Ole Miss received one of the last at-large bids in the NCAA Baseball Tournament and the Rebels are the last team standing after beating Oklahoma four to two yesterday to sweep the Sooners in the College World Series finals. Many LSU fans are happy for Rebels head coach Mike Bianco, who was a captain on the Tigers 1989 College World Series team and was an assistant for LSU when they won three titles from 1993 to 1997.

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has reportedly turned to the Major Leagues for his new pitching coach. D-1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers was the first to report the Tigers are hiring Minnesota Twins pitching coach Wes Johnson. Johnson has been with the Twins the last four seasons after spending nine seasons as a college pitching coach, most recently with Arkansas in 2018. He’s also had stops at Mississippi State, Dallas Baptist and Central Arkansas. Wes Johnson is leaving a team that’s in first place in the American League Central.

Now that the college baseball season is over, the official countdown has begun for the start of the college football season. LSU Quarterback Myles Brennan admits it has been a big transition from the Ed Orgeron coaching staff to new head coach Brian Kelly…
cut 18 (12) “….fired up”
Brennan was at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux this past weekend.

The nation’s top high school football recruit for the Class 2023, Newman quarterback Arch Manning, ended speculation on his college choice when he committed to Texas last week. His uncle, Peyton Manning, gave his nephew some advice…
Cut 19 (17) _“…when you know, you know.”

The College World Series Championship series begins today with Ole Miss facing Oklahoma and next year Jay Johnson wants LSU in that position. The Tigers have added two more players to next year’s roster through the transfer portal as North Carolina State’s Tommy White and Vanderbilt’s Christian Little are reportedly transferring to LSU. White set the NCAA freshman home run record by hitting 27 bombs and driving in 74 runs. He has two more years before he’s draft-eligible. Little is a right-hander from St. Louis who went 4-and-4 with a 4.65 ERA and striking out 95 in 81 innings. D-1 baseball’s Kendall Rogers says Little has the potential to be a first round pick.

And the top women’s basketball player in the Class of 2023, Parkway’s Mikaylah Williams has committed the LSU Lady Tigers.

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies take place tonight in Natchitoches as the Class of 2022 is inducted. Former Ruston High and LSU Tiger Kyle Williams is one of the headliners. Williams played 13 years in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. But he still remembers those preseason practices at LSU….
cut 30 (23) “…do it”
Also going into the Hall of Fame is late McNeese and Ragin Cajuns baseball coach Tony Robichaux, former LSU softball pitcher Britni Sneed Newman and Saints offensive guard Jahri Evans.

Saints linebacker Demario Davis has agreed to a one-year contract extension through 2024 that will reportedly pay him 18-million more dollars over the next three seasons.

U-I-W announces its staying in the Southland Conference. The school in San Antonio planned to join the WAC on July 1st. UIW’s decision to stay gives the Southland seven football-playing schools this fall and nine overall.

LSU women’s basketball continues to add to a stellar recruiting class with the announcement that Bossier City’s Mikaylah Williams, the top-ranked player in the nation, has committed to the Tigers. She was last season’s state basketball Player of the Year after averaging 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals as a junior at Parkway High. Williams is the highest-rated recruit for the program since Seimone Augustus, also ranked number one, in 2002.

Not to be outdone, baseball coach Jay Johnson is about to welcome two new Tigers through the transfer portal: NC State first baseman Tommy White and Vanderbilt righty Christian Little according to D1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers. White set the NCAA freshman home run record with 27 in 55 games last season, while batting .362 with 74 RBI. Little is a 6-4 flamethrower projected to develop into a potential major league first-rounder.

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According to ESPN, Saints linebacker Demario Davis has signed a one-year extension through the 2024 season.

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The New Orleans Pelicans selected 6-7 guard Dyson Daniels out of Australia with the eighth pick in last night’s NBA Draft. Daniels is known for his ability to play both ends, passing, and high basketball IQ.

Cut 16 (12) “…this is crazy.”

In round two the Pelicans maybe got the steal of the draft in Ohio St. forward E.J. Liddell, who was rated as a first-round talent. Liddell averaged 19 points, eight rebounds, and nearly three blocks per game for the Buckeyes last season, earning First-team All-Big Ten honors for the second time. New Orleans also drafted European big man Karlo Matkovic, though he will likely remain overseas for another year or two.

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All-SEC forward Tari Eason was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 17th pick, becoming the 17th LSU player taken in the first round all time. Darius Days agreed to a summer league deal with the Spurs, and Shareef O’Neal was signed by the Lakers. Louisiana Tech forward Kenneth Lofton Jr inked a two-way deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

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LSU women’s basketball continues to add to a stellar recruiting class with the announcement that Bossier City’s Mikaylah Williams, the top-ranked player in the nation, has committed to the Tigers. She was last season’s state basketball Player of the Year after averaging 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals as a junior at Parkway High.

A couple of LSU men’s basketball alumni were taken in the NBA Draft. All-SEC forward Tari Eason was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 17^th pick, becoming the 17^th LSU player taken in the first round all time. Darius Days agreed to a summer league deal with the Spurs, and Shareef O’Neal was signed by the Lakers.

Louisiana Tech forward Kenneth Lofton Jr inked a two-way deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. Tech also announced that women’s hoops coach Brooke Stoehr’s contract has been extended through the 2025-26 season. Last season the Lady Techsters finished 21-12, their best record in a decade.

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Ole Miss beat Arkansas 2-0 in Omaha to advance to the finals of the College World Series where they will face Oklahoma. The best-of-three series begins Saturday at 6 pm.

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As expected, the New Orleans Pelicans selected guard Dyson Daniels with the eighth pick in last night’s NBA Draft. Daniels spent last season playing for the NBA’s G-League Ignite squad, where he averaged 11 points, six boards, four assists, and two steals per game. He credits his experience in the G-League with getting him into the lottery and onto the Pelicans.

Cut 17 (19) “…for sure.”

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Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon says there was a moment of concern that Daniels wouldn’t be there at eight, but he’s glad they were able to add their top target.

Cut 21 (14) “…that we have.”

In round two the Pelicans maybe got the steal of the draft in Ohio St. forward E.J. Liddell.

As predicted by many, the Pelicans selected 6-7 guard Dyson Daniels out of Australia with the eighth pick in last night’s NBA Draft….
Cut 16 (12) “…this is crazy.”
The 19-year-old played in the G- League last season. He’s known as a good defender who can finish at the rim. Only shot 25-percent from three-point territory in the G-League last year.

The Houston Rockets selected former LSU forward Tari Eason with the 17th overall pick. Eason led the Tigers in scoring last season, averaging almost 17 points a game, but Eason also believes he’s a good defender…
cut 18 (12) “….as a player”

The speculation can end on where Newman quarterback Arch Manning will play college football. The grandson of former Saints Quarterback Archie Manning issued a six-word Tweet on Thursday that said he’s heading to Texas after his senior season with the Greenies. Manning is considered the top prospect in the Class of 2023.

LSU was a longshot to sign Manning and he was also considering Alabama and Georgia.

The Tigers also made some recruiting news as three-star wide receiver Kyle Porter from Lucas, Texas said he’s committed to LSU. The 5-10, 175 pound receiver is the sixth commitment for the Class of 2023.

Induction ceremonies are this weekend in Natchitoches for the 2022 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class. Former LSU defensive tackle Kyle Williams, late Ragin Cajun and McNeese Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux and former Saints guard Jahri Evans highlight the class.

The New Orleans Pelicans hold the eighth overall pick in tonight’s NBA Draft. Jake Madison, host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, says it appears the Pels have plenty of interest in one player in particular…

Cut 17 (20) “…..versatility on defense.”

New Orleans is also rumored to be interested in guard Shaedon Sharpe and forward Ousmane Dieng. LSU’s Tari Eason and Darius Days will be looking to hear their names called as well. Eason is expected to be taken near the middle of the first round, while Days is projected to go in round two. Louisiana Tech big man Kenneth Lofton Jr. is also slated to go in the second round.

And the Pelicans announced that they have extended their broadcast agreement with Bally Sports New Orleans as the team’s exclusive local media partner.

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The number one high school player in the nation, Newman quarterback Arch Manning, announced his commitment to the University of Texas on Thursday. Arch, the grandson of Saints legend Archie Manning and nephew to Peyton and Eli, seemed to be headed to Austin once his teammate and close friend, tight end Will Randle committed to UT earlier this week.

With Manning joining the Longhorns, all of the top three high school quarterbacks in the state are leaving the state. Zachary’s Eli Holstein is committed to Alabama, and Woodlawn signal-caller Rickie Collins is going to Purdue.

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Today marks 50 years since the signing of Title IX, which expanded athletic opportunities for females. Prior to the passage of Title IX, only one percent of college athletic budgets went towards women’s sports. Though there has been tremendous progress, the overall playing field is still far from level. Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, the commissioner of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, says political and educational leaders have to maintain a commitment to equality.

Cut 7 (12) “…in general, deserve.”

The Pelicans have the eighth overall pick in tonight’s NBA Draft. Jake Madison, host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, says the Pels have plenty of interest in guard Dyson Daniels…a highly-skilled and versatile two-way player with room to improve offensively.

Cut 18 (19) “…in Fred Vinson.”

Madison says no matter what, the Pelicans are in a great position to improve their roster as they try to make it back to the playoffs this season.

Cut 20 (13) “…them to make.”

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LSU left-handed pitcher Jacob Hasty has reportedly entered the transfer portal. According to The Advocate, Hasty is looking at his options while the Tigers search for a new pitching coach. Arkansas held on to beat Ole Miss 3-2 last night in Omaha. The two teams play again today at 3 PM, with the winner moving on to face Oklahoma in the finals of the College World Series.

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It’s finally happening…a statue of LSU basketball legend Pete Maravich, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, will join those of Bob Pettit and Shaquille O’Neal on the LSU Campus. The university announced it will unveil the statue of “Pistol” Pete on July 25^th. Maravich played three seasons for the Tigers, averaging 44.2 points per game for his career.

Tari Eason and Darius Days will be looking to follow in Maravich’s footsteps to the NBA. Eason is expected to be taken near the middle of the first round in tonight’s NBA Draft, while Days is projected to go in round two.

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LSU’s Kim Mulkey and Loyola’s Stacy Hollowell were named Coaches of the Year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, as announced on Wednesday. Tigers’ women’s hoops point guard Khayla Pointer and men’s forward Tari Eason were selected as Players of the Year.

Tonight is the NBA draft. The Pelicans have the eighth pick in the first round thanks to Anthony Davis trade. Jake Madison, host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast, says it appears the Pels have plenty of interest in one player in particular…
cut 17 (20) “…..versatility on defense”
Former LSU Tiger Tari Eason is expected to be a mid first round selection.

LSU announces it will unveil a statue of Pete Maravich, the all-time leading scorer in Division one college basketball history on July 25th. The statue will stand alongside the existing likenesses of Hall of Famers Shaquille O’Neal and Bob Pettit on the LSU campus.

Former Louisiana Tech and West Feliciana football star Jaylon Ferguson died unexpectedly yesterday. David Grubb has more on the Baltimore Ravens linebacker…
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

LSU left-handed pitcher Jacob Hasty has reportedly entered the transfer portal. According to the Advocate, Hasty is looking at his options while the Tigers look for a new pitching coach. Arkansas held on to beat Ole Miss three to two last night. The two teams play again today at 3 PM, the winner gets Oklahoma in the championship series of the College World Series.

Nevada has made it official naming LSU’s Executive Deputy Director of Athletics, Stephanie Rempe as the Wolfpack’s new athletic director. Rempe had been with the Tigers since 2019.

McNeese outfielder Payton Harden, the 2022 Southland Conference Player of the Year has been named the 2022 SLC Student-Athlete of the Year, the league announced earlier today. Harden is the first Cowboy to win the award since 1994.

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The NFL was rocked this morning by the news of the death of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson at the age of 26. Ferguson, who was born in Zachary, played his high school ball at West Feliciana before attending Louisiana Tech and setting the FBS record for sacks in a career. Ferguson is survived by his son and two daughters and his fiancée Doni Smith. His coach at West Feliciana, Robb Odom, says in a short time Ferguson left a strong legacy as both a competitor and as a man.

Cut 11 (10) “…a better person.”

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At the College World Series, there are just three teams still standing. The Oklahoma Sooners sent Texas A-and-M home after beating the Aggies 5-1 this afternoon. Jimmy Crooks blasted a three-run home run in the bottom of the first and David Sandlin allowed just one run in seven innings while striking out 12 to lead OU into the Finals. Tonight, Ole Miss takes on Arkansas for the fifth time this season. They split the first four games between them, but a win by the Rebels put them in the Finals as well.

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The NBA Draft is tomorrow and a couple of Louisiana players could have their names called…LSU’s Tari Eason should go in the first round. Louisiana Tech big man Kenneth Lofton Jr and LSU forward Darius Days are projected as second-rounders.

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The Pelicans have the eighth pick and Jake Madison, host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, says New Orleans is in an enviable position.

Cut 20 (13) “…them to make.”

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Nevada has made it official naming LSU’s Executive Deputy Director of Athletics, Stephanie Rempe as the Wolfpack’s new athletic director. Rempe oversees all aspects of LSU athletics and has done that since arriving with A-D Scott Woodward in 2019. She was heavily involved in securing coaches Brian Kelly, Kim Mulkey, and Matt McMahon and instrumental in the development of Louisiana’s new Name, Image, and Likeness legislation among other accomplishments. Scott Rabalais of The Advocate says we may not have seen the last of her.

Cut 21 (14) “…Woodward retires.”

ESPN has the LSU women’s basketball team ranked 14^th in its “way too early Top 25” for the upcoming season. The Tigers sustained some big losses in talent, but are about to add a top 20 recruiting class as well as Third Team All-American Angel Reese from Maryland to the mix.

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At the College World Series, the field is down to its Final Four, with three of those coming from the SEC…Texas A-and-M eliminated Notre Dame 10-2 and Arkansas ended Auburn’s season with an 11-1 rout. The Aggies face Oklahoma this afternoon; a win by the Sooners sends them to the Finals. Tonight, Ole Miss takes on Arkansas for the fifth time this season. They split the first four games between them, but a win by the Rebels put them in the Finals as well.

LSU baseball has 10 players getting some extra work in playing summer ball, with seven competing in the Cape Cod League, considered the top summer college baseball league in the country. Jordan Thompson, Bryce Collins, Grant Taylor, Garrett Edwards, Hayden Travinski, Paul Gervase, and Josh Pearson are all heading to the Northeast. Grant Fontenot will compete in the Texas League, while Luke Leto and Josh Stevenson make their way to Wisconsin to play in the Northwoods League.

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The NBA Draft is tomorrow and a couple of Louisiana players could have their names called…LSU’s Tari Eason should go in the first round. Louisiana Tech big man Kenneth Lofton Jr and LSU forward Darius Days are projected as second-rounders.