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BREAKING: Duke Star Cooper Flagg Sparks Headlines After Rejecting Multi-Million Dollar Ambassador Deal with..

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BREAKING: Duke Star Cooper Flagg Sparks Headlines After Rejecting Multi-Million Dollar Ambassador Deal with….…….

In a move that has left the sports and business world buzzing, high school basketball sensation Cooper Flagg has made waves by rejecting a multi-million dollar ambassadorial contract with a leading alcohol brand. The unexpected decision comes as a bold statement from one of the most promising young athletes in the world, emphasizing his commitment to personal values and long-term career goals over short-term financial gain.

Flagg, a 6’9” forward out of Maine, has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in high school basketball. Known for his extraordinary skills on the court, including his ability to dominate defensively and contribute offensively with equal poise, Flagg has drawn comparisons to some of the NBA’s greatest stars. His decision to pass on such a lucrative deal speaks volumes about the character and maturity of the 17-year-old athlete, who is projected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming NBA Draft.

The Deal That Wasn’t

Sources close to the negotiations revealed that the alcohol brand in question had offered Flagg a substantial multi-million dollar endorsement deal, which would have included not only financial compensation but also a wide-reaching marketing campaign. This deal would have placed Flagg alongside other prominent athletes who have signed similar deals with major alcohol brands, capitalizing on their fame to boost sales and brand awareness.

However, Flagg surprised everyone by turning down the offer. While the specifics of his reasoning remain private, insiders suggest that the young athlete had reservations about aligning himself with a product that could potentially conflict with his personal values, especially as he looks ahead to his career in professional basketball. His decision has sparked a wider conversation about the intersection of athletes, endorsements, and the responsibility they carry as public figures.

A Stand for Values

Flagg’s rejection of the endorsement deal is seen by many as a reflection of his focus on building a career that is centered around positive influences, discipline, and integrity. “I want my career to be about more than just the game,” Flagg shared in a recent interview. “I want to be remembered for who I am, both on and off the court. It’s important to me that the people who support me know I’m committed to doing the right things.”

The choice has drawn praise from various quarters, especially from fans, parents, and industry professionals who believe that athletes—particularly at the younger levels—should consider the long-term impact of their decisions. Endorsements, especially those from alcohol, tobacco, or gambling companies, can often be seen as contributing to a culture that young fans might imitate, a factor that Flagg seems to have considered in his decision.

The Bigger Picture

While Flagg’s decision may have been motivated by personal principles, it also speaks to a larger shift happening in the world of sports endorsements. Athletes today, particularly the younger generation, are increasingly aware of the power they hold not only on the court but also off it. Many are using their platforms to promote causes they believe in and to align themselves with brands that reflect their personal ethos.

This is not the first time an athlete has turned down an endorsement deal due to moral or ethical concerns. In fact, a growing number of professional athletes have chosen to forgo partnerships with companies whose products or practices do not align with their values. This trend suggests that the narrative around endorsements in sports is evolving, with athletes no longer willing to accept any deal simply for the financial benefit.

What’s Next for Cooper Flagg?

As Cooper Flagg continues to rise through the ranks of high school basketball, his decision to turn down the alcohol brand deal will undoubtedly be seen as a defining moment in his young career. It is clear that he is not just focused on immediate success, but on building a legacy that will stand the test of time.

Looking ahead, Flagg is expected to be a top contender for college programs and the NBA. His on-court abilities are matched only by his intelligence and maturity, which continue to make him a player to watch in the years to come. Whether it’s with a team or through his endorsements, one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg is setting the stage to not just be a star player, but a respected figure in sports culture.

In rejecting the deal, Cooper Flagg has shown the world that he’s more than just a basketball prodigy. He’s a young man with a strong sense of self, a commitment to his values, and an unwavering focus on his future. This decision will undoubtedly resonate for years to come and serves as a reminder that athletes today are not just role models on the court—they are shaping the future of the sports industry both on and off the field.

College Basketball

Murray State University to Unveil Statue Honoring College Sensation Ja Morant

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Murray State University to Unveil Statue Honoring College Sensation Ja Morant

Murray State University to Unveil Statue Honoring College Sensation Ja Morant

MURRAY, KY — In a move that cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in program history, Murray State University has announced plans to unveil a statue of NBA star and former Racer Ja Morant outside the university’s basketball arena.

The bronze statue, set to be placed at the entrance of the CFSB Center, will pay tribute to Morant’s electrifying collegiate career from 2017 to 2019. During his two seasons at Murray State, Morant captivated college basketball fans with his high-flying dunks, dazzling court vision, and relentless competitiveness. He became a household name in 2019 when he recorded a triple-double in the NCAA Tournament against Marquette — a rare feat that catapulted him into national stardom.

University officials say the statue represents more than just Morant’s on-court heroics.

“Ja brought a new level of energy and excitement to Murray State,” said athletic director Nico Yantko. “He carried himself with humility, inspired a generation of young athletes, and showed the nation what Racer basketball is all about. This statue is a tribute to that legacy and the pride he brought to our community.”

Morant, who was drafted second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2019 NBA Draft, expressed his gratitude in a statement.

“Murray State believed in me when nobody else did,” Morant said. “I’m honored and thankful for this recognition. Murray will always be home.”

The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for later this year and is expected to draw fans, alumni, and current NBA players who have followed Morant’s meteoric rise. The statue will depict Morant in his signature soaring dunk pose — a symbol of the explosiveness that made him a must-watch talent in college hoops.

For many at Murray State, the monument is a permanent reminder of a golden era in Racer basketball, led by a once-in-a-generation athlete who turned dreams into highlight reels and left a legacy that will stand for decades to come.

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5-Star College Basketball Recruit Makes Major Duke Statement

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5-Star College Basketball Recruit Makes Major Duke Statement

Jordan Smith might only be a junior, but the five-star shooting guard is already drawing blue blood attention—and Duke may be rising to the top.

Smith, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound prospect out of Paul VI Catholic in Fairfax, Virginia, is the No. 6 overall player in the 2026 class and the top-ranked shooting guard, according to 247Sports.

He stars for Team Takeover on the Nike EYBL circuit and has quickly become one of the most sought-after players in the country.

In a recent interview with 247Sports’ Dushawn London, Smith made it clear that Duke is making a strong impression.

“I really like Duke and how they’re changing the program around,” Smith said. “The coaches always treated me like family when I went up to visit them. It was really fun. I saw my teammates, and it was a good vibe with them.”

While the Blue Devils remain a perennial force in college hoops, building genuine relationships on the recruiting trail is what helps them stay ahead under Jon Scheyer.

Smith’s emphasis on feeling like “family” echoes what many past Duke stars have cited as a reason for committing.

Although Smith has yet to lock in any official visits, he’s eyeing several top programs.

“Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Duke, and Syracuse are some of the schools recruiting me the hardest right now,” he said.

Smith’s recruitment is expected to ramp up throughout the summer as college staffs evaluate talent during the live periods, but with his early praise for Duke and strong Nike EYBL ties, the Blue Devils look to be in a favorable position.

Smith’s decision is far from imminent, but Duke is clearly a program to watch closely in his recruitment.

 

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BREAKING: He’s Back! Maliq Brown Stuns fans with Senior Season

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BREAKING: He’s Back! Maliq Brown Stuns fans with Senior Season

He’s Back with the Blue Devils! Maliq Brown Shocks College Hoops World with Stunning Return to Duke—ACC Rivals Officially on Alert

In a stunning twist few saw coming, Maliq Brown has announced he will return for his senior season—with the Duke Blue Devils. The versatile forward, who entered the transfer portal after a strong junior year at Syracuse, has officially committed to Duke, sending shockwaves through the college basketball landscape and sending a clear message to the ACC: the Blue Devils are loading up.

Brown made his announcement via a sleek video posted to social media, featuring clips of Cameron Indoor Stadium and a simple caption: “Back in blue. Let’s finish this.” Within minutes, the post had gone viral, with Duke fans erupting across platforms and analysts calling it one of the biggest portal additions of the offseason.

After averaging 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, Brown became one of the most sought-after names in the portal—thanks to his elite defensive instincts, physical toughness, and ability to guard multiple positions. Now, with his decision to join Jon Scheyer’s squad, Duke adds a battle-tested, high-IQ veteran presence to its already elite roster.

“I chose Duke because I want to win at the highest level,” Brown said in a follow-up interview. “This is a championship culture. I’m ready to embrace the grind, the pressure, and the brotherhood. I’m all in.”

Head coach Jon Scheyer praised the addition, calling Brown “a game-changer” on both ends of the floor. “Maliq brings toughness, maturity, and leadership. He plays with edge, and he plays to win. He’s exactly what we need to take the next step this season.”

For Duke, already loaded with five-star talent and incoming freshmen, Brown’s arrival fills a key need—a proven, defensive-minded forward who can anchor the interior and bring a veteran mindset to a young, hungry team. His experience and versatility are expected to be invaluable as the Blue Devils gear up for a deep tournament run.

The message is clear: with Maliq Brown in Durham, Duke isn’t just reloading—they’re coming for everything.

The countdown to tip-off begins now. And with Brown back in blue, the rest of the ACC has officially been put on notice.

 

 

 

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Miami (OH)’s Reece Potter commits to Kentucky from NCAA Transfer Portal

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Miami (OH)’s Reece Potter commits to Kentucky from NCAA Transfer Portal

Reece Potter went two and a half hours north to begin his collegiate career at Miami (OH). Now, after two seasons as an undergraduate there, he will be return to his Old Kentucky Home.

Potter has committed to Kentucky from the NCAA Transfer Portal on Monday per On3’s Joe Tipton. That will bring him back home to the bluegrass as a native of Lexington.

This was a quick commitment for Potter, who entered the portal back at the opening of the window on March 24th, after beginning to hear from Kentucky, namely Cody Fueger, per reports coming out of this weekend. During that recruitment, he heard from other programs like North Carolina, Washington, UConn, and Louisville as well as California, Wisconsin, Dayton, and New Mexico State.

Potter, a 7’1″ center, appeared in 56 games, mostly as a reserve, through two years at Miami (OH). He averaged 6.3 points (45.4% FG, 39.8% 3PT), 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while with the Redhawks. He improved most of those stats as a sophomore with him now having two seasons of eligibility to continue that development at UK.

Potter played his high school basketball at Lexington Catholic, which is just ten or fifteen minutes off campus and from Rupp Arena, where he put up 17.9 points and 8.7 rebounds. He originally committed to Xavier before a coaching change that led him to Miami (OH) over other offers like Western Kentucky, Indiana State, and Saint Louis.

Kentucky now has what is likely one of their final additions, if not the last piece, for next season’s roster for their second year under Mark Pope. The Wildcats are already returning a core of Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, and Trent Noah while they await the draft decision of Otega Oweh. They’re then bringing in a pair of four-star, in-state freshman in Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, an international prospect from Croatia in Andrija Jelavic, and the top class in the portal currently per On3 with six additions now with Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State),
Mouhamad Dioubate (Alabama), Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh), Kam Williams (Tulane), and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida).

Pending Oweh’s decision to return to college or go pro, Kentucky is probably nearly, if not already, done with their roster for ’25-’25. That’s with Potter, the hometown transfer, taking a spot in Lexington with his commitment from the portal today

 

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BREAKING: SHOCKING as Kentucky Guard Travis Perry commits to Ole Miss

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BREAKING: SHOCKING as Kentucky Guard Travis Perry commits to Ole Miss

The BBN has been following closely to see where transfer guard Travis Perry will play his college basketball next season.

After entering his name into the transfer portal during the final hours of the spring window, Kentucky Wildcats fans now know where Perry will play his basketball next season.

According to a report by Joe Tipton of On3, Perry has committed to Chris Beard and the Ole Miss Rebels. He was also being recruited by Maryland and Vanderbilt, among others.

Perry, a 6-foot-1 and 188-pound guard from Eddyville, is the state’s all-time leading scorer in high school basketball. He showcased some of that scoring this season for the Cats as he was thrust into starting roles with the injuries to the roster this season.

Now, Perry will head to Oxford, where Coach Beard finally lands the Lyon County legend. With plenty of open roster spots and playing time available, the fit makes sense for Perry and the Rebels. If he can improve his defense, you have to imagine he could become a staple in Oxford for Ole Miss basketball.

Perry will return to Rupp Arena next season wearing navy and red. I’m sure we can all agree that is going to be too weird to see.

Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. Best of luck to Travis in Oxford!

 

 

 

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