The present and future of Zion Williamson have been the hottest topics in the NBA over the past week. Speculation continues as to whether Zion will play for the New Orleans Pelicans this season, or ever again. Williamson has missed 113 games since 2019. Pelicans beat writer Christian Clark of NOLA-dot-com says with 23 games remaining in the season, he doesn’t see Zion back on the court in the near future.

Cut 16 (17) “…this season.”

New Orleans plays its first game since the All-Star break tonight on the road against the Phoenix Suns.

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The hiring of former Baylor coach Art Briles by Grambling continues to draw attention and backlash. Yesterday, former Grambling quarterback Doug Williams said that he and James “Shack” Harris would not lend their support to the program due to the multiple allegations of Briles’ role in covering up sexual and physical assaults while in Waco. Grambling athletic director, Dr. Trayveon Scott, told ESPN that he had done his homework on Briles and is comfortable with the hiring.

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New LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock met with the media for the first time since arriving on the Baton Rouge campus in January. Job one is picking a passer. Myles Brennan is expected to be the starter at quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier also returns and incoming freshman Walker Howard is one of the top recruits in the country. Denbrock says they’ll use spring practice to evaluate all three quarterbacks…

Cut 20 (13) “…chance to win”

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Led by Khayla Pointer, number eight LSU narrowly defeated Alabama, 58-50 at the P-MAC on Thursday night. Pointer scored 23 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and handed out eight assists for the Tigers. LSU didn’t shoot the ball that well, but didn’t have to after holding the Crimson Tide to just 34 percent shooting from the floor and forcing 18 turnovers. The Tigers close the regular season at home Sunday against 16th-ranked Tennessee.

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The Lady Techsters topped Rice in double overtime 90-80 for their seventh win in their last 10 games. The highlight of the night was the play of Anna Larr Roberson, who poured in a career-high 44 points and tied a school record with 20 made field goals and Keuinna Walker. Walker posted the fourth triple-double in program history with 27 points, 15 boards, and 10 assists.

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