The Kentucky Wildcats are undefeated no more. The team some consider to be the best in the nation couldn’t handle the Clemson Tigers, taking their record to 7-1.



Mark Pope’s team led by more than 15 minutes, yet they couldn’t hold onto get the win. Clemson escaped with a 70-66 decision, leaving a bittersweet taste in their mouths.



The Wildcats won the battle on the interior, slightly outscoring their opponents in the restricted area. Nevertheless, Clemson’s grit and grind were too much to handle for Kentucky, according to coach Pope.



<h2>Clemson’s physicality made a difference</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“It was a really physical game. It’s a credit to them,” Pope said after the loss. “It’s how they play. Their bigs are relentless with their physicality toward working it into the post.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27140715/Mark-Pope1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Mark Pope" class="wp-image-285801" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption> Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope didn t produce an NBA draft pick during his nine combined seasons as the head coach at Utah Valley and BYU. (Ryan C. Hermens Lexington Herald-Leader TNS</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Turnovers hurt the Wildcats, says Pope</h2>



It was an uncharacteristically sloppy outing for Kentucky overall. They handed out eleven assists and had twelve turnovers, and you’re not going to win many games with that formula:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We tried to — out of the goodness of our hearts and the care for our team — fix a lot of things by ourselves. It’s just not how we play. We’re not a minus assist-to-turnover ratio team,“ said Pope. “That’s not who we are, and all the credit goes to Clemson for creating that environment.”</blockquote>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/ncaab-news-louisville-star-kasean-pryor-suffers-gruesome-injury" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241203_BUS_285120_Kasean-Pryor.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Louisville Cardinals will be without veteran star Kasean Pryor for the remainder of the season.
" title="NCAAB News: Louisville star Kasean Pryor suffers gruesome injury" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/ncaab-news-louisville-star-kasean-pryor-suffers-gruesome-injury"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/duke-stars-get-real-on-cooper-flaggs-turnover-issues" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241203_BUS_285150_cooper-flagg1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Duke star Cooper Flagg addressed his late-game turnover issues ahead of his team&apos;s high-flying matchup with Auburn.
" title="NCAAB News: Duke stars get real on Cooper Flagg&apos;s turnover issues" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/duke-stars-get-real-on-cooper-flaggs-turnover-issues"></div>


The Wildcats won’t have much time to get back on their feet, as they have an even tougher matchup on deck. They will battle No. 8 Gonzaga in a neutral site on Saturday night, and they will need to clean their act up for that high-flying contest.

NCAAB News: Frustrated Mark Pope knows why Kentucky lost to Clemson

NCAAB News: Frustrated Mark Pope knows why Kentucky lost to Clemson - Bolavip US

For years, Duke star Cooper Flagg was penciled in as the first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft class. He went viral online since his days at Montverde Academy, and showed flashes of greatness in his scrimmages with Team USA last offseason.



One month into the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> season, that continues to be the case. Even despite some late-game miscues and his struggles from beyond the arc, Flagg is still atop most big boards.



Nevertheless, ESPN NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony believes someone can finally give him a run for his money, making a case for Rutgers star Dylan Harper to take his spot.



<h2>NBA Draft experts think Dylan Harper can go No. 1.</h2>



“Dylan Harper has been the best freshman in college basketball one month into the season,” Givony wrote on X. “Making a strong case to challenge Cooper Flagg as a No. 1 pick candidate.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27150045/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-278552" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><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>



Notably, he’s not the only one who feels that way. Cameron Salerno of CBS Sports chose Harper as their Freshman of the Week, talking about his ascending NBA Draft stock:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Harper put up some historic numbers in wins over Notre Dame and Alabama to hold on to his No. 2 ranking. Harper is averaging 23.8 points, 4.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds on the season. If he keeps up this level of play, there’s a strong possibility he’ll be the second player to come off the board in the 2025 NBA Draft behind,” Salerno wrote.</blockquote>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/duke-stars-get-real-on-cooper-flaggs-turnover-issues" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241203_BUS_285150_cooper-flagg1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Duke star Cooper Flagg addressed his late-game turnover issues ahead of his team&apos;s high-flying matchup with Auburn.
" title="NCAAB News: Duke stars get real on Cooper Flagg&apos;s turnover issues" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/duke-stars-get-real-on-cooper-flaggs-turnover-issues"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/college-basketball-news-espn-expert-explains-why-cooper-flagg-will-be-an-nba-star" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241202_BUS_284783_Cooper-Flagg.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="ESPN expert Seth Greenberg explained why he thinks Duke star Cooper Flagg will be even better once he gets to the NBA.
" title="NCAAB News: ESPN expert explains why Cooper Flagg will be an NBA star" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/college-basketball-news-espn-expert-explains-why-cooper-flagg-will-be-an-nba-star"></div>


Harper also comes from NBA lineage. He’s the son of former NBA champion Ron Harper, and his older brother, Ron Harper Jr., is deemed as the greatest player in Rutgers history. There’s still a long way to go, but if he keeps this up, things could get interesting come Draft day.

NCAAB News: Dylan Harper officially challenges Cooper Flagg for top NBA draft spot

NCAAB News: ESPN expert explains why Cooper Flagg will be an NBA star

NCAAB News: Dylan Harper officially challenges Cooper Flagg for top NBA draft spot - Bolavip US

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To say that this has been a disappointing season for the UConn Huskies would be a bit of an understatement. The defending <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> champions have fallen to the No. 25 spot in the AP rankings, and things won’t get much easier for them down the road.



Dan Hurley’s team will square up against the No. 15 Baylor Bears. They haven’t looked particularly sharp lately, ending their 17-game winning streak with three losses to free-fall 23 spots in the AP Top 25 rankings.



Needless to say, their statement win over Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday was quite necessary, but it didn’t do much to shift the sentiment back in their favor. 



<h2>Dan Hurley urges his players to step up</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“If we want to win this game tomorrow, some people are gonna have to announce themselves in college basketball,” Coach Hurley said when asked about his team’s upcoming matchup with Baylor. “We also know we’re playing a top-level team, so it’s a big game for us and it’s a big game for them.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/27202559/danhurleyjpg_242310155-1024x631-1024x631.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-217995" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Dan Hurley head coach of the UConn Huskies</figcaption></figure>



Following that crucial clash, the Huskies will also square up vs. the likes of Gonzaga and Xavier, and coach Hurley knows his team could be a victim of their own expectations:


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/uconns-dan-hurley-makes-shocking-statement-after-0-3-mte-run" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241203_BUS_285127_dan-hurley.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Following his team&apos;s shocking 0-3 run in Maui, UConn coach Dan Hurley made a final statement regarding the future of the program.
" title="UConn&apos;s Dan Hurley makes shocking statement after 0-3 MTE run" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/uconns-dan-hurley-makes-shocking-statement-after-0-3-mte-run"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/ncaab-news-louisville-star-kasean-pryor-suffers-gruesome-injury" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241203_BUS_285120_Kasean-Pryor.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Louisville Cardinals will be without veteran star Kasean Pryor for the remainder of the season.
" title="NCAAB News: Louisville star Kasean Pryor suffers gruesome injury" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/ncaab-news-louisville-star-kasean-pryor-suffers-gruesome-injury"></div>


<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“The psyche from the monster we’ve created as a staff and team is jarring,” Hurley said.</blockquote>



Of course, there’s still plenty of time to turn things around, and one should know better than to count the Huskies out. Then again, for now, it’ll take a lot for people to believe in them again.

NCAAB News: Dan Hurley calls out UConn players ahead of Baylor matchup

NCAAB News: Dan Hurley calls out UConn players ahead of Baylor matchup - Bolavip US

There were high hopes and expectations for the Duke Blue Devils entering this season. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>, the undisputed No. 1 prospect in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, had all eyes on him long before he announced his commitment.



Then again, things haven’t been as smooth in Durham so far. Duke is 5-2 to start the season, including tough losses to No. 4 Kentucky and No. 1 Kansas. Moreover, Flagg had some miscues in crucial times in both of the losses.



Then again, the 17-year-old, who’s projected to be the first-overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, isn’t too bothered because of that. If anything, he knows it’s all a part of the learning process.



<h2>Cooper Flagg talks about Duke’s issues</h2>



“I think for us, it’s just about experience,” Flagg said. “We have some people, me included, that haven’t been in these types of situations before. So we’re just going to keep learning, keep doing our best. We trust each other, we trust the plays coach is calling. It just comes down to us executing and getting the shots that we want. And just comes with experience.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27141718/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-284788" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>NCAA, College League, USA Basketball 2024: Seattle vs Duke NOV 29 November 29, 2024: Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) catches a lob during the NCAA Basketball game between the Seattle Redhawks and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. Greg Atkins CSM </figcaption></figure>



Duke veteran guard Tyrese Proctor had similar thoughts about this issue. As much as people will point the finger at the star, it takes a team effort to get the job done:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Everyone keeps talking about the turnovers and Cooper turning it over,” Proctor said. “I mean, it’s a sum of the whole game. We’re missing rebounds. We’re not getting back in D transition. That leads to turnovers that result in points. But, end of the game, we trust them to have the ball in their hands. We know they can make a play.”</blockquote>



<h2>Jon Scheyer wants Duke to play with toughness</h2>



The Blue Devils rallied late to get a 22-point win over Seattle on Friday night. Nevertheless, coach Jon Scheyer believes the game should’ve never been close to begin with:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I just thought we were really soft in the first half,” Scheyer said after the win. “They were more physical with us. That’s two games in a row. They came out more physical than us on defense. We were softer. I thought we were rushing shots. We had too many turnovers. We need to finish stronger, drive stronger, make extra passes.”</blockquote>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/ncaab-news-rick-pitino-gets-brutally-honest-on-nil-transfer-portal" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241203_BUS_285142_Rick-Pitino.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Legendary coach Rick Pitino shared his honest thoughts on the NIL and transferl portal era in college basketball
" title="NCAAB News: Rick Pitino gets brutally honest on NIL, transfer portal" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/ncaab-news-rick-pitino-gets-brutally-honest-on-nil-transfer-portal"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/uconns-dan-hurley-makes-shocking-statement-after-0-3-mte-run" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241203_BUS_285127_dan-hurley.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Following his team&apos;s shocking 0-3 run in Maui, UConn coach Dan Hurley made a final statement regarding the future of the program.
" title="UConn&apos;s Dan Hurley makes shocking statement after 0-3 MTE run" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/uconns-dan-hurley-makes-shocking-statement-after-0-3-mte-run"></div>


Duke will now square off with No. 2 Auburn on Wednesday night. The Tigers are undefeated after seven games, and with a physical specimen like Johni Broome anchoring the paint, the Blue Devils will need to be a little more physical than usual to make a statement.

NCAAB News: Duke stars get real on Cooper Flagg's turnover issues

NCAAB News: Rick Pitino gets brutally honest on NIL, transfer portal

UConn's Dan Hurley makes shocking statement after 0-3 MTE run

NCAAB News: Duke stars get real on Cooper Flagg's turnover issues - Bolavip US

Duke stars address Cooper Flagg's issues

Rick Pitino is one of the greatest and most prominent figures in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> history. A two-time NCAA Champion — although one of his titles was vacated — and a long-standing figure in the scene, he’s seen and done it all.



That’s why he’s one of the most authorized voices to talk about recruiting, the transfer portal, and this NIL era and frenzy that the NCAA is going through right now. 



In a recent appearance on WFAN with Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rick-pitino">Pitino</a> shared his honest thoughts on the current state of affairs. Contrary to most of his colleagues, he’s actually all for the players making money.



<h2>Rick Pitino supports NIL, not so sure about transfer portal</h2>



“I’m not anti-NIL. Tom Izzo is anti-NIL, Jay Wright was, Tony Bennett was anti-portal. I’m not anti that at all. I felt that we’ve been making millions of dollars all those years. The players should make money, so I’m for that,“ Pitino said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27141354/Rick-Pitino1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-285146" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>January 24, 2020, Madrid, MADRID, SPAIN: Rick Pitino of Panathinaikos gestures during the EuroLeague basketball match played between Real Madrid Baloncesto and Panathinaikos OPAP Athens at Wizink Center pavilion on January 24, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. Basket: EuroLeague – Real Madrid v Panathinaikos</figcaption></figure>



However, in regards to the players being able to move between programs left and right with the new transfer portal rules, he’s not 100% sold on the idea just yet:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Now I’m not crazy about the transfer portal, because guys, I have a center, backup center from USC [Vince Iwuchukwu] that I think is going to be a very good player someday, but it’s going to take time and effort. Well, he’s going to say, ‘Well, look, if I’m only playing 10 minutes a game. I’m going to go transfer; they’re promising me 30 minutes a game.’ So that part I don’t like. But as far as the players being paid, I don’t have a problem with that,” he added.</blockquote>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/uconns-dan-hurley-makes-shocking-statement-after-0-3-mte-run" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241203_BUS_285127_dan-hurley.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Following his team&apos;s shocking 0-3 run in Maui, UConn coach Dan Hurley made a final statement regarding the future of the program.
" title="UConn&apos;s Dan Hurley makes shocking statement after 0-3 MTE run" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/uconns-dan-hurley-makes-shocking-statement-after-0-3-mte-run"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/ncaab-news-louisville-star-kasean-pryor-suffers-gruesome-injury" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241203_BUS_285120_Kasean-Pryor.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Louisville Cardinals will be without veteran star Kasean Pryor for the remainder of the season.
" title="NCAAB News: Louisville star Kasean Pryor suffers gruesome injury" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/ncaab-news-louisville-star-kasean-pryor-suffers-gruesome-injury"></div>


College basketball is transitioning into a new era, and as such, everybody will have an opinion on what’s going on. And as much as not fighting through adversity and chasing an easier path to the court somewhere else might be detrimental to a player’s character, it was only right that they were financially compensated for their efforts.

NCAAB News: Louisville star Kasean Pryor suffers gruesome injury

NCAAB News: Rick Pitino gets brutally honest on NIL, transfer portal - Bolavip US

Rick Pitino gets real on NIL and the transfer portal

Now that the UConn Huskies are back on track, coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dan-hurley">Dan Hurley</a> wants to make one thing loud and clear: He’s done with MTEs, not only for now but for years to come as well.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uconn">UConn</a> endured a tough trip to Maui last week, sustaining three shocking defeats in the Maui Invitational Tournament. Following his program’s 99-45 route of Maryland Eastern Shore, the renowned coach revealed his team wouldn’t play in multi-team events anymore:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I’m not doing another 3-game MTE again,” Hurley said. “Moving forward, we will only play home-and-homes or single-game events — I don’t think I’ll ever do a 3-game MTE again. There’s zero chance I ever do that again.”</blockquote>



<h2>Dan Hurley explains the decision not to play MTEs again</h2>



According to multiple reports, coach Hurley, who calls all the shots for the basketball program, was already considering this move even before his team’s winless run in Maui:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/27202559/danhurleyjpg_242310155-1024x631-1024x631.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-217995" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Dan Hurley head coach of the UConn Huskies</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“With the non-conference, rather than a third party, when you’re in a revenue-sharing situation like we’re heading into now, you’ve got to maximize the non-conference slate,” Hurley said. “We still want to play neutral-site games, particularly like MSG and places that make sense. But, we’ve got to play a schedule that’s going to have more home-and-homes on it than anything else right now.”</blockquote>



When asked about this bold statement, UConn Director of Athletics David Benedict had his coach’s side, stating that they also needed to take financials into consideration:


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/college-basketball-news-espn-expert-explains-why-cooper-flagg-will-be-an-nba-star" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241202_BUS_284783_Cooper-Flagg.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="ESPN expert Seth Greenberg explained why he thinks Duke star Cooper Flagg will be even better once he gets to the NBA.
" title="College basketball news: ESPN expert explains why Cooper Flagg will be an NBA star" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/college-basketball-news-espn-expert-explains-why-cooper-flagg-will-be-an-nba-star"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/ncaab-news-louisville-star-kasean-pryor-suffers-gruesome-injury" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241203_BUS_285120_Kasean-Pryor.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Louisville Cardinals will be without veteran star Kasean Pryor for the remainder of the season.
" title="NCAAB News: Louisville star Kasean Pryor suffers gruesome injury" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/ncaab-news-louisville-star-kasean-pryor-suffers-gruesome-injury"></div>


<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“What does it cost us to travel to events?,” Benedict asked. “How much revenue do we derive? What are we giving up by not playing a home game? Those are all things that we’re factoring into that equation. And so, we’re working with lots of different promoters and media companies right now to evaluate creating the best path forward, so we manage the schedule the way that Coach Hurley wants, but is also the best for us financially.”</blockquote>



This is a disappointing turn of events for the fans, and this decision will be met with some skepticism. Even so, this is a new era in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, and as such, everybody will have to adapt.

College basketball news: ESPN expert explains why Cooper Flagg will be an NBA star

UConn's Dan Hurley makes shocking statement after 0-3 MTE run - Bolavip US

Dan Hurley makes shocking statement after 0-3 MTE run

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> scene is rallying behind fifth-year forward Kasean Pryor, who’s now expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The Louisville Cardinals star tore the ACL in his left knee in the loss to Oklahoma in the Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis championship game.



The program announced that Pryor would make a full recovery, with him later sharing a heartfelt message on his Instagram account shortly after the news broke:



“Not the way I expected my senior year of basketball to end!” Pryor wrote, “God’s timing is always perfect, and I know things happen for a reason! A minor setback for a major comeback! I could never quit! Card Nation, I appreciate the love and support throughout this journey; it’s definitely felt! And to everyone who’s reached out to send their prayers and (well) wishes, thank you! They mean a lot to me! The work doesn’t stop here! I’ll be cheering my guys on all season!”



<h2>Kasean Pryor could still return for another season</h2>



Even though Pryor has already played for five years, he could still apply for a medical redshirt. That would allow him to play for an additional sixth season, although there’s no word about whether he intends to do so or not.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27141412/Kasean-Pryor1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-285122" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>NCAA, College League, USA Basketball 2024: Louisville Cardinals vs Tennessee Vols NOV 9TH November 9, 2024: Louisville Cardinals Kasean Pryor 7 blocks a shot during the NCAA basketball game action between the Louisville Cardinals vs Tennessee Vols at KFC Yum Center in Louisville Kentucky. Cory Eads Cal Media </figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Kasean’s going to continue to make an impact on this team, even though he’s not (going to be) on the floor,” coach Pat Kelsey said. “His locker room presence, his energy, his personality are infectious. He’s a terrific leader on our team, so we expect him to contribute in that regard moving forward.”</blockquote>



Pryor’s injury occurred in the least fortunate way, as he was clipped by his own teammate, PG Chucky Hepburn, less than a minute into the second half after trying to defend a drive. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/college-basketball-news-espn-expert-explains-why-cooper-flagg-will-be-an-nba-star" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241202_BUS_284783_Cooper-Flagg.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="ESPN expert Seth Greenberg explained why he thinks Duke star Cooper Flagg will be even better once he gets to the NBA.
" title="College basketball news: ESPN expert explains why Cooper Flagg will be an NBA star" publication_id="BUS#/college-basketball/college-basketball-news-espn-expert-explains-why-cooper-flagg-will-be-an-nba-star"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/sports/orlando-magics-rising-star-raves-about-duke-freshman-cooper-flaggs-potential" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241125_BUS_279652_cooper-flagg-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Duke freshman star Cooper Flagg has received more praise from an Orlando Magic rising star and former Duke forward. 
" title="Orlando Magic&apos;s rising star raves about Duke freshman Cooper Flagg’s potential" publication_id="BUS#/sports/orlando-magics-rising-star-raves-about-duke-freshman-cooper-flaggs-potential"></div>


The South Florida transfer had recently earned a spot in the starting lineup, averaging 12 points per game on 37% from beyond the arc to go along with 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.

Orlando Magic's rising star raves about Duke freshman Cooper Flagg’s potential

NCAAB News: Louisville star Kasean Pryor suffers gruesome injury - Bolavip US

Kasean Pryor could make history with sixth CBB season

For years, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> fans and scouts alike have kept a close eye on Cooper Flagg. The Duke forward went viral during his days at Montverde Academy because of his rare combination of size, shooting, and handles.



Deemed as the best player in his class, he was expected to dominate the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"> </a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> scene right out of the gate. However, while he has been good, his numbers haven’t popped out in the way some people expected.



With that in mind, ESPN expert Seth Greenberg explained why there’s nothing to be worried about when it comes to him because his game is better suited for the pros than for college:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He’s gonna be the number one pick in the NBA Draft,” started Greenberg. “In the NBA, there’s spacing and the 24-second clock. He’s playing with no space right now, but when he gets to an NBA roster, there will be tremendous space. The spacing Duke is playing with is hurting him because people are game-planning to get the ball out of his hands. You can’t do that in the NBA.”</blockquote>



<h2>NBA Teams Will Win By Losing</h2>



Flagg stands at 6-foot-9, and he’s going to keep getting better. He can play both forward spots and even at the five, and his ability to stretch the floor and create for others makes him a unique prospect.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27150045/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-278552" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><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>



Through seven games, he’s averaging 15.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals. and 1.4 blocks per game. On the downside, he’s shooting just 27% from three-point range, but again, he should benefit from the NBA’s spacing.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/sports/orlando-magics-rising-star-raves-about-duke-freshman-cooper-flaggs-potential" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241125_BUS_279652_cooper-flagg-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Duke freshman star Cooper Flagg has received more praise from an Orlando Magic rising star and former Duke forward. 
" title="Orlando Magic&apos;s rising star raves about Duke freshman Cooper Flagg’s potential" publication_id="BUS#/sports/orlando-magics-rising-star-raves-about-duke-freshman-cooper-flaggs-potential"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/sports/ncaab-news-rutgers-star-dylan-harper-reveals-key-advice-from-michael-jordan" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241124_BUS_279290_Dylan-Harper.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Dylan Harper, star of Rutgers, knows that his breakthrough in the NCAAB comes with an advice from a former teammate of his father: Michael Jordan.
" title="NCAAB News: Rutgers star Dylan Harper reveals key advice from Michael Jordan" publication_id="BUS#/sports/ncaab-news-rutgers-star-dylan-harper-reveals-key-advice-from-michael-jordan"></div>


As of now, the 2-16 Washington Wizards look poised to be in the mix to get him all season long, and so will the 4-17 New Orleans Pelicans, 4-16 Utah Jazz, and 4-14 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a>.



The fans never want to lose, but when the light at the end of the tunnel is a potential generational superstar like Flagg, it might be worth enduring a tough season just to get him.

NCAAB News: Rutgers star Dylan Harper reveals key advice from Michael Jordan

NCAAB News: ESPN expert explains why Cooper Flagg will be an NBA star - Bolavip US

ESPN expert explains why Cooper Flagg will be an NBA star

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