69 days to the World Cup: The former poker pro who leads Bosnia-Herzegovina

The countdown to the2026 World Cupis on! Each day ahead of the tournament's return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world's biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year's global event.

Bosnia-Herzegovina is back at the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

The playoff final victory over Italy set off celebrations around the country as the Bosnianssecured a place in Group Bthis summer with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

The man who guided them back to the World Cup, Sergej Barbarez, is a former longtime player, first-time manager and an ex-professional poker player.

The 54-year-old Barbarez spent much of his playing career in Germany, suiting up for Borussia Dortmund, Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen, among others. He also represented Bosnia-Herzegovina 47 times.

Advertisement

While he had acquired his coaching license, Barbarez never ended up on the sidelines after his playing career was over. He found a seat at poker tables where,according to CardPlayer.com, he amassed over $143,000 in earnings and even qualified for the World Series of Poker, making the final table on two occasions.

Two years after his final recorded poker tournament, Barbarez was hired as Bosnia-Herzegovina's head coach. He would lead them to a 5-2-1 record during World Cup qualifying, which put them automatically into the UEFA playoffs.

During the first semifinal, Bosnia drew with Wales, but advanced after penalty kicks. It was the same story in the Path A against Italy —a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes that led to a victory after penalties.

Barbarez instilled in his players the same winning mentality that had made him successful in poker, ahead of the most important match of their careers.

"I told the ​players to go on the pitch and enjoy themselves,"Barbarez said. "I've never entered or ​finished a game calmer, I saw it in their eyes, I really ⁠like them, they're guys with character.

"We have guys we're proud of, we're two years ahead ​of schedule. Now I've told them that we have to go to a tournament every ​two years."

byAdministrator

in

April 03, 2026

69 days to the World Cup: The former poker pro who leads Bosnia-Herzegovina

The countdown to the2026 World Cupis on! Each day ahead of the tournament's return to North America, Yahoo Sports wil...

Read More

Kevin Garnett to make Timberwolves return April 12, will have jersey number retired by team next season

Rejoice, Minnesota Timberwolves fans, because the greatest player in franchise history is officially coming back. Kevin Garnett will make his return to Target Center on April 12, theteam announced Friday.

It will mark Garnett's first appearance at the venue since 2018, per the team. The Timberwolves will take on the New Orleans Pelicans in the contest, which is the final game of the regular season.

Garnett said he couldn't wait to make that appearance.

"I can't wait to come home," said Garnett. "Coming back for me is about what's next. I've spent time with Marc and Alex, and you can feel the difference. The energy is real. The vision is real. They're building something that lasts, with a team on the court that's hungry to win. I'm excited to be back in the building with the fans. Minnesota, let's go!"

Garnett reuniting with the franchise shouldn't come as a major surprise, as the team announced he hadre-joined the franchise in a new rolein December. While the Timberwolves announced Garnett would eventually have his number retired back then, it did not provide specifics on when that would happen.

By win shares, Garnett is far and away the greatest player in Timberwolves history. The center averaged 19.8 points and 11 rebounds in 14 seasons with the franchise. He was a perennial contender for both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year award during his time with the team. Garnett did eventually win an MVP award with the Timberwolves during the 2003-04 NBA season. His Defensive Player of the Year award came when Garnett was a member of the Boston Celtics.

Advertisement

Despite leading the Timberwolves to the playoffs multiple times, Garnett was never able to secure a championship in Minnesota. He eventually did reach that milestone, but it came after a trade to the Celtics.

That trade was the result of mounting frustration from Garnett, who kept performing well despite the team's poor record.

At some point, Garnett's relationship with former Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor soured. Garnett has never gone into specifics on what transpired, though he told ESPN's Shams Charania in 2020, "I won't forgive Glen."

"Glen knows where I'm at, I'm not entertaining it. First of all, it's not genuine. Two, he's getting pressure from a lot of fans and, I guess, the community there. Glen and I had an understanding before Flip died, and when Flip died, that understanding went with Flip. For that, I won't forgive Glen. I won't forgive him for that. I thought he was a straight-up person, straight-up businessman, and when Flip died, everything went with him."

There were rumors Flip Saunders wanted to bring Garnett back to the Timberwolves following his playing career, but those never came to fruition following Saunders' death in 2015. That seems to have played a role in Garnett's frustration with Taylor.

But with Taylor out of the pictureafter selling the team, the door was open for Garnett's return. Garnett reportedly has a close relationship with new team owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, which paved the way for Garnett's new role with the franchise.

Given Garnett's excellence — and his longtime feud — Timberwolves fans will almost certainly give him an enthusiastic reception when he makes his return April 12.

byAdministrator

in

April 03, 2026

Kevin Garnett to make Timberwolves return April 12, will have jersey number retired by team next season

Rejoice, Minnesota Timberwolves fans, because the greatest player in franchise history is officially coming back. Kevin G...

Read More

Descendants of Choctaw code talkers gather in Fort Worth for historical marker unveiling

Nuchi Nashoba grew up looking at a photograph of her great-grandfather Ben Carterby inside her grandmother's Oklahoma home. But, she didn't know much about the man in the frame other than that he was a World War I veteran.

Code Talkers-Recognition

It wasn't until 1989 — when Nashoba was in her late 20s — that she learned a deep secret about her ancestor.

Carterby wasone of the Choctaw code talkers— a group of 19 Native American soldiers who used their language to transmit encrypted messages to the Allies during campaigns in northern France. The soldiers were sworn to secrecy and hid details of their service from families for decades.

Over the past 20 years, Nashoba has led advocacy efforts to spotlight the group's hidden legacy as president of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association. Now, the soldiers' contributions are recognized in Fort Worth througha new plaque at the city's Veterans Memorial Park.

The Choctaw Code Talker Historical Marker was unveiled during an April 1 ceremony hosted by the Oklahoma tribe, the Texas Historical Commission and the city's parks and recreation department. Several descendants of the Native soldiers attended.

"Seeing the marker really brings me a lot of joy," Nashoba said. "This is what preserves the history for generations to come."

Choctaw code talkers' ties to Fort Worth

Members of the Choctaw code talkers were men who volunteered to fight for the U.S. in World War I at a time when Native Americans were not recognized as citizens. Indigenous communitieswouldn't receive citizenship until 1924.

While in the battlefields in France, some of these men were overheard speaking their Choctaw language and were trained to use their words as "code." They were placed on front lines and command posts so that messages could be transmitted to headquarters.

The soldiers shared words like "tanampo chito" for artillery and "tvshka" for warriors, according to the historical marker. The Germans famously failed to decipher these Choctaw transmissions within 24 hours throughout the war.

The Choctaw group is widely considered to be thefirst Native American code talkersto serve in the U.S. military. Their work paved the way for theNavajo code talkersduring World War II.

"Their story is a testament to the resilience and patriotism of the Choctaw Nation," Col. Brent Kemp, commander of the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the National Guard, said at the unveiling. "Their ingenuity and bravery reminds us of the power of cultural heritage and the importance of preserving Indigenous languages."

The Native American soldiers were in the36th Infantry Division at Camp Bowie, a westside training site for more than 100,000 soldiers during World War I.

Council member Macy Hill, who represents Camp Bowie, said it was only fitting for Fort Worth to honor the legacy of the code talkers since they walked on the site's grounds.

Advertisement

"This is where the Choctaw code talkers were initially trained and where they will forever be remembered," she said.

Descendants carry the torch

As Ta'Na Alexander — the great-great-granddaughter of Carterby — watched the marker's unveiling in Fort Worth, she couldn't help but feel proud that her family's history is slowly spreading across the U.S.

"It's pretty monumental to realize that more people are starting to recognize the significant part of these men who were sworn to secrecy," said Alexander, who is Nashoba's daughter. "This marker connects the past to the future."

She credits her mother's leadership for widespread education about the work of Native soldiers.

Last May, the Choctaw Code Talkers Associationled the charge to place a bronze sculpturehonoring the group at the Choctaw Cultural Center in southern Oklahoma. The artwork depicts three soldiers in the middle of battle.

The organization also advocated for 23 Oklahoma bridges tobe renamed after the code talkersand other Native veterans.

The Fort Worth marker was the group's first venture into Texas, Nashoba said. The group is exploring other statewide recognitions, she added.

For now, Alexander invites Fort Worth residents to stroll through the memorial park to learn that her ancestors' stories aren't just about being Native. They're about what it means to be American, she said.

"You might not be Native or Choctaw, but what we do share in common is that we have the right to vote," she said. "We have a voice. We have a freedom that exists here that doesn't exist anywhere else."

The Fort Worth Report's arts and culture coverage is supported in part by the Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation and the Virginia Hobbs Charitable Trust. At the Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policyhere.

This story was originally published byFort Worth Reportand distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

byAdministrator

in

April 03, 2026

Descendants of Choctaw code talkers gather in Fort Worth for historical marker unveiling

Nuchi Nashoba grew up looking at a photograph of her great-grandfather Ben Carterby inside her grandmother's Oklahoma...

Read More

Russian strikes on Ukraine kill 8 as Kyiv holds door open for Easter truce

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian strikes killed at least eight people across Ukraine on Friday, including in a "massive" missile and drone attack near the capital, local authorities reported.

Russia Ukraine War

Ukrainian officials claim the Kremlin is changing its tactics to increase civilian suffering, shifting to daytime barrages and preparing to target more key infrastructure.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled Kyiv's opennessto a potential Easter truce. The holiday is celebrated on April 12 in Ukraine and Russia.

Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine is preparing for a shift in Russian aerial tactics, with intelligence indicating that future attacks will move beyondenergy infrastructure.

Russia's Defense Ministry said 192 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight across Russia and occupied Crimea.

'I have no words'

"The Kyiv region is once again under a massive Russian missile and drone attack," said Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the regional military administration, in a Telegram post on Friday.

Kalashnyk said one person died and at least eight others were wounded in strikes on three of Kyiv's satellite towns — Bucha, Fastiv and Obukhiv. Earlier in the week, residents of Buchamarked the fourth anniversaryofatrocities committed in the town by Russia's invading forces.

Obukhiv resident Lesia Podoriako, 37, told The Associated Press she was at work with her child when she learned her building had been struck.

"I found out about it through Telegram channels. Then all my friends and acquaintances started calling me, telling me that our building was attacked. I have no words. The main thing is that everyone is alive and healthy," she said.

Another person was killed in Ukraine's northern Sumy region after a Russian guided aerial bomb struck an apartment block, local Gov. Oleh Hryhorov reported. Authorities in the Kherson, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv and Donetsk regions also reported casualties from Friday's attacks.

Ukrainian officials highlighted what they said were increased daytime attacks by Russia, which they said could lead to more civilian deaths. For months, Moscow pummeled Ukraine with nighttime missile and drone strikes that could involve hundreds of drones at a time.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, said in a post on X that "almost half a thousand drones and cruise missiles" attacked Ukraine overnight.

"This is how Moscow responds to Ukraine's Easter ceasefire proposals — with brutal attacks," Sybiha said.

Kyiv floats an Easter ceasefire

Zelenskyy on Thursday signaled Kyiv's continued openness to a potential truce on Easter, which falls next week according to the Julian calendar followed by Orthodox churches in Ukraine and Russia.

Zelenskyy told reporters that the proposal had been communicated to Moscow through U.S. channels. He added that the Kremlin's response remains unclear.

Zelenskyyhas previously offered a ceasefire for the Easter period— but Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that Moscow wants a lasting peace settlement, not a temporary truce.

President Vladimir Putinunilaterally declareda 30-hour ceasefire last Easter, but each side accused the other of breaking it.

Advertisement

A change in Russian tactics?

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Russia was increasingly striking the country during the day, an apparent departure frommonths of nighttime barrages.

Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation within Ukraine's defense ministry, said that the daytime strikes aimed to "increase civilian casualties."

"That is why the combined attack is carried out on a working day, using a large number of drones and missiles," Kovalenko wrote on Friday in a Telegram post.

Zelenskyy told reporters on Thursday that Ukraine is preparing for Russian aerial attacks that could target water systems, logistics and other critical networks. Aftermonths of sustained strikes on power facilities, Kyiv now expects increased pressure elsewhere.

"According to intelligence documents we have received, the Russians will target logistics – railways and other infrastructure. They will also target the water supply," Zelenskyy said at a press briefing.

Around midday on Friday, Russian forces dropped five aerial bombs on the city of Kramatorsk, in eastern Ukraine. At least two people were killed and three were injured, according to a Telegram update by Vadym Filashkin, who heads the regional military administration.

Elsewhere in Ukraine on Friday, a Russian drone strike damaged a bus in the southern city of Kherson, leaving the driver seriously wounded and at least eight passengers hurt, according to regional officials.

Separately, authorities reported sustained attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, beginning on Thursday and continuing into early Friday. Drone strikes near the city center caused several injuries. Two people later died in hospital, local Gov. Oleh Syniehubov wrote in separate Telegram updates.

Bohdan Hladykh, head of Kharkiv's Department of Emergency Situations, said Russia struck the city at least 20 times during the day on Thursday with explosive drones.

Zelenskyy says battlefield situation has stabilized

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy told reporters that the battlefield situation has stabilized, with recent intelligence assessments pointing to the most favorable conditions for Kyiv in months. Whilefighting remains intense across eastern sectors, Ukrainian forces have disrupted Russian offensives in recent weeks and regained limited ground.

"On Wednesday I received a report from our intelligence and an analysis from British intelligence. I received MI6's assessment of the situation at the front: right now, it is the best situation for Ukraine in the past 10 months," the Ukrainian leader said at a press briefing Thursday.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine has invited U.S. negotiators to visit Kyiv, as part of ongoing discussions onsecurity guaranteesand abroader framework for ending the war. Recent talks have involved senior American officials as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with Ukraine seeking clearer commitments on long-term defense support and responses to any future Russian aggression.

Ukrainian drones target Russia

Two people were hospitalized on Friday following a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia's Leningrad region, over 1,100 kilometers (684 miles) from the border, said regional Gov. Alexander Drozdenko reported, who added that the drones also set fire to an "unoccupied" building within the Morozov industrial zone.

The settlement of Morozov houses a state-owned plant that makes explosives and components for ammunition, including solid fuel used in Topol-M missile systems. The plant was put under U.S., EU and other Western sanctions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Twelve people, including at least three Russian soldiers, were injured in a Ukrainian drone strike late Thursday on Russia's Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, local Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov reported.

Four drones were downed during the night on the approach to Moscow, mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported Friday. He did not reference any casualties or damage.

Associated Press journalists Vasilisa Stepanenko in Obukhiv and Derek Gatopoulos in Kyiv contributed.

byAdministrator

in

April 03, 2026

Russian strikes on Ukraine kill 8 as Kyiv holds door open for Easter truce

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian strikes killed at least eight people across Ukraine on Friday, including in a "massive...

Read More

New Details Revealed About Lake Tahoe Avalanche That Killed 9 — Including That Lifesaving Equipment Wasn’t Deployed

New details have emerged about the deadliest avalanche in California's history

NEED TO KNOW

• Among the findings, investigators claim the "best practice for backcountry travel" was not being followed, as the group size was large

• Several skiers were also found to be wearing airbag backpacks, but none were deployed when the avalanche occurred on Feb. 17

Investigators are releasing new details about theavalanche that killed nine skiersin California's backcountry earlier this year.

On Tuesday, March 31, theNational Avalanche Center published its final reportabout the deadliest slide in the state's history based on findings by the Sierra Avalanche Center. There were 11 clients and four guides when the avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe on Feb. 17, killing nine people.

While the exact cause of the slide remains unknown, the findings don't rule out the possibility that the size of the group was a factor.

"Exposing only one person at a time to avalanche terrain is an accepted best practice for backcountry travel," the report states. "This group consisted of 15 people. Analysis of past avalanche accidents has indicated that larger group sizes (4 or more people) have a higher chance of being caught in avalanches."

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Two groups — six females with two guides, and another group of three males with two guides — had decided to combine for the return to the trailhead at the Castle Peak Snowpark on Donner Summit, according to the report.

The Blackbird Mountain guides led the group through an avalanche-prone area for unknown reasons, despite two alternative routes, per theSan Francisco Chronicle.

"This group traveled below avalanche terrain and through the runout zone of an avalanche path during a period when a natural or human-triggered avalanche was likely to very likely," the report states.

Advertisement

At around 11 a.m. local time, the avalanche struck amid an "intense storm with very poor visibility," according to investigators. Continuous snowfall and strong winds, ranging from 60 to 125 miles per hour, had created hazardous conditions.

Several of the skiers were wearing airbag backpacks that could've helped them to stay on the surface when inflated. However, none were deployed when the avalanche struck, according to the report.

The findings confirm that 13 people were buried in the snow.

Many of the details about how the group responded to the slide come from two survivors who shared their experience withThe New York Times. They were near the rear of the group and not involved in the decision-making process, according to the newly published report.

The pair had fallen behind the rest of the group due to an equipment issue. This kept them from being caught in the slide and they were then able to save the lives of others.

"Two of the four buried survivors required companion rescue to excavate the snow that covered their airways," the report states. "The rapid location and excavation of these two individuals was lifesaving. At the time of the avalanche, the guide and client not caught in the avalanche, were a ways behind the rest of the group due to the client experiencing an equipment problem with one of their ski binding toe pieces."

"This separation may have kept them from being caught in the avalanche along with the rest of their party," the report continues, adding, "If other survivors who were closer to the front of the group and part of the group of women eventually choose to share their story, it may include different information and details."

PEOPLE has reached out to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office amid their criminal investigation into the avalanche. The Blackbird Mountain guides did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.

Read the original article onPeople

byAdministrator

in

April 03, 2026

New Details Revealed About Lake Tahoe Avalanche That Killed 9 — Including That Lifesaving Equipment Wasn’t Deployed

New details have emerged about the deadliest avalanche in California's history NEED TO KNOW Among the find...

Read More

Inside UConn's secret of chemistry over championships — and still winning both

PHOENIX — The UConn women's basketball team has talked all season about how it isn't worried about stats or individual accolades.

When sophomore forward Sarah Strong was asked ifwinning the Naismith Trophy, given to the best player in women's college basketball, was a dream come true, her answer spoke volumes.

"A dream come true? I wouldn't say that, but I mean, it's definitely a cool side quest," Strong said.

Strong, who has won every individual award in the country this season, is leading the Huskies in scoring (18.6 points per game), rebounds (7.6), steals (3.4) and blocks (1.6). But, like every player on UConn's roster, she is more worried about supporting her teammates and having fun.

"We all enjoy being around each other and are genuinely happy for everyone's success," Strong said. "We just want the team to do well."

More:UConn's Final Four run is steeped in Diana Taurasi's legacy

The Huskies are doing very well, on a 54-game winning streak dating back to last season as defending national champions. UConn has won 12 titles since Geno Auriemma took over as coach 41 years ago, so the expectations are high in Storrs, Connecticut. But his players, at least on this team, are used to the pressure and have learned to manage it together.

"Even in the midst of all the pressure that comes with playing in these games, they are finding ways to have fun," Auriemma said. "These guys just enjoy the whole thing, all of it."

UConn Huskies forward Sarah Strong (21) named Big East Player Of The Year as they celebrate their Big East Championship win over the Villanova Wildcats at Mohegan Sun Arena on Mar 9, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Sarah Strong, UConn look for perfection and another championship

UConn Huskies forwardSarah Strong(21) named Big East Player Of The Year as they celebrate their Big East Championship win over the Villanova Wildcats at Mohegan Sun Arena on Mar 9, 2026.

UConn point guard KK Arnold, who averages 7.1 points and 4.6 assists a contest, said the team spends all of its time together, on and off the court. They love each other's company and thrive on giving each other a hard time.

Advertisement

"I feel like we're not selfish," Arnold said. "Making sure that everybody's good on this team, everybody checks in on each other, and I feel like that's one thing so unique about this team.

"We all live together and I feel like we're just always bothering each other. We are in each other's apartments. Everybody's like barging in each other's rooms. So I feel like we just have open access to each other 24/7."

Azzi Fudd is an All-American and the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 17.5 points. She is also the Huskies' de facto leader after the graduation of Paige Bueckers, who played her rookie season with the WNBA's Dallas Wings last summer. She knows her career at UConn is coming to an end, but is trying to stay in the moment.

"I feel like I've been kind of in denial thinking about how this is my last weekend," Fudd said. "I know, but I haven't really accepted that yet. I'm really just trying to enjoy every single moment."

Fudd returned for her fifth season instead of going to the WNBA. She hasn't regretted her choice for a second.

"This is a super special group where ... our number one priority, our main goal, is the team over individual stats, individual performances, which is a really special just mindset to have, especially in this day and age," Fudd said. "I feel like it's rare to find a program like this.

"Every single game, it makes everything so much more fun when you're playing for a bigger purpose than yourself."

The purpose this weekend is a 13th championship. And you can bet UConn will celebrate its success together.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:UConn unselfish, unstoppable amid 54-game win streak entering Final Four

byAdministrator

in

April 03, 2026

Inside UConn's secret of chemistry over championships — and still winning both

PHOENIX — The UConn women's basketball team has talked all season about how it isn't worried about stats or indiv...

Read More

UNC coaching search looms over Final Four — ask Kansas how that goes

North Carolinaneeded a basketball coach, and it set its sights on one in the Final Four.

Its top target had a good job. A darn good one, and one newspaper columnist felt adamant Roy Williams wouldn't leaveKansas, even if his alma mater tried to call him home to Carolina. Williams already turned down UNC once before, a few years previously.

No way Roy's going to Carolina.

So read the headline ofJoe Posnanski's columnin the Kansas City Star on April 2, 2003. Two weeks later, Posnanski wrote another column about how he got it all wrong. He trusted a coach to have loyalty. Whoops, rookie mistake.

If we've learned one thing in the more than two decades since then, it's to never say never when it comes to these situations, and that a coach's loyalty is the underdog when matched up against his ego.

Now here we are at anotherFinal Four, and UNC's hiring, and it's déjà vu, with stay-or-go questionshovering over the coaches of the two favored teams in Indianapolis.

Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See best of March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities

Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournamentat Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.

Tommy Lloyd fuels speculation about UNC job

This time, nobody's writing there's "no way"Tommy Lloyd would leave Arizona for UNC. That doesn't mean Lloyd will definitely bolt, but even he's not saying he won't. Lloyd himself fed into speculation he's a prime option for UNC when he said, "Arizona's going to have another good coach after me, I promise you." And, when will Arizona need to hire its next coach? Will that be next week? Next year? Ten years from now?

No telling. At least, Lloyd's not telling, other than to say he's "present in the moment" and that neither he nor his players are distracted by UNC speculation.

He's probably right about his players, anyway.

Arizona's Brayden Burries, Koa Peat and Motiejus Krivas are projected first-round NBA Draft picks. Wildcats point guard Jaden Bradley is a senior. They're out the door after this Final Four, regardless of Lloyd's decision. A fifth starter, Ivan Kharchenkov, might return for another college season, but thanks to the transfer portal, he could follow his coach if Lloyd decided to leave. No stress. No fuss. No distraction.

Twenty-three years ago, KU star Wayne Simien expressed open frustration when Williams jilted the Jayhawks for North Carolina. Now, athletes better understand it's not personal, it's just business, because players field interest from other high-paying suitors, too, and face business decisions of their own.

Is Dusty May more of a 'Michigan man' than Bill Frieder?

While we're on the subject of déjà vu, here's Michigan with a team that can win it all, but willcoach Dusty Mayprove himself a "Michigan man" or a renegade?

Advertisement

If UNC would like to have Lloyd, then it shouldloveto have May. He's now a veteran of Final Fours, having led Florida Atlantic there in 2023.

Toppmeyer:Dusty May so good, you almost forget Sherrone Moore — now, UNC needs him

Perhaps, Michigan can breathe slightly easier than Arizona's administration, because at least May isn't talking about how great Michigan's next coach is going to be.

Even if May wouldn't leave Michigan for UNC, the Tar Heels could cause a domino effect that results in May leaving Michigan. Just as the Wolverines lost John Beilein to the Cleveland Cavaliers, May has the goods of a future NBA coach. Andif UNC hires Billy Donovan, well, then the Chicago Bulls will need a coach, won't they?

Michigan knows what it's like for a coach to spurn it. When Bill Frieder accepted the Arizona State job ahead of the 1989 NCAA Tournament, Bo Schembechler promptly booted Frieder and promoted Steve Fisher, explaining his decision with the now-famous line that, "A Michigan man is going to coach Michigan."

The lesson Frieder provided: If you're leaving for another job, maybe don't tell anyone until the NCAA Tournament is finished.

Worked out great for Michigan. Fisher led the Wolverines to a national championship.

Never mind a Michigan man. The Wolverines would do well to keep their Indiana man. May got his start as a student manager under Bob Knight, but Frieder proved a coach's alma mater doesn't mean everything to everyone, even if Mama lured Williams home in 2003.

"I was a Tar Heel born. When I die, I'll be a Tar Heel dead," Williams said after he took the UNC job.

In between, he became a turncoat at Kansas.

We learned then that when North Carolina wants to hire a Final Four coach, it's naïve to think, "no way."

Blake Toppmeyeris a columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email him atBToppmeyer@gannett.comand follow him on X@btoppmeyer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Tommy Lloyd, Dusty May would be great for UNC — if they pull a Roy Williams

byAdministrator

in

April 03, 2026

UNC coaching search looms over Final Four — ask Kansas how that goes

North Carolinaneeded a basketball coach, and it set its sights on one in the Final Four. Its top target had a ...

Read More