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Bass: Michigan, Kansas, Louisville among early portal winners, and more intel

Published

2 years ago

April 24, 2024

Bass: Michigan, Kansas, Louisville among early portal winners, and more intel

Transfers, hirings and firings … oh, my. With so many coaches bouncing around, not to mention 1,600-plus portalers, we have never seen a college basketball offseason like this. Since the transfer portal opened March 18, we have seen a plethora of entries, including Minnesota’s Elijah Hawkins, Kentucky’s Ugonna Onyenso, Oakland’s Trey Townsend, Texas Tech’s Pop Isaacs and Stetson’s Jalen Blackmon.

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Ranking the best players in the NCAA men’s basketball transfer portal: Duke adds Gillis

But the best is yet to come.

The portal closes May 1, as the NCAA shortened the process from 60 to 45 days. Several teams, including Auburn, Texas Tech, St. Johns, Alabama and Cal, need a dynamic point guard and a starting big man, and high-value players of each position group plan to enter or have already done so. Tennessee center Jonas Aidoo, Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn, Saint Mary’s guard Aidan Mahaney and SMU guard Zhuric Phelps are among the potential key players who entered the portal over the past two weeks. Some are All-America caliber players and made their respective all-conference teams.

Handlers and athletes are narrowing their choices down ahead of time and aren’t going through the motions of being courted on several visits, as was the norm a few years ago. Former Belmont guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie entered the portal on March 19 and found a new home at Maryland eight days later. Former Colorado center Eddie Lampkin took about six days before pledging to Syracuse. Former Virginia Tech center Lynn Kidd entered the portal March 25 and committed to Miami three days later.

Some teams like Houston only had one or two scholarships going into the offseason; after signing former Oklahoma guard Milos Uzan, the Cougars are now done portaling assuming no one decides to transfer out.

The ebbs and flows of Portalpalooza can be volatile. Some teams, like Drexel, didn’t lose a single player to the madness a year ago, while others like Louisville or Arizona State can’t seem to keep any of their guys from leaving.

A year ago, more than 1,800 men’s basketball players entered their names, and this offseason could see an even bigger number with the NCAA formally allowing for multi-time transfers. Meaning, if you picked a bad fit (again), you can just hop back in the portal and find another suitor.

“I don’t see how you stop it, especially if they commit before August or before school starts in the fall,” said an ACC assistant coach, who was granted anonymity in exchange for his candor. “How can you rule all those multi-transfers ineligible? I don’t think it’s possible, so that’s why you’re seeing so many kids hop in the portal for the second or third time.”

As for some of the top guys already in the portal, these are the schools they’re hearing from:

• One of the country’s most underrated guards, former Minnesota’s Hawkins is hearing from Kentucky, Creighton, Texas Tech, Villanova, Pittsburgh and Florida State.

Since entering the transfer portal, Elijah Hawkins had heard from:
Kentucky
Creighton
Texas Tech
Villanova
Florida State
South Carolina
Wake Forest
West Virgina
Seton Hall
Oklahoma State
Pittsburgh
Tennessee
Georgia
Vanderbilt
Washington State@TheAthleticCBB pic.twitter.com/yvk3UznJvl
— Tobias Bass (@tobias_bass) April 23, 2024
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• Utah State transfer and reigning Mountain West player of the year Great Osobor has planned four visits, Kentucky (April 29-May 1), Louisville (May 1-3), Texas Tech (May 4-6) and Washington (May 7-9).

• Sources briefed on the discussions told The Athletic that former Oregon State guard Jordan Pope has heard from Miami, Florida, Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas, Michigan, North Carolina and Arizona. He has already visited Texas (April 16-17) and Texas A&M (April 19). Expect the Pac-12’s fifth-leading scorer to make a decision soon. He will pick between rivals the Longhorns and the Aggies. How’s that for a throwback?

• Former Illinois State forward Myles Foster is receiving interest from Iowa, Xavier, Arizona State, San Diego State, DePaul, Florida and many others.

Early portal winners

UCLA: The Bruins have added four players: two-time transfer guard Skyy Clark (Illinois, Louisville), Pac-12 rival forward Tyler Bilodeau (Oregon State), across-the-street rival (USC) forward Kobe Johnson and former Oklahoma State forward Eric Dailey Jr.

Kansas: After his depleted Jayhawks team lost 89-68 to Gonzaga in the second round, coach Bill Self said, “For the last month I’ve been thinking about next season, to be honest.” And it’s obvious. Since the season ended, the Jayhawks have added Lawrence, Kansas, native Zeke Mayo (South Dakota State); former Florida guard Riley Kugel; and Wisconsin wing AJ Storr. A potential starting lineup of DaJuan Harris Jr., Mayo, Storr, KJ Adams and Hunter Dickinson is arguably the best starting five in the country.

Indiana: After a disappointing 19-14 season, Mike Woodson is putting together quite the roster in Bloomington. The Hoosiers have added Pac-12 All-Freshman team selection Myles Rice (Washington State); one of the best bigs in the country in Oumar Ballo from Arizona; and a dynamic scoring guard in Kanaan Carlyle.

🚨NEWS: Kanaan Carlyle will transfer to Indiana
Carlyle, a top-50 recruit averaged 11.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game last season at Stanford
Carlyle was the No. 10 prospect in @TheAthleticCBB transfer portal rankings
The Hoosiers arguably have one of the best… pic.twitter.com/g6R2FbCN0a
— Tobias Bass (@tobias_bass) April 20, 2024
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Like Kansas, the Hoosiers arguably have one of the best starting fives in the country, with returnees Mackenzie Mgbako and Malik Reneau rounding out the unit.

Louisville: Cardinals fans needed a win — actually, maybe a few — and new coach Pat Kelsey has brought over two of his players from Charleston in Reyne Smith and James Scott. Louisville also added Sun Belt Player of the Year Terrence Edwards Jr., who averaged 17.2 points per game at James Madison; two scoring guards in Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year Koren Johnson (Washington) and J’Vonne Hadley (Colorado); and BYU center Aly Khalifa. Louisville has also hosted former four-star recruit and Washington transfer Wesley Yates and is the favorite to sign him.

Memphis: The Tigers had an up-and-down season in 2023-24. At one point, they were ranked in the Top 10 but failed to make the NCAA Tournament and passed on an NIT invitation. So far, they have picked up four transfers, starting with one of the nation’s best scorers, former Tulsa guard PJ Haggerty (21.2 ppg), as well as former Illinois forward Dain Dainja, guard Colby Rogers — who averaged 16.4 points per game at Wichita State — and two-time transfer guard Tyrese Hunter (Iowa State, Texas).

🚨NEWS: Colby Rogers will transfer to Memphis
He averaged 16.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game this season at Wichita State
The Tigers portal additions so far:
🐅PJ Haggerty
🐅Dain Dainja pic.twitter.com/DTo9Y9BTw0
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— Tobias Bass (@tobias_bass) April 15, 2024

Michigan: Rising star coach Dusty May has put together an elite coaching staff that is quickly making the Wolverines one of the more intriguing teams going into the 2024-25 season. So far, they’ve added five transfers starting with big man in the middle Danny Wolf (Yale), followed by breakout candidate Roddy Gayle Jr. (Ohio State). Next, they added a pair of point guards in Rubin Jones (North Texas) and Tre Donaldson (Auburn). Lastly, they added one of my favorite and most intriguing prospects in the country for next season, Sam Walters from Alabama. The Wolverines aren’t done, either.

USC: New coach Eric Musselman has signed eight players (seven transfers and one top-50 recruit). The Trojans have hit the ground running, as all seven transfers averaged 11.6 points per game or more: Northern Colorado forward Saint Thomas (19.7 ppg), Bryce Pope (San Diego), Clark Slajchert (Penn), Josh Cohen (UMass), Rashaun Agee (Bowling Green), Matt Knowling (Yale) and my favorite addition of the group, Chibuzo Ago a mismatch nightmare from Boise State.

(Photo of Michigan coach Dusty May: Junfu Han / USA Today)

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Kansas

Grades for Chiefs’ offseason reset, from free agency haul to Taylor Swift aura

Published

11 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Press Room

Grades for Chiefs’ offseason reset, from free agency haul to Taylor Swift aura

The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2025 NFL season hoping to become the first team to earn a Super Bowl three-peat.

Instead, they sputtered to their worst-ever finish during Andy Reid’s 13 seasons in Kansas City.

The Chiefs posted just a 6-11 record in a season that was marred by a bevy offensive issues that led to the team struggle badly in one-score contests. Kansas City lost starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee in the game during which it was eliminated from playoff contention, adding injury to what was already an insulting season.

As such, Kansas City entered the offseason hoping for two things: get healthy and reshape its roster to better support Mahomes, especially with him returning from a significant injury.

Were the Chiefs able to accomplish those goals? Here’s a complete breakdown of Kansas City’s offseason and whether the team has the talent and pathway needed to be a contender in 2026.

Kansas City Chiefs offseason report card

Free agency: C

Free agency was a mixed bag for the Chiefs. On the one hand, they made a notable upgrade to their running game by signing Kenneth Walker to replace Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. The Super Bowl 60 MVP should help take pressure off Mahomes, which could prove critical as the 31-year-old quarterback returns from his significant knee injury.

However, the Chiefs also lost a lot of talent, particularly on defense. Notably, they lost three starters from their secondary, as cornerback Jaylen Watson and safety Bryan Cook signed with the Rams and Bengals in free agency while star cornerback Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams.

That overhaul, along with the loss of linebacker Leo Chenal, could prove a lot for the Chiefs to overcome on defense even after adding some solid veteran depth in the form of defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, safety Alohi Gilman and CB L’Jarius Sneed.

NFL draft: B+

The good news for the Chiefs? They had a rock-solid 2026 NFL Draft that helped shore up their defense. Kansas City spent its first three picks on that side of the ball, landing the draft’s top cornerback, Mansoor Delane, a potential-packed defensive tackle in Peter Woods and an explosive, high-motor edge rusher in R Mason Thomas.

The Chiefs also spent a seventh-round selection on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier – viewed by many as a Day 2 talent – after he slid due to injury. Having him to develop behind Mahomes and free-agent signee Justin Fields will be nice for Reid.

State of the roster: B-

This version of the Chiefs has more concerns than previous iterations. The cornerback group is particularly suspect, though Delane’s presence raises that unit’s ceiling. Elsewhere, the team is thinner than most would like at receiver while right tackle remains a question mark.

Still, Mahomes remains one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks even with the questions facing him in his return. Kansas City’s interior offensive line remains strong thanks to the Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith pairing while Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy could be a strong receiver duo, if all goes well.

Defensively, the Chiefs still look strong up the middle thanks to Chris Jones and the team’s newly-acquired interior depth as well as the Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill partnership at linebacker. It’s just a matter of whether they will be able to hold up in coverage with their new-look secondary.

All that’s to say that while the Chiefs still have an above-average roster, it has far more holes than many of its recent Super Bowl-winning units have.

Chance of contending in 2026: B

There are some factors working against the Chiefs this season. They play in the AFC West, which figures to once again be one of the toughest divisions in football, and will need to stay afloat early in the season either without Mahomes or with him still getting his injured left leg under him.

Kansas City is also undergoing a lot of changes on defense, so it may take a while before Steve Spagnuolo’s unit is playing at its peak.

Still, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that Reid and Co. will be able to turn this team into a playoff contender once again. He and Mahomes have three rings together, after all.

Long-term outlook and team direction: A-

The Chiefs still have a rosy outlook long-term. Realistically, that will remain as long as the Reid-Mahomes partnership is in effect. Sure, the team will have to get creative with its finances considering the quarterback’s record-breaking contract, but GM Brett Veach has shown an ability to navigate the cap well across his tenure.

This offseason is a great example of that. Veach had to play “Moneyball” with some portion of the team’s roster as expenses mounted, and he chose the secondary for that. That was an astute move considering Spagnuolo’s penchant for developing defensive back talent, and giving him a top prospect like Delane via a trade up was a sensible maneuver.

The biggest questions with which Kansas City will soon reckon are about how to replace Travis Kelce and whether to extend Rashee Rice. As long as they find suitable answers to those and fill any holes that develop during the 2026 season, the Chiefs should remain a contender.

Aura and vibes: B

Vibes around the Chiefs are generally good. Mahomes’ recovery from his late-season injury has inspired optimism, as he and the team has posted videos of him working out and throwing, while the antics surrounding Kelce’s wedding to Taylor Swift showed off the team’s strong-looking bond.

The lone negative? Rice has had a trying offseason during which he spent time in jail for a probation violation. Questions about his ability to stay on the field continue to persist, and he remains one of the team’s biggest short- and long-term question marks because of it.

Nonetheless, there seems to be a lot of belief that the Chiefs can re-establish themselves as a playoff contender during the 2026 NFL season. That’s great news for a team that endured a disappointing and shocking 6-11 campaign last year after back-to-back Super Bowl wins.

Overall offseason grade: B-

It’s hard to fault the Chiefs too much for the approach they took during the offseason. They suffered some key losses in free agency, but that was to be expected given how much they are paying to Mahomes and other stars on the roster.

Kansas City should still be a playoff contender, but questions remain whether this year’s iteration of the team can reach the Super Bowl ceiling of previous squads. It’s hard to categorically count out Mahomes and Reid, but given the holes Kansas City has, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see it have to scratch and claw its way into the playoff race.

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‘Explosive diarrhea’ outbreak includes 5 cases in Sedgwick County, 22 in Kansas

Published

24 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Press Room

‘Explosive diarrhea’ outbreak includes 5 cases in Sedgwick County, 22 in Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – As cases climb in the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Sedgwick County provided clarity on the “explosive” diarrheal illness’s impact at the state and local levels.

Data from KDHE shows 22 cases in Kansas. Further localizing cyclosporiasis cases, there are five confirmed cases in Sedgwick County. The county clarified that all five local cases are Sedgwick County residents.

Regarding whether any of the local cases resulted in hospitalization, Sedgwick County said that for privacy reasons it couldn’t provide that information, “due to the small number of cases.”

While questions continue surrounding the outbreak, Health experts announced on Tuesday that lettuce and other salad greens are a potential source.

To protect yourself from cyclosporiasis and bacterial illnesses connected with produce, Sedgwick County offered the following guidance:

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or preparing them.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
- Avoid bagged lettuce or salad mixes. When eating a whole head of lettuce, remove the first two or three layers of leaves and thoroughly wash the inner leaves under running water. Separate the leaves as you wash them.
Heating food to 158 degrees or higher kills the parasite.
Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
Travelers to cyclosporiasis-endemic areas should follow food and water precautions, including avoiding foods and beverages that may be contaminated.
Be aware that Cyclospora is unlikely to be killed by routine chemical disinfection or sanitizing methods.
If you develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis, especially persistent watery diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment recommendations.

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Newly released song depicts world visiting Kansas City for historic summer

Published

1 day ago

July 14, 2026

Press Room

Newly released song depicts world visiting Kansas City for historic summer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – One creator has written an anthem for Kansas City to reflect the metro’s historic summer for years to come.

An Omaha-based Afrobeat artist, Kusher Snazzy, released a World Cup song, ‘KC to the World,’ celebrating the tournament’s culture and diversity.

A shot of the Kansas City skyline taken on July 4, 2024.(Zoe Shriner, KCTV5)

The song features soccer players and dancers representing multiple nations that played in the World Cup, including Germany, Brazil, Mexico, the United States and Italy. It was filmed locally in multiple locations, including a metro studio and rooftop.

READ MORE: Kansas City eyes 2031 Women’s World Cup bid after hosting FIFA tournament

'KC to the World' depicts the uniqueness and excitement of a once-in-a-lifetime Kansas City... — ‘KC to the World’ depicts the uniqueness and excitement of a once-in-a-lifetime Kansas City summer.(Kusher Snazzy)

Kusher Snazzy’s goal with the song was to depict the once-in-a-lifetime summer. His passion for soccer and the Midwest inspired the lyrics.

“We don’t know when FIFA is going to choose KC again,” said Kusher.

Joseph Termini is the mastermind behind the project. He took a vision and made it come to life. As a Kansas City native, he knew the importance of showcasing his city positively through a music video.

“Kansas City has been under the radar, and I feel like this is the first time we’re being put on a pedestal, and that pedestal is allowing other people to realize that this is more than just a small-town city,” said Termini.