USA TODAY’s Josh Peter noted 71 players have filed as early entry candidates for the NBA Draft in June -- reportedly the “smallest number of players in more than two decades.” That comes after 363 players filed as early entry candidates just five years ago. There is “little mystery behind the trend” as the NIL era began in July 2021, allowing college athletes to “cash in like never before.” Clearly, it has made staying in school “more appealing for players not guaranteed to be picked high enough -- or at all” -- during the two-round NBA Draft (USA TODAY, 4/27).
RIGHT ON SCHEDULE: In Pittsburgh, Kellen Stepler wrote Pitt’s $240M Victory Heights sports complex is “on schedule to host commencement ceremonies this week and athletic competition in the fall.” The facility hosts “dedicated practice facilities and locker rooms for Pitt gymnastics, volleyball, wrestling and spirit squads.” The Victory Heights Arena can seat “more than 3,600 people depending on configuration.” Wrestling matches can accommodate “more than 3,400, volleyball 2,700 and gymnastics 2,500; the full capacity of 3,600 can be arranged for center stage concert.” Its sports performance center will support 16 of Pitt’s teams, with men’s and women’s basketball, and football having other facilities (TRIBLIVE, 4/27).
NO PLANS TO CUT: TCU AD Mike Buddie said that the department has “no plans to cut any sport anytime soon.” In Fort Worth, Steven Johnson notes TCU won the national championship in beach volleyball last year, men’s outdoor tennis in 2024 and in rifle in 2024. TCU women’s soccer also reached its first Final Four in December. Buddie said that he believes “all those successes impact the university positively, and he is committed to continue fielding nationally competitive teams.” Johnson notes while TCU “remains committed to its non-revenue sports, Buddie isn’t surprised to see other programs making the decision to eliminate programs” (FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 4/28).
