General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: April 6, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NCAA Basketball Aftermath & Coaching Moves

The fallout from the NCAA championships continued with UCLA's Cori Close receiving praise from South Carolina coach Dawn Staley following the Gamecocks' title game victory, though Staley also made an apparent dig at Geno Auriemma during the pregame handshake. While UCLA's title run was celebrated as the culmination of years of effort from an eclectic roster of transfers, the program was already unranked in way-too-early 2026-27 projections, contrasting sharply with runner-up South Carolina placed at No. 3 in post-season rankings. Meanwhile, in the men’s game, Michigan coach Dusty May affirmed his commitment to the Wolverines, informing officials he is not pursuing other college basketball openings, even as Alabama secured coach Nate Oats with a new deal making him one of the five highest-paid coaches nationally.

Further accolades in men's college hoops saw Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg edged out Duke's Jon Scheyer for the Associated Press Coach of the Year, while Duke's Cameron Boozer became only the fifth freshman ever to claim the AP Player of the Year honor becoming the second consecutive Duke player. The star freshman, however, suffered significant damage during the Elite Eight loss to UConn, reporting he sustained multiple fractures around one eye. The Huskies men's team, which recently saw its freshman star Solo Ball listed as available for the title game despite an earlier foot injury after initial availability reports, was celebrated alongside the women's team for potentially reaching dual title appearances, a feat last achieved in 2014.

Professional Tennis & Golf Updates

In professional golf, all eyes turned to Augusta National where two-time champion Scottie Scheffler arrived with his 9-day-old son Remy as the field prepared to compete in the 90th Masters, where veteran Justin Rose seeks a first victory despite possessing a superior pedigree. Elsewhere on the tour, American JJ Spaun overcame weather interruptions to capture the Texas Open, relegating Scotland's Robert Mac Intyre to a runner-up finish. On the clay courts, British number one Cameron Norrie secured his first Monte Carlo Masters match win since 2019 by defeating Miomir Kecmanovic.

European Rugby & Football Competitions

European club rugby saw significant movement in the Champions Cup, with Leinster turning on the style to crush Edinburgh 49-31 and reach the quarter-finals, while Hugo Keenan expressed delight at putting his injury nightmare behind him. Defending champions Leicester Tigers suffered a ruthless exit after being dominated by Bordeaux Begles, who scored nine tries in their last-16 rout. In the Challenge Cup, Dragons caused an upset in Paris thanks to a late Wyn Jones try, while Ulster showcased their resilience in downing the Ospreys 28-24 to advance. Meanwhile, former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia joined the veteran squad at Manchester club Wythenshawe AFC.

Snooker & Combat Sports Developments

The Tour Championship in Manchester concluded with China's Zhao Xintong thashing world number one Judd Trump 10-3 to claim his maiden title, a result compounded by Trump's earlier semi-final victory where he swept aside Neil Robertson 10-4. Zhao’s path included a semi-final where he dealt John Higgins the heaviest defeat of his 34-year career in a 10-1 rout. In boxing, Deontay Wilder called out Anthony Joshua following his points victory over Derek Chisora, asserting the fight "makes perfect sense," though Wilder's lawyer also issued a statement vehemently denying assault allegations against his ex-partner's son. Former boxer Delicious Orie opened up about his shock retirement decision, citing depression fears and his desire to serve as a positive role model.

Chess, Horse Racing, and Track & Field

Chess grandmaster Hans Niemann is actively plotting a path toward vindication following severe cheating allegations, aiming to reassert himself in the quest for the world championship title. In horse racing, the confirmations for Saturday's Grand National at Aintree feature past winners I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett heading the field. A bizarre incident occurred in British racing where jockey Callum Pritchard received a 12-day ban after misjudging the winning post and easing up his horse with a full circuit still remaining. On the track, American sprinter Sha-Carri Richardson overcame a substantial 10-metre handicap to become only the third woman in history to win the prestigious Stawell Gift from the back mark.

Other Sports News & League Launches

The start of the professional curling era commenced in Toronto with the launch of Rock League, the first-ever professional mixed-gender league featuring six global franchises playing an unusual format. In basketball, the WNBA and WNBPA struck an agreement to commence free agency on Monday, with the league draft scheduled for April 13. WNBA superstar A'ja Wilson signaled her loyalty to the Aces, stating emphatically she is "not leaving Vegas" when contract negotiations resume. Meanwhile, the GAA Social podcast featured analysis from Philly McMahon and Conor McManus offering championship predictions ahead of the 2026 Ulster Senior Football Championship. Lastly, cycling phenom Tadej Pogacar defended his title at the Tour of Flanders, dropping rival Mathieu van der Poel 18km out to secure a record-equalling third win.