May 7, 2026
NCAA Basketball
NCAA Tournament Expansion Discussions
The NCAA is currently considering expanding the men's and women's basketball tournaments to 76 teams, a move that could take effect as soon as 2027. However, this proposal has met with significant resistance from several prominent college basketball coaches. Hall of Fame coaches such as Mark Few (Gonzaga), Tom Izzo (Michigan State), and John Calipari (Arkansas), along with back-to-back national champion Dan Hurley (UConn), have publicly expressed their opposition. They argue that expanding the tournament could diminish the importance of the regular season and water down the competitiveness of the event. Conversely, some coaches, including Kelvin Sampson (Houston) and Dusty May (Michigan), have shown support for the expansion.
Major Transfer Portal Moves
The college basketball transfer portal continues to see significant activity. In a major move, the Tennessee Volunteers secured a commitment from former Wake Forest guard Juke Harris. Harris, who averaged 21.4 points per game last season, was one of the most coveted players in the portal and is reportedly expected to earn upward of $4 million next season at Tennessee. This addition brings Tennessee's total transfer class spending to an estimated $18 million as they build a roster aimed at a Final Four run.
In another notable transfer, Gonzaga landed form Arizona State center Massamba Diop. The 7-foot-1 big man, who averaged nearly 14 points, 6 rebounds, and over two blocks per game last season, is expected to immediately bolster the Bulldogs' interior defense.
Recruiting Rankings Update
Duke University, under head coach Jon Scheyer, is on track to secure the nation's No. 1 recruiting class for 2026. The class recently gained momentum with the commitment of 16-year-old international prospect Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, a 7-foot center from FC Barcelona who will reclassify to join the Blue Devils. The class features five highly touted prospects, including four 5-stars, such as top-ranked power forward Cameron Williams and top-ranked point guard Deron Rippey Jr.
High School Basketball
Top Iowa Prospect Chooses Colorado State
Jaxon Clark, a 6-foot-10 center from Keokuk High School and the High School on SI Iowa Class 3A player of the year, has committed to play for Colorado State University. Clark averaged nearly 28 point and 18 rebounds per game during his senior season, finishing as his high school's all-time leading scorer. He joins a 2026 freshman class for the Rams that includes other standout recruits like Gregory Dunson and Eric Fiedler.
Ohio High School Shot Clock Debate
The future of a shot clock in Ohio high school basketball is uncertain. OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute expressed concerns about adopting a 35-second shot clock, citing costs and management challenges, especially in rural schools. Despite nearly 70% of coaches supporting the shot clock, financial implications remain a significant barrier.
Coaches Corner
Melvin Randall, the winningest boys' basketball coach in Florida state history, is returning to Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach. Randall previously led the Tigers to six state championships and holds a record 9 FHSAA state titles overall. His return is expected to reinvigorate the program, which has long been considered a powerhouse in Class 6A basketball.
Sources: - Norlander, M. (2026, May 6). With NCAA Tournament expansion imminent, some of the game's biggest coaches still aren't sold on the idea. CBS Sports. https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-expansion-march-madness-coaches-speak-out/
Ragan, Z. (2026, May 6). Report details how much Tennessee is paying transfer addition Juke Harris and how much the Vols are spending on the entire roster. A to Z Sports. https://atozsports.com/nashville/voolunteers/report-how-much-tennessee-paying-transfer-juke-harris-vols-spend-roster/
Pistone, A. (2026, May 6). Gonzaga lands prized transfer portal center from Arizona State. College Sports Wire. https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/college-basketball/22026/05/06/gonzaga-basketball-transfer-portal-massamba-diop-commits/89962045007/
Snyder, A. (20226, May 6). Duke basketball, Jon Scheyer on track for No. 1 recruiting class in 2026. The Fayetteville Observer. https://www.fayobserver.com/story/sports/college/football/2026/05/06/duke-basketball-on-track-for-no-1-recruiting-class-in-2026/89862157007/
Becker, D. (2026, May 6). Top Iowa High School Basketball commits to Colorado State. High School on SI. https://www.si.com/high-school/iowa/top-iowa-high-school-basketball--commits-to-colorado-state-01kqzetev5st
Wright, N. (2026, May 6). CSU Rams get commitment from Iowa high school standout Jaxon Clark. Loveland Reporter-Herald. https://www.reporterherald.com/2026/05/06/csu-rams-get-commitment-from-iowa-high-school-standout-jaxon-clark/
Yastine, J. (2026, May 6). Legendary Coach Returns to Pompano's Blanche Ely High School Basketball. TAPinto Pompano Beach. https://www.tapinto.net/towns/pompano-beach/sections/education/articles/legendary-coach-returns-to-pompano-s-blanche-ely-high-school-basketball
Furr, J. (2026, May 6). OHSAA's Ute not confident shot clock vote will pass for Ohio hoops. Mansfield News Journal. https://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/05/06/ohsaas-doug-ute-not-confident-shot-clock-vote-will-pass-for-ohio-hoops/89907975007/