THE INDIANA SRN “SPORTSPAGE” WEDNESDAY JULY 2, 2025

“THE SCOREBOARD”

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WNBA SCOREBOARD

INDIANA 74 MINNESOTA 59

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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCOREBOARD

TORONTO 12 NY YANKEES 5

MIAMI 2 MINNESOTA 0

PITTSBURGH 1 ST. LOUIS 0

LAS VEGAS 4 TAMPA BAY 3 (10)

LA ANGELS 4 ATLANTA 0

CHICAGO CUBS 5 CLEVELAND 2

TEXAS 10 BALTIMORE 2

HOUSTON 6 COLORADO 5

KANSAS CITY 9 SEATTLE 3

ARIZONA 8 SAN FRANCISCO 2

LA DODGERS 6 CHICAGO WHITE SOX 1

SAN DIEGO AT PHILADELPHIA POSTPONED

DETROIT AT WASHINGTON POSTPONED

MILWAUKEE AT NY METS POSTPONED

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MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

LOUISVILLE 12 INDIANAPOLIS 5

PEORIA 5 SOUTH BEND 1

FT. WAYNE 7 LANSING 2

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MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SCOREBOARD

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

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COLTS TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE

WED., JULY 23: PRACTICE (10-11 A.M.)

THUR., JULY 24: PRACTICE (10-11 A.M.)

FRI., JULY 25: PRACTICE (10-11:15 A.M.)

SAT., JULY 26: PRACTICE (4-5:30 P.M.)

MON., JULY 28: PRACTICE (10-11:15 A.M.)

TUE., JULY 29: PRACTICE (10-11:30 A.M.)

THUR., JULY 31: PRACTICE (8-10 P.M.)

SAT., AUG. 2: PRACTICE (10-11:35 A.M.)

SUN., AUG. 3: PRACTICE (10-11:30 A.M.)

SAT., AUG. 9: PRACTICE (4-5:10 P.M.)

SUN., AUG. 10: PRACTICE (4-5:30 P.M.)

MON., AUG. 11: PRACTICE (4-5:40 P.M.)

THUR., AUG. 14: PRACTICE (3-5 P.M.)

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TOP NATIONAL HEADLINES

NBA NEWS

BUCKS WAIVING DAMIAN LILLARD AND SIGNING MYLES TURNER, AP SOURCE SAYS, IN A FREE AGENCY SURPRISE

Myles Turner has agreed to a four-year deal to join the Milwaukee Bucks, who waived nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard to make the acquisition happen, a person with knowledge of the moves told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Turner is agreeing to a deal that ends with a player option, after spending the entirety of his first 10 seasons with the Indiana Pacers, which went to the NBA Finals this past season. And the remaining $112.6 million owed to Lillard will be paid out over the next five seasons via the NBA’s stretch provision, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither move was announced by the clubs involved.

ESPN, which first reported the plan by the Pacers and Bucks, said Turner agreed to a contract worth $107 million.

In both cases, Achilles tendon injuries played a role in the surprising moves.

Indiana expects to be without star guard Tyrese Haliburton for the entirety of the coming season because he ruptured his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder while playing through what was diagnosed as a calf strain. And earlier in the playoffs, Lillard ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for Milwaukee in Round 1 against Indiana.

Lillard also is likely to miss most, if not all, of the coming season. He will be free to sign with anyone he chooses, and teams could simply sign him now, give him a chance to continue his recovery and do so with hope that the seven-time All-NBA selection is fully ready to go by the start of the 2026-27 season.

Turner has averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in his 10 seasons with the Pacers, who had a decision to make this summer about whether to surpass the luxury tax threshold with the knowledge that Haliburton likely cannot play this coming season.

Lillard, who turns 35 later this month, has averaged 25.1 points and 6.7 assists in 900 regular-season games over 13 seasons — the first 11 with Portland, the last two with Milwaukee.

The Bucks lost Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers when free agency opened Monday.

Hornets re-sign Mann

Hornets, Tre Mann agree to 3-year, $24M deal

It appeared Mann would be headed elsewhere when the Hornets declined his qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent rather than restricted. However, the reserve guard is staying in Charlotte. Mann’s first four seasons as a pro have been up and down, with the 24-year-old missing most of 2024-25 after surgery to repair a disc in his back. When healthy, he’s shown some off-the-dribble creation and shooting pop. In an extremely small sample (13 games) this season, Mann averaged roughly 14 points in only 25 minutes while shooting 40% from deep.

Pistons land Robinson in sign-and-trade

Heat sign-and-trade Duncan Robinson (3 yrs, $48M) to Pistons for Simone Fontecchio

Additional spacing helped unlock franchise star Cade Cunningham this season, but the Pistons suddenly found themselves with a ton of 3-pointers to replace with Malik Beasley under federal investigation and Tim Hardaway Jr. in Denver. Robinson is a great way to fill that need, as the longtime Heat swingman is one of the league’s best movement shooters and overall marksmen. Robinson’s defensive limitations can suppress his playing time in the postseason, but shooters like him will always find their way into a rotation. His superb 39.3% mark from deep this season was actually slightly worse than his career average (39.7%) and only seven players have made more threes over the last six years. There’s also very little long-term risk here for Detroit, as only the first year of Robinson’s new three-year contract is fully guaranteed. So far this summer, the Pistons have replaced Beasley, Hardaway, Fontecchio, and Dennis Schroder with Robinson and Caris LeVert.

As for the Heat, it’s got to sting to lose one of the best development stories in recent memory as part of what’s thus far been an ineffective offseason, but Fontecchio is a sharp and underrated reserve.

Cavs bring Nance back to town

Cavaliers, Larry Nance Jr. agree to 1-year, $3.6M deal

This one’s going to fly under the radar, but it’s is a sneaky good pickup for the East-favorite Cavs. Hand and knee injuries limited Nance to 24 games in his lone season with the Hawks, but he was still a productive reserve on both ends when healthy. He returns to the Cavs a different player than the one they traded four years ago. Nance still brings plenty of defensive energy, but the 32-year-old has become somewhat of a 3-and-D center after first experimenting with his range in Cleveland. Nearly half of Nance’s 2024-25 field-goal attempts came from 3-point territory, with the big man converting at a stunning 44.7% clip. It wasn’t a huge sample, but it’s still a really exciting thought when slotting Nance in behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

Nuggets bring in THJ

Nuggets, Tim Hardaway Jr. agree to 1-year, $3.6M deal

The Nuggets’ tremendous offseason continues. Having already turned Michael Porter Jr. and Dario Saric into Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas, Denver followed with minimum deals for Bruce Brown and now Hardaway. The veteran swingman further addresses the team’s need for depth and shooting, as Hardaway has made at least 100 3-pointers in 11 of his 12 seasons. The 33-year-old shot roughly 37% from deep on six attempts per game in 2024-25. The sight of Hardaway open will be a godsend for Nikola Jokic and terrifying for opponents.

Raptors extend Poeltl, add Mamukelashvili

Raptors, Jakob Poeltl agree to 4-year, $104M extension

Raptors, Sandro Mamukelashvili agree to 2-year, $5.5M deal

Toronto’s relationship with Poeltl has been a complicated one. The Raptors drafted the Austrian center ninth overall in 2016 and traded him to San Antonio as part of the Kawhi Leonard blockbuster that delivered the Raptors a championship. Then Toronto reacquired him in 2023. On one hand, Raptors fans were happy to have the steady big man back. On the other, Toronto traded a future first-round pick for Poeltl in order to chase a postseason berth rather than maximizing its lottery odds in Victor Wembanyama’s draft year (when the team already owned a losing record).

Poeltl’s new contract likely won’t make things any simpler emotionally. The 29-year-old is an excellent player. Though he’s not a modern floor-spacing big man, Poeltl is one of the league’s best screeners and offensive rebounders, and his playmaking from the elbows is vital to head coach Darko Rajakovic’s movement-heavy system. He’s also incredibly efficient inside. On the defensive end, he’s a solid, positionally sound anchor, even if his raw rim-protection numbers leave something to be desired.

It’s no wonder Poeltl has posted a positive on-off differential in eight straight seasons – he’s a valuable starting center who knows and embraces his two-way role. But the price tag will raise eyebrows, especially since the added years of team control cover Poeltl’s age 32-34 seasons, during which his average salary will be $28.2 million. Did a team flirting with the luxury tax despite not fielding a contender really need to do this? Were they bidding against themselves? The Raptors would likely argue that they’ve retained an asset rather than risking Poeltl leaving for pennies on the dollar next season or for nothing in 2026 free agency, and they’d add that his new salaries will only account for about 15% of future salary caps.

Mamukelashvili is a depth big who acts as a floor-spacer in the little time he’s out there. More than half his shot attempts came from deep in 2024-25, and he converted at a 37% clip.

Bucks, Hornets swing minor trade

Bucks trade Pat Connaughton, two 2nd-round picks to Hornets for Vasilije Micic

This is a cost-cutting move for Milwaukee, which dumps Connaughton’s $9.4-million salary in exchange for Micic’s $7.7-million deal. Connaughton fell out of Milwaukee’s rotation over time, while Micic, who was only acquired by Charlotte days ago, could serve as depth in the Bucks’ thin backcourt (if he’s not waived and stretched like Damian Lillard was). Neither player figures to be a key piece in 2025-26, but kudos to the Hornets for squeezing a couple picks out of this transaction.

Kings add Schroder to crowded backcourt

Kings, Dennis Schroder agree to 3-year, $45M deal

Schroder proved to be a solid veteran addition for the young Pistons earlier this year, but his new deal feels like an unnecessary overpay for the directionless Kings. He’s still an NBA-caliber guard with playmaking know-how, but he’s a streaky shooter at best, and his defensive value doesn’t always measure up to his frenetic energy on that end. Sacramento is reportedly expected to explore the trade market and could clear its backcourt logjam soon enough, but right now, a team featuring Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, and Devin Carter just gave Schroder mid-level exception-type money to join the fray.

Knicks sign Yabusele

Knicks, Guerschon Yabusele agree to 2-year, $12M deal

After landing Jordan Clarkson, the Knicks continue to address their depth with the acquisition of Yabusele. A French big man who played his way back to the NBA thanks to a magnificent performance in the 2024 Olympics, Yabusele finished third in total minutes on the division-rival Sixers this season. At 6-foot-8 and 260 pounds, Yabusele has the strength to bang inside, as evidenced by the fact he converted at a 74% clip within 3 feet of the rim. However, nearly half his field-goal attempts came from deep, where the big man made an impressive 38% of them. That kind of offensive dynamism will be a welcome addition to the Knicks’ bench, even if Yabusele isn’t much of a rim-protector or defender.

Nuggets land JV to back up Jokic

Kings trade Jonas Valanciunas to Nuggets for Dario Saric

Valanciunas isn’t quite the player he once was, but he’s still a bruising low-post center who can score inside and clean the glass. No one can live up to Nikola Jokic’s standard and the three-time MVP will always own crooked on-off numbers, but Valanciunas gives Denver the best backup five the team has employed during The Joker’s tenure, especially on the offensive end. Saric’s time in the Mile High City didn’t go as planned, with the big man quickly falling out of the Nuggets’ rotation and appearing in only 16 games last season. He’ll play out the year on a $5.4-million expiring contract, while Valanciunas has two years remaining on his deal at roughly $10 million per season (Denver used a trade exception to make up the difference).

Bucks swoop in for Turner, waive Dame

Bucks, Myles Turner agree to 4-year, $107M deal

Bucks waive and stretch Damian Lillard

As the Bucks retained most of their own free agents on below-market deals (especially in the case of Gary Trent Jr.), one question lingered: Which center or remaining free agent could Milwaukee lure with its mid-level exception, and would that acquisition be enough to appease Giannis Antetokounmpo? As has become the norm whenever the Bucks have faced a Giannis-centric crisis over the years, general manager Jon Horst was thinking much bigger, and he’s pulled yet another rabbit out of his hat.

Forget the mid-level exception; the Bucks poached arguably the top free agent on the market from the reigning East champions and will pay him nearly $27 million per year after waiving and stretching Damian Lillard. It’s a worthwhile investment. Turner’s elite combination of rim-protection and floor-spacing is highly sought-after in the modern game and allows Milwaukee to once again maximize the Greek Freak’s two-way talents. The Bucks will still need better guard play to compete for a title, but they went from dead in the water – and potentially facing years in the wilderness without Antetokounmpo – to one of the biggest splashes of the summer. They can like their chances in a weakened East.

However, Lillard will carry a dead-cap hit of $22.5 million in each of the next five years. This was worth it in the moment, but that’s significant going forward, and it will surely hamper what’s already an asset-starved team. Then again, who can doubt Horst at this point?

As for the Pacers, what a gut punch. Indiana made an inspiring run to the NBA Finals (and two straight conference finals) to reignite its basketball-mad fan base. The Pacers have since lost franchise star Tyrese Haliburton to a devastating Achilles injury and now Turner, the team’s starting center and longest-tenured player, to a bitter rival. Indiana still has Pascal Siakam and a collection of scrappy two-way players, but the Pacers are about to take a giant step backward. Team owner Herb Simon was reportedly prepared to venture into luxury tax territory before Haliburton went down. It appears that injury gave Simon another excuse to cheap out.

Thunder lock up MVP

Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander agree to 4-year, $285M extension

The heart of the Thunder’s championship core has been secured for the foreseeable future, while the crown jewel of 2027 free agency is already off the market. In a cap world that restricts how much any single player can earn, the game’s greatest superstars provide surplus value even on massive contracts. That will be the case for Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City even as he collects an NBA-record average annual salary of $71.3 million (and a 2031-32 salary just under $79 million).

The Canadian guard is virtually flawless. He’s a relentless driver who puts constant pressure on the defense, using his mastery of footwork and angles to knock his defender and the entire opposing team off balance. He’s coming off one of the greatest mid-range shooting seasons of all time. He’s developed into a solid enough 3-point shooter, draws fouls at elite rates, still shares the ball with teammates, and almost never turns it over. Add it all up and SGA is coming off a three-year run where he’s averaged 31.4 points, six assists, five rebounds, and 2.8 steals and blocks on 63% true shooting. Oh, and he’s an above-average perimeter defender on one of the greatest defensive teams of the modern era.

Gilgeous-Alexander will be just 27 years old when next season tips off. The Thunder secured his services for the remainder of his prime, a massive win for the defending champions and a crushing blow for the rest of the league. For what it’s worth, by signing this extension now rather than waiting until 2026, SGA sacrificed tens of millions over the next six years.

June 30

Bucks bring back Trent, Prince, KPJ

Bucks re-sign Kevin Porter Jr. (2 yrs, $11M), Gary Trent Jr. (2 yrs, $7.5M), Taurean Prince (2 yrs, $7.1M)

Without the cap flexibility or asset capital to truly retool around Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks appear to be running it back, retaining Porter, Trent, and Prince on decent value deals after re-signing Bobby Portis Jr. the day earlier. Trent’s new deal, in particular, is a steal. The catch is that they’ve already lost their most important free agent – see Brook Lopez to the Clippers below. That means what was already only a first-round playoff team has lost its starting point guard (Damian Lillard) to injury and starting center (Lopez) to free agency.

Even in a weak East, is there enough here to appease the Greek Freak and dissuade the two-time MVP from asking out? Does whoever the Bucks might sign with their mid-level exception change the answer to that question? Trent, Prince, and Porter each played key roles for Milwaukee at various points this season, but that says more about the Bucks than it does about the trio they’ve retained.

Knicks get Clarkson for the minimum

Knicks, Jordan Clarkson agree to 1-year, $3.6M deal after buyout from Jazz

It’s hard to argue with the value here for New York. Sure, Clarkson’s on the downswing of his career – even at his best, he’s a streaky scorer and one-way player – but on a minimum deal, there’s just no downside to this move. Best case: The Eastern Conference finalists just added one of the most prolific reserve scorers of his generation, someone capable of taking at least a fraction of the ball-handling and scoring responsibilities off Jalen Brunson’s shoulders for a few minutes at a time. Worst case: The Knicks have to bury a microwave scorer deep on their bench and Clarkson still manages to change a game or two next season.

Splash Mountain goes Hollywood

Clippers, Brook Lopez agree to 2-year, $18M contract

Lopez isn’t the rim-protector he was at the peak of his powers, and he certainly isn’t the prolific scorer he was when he broke into the Association, but he’s more than qualified to provide two-way value off the bench. That’s exactly what will be asked of him in Los Angeles, where he’ll back up All-Defensive center (and borderline All-Star) Ivica Zubac for the Clippers. Reports of Lopez’s shooting decline are greatly exaggerated: The 7-footer posted the second-best 3-point percentage of his career in 2024-25 (37.3% on 4.7 attempts per game). Splash Mountain lives.

Hawks win NAW sweepstakes, add Kennard

Hawks acquire Nickeil Alexander-Walker (4-year, $62M) in sign-and-trade; Timberwolves receive 2027 2nd-round pick

Hawks, Luke Kennard agree to 1-year, $11M deal

A two-way guard coming off back-to-back conference finals appearances in Minnesota, Alexander-Walker was one of the most sought-after players in this year’s diminished free-agent market. This is a big win for Atlanta, which has done well to surround Trae Young with more defensive stability over the last couple years.

Alexander-Walker can take assignments against bigger players if he has to, but his primary role will be making life difficult for opposing guards while spacing the floor on the other end. The 26-year-old Canadian has battled through ugly shooting slumps in his career, including in each of his last two playoff trips, but he’s shot at least 38% from deep in each of the last three seasons. The sign-and-trade nature of the deal means Minnesota can salvage something from the transaction.

As for Kennard, the veteran swingman has been one of the league’s deadliest and most consistent shooters this decade. He’s led the league in 3-point percentage twice, he shot 43.3% from deep last season, he shot 41% or better from deep in six of his eight seasons, and he’s never been worse than 39.4% from long range. Sure, he’s a defensive liability, but again, the Hawks have enough problem-solvers on that end now. You can never have enough shooting.

Looney leaves The Bay for the Bayou

Pelicans, Kevon Looney agree to 2-year, $16M deal

After 10 seasons and three championships as a member of the Warriors, Looney will bring his screening, rebounding, and veteran know-how to the Pelicans’ frontcourt, where he can mentor young centers Derik Queen and Yves Missi. That frontcourt and this roster is painfully low on shooting, though.

Orlando adds Tyus Jones

Magic, Tyus Jones agree to 1-year, $7M deal

Jones didn’t impact the Suns the way most had hoped, but he’s still a quality point guard who can help a more stable organization. Enter the Magic; they could use a pure point guard behind Jalen Suggs who can also share the court with either Suggs or Desmond Bane. Jones’ size limits him defensively, but he’s joining an elite defensive team that can surely use his combination of shooting and caretaking. Remember, Orlando hasn’t finished higher than 22nd in offensive efficiency since 2012 and just finished last in 3-point shooting. Meanwhile, Jones has shot 41.4% from deep in each of the last two seasons and owns a remarkable 5.4-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Pistons land LeVert, Reed

Pistons, Caris LeVert agree to 2-year, $29M deal

Pistons re-sign Paul Reed to 2-year, $11M deal

LeVert’s deal might be an overpay, but it’s a better use of this money than Dennis Schroder would’ve been, with the latter expected to land in Sacramento after a solid end to the season in Detroit. LeVert is a decent bench scorer and a more positionally versatile defender. As for Reed, he’s a depth big whose per-minute defensive plays are off the charts.

Spurs add Kornet

Spurs, Luke Kornet agree to 4-year, $41M deal

It’s not the superstar addition Spurs fans were hoping for, but San Antonio just added one of the league’s most underrated players to a Victor Wembanyama-led frontcourt. Kornet is simply a solid all-around big man – an analytics darling who can score inside, rebound, screen, and defend. At just over $10 million per year, this could prove to be one of the low-key bargains of free agency.

Nuggets swap MPJ for Johnson

Brooklyn trades Cam Johnson to Denver for Michael Porter Jr., 2032 1st-round pick

This stunning trade is good business for both teams. The Nuggets were able to trade Porter for a much cheaper player without their title hopes taking a hit, while the rebuilding Nets used their ample cap space to turn a veteran into a valuable future first-rounder.

Johnson may not be as pure a shooter as Porter, but he’s arguably a better overall offensive player and is something closer to average defensively (whereas Porter’s lack of mobility negated any defensive value that came with his sheer size). A career 39% 3-point shooter coming off a career year scoring the ball (18.8 points per game), Johnson is about to discover the wonderful world of Nikola Jokic, where the jumpers are open and every cut to the basket is rewarded. His commitment to letting it fly will also be welcome in Denver, where the Nuggets posted the league’s worst 3-point attempt rate. Only 35.6% of Denver’s shot attempts came from deep, while 60% of Johnson’s career shots have come from long range. Porter’s career 3-point attempt rate is 48.8%. However, one thing to keep an eye on is Johnson’s availability. For all of Porter’s injury issues over the years, he only missed six games over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Johnson has averaged just 58.9 appearances per 82 games over his six-year career.

While the Nuggets are now comfortably under the first apron and have access to most of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, the Nets maximized their cap space the way a rebuilding team is supposed to. This trade wasn’t about Porter, who’s still owed $79.1 million over the next two years. It’s about that unprotected 2032 first-rounder, a juicy asset given how all-in Denver is right now and the fact Jokic will either be long gone or well past his prime by then. Brooklyn continues to stack the type of assets needed to eventually trade for a disgruntled superstar.

Nuggets reunite with Brown

Nuggets, Bruce Brown agree to 1-year, $2.3M deal

Denver’s offseason remake continues with the addition of Brown, whose best season came with the Nuggets during the team’s championship season (2022-23). Brown’s off-ball movement, cutting, and secondary playmaking is perfect for a Nikola Jokic-centric system. The veteran should bounce back, proving surplus value on a minimum contract and a desperately needed boost to Denver’s depth.

Grizzlies secure JJJ, Aldama, add Jerome

Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. agree to 5-year, $240M extension

Grizzlies re-sign Santi Aldama to 3-year, $52.5M deal

Grizzlies, Ty Jerome agree to 3-year, $28M deal

Some saw Memphis trading Desmond Bane as a sign the Grizzlies were about to embark on a rebuild. But that win-win deal was actually about putting the Grizzlies in a better position to retool around Ja Morant and Jackson, creating the financial flexibility to pay the latter what he’s worth.

Still just 25 years old, Jackson has already racked up a Defensive Player of the Year award, two All-Star selections, and three All-Defensive team honors. His offensive game has grown by leaps and bounds, averaging 22-plus points in each of the last two seasons. He also shot 37.5% from deep on 5.3 attempts per game this season. After some injury concerns at the start of his career, Jackson has averaged 70 games per season over the last four years.

All told, Jackson is an elite two-way big man just entering his prime. Even if things continue to go sour for Morant, the Grizzlies can rest assured they have one dependable building block.

As for Aldama, the 24-year-old has quietly emerged as one of the league’s best reserve bigs over the last couple years. He’s an efficient offensive player whose combination of 3-point volume and success rate make him a respectable floor-spacer. While an average salary of $17.5 million might seem excessive, it works out to just over 11% of the new salary cap. With Jackson and Aldama locked up and Zach Edey only entering Year 2 of his rookie-scale contract, it feels like Brandon Clarke ($12.5 million per year over the next two years) is an expendable depth piece in Memphis’ frontcourt.

Finally, the Grizzlies acquired Jerome – one of the 2024-25 season’s breakout players – for what appears to be a bargain at just over $9 million per year. Jerome was a flamethrower off the Cavs’ bench this season, averaging 12.5 points in less than 20 minutes per game while shooting 57% inside the arc and 43.9% from deep. However, the reserve guard’s defensive limitations bit him and his team in the playoffs, with Jerome’s minutes – and new contract – dwindling as a result.

Rockets poach DFS from Lakers

Rockets, Dorian Finney-Smith agree to 4-year, $53M deal

Rockets, Clint Capela agree to 3-year, $21.5M deal

The league’s most improved team continues to do good work, with the Rockets landing the most coveted 3-and-D player in this underwhelming free-agent class.

Finney-Smith was a plus-minus star in 2024-25, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s a solid defender who does all the little things right and shot 41% from deep on five attempts per game. Even if his shooting regresses to career levels (36%), he’ll still be a solid connective piece on both ends for a Rockets team that already solved its biggest issue (halfcourt offense) by trading for Kevin Durant.

As if that wasn’t enough, the Rockets reunited with Clint Capela, who spent the first six years of his career in Houston. The veteran center isn’t the force he once was and his defensive impact doesn’t measure up to his block totals, but Capela’s still an elite rebounder, especially on the offensive end. Not to mention, with All-Star Alperen Sengun and the bruising Steven Adams already on the roster, the Rockets shouldn’t need much from Capela (though it’s worth wondering if they really needed to spend on another center at all). Finally, Houston also re-signed veterans Jeff Green, Aaron Holiday, and Jae’Sean Tate.

Finney-Smith’s move will have ripple effects in Los Angeles, where the Lakers traded three second-round picks for him just six months ago. On one hand, this could free up L.A. to spend more on the center it desperately needs. On the other hand, a loss like this could help push LeBron James out the door as he continues to evaluate the Lakers’ roster.

Mavs tab D’Lo as Kyrie placeholder

Mavericks, D’Angelo Russell agree to 2-year, $12M deal

The Mavericks were in search of a capable guard and lead ball-handler to hold the fort while Kyrie Irving continues to recover from a torn ACL. Russell can serve as that stopgap.

Though his 3-point shooting and overall production tanked in Los Angeles and Brooklyn this past season, the 29-year-old journeyman can still be an impactful offensive player. He’s roughly a 37% career shooter from deep on seven long-range attempts per game, he’s a solid enough playmaker who takes care of the ball fairly well, and he has familiarity playing with Anthony Davis, who still figures to be the hub of Dallas’ offense. Russell’s presence also means No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg doesn’t have to shoulder more offensive creation responsibilities than he’s ready for.

Russell’s a porous defender at the point of attack, but the Mavs have a solid defensive infrastructure. As a temporary starter and eventual backup to Irving, this is a fine deal at what’s essentially the taxpayer mid-level exception.

Lakers land LaRavia as DFS replacement

Lakers, Jake LaRavia agree to 2-year, $12M deal

LaRavia may not be as defensively versatile as Finney-Smith, but he’s a 6-foot-8, 235-pound power forward who puts forth an honest effort on that end of the court and just shot 42.3% from deep in 2024-25. The catch is that he averaged 0.9 made 3-pointers per game, but he’s generally been a solid shooter on about one made three per game over his three-year career. If the Lakers can land that elusive center with their Finney-Smith savings while signing LaRavia for less than half the annual price of DFS, this could be a big-picture win for them.

Bulls keep Tre Jones

Bulls re-sign Tre Jones to 3-year, $24M deal

There’s a lot to nitpick with the Bulls, who continue to mismanage assets, but this is actually a fine piece of business. Jones is a solid young backup point guard, even if he’s not a proven shooter yet. An $8 million per year price is tag is fair.

LeBron staying put … for now

Lakers F LeBron James picks up $52.6M player option

As mentioned above, James is still evaluating what another season in purple and gold would look like after picking up his 2025-26 player option. Had he declined that option to test free agency, he’d be entering a market where only the lowly Nets have meaningful cap space and the league’s all-time leading scorer would have to settle for a massive pay cut to join a contender.

By opting in, James retains his no-trade clause and can potentially maneuver his way to a team of his choice.

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER AGREES TO MASSIVE 4-YEAR EXTENSION WITH NBA CHAMPION THUNDER, AP SOURCE SAYS

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed on a record-setting 4-year, $285 million extension that would give him the highest single-season average salary in NBA history, a person with knowledge of the agreement said Tuesday.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been publicly announced and likely won’t be until the league’s moratorium on most offseason signings is lifted on Sunday.

ESPN first reported on the agreement.

News of the deal comes on Canada Day, a fitting coincidence for the 26-year-old from Ontario who is coming off a season like few others in NBA history.

Not only did Gilgeous-Alexander lead the Thunder to their first NBA championship and the league’s best record, he swept most major individual awards — winning regular-season and NBA Finals MVP honors and the scoring title.

The supermax extension was not unexpected. It was a question of timing; he could have taken a deal with an even higher total value next summer.

Based on the NBA’s most recent salary cap projections — the exact numbers will not be finalized until June 2027 — Gilgeous-Alexander would make somewhere around $63 million in the first season and nearly $79 million during the 2030-31 season. That would put him at an average payout of about $1 million per regular season game, and would be the highest single-season salary in NBA history.

Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t enter the league with superstar expectations. He was the 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft, and he was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Thunder after his rookie year. He has been on an upward trajectory ever since, and Thunder general manager Sam Presti believes that will continue.

“He’s gotten better every single year,” Presti said. “His mindset has allowed him to take these steps and also not — I don’t feel like his progress is, like, volatile. I don’t know if that makes sense, but I don’t feel like it’s built on things that can’t be repeated and built up again.”

Presti referred to Gilgeous-Alexander as a “basketball artist” because he has the emotional intelligence to know when to call upon his various gifts.

“I just think he’s got left and right brain working, and I think when you think about people that are extremely successful in what they do, they can’t operate all on one side or the other,” Presti said. “People have to have — to me, the great people in life, business, sports, any industry, have to be able to access both sides, a creative side and then also a very objective side.”

The Thunder are set to be contenders for years. Their best player is in place long-term, all their major players are under contract through at least next season and Presti has a slew of draft picks stashed from previous trades.

“We definitely still have room to grow,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers. “That’s the fun part of this. So many of us can still get better. There’s not very many of us on the team that are ‘in our prime’ or even close to it.”

HORNETS ACQUIRE CONNAUGHTON, 2 SECOND-ROUND PICKS FROM BUCKS FOR MICIC, AP SOURCE SAYS

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets have acquired guard Pat Connaughton and two second-round draft picks from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for point guard Vasa Micic, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The Hornets will get Milwaukee’s second-round picks in 2031 and 2032 as part of the deal.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because trades can’t be finalized by the league until July 6.

The Bucks were looking to shed Connaughton’s $9.4 million salary for this coming season from their books to make room for other players, most notably to sign free agent center Myles Turner. The Hornets, who are trying to build assets as they look toward the future, were only happy to oblige.

Connaughton saw his playing time decrease this past season, appearing in 41 games while averaging 5.3 points and 2.7 assists.

Micic split time between the Hornets and Phoenix Suns last season, where he averaged 7.5 points per game for Charlotte. He was reacquired as part of the Mark Williams trade.

The Hornets also agreed to terms on a one-year contract with center Mason Plumlee, the person said. Plumlee returns to Charlotte, where he spent two seasons from 2021-23.

REPORT: KNICKS SIGNING GUERSCHON YABUSELE TO 2-YEAR DEAL

The New York Knicks are signing free agent big man Guerschon Yabusele to a two-year, $12 million contract, ESPN reported Tuesday.

The deal also includes a player option for the 29-year-old Frenchman, who returned to the NBA last season and averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 70 games (43 starts) for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Drafted 16th overall by Boston in 2016, Yabusele played parts of two seasons (2017-19) with the Celtics before competing in the NBA G League, China, France and Spain.

The 6-foot-8, 265-pound Yabusele has career averages of 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 144 games (48 starts) with the Celtics and Sixers.

GRIZZLIES BIG MAN JAREN JACKSON JR. NEEDS SURGERY FOR OFFSEASON TURF TOE INJURY, TEAM SAYS

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Grizzlies All-Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. will need surgery after suffering a turf toe injury to his right foot while participating in offseason basketball activities, the team announced Tuesday.

Memphis said Jackson is expected to recover fully, adding that a timeline for his recovery will be provided after the surgery.

The 25-year-old Jackson, a first-round draft pick in 2018, earned his second All-Star selection last season, when he averaged 22.2 points and 5.6 rebounds. He was honored as the NBA’s defensive player of the year for 2022-23, when he led the league in blocks at 3 per game.

Jackson is eligible for a contract extension this offseason as the Grizzlies seek to build around him and star point guard Ja Morant. Memphis was swept by eventual champion Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs in April.

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WNBA NEWS

MISSING CLARK, FEVER SOAR PAST LYNX 74-59 TO WIN WNBA COMMISSIONER’S CUP

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark may have been missing, but Natasha Howard and her Indiana Fever teammates more than made up for her absence on both ends of the court.

Howard had 16 points, 12 rebounds and four assists on Tuesday night as the Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final.

Indiana played without Clark, their All-Star guard who has been sidelined since June 24 with a strained groin. That didn’t slow down the Fever, who overcame an early 13-point deficit with balanced scoring and a stout defensive performance against the team with the best record in the league.

“You’ve got to have the confidence in yourself and the confidence in your teammates to allow someone else to step up in those moments, and I think that this group is learning that,” said Fever coach Stephanie White, whose team has an 8-8 record.

Howard, the 2019 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, held Lynx All-Star Napheesa Collier to just 12 points on 6-for-18 shooting. Collier also had five of Minnesota’s 16 turnovers.

“Phee’s a great player, but my thing was, make her take hard shots, and that’s what I did tonight,” said Howard, who was named the game’s MVP.

Minnesota had its worst offensive performance of the season, shooting 34.9% from the floor and making 4 of 16 3-pointers after averaging 9.4 3-pointers this season.

“We have a tendency sometimes to get impatient, and I didn’t think that our commitment to moving the basketball and creating advantages — we had a hard time getting that done,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said.

Sophie Cunningham scored 13 points while Aliyah Boston, Aari McDonald and Kelsey Mitchell each scored 12 points.

“I described this entire experience as a gut-check experience, and I mean it intentionally. I mean, physically, mentally, psychologically,” Mitchell said. “We did an unbelievable job of just staying together and weathering the storm.”

Alanna Smith led Minnesota with 15 points. Courtney Williams added 11 points but had a team-high six turnovers.

Minnesota dominated early, as Smith hit a 3-pointer and made an acrobatic layup to cap a 12-0 run that gave the Lynx an 18-9 lead.

They stretched their lead to 27-14 early in the second quarter. But Minnesota was held scoreless for the final 8:17 of the half, gong 0 for 10 from the floor as the Fever stormed back. Cunningham hit a pair of 3s as Indiana closed the quarter on an 18-0 run to take a 32-27 lead at the half.

The Fever built their lead to double figures as Howard scored 10 points in the third quarter and the Lynx never got closer than seven the rest of the way.

When Minnesota rallied to cut the deficit to 60-51 midway through the fourth quarter, Cunningham buried her third 3-pointer of the night to silence the crowd and send the Fever on their way.

The Lynx beat the New York Liberty on the road in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup final. Minnesota earned home-court advantage this year by virtue of its league-best 14-2 record.

After their first home loss of the season, the Lynx sounded eager to learn what they could from the defeat.

“We always want to play our best basketball,” Smith said. “So we have to take this game to heart and … learn from the mistakes that we made in this game, the way we showed up, the way that we prepared, and just make sure that we don’t do it again.”

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NFL NEWS

DOLPHINS ARE TRADING WITH GIANTS FOR TIGHT END DARREN WALLER, WHO WILL COME OUT OF RETIREMENT

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins are acquiring Darren Waller from the New York Giants, about a year after the veteran tight end announced his retirement from the NFL.

The Dolphins are sending a conditional 2026 sixth-round draft pick to the Giants for a 2027 seventh-rounder and the 32-year-old Waller, who will come out of retirement to play in Miami on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed. NFL Network first reported the trade.

The trade comes a day after Miami dealt Pro Bowler Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers after he had the most productive season of any tight end in Dolphins history. Miami was unwilling to pay Smith what he sought in a new contract and thus dealt him in a trade that also included All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who got his desire to play elsewhere.

The Dolphins received All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in that trade.

Adding Waller immediately fills Miami’s need for a productive tight end. Before he stepped away from football in June 2024, Waller amassed 350 career receptions, 4,124 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns for the Ravens, Raiders and Giants.

He had breakout seasons in 2019 and ’20, when he had a combined 197 catches for 2,341 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl for the 2020 season and would have gone the previous year as an alternate before sustaining a thumb injury.

Waller dealt with hamstring issues the last three years and was limited to 12 games with 52 catches for 552 yards and a touchdown in his one season with the Giants.

REPORT: NFLPA WON’T DISCUSS 18-GAME SEASON UNTIL ‘AT LEAST EARLY 2026’

The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell have made many overtures about the league having an expanded 18-game regular-season schedule in its future, but according to sources, the NFL Players Association has not been willing to discuss it just yet.

According to a Washington Post report Tuesday, the NFLPA is not expected to formally negotiate with the NFL and team owners on a potential 18-game schedule and other issues regarding the labor agreement until “at least early next year.”

Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the “reason for the delay isn’t clear.”

Goodell and the team owners have been pushing for the expanded schedule to improve the league’s position from a media rights perspective, particularly in preparation for a new media package being on the line. Goodell has also made it known the league would like to expand the number of international games to at least 16.

From an NFLPA perspective, the added game and additional travel bring obvious player safety concerns up for discussion.

Still, it’s believed the expanded schedule is an inevitability. It’s just a matter of when the NFLPA will be willing to discuss and negotiate. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires after the 2030 season.

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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

MLB ROUNDUP: GEORGE SPRINGER’S 2 HRS, 7 RBIS LIFT JAYS PAST YANKEES

George Springer hit a grand slam and a solo homer and collected a career-high seven RBIs Tuesday afternoon as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting New York Yankees 12-5 on Canada Day.

Andres Gimenez added a three-run homer for the Blue Jays, who have won the opening two of a four-game series. Toronto moved within one game of the first-place Yankees in the American League East.

Jasson Dominguez had three RBIs for New York. The Yankees scored two in the first against Kevin Gausman. Paul Goldschmidt singled and Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton walked to load the bases to set up Dominguez’s two-run single up the middle.

Max Fried didn’t allow a hit over the first three innings before Springer led off the fourth with a homer to left center on a 2-2 curveball. The inning continued when Davis Schneider was given an infield hit on a chopper to third and Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s throw was wide of first. Myles Straw walked and Gimenez homered to center on a fastball down the middle to give the Jays a 4-2 lead.

Pirates 1, Cardinals 0

Henry Davis’ eighth-inning sacrifice fly drove in Ke’Bryan Hayes to lift host Pittsburgh to the win over St. Louis.

The Pirates extended their winning streak to a season-high five games while shutting out the Cardinals for the second day in a row. Paul Skenes scattered five hits and one walk and struck out five over five innings before giving way to Caleb Ferguson, Isaac Mattson (2-0) and David Bednar (12th save).

Cardinals starter Andre Pallante allowed just one hit over seven innings before Phil Maton (1-3) gave up three hits and a run in the eighth.

Marlins 2, Twins 0

Edward Cabrera pitched seven scoreless innings and Kyle Stowers hit his 14th home run as host Miami won its eighth straight game.

It’s the Marlins’ longest win streak since they moved to Miami in 2012. The franchise record for the longest win streak is nine games, which has been accomplished five times — most recently in 2008. Cabrera (3-2) pitched one of the best games of his career, allowing just two hits and one walk, striking out six.

Joe Ryan (8-4) took a tough-luck loss. After allowing Stowers’ homer in the second inning, Ryan retired 13 straight batters until Xavier Edwards’ infield single in the sixth. Ryan finished with five hits, no walks and one run allowed in his seven innings.

Angels 4, Braves 0

Mike Trout’s hustle double sparked a four-run eighth inning as visiting Los Angeles defeated Atlanta.

Jo Adell and Jorge Soler added RBI doubles as the Angels won for the fifth time in seven games to move back to .500. Tyler Anderson allowed four hits and struck out seven over six innings before Jose Fermin (1-0), Reid Detmers and Kenley Jensen completed the Angels’ fifth shutout of the year.

Braves starter Grant Holmes also threw six scoreless innings as he fanned 10 while scattering three hits and three walks. Matt Olson walked and singled to extend his on-base streak to 31 games, MLB’s longest active streak. Ronald Acuna Jr. struck out four times for the second time in his career.

Cubs 5, Guardians 2

Matthew Boyd scattered five hits and two runs over seven innings as Chicago sent visiting Cleveland to its fifth loss in a row.

Boyd (8-3) delivered his sixth quality start in his last seven outings before Brad Keller and Daniel Palencia (ninth save) closed it out. Carson Kelly drove in three runs and Seiya Suzuki contributed his 23rd homer for the Cubs.

Gavin Williams (5-4) gave up four runs, seven hits and four walks over 5 2/3 innings. Carlos Santana posted two hits for the Guardians, who have been outscored 32-8 during their losing skein.

Dodgers 6, White Sox 1

Shohei Ohtani hit his National League-leading 30th home run and Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched seven strong innings as Los Angeles opened a six-game homestand with a victory over visiting Chicago.

Andy Pages and Michael Conforto each drove in two runs as the Dodgers improved to 13-3 since June 14. Will Smith reached base three times on two walks and a hit. He scored two runs. Yamamoto (8-6) gave up one run on three hits with eight strikeouts and retired the last 10 batters he faced.

Lenyn Sosa had two hits and drove in a run as the White Sox lost after winning their last series over the San Francisco Giants. Chicago rookie right-hander Shane Smith gave up six runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings. White Sox hitters struck out 12 times.

Rangers 10, Orioles 2

Adolis Garcia had three hits and drove in four to back six solid innings from ace Jacob deGrom as Texas walloped Baltimore in Arlington, Texas.

Alejandro Osuna hit his first career home run as the Rangers evened the three-game series and snapped a two-game losing streak. deGrom (9-2) allowed two runs on five hits to win his fifth straight decision.

Orioles starter Brandon Young (0-3) gave up three runs on six hits and two walks in four innings. Gary Sanchez hit a two-run homer for Baltimore.

Athletics 4, Rays 3 (10 innings)

Pinch hitter Austin Wynns drove in Colby Thomas with a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning as the visiting Athletics beat Tampa Bay.

Thomas, the Athletics’ second-ranked prospect who was called up Monday, collected his first major league hit and his first run. Michael Kelly threw a scoreless ninth inning for the A’s to get the win, and Mason Miller pitched a scoreless 10th for his 17th save.

Mason Montgomery gave up the decisive run in the top of the 10th. The Rays got solo home runs from Christopher Morel and Brandon Lowe, who hit his 19th long ball and extended his hitting streak to 17 games.

Astros 6, Rockies 5

Victor Caratini’s grand slam capped a five-run second inning and visiting Houston held on to beat Colorado.

Christian Walker went 3-for-4 with an RBI single while Cam Smith, Mauricio Dubon and Caratini had two hits each for the Astros, who posted their seventh win in eight games. Bennett Sousa, the second of five relievers, pitched a scoreless inning to get the win. Josh Hader allowed a run in the ninth but picked up his 24th save.

Hunter Goodman, who was returning from left hamstring tightness, homered twice for the Rockies in his return to the lineup, Jordan Beck collected a career-high five hits and Ryan Ritter had two hits. Colorado took its ninth loss in 11 games.

Diamondbacks 8, Giants 2

Jake McCarthy, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Randal Grichuk and James McCann homered to lead Arizona over San Francisco in Phoenix.

Geraldo Perdomo added two hits and an RBI for Diamondbacks. Zac Gallen (6-9) allowed two runs (one earned) and five hits in seven innings. He struck out 10 and didn’t walk a batter.

Giants starter Hayden Birdsong (3-3) permitted four runs (three earned) and three hits in four innings. Willy Adames homered for San Francisco, which has lost four in a row to match its season high.

Royals 6, Mariners 3

Salvador Perez went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs as Kansas City defeated host Seattle.

Five Royals combined for 4 1/3 innings of scoreless, one-hit relief as Kansas City won for just the second time in the past 10 games. Lucas Erceg (3-2) got the victory after quelling a seventh-inning jam, and Carlos Estevez worked a perfect ninth for his 23rd save.

Randy Arozarena homered for the Mariners, his third in the first two games of the four-game series.

Red Sox 2, Reds 1 (fourth inning, suspended)

Continuing rain in the Boston area suspended the game between Cincinnati and the Red Sox in the top of the fourth inning. Boston held a 2-1 lead on the strength of a pair of first-inning runs.

The game will resume at 2:30 p.m. ET Wednesday before the regularly scheduled series finale at 7:10.

The Red Sox needed just two batters to take the lead against Reds starter Brady Singer. Jarren Duran and Roman Anthony cracked back-to-back doubles for the first run. After Anthony moved to third on a fly ball, Carlos Narvaez made it 2-0 with an RBI single through the right side.

GIANTS EXERCISE MANAGER BOB MELVIN’S CONTRACT FOR 2026

The San Francisco Giants picked up the 2026 option on manager Bob Melvin’s contract on Tuesday.

Melvin, 63, is in his second season guiding the Giants. The team has a 45-40 record entering Tuesday night’s road game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“Having the chance to work alongside Bob every day, we’re really fortunate to have such an experienced leader and one of the most well-respected managers in baseball,” Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey said in a news release. His leadership, preparation, and connection with our players have been invaluable, and we believe he’s the right person to continue guiding this team forward.”

Melvin played for the Giants from 1986-88 and has been happy to work for the organization in the latter years of his big league career.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this group,” Melvin said. “I believe in what we’re building here. … We have a lot of unfinished business this year, and I’m looking forward to the work ahead.”

The Giants (80-82) finished in fourth place in the National League West last season in Melvin’s first season.

Melvin is a three-time Manager of the Year during his 22 years in the dugout. He won the award with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2007 and twice with the then-Oakland Athletics (2012, 2018).

Melvin has a 1,642-1,547 regular-season record and has led eight teams to the postseason. Six of those came with the Athletics during his tenure from 2011-2021.

Melvin also managed the Seattle Mariners (2003-04), Diamondbacks (2005-09) and San Diego Padres (2022-23).

San Francisco also placed infielder Christian Kos (left hamstring strain) on the 10-day injured list and recalled outfielder Luis Matos from Triple-A Sacramento. Kos was twice injured while running the bases during Monday’s 4-2 loss to Arizona.

Kos, 27, is batting .265 with two homers and 12 RBIs in 41 games this season. Matos, 23, batted .167 with four homers and seven RBIs in 24 games earlier this season.

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NHL NEWS

CANUCKS RE-SIGN BOESER, RANGERS LAND GAVRIKOV AND DEVILS KEEP GOALIE ALLEN AS NHL FREE AGENCY OPENS

Forward Brock Boeser is staying put in Vancouver, after the Canucks opened the NHL’s free agency period Tuesday by re-signing one of their own.

The six-time 20-goal-scorer agreed to a seven-year, $50.75 million contract in an announcement the Canucks made a little more than a half-hour into the start of the signing period.

“Brock has been a huge part of our organization, and we are extremely happy to have him back in the fold,” Canucks general manger Patrik Allvin said. “Brock is a leader and culture-setter in our locker room, and we’re confident he will continue to play an important role for our team.”

With Boeser, Vancouver took one of the more high-profile free agents off the board in what was already regarded as a depleted pool of talent. Numerous teams spent the lead-up by securing players by taking advantage of a record $7.5 million jump in the NHL’s salary cap.

The New York Rangers signed Vladislav Gavrikov — considered the top defensive free agent available — to a seven-year contract worth $49 million, according to a person familiar with the agreement. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.

The New Jersey Devils thinned an already small pool of free agent goalies by re-signing Jake Allen to a five-year, $9 million contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers were among the first out of the gate in signing nine-year veteran forward Christian Dvorak to a one-year, $5.4 million contract, according to another person familiar with the deal.

Boston is signing rugged forward Tanner Jeannot to a five-year contract worth $17 million, according to a third person with knowledge of the agreement.

Otherwise, a number of star players were already off the market.

The Vegas Golden Knights proved the big winners, acquiring star forward Mitch Marner in a sign-and-trade deal agreed to Monday with Toronto to land free-agency’s most prized player. And the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers took Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand off the board by re-signing each to a lengthy contract.

The Panthers weren’t done securing their Cup core, re-signing Tomas Nosek to a one-year contract on Tuesday. The 32-year-old center played a valuable defensive role on Florida’s checking line against opposing teams’ top talent.

As the dust settled, the top players available include forwards Nikolaj Ehlers and Jonathan Drouin and Carolina defenseman Dmitry Orlov.

Teams are expected to turn to the trade route in bids to improve their rosters.

Earlier, the Montreal Canadiens kicked things off on the trade market by acquiring forward Zachary Bolduc in a deal that sent defenseman Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues. Bolduc had 19 goals and 36 points as a rookie last year. Mailloux was a 2021 first-round draft pick and spent a majority of last season in the minors.

Two-time defending Western Conference champion Edmonton cleared salary cap space by sending winger Viktor Arvidsson, an 11-year veteran, to Boston for a 2027 fifth-round pick.

The Buffalo Sabres are among teams that could be active in not ruling out the possibility of dealing 24-year-old defenseman Bowen Byram. Another, and older, defenseman, Erik Karlsson, could be on the move from Pittsburgh. And Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi’s name has come up in trade buzz.

Teams also focused their attention on signing pending restricted free agents and extending contracts.

With Marner’s departure, the Maple Leafs announced the signing of pending restricted free agent forward Matthew Knies to a six-year, $46.5 million contract. The 22-year-old Knies is from Phoenix. He had 29 goals and 58 points in his second full season in Toronto.

The Canucks also reached agreements to sign goalie Thatcher Demko to a three-year, $25.5 million contract extension and forward Conor Garland to a six-year, $36 million contract extension. Both players were entering the final years of their contracts and Tuesday was the first day they were eligible to sign extensions.

Carolina signed young forward Logan Stankoven to an eight-year extension worth $48 million. Stankoven, acquired from Dallas at the trade deadline as part of the return for Mikko Rantanen, will count $6 million against the salary cap through 2034.

By no means is this year’s free agency period expected to generate the headline-grabbing moves made a year ago, when the Nashville Predators spent a combined $115 million in salary to secure forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, defenseman Brady Skjei and goalie Scott Wedgewood.

But plenty of money is set to be spent. San Jose is nearly $20 million below the salary floor, and teams from Anaheim to Carolina and beyond have room under the cap to get better.

CANES INK F LOGAN STANKOVEN TO 8-YEAR, $48M EXTENSION

Forward Logan Stankoven made a long-term commitment to the Carolina Hurricanes by signing an eight-year, $48 million contract extension on Tuesday.

Stankoven, 22, recorded 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) and five game-winning goals in 78 games last season, including nine points (five goals, four assists) in 19 games with the Hurricanes.

Carolina acquired Stankoven and first-round picks in 2026 and 2028 and third-round selections in 2026 and 2027 from Dallas on March 7 in the deal that sent forward Mikko Rantanen to the Stars.

“From the moment he arrived in Raleigh, it was clear to us that Logan was a Hurricane,” Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky said. “We’re thrilled that he agrees and is committed to being a big part of this organization long term.”

Stankoven has recorded 52 points (20 goals, 32 assists) in 102 career games with the Stars and Hurricanes. He was selected by Dallas in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft.

SHARKS SIGN WILLIAM EKLUND TO 3-YEAR, $16.8M EXTENSION

The San Jose Sharks signed forward William Eklund to a three-year, $16.8 million contract extension on Tuesday.

The team also re-signed forward Colin White to a one-year, two-way deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal with Eklund, 22, carries an average annual value of $5.6 million and starts with the 2026-27 season.

Eklund set career highs in goals (17), assists (41) and points (58) and played 77 games in 2024-25. He led the team in assists and was second in points.

Eklund has 110 points (35 goals, 75 assists) in 174 games since the Sharks drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick in 2021.

White, 28, appeared in three games with San Jose in 2024-25, spending the bulk of the season with the San Jose Barracuda in the American Hockey League. He has 113 points (44 goals, 69 assists) in 323 games with five teams since the Ottawa Senators drafted him with the 21st overall pick in 2015.

REPORT: RANGERS SIGN D VLADISLAV GAVRIKOV TO 7-YEAR EXTENSION

The New York Rangers signed unrestricted free agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday.

The reported acquisition of Gavrikov comes with the Rangers also in talks about trading fellow defenseman K’Andre Miller.

Gavrikov, 29, recorded 30 points (five goals, 25 assists) and averaged a career-high 23:05 of ice time while playing in all 82 regular-season games this past season with the Los Angeles Kings. The 6-foot-3 stay-at-home defenseman was playing on a two-year contract worth $11.75 million.

Gavrikov totaled 135 points (29 goals, 106 assists) in 435 career games with Columbus Blue Jackets and Kings. He was selected by the Blue Jackets in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL Draft.

AVALANCHE SIGN F PARKER KELLY TO 4-YEAR EXTENSION

The Colorado Avalanche signed Parker Kelly to a four-year extension and signed fellow forward T.J. Tynan and defenseman Jack Ahcan to one-year contracts on Tuesday.

Kelly’s deal is worth a reported $1.7 million per season and runs through 2029-30. Financial terms for the other transactions were not immediately available.

Kelly, 26, contributed 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in his first season with the Avalanche in 2024-25. He has 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) in 257 games with the Ottawa Senators and Avs.

Tynan, 33, appeared in nine games for Colorado in 2024-25 and tallied one assist. He has two assists in 30 career games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings and Avalanche.

Ahcan, 28, made two appearances with the Avs in 2024-25 and accrued two penalty minutes. He has one goal in 11 career games with the Boston Bruins and Colorado.

COREY PERRY, 40, ONE OF FIVE PLAYERS TO SIGN WITH LA KINGS

Corey Perry, who recently enjoyed his 40th birthday this past May, signed a one-year $3.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday.

The Kings also announced agreements with former Canadiens right winger Joel Armia, former Devils defenseman Brian Dumoulin, former Stars defenseman Cody Ceci and former Senators goalkeeper Anton Forsberg.

Armia signed for two years, $5 million. Dumoulin inked a three-year, $12 million deal. Ceci agreed to 4 years at a $4.5 million average ($18 million) while Forsberg signed for two years, $4.5 million.

A 20-year NHL veteran, Perry spent most of the past two seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, including last year, in which he appeared in an impressive 81 games (19 starts), scoring 30 points (19 goals, 11 assists).

Perry, a right winger, was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks, whom he competed for over 14 seasons, earning four All-Star nods (2008, 2011, 2012 and 2016) and hoisting a Stanley Cup with the 2007-08 Ducks.

Since then, he has skated for the Stars (2019-20), Canadiens (2020-21), Tampa Bay Lightning (2021-23), Chicago Blackhawks (2023) and Oilers.

For his career, Perry has scored 935 points (487 assists) over 1,392 games, good for 15th among all active players. His 448 goals are the seventh-most among active players.

Armia, 32, a first-round pick of Buffalo in 2011, has 207 points (103 goals, 104 assists) in 586 games over 11 years with the Sabres (2014-15), Winnipeg Jets (2015-18) and Canadiens (2018-25).

Dumoulin is a two-time Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. The 33-year-old was traded by the Anaheim Ducks to the New Jersey Devils on March 6, but did not score in five playoff appearances with the Devils. For his career, Dumoulin has 177 points (28 goals, 149 assists) in 706 games with the Penguins (2013-23), Seattle Kraken (2023-24), Ducks and Devils.

Ceci, 31, joined the Stars for their 2025 playoff run and tallied three assists over 18 playoff games. He has 235 points (52 goals, 183 assists) over 871 career games during 12 NHL seasons with the Senators (2013-19), Toronto Maple Leafs (2019-20) Penguins (2020-21), Oilers (2021-24), San Jose Sharks (2024-25) and Stars.

The 32-year-old Forsberg has a career goals-against-average of 3.04 and a save percentage of .904. He appeared in 30 games for the Senators last season, going 11-12 with a 2.71 GAA. He previously tended goal for the Columbus Blue Jackets (2014-17), Blackhawks (2017-18) and Carolina Hurricanes (2019-20) before joining the Senators in 2020.

GLEN GULUTZAN HIRED FOR SECOND STINT AS STARS’ HEAD COACH

Glen Gulutzan is getting a second chance behind the bench of the Dallas Stars.

The Stars on Tuesday hired Gulutzan as the team’s head coach.

Gulutzan, 53, replaces Pete DeBoer, who was fired by the team on June 6 shortly after Dallas lost in the Western Conference finals for the third straight season.

The Stars previously handed Gulutzan his first NHL head coaching opportunity. He went 64-57-9 in two seasons in Dallas before he was fired on May 14, 2013.

“We are thrilled to name Glen as the head coach of the Dallas Stars,” team general manager Jim Nill said. “Since his previous time in Dallas, Glen has worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the most respected coaches in the NHL. His extensive NHL experience, both as a head coach and assistant coach, speaks to his ability to innovate and adapt to the modern game, as well as build relationships with his players.

“Glen has worked with some of the best players in the world and continually found ways to maximize their skill sets to contribute to team success. We have full confidence that he is the right person to elevate our team to the next level.”

Gulutzan spent two seasons as the head coach of the Calgary Flames from 2016-18 and posted an 82-68-14 mark. After being dismissed following his second season, he shuffled over to the other Alberta team, the Edmonton Oilers, where he has worked as an assistant coach since, helping the club to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances over the past two seasons.

“My family and I are excited to come back to Texas where I started my NHL coaching journey more than a decade ago,” Gulutzan said. “Jim and his staff have built a roster that is one of the most talented and deepest in the entire league.

“The right pieces are in place to compete for the Stanley Cup on a yearly basis. I’m ready to get to Dallas and start the preparation for next season.”

Per the Stars, Alain Nasreddine (assistant coach), Jeff Reese (goaltending coach), Patrick Dolan (head video coach) and Chris Demczuk (assistant video coach) will return to the team.

Under DeBoer, 57, the Stars fell to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in Western Conference finals in 2023 and the Oilers in six and five games in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

                                                                                         

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TENNIS NEWS

COCO GAUFF IS OUT IN THE FIRST ROUND OF WIMBLEDON WITH A 7-6 (3), 6-1 LOSS TO DAYANA YASTREMSKA

Coco Gauff became just the third woman in the Open era to lose in the first round at Wimbledon right after winning the championship at the French Open, eliminated 7-6 (3), 6-1 by unseeded Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine on Tuesday night.

The No. 2-ranked Gauff made mistake after mistake at No. 1 Court, finishing with just six winners and a total of 29 unforced errors that included nine double-faults.

It was just a little more than three weeks ago that Gauff was celebrating her second Grand Slam title by getting past No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final on the red clay of Roland-Garros. The 21-year-old American also took home the trophy from the 2023 U.S. Open.

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AUTO RACING NEWS

ELLIOTT SNAPS 44-RACE WINLESS STREAK AND F1’S MCLAREN FIGHT TO THE FINISH IN AUSTRIA

All Times Eastern

NASCAR CUP SERIES

Challenge Round 2 – Grant Park 165

Site: Chicago.

Track: Chicago Street Race.

Race distance: 75 laps, 165 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 1 p.m., qualifying, 2 p.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (TNT and MAX).

Last year: Alex Bowman held off Tyler Reddick late, ending an 80-race drought while capturing a victory in the streets of Chicago.

Last race: Chase Elliott broke a 44-race winless streak and earned a spot in the playoffs after passing Brad Keselowski on the last lap to secure the win in Atlanta.

Next race: July 13, Sonoma, California.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

The Loop 110

Site: Chicago.

Track: Chicago Street Race.

Race distance: 50 laps, 110 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 10:30 a.m., qualifying, 11:30 a.m., race, 4:30 p.m. (CW).

Last year: Shane van Gisbergen grabbed his second win at the Chicago street track while pulling away from a second-finishing Ty Gibbs.

Last race: Nick Sanchez earned his first ever Xfinity series win after recovering from a spin out on lap 68 at EchoPark Speedway.

Next race: July 12, Sonoma, California.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

Last race: Pole sitter Corey Heim locked in his fifth win of the season while dominating 99 out of 100 laps at Lime Rock Park.

Next race: July 25, Indianapolis.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

FORMULA ONE

Quatar Airways British Grand Prix

Site: Towcester, United Kingdom.

Track: Silverstone Circuit.

Race distance: 52 laps, 190.2 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 7:25 a.m., practice, 10:55 a.m.; Saturday, practice, 6:25 a.m., qualifying, 9:55 a.m.; Sunday, race 9:55 a.m. (ESPN2).

Last year: Lewis Hamilton captured his first win since 2021 while keeping a late-surging Max Verstappen at bay.

Last race: Lando Norris took the win in Austria, trimming Oscar Piastri’s lead in the standings after a tense duel between the McLaren teammates.

Next race: July 26, Stavelot, Belgium.

Online: http://www.formula1.com

INDYCAR

Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio

Site: Lexington, Ohio.

Track: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Race distance: 90 laps, 203.22 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, practice, 10:30 a.m., qualifying, 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, warmup, 9:30 a.m. race 1 p.m. (FOX).

Last year: Pato O’Ward claimed his second victory of the season, fending off polesitter Alex Palou in the closing laps.

Last race: Alex Palou took advantage of leader Scott Dixon’s late pit stop to secure the victory, giving him the win in six out of nine races so far this season.

Next race: July 12, Newton, Iowa.

Online: http://www.indycar.com

NHRA DRAG RACING

Next race: July 20, Kent, Washington.

Online: http://www.nhra.com

WORLD OF OUTLAWS

Gopher 50 – Night 1

Gopher 50 – Night 2

Gopher 50 – Night 3

Next events: July 10 – 15, Spring Valley, Minnesota, Hartford, Ohio, Wilmot, Wisconsin, Attica, Ohio.

Online: http://worldofoutlaws.com

MEXICAN DRIVER DANIEL SUÁREZ OUT OF NASCAR RIDE AT TRACKHOUSE RACING AT END OF 2025 SEASON

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Daniel Suárez, the only Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR national series race, is out at Trackhouse Racing at the end of the 2025 season.

Trackhouse and Suárez officially called the parting a “mutual decision” that allows the driver an earlier opportunity to pursue a new ride for next season.

While Trackhouse did not name a replacement in the No. 99 Chevrolet, Suárez’s departure opened the door for the team to promote teen sensation Connor Zilisch into the ride. Zilisch, who drives in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports, has run three Cup races for Trackhouse this season, including Saturday night at Atlanta.

Suárez has just two wins in 305 career Cup starts, and is a distant 29th in the points standings this season. The 33-year-old Suarez is in his fifth season with Trackhouse Racing and was the team’s first driver in 2021. He made NASCAR’s playoffs two times with Trackhouse.

“We took a team nobody had even heard of in 2021 and in just a couple of years we were winning races and running upfront on a weekly basis,” Suárez wrote on social media. “Just like the seasons in a year, sometimes things change and we have agreed to each go in our own direction.”

Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks thanked Suárez for his contributions.

“The role Daniel has played in the Trackhouse origin story and its first five years will remain a valued part of the company’s history forever,” Marks said. “His commitment, work ethic and dedication to the effort is one of the most impressive things I personally have seen in my career.”

Trackhouse Racing also has Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen under contract, along with Zilisch is its development driver. Chastain has six career wins and was the 2022 Cup Series runner-up while van Gisbergen has a win this year and is in the playoffs.

Suárez, who became an American citizen last year, also has three Xfinity Series wins and one Truck Series win. His 2016 championship in the second-tier Xfinity Series made him the only foreign-born driver to win a national series title.

He made a triumphant return last month to his home country when he won the Xfinity Series race in Mexico City driving for JR Motorsports at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Yet the balance of celebrating a homecoming with looming contract negotiations weighed on Suárez.

“It’s not the first time that I’ve been in this position. Definitely the first time with the Mexico race, but it’s not the first time that I’ve been in the position that we have to win or in the position that we have a contract negotiation in the middle of the season,” Suárez said. “It’s definitely a distraction. I won’t sit here and tell you that it doesn’t really matter. I’m trying to be as smart as possible and to put all this stuff on the side and just do my thing on the track.”

He’ll do his thing at the track in 2026 with yet another new team.

Suarez started his Cup career with Joe Gibbs Racing and has raced for Stewart-Haas Racing and Gaunt Brothers Racing. He has Cup wins in 2022 at Sonoma and last year in Atlanta.

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TOP INDIANA HEADLINES

GAME RECAP: FEVER WIN COMMISSIONER’S CUP WITH DOMINANT DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE IN MINNESOTA

The Indiana Fever are the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup champions. Indiana defeated the defending champion Lynx on the road in Minnesota on Tuesday night, 74-59, to win the Commissioner’s Cup trophy for the first time in franchise history.

The Lynx jumped out to a 20-12 lead after the opening quarter on Tuesday and led 27-14 following Jessica Sheperd’s layup with 8:13 remaining in the second quarter. But the Fever held Minnesota scoreless for the remainder of the first half, closing the second quarter with an 18-0 run to take a five-point lead into halftime.

They stretched the margin as high as 14 points in the third quarter and never let the Lynx back within two possessions in the fourth quarter en route to victory.

Fever forward Natasha Howard was the unanimous choice for MVP, tallying 16 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. All-Star center Aliyah Boston also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds (along with six assists).

Sophie Cunningham tallied 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench while going 3-for-5 from 3-point range, while Aari McDonald and Kelsey Mitchell contributed 12 points apiece.

But it was Indiana’s defense that was the difference. The Fever held Minnesota to just 39 points over the final three quarters, limited the Lynx to 34.9 percent shooting, and forced 16 turnovers.

The Fever won without All-Star point guard Caitlin Clark, who missed her third straight contest with a groin injury.

“We have a resilient group,” Fever head coach Stephanie White said after the win. “They’re tough – mentally, physically. They pull for one another. I don’t know if it’s something I learned that I didn’t already know. It’s just that I’m proud for them that they can see it come to fruition…It’s nice to take a trophy home, but this isn’t the ultimate goal. It’s a goal. And we’ve got to continue to get better.”

While the Commissioner’s Cup Championship does not count towards the regular season standings, the Fever will bring a trophy home to Indiana as well as a $500,000 prize pool. The Fever open a five-game homestand on Thursday, when they host the Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

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INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS

TWO BIG INNINGS LIFT LOUISVILLE PAST INDY IN SERIES OPENER

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats scored four runs in the second inning and five in the seventh frame to top the Indianapolis Indians in the lidlifter of the series on Tuesday night at Louisville Slugger Field, 12-5. The setback halted Indy’s winning streak at three games.

Indianapolis (46-35, 4-3) opened a 2-0 lead in the top of the first on a two-run triple by Nick Yorke, but it slipped away in the second. Levi Jordan and Jack Rogers opened the inning with singles. P.J. Higgins walked to load the bases, and one out later, Blake Dunn hit into a fielder’s choice to drive in Jordan. Bryson Brigman then singled home two runs, and Noelvi Marte capped the inning with a knock that plated Brigman.

Marte and Louisville (36-46, 4-3) put the game out of reach with a five-run seventh. With the bases loaded and two outs, Burch Smith struck out Brigman, but the ball got away and he reached on a wild pitch. It scored a run and kept the inning alive for Marte, who launched a grand slam to left-center field.

Yorke later clubbed a two-run homer in the eighth and finished with four runs batted in, a season-high.

Chase Petty (W, 2-4) settled in for Louisville after he allowed the two first-inning runs and earned the victory. He worked 5.0 frames and retired 12 of the final 14 batters he faced.

Drake Fellows (L, 5-2) allowed four runs over four innings in his start for Indy and took the loss.

Game two of this week’s split six-game series at Louisville Slugger Field is slated for 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday. RHP Thomas Harrington (4-8, 6.11) will start for Indy and he’ll be opposed by RHP Adam Plutko (2-4, 5.83). The series will shift to Victory Field on Friday.

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INDY ELEVEN

SULTE NAMED TO USL JÄGERMEISTER CUP “TEAM OF THE ROUND”

(July 1, 2025) Tampa, Fla. – Indy Eleven goalkeeper Hunter Sulte has been selected to the USL Jägermeister Cup Team of the Round for round three after leading the Boys in Blue to a 7-6 shootout victory over Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday at Carroll Stadium.

With the shootout tied 4-4, the 6’7 Sulte dove to his right to thwart Ronaldo Damus’ potential game-winning shot to keep his team alive.

After Josh O’Brien gave the Boys in Blue a 7-6 lead in the shootout, Sulte again dove to his right, but this time he used his left hand to deflect Erik Centeno’s attempt and give his team the shootout triumph.

Sulte made an amazing kick save in the 21st minute on a close-range shot by Danny Trejo to keep the match scoreless. In the 49th, the Anchorage, Alaska, native saved another shot from inside the six by Trejo.  This time, Sulte closed his legs like a hockey goalie to stop the shot with his left leg.

In the match, Sulte made six saves for the second time in 24 days vs. Birmingham Legion, following his 1-0 clean sheet on the road on June 4 in USL Championship play. That is one shy of his career-high seven saves vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 20, 2024.

The “Team of the Week” honor is Sulte’s fourth in his two years with the Boys in Blue, having earned that recognition three weeks ago on June 10 and twice last season (June 15 and October 15) following back-to-back clean sheets in both of those weeks. He made the USLC “Save of the Week” four times in 2024.

Sulte and Reice Charles-Cook have combined to allow just one goal in three Jägermeister Cup matches this season.

The Boys in Blue have had eight different players named to the Team of the Week/Team of the Round in 2025, including Elvis Amoh to the USL Jägermeister Cup “Team of the Round” for round one on April 29.

Indy Eleven is 2-0-1 in USL Jägermeister Cup play with eight points atop Group 3, with Birmingham one point behind with seven.  The final round of group play will be on July 26 when Indy Eleven hosts FC Tulsa.  The winner of the group + the two best second-place finishers will advance to the quarterfinals of the 38-team tournament on August 20.

The Indy Eleven “Summer of Soccer presented by Indy Roof & Restoration” continues with “Hometown Heroes” on Saturday, July 5 vs. Monterey Bay F.C. at 7:30 pm at Carroll Stadium, with fireworks after the match.

Fans can enter a “Summer of Soccer Getaway presented by Indy Roof & Restoration” sweepstakes, with the Grand Prize a fly away trip for two to the Boys in Blue away match at Charleston on Saturday, September 6 with flights, hotel and a food stipend included.  Additional prizes include a bundle of an Indy Eleven signed jersey, scarf, and a $25 gift card to the Indy Eleven Shop.  Deadline is July 14.

Sign up to the Indy Eleven newsletter for further information on how to enter and follow Indy Eleven and Indy Roof & Restoration on Facebook, Instagram, and X to learn more.

In addition to the sweepstakes, there will be social media giveaways and exclusive merchandise drops for the “Summer of Soccer presented by Indy Roof & Restoration.”

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INDIANA BASEBALL

MORE HISTORY FOR HANLEY

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – First baseman Jake Hanley continues to make more history for the Hoosiers. On Tuesday (July 1) afternoon, he became the first unanimous Freshman All-American to ever play at Indiana. He was honored by all four major outlets after a dominant rookie campaign in Bloomington.

Hanley started all 56 games at first base in 2025 and became a regular in the middle of the order. He was second on the team with a .333 batting average and contributed 73 hits, 48 runs scored, 14 home runs and 52 RBIs. IU’s lineup was filled with freshmen this season and he helped anchor a core four of true freshmen (Hogan Denny, Cooper Malamazian and Will Moore) that all recorded at least 40 hits on the season.

In addition to his tremendous offensive game, Hanley became an outstanding defender as well. Head coach Jeff Mercer takes pride in working with the first basemen and he’s found his next star at the position. Hanley didn’t commit a single error on the season and was a national finalist for the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove award at first base.

After his prolific season in Bloomington, Hanley has gone out to the prestigious Cape Cod League as a freshman to play summer ball. He was the fourth player in program history to win Big Ten Freshman of the Year and will be the focal point of IU’s lineup in the 2026 season.

Perfect Game, D1 Baseball and the NCBWA all honored him as a first team selection. Baseball America tabbed the 6-foot-6 first baseman as a Second Team Freshman All-American. He’s just the second player in program history (Josh Pyne) to earn four Freshman All-American honors in the same year – but the first to be honored by every major outlet.

Hanley’s Postseason Honors (2025)

– Big Ten Freshman of the Year

– Second Team All-Big Ten (At-Large)

– Big Ten All-Freshman Team (1B)

– ABCA/Rawlings Midwest Second Team All-Region

– Perfect Game First Team Freshman All-American

– NCBWA First Team Freshman All-American

– D1 Baseball First Team Freshman All-American

– Baseball America Second Team Freshman All-American

– ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove National Finalist (1B)

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INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S BASKETBALL REVEALS NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana men’s basketball program will host an eight-game non-conference home slate, highlighted by a matchup with Kansas State.

“It was important to our staff that we put together a schedule that prepares us for the intensity of a 20-game Big Ten schedule,” said head coach Darian DeVries. “We were able to get some regional rivals in high-profile venues that will get us ready for the tough environments we will see this season in league play. We are also excited to get our first taste of Hoosier Nation with eight games at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.”

The Hoosiers will open the season against Alabama A&M (Nov. 5) before traveling to Chicago for a matchup with Marquette (Nov. 9) at the United Center. The Hoosiers will return to Bloomington for five-straight contests at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall against Milwaukee (Nov. 12), Incarnate Word (Nov. 16), Lindenwood (Nov. 20), Kansas State (Nov. 25), and Bethune-Cookman (Nov. 29).

Indiana will tipoff December with a pair of rivalry tilts against Louisville (Dec. 6) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and at Kentucky (Dec. 13). The non-conference slate will close with consecutive home games against Chicago State (Dec. 20) and Siena (Dec. 22).

The Big Ten schedule, tip times, and television designations will be announced at a later date.

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PURDUE WRESTLING

ERSLAND ADDS HIGHLY-RANKED HEAVYWEIGHT TO CLASS OF 2025

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue wrestling head coach Tony Ersland announced the signing of Tyson Russell, a projected 285-pounder from Cleveland, Tennessee, on Tuesday.

Russell is the 158th-ranked overall recruit on the MatScouts Class of 2025 Big Board and the 19th-ranked heavyweight in the nation. He became Purdue’s seventh top-250 signee in the class, which breaks a tie with defending national champion Penn State for most in the Big Ten.

“Tyson Russell looks to be a great addition to our class of 2025, which has definitely shaped up well for us,” Ersland said. “He fills a need at heavyweight and elevates our class even higher. We have a lot of great momentum as a program right now, and the fact that so many of the nation’s top wrestlers want to be a part of that bodes well for the future of Purdue wrestling. We have a lot of talent going into next season.”

Russell is a back-to-back Tennessee state champion, where he’s posted multiple dominant seasons as the top-ranked heavyweight. He helped Cleveland High School maintain its status as the top wrestling powerhouse in Tennessee, in which it’s won eight straight team state titles.

Russell figures to join the mix of heavyweights on Purdue’s roster, including returning NCAA qualifier Hayden Filipovich, Dominic Burgett and Keagan Martin.

The Tennessee native is the latest top-250 signee in Purdue’s class, which also includes No. 70 Noah Weaver, No. 142 Adrian Pellot, No. 160 Isaiah Schaefer, No. 178 Vincent Paino, No. 193 Brody Saccoccia and No. 201 Aidan Costello. Ty Henderson from Evansville Mater Dei will join the fold as well after a third-place finish in the Indiana state tournament.

This fall, Purdue will also welcome newcomers Gavin Brown, a transfer from Ohio State, and Blake Boarman, a 2025 NCAA qualifier from Chattanooga. In June, Boarman was ranked as the No. 23 returning 133-pounder in the country by FloWrestling.

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NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL

LOVE, MOORE NAMED TO WALTER CAMP PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA FIRST TEAM

Junior running back Jeremiyah Love and sophomore cornerback Leonard Moore have both been selected to the 2025 Walter Camp Preseason All-America First Team.

Walter Camp is the nation’s oldest college football All-America team, selecting its first All-America team in 1889. It is one of the five All-America teams included in consensus and unanimous All-America determinations.

Safety Xavier Watts represented the Irish on the Walter Camp All-America first team at the end of the 2024 season.

Love comes off a statement 2024 campaign for Notre Dame. He rushed for a touchdown in each of the first 13 games of 2024 and totaled 17 rushing touchdowns, in addition to two receiving touchdowns. Love posted 1,125 rushing yards in 2024, the 21st time an Irish player has broken the 1,000-yard rushing mark in a season.

He averaged 6.9 yards per carry, which ranked ninth nationally in 2024 among players with 100 or more carries, and he tied for second among all single-season 1,000-yard rushers in ND records (Reggie Brooks, 1992, 8.0 – 1,343; Josh Adams, 2017, 6.9 – 1,430).

Love was the only FBS player to score a rushing touchdown in every regular season game that season. He broke the record for the most consecutive games with a rushing touchdown in Notre Dame history with 13 (passing 11 – Wayne Bullock, 1973-74, 17 total rushing TDs during streak). The 13-consecutive games to start a season is also a program record, besting Autry Denson’s season-opening run of 10 in 1998

Notre Dame’s rushing offense ranked No. 4 among the Power 4 in yards per carry (5.66), ranking No. 7 among all FBS teams. The Irish ranked No. 6 among Power 4 teams in rushing offense (210.8).

Love, Jadarian Price and Riley Leonard each had at least 700 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns in 2024, the only FBS team to have a trio accomplish that feat that season. Notre Dame tied for second at the end of the regular season among all FBS teams in rushes of 50 or more yards with seven (by four players, with seven touchdowns).

With 45 rushing touchdowns, the Irish led all Power 4 teams and ranked third among all FBS programs in rushing touchdowns.

Moore enters his true sophomore season after being named the FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year and selected to the Freshman All-America teams for FWAA, ESPN, The Athletic (First Team), Pro Football Focus, the College Football Network and the 247Sports True Freshman All-America Team. He has already been named to the 2025 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List.

In 2024, Moore started 10 games and totaled 48 tackles with two interceptions, 2.0 TFL, 10 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a quarterback hurry. In the first two starts of his career, he totaled seven tackles in each.

He made his mark in several games for the Irish en route to wins in the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl and an appearance in the 2025 CFP National Title game. In the regular season finale at USC, he recorded five pass breakups, tied for the second-most in a single game by any FBS player in 2024, and the only freshman in the country to achieve the feat last season.

In his first-career start vs. Louisville, Moore led the entire defense with seven tackles and forced a fumble that resulted in a Notre Dame touchdown drive. He followed it up with another seven-tackle performance, adding a tackle for a loss of 16 yards and two pass breakups at Georgia Tech. He compiled two-consecutive stops to force a turnover on the last drive of the first half, cementing an Irish lead.

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NOTRE DAME BASEBALL

WATTERS NAMED TO FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICA SECOND TEAM

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Bino Watters was named to the Freshman All-America Second Team by D1baseball.com for his performance during the 2025 season.

A native of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Watters had a .317 batting average, a .436 on-base percentage, and a .549 slugging percentage for an OPS of .984 while being named an All-American as a DH by the D1Baseball.com editors and national writers. He added 40 runs with nine doubles, nine home runs and 39 RBI during his debut season with the Irish. Watters posted 16 multi-hit games during the 2025 campaign.

An ACC Freshman Team selection earlier this year, it is the first All-America honor of his collegiate career.

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NOTRE DAME MEN’S BASKETBALL

IRISH LEARN FIRST TWO PLAYERS ERA OPPONENTS

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The 2025 version of the Players Era Men’s Championship is even bigger and better than the inaugural version which launched a year ago. The number of teams on the men’s side more than doubled, going from eight to 18, with some of the biggest names in college basketball joining Notre Dame in Las Vegas.

Up first, a program the Fighting Irish have not seen on the hardwood since the 1987-88 season – the Kansas Jayhawks. Notre Dame and Kansas will square off on Monday, November 24, at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Irish ultimately own a 9-3 advantage in the series.

Both Notre Dame and Kansas rank in the top eight all-time list for program wins. The Fighting Irish will enter the season just 22 wins away from 2,000.

On the very next day, the Irish will have an opportunity for a grudge rematch against Rutgers at 1 p.m. ET. Last season, ND lost an 84-85 overtime heartbreaker to the Scarlet Knights. Matt Allocco put on a show with a 24-point, 10-rebound, double-double, forcing overtime with a dramatic three, and then drained three more treys in a 30-second span in OT. Notre Dame still owns a 21-14 lead in the all-time series.

In a slight schedule change from last year, Notre Dame will play three games in three days, with their Wednesday opponent TBD based on results.

The Players Era Men’s Championship will release more info in the coming weeks, including game location and TV designations. Fan info can be found on the tournament website at playersera.com.

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IU INDY ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES TWO STAFF PROMOTIONS

INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indianapolis Athletics Department announced a pair of staff promotions on Tuesday (July 1) as both Justin Amburgy and Kara Blair were elevated to Associate Head Coach posts. Amburgy originally joined the IU Indy men’s cross country and track and field staff in January 2024 at the conclusion of his collegiate running career while Blair joined the golf program’s coaching ranks in Fall 2023.

Both have played pivotal roles in the continued growth of the program since joining the coaching ranks.

“I am excited to announce and promote Coach Amburgy to Associate Head Coach for the Men’s Cross Country and Track teams at IU Indianapolis. Since joining our staff, Coach Amburgy has made a tremendous impact on our program. His leadership in recruiting has brought in state champions, runner-ups and elite high school athletes, elevating the competitive profile of our teams,” said Men’s Director of Track & Field / Cross Country Justin Roeder. “Beyond recruiting, his commitment to athlete well-being and mentorship has propelled countless student-athletes transition successfully to NCAA Division I competition, always with a focus on long-term growth and performance. I am thrilled to continue to work alongside Coach Burgy and the development this next generation of Jaguars.”

Amburgy spearheaded the team’s recruiting efforts as the program added 13 true freshmen a year ago. Many made an immediate impact on the program as the Jaguars earned a third straight #HLXC runner-up finish and were league champions in the distance medley relay.

“I’m beyond excited to have Kara promoted to Associate Head Coach. She’s a tremendous asset and resource, particularly for the young women in our women’s program. She related to them incredibly well and has taken the lead in terms of coaching and leading that program,” head coach Jamie Broce said. “She’s competed at a really high level and has transitioned that over to being a really quality collegiate coach. I look forward to seeing her continue to grow and blossom in that role.”

Blair’s efforts will be more closely tied to the women’s program as she helped ink an impressive incoming class for 2025-26. The Jaguars added three true freshmen and an impact transfer, all of whom will compete for spots in the lineup, beginning this fall.

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BALL STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S HOOPS TEAMS ANNOUNCE MAC-SBC CHALLENGE PAIRINGS

MUNCIE, Ind. – First-round pairings for the third installment of the MAC-SBC Challenge have been announced by the Mid-American and Sun Belt Conferences, with Ball State men’s and women’s basketball teams each receiving assignments for first-round games that take place Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.

The Ball State men, entering their fourth season under head coach Michael Lewis, host Louisiana in a home game at Worthen Arena. The Ragin’ Cajuns finished 11th in the Sun Belt in 2024-25 (12-21/8-10 SBC). The Cardinals were ninth in the MAC (14-17/7-11 MAC).

The Ball State women, defending champions of the MAC under the guidance of 14th-year head coach Brady Sallee, draw a road matchup with Arkansas State, who finished second in the Sun Belt last season (21-11/15-3 SBC). The regular season and tournament-champion Cardinals head to Jonesboro, Arkansas, after finishing 27-8 overall, 16-2 in the MAC.

The MAC-SBC Challenge matches programs in each conference with similar records. Initiated prior to the 2023-24 season, the MAC-SBC Challenge includes a first-round game early in each team’s schedule, then a second-date in the middle of the conference schedule.

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BALL STATE TENNIS

FORMER BALL STATE TENNIS STAR GENE ORLANDO RETURNS AS MEN’S TENNIS HEAD COACH

MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell has announced the hiring of former Ball State men’s tennis standout and hall of famer, Gene Orlando, as the next head coach of the Cardinals. Orlando takes over the reins from former head coach Bill Richards who recently announced his retirement after 53 years at the helm of the men’s tennis program.

“I am delighted to name Gene Orlando as our new men’s tennis head coach,” said Mitchell. “Coach Orlando’s extensive coaching experience, his love for Ball State and his proven ability to develop student-athletes give me great confidence that he will continue the culture of excellence within our program.”

Orlando has spent the last three seasons as Richards’ assistant coach. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Orlando was the head coach at Michigan State for 31 seasons before retiring after the 2022 campaign. The winningest men’s tennis coach in MSU history, with 361 victories, he was also the longest-tenured men’s tennis coach in the Big Ten Conference.

“I am honored and thrilled to continue on Coach Richards legacy as the new men’s tennis coach,” Orlando said. “Returning to my alma mater and to lead our Cardinals’ tennis program fills me with immense passion and sincere gratitude. This opportunity unites all our alumni, our families and our fans in Coach Richards’ legacy. I offer sincere thanks to athletic director Jeff Mitchell and senior associate athletic director Emma Kumar for their support and commitment to our tennis program and Cardinal Athletics. At Michigan State, Orlando led the Spartans to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2013 and had four doubles teams and four singles compete at the NCAA Championships. His student-athletes earned All-Big Ten honors 21 times. In 2015, he mentored the first All-American doubles tandem in Michigan State history as Harry Jadun and John Patrick Mullane advanced to the national semifinals. He also helped the Spartans win a single-season record 18 matches in 2011 and 2012.

A 1987 graduate of Ball State, Orlando lettered in tennis from 1983 to 1987 and helped the Cardinals claim four straight Mid-American Conference championships and post a four-year MAC league mark of 29-0.

Orlando won the 1987 MAC No. 3 singles title after winning the league’s No. 2 doubles and No. 4 singles crowns in 1986. He helped Ball State earn an 83-14 record over his career and served as a graduate assistant coach in 1987-88. As a graduate assistant, he helped the Cardinals earn another MAC crown.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that Gene will be taking over for me as the next head coach at Ball State,” Richards said. “He is a big part of our history and tradition as a great player and graduate assistant coach. He is a tremendous coach and person as well as a leader and motivator. He brings a world of experience after coaching at the Power-4 level for many years. He has also been very engaged with our alumni through the years and with our recent teams while his son Vince was an outstanding member of our team. All these factors make him the perfect hire. I want to thank Jeff Mitchell and Emma Kumar for making this transition happen. I’m excited about the future of the program.”

Vince Orlando also was a four-year letterwinner for the Cardinals and was an assistant coach at Michigan State following his graduation from Ball State in 2024. He was recently hired as an assistant coach for Ole Miss.

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INDIANA STATE BASEBALL

SYCAMORES ANNOUNCE SIGNINGS OF JOEY VALENTINE, CALEB NIEHAUS

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State head baseball coach Tracy Archuleta announced the addition of Joey Valentine and Caleb Niehaus to the signing class as the duo will be joining the Sycamore baseball team for the 2026 season.

The duo joins Colin Sander, Owen Robert, Trevor Fenters, Ty Brown, and Talan Steinway to date as the players joining the Sycamores’ 2025 class.

Joey Valentine | LHP | 6-2 | Sr. | Medina, Ohio | Medina HS (Wright State)

Joey Valentine joins the Indiana State pitching staff after a three-year stint at Wright State University where he made 53 career appearances on the mound, including two starts over his time with the Raiders. The left-hander has recorded a 5.64 career ERA over 52.2 innings pitched with a 4-2 record and four saves on the mound. He’s added a 60:60 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a career .199 opponent batting average.

Valentine is coming off a season where he posted a 2-0 record with a 4.80 ERA over 13 relief appearances on the mound. He pitched 15.0 innings allowing opponents to hit just .214 from the plate on the year.

The Medina, Ohio native made his lone collegiate starts in the 2024 season on his way to posting a 1-1 record with a 9.45 ERA over 13.1 innings pitched. Opponents hit .231 from the plate against Valentine, while he made appearances against Oklahoma, Xavier, Miami (Ohio), and Ohio State.

Valentine was a 2023 Horizon League All-Freshman Team selection after making a career-high 25 relief appearances. He posted a 1-1 record with a 4.07 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 24.1 innings, while finishing second on the team and sixth in the Horizon with four saves. He held opponents to a .170 batting average.

Caleb Niehaus | INF | 6-1 | Sr. | Evansville, Ind. | Castle HS (Western Kentucky / Southern Indiana)

Caleb Niehaus reunites with Coach Archuleta following his junior season at Western Kentucky. The Evansville, Ind. native appeared in 29 games with 11 starts in the field with the Hilltoppers hitting .261 from the plate with 12 hits, five RBIs, 12 runs, and 10 stolen bases. He highlighted his lone season at WKU with a 3-for-4 game with two RBIs, three runs, and three stolen bases against Evansville on March 25.

Niehaus spent two years at USI under Archuleta posting 114 games played and 112 starts on the year. He recorded a .274 batting average over his first two collegiate seasons with 26 doubles, three triples, and six home runs, while driving in 77 RBIs and 80 runs scored. He added a .384 slugging percentage and a .339 on-base percentage, while adding 19 stolen bases.

Niehaus hit .284 in his final season at USI while starting all 59 games in 2024. He scored a career-high 53 runs and added 16 doubles, while highlighting his season with a two-homer game against SEMO. He added a .375 batting line with two RBIs and three runs scored at the 2024 OVC Baseball Championships.

Niehaus as named to the OVC All-Freshman Team after hitting .263 with three home runs, 27 runs scored, and 46 RBIs in 2023. He opened his collegiate career with a two-homer, five-RBI weekend against Western Illinois on his way to finishing third on the team with 16 multi-hit games and first with 12 multi-RBI contests.

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INDIANA STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER

SYCAMORES ANNOUNCE 2025 WOMEN’S SOCCER SCHEDULE

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State head coach Paul Lawrence announced the 2025 women’s soccer schedule on Tuesday morning as the Sycamores sit a little over a month away from the start of the upcoming regular season.

The Sycamores schedule features nine home matches on the friendly pitch at Memorial Stadium, while Indiana State will hit the road 10 times over the year.

Indiana State hosts SIUE in a preseason exhibition on Sunday, August 10, to kickoff the year, before opening the regular season on the road on Thursday, August 14, at Purdue.

The Sycamores’ 2025 regular season home opener comes against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for the second consecutive season as Indiana State looks to defend its home turf after posting a 5-0-4 mark inside Memorial Stadium last season.

The Sycamores hit the road to Tennessee for matches against Chattanooga (Aug. 21) and Middle Tennessee State (Aug. 24), before returning home to wrap up the opening month of the season with home matches against IU Indy (Aug. 27) and Western Illinois (Aug. 31). The Western Illinois match will also double as Indiana State’s Senior Day with the 2025 senior class set to be recognized in a pre-match ceremony.

Indiana State opens up September on the road at Eastern Illinois (Sept. 4), before returning home against SEMO (Sept. 7). A midweek trip to Green Bay (Sept. 11) is followed by a home match against Lindenwood (Sept. 14).

Missouri Valley play opens on the road as the Sycamores travel to Northern Iowa (Sept. 20). Indiana State makes its home MVC debut against UIC (Sept. 25), before hitting the road for back-to-back matches at Evansville (Sept. 28) and Drake (Oct. 5).

The Sycamores settle into the final stretch of the season at home against Valparaiso (Oct. 12), before making their final road trip of the year to Belmont (Oct. 18) and Southern Illinois (Oct. 23). The 2025 regular season comes to a close with back-to-back home matches against Illinois State (Oct. 26) and Murray State (Oct. 30).

The 2025 Missouri Valley Championships location is still to be determined.

Indiana State will announce its fall 2025 women’s soccer promotional slate at a later date.

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PURDUE FT. WAYNE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

KENDAL MUXLOW AND LAUREN ROSS JOIN MASTODON WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING STAFF

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A pair of familiar faces will be on the sidelines for Purdue Fort Wayne women’s basketball games this season. Head coach Maria Marchesano announced that Kendal Muxlow and Lauren Ross will have been hired for assistant coach roles for the 2025-26 season.

“I am very excited to welcome two former Mastodons back to Fort Wayne!” Marchesano said.

Muxlow was a member of the Purdue Fort Wayne women’s basketball program for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons before medically retiring. She stayed with the program as a manager then moved into the Director of Operations role for the 2023-24 season. After spending the last year outside of athletics to teach in Indianapolis, Muxlow is returning to the Gates Sports Center as an assistant coach. The Brown City, Michigan native earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2023 and a master’s degree in education in 2024.

“Having Kendal rejoin our staff is a huge blessing because of the organization and clarity she brings to each week,” Marchesano said. “She is always one step ahead and we are excited to have her back in an operations role as well as taking on an even bigger role with recruiting and retention. She just makes all of our jobs easier and I can’t express enough how valuable that is.”

Ross spent her final year of eligibility with the Mastodons in 2024-25 and left her mark on the program’s record book. She became the first player in NCAA history to lead the country in both 3-point percentage (47.6) and free throw percentage (94.8), while both percentages were top-30 marks in NCAA history. She was named the Horizon League Newcomer of the Year and was a First Team selection. Ross spent three years at Western Michigan and one at Michigan State prior to playing for Purdue Fort Wayne. She was named an Academic All-American twice in her career, the second of which was while at Purdue Fort Wayne. Ross was the first Mastodon to earn the honor in a decade. The Muskegon, Michigan native earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Michigan in 2023 and will complete her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Purdue Fort Wayne while coaching.

“When we found out that Lauren wanted to stay with the team in any capacity we were ecstatic!” Marchesano said. “She is a dedicated and relentless worker and her knowledge of our systems and processes is just an added bonus. She’s a basketball junkie and a natural for this position. I’m excited to see the impact she’ll have on this side of the game.”

Muxlow, Ross, and the 2025-26 edition of the Mastodons will open the season in November.

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SMALL COLLEGE WEB SITES

UINDY ATHLETICS: https://athletics.uindy.edu/

MARIAN ATHLETICS: https://muknights.com/

INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/

EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/

WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/

FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/

ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/

ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index

TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index

BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/

DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/

HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/

MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/

HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/

OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx

ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index

IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/

IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/

IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/

PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/

INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx

GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/

ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/

GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/

HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php

TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/

VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index

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TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY

July 2

1903 — Washington outfielder Ed Delahanty went over a railroad bridge at Niagara Falls and drowned. The exact circumstances of his death never were determined.

1909 — The Chicago White Sox stole 12 bases, including home plate three times, in a 15-3 rout of the St. Louis Browns.

1930 — Chicago outfielder Carl Reynolds homered in the first, second and third innings, leading the White Sox to a 15-4 win over the New York Yankees. Reynolds, the second player in history to hit home runs in three consecutive innings, had two inside-the-park homers.

1933 — Carl Hubbell of the New York Giants beat the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0 in an 18-inning game. He allowed six hits and no walks. In the second game of the doubleheader, the Cardinals were blanked 1-0, with Roy Parmelee outdueling Dizzy Dean.

1933 — Jimmie Foxx of the Philadelphia Athletics set and American League record with 21 total bases in a doubleheader. Foxx hit two solo homers in the opener, a 6-5 win over the St. Louis Browns. In the nightcap, an 11-6 loss, Foxx had two homers, a double and a triple.

1941 — Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees hit a home run to extend his consecutive game hitting streak to 45 games, surpassing Willie Keeler’s record of 44 straight games for the Orioles in 1897.

1963 — Juan Marichal of San Francisco beat Warren Spahn and the Milwaukee Braves 1-0 in 16 innings on Willie Mays’ homer.

1986 — Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox fell short of a record-tying 15th consecutive winning decision when the Toronto Blue Jays scored three runs in the eighth inning for a 4-2 victory.

1995 — Hideo Nomo of the Los Angeles Dodgers became the first Japanese player picked for baseball’s All-Star game. Nomo was the NL’s leader in strikeouts and second in ERA.

2007 — Roger Clemens reached a rare milestone, pitching eight innings of two-hit ball to earn his 350th career win and lead the New York Yankees past Minnesota 5-1. Clemens became the first major leaguer to win 350 games since Hall of Famer Warren Spahn of the Milwaukee Braves accomplished the feat in 1963.

2009 — Houston Astros beat the Padres 7-2, but only after waiting out a 52-minute delay in the top of the ninth inning caused when a swarm of bees took over part of left field at San Diego’s Petco Park.

2013 — Homer Bailey pitched his second no-hitter in 10 months and the first in the majors this season, pitching the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-0 victory over the slumping San Francisco Giants. Bailey beat the Pirates 1-0 in Pittsburgh last Sept. 28.

2014 — Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz became the 36th player in major league history to collect 1,000 extra-base hits with a ground-rule double during a 16-9 lost to the Chicago Cubs.

2016 — Cleveland’s franchise-record 14-game winning streak was snapped by a 9-6 loss to Toronto, with the Blue Jays scoring three runs in the eighth to overcome a cycle by Rajai Davis.

2016 — C.J. Cron went 6 for 6 with two homers and five RBIs, Carlos Perez had five hits and drove in six and the Los Angeles Angels ended a four-game losing streak with 21-2 rout of the Boston Red Sox.

2019 — The New York Yankees record streak of consecutive games with at least one home run comes to an end at 31.

2022 — The Cardinals become the first team to hit four consecutive homers in the 1st inning when Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Juan Yepez and Dylan Carlson all go deep against Kyle Gibson of the Phillies. Gibson retires the first two batters before giving up a single to Paul Goldschmidt, followed by the homer barrage. Lars Nootbaar then hits a ball that is caught at the warning track to end the inning. It is the 11th time time this has been done in any inning, but the Cards need another homer by Arenado, this one in the 9th, to end up as 7 – 6 winners.

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July 3

1912 — Rube Marquard of the New York Giants raised his season record to 19-0 with a 2-1 victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers. His winning streak ended five days later against the Chicago Cubs.

1939 Cleveland’s Ben Chapman ties the modern major-league record with three triples in a 4-2 win over the Detroit Tigers.

1939 — Johnny Mize of St. Louis hit two home runs, a triple and a double, leading the Cardinals to a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Mize drove in three runs and scored three times.

1947 — The Cleveland Indians purchased Larry Doby from the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League, making him the first black player in the American League.

1966 — Atlanta pitcher Tony Cloninger became the first National League player to hit two grand slams in one game. He added a single for nine RBIs in a 17-3 triumph over San Francisco.

1968 — Cleveland’s Luis Tiant struck out 19, walked none in a six-hit 1-0, 10-inning triumph over Minnesota.

1970 — California’s Clyde Wright used only 98 pitches to no-hit the Oakland A’s 4-0 at Anaheim Stadium.

1973 — Jim Perry of the Detroit Tigers and brother Gaylord of the Cleveland Indians faced each other for the only time as opposing pitchers. Neither finished the game. Gaylord took the loss, 5-4.

2006 — Manager Felipe Alou picked up his 1,000th career victory in San Francisco’s 9-6 win over Colorado.

2013 — Max Scherzer worked into the seventh inning to become the first pitcher in 27 years to get off to a 13-0 start, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

2016 — Stephen Strasburg was removed from a no-hit bid after 6 2/3 innings, and Ramon Cabrera singled against Matt Belisle leading off the eighth for Cincinnati’s first hit in the Washington Nationals’ 12-1 rout of the Reds. Strasburg (11-0) threw 109 pitches, five shy of his season high. Strasburg won a franchise-record 14 straight decisions and is the first NL starter to begin a season 11-0 since San Diego’s Andy Hawkins in 1985.

2016 — Wilmer Flores went 6 for 6 with two of New York’s five home runs, and the Mets romped to a 14-3 win and a four-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs. Jon Lester gave up eight runs and nine hits in 1 1/3 innings, the shortest of his 301 career starts over 11 major league seasons.

2016 — New York’s Mark Teixeira hit his 400th and 401st home runs and Chad Green got his first big league victory as the Yankees avoided a three-game sweep with a 6-3 win over San Diego.

2020 — Major League Baseball announces the cancellation of the 2020 All Star game in Dodger Stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

July 2

1921 — The Jack Dempsey-Georges Carpentier heavyweight match at Rickard’s Orchard in Jersey City, N.J., becomes the first million-dollar gate in boxing history. The receipts total $1,789,238 with $50 ringside seats. In front of 80,183, Dempsey knocks out Carpentier at 1:16 of the fourth round.

1927 — Helen Wills becomes the first American to win at Wimbledon since May Sutton in 1907, beating Lili de Alvar 6-2, 6-4 for the title.

1937 — Don Budge beats Gottfried von Cramm, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to win the men’s singles title at Wimbledon. Budge sweeps the championships winning the singles, the men’s doubles title with Gene Mako and the mixed doubles crown with Alice Marble.

1938 — Helen Wills Moody wins her eighth and final singles title at Wimbledon, defeating Helen Jacobs 6-4, 6-0.

1966 — Billie Jean King wins the first of her six singles titles at Wimbledon, beating Maria Bueno of Brazil 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

1967 — Catherine Lacoste of France becomes the first foreigner and first amateur to win the U.S. Women’s Open golf championship. At age 22, she is also the youngest champion.

1976 — Chris Evert beats Evonne Goolagong, 6-3, 4-6, 8-6, to win the women’s singles title at Wimbledon.

1988 — Steffi Graf ends Martina Navratilova’s six-year reign as Wimbledon champion with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 victory. It is the first time in nine finals that Navratilova loses a Wimbledon singles match.

1989 — Jockey Steve Cauthen becomes the first rider in history to sweep the world’s four major derbies after winning the Irish Derby with Old Vic. He had previously won the Kentucky Derby with Affirmed (1978), the Epsom Derby with Slip Anchor (1985) and Reference Point (1987) and the French Derby with Old Vic (1989).

1994 — Colombian defender Andres Escobar, 27, is killed outside a bar in Colombia in retaliation for deflecting a ball into his own goal in a 2-1 loss to the United States in the World Cup.

1995 — Tom Weiskopf withstands a charge by Jack Nicklaus to win the U.S. Senior Open by four strokes.

1995 — LA Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo is first Japanese player to be selected for a MLB All Star game when he is named in the NL squad.

1999 — Alexandra Stevenson becomes first qualifier in Wimbledon history to reach the women’s semis. She beats another qualifier, 16-year-old Jelena Dokic, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.

2000 — UEFA European Championship Final, Feijenoord Stadion, Rotterdam, Netherlands: David Trezeguet scores in extra time to give France a 2-1 win over Italy.

2005 — Venus Williams overcomes an early deficit and a championship point to beat top-ranked Lindsay Davenport 4-6, 7-6 (4), 9-7 for her fifth major title and her first in nearly four years.

2010 — The United States beats Japan 7-2 to win its seventh consecutive world softball championship.

2010 — FIFA World Cup: Ghana, only African team remaining in last 8, are beaten 4-2 on penalties by Uruguay; Netherlands upset Brazil 2-1.

2011 — Wladimir Klitschko wins a lopsided unanimous decision over David Haye, adding the WBA title to his heavyweight haul. Klitschko and his older brother, Vitali, hold all three major heavyweight titles. Wladimir already had the IBF title (and minor WBO, IBO belts), while Vitali is the WBC champion.

2016 — Sam Querrey ends Novak Djokovic’s quest for a true Grand Slam in the third round at Wimbledon. In a match interrupted by three rain delays after being suspended in progress because of showers a night earlier, Querrey ousts Djokovic 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (5) at the All England Club.

2017 — Home town underdog Jeff Horn upsets Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines on points in a highly controversial WBO welterweight title fight in Brisbane, Australia.

2018 — A wild brawl breaks out between Australia and the Philippines during the Basketball World Cup qualifying game in Manila. Thirteen players, including four Australians, are ejected for their part in the brawl. The game is won 79-48 by Australia.

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July 3

1920 — Suzanne Lenglen beats Dorothea Chambers a second straight year (6-3, 6-0) to win the women’s singles title at Wimbledon.

1925 — Suzanne Lenglen wins her sixth and final women’s singles title at Wimbledon, easily beating Joan Fry, 6-2, 6-0.

1931 — Max Schmeling knocks out Young Stribling at 2:46 of the 15th round to retain the world heavyweight title in Cleveland.

1951 — Sam Snead wins his third PGA Championship with a 7 and 6 victory over Walter Burkemo at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club.

1966 — Atlanta pitcher Tony Cloninger becomes the first National League player to hit two grand slams in one game. He adds a single for nine RBIs in a 17-3 triumph over San Francisco.

1976 — Bjorn Borg beats Ilie Nastase 6-4, 6-2, 9-7, to win his first men’s singles title at Wimbledon.

1981 — Wimbledon Women’s Tennis: Chris Evert beats Hana Mandlíková 6-2, 6-2 for her third and final Wimbledon singles title.

1982 — Martina Navratilova begins her streak of six straight singles titles at Wimbledon with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory over Chris Evert Lloyd. It’s the third Wimbledon singles title for Navratilova, all against Evert Lloyd.

1983 — Calvin Smith sets the 100-meter world record at Colorado Springs, with a run of 9.93 seconds. He breaks the previous record of 9.95 set by Jim Hines in 1968.

1983 — Wimbledon Men’s Tennis: American John McEnroe wins 5th career Grand Slam title; outclasses Chris Lewis of New Zealand 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.

1994 — FIFA World Cup: In a huge upset Romania eliminates Argentina 3-2 from the round of 16 at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California.

2004 — Maria Sharapova, 17, wins her first Grand Slam title and instant celebrity by beating Serena Williams 6-1, 6-4. For the first time since 1999, none of the four major titles is held by a Williams.

2005 — Roger Federer wins his third consecutive Wimbledon title by beating Andy Roddick 6-2, 7-6 (2), 6-4. Federer is the third man since 1936 to win three straight Wimbledon crowns, joining seven-time champion Pete Sampras and five-time winner Bjorn Borg.

2006 — Annika Sorenstam wins the U.S. Women’s Open after 10 years of frustration and wins her 10th major championship. Sorenstam, who shot a 1-under 70 in the 18-hole playoff, beats Pat Hurst by four strokes for the largest margin of victory in a playoff at the major since Kathy Cornelius won by seven shots 50 years ago.

2006 — Detroit Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman officially retires from the NHL, finishing with 692 goals and 1,755 points.

2007 — The Alinghi team from Switzerland — a country more often associated with Alpine skiing and winter snowscapes — successfully defends sailing’s coveted America’s Cup, beating Emirates Team New Zealand 5-2.

2010 — Serena Williams wins her fourth Wimbledon title and 13th Grand Slam championship by sweeping Vera Zvonareva in straight sets in the women’s final. Williams, who finishes the tournament without dropping a set, takes 67 minutes to win 6-3, 6-2.

2011 — Novak Djokovic wins his first Wimbledon, beating defending champion Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3. Djokovic, already guaranteed to take over the No. 1 ranking from the Spaniard on July 4, extends his mastery over Nadal this season with a fifth straight head-to-head victory.

2016 — Serena Williams overwhelms Annika Beck 6-3, 6-0 in just 51 minutes on Centre Court at Wimbledon, advancing to the fourth round with her 300th career Grand Slam match win.

2018 — Feliciano Lopez makes history just by taking to the court at Wimbledon. The 36-year-old Spaniard breaks Roger Federer’s record by appearing in a 66th consecutive Grand Slam singles tournament, continuing a run that started at the 2002 French Open. Lopez beats Federico Delbonis of Argentina 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

2020 — The Major League Baseball All-Star game planned to be hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers is cancelled due to governmental restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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TV SPORTS

WEDNESDAY JULY 2

AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL (MEN’S)

5:30 a.m. (Thursday)

FS2 — AFL: Western at North Melbourne

GOLF

6:30 a.m. (Thursday)

GOLF — DP World Tour: The BMW International Open, First Round, Golfclub Munchen Eichenried, Munich

MLB BASEBALL

1 p.m.

MLBN — Regional Coverage: San Diego at Philadelphia (1:05 p.m.) OR St. Louis at Pittsburgh (12:35 p.m.)

7:05 p.m.

PRIME VIDEO — N.Y. Yankees at Toronto

8 p.m.

ESPN — Cleveland at Chicago Cubs

11 p.m.

MLBN — Regional Coverage: Chicago White Sox at L.A. Dodgers (10:10 p.m.) OR Kansas City at Seattle (9:40 p.m.)

SOCCER (MEN’S)

7 p.m.

FS1 — CONCACAF Gold Cup: U.S. vs. Guatemala, Semifinal, St. Louis

8 p.m.

CBSSN — USL Championship: Charleston at Birmingham

10 p.m.

FS1 — CONCACAF Gold Cup: Mexico vs. Honduras, Semifinal, Santa Clara, Calif.

SOCCER (WOMEN’S)

Noon

FOX — UEFA Euro 2025 Championship Group Stage: Iceland vs. Finland, Group A, Thun, Switzerland

3 p.m.

FOX — UEFA Euro 2025 Championship Group Stage: Switzerland vs. Norway, Group A, Basel, Switzerland

7:30 p.m.

TNT — International Friendly: U.S. vs. Canada, Washington

TRUTV — International Friendly: U.S. vs. Canada, Washington

TENNIS

6 a.m.

ESPN — ATP/WTA: Wimbledon, Second Round, London

4 p.m.

ESPN — ATP/WTA: Wimbledon, Second Round, London (Match Point)

6 a.m. (Thursday)

ESPN — ATP/WTA: Wimbledon, Second Round, London

WNBA BASKETBALL

7 p.m.

PRIME VIDEO — Las Vegas at Indiana