April 9, 2014

Joel Embiid Kansas basketball NBA draft

In a move that most expected after his solid year, Kansas’ Joel Embiid has declared for the NBA draft. At his news conference on Wednesday, Embiid shared his reasons for turning pro: “Looking at different scenarios and gathering info of what was best for me … either way was best for me. Talking to my mentor, it was best the choice.”

There was quite a bit of speculation leading up to this announcement that Embiid might have had a change of heart after it seemed a near certainty that he would make this move earlier in the season. Embiid suffered nagging injuries this season but still managed to average almost a double-double as a freshman. Many consider Embiid the number one pro prospect in this year’s draft with this announcement.

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Derrick Gordon UMass Gay

Derrick Gordon, a significant contributor to the UMass basketball program this past season, has announced to his team – and the rest of the world – that he is openly gay:

A minute later, the sophomore shooting guard stood and walked into the room, accompanied by University of Massachusetts men’s basketball coach Derek Kellogg. Gordon faced his teammates, a group of guys he liked but had always kept at arm’s length.

That was about to change.

Kellogg spoke first. “We’re all here together, and we need to love each other for who we are,” he said. “One of your family members, your brother, wants to let you know something about himself.”

There was a pause. And then Kellogg, sensing that Gordon needed help, tried breaking the ice. “I wanted to let you all know I’m gay,” the coach said. His players all looked at him, stunned. What?

Gordon took his cue and spoke up.

“No, he’s not. But I am.”

ESPN reported this story and caught up with Gordon a few days after he told his family and teammates.

Shabazz Napier Championship NCAA

The NCAA has reached a deal with the NCAA to extend their current sponsorship through 2020. The deal involves both Turner and CBS Sports.

Under the agreement, which was signed on the eve of Connecticut’s 60-54 victory over Kentucky in the NCAA’s National Championship basketball game, Northwestern Mutual retains the marketing and promotional rights in the life insurance, wealth management and retirement planning services categories and will have exclusivity in the mutual fund category from 2015.

When an agreement like this is reached, it allows the sponsor to use official logos, names, teams, and similar items. Northwestern began the relationship with the NCAA in 2012.

It’s ironic that this deal was put together on the same day that UConn guard Shabazz Napier made waves nationally with comments about the disparity between the profits that the NCAA rakes in and the lack of pay for players. Napier, always outspoken, may have unintentionally created more revenue for the NCAA by increasing ratings for future deals.

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