April 13 Art Cover

April 13, 2026

NCAA Basketball

Michigan Extends Dusty May's Contract After National Championship Win

Fresh off leading the Michigan Wolverines to their first NCAA men's basketball national championship in 37 years, head coach Dusty May has agreed to a contract extension.  Athletic director Warde Manuel announced the agreement during the team's championship celebration at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor.  May guided the Wolverines to a 37 - 3 overall record and a 19 - 1 mark in the Big Ten, culminating in a 69 - 63 victory over UConn in the national title game.  This extension is his second since taking over the program two years ago, following an initial five-year deal and subsequent extension after his first season.

 

North Carolina Hires Michael Malone as Head Coach

In a major coaching move, the North Carolina Tar Heels have hired former NBA coach Michael Malone as their new men's basketball head coach.  Malone brings 24 years of NBA coaching experience, including leading the Denver Nuggets to an NBA Championship in the 2022 - 23 season.  This hiring marks a significant departure from the "Carolina family" tradition, as Malone is the first head coach without direct ties to the Tar Heels since 1952.  The move signals a potential shift toward a more pro-style athletic model for the historic program.

 

Louisville Lands Major Transfer Portal Additions

The Louisville Cardinals have made a significant splash in the transfer portal by securing commitments from former Kansas big man Flory Bidunga and former Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad.  Bidunga, ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the portal, averaged 13.3 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game last season, earning First Team All-Big 12 and Defensive Player of the Year honors.  Shelstad, ranked No. 17 in the portal, averaged 15.6 points and 4.9 assists for the Ducks.  These additions are crucial for head coach Pat Kelsey as he continues to rebuild the Cardinals' roster primarily through the transfer portal.

 

Alabama Secures Brandon Garrison from Kentucky

The Alabama Crimson Tide have landed their first transfer portal addition of the offseason, securing a commitment from former Kentucky forward/center Brandon Garrison.  The 6-foot-10, 245-pound junior averaged 4.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season for the Wildcats.  Garrison, a former consensus 4-star recruit and McDonald's All-American, is expected to help fill the void left by Aiden Sherrell, who recently entered the transfer portal.

 

 

High School Basketball

Tyran Stokes Weighs College Decision at Nike Hoop Summit

Tyran Stokes, the consensus No. 1 player in the 2026 high school recruiting class, is nearing a college decision, with the race largely believed to be between Kentucky and Kansas.  Stokes recently participated in the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon, where he scored 15 points to help Team USA defeat Team World 102 - 100.  The 6-foot-8 forward is taking a visit to Kentucky to meet with new head coach Mark Pope and his staff.  Stokes emphasized that his decision will be based on his relationship with the coaching staff, his development as a projected one-and-done player, and the team's ability to win.

 

Team USA Defeats Team World at Nike Hoop Summit

The 2026 Nike Hoop Summit showcased some of the best high school basketball talent globally, with Team USA securing a narrow 102 - 100 victory over Team World.  Arizona commit Caleb Holt led Team USA with an impressive all-around performance, recording 24 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals, and 2 assists.  Tyran Stokes contributed 15 points, while Jason Crowe Jr. added 16 points.  For Team World, Miles Sadler was the standout performer, scoring a game-high 29 points and dishing out 7 assists, while Abdou Toure added 19 points and 6 rebounds.

 

 

 

Sources: - Casselbertry, I. (2026, April 11). Michigan, men's basketball coach Dusty May agree to contract extension.  Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/michigan-mens-basketball-coach-dusty-may-agree-to-contract-extensoin-18332817.html

Finley, T. (2026, April 12). Coveted transfers Flory Bidunga, Jackson Shelstad reportedly commit to Louisville. Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/breaking-news/article/coveted-transfers-flory-bidunga-jackson-shelstad-reportedly-commit-to-louisville-180155570.html

University of North Carolina Athletics. (2026, April 7). Carolina hires Michael Malone as men's basketball head coach.  GoHeels.com.  https://goheels.com/news/2026/4/7/mens-basketball-carolina-hires-michael-malone-as-mens-basketball-head-coach

De Siver, H. (2026, April 12). Alabama basketball lands Kentucky big from transfer portal. Sports Illustrated. https://www.si.com/college/alabama/basketball/alabama-basketball-lands-kentucky-big-from-transfer-portal

Peek, K. (2026, April 12). Top high school recruit Tyran Stokes weighs college decision.  Hoops HQ. https://www.hoopshq.com/conferences/no-1-recruit-tyran-stokes-college-decision

Jones, J. (2026, April 12). Nike Hoops Summit box score: Full stats from 2026 high school all-star game.  Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nike-hoops-summit-box-score-011030537.html