By Alec Millender Sports Capital Journalism Program INDIANAPOLIS — When Zakai Zeigler first arrived on the University of Tennessee campus in 2021, he was a lightly recruited, undersized combo guard that many believed would redshirt his freshman year. Even Rick Barnes and his staff initially thought the same. But two weeks into practice, Barnes knew …
Read MoreBy Chris Schumerth | @ChrisSchumerth Sports Capital Journalism Program INDIANAPOLIS — After Camden Heide’s 3-pointer tied the game and sent the Purdue fans in Lucas Oil Stadium into a frenzy with 35 seconds to go, it looked like the Houston Cougars, the Midwest Regional’s top seed, were in danger of losing in the Sweet 16 …
Read MoreBy Alec Millender Sports Capital Journalism Program INDIANAPOLIS — The Tennessee Volunteers are headed back to the Elite Eight after a dominant 78–65 win over Kentucky at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday night. Fueled by a collective effort, defensive intensity, and a signature team-first mindset, the Volunteers proved they belong among college basketball’s elite. Led …
Read MoreI was scrolling on X before kickoff of the Capital One Orange Bowl between Notre Dame and Penn State when I keyed in on a post. A sports betting account reported “breaking news” that Penn State was now favored by a point, a flip after Notre Dame had been favored by the same number all …
Read More(Editor’s Note: Writing for Team USA, Sports Capital Journalism Program graduate student Madie Chandler describes the value that Diana Taurasi, a five-time gold medalist in women’s basketball, brings to the team that will play in a semifinal game on Friday.) Team USA | Beyond the Box Score: Why Diana Taurasi Is Vital to USA Women’s …
Read MoreBy Madie Chandler | @madie_chandler CLEVELAND — The U.S. Basketball Writers Association tipped off the 2024 Women’s Final Four with a brunch to honor a handful of individuals who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the game. No one embodies this commitment more than Joye Lee-McNelis, recipient of the USBWA’s Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award, as she …
Read MoreBy Justin Haberstroh | @JustinHaberstr1 Sports Capital Journalism Program INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time since February 28, when Tyler Kolek suffered a grade two oblique strain that turned the All-American guard into a spectator and temporarily changed the direction of Marquette’s season, the Golden Eagles were complete. Kolek scored 10 of his 18 points …
Read MoreBy Justin Haberstroh | @JustinHaberstr1 Sports Capital Journalism Program INDIANAPOLIS – One year ago, the Purdue Boilermakers were in this same spot — a one seed playing a 16 seed at the start of the NCAA tournament — and the results of that loss to FDU are still a constant reminder. Purdue’s Zach Edey, the …
Read MoreBy Christopher Wright Sports Capital Journalism Program HOUSTON – The 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four, rife with coaching personalities, includes San Diego State’s Brian Dutcher, who brings a blue-collardom. The Aztecs’ coach rarely talks about himself but sings praises when any of his players are brought up. Dutcher has taken a defensively tough group to …
Read MoreBy Daniel Marco | @DanielMarco1995 Sports Capital Journalism Program HOUSTON – When the University of Connecticut Huskies meet the University of Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA Men’s Final Four at NRG Stadium, Adama Sanogo, a junior center from Mali, will have faced an added challenge in the preparation of the biggest game of his career. …
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