May 14, 2026
NCAA Basketball
Michigan and UConn Set for National Championship Rematch
The NCAA has announced that the Michigan Wolverines and the UConn Huskies will face off in a rematch of the 2026 national championship game during the first week of the 2026 - 27 college basketball season. The highly anticipated game is scheduled for November 6, 2026, at the TD Garden in Boston. This matchup follows Michigan's 69 - 63 victory over UConn in April to claim the national title. Both teams are expected to rank highly in the preseason polls as they return core players from their championship runs.
Dailyn Swain Remains in the 2026 Draft
Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain has opted to remain in the 2026 NBA Draft, giving up his college eligibility. After transferring from Xavier, he had a standout season with averages of 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, earning the SEC Newcomer of the Year award. Swain is projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick.
UCLA Coach Cori Close Signs Contract Extension
UCLA Athletics has announced a new contract for women's basketball head coach Cori Close, securing her leadership through the 2029 - 30 season. Close recently led the Bruins to a historic 2025 - 26 season, culminating in a 79 - 51 victory over South Carolina to capture the 2026 national championship. Under her guidance, UCLA achieved a program-best 31-game winning streak and an undefeated regular-season conference championship. Following the championship season, a record-breaking six UCLA players were selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Draft News
Top 2026 Draft Prospects Showcase Skills at Combine
The 2026 Draft class is highly anticipated, with top prospects Darryn Peterson (Kansas), AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Cameron Boozer (Duke), and Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) vying for the number one overall pick. At the Draft Combine in Chicago, these players have been interviewing with teams and showcasing their skills. the Washington Wizards currently hold the number one pick, followed by the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Chicago Bulls. Dybantsa, who led the country in scoring last season, expressed that being picked first would validate his hard work and sacrifices. Meanwhile, Peterson has been addressing questions about his health after missing 11 games last season due to severe cramping, which he attributed to high doses of creatine.
Coaches Corner
K.C. McGowan Named Big Sky High School Boy Basketball Coach
Big Sky High School in Missoula, Montana, has appointed K.C. McGowan, a former University of Montana player, as the boys basketball head coach for the 2026 - 27 season. A Big Sky alumnus who played from 1985 to 1989, McGowan has significant experience, including a 30-year career in asset management and founding the nonprofit Big Sky Basketball, which focuses on youth athlete development.
Sources: - Cwik, C. (2026, May 13). Michigan, UConn set for NCAA championship game rematch in first week of 2026-27 college basketball season. Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/breaking-news/article/michigan/uconn-set-for-ncaa-championship-game-rematch-in-first-week-of-2026-27-college-basketball-season-153919847.html
Dimmitt, Z. (2026, May 14). Dailyn Swain Announces Official Decision on Future with Texas Longhorns. Sports Illustrated. https://www.si.com/college/texas/basketball/dailyn-swain-announces-official-decision-on-future-with-texas-longhorns
Culver City Observer. (2026, May 14). UCLA Announces New Contract for 2026 NCAA Championship-Winning Coach Cori Close. https://www.culvercityobserver.com/story/2026/05/14/sports/ucla-announces-new-contract-for-2026-ncaa-championship-winning-coach-cori-close/16122.html
Seligman, A. (2026, May 13). Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa among 4 who could be top pick in the 2026 Draft. NBA.com https://www.nba.com/news/darryn-peterson-aj-dybantsa-among-4-who-could-be-top-pick
Todd, S. (2026, May 14). Darryn Peterson wants NBA teams to see the real him. Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/darryn-peterson-wants-nba-teams-021310878.html
Hoffman, A. (2026, May 13). Big Sky high school names former Griz player as next boys basketball coach. NBC Montana. https://nbcmontana.com/sports/high-school-sports/big-sky-high-school-names-former-griz-player-as-next-boys-basketball-coach