a 40-13 lead in the first half, and the lead was as big as 32 at some point in the second half. They finished the game with ten steals and scored 19 points off 14 UNC turnovers.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Flagg was nothing short of spectacular again, cementing his case as a future<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> superstar with 21 points, eight boards, seven assists, and three steals in this triumph.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg explains how Duke dominated UNC

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg explains how Duke dominated UNC - Bolavip US

Even though the Duke Blue Devils have been nothing short of unstoppable this season, they’re still not considered to be the best team in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketbal</a>l right now.



That’s, of course, at least according to the latest edition of the AP Rankings. Despite their route of the UNC Tar Heels in a rivalry game, they still didn’t get much love.



With the Auburn Tigers still dominating their rivals like no one else in the league, Jon Scheyer’s team only managed to hold onto the No. 2 spot despite their huge win.



<h2>Duke fails to get top spot in AP rankings</h2>



“Duke held at No. 2 in this week’s poll, still behind top-ranked Auburn. The Tigers, now at 20-1, beat both LSU and Ole Miss this past week. Alabama, Tennessee and Houston then rounded out the top five,” wrote Ryan Young of Yahoo Sports.



<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_20250203_BUS_327379_GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576_54c0812c.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>



Even so, Young admitted that the Blue Devils are looking like an unstoppable unit right now. With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> playing this way, they’re one of the teams to beat in the nation.



“The Blue Devils are absolutely cruising through the ACC, and nobody seems able to stop them. They’ve now won 15 straight, and have won each of their conference games by an average of nearly 20 points. Even in their closer matchups — like their win over NC State on Monday, which was close until the end — they’ve consistently been able to pull away down the stretch,” Young added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


There’s still plenty of basketball to be played, and it will all depend on what they’re able to do — or not — in the NCAA tourney. For now, regardless of what the rankings say, they might be the best in the nation.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg’s Duke fails to get boost in AP rankings

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg's Duke fails to get boost in AP rankings - Bolavip US

The entire sports community was shaken to its very core on Sunday. The news of Luka Doncic’s shocking trade to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Laker</a>s made people question reality.



ESPN insider Shams Charania literally had to confirm that it had actually happened and that it wasn’t a prank, that he hadn’t been hacked, or that the trade was AI-generated.



However, with some people still in disbelief, Florida A&amp;M star Shaqir O’Neal, Shaquille O’Neal’s son, took to social media to show that it was real. He posted a picture of Doncic upon his arrival in Los Angeles.



<h2>Shaqir O’Neal hypes up fans with Luka Doncic pic</h2>



Doncic arrived in the City of Angels on Sunday night, and even though O’Neal is still in college, he clearly has some connections in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, as he was able to get his hands on this unique flick.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="521" height="1024" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250203_BUS_327320_jdj-521x1024_00bba331.webp&amp;width=521&amp;height=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-327373" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/03135638/jdj-521x1024.jpg 521w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/03135638/jdj-153x300.jpg 153w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/03135638/jdj-768x1511.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/03135638/jdj-781x1536.jpg 781w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/03135638/jdj.jpg 976w" sizes="(max-width: 521px) 100vw, 521px"></figure><figcaption>Doncic is already in Los Angeles</figcaption></figure>



The Slovenian, who has been out since Christmas Day with a calf injury, will be back on the court at some point in February, this time donning the Purple &amp; Gold jersey.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


As for O’Neal, his prospects of making it to the league seem quite slim right now, to say the least. At least, he’ll get to watch Doncic play for his father’s former ball club.

NCAAB News: Shaquille O’Neal’s son Shaqir reveals Luka Doncic’s first picture as a Laker

NCAAB News: Shaquille O'Neal's son Shaqir reveals Luka Doncic's first picture as a Laker - Bolavip US

AJ Dybantsa hasn’t played a single minute of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> basketball yet. He hasn’t even set foot on the court in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball.</a> However, he’s still considered a generational talent.



The BYU commit was recently selected as a McDonald’s All-American, which seemed like a formality at this point. More than that, he even attended one of the NBA’s games in Paris last week.



Dybantsa pulled off to watch Victor Wembanyama and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-antonio-spurs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Antonio Spurs</a> take on the Indiana Pacers, and he admitted that he would love to play with a player like him. 



<h2>AJ Dybantsa wants to play with Victor Wembanyama</h2>



“I think Victor is just ridiculous; the things he does are just crazy,” Dybantsa told ESPN. “I just think we would’ve been a crazy duo. Now the odds of that happening are very slim. But I mean, it was just a thought that came up in my mind when he got drafted. But you never know.”



<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_20250131_BUS_324935_Wembanyama-1024x576_03522664.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-320645" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24173157/Wembanyama-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24173157/Wembanyama-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24173157/Wembanyama-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24173157/Wembanyama-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24173157/Wembanyama-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24173157/Wembanyama-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24173157/Wembanyama-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24173157/Wembanyama.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs.</figcaption></figure>



Dybantsa is 6-foot-9 at the tender age of 17, so he’s going to continue to grow into an even more enticing and unique physical specimen. The similarities between Wembanyama and guys like Kevin Durant are evident.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Of course, there’s still plenty of basketball to be played, and it’s impossible to predict what will happen. But if the Spurs manage to get the No. 1 pick in 2026, the rest of the league will be in a lot of trouble.

NCAAB News: BYU star AJ Dybantsa reveals his preferred NBA destination

NCAAB News: BYU star AJ Dybantsa reveals his preferred NBA destination - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils rode <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg’s </a>hot hand again in a 63-56 win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. He scored 24 with seven rebounds and six assists, and he played all but one minute.



However, as impressive as he was on offense, his defense turned even more heads. With Jon Scheyer going from man-to-man to zone, a first in Flagg’s career, he still dominated and even had a couple of blocks.



That’s why Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes had no choice but to tip his hat to Flagg, who, on top of playing lockdown defense, scored three times in a row against a helpless Demon Deacons’ defense.



<h2>Wake Forest coach says Cooper Flagg is ‘generational’</h2>



“Generational,” Forbes said of Flagg. “I’ll give you an example – their leading scorer last year was the first pick in the second round. This guy will be the first pick in the first round. Big difference.“



<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_20250131_BUS_324936_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_801eaaf3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-284788" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg</figcaption></figure>



“He’s a tough guy to guard. He’s got all the tools. The great thing about him… is his unselfishness. That he really wants other people to succeed,” the coach continued.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Flagg’s well-rounded game still has him atop most mock drafts. And in today’s offense-centric <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA,</a> it’s refreshing to see someone taking pride in their defense for a change.

NCAAB News: Rival coach explains why Cooper Flagg is a ‘generational’ talent

NCAAB News: Rival coach explains why Cooper Flagg is a 'generational' talent - Bolavip US

To say that this has been a disappointing season for the UConn Huskies’ male basketball team would be a huge understatement, as the back-to-back national champions have already lost six games.



Frustration is beginning to mount, and some fans have even expressed their discontent with boos. Coach Dan Hurley, however, believes they were booing the officials and not him or the team.



Following the game over De Paul, Hurley talked about his decision not to take the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> coaching job, stating that he’s vowed to have the fans’ backs so long as they have his.



<h2>Dan Hurley says he didn’t leave UConn because of the fans</h2>



“I guess that’s just for the fans to decide, whether this program and everything we’ve given them the last couple years — whether they believe that that was the right thing to do,” Hurley 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_20250131_BUS_324934_Dan-Hurley-1024x576_6cd9e6e2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dan Hurley" class="wp-image-285802" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dan-Hurley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dan-Hurley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dan-Hurley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dan-Hurley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dan-Hurley-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dan-Hurley-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dan-Hurley-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dan-Hurley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Connecticut Head Coach Dan Hurley celebrates after the UConns win the NCAA title</figcaption></figure>



“My UConn fans, while I’m getting crushed by all types of people in the national media, my UConn fans have had my back since I’ve been here and are undyingly loyal to me, and they get that same back from me. That’s why I’ll never coach basketball in any other place unless you guys just don’t want me here anymore,” he sentenced.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Things haven’t been as smooth for Hurle and the Huskies this season, so perhaps he’s trying to buy some sympathy there. Then again, he has earned the benefit of the doubt.

NCAAB News: Frustrated Dan Hurley reveals why he rejected the Lakers

NCAAB News: Frustrated Dan Hurley reveals why he rejected the Lakers - Bolavip US

Some Kentucky fans might not be so high on John Calipari anymore. Even so, while he’s now an SEC rival, he’s still one of the most important figures in program history.



He led the Wildcats to four Final Four appearances and won a national championship there. That’s why he’ll be emotional in his return to Rupp Arena on Saturday.



Even so, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> analyst Gary Parrish believes that most fans will still be thankful to Calipari and give him some love when he returns home with the Arkansas Razorbacks.



<h2>Gary Parrish says Kentucky Fans will welcome John Calipari</h2>



“I think it’s going to be more positive than negative, and I believe that it should be,” Parrish said. “I’m not a big believer in booing people who used to do great things for you or them, unless of course the circumstances dictate it.”



<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_20250131_BUS_324937_John-Calipari-1024x576_81acc7c7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315499" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks</figcaption></figure>



He added that Calipari wasn’t the one who thought of leaving the program. Even if he chose another SEC school, Parrish believes he wanted to stay there for the remainder of his career.



“John Calipari did not want to leave Kentucky,” Parrish said. “I know he voluntarily left, but he got nudged out the door. This was not his plan for the way this career would end.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Maybe Coach Calipari will get to tell his side of the story one day. For now, all he can focus on is taking down the program he led for more than one decade in front of the fans who used to cheer for him.

NCAAB News: Analyst shares bold prediction about John Calipari’s return to Kentucky

NCAAB News: Analyst shares bold prediction about John Calipari's return to Kentucky - Bolavip US

Even in his absence, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights were able to weather the storm without Dylan Harper. Ace Bailey took things into his own hands to take down Northwestern.



The projected top-three pick in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>Draft couldn’t suit up to play in his team’s last game, as he continues to deal with a nagging ankle injury that also limited him in his last outing.



Coach Steve Pikiell had already praised Harper’s toughness for trying to play through the injury. However, Brian Fonseca of NJ has some less-than-encouraging news.



<h2>Dylan Harper is currently on a walking boot</h2>



“Dylan Harper is OUT for tonight’s game against Northwestern. He is evaluated as day-to-day, putting his availability for Saturday’s game against Michigan in question. Harper has been seen in a walking boot on multiple occasions since Saturday,” he 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_20250130_BUS_324960_Dylan-Harper-1024x576_a83f98a7.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>



Harper is reportedly being listed as day-to-day, but we’ve already seen this kind of thing in the past. His team might not even make the NCAA tournament, so there might be no point in rushing him.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


As much as the fans would want to watch him and as much as he should want to play, he can’t put his future at risk. Maybe, if this condition lingers, he will be wise to shut himself down for the season and focus on the NBA Draft.

NCAAB News: Insider has terrible news about Dylan Harper

NCAAB News: Insider has terrible news about Dylan Harper - Bolavip US

More than eight thousand fans rushed to watch the Paige Bueckers show when the UConn Huskies visited De Paul on Wednesday night. However, Bueckers was far from her best.



DePaul junior Taylor Johnson-Matthews made sure to smother her with some physicality, sticking to her like crazy glue and making sure to disrupt every single thing she did on offense.



Bueckers finished with just eight points on 2-of-10 from the floor. The Huskies still prevailed thanks to a strong collective effort, which is why Azzi Fudd wanted to make something loud and clear: The Huskies are a team. 



<h2>Azzi Fudd says Huskies aren’t a one-woman show</h2>



“It doesn’t matter what night it is, any person on our team can step up and have a great night, and it doesn’t have to be just one person,” Fudd said. “It can be multiple people doing their part with scoring, rebounding, assists, whatever it may be, steals. I think that’s just something that’s really special about our team, and I think it’s going to help us go as far as we want to go, because we know we have so many weapons, and not one thing can stop us.”



<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_20250130_BUS_324958_paige-bueckers-1024x576_0430ad8a.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>



That’s the kind of mindset a team like the Huskies need to adopt. As great and talented a player as Bueckers is, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Coach Geno Auriemma has also talked about his team’s need to step up regardless of who’s on the court. And while they still have a long road ahead, that mindset is what wins championships.

NCAAB News: Azzi Fudd shares her honest thoughts on Paige Bueckers’ off night vs. De Paul

NCAAB News: Azzi Fudd shares her honest thoughts on Paige Bueckers' off night vs. De Paul - Bolavip US

Alex Karaban has been the UConn Huskies’ go-to guy more often than not this season. That’s why it was so rare to see him go 1-of-14 from the floor in the win vs. De Paul.



Karaban finished the game with just eight points, which is almost half of his season average of 15.4 points. Notably, he scored just nine on 4-of-13 from the field in the loss to Xavier on Saturday.



Nevertheless, even in spite of his shooting woes, Huskies coach Dan Hurley still liked what he saw from his star. Following the win, he praised him for his aggressiveness and ability to contribute to other areas of the game.



<h2>Dan Hurley praises Alex Karaban despite off night</h2>



“I thought he showed growth by keep shooting. If he made a couple more, he probably would have taken 18, and he has to do that right now with Liam (McNeeley) out,” Hurley 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_20250130_BUS_324957_Dan-Hurley-1-1024x576_78dc5ae2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287065" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151240/Dan-Hurley-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151240/Dan-Hurley-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151240/Dan-Hurley-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151240/Dan-Hurley-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151240/Dan-Hurley-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151240/Dan-Hurley-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151240/Dan-Hurley-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151240/Dan-Hurley-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dan Hurley</figcaption></figure>



“It’s part of his development to be the face and the top guy in the scouting report … He’s going to continue to get better at making harder shots. I was just happy that he stayed aggressive, continued to put pressure on the paint, and even when he’s missing shots, he still creates space for other people,“ the coach added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


At least, Karaban, like great players do, found other ways to make an impact for his team, finishing with a game-high eight assists and six rebounds. Hopefully, his shot will start falling again in his next outing.

NCAAB News: Dan Hurley gets real on Alex Karaban’s terrible shooting night vs. De Paul

NCAAB News: Dan Hurley gets real on Alex Karaban's terrible shooting night vs. De Paul - Bolavip US

With his 37-point outing vs. Northwestern, Ace Bailey has now become the first Division I freshman with multiple 35+ points in a season since Trae Young did it with Oklahoma.



The Rutgers freshman dropped 37 points on 20 shots, adding six boards and three blocks to lead the Scarlet Knights to a 79-72 win without co-star Dylan Harper.



Bailey dropped 39 in the other game in which Harper was out, once again showcasing his mesmerizing scoring ability. When asked about his game, however, he had a simple explanation: The guys kept finding him.



<h2>Ace Bailey credits teammates for 37-point outburst.</h2>



“They gave me the ball when it was time to give me the ball,” said Bailey. “And I went to work.” Coach Steve Pikiell had a similar sentiment, stating, “Ace, what can you say? Just special.”



<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_20250130_BUS_324959_Ace-Bailey-1024x576_98d4eacd.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315498" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Ace Bailey #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights </figcaption></figure>



Bailey is currently leading the Big Ten in conference-only scoring at a whopping 22.1 points per game. He could challenge Duke’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>atop the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


His team is now sitting on an 11-0 record (4-6 in the Big Ten) and will now square off against Michigan on Saturday. If Harper can’t go, Bailey will be in for another massive night.

NCAAB News: Ace Bailey has a simple explanation for his 37-point explosion

NCAAB News: Ace Bailey has a simple explanation for his 37-point explosion - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg’s </a>masterpiece vs. NC State was one for the ages. Duke and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> beat writers have already written and talked a lot about it, but there’s one aspect that has gone overlooked.



Flagg was mostly quiet for the first half before absolutely taking over in the final segment of the game. And while he’s already admitted that coach Jon Scheyer called him soft, he hadn’t dug deep into those remarks.



Now, the projected first-overall pick in the upcoming edition of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft has admitted that that’s been an issue for him. That’s why he knows he needs to be more aggressive. 



<h2>Cooper Flagg says he needs to toughen up</h2>



“It’s not a choice anymore; I have to be aggressive,” Flagg said. “What coach has told me, is that’s going to create for everyone else. In the first half, I felt that a little more — just being passive and playing soft. I can’t create for anyone else that way. I can’t get anyone else open if I’m playing soft. For me, it’s no longer a choice of whether I want to be aggressive or not. I have to be aggressive at all times.”



<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_20250130_BUS_324857_Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576_66a9d262.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315502" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a dunk </figcaption></figure>



Even so, as harsh as his coach was, it’s not like he didn’t know he could take it. If anything, Coach Scheyer gives him credit for being able to bounce back and dominate:



“In that timeout, I challenged him because his game is not just about scoring but his game is about impacting winning in every facet. He knew it. Credit him for responding,” Scheyer said.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Flagg’s relentless approach and determination to get better might be just what sets him apart from the rest of the pack when NBA teams are on the clock in the Draft.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg knows he needs to be better at one thing

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg knows he needs to be better at one thing - Bolavip US

You can’t talk about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketbal</a>l without talking about the Duke Blue Devils. As such, even non-hoops fans may have heard about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> by now.



The Maine product has been spectacular in his first — and most likely only — season in Durham. So far, he’s averaged 19.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.



That’s why coach Jon Scheyer couldn’t stand to watch him being so passive in the win against NC State. He finished the first half with just five points, so his coach pulled him aside and gave him some tough love.



<h2>Jon Scheyer called Cooper Flagg soft before second-half explosion</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He told me I was being finesse, soft,” Flagg said. “Coach is always honest with me about what he thinks. That’s what I need. It’s about responding well, and hearing that helps me a lot.”</blockquote>



<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_20250128_BUS_323434_GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576_d7fdf5b1.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 watches from the bench in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.</figcaption></figure>



Clearly, his coach’s harsh and brutally honest words had a big effect on him. He took over the game with 23 second-half points, adding five rebounds, two assists, and a huge block. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Now, Scheyer and his Blue Devils will hope that the projected first-overall pick in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft will keep that intensity and momentum going for the remainder of the year.

NCAAB News: Duke coach calls Cooper Flagg ‘soft’

NCAAB News: Duke coach calls Cooper Flagg 'soft' - Bolavip US

Latest news from College Basketball. Find out about all the news related to College Basketball on bolavip.com/en

College Basketball - Page 47