AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic plans to enter the transfer portal and declare for the NBA draft while keeping his college eligibility. Momcilovic averaged 16.9 points per game and led the nation in 3-point shooting this past season. He started 101 of his 102 games with the Cyclones. Momcilovic said he would turn his focus to the draft, but left open the possibility of playing at another college. Underclassmen can maintain their eligibility by hiring an NCAA-certified agent, receiving an evaluation from the NBA undergraduate advisory committee and withdrawing from the draft by May 27 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado coach Deion Sanders was hands-on as he watched his team scrimmage Saturday at the spring game. He’s going to be that way going forward, too. That’s something he wasn’t able to do this time a year ago when he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and focused on his health. He gave the defensive backs all sorts of advice during the hour-long scrimmage. He brought in a new pair of coordinators for the upcoming season in Chris Marve, the defensive boss, and Brennan Marion, who’s overseeing the offense. The task is to get the Buffaloes back to their winning ways after a season in which they went 3-9.
UNDATED (AP) — The NFL draft is seeing fewer longshots from small schools. The rise of NIL deals and the crowded transfer portal have concentrated talent in power conferences. The shift is impacting the draft, with fewer players from nonpower conferences being taken during the three-day event. Only 24 of 257 NFL draftees last year came from nonpower conferences. The NCAA's policy changes on name, image, and likeness, along with transfer rules, have altered scouting strategies, focusing more on traditional football powerhouses.
UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma State’s softball team took some time to process a fatal crash involving its team bus earlier this week and will be back on the field Friday. The team had been traveling to Wichita, Kansas, on Wednesday afternoon when its bus struck and killed a pedestrian who authorities said was repeatedly stepping into traffic. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it had received calls about the pedestrian walking into traffic before the bus crash. It said the person stepped into traffic again as the bus was driving and the bus driver attempted to switch lanes and avoid the person. Authorities said the pedestrian continued into the path of the bus.
UNDATED (AP) — The NIL deals that are transforming college sports are also allowing NFL teams to gain insight into how a young player will react to having money before they get a big pro contract. For many evaluators, it has become an important tool in the draft process. A prospect who stays focused despite lucrative deals is more likely to make a smoother transition to the pros. Scouts want to see if a player’s performance dips after making a lot of money or if he maintains the same work ethic and consistency. How they interact with teammates is also a key dynamic.
NEW YORK (AP) — Five Ohio State players plan to attend the first round of the NFL draft on April 23. Defensive back Caleb Downs, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, linebacker Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles and wide receiver Carnell Tate will be in the green room in Pittsburgh waiting for their name to be called. Ohio State has a chance to join Michigan State in 1967 and Notre Dame in 1946 as the only schools to have four players selected in the top 10. Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the projected first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, is expected to watch the draft in Miami.
