Dosunmu highlights preseason hoops team
Illinois junior Ayo Dosunmu was named to the AP preseason All- America team Wednesday. Dosunmu, who took a look at the NBA before deciding to return, is a huge boost for the No. 8 Illini.
The 6- 5 guard was the first Illinois player in 20 years to lead the team in scoring as a freshman and sophomore. Dosunmu can do a little of everything on the court, averaging 16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 48% from the floor last season.
Iowa center Luka Garza was the lone unanimous choice, receiving all 64 votes from a nationwide media panel. He was joined on the team by Baylor senior guard Jared Butler, Oklahoma State freshman guard Cade Cunningham, Gonzaga senior forward Corey Kispert and Arizona State senior guard Remy Martin.
♦ Miami’s season opener Nov. 25 against Stetson was postponed because a member of the Hatters tested positive for COVID- 19.
♦ Seton Hall’s men’s basketball team has paused all team activities because of a positive COVID- 19 test.
NBA
Thunder promote Daigneault to coach
The Thunder promoted assistant Mark Daigneault to head coach. Daigneault coached the Thunder’s G League team for five years. He had a .572 winning percentage, won three division titles and made four playoff appearances.
♦ Former Spurs superstar Tim Duncan is stepping away as an assistant coach with the team, according to the New York Times.
♦ Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce added former Pacers coach Nate McMillan to his staff as an assistant.
♦ Rockets stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook are concerned about the direction of the franchise after conversations with the team’s front office.
MLB
Three reject $ 18.9M qualifying offers
Phillies catcher J. T. Realmuto, Astros outfielder George Springer and Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu rejected their $ 18.9 million qualifying offers.
Mets right- hander Marcus Stroman and Giants right- hander Kevin Gausman were the only two players to accept the offers, putting them under contract with their teams for the 2021 season.
MLS
Fire’s Beric named finalist
Fire forward Robert Beric is among three finalists ( also Sporting Kansas City’s Alan Pulido and Columbus Crew SC’s Lucas Zelarayan) for the MLS newcomer of the year award.