"I've been a part of college basketball for almost 50 years, and the truth is, it's time," Pearl said tearfully in a video announcing his retirement. "I told myself when I got to the point where I could not give it my all, or I wasn't necessarily 100%, or I couldn't be the relentless competitor that [Auburn fans] expected of me, that it was going to be time."
Former San Jose State player Steven Vasquez was one of three men's Division I college basketball players who had their eligibility permanently revoked on Wednesday by the NCAA after an investigation determined they bet on their own games and shared thousands of dollars in payouts. The NCAA Committee on Infractions released findings from an enforcement investigation that uncovered violations by Vasquez, and former Fresno State players Mykell Robinson and Jalen Weaver.
A Fresno State men's basketball player manipulated his performance for gambling purposes and conspired with two players to place bets on his statistics, according to findings from an NCAA investigation released Wednesday. The NCAA ruled that Fresno State forward Mykell Robinson, San Jose State guard Steven Vasquez and Fresno State guard Jalen Weaver are permanently ineligible due to gambling violations and are no longer enrolled at their schools.
Posted up against a wall of the air-conditioned gym at Peach Jam in mid-July, Tulane coach Ron Hunter prepared to greet an approaching SEC colleague, expecting a handshake and pleasantries. But his powerhouse peer had other intentions for the interaction with Hunter, who has developed multiple players who have transferred to elite programs -- including former Duke star Sion James -- in recent years. "He came over to me and he said, 'Ron, you're doing a hell of a job ... getting kids ready for our level,'" Hunter told ESPN at the basketball camp in North Augusta, South Carolina. "And I didn't know whether to be mad or to say thank you."
Pitino's comments about Ian Jackson being the 'most potential' player reflect a belief he has significant growth opportunities, highlighting a perceived gap in his fundamental game understanding.
Mike Krzyzewski stated, '[Grant Hill] is the best player to ever play at Duke,' and '[Christian Laettner] is the most accomplished.' He also praised Cooper Flagg as 'definitely the best freshman that has ever played.'
Deron Rippey Jr., a 6-foot-2 point guard from New York City, is a top-20 national prospect and the No. 2 point guard in the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite.
Luis and coach Rick Pitino had agreed it was best for both sides to go their separate ways when the Johnnies' season ended with a loss to Arkansas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Razorbacks will face Houston at Brooklyn's Barclays Center this December, shifting from early expectations of Madison Square Garden, but maintaining competitive significance.
"I got great feedback from NBA teams, but the consensus was to come back to school and have a great year. I want to try and up my stock even more, and put myself in a position to win a national championship with all the possible accolades that come with that."
