One of the top backcourts in the country – David Johnson and Carlik Jones – is no longer on Louisville’s roster, although Chris Mack joined his ACC counterparts in hitting the transfer portal hard this offseason. Miami forward Matt Cross, Marshall guard Jarrod West, Florida guard Noah Locke and JuCo standout El Ellis will all factor in a rotation that already includes forwards Malik Williams, Jae’Lyn Withers and Samuell Williamson. Add in Top-100 prospects in center Roosevelt Wheeler and forward Michael James and the Cardinals may have enough pieces in place to contend for the ACC title.
Colin Moran was batting .297 with four home runs and 19 RBI in his first 32 games, so Pirates manager Derek Shelton worried the fracture of the left pisiform bone, located on the outer half of the base of his hand, would affect not only his swing but the grip strength of one of the Pirates’ top power bats. The injury hasn’t hindered the lefty-hitting Moran. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
If there’s one person the Seattle Mariners' young core of players turns to, it’s Kyle Seager. A massive roster turnover led the 11-year veteran to embrace the role of mentor, especially as players gear up for meaningful games in September — something many of them have yet to face. You learn to love Kyle Seager. He’s a "constant." He’s an inspiration. (The Olympian)
As he joins the Tar Heels, Brady Manek will have someone from afar watching him closely. The fifth-year transfer met local media for the first time this week, and the 6-9 shooter said some interesting things about why he left Oklahoma to play his final college season in Chapel Hill. One, he is among the best big marksmen who ever played in the Big 12. (Chapelboro.com)