AJ Dybantsa is the No. 1 pick on a big NBA draft night for freshman stars and Michigan’s champions
NEW YORK (AP) — The Washington Wizards selected forward AJ Dybantsa, who led the nation in scoring in his one season at BYU, with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, highlighted by a 43-point effort that broke BYU’s freshman scoring record. At 6-foot-9 and 217 pounds, Dybantsa has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, who happens to be his favorite player. Durant grew up in the Washington area, and Wizards fans can only hope Dybantsa can live up to the comparisons.
2026 NBA draft tracker: List of 1st-round picks
The players selected in Tuesday’s first round of the 2026 NBA draft. BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa went with the No. 1 overall pick to the Washington Wizards. The Utah Jazz followed by choosing Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 pick. Memphis took Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer at No. 3 after Boozer was named AP national player of the year. Chicago took North Carolina freshman forward Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick. National champion Michigan saw forwards Morez Johnson Jr., and Yaxel Lendeborg join big man Aday Mara in going in the top 12 picks.
In today’s NBA, when a Giannis-sized opportunity knocks, teams have to take the leap
MIAMI (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo is 31 years old. He has a history of injury issues, including calf strains. He played in only 36 games for the Milwaukee Bucks this past season. And he will be expecting an extension that could pay him nearly $1 million per game a few years from now. Some of these things could be considered red flags. Not to the Miami Heat. If the parity era — eight different NBA champions in the past eight seasons — has taught teams anything, it’s to be aggressive when opportunity presents itself. And that’s why Antetokounmpo is headed to Miami.
Brendan Sorsby has to wait until 2027 to join the NFL
Brendan Sorsby will have to wait until 2027 to begin his NFL career. The NFL informed the 22-year-old quarterback on Tuesday that it will not hold a supplemental draft this year, and encouraged him to focus on preparing for possible entry into the league through the regular draft next year. The league told Sorsby of its decision in a letter that was obtained by The Associated Press. Sorsby had applied for the supplemental draft after a legal battle with the NCAA, which had declared him ineligible for making thousands of bets on sporting events worth at least $90,000 during his college career.
NCAA panel approves new eligibility rules giving Division I athletes 5 years to play 5 seasons
The NCAA adopted a new eligibility model for Division I athletes allowing five seasons of competition over a five-year period beginning upon initial college enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. The Division I Cabinet approved the change from the longstanding tenet of college sports that gave athletes five years to complete four seasons of competition with their eligibility clock starting at the time of enrollment, regardless of age. It eliminates waivers for extended eligibility except for pregnancy, religious missions or active-duty military service. No longer will extensions be considered for athletes who are injured.
Messi and Mbappé romping through World Cup with dazzling display of history-making goals
Argentina’s Lionel Messi has been mesmerizing. France’s Kylian Mbappé has been, well, magnifique. Two of the biggest stars of the World Cup are setting records with history-making goals in a sizzling start that has even the most casual soccer fans in the U.S. taking notice. Other goal scorers like Norway’s Erling Haaland are making their marks as well in a World Cup on a record goal-scoring pace. But Messi and Mbappé are the maestros making this World Cup their personal symphony. It’s one they’ve been writing since the 2022 final in Qatar.
England and Ghana play to 0-0 draw at World Cup despite flurry-filled final minutes
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — England dominated possession but came up empty on several late scoring opportunities in a 0-0 draw with Ghana at the World Cup. Both teams won their opening matches, with Ghana beating Panama 1-0 and England defeating Croatia 4-2. Now both still have work to do in Group L before securing a spot in the knockout round. England had a chance to take the lead in the 86th minute when Nico O’Reilly’s header hit the crossbar. Harry Kane gathered the rebound but couldn’t get enough on it with his left foot and shot high. England hasn’t lost to an African country at the World Cup in nine meetings.
NHL exploring Texas expansion in Houston or Austin with billionaire Dan Friedkin and family
NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL is exploring expansion to Texas, focusing on Houston or Austin, with a framework agreed upon with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family. Commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday that the Board of Governors executive committee endorsed the plan for the next six months. The total investment, including an expansion fee and building a new arena, would be $3.5 billion. Discussions initially centered on Houston before Austin joined the conversation. This move could make the NHL the largest professional sports league in North America. The league last expanded with the Seattle Kraken in 2021.
Falcons agree to $54 million, 3-year deal that makes Kyle Pitts Sr. 1 of NFL’s top paid tight ends
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract with tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., securing another foundation player through the 2028 season. The deal was announced by Pitts’ agency, Athletes First, in a social media post. The agency says it is the largest three-year deal for a tight end in NFL history. The agreement comes three weeks after the team signed wide receiver Drake London to a four-year, $141 million deal. Pitts set a career high with 88 catches last season. He had 928 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The deal includes $36 million in guaranteed salary.
Meet Caramelo, the Mexico superfan attending his 11th World Cup
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Héctor Chávez, known as Caramelo, is a beloved figure among Mexican soccer fans. He has attended 543 matches supporting Mexico’s national team, “El Tri,” since 1986. Chávez, now at his 11th World Cup, is joined by his son, Caramelo Jr. Both are known for their oversized sombreros. Despite his popularity, Chávez faces criticism for drawing too much attention. He says the high costs of attending the World Cup has kept some fans away. Chávez remains committed to supporting the team, emphasizing the importance of passionate fans in creating a vibrant atmosphere.