MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
Giants win titles
By BRENT STUBBS
In a gritty comeback performance, the Commonwealth Bank Giants proved that you should “never underestimate the heart of a champion.”
Trailing by almost 20 points in the second quarter, the Giants managed to reel in the Dudley Boyz Saints from Grand Bahama for a hard fought 83-80 victory to keep the Bahamas Basketball Federation men’s division one title in New Providence.
It was a double sweep of the titles for the Giants on Saturday night at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium as their Your Essential Store clinched the division II crown with a 94-79 decision over Abaco’s Net Riders.
And, in the third-place game, the Harbour Island Panthers gave coach Andrew ‘Tiny’ Pinder his final victory with a 105-71 blowout win over North and Central Andros’ Antec Saints.
While four teams participated in the division II series, only three came out in division one with Abaco’s Crusaders getting
third after their 74-66 loss to Commonwealth Bank in their semifinal game.
Giants’ head coach Perry Thompson Jr said all through the tournament, his Commonwealth Bank team had to display how battle-tested they were as they prevailed in each game played, especially against Grand Bahama in the final.
“Tough win. After the first game we played Grand Bahama, their coach told me they will be back tougher and they surely brought it tonight, but this team is battle-tested,” a much relieved Thompson Jr said.
“The New Providence division one series brought us a lot of patience and that was how we were able to dig ourselves out of the hole in the second half.”
It was a tough loss for the Dudley Boyz to digest because Denero Seide, who took over the coaching reigns from his father Dudley Seide, didn’t come through when they needed to.
“I guess the guys just got a little rattled. We were playing against a veteran Giants team,” he said. “Coming down the stretch, we fell short. I guess we got too comfortable with the lead.
“We fell down on the defence a bit and we stopped pushing the ball. That was the turnout for us.”
Seide, however, indicated that he would use this as a learning experience and regroup and hopefully return next year to give it another shot.
Behind a 1-2 punch from Dylan Musgrove and Jackson Jacob in the second half, after trailing 39-22 in the second quarter, the Giants stormed back to put their stamp of approval on the game.
Musgrove, named the most valuable player after he finished with a game high 24 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and an assist and steal, said they were not prepared to let the championship slip out of their hands.
“From the first game we played them, we knew this was going to be a tough game,” Musgrove said. “We
came out a little sluggish in the first half, but we knew at the end of the game, we were going to get it done.
“We came back and executed. We fell down in the first half, but we were determined to come back in the second half and win our second title in three years.”
Down the stretch as the Giants regained their composure, Jacobs scored on
a driving lay-up with one minute and 59 seconds left for an 81-76 lead. Jacobs, named the offensive player of the tournament, finished the game with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.
D’Vaughn Seide gave the Dudley Boyz one last hope when he popped a threepoint shot to trim the deficit to one (81-80).
By JANIE MCCAULEY AP Sports Writer
SAN FRANCISCO
(AP) — Playoff Steph delivered while Playoff Jimmy became his biggest cheerleader on the bench, dressed in a full-length fur coat. Stephen Curry eventually found his shooting groove while Houston tried everything to stop him, finishing with 36 points, nine
Then Dastyn Baker, who didn’t play all game, came in for an offensive inbound pass, was fouled and he converted the pair of charity shots to seal the deal with 14 seconds left for the final 83-80 advantage.
During the game, Adam Johnson also came up big with 10 points, nine rebounds, five blocks and two assists before fouling
assists and seven rebounds to lead the Golden State Warriors past the Rockets 104-93 on Saturday night without Jimmy Butler for a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.
“To play 41 minutes against that kind of defense, to have a slow start and then find his rhythm, which we have seen him do countless times over the years, to hit big shots, to only turn it over twice against that
The classic, open to competitors from ages under-seven to under-16, is scheduled for Saturday, starting at 10am and Sunday, starting at 1pm, at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
out late in the fourth, Jeffrey Henfield contributed nine points with six rebounds and three assists and Eugene Bain, who was done with five fouls with about four minutes left, had eight points and five rebounds. For Dudley Boyz, Seide finished with 16 points and
kind of pressure, he was brilliant,” coach Steve Kerr said.
Chavano “Buddy” Hield had 17 points off the bench with five 3-pointers as the Warriors won their sixth straight Game 3 in the opening round. Hield also contributed three steals, two assists and two rebounds.
Gary Payton II scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. “To see everyone step up in his absence was huge,” Draymond Green said.
Game 4 in the best-ofseven series is tonight at Chase Center. The biggest
COMMONWEALTH Bank Giants receiving their Division I Championship awards.
WARRIORS guard Buddy Hield in action on Saturday.
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
YOUR Essential Store (YES) Giants receiving their Division II Championship awards.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
Cleveland Eneas Primary repeats as the track and field champions
CLEVELAND Eneas
Primary repeated as champions of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association’s 2025 track and field championships.
Cleveland Eneas, coached by Mariska Thompson, wrapped up their ninth overall title on Friday at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium with a total of 306 points.
Garvin Tynes Primary followed in second place with 226, Thelma Gibson got third with 167, TG Glover was fourth with 135 and Sadie Curtis rounded out the top five with 123. The remaining schools in order were Eva Hilrton with 84, Stephen Dillet with 83, Palmdale Primary with 81, Uriah McPhee with 80, Carlton E Francis with 63, Gerald Cash with 62, Albury Sayle with 58, EP Roberts with 58, Yellow Elder with 57, Sandilands with 56; CW Sawyer with 40, Claridge with 31, Gambier with 15 and Ridgeland rounding out the field with 11. Thompson said she had no doubt they would be victorious after all of the
hard work they put in for the three-day meet. “Every year, the performances are different, so are the celebrations,” Thompson said. “I’m elated that my
children executed what they were taught and they got the job done. I told them my hard work was already done as their coach. But it’s up to them to go on the track and do it and that is exactly what they did. It was our track and field athletes that did it. It was a very balanced team, so I’m really proud of them.”
GRAND BAHAMA’S CARIFTA TRACK AND FIELD TEAM WELCOMED HOME WITH PRIDE AFTER EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
following their incredible performance in the 52nd CARIFTA Games
home a total of 37 medals – 16 gold, 13 silver, and eight bronze.
Photos: Ministry for Grand Bahama
Thompson expressed her gratitude to her principal Avinell Smith, along with her parents. She said it was a total collaboration to get the job done.
COACH MARISKA THOMPSON, left, and her students, right, displaying the championships they won at Cleveland Eneas.
Otabor, Strachan Drake champions
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
IT was another double dose of victory for the University of Tennessee’s javelin throwers Rhema Otabor and Keyshawn Strachan over the weekend.
The pair pulled off their victories at the Drake Relays at the Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa, while a number of high school teams participated in the Penn Relays Otabor, 22, won the women’s javelin throw WACT with her best distance of 190-feet, 11-inches or 58.20m on her sixth and final attempt.
Her series of throws were 172-1 (52.47); a scratch; 189-6 (57.78m); 178-0 (54.27m) and 189-5 (57.34m).
American Madison Wiltrout was second with 190-9 (58.14m) on her first try for second place.
With a long season ahead of her, Otabor said she’s taking it one meet at a time.
“The weather was really nice, but we did have to change our time of competing and so it took a little bit of mental adjustment,” Otabor said.
“But I feel like I’ve been in competition where I’ve had to make some adjustments, so it wasn’t such a big deal.
“But it wasn’t what I was hoping for in terms of distance. I definitely think I could do a little bit better because my series was a little bit all over the place. But it was just one of those meets and I just took what I got and will make the adjustments for next time.”
Otabor, whose collegiate eligibility is over, but is in grad studies at Tennessee, said the competition wasn’t as stiff as she anticipated from their performances. This was just her second
meet for the year and while she was more content with her first meet, Otabor said she expects her performances to improve, considering that she will be preparing to compete in a series of meets in Germany on May 24 and June 1 as she looks at qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, in September.
The qualifying standard for Worlds for Otabor is 209-11 (64.00)m).
Strachan, a junior transfer from Auburn University to Tennessee, won the men’s javelin throw WACT with 265-9 (81.01m) on his second attempt. He opened up with 240-1 (73.19) and followed after his winning throw with a scratch on his third; 238-6 (72.71m) on his fourth; 238-4 (72.64m) on his fifth and 253-3 (77.21m) on his sixth and final jump.
Curtis Thompson was second with 265-4 (80.88m) on his second try.
Strachan, 21, is making his way back to form after having to sit out most of last year with an injury.
He said he’s not allowing the pressure to get to him.
“I feel pretty good about this one,” Strachan said. “I didn’t have too many high expectations for the meet. The weather was cold, so I
just went out there and gave it my best. No pressure. Just wanted to have fun.
“The competition was good. It was my first pro meet. It was my first taste of the competition. I know most of the guys from their college days, so it was a good meet competing against the professional athletes.”
While he didn’t qualify for the World Championships, Strachan said this performance puts him in the quota for the qualifying list, so as long as he continues to produce the marks in the 80m, he should be able to secure his berth if he doesn’t throw the qualifying standard of 280-6 (85.50m).
Also at the meet, Denisha Cartwright got second in the women’s 200m hurdles final in 12.98. She trailed American world champion Masai Russell, who won in 12.74.
Penn Relays
The St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine, the Queen’s College Comets, St John’s Giants and Grand Bahama’s Jack Hayward Wildcats and Bishop Michael Eldon made their presence felt at the Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. SAC got a 1-2 punch and a 1-2-3 sweep from
the Bahamas as CARIFTA silver medallist Dior-Rae Scott had the winning heave of 159-4 (49.56m) in the high school girls’ javelin championship on her sixth throw.
Scott’s team-mate Kamera Strachan came in second with 153-4 (46.74m) on her second toss.
But on the track, the Big Red Machine had one of the performances to remember as CARIFTA multiple medallist Jahcario Wilson slipped and fell on the first leg of the high school boys’ 4 x 400m relay.
But he still managed to get back into the pack and passed off Jireh Woodside to Dylan Simon before another CARIFTA multiple medallist, Eagan Neely, ran down the field to win in 3:20.55.
In the high school boys’ 4 x 100m international race, the quartet of Nijae McBride, Wilson, Terrin Beckles and Neely ran 41.19 for second place.
In the high school boys’ 4 x 100m heats, the Big Red Machine was 33rd with the team of McBride, Rrent Ford, Terrin Beckles and Shevano Nixon ran 43.01.
The high school girls’ 4 x 100 international relay saw the team of Khylee Wallace, Bayli Major, Madison Moss and Caitlyn Smith was fifth
in 47.90. In the high school girls’ 4 x 400m, Dean, Syrmiah Crawley, Daveigh Farrinton and Alexis Roberts clocked 3:50.27 for fourth place. And the Big Red Machine’s team of Wallace, Major, Moss and Darvinique Dean ran 47.41 for 13th in the high school girls’ 4 x 100m heats. Also on the field, Demian Brice was 11th in the high school boys’ triple jump with 45-4 1/2 (13.83m) and Carlin Archer was 12th with 45-1 3/4 (13.76m).
Queen’s College had their best showing on the field as CARIFTA team captain and double medallist Annae Mackey got second in the high school girls’ shot put with 47-10 3/4 (14.60m).
CARIFTA gold medallist Taysha Stubbs got third in the high school girls’ javelin championship with her beest toss of 146-10 (44.76m) on her third attempt. Davon Davis was fourth in the high school boys’ long jump championship with his best leap of 23-2 3/4 (7.08m). And Ethan North was sixth in the high school javelin throw championship with his best of 187-4 (57.11m) on his second attempt. On the track, Queen’s College’s team of Zion Davis, Zion Miller,
Leviticus Levarity and Andrew Brown ran 3:21.16 for second in the high school boys 4 x 400m relay in 3:21.16. Everette Fraser, Ishmael Rolle, Daniel Strachan and Rohman Rolle were fifth in the high schools boys’ 4 x 100m international relay in 41.85. The same team of Fraser, Rolle, Strahan and Rolle combined for 20th in the high school boys 4 x 100m relay in 42.40. The Comets’ team of Brion Ward, Zara Fraser, K’Leigh Davis and KeiMahri Hanna ran 47.33 for 12th place in the high school girls’ 4 x 100m heats. In the high school girls’ 4 x 400m relay, the team of Hanna, Taylor Robinson, Alexandria Komolafe and Akaree Roberts was sixth in 3:54.01.
Grand Bahama’s Bishop Michael got a second place in the high school boys’ 4 x 100m relay in 43.30. The team of Dishon Dean, Alexander Coleby, Takeo Stubbs and Arcady Thompson ran on the team. And the combo of Thompson, Dean, Stubbs and Coleby finished fifth in the high school boys’ 4 x 400m in 3:35.57. Jack Hayward also from Grand Bahama competed in the high school boys’ boys 4 x 400m where they placed 11th in 3:28.50 with the team of Shawn McFlall, Lemorn Moxey, Tyrone Conliffe and Zion Shepherd.
St John’s out of New Providence was 10th in the high school boys’ 4 x 400m with the team of Isaiah Knowles, Cordell Munroe, Shawne Ferguson and Kayden McKenzie running 3:38.02. And the Giants was also 95th in the boys 4 x 100m relay in 44.95 with the team of Makhi Wiliams, Maxwell McNeil, Aiden Musgrove and Kkyro Williams.
MENZIES AND PRITCHARD TAKE TITLES
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
AFTER his appearance in the open water swim at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Trinidad & Tobago, Malcolm Menzies said it was good to be back home for the fourth Beautiful Bahamas Aquathon.
While Menzies captured the male title on Saturday at the Windsor High School, Erin Pritchard claimed the female title in the swim and run combined competition.
The event, hosted by the Sea Waves Triathlon Club, served as a CARIFTA qualifier for competitors in 11-21 age groups. Competitors have certain times to make in order to qualify for the team.
The official times for the distances covered by the various age groups were not available from the competition, which was organised by former distance runner/swimmer Jacinda Mireault-Knowles.
Menzies, who finished fifth in the open water swim at CARIFTA, felt quite comfortable back at home in familiar surroundings as a student of Windsor High.
“I felt good. I’m obviously still recovering from CARIFTA swimming, but I felt good,” he said. “I swam in the pool before and the
SPORTS CALENDAR
FROM PAGE E1
registration deadline is set for 5pm on Tuesday. Athletes still interested in participating are urged to register at redlineathletics242@gmail and smnbutler@yahoo.com ROAD TO TOKYO THE Silver Lightning Track Club is scheduled to hold its annual Track and Field Classic on Saturday, May 10, at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium, starting at 9am.
BOYS 16-19 winners Malcolm Menzies and Ragh Cordova and Female 16-19 winners Sienna Culmer-Mackey, Erin Pritchard and Alanna Murray.
track is amazing, so it was a pretty nice course for me.”
Without his archrival Launy Duncombe to push him, Menzies said it still turned out to be a fierce competition as he won over Ragh Cordova and Auden Bain from Grand Bahama. He noted that he enjoyed his trip to Trinidad, watching the swim team collect its seventh straight title and then getting in the
water to place fifth. He said he’s now concentrating on the national triathlon and CARIFTA aquathon.
Coming home from boarding school in England, Pritchard, 17, said she wanted to achieve the qualifying standard.
“I thought I had a good swim in the pool, even though it was a lot of laps,” Pritchard said. “But I came out pretty strong and I
managed to get around the track before it got too hot. So I thought it was a good race.
“I’m just happy to be home. Obviously being away in school, I miss home a lot, but any opportunity I get, I enjoy coming back and racing. It was always fun to come back and compete against everybody.”
Alanna Murray, a 16-year-old 10th grader at Aquinas College, finished second, but she knew she had a little more left in the tank.
“It was bad,” she summed up. “I was still under the weather and my feet started to rub on my shoes from the first lap. The facility is nice. like the one up here. I just need to work on my run and my swim. Both need improvement.”
Finishing in third place was Sienna CulmerMackey, who also expressed her disappointment with some reservations in her performance.
“I’m kind of disappointed because I upped my training, so it was kind of feeling out my race pace. I dropped my time since the last aquathon,” said the University of the Bahamas student.
“The training has improved, but I felt I did a lot of things wrong. I wished I would have gone out stronger and I wished I would have kept up my
pace, but overall it was a good result.
“I was only about 100 metres away from second place.”
Galleria Gervasini, the top open female finisher, said it was a “beautiful” experience for her, especially with the “well kept” facilities at Windsor High.
“I caught out of the water and I caught some of the younger ladies, so it worked out very well for me,” said Gervasini. a native of Switzerland who has been living here for the past 15 years.
Shirley Mireault, who operates the Sea Waves Triathlon Club, said it was good to see the amount of competitors who came out and participated in the event.
“With more and more of the swim clubs and track clubs coming out to compete, it’s only going to make us better,” Mireault said.
Top three finishers in each age group are as follows:
Open female - Ilaria Gervasini; Iola Knowles.
Male 16-19 - Malcoplm Menzies; Ragh Cordova; Ayden Bain.
Female 16-19 - Erin Pritchard; Alanna Murray; Sienna Culmer-Mackey.
Male 13-15 - Blair Thompson; Coylen Brown; Louchlon Menzies.
Female 13-15 - Nai’a Belton; Alice Huille; Tessa Knowles.
Male 11-12 - Stafford Sweeting; Lyall Menzies; Asher Bastian.
Female 11-12 - Sophie Brueckner; Hannah Astwood.
Male 9-10 - Connor Ferguson; Caiden Bain; Gabriael McPhee.
Female 9-10Syora Moss; Skylar’Jo Joseph.
Male 8-and-under - Msen Sadowski; Kenai Johnson; Elisio Juilen.Female 8-andunder - Madison Richards; Jenny Sutherland; Anna Sutherland. Super sprint femaleSummer McKinney. Super sprint maleShontero Knowles; Jemar Bienamie; Mathur Kabir.
PEACE ON DA STREET FAMILY NIGHT
PLANS are underway for the staging of the Peace on Da Streets’ Basketball Classics’ Road to 30 years of existence. The event, being organised by the Hope Center under the theme
The event, dubbed the “Road to Tokyo,” will be used as a qualifier for athletes wishing to make Team Bahamas that will compete at the World Championships from September 13-21 in Tokyo, Japan. Interested athletes can contact coach Rupert Gardiner at 821-2836 for more information. SPRING FLING INVITATIONAL THE Fast Track Athletics Club is scheduled to hold its 4th annual Spring Fling at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex May 16-17. The event is open to competitors from throughout The Bahamas. The action is slated to begin at 5pm on Friday, May 16 and at 10am on Saturday, May 16. It promises to provide fast competition, perfect prep for championship season and an unmatched island atmosphere in Grand Bahama. For more information on the meet, persons can email fasttrackmanagement00@gmail.com
“Shooting hoops instead of guns,” will be held from July 14-19 at the Michael ‘Scooter’ Reid Basketball Center.
The highlight of the event will be the Family Night, scheduled for Sunday, July 20 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium when the finals in all of the divisions will take place, starting at 3pm. There will also be the Mr Ship It Three-point shootout and the Joe’s Slam Dunk Contest.
The night will conclude with the exciting Clergy versus Politicians match-up. Lots of prizes, including round trip tickets, will be up for grabs.
RHEMA Otabor holding her awards.
KAMERA Strachan and Dior-Rae Scott.
69TH NATIONAL FAMILY ISLAND REGATTA CLOSING/AWARDS CEREMONY
seven rebounds, Shermar Pinder had 15 points, four rebounds and as many assists before he fouled out
just before Bain, Christopher ‘Chicken’ Turnquest had 14 points, six rebounds and a pair of blocks, Davonte Jennings 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals, Raymond Higgs had nine points and four rebounds and Howard Burrows chipped in with eight points and six rebounds.
Giants 94, Net Riders 75
MVP Matthew Saunders was one of three players in double figures as YES made their division II final look so easy.
This one was over from the first quarter as YES established control with a 20-14 lead at the end of the first break.
After mounting a comfortable 48-27 lead at the half, the Giants kept on rolling in the second half as they opened a 72-44 spurt at the final break before they went into cruise control in the fourth.
“I’m grateful. Thank God for his grace and goodness over the years coaching the Giants and winning a whole lot,” he said. “Abaco was a good team, but we had more playing time than them in our league over
here. Their coach Chauncey Cooper also played for me, so I knew what they expected, but we just wanted it more.”
Saunders ended up with 21 points, six rebounds and a pair of assists and steals, Kirk Farrington had a game high 22 points with seven assists and three rebounds, Javon Adderley also had 21 points with 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals, Jeriel Francoeur had 14 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and two steals and both Tavon Scott (eight rebounds) and Zion Hinds helped out with seven points. For the Net Riders, Juvens Loucious had 22 points, six rebounds, six assists and six steals, Javey Vil had 1 points and 12 rebounds, Eugene Ferguson had 11 points and three rebounds; Senile Bien-Aive had nine points and Benson Jean-Pierre added eight points and six rebounds. Saunders collected the offensive player of the tournament, while Adderley took the defensive player award.
Panthers 105, Antec Saints 71: In producing one of the highest outpouring of
points in the tournament, Harbour Island took their frustration out on Andros after they missed making it to the final.
The Panthers wanted to give Johnson a better end off after playing and coaching for about 45 years, but they had to settle for the consolation third place. Jeremy Davis led the celebration with a game high 27 points, six assists, six steals and four rebounds, Christopher Grant made his presence felt with 22 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three steals, Ketrion Gilbert had 18 points, Rakeem Minnis had 12 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three blocks, Sedlan Pierre had 10 points and nine rebounds and Rillen Saunders added nine points, eight rebounds and three assists. Calvin Wells scored a game high 25 points with 10 rebounds to lead Andros.
Clifton Barr had 13 points, Brandon Higgs had nine points and five rebounds and both Sam Benson (six rebounds) and Jason Seymour helped out with eight points.
Giants 74, Crusaders 66: In the men’s division one
knockout game on Saturday as well, Musgrove produced 19 points with seven rebounds as Commonwealth Bank advanced to the final. Jacobs followed with 17 points, three assists, three steals and a pair of rebounds, Baker had 16 points, three rebounds and two assists and Kevin Cooper Jr had eight points, six rebounds and three blocks.
For Abaco, Godfrey Rolle Jr had a game high 19 points with three rebounds and two assists, defensive player of the tournament Chauncey Cooper had 18 points and nine rebounds and Tiano Roberts finished with 17 points.
Results from other games played during the tournament are as follows: Division one - Giants def. Saints 73-62; Saints def.
CLASS A Champion Slient Partner, Black Point, Exuma.
CLASS B Champion Lonesome Dove, Hope Town, Abaco.
CLASS C Champion H20, Black Point Exuma.
CLASS E champion Lady Annmarie, Long Island.
Timberwolves push Lakers to edge of elimination
By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)
— The Minnesota Timberwolves have found a new gear after a regular season of fits and starts.
Jaden McDaniels converted a three-point play with 39.5 seconds left for the lead and stole the ensuing inbounds pass from LeBron James, leading a rally by the Timberwolves for a 116-113 win over the Los Angeles Lakers that put them up 3-1 in the firstround series yesterday.
Anthony Edwards, who had 43 points to lead Minnesota in scoring for the first time in this edition of the NBA playoffs, drew a foul on James during a drive to the lane with 10
seconds left and hit both free throws.
With Luka Doncic and James well-defenced along the arc, the ball went to Austin Reaves in the corner for the tying attempt that rimmed out.
Julius Randle added 25 points and McDaniels had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Wolves, who trailed by 12 late in the third quarter. “It’s been a hallmark of this team in the second half of the season: There’s been no panic,” said Wolves coach Chris Finch. Doncic bounced back from a stomach bug with 38 points on 13-for-28 shooting, but the Lakers headed home for a win-orbe-eliminated Game 5 on Wednesday. “It’s going to
be even harder to get the next one, so we’re going to have to fight through a lot,” Randle said, “but like we’ve done all year, we’ve got to rely on each other, play for one another, and we genuinely feel like if we do that, we give ourselves the best chance to win.”
Doncic, after fighting the illness and finishing with only 17 points in Game 3, was clearly feeling better after a full day to rest. But he went 1 for 6 in the fourth quarter from the floor.
James had 27 points and 12 rebounds for his 144th career double-double in the playoffs, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the thirdmost in history behind Tim Duncan (164) and Magic Johnson (157). James went 15 for 18 from the
free-throw line, determined to get to the rim in what was the best game by the Lakers offence in the series, but he was scoreless in the fourth.
Reaves and Dorian Finney-Smith hit back-toback 3-pointers to put the Lakers back in front with 1:29 left, but the Wolves took it from there. With the arena quieted while fans filed back into their seats from the break, the Lakers started the third quarter with a 14-0 run. Reaves, who went scoreless in the first half while in foul trouble, got hot. Hachimura did, too, and coach J.J. Redick rode with the same lineup for the entire quarter. But for the second straight game, the home team dominated down the stretch to continue a timely reversal of their regular season trend. The Wolves have outscored the Lakers in the fourth quarter of every game by a total of 105-69. “We haven’t lost nothing yet,” Doncic said.
“It’s still the first one to four wins, and we’ve just got to still to believe.”
‘BUDDY’ HIELD SCORES 17 AS WARRIORS BEAT ROCKETS
question will be whether Butler can heal in time to contribute. The Warriors missed their do-everything forward after he suffered a pelvic injury and deep gluteal muscle contusion in a hard fall during Game 2. “You’ve got one task,” Curry said of the team coming together with Butler out. “Hopefully he’s back next game, or if he’s not we can still play at a high level, we can win a tough, physical playoff game. I think we all know, we’re trying to win 14 more of these. We need Jimmy to do that.”
Fred VanVleet hit consecutive 3-pointers and had a three-point play to score Houston’s initial nine points and wound up with 17. Alperen Sengun added 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Warriors figured out how to create better space for Curry, who has 4,053 career playoff points and passed Tony Parker (4,045) for 10th most in NBA history.
The 37-year-old star missed his three 3-point tries in the opening period as Golden State went 2 for 13 from long range, finally connecting from deep 5:16 before halftime. His 13-point second quarter helped pull Golden State within 49-46 at the break after trailing by 13.
“I thought the key to the game was the way we closed the second quarter,” Kerr said.
Dillon Brooks fouled out with 3:47 left a day after he
104-93 FOR 2-1 LEAD
State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with guard Buddy Hield (7) during the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets in San Francisco. (AP Photos/Jeff Chiu)
defended Amen Thompson’s foul on Butler that led to the injury and called Green a “dirty” player. Thompson, Brooks and all the Rockets were booed during pregame introductions. Then Brooks fouled Curry 11 seconds into the game. He picked up his
second foul at the 5:24 mark of the first quarter, delighting the crowd.
The fans were equally thrilled when Sengun drove to the basket and badly missed when trying for a one-handed slam late in the first. Brooks had four fouls by halftime.
CAVS HAND HEAT WORST-EVER PLAYOFF LOSS FOR 3-0 LEAD IN SERIES
By The Associated Press
MIAMI (AP) — Donovan Mitchell didn’t have a great shooting day. Darius Garland was in street clothes, out with an injury. And Cleveland rolled anyway, moving to the brink of Round 2. Jarrett Allen scored 22 points, De’Andre Hunter added 21 and the Cavaliers — bullying Miami around all day — handed the Heat their worst playoff loss with a 124-87 win Saturday to take a 3-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series. The Cavs took control with a 33-5 run early, outrebounded Miami 46-29 and outscored the Heat 60-30 in the paint.
Evan Mobley scored 19 points and Max Strus added 18 for Cleveland. Ty Jerome had 13 points and 11 assists in 22 minutes — he was plus-33 — and Mitchell scored 13 on 4-for14 shooting.
THUNDER 117, GRIZZLIES 115 MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points and Oklahoma City advanced to the Western Conference semifinals by beating Memphis to complete a four-game sweep. Jalen Williams added 23 points for the top-seeded Thunder, who led the NBA with a 68-14 record this season and became the first team to reach the second round. They will await the
fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets or No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers in the next round.
The Grizzlies played without star guard Ja Morant, who bruised his left hip in a hard fall in Game 3. The Thunder erased a 29-point deficit after he left, the second-biggest comeback in a postseason game since detailed playby-play began being kept in 1996-97.
Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe had 11 points apiece for the Thunder, with Hartenstein adding 12 rebounds.
Scotty Pippen Jr. matched his career high with 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama had 23 points apiece.
NUGGETS 101, CLIPPERS 99 INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Aaron Gordon slammed down Nikola Jokic’s miss as time expired to lift Denver over Los Angeles to tie their playoff series 2-2.
WARRIORS 104, ROCKETS 93
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry eventually found his shooting groove while Houston tried everything to stop him, finishing with 36 points, nine assists and seven rebounds to lead Golden State past the Rockets without Jimmy Butler for a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Playoff Steph delivered while Playoff Jimmy became his biggest cheerleader on the bench — in a full-length fur coat. Chavano “Buddy” Hield had 17 points off the bench
Video review confirmed the ball left Gordon’s hands above the rim just before the buzzer sounded after the Nuggets had blown a 22-point lead. Jokic had 36 points, 21 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun had 17 points apiece. Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points for the Clippers. Norman Powell added 22 and Ivica Zubac had 19 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. The Nuggets split their two games at the new Intuit Dome. Game 5 is Monday in Denver.
with five 3-pointers as the Warriors won their sixth straight Game 3 in the opening round. Gary Payton II scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Game 4 in the best-ofseven series is tonight at Chase Center. The biggest question will be whether Butler can heal in time to contribute.
MINNESOTA Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates after a shot made by forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, yesterday in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
GOLDEN
GOLDEN State Warriors guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield scores against the Houston Rockets during the first half of Game 3 in San Francisco on Saturday.
Raiders, Jaguars and Chiefs receive A’s in the AP’s NFL draft grades
By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer
NFL draft picks can make an instant impact on a team’s immediate success.
Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick last year, led the Washington Commanders to the NFC championship game. Cooper DeJean, a second-round selection, had a pick-6 against Patrick Mahomes in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory over Kansas City. Some rookies will need more time to develop. Caleb Williams, who was the No. 1 pick in 2024, had a tough start in Chicago and the Bears went 5-12 and fired their coach. It usually takes two or three years to fairly grade a draft, but here are AP’s early grades on each team’s overall draft:
ARIZONA
CARDINALS: B
Defensive tackle Walter Nolen (16) is a plug-andplay starter who went a few slots higher than most projections. CB Will Johnson (47) is a first-round talent who slipped because of injury concerns. DL Jordan Burch (78) and LB Cody Simon (115) need more development.
ATLANTA FALCONS: B+
Edge Jalon Walker (15) was a top-10 projection who’ll boost the pass rush. Trading up to get edge
James Pearce Jr. (26) could have the same impact on Atlanta’s defence as the Eagles got after taking CBs Quinyon Mitchell and DeJean last season. S Xavier Watts (96) fits coach Raheem Morris’ scheme. S Billy Bowman Jr. (118) has to be more consistent at the next level.
BALTIMORE
RAVENS: B+
S Malaki Starks (27) is mature, talented and can thrive on a team that knows how to develop safeties. Edge Mike Green Jr. (59) is excellent value. He was a first-round projection who slipped due to off-field concerns. OT Emery Jones Jr. (91) and LB Teddye Buchanan (129) are possible Day 3 steals.
BUFFALO
BILLS: B+
CB Maxwell Hairston (30) brings energy and aggressive coverage skills to a secondary that needed the help. DL T.J. Sanders (41) will boost run defence. Edge Landon Jackson (72), DL Deone Walker (109) and CB Jordan Hancock (170) provide more depth for Buffalo’s defense.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: B WR Tetairoa McMillan (8) went earlier than expected for a guy with some question marks who’s loaded with talent. Edges Nic Scourton (51) and Princely Umanmielen (77) are excellent value picks and should make an immediate impact on a defence that needs pass rushers. RB Trevor Ettiene (114) can make plays. TE Mitchell Evans (163) is a nice addition. S Lathan Ransom (122) and DL Cam Jackson (140) deepen the defensive depth.
CHICAGO BEARS: B+
TE Colston Loveland (10) is an ideal fit for coach Ben Johnson’s offence. WR Luther Burden III (39) was a first-round projection who gives Caleb Williams another playmaker. OT Ozzy Trapilo (77) is mammoth (6-foot-8, 315) and has high upside. DL Shemar Turner (62), LB Ruben Hyppolite II (132) and CB Zah Frazier (169) are Day 3 value.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: BEdge Shemar Stewart (17) is raw but immensely talented and provides help for a defence that needs it. LB Demetrius Knight Jr. (49) can play right away and LB Barrett Carter (119) has potential. Added depth on the offensive line with G Dylan Fairchild (81) and LG Jalen Rivers (153). Running back Tahj Brooks (193) could be a steal in the sixth round.
CLEVELAND BROWNS: B+
Traded No. 2 and passed up Travis Hunter to add more draft capital and got DT Mason Graham (5). Often mocked to take QB Shedeur Sanders in the first round and ended up getting him at No. 144 after taking QB Dillon Gabriel (94). That’s great value for Sanders after a surprise in the third round.. LB Carson Schwesinger (33) is versatile. RB Quinshon Judkins (36) has playmaking talent. TE Harold Fannin Jr. (67) has high upside. RB Dylan Sampson (126) could be a sleeper.
DALLAS COWBOYS: B
G Tyler Booker is an immediate starter but Dallas probably could’ve traded down and snagged him in the teens. Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku (44) and CB Shavon Revel Jr. (76) are excellent value picks and will boost the defence. RB Jaydon Blue (149) is a home-run hitter. LB Shemar James will benefit from being around Micah Parsons.
DENVER BRONCOS: B+
CB Jahdae Barron (20) was ranked in the top 15 on several draft boards. He’s versatile enough to play inside, outside and even safety. RB R.J. Harvey (60) could flourish in Sean Payton’s offense.
DETROIT LIONS: B-
DT Tyleik Williams (28) is a massive run defender taken higher than expected. G Tate Ratledge will upgrade the run game. Traded up to get WR Isaac TeSlaa (70), who gives Jared Goff a big target in the slot. G Miles Frazier (171) fits offence nicely. Edge Ahmed Hassanein (196) has strong sleeper potential in the sixth round.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: B
WR Matthew Golden (23) is a perfect fit. OT Anthony Belton is a giant (6-foot-6, 336 pounds) with potential to move around on offensive line. WR Savion Williams (87) is another option for Jordan Love. Edge Barryn Sorrell (124) could be a specialist in pass-rush situations. LB Collin Oliver (159) and DT Warren Brinson (198) are solid choices in Day 3.
HOUSTON TEXANS: B Traded out of the first round and got big WR Jayden Higgins (34) to pair with Nico Collins. LT Aireontae Ersery (48) has plenty of upside and should be an immediate upgrade on a rebuilt line. Got another playmaker for C.J. Stroud in the third round, taking WR Jaylin Noel (79). CB Jaylin Smith (97) wasn’t expected to go this high. Neither was RB Woody Marks (116). S Jaylen Reed (187) is good value. QB Graham Mertz (197) has backup potential.
INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS: B
TE Tyler Warren (14) was a top-10 projection on many draft boards. Edge JT Tuimoloau (45) can play right away. CB Justin Walley (80) doesn’t stand out. OT Jalen Travis (127) and RB DJ Giddens (151) are excellent Day 3 picks. QB Riley Leonard (189) could eventually get a shot in a QB room with Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. DT Tim Smith is value in the sixth round.
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS: A
Made a bold and costly move to get Hunter (2) to upgrade two positions. Versatile CB Caleb Ransaw (88) upgrades the secondary. OT Wyatt Milum (89) and RB Bhayshul Tuten (104) are big value picks. Getting LBs Jack Kiser (107) and Jalen McLeod (194) in Day 3 solidifies a strong draft class. OT Jonah Monheim (221) is a sleeper in the seventh. So is RB LeQuint Allen (236).
KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS: A
Got tremendous value with OT Josh Simmons (32). DL Omarr NormanLott (63) and edge Ashton Gillotte (66) bolster the pass rush instantly. CB
Nohl Williams (85) went higher than expected but can cover. WR Jalen Royals (133) could be fun go to watch in Andy Reid’s offence. LB Jeffrey Bassa (156) and RB Brashard Smith (228) are potential late-round steals.
LAS VEGAS
RAIDERS: A
Got the top player at his position in RB Ashton Jeanty (6). WR Jack Bech (58) has a high ceiling. CB Darien Porter (68) has excellent upside. OTs Caleb Rogers (98) and Charles Grant (99) with consecutive picks is a Day 2 highlight. WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. (108) is a tall target for Geno Smith. Added more value with DLs Tonka Hemingway (135) and JJ Pegues (180).
LOS ANGELES
CHARGERS: BRB Omarion Hampton (22) fits Jim Harbaugh’s style. WR Tre Harris (55) gives Justin Herbert another playmaker. DL Jamaree Caldwell (86) has upside and edge Kyle Kennard (125) went too early. WR KeAndre LambertSmith (158) is a Day 3 highlight.
LOS ANGELES
RAMS: A-
Traded out of the first round, added more draft capital and landed three excellent picks to start: TE Terrance Ferguson (46), edge Josaiah Stewart (90) and RB Jarquez Hunter (117). DL Ty Hamilton (148) and LB Chris Paul Jr. (172) have potential.
MIAMI
DOLPHINS: B+
DT Kenneth Grant (13) fills an immediate need. So does G Jonah Savaiinaea (37). DT Jordan Phillips (143), CB Jason Marshall Jr. and S Dante Trader Jr. (155) stock up the defensive side. QB Quinn Ewers (231) is strong value in the seventh round.
MINNESOTA
VIKINGS: B
G Donovan Jackson (24) is versatile and determined. WR Tai Felton (102) could shine with Justin Jefferson drawing most of the attention.
LB Kobe King (201) was their best Day 3 pick. Edge Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins adds depth at a position of strength.
NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS: B-
OT Will Campbell (4)
had the quote of the draft when he said he’d “fight and die” to protect Drake Maye. RB TreVeyon Henderson may have been available in the third round.
WR Kyle Williams (69) could be a third-round steal. S Craig Woodson (106), DL Joshua Farmer (137) and edge Bradyn Swinson (146) are the highlights of a solid Day 3 haul.
NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS: C+
Versatile OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (9) fills a need. Passed up Shedeur Sanders and made Tyler Shough (40) the third QB selected earlier than projected. DL Vernon Broughton (71) and S Jonas Sanker (93) were solid additions. RB Devin Neal (184) stands out among the Day 3 picks.
NEW YORK GIANTS: B+
Got premier edge rusher Abdul Carter (3) and traded back into the first round to snag QB Jaxson Dart (25) a round early. DL Darius Alexander (65), RB Cam Skattebo (105) and OT Marcus Mbow (154) were high value in rounds 3-4-5. TE Thomas Fidone II (219) is a seventh-rounder with potential to be a playmaker.
NEW YORK JETS: B-
OT Armand Membou (7) fills a big void but may have been able to trade down, add draft capital and still address the position. TE Mason Taylor has the genes. CB Azareye’h Thomas (73) will benefit playing under Aaron Glenn. WR Arian Smith (110) is a burner. CB Malachi Moore (130) and edge Tyler Baron (176) could be major contributors.
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES: B
Made plenty of moves, as usual, and emphasized a defence that ranked No. 1 last season and dominated the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. LB Jihad Campbell (31) was projected to go in the middle of Round 1. S Andrew Mukuba (64) helps fill a need. So does DT Ty Robinson (111). CB Mac McWilliams (145) and LB Smael Mondon Jr. (161) provide more depth.
PITTSBURGH
STEELERS: B
DT Derrick Harmon (21) fits the scheme nicely.
RB Kaleb Johnson (83) has playmaker potential. Edge Jack Sawyer (123) is a Day 3 highlight. CB Yahya Black (164) and LB Carson Bruener are solid value picks. Finally took a QB and came away with a winner in W Howard (185). SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS: BEdge Mykel Williams (11) could shine opposite Nick Bosa. DL Alfred Collins (43) plugs a need in the middle of the defensive line. LB Nick Martin (75) needs more development. CB Upton Stout is smallish but fast. DL CJ West (113) and S Marques Sigle (160) are among their Day 3 highlights.
SEATTLE SEA
HAWKS: B+
OL Grey Zabel (18) can play anywhere and the offensive line needs help. S Nick Emmanwori (35) has first-round talent. TE Elijah Arroyo (50), QB Jalen Milroe (92), DL Rylie Mills (142) and WR Tory Horton (166) are strong value picks. So is RB Damien Martinez (223) in the seventh round.
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS: APassed up edge rushers to bolster a strength with WR Emeka Egbuka (19). CB Benjamin Morrison (30) was a first-round projection. CB Jacob Parrish (84) and edge rushers David Walker (121) and Elijah Roberts (157) have high upside. WR Tez Johnson (235) adds depth in an excellent receiver room.
TENNESSEE TITANS: B Needed time to be sure they wanted Cam Ward No. 1 overall after exploring options. If he doesn’t pan out, it sets the organisation back. Edge Oluwafemi Oladejo (52) and S Kevin Winston Jr. (82) immediately boost the defence. WR Elic Ayomanor (136) and Chimere Dike (103) give Ward more options. RB Kalel Mullings (188) is among a strong Day 3 class.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: B+
OT Josh Conerly Jr. (29) upgrades the Jayden Daniels’ protection. CB Trey Amos (61) could be an immediate starter. WR Jaylin Lane (128) and LB Kain Medrano (205) are high value picks. RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (245) has sleep potential.
TWO-way player Travis Hunter, the Jacksonville Jaguars first round draft pick, second overall, pose with a jersey with general manager James Gladstone, right, head coach Liam Coen, second from right, and executive vice president of football operations Tony Boselli, left, during an NFL football press conference, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr’s suspension is dropped,
fine is maintained
under agreement with MLB
By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball dropped a one-game suspension against New York Yankees second baseman
Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. Chisholm was suspended on April 18, a day after his ejection at the Tampa Bay Rays. MLB penalised him for his ejection and violation of its social media policy. Chisholm appealed, delaying any penalties.
MLB announced yesterday that the suspension was dropped. Under the settlement, first reported by the New York Daily News, the fine was maintained, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity
because the detail of the fine was not announced.
Chisholm was ejected in the seventh inning by plate umpire John Bacon when Chisholm argued after a called third strike on a fullcount pitch from Mason Montgomery that appeared low. It was his fifth career ejection and first with the Yankees.
Chisholm then posted on his X account, “Not even ... close!!!!!” with a profanity mixed in, then deleted the post.
MLB’s regulations ban the use of electronic devices during games. The social media policy prohibits “displaying or transmitting content that questions the impartiality of or otherwise denigrates a major league umpire.”
“I didn’t think before I had anything that I said was ejectable but after
probably,” Chisholm said after that game.
“I’m a competitor, so when I go out there and I feel like I’m right and
you’re saying something to me that I think doesn’t make sense, I’m going to get fired up and be upset.
“I lost my emotions. I lost
my cool,” he added. “I got to be better than that.
“I’m definitely mad at myself for losing my cool,” he said.
YANKEES’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after hitting a sacrifice that scored Aaron Judge during the sixth inning of a baseball game on April 22 in Cleveland.
(AP Photo/David Dermer) NEW York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. hits a single during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday in New York.
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Intriguing Colorado Duo
Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic fall to Day 3 of the NFL draft still baffling
ABy ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer
year a er quarterbacks dominated the top dozen picks, Miami s Cam Ward is the only sure re high pick among premier passers this year Bringing the intrigue into the dra are Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter, who aims to play both cornerback and wide receiver in the NFL like he did in B oulder
SHEDEUR Sanders’
dramatic fall to Day 3 of the NFL draft baffled fans, analysts and some general managers and coaches.
Where will Shedeur Sanders land when teams gather in the land of Vince Lombardi to restock their rosters? at s the biggest stor yline of the NFL dra in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with mocks all over the map
Sanders was considered a top-five overall pick after finishing his career at Colorado, but he wasn’t even among the first five quarterbacks selected.
Bypassing Colorado’s precision passer could lead to deep regrets among talent evaluators, suggested longtime ESPN dra analyst Mel Kiper Jr Sanders overcame a substandard ground game and at times poor pass protection to throw for 37 touchdowns and more than 4,000 yards last season while completing more than 74% of his throws.
He slipped all the way to the fifth round without any obvious explanation, leaving everyone to speculate about his shortcomings and question whether Hall of Fame father Deion Sanders somehow scared teams away.
Shedeur Sanders was never involved in any off-field incidents, yet his character was criticised by various media outlets who cited unidentified sources in the weeks leading up to the draft.
The Cleveland Browns ended up taking Sanders with the 144th pick after they were thought to be considering him at No. 2 overall. The Browns even selected Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel in the third round at No. 94 but then moved up in the draft to snag Sanders one pick before the Philadelphia Eagles were on the clock.
“We felt like he was a good, solid prospect at the most important position,” Berry said. “We felt like it got to a point where he was probably mispriced relative to the draft. Really, the acquisition cost was pretty light, and it’s a guy that we think can outproduce his draft slot.
Bypassing on-the- eld workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and the Big 12 pro day only added to the doubts that suddenly swirled around the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who dr yly wondered how his son ’ s stock could have slipped when he hasn’t thrown an interception since the Alamo B owl At the conclusion of the year a er 4,000-some yards, all of a sudden his arm is weak, Deion Sanders cracked I don t know when his arm got weak. But he protects the ball He had the highest completion percentage in college football this past year He s the pillar of consistency
Though the Eagles have a franchise QB in Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, Browns general manager Andrew Berry worked in Philadelphia with GM Howie Roseman and knows he’s not afraid to take the best available player on the board.
“I think, obviously, Shedeur has kind of grown up in the spotlight, but our expectation is for him to come in here and work and compete. Nothing’s been promised. Nothing will be given.”
Sanders, who played for his father in college, said all the right things after he was finally selected.
But you ve got to understand when that last name is on your back you ’ re going to be attacked and ridiculed But we ’ re built for that. He was raised for this moment ” Kiper concurred saying Shedeur Sanders is accurate, he s precise –everything ever ybody wants. Decisionmaking, accuracy, toughness, he has Now, he’s 6-foot-and-a-half, can’t change that, right? But six-foot-and-a-half is more than good enough now in this day and age ”
“Nothing really affected me the last couple of days, just really pushed having faith, understanding God really had me,” Sanders said. “I’m blessed. Besides that, it’s not really anything that changes. The love of the game is still the same. When you get on the field, it wasn’t too much negativity being said. I know I’ve got to clean up some things in my game for me to be at my best, but that’s why I take each offseason one at a time and fix it. So I think that was just outside of football getting in the way, but therefore I have an opportunity now. Then we’re about to get on grass really soon.”
Three team officials told The Associated Press on Friday they had first-round grades on Sanders. Another team executive said he gave him a second-round grade. All four had starting QBs.
That’s how Hurts ended up on the Eagles in 2020 when Carson Wentz was already there. That doesn’t mean Philly was targeting Sanders, but Cleveland had waited long enough.
Broncos coach Sean Payton and Patriots personnel boss Eliot Wolf both said it was “surprising” to see Sanders drop that far. Payton watched his pro day and said Sanders was “outstanding.” Titans general Mike Borgonzi praised him. So did Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, though Pittsburgh kept passing him and wound up with Will Howard in the sixth round.
So what caused Sanders’ unprecedented slide?
The knocks against Sanders’ football skills are that he takes too many sacks, isn’t athletic enough and doesn’t have great arm strength.
Louis Riddick, an ESPN analyst who was a director of pro personnel with
Philadelphia and Washington, called that “absurd.”
“It’s a personal discussion. It’s whether or not teams are comfortable with everything that comes along with Shedeur in terms of who he is as a person, all the people that are surrounding him in terms of his inner circle and whether or not teams deem that something they’re comfortable with,” Riddick said on Saturday’s broadcast. “Right or wrong, that’s the only conclusion you can come to at this point because, obviously, it’s a subjective argument as to what his actual physical skills are on the football field. “But I think if you are trying to be objective about it, and remove everything else surrounding this young
Sanders, like his “Prime Time” father, oozes confidence that can be misconstrued as arrogance. He probably made more money off name, imagine and likeness deals in college than he will in his rookie contract. His flash and style could rub some folks — maybe old-school assistant coaches — the wrong way.
But plenty of athletes are confident, bordering on cocky. Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, turned to Tennessee’s coaching staff after an impressive throw at his pro day and said: “I’m solidifying it.”
Other players have had more controlling dads. Archie Manning forced the Chargers to trade Eli Manning to the Giants in 2004.
John Elway refused to play for the Colts in 1983.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper, who covered his 42nd NFL draft, had Sanders listed as the top quarterback on his board. He said he was “disgusted” by the free fall and spoke strongly about Sanders several times.
“I think there’s a lot of perspective that isn’t reality in regards to Shedeur and Deion,” Kiper said.
Like him or not, Sanders will get his opportunity to prove the critics and the doubters wrong in the NFL.
man and everything that comes along with him, he can play the game of football. This is a guy who’s extremely accurate. He’s extremely mobile. He has a lot of mental horsepower. He played the game at a high level. It’s as simple as that, but if you go into this whole evaluation process and you’re already biased toward feeling you want to emphasise the negative and I’m not saying that’s the case for me, but if you want to emphasise some of the things that really don’t have to do with anything on the football field and you get caught up in all the rest of it, it can start skewing your judgment as to what this young man actually brings in terms of value.”
DOLPHINS’ GOAL IN NFL DRAFT WAS TO ADD SIZE AND TOUGHNESS. THEY ACHIEVED THAT IN FIRST 3 PICKS
By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer
MIAMI GARDENS,
Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins’ top three picks in the NFL draft weigh a combined 983 pounds.
That’s how badly the Dolphins needed to get bigger and tougher, so they took defensive tackles Kenneth Grant (339 pounds) and Jordan Phillips (320), along with guard Jonah Savaiinaea (324 pounds) with three of their eight selections.
Finding physically imposing players who could be tone-setters in the trenches was coach Mike McDaniel’s goal. His team last season was criticised at times for not being tough enough, especially against stout
competition. “The idea of adding not only a fierce competitor but someone that plays with the tonality of violence and aggression,” McDaniel said. “That was something that (GM) Chris (Grier) and I had talked at length about.”
Grier used the No. 13 overall pick to select Grant, the former Michigan standout who should provide
immediate help on the defensive line. This was considered one of the Dolphins’ biggest positions of need after the departure of Calais Campbell, leaving Zach Sieler as the only top returner. Grant’s combination of size and athleticism drew the Dolphins to him. That, and his love for doing the dirty work on the field.
“Whether it’s in practice or in the game, I’m always ready to go because on the field, it’s no friends, to be honest,” Grant said. “Everybody is trying to get their individual goals, so you’re not going to let another man take your goal. That’s how I think of it.”
Trade talks
The Dolphins still plan to trade All-Pro Jalen Ramsey after the cornerback and Grier decided that it was best for the two sides to part ways.
While no trade materialised during the draft, Grier said he spoke with teams throughout the weekend. He said he won’t necessarily wait until June 1 to trade Ramsey, though the cap hit would be lower.
“Depending on what happens, if and when it happens, we’ll make the deal at the appropriate time,” Grier said.
Weighing options
The Dolphins traded a third and fourth-round pick to move up and draft Savaiinaea in the second round. Miami needed to find a starting guard, and Grier had been targeting the former Arizona player. He said landing Savaiinaea was worth losing the extra picks that could have been used to fill other needs.
One of those needs was cornerback, which the Dolphins didn’t address until the fifth round when they selected Florida’s Jason Marshall Jr. McDaniel said the team was constantly weighing the options and consequences of moving around in the draft, but was happy with their approach.
“We feel like we targeted players at all the positions that we knew could help us,” McDaniel said. “As our picks came up and as we were able to have the opportunity to go different places, we attacked those processes. Very aware of the possibility of the guy
we like being in the fourth round or the fifth. You’re just trying to focus on the entire team and make sure you get better with each and every selection.”
Quarterback questions
Grier said the Dolphins considered selecting Shedeur Sanders on Day 3 after the star quarterback’s stunning fall to the fifth round. Instead, Miami went with Quinn Ewers, selecting the former Texas quarterback with the 231st overall pick in the seventh round.
Ewers, a former five-star recruit, threw for 3,472 yards last season with 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while battling an injury.
“Quinn obviously had a very good college career,” Grier said. “We talked to (Texas) coach (Steve) Sarkesian about him. Sark really likes him, was high (on him), was talking about him playing through the injuries this year, which affected his play a little bit. He talked about his toughness, his mental toughness of pushing through ... He loved his competitiveness and how he plays, and how his teammates respond to him. He was someone that we always had an eye on.” Ewers transferred to Texas from Ohio State in 2022 and immediately became the starter. He led the team through seasons of 8-5, 12-2 and 13-3 records, but was dogged by various shoulder, abdomen and ankle injuries. An abdomen strain this past season sidelined Ewers several games and allowed Arch Manning to start twice and shine, earning the programme’s first SEC win.
“I enjoy going through adversity because I feel like I have a plan of attack,” Ewers said. “I feel like anything that’s happened to me the past years of my college career is only going to help me in the long run.”
Shedeur Sanders
COLORADO quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2), face shown below, throws a pass against Central
Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game on September 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Phelan M Ebenhack)
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)