Happy Friday, Big Blue Nation.

It’s another day in paradise as the Kentucky Wildcats faithful await the court decision regarding Mark Mitchell’s eligibility.

Mitchell, a former Second Team All-SEC forward from Mizzou, averaged 18 points, five rebounds and three assists last season.

Like a broken record, today could be the day that his eligibility fate is decided. And while it’s entirely possible that the decision comes today, no one really knows.

It’s clear this year’s team has a lot of questions. The roster has a lot of turnover and head coach Mark Pope is coming off of a not-so-good year.

Landing Mitchell would certainly further bolster the Kentucky roster, especially after BBN lost out on Michigan State’s Jaxon Kohler last night in a bidding war with BYU.

Judge Brian Edwards in Louisville, who is handling the decision, did clarify that he expected a decision by the end of the week — which would be today. However, pushback from Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey and others appears to be delaying the decision.

Now that major players are voicing their opinion, let us know what you think will happen in the comments below!

Fall Camp All-Access: Week Two 🎥 pic.twitter.com/vZhU1IDXcY

Soon.

MSU transfer, UK target Jaxon Kohler commits to BYU – KSR

Back breaker.

Rory McIlroy makes quick turnaround to share 5-way BMW lead – ESPN

Playoffs are heating up.

Cumberland HS FB Field to be renamed after UK legend Freddie Maggard – KSR

Pretty awesome.

Greg Sankey, in filing, speaks out against pros returning to NCAA – ESPN

Agree or disagree?

Seven Wildcats land on the Senior Bowl’s Preseason Top 300 – KSR

Nice to see!

Cowboys, Saints fined $500K each for brawls in joint practice – ESPN

What’s the point?

Eva Hudson’s road back to Kentucky VB isn’t gone, but the path is small – KSR

Whatever happens, happens.

Rangers’ Jacob deGrom becomes 2nd fastest to 2,000 strikeouts – ESPN

A stud when healthy.

Khaman Maluach already has one of those uncomfortable rookie moments every young player eventually experiences, and his came courtesy of Peyton Watson.

During a sit-down conversation with his Phoenix Suns teammate Dillon Brooks, Maluach said that Watson gave him his first official “welcome to the NBA” moment in a game against the Denver Nuggets.

“My welcome-to-the-league moment was when we played in Denver, and I got subbed in. And I remember Peyton Watson coming off the pick-and-roll, and I’m thinking like, ‘Oh, I’m just gonna body up.'”

“And he goes up, and he dunks the ball, and like, boom, boom. I see the whole base up, and I was like, ‘Yep, welcome to the league, man.'”

It was the perfect introduction to how quickly things happen in the NBA.

At 7-foot-2, Maluach has the size and length to challenge almost anyone at the rim. His instinct was to meet Watson at the basket and use his wingspan to shut down the rim. Instead, Watson exploded through the play and finished with a highlight dunk.

Brooks could only laugh while also giving Maluach credit for not allowing the moment to change how physically he plays.

“But one thing about you, though, is that you don’t care about none of that shit. Because half the time, you’re gonna get those blocks. But that one was a pretty good highlight. I can’t even lie.”

That might be the most important part of Maluach’s story. Young defenders are inevitably going to get dunked on. The ones who become great defenders are usually the ones who keep challenging anyway.

Khaman Maluach reveals his welcome to the league moment to Dillon Brooks 😅

“Peyton Watson… and I think I’m gonna body him up.”

(Via @NBA2KLeague & @Suns) pic.twitter.com/mcUcZsktW1

— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) August 20, 2026

Maluach appears to already understand that.

His rookie season was largely underwhelming. Maluach averaged 3.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 46 appearances while playing just 8.8 minutes per game.

But there were flashes of what the Phoenix Suns believe he can eventually become. In his first career start against the Dallas Mavericks, Maluach finished with 14 rebounds and three blocks, showing exactly why the Suns are intrigued by his defensive upside.

His growth became even more obvious in the 2026 Summer League, where he averaged 19.5 points and 12.8 rebounds per game and earned All-Summer League Second Team honors.

Now entering his second season, Maluach has the chance to turn those flashes into consistent production.

Watson’s dunk will probably stay attached to his rookie memories forever, but Maluach does not sound embarrassed by it. If anything, he seems to appreciate the lesson.

The NBA is filled with elite athletes capable of putting even the best-intentioned defenders on highlight reels. Maluach learned that immediately against Watson, but Brooks’ response says plenty about the young center.

He got put on a poster, but he is still going to jump the next time.

This week, the Pittsburgh Steelers made something of a surprising move when they gave backup defensive lineman Keeanu Benton a four-year, $72 million contract extension. Benton has moved to defensive end this offseason where he should see much more success with an eye on a starting spot in 2027.

This leaves the Steelers with just $1.129 million, according to Over The Cap. This sounds like a terrifyingly low number given the Steelers still haven't worked out a contract extension for cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

But as we all know, the salary cap is mostly smoke and mirrors and a talented general manager like Omar Khan can work magic to find money. This could take the form of a trade, a release or some contract restructures, should Pittsburgh need to find some salary cap space in a hurry.

In addition to Benton, the Steelers gave edge Nike Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington big extensions this offseason while Porter Jr. waits.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Updated Steelers salary-cap space after the Keeanu Benton contract extension

LexisNexis Dragons have changed almost a third of their squad as they bid to improve on fifth place in Netball Super League (NSL).

Head coach Reigna Bloxham has signed New Zealanders Saviour Tui (goal shooter), Holly Mather (centre, wing defence), along with former England Under-21 captain Phoebe Maslen (centre, wing defence).

They replace Wales international Phillipa Yarranton who is retiring, South African mid-courter Khanyisa Chawane who has departed after three seasons, and Ellen Withington who was signed as a permanent replacement player during 2026.

Having finished bottom of NSL in 2025, Dragons fell only three points short of making the end of season play-offs in this year's campaign.

Fifth in the eight-team league represented the Welsh franchise's best finish since 2014.

"I am really looking forward to what this 2027 squad can do this season," said Bloxham.

"We have been building our performance culture the past two seasons so I am pleased with the foundation we have to launch ourselves into the season.

"Being able to secure the core of the team has allowed us to just add a few extra players who will add to our talent pool. They will bring a new energy, style and flare to our game."

• Bloxham to take interim charge of Welsh Feathers

Saviour Tui has signed from ANZ Premiership side Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. The 24-year-old Wellington-born goal shooter or goal attack has represented both New Zealand and Samoa on the international stage, and also spent several seasons under Bloxham at Southern Steel.

"Everything I have heard about this club [Dragons] and this environment made it an easy decision. I am here to compete, to contribute and to help take this team as far as it can go," Tui said.

Holly Mather joined Mainland Tactix in 2025, winning the ANZ Premiership in her debut season, before helping them reach the Elimination Final this year.

The 25-year-old mid-courter said: "They [Dragons] embrace the same passion for netball as me. I can't wait to work hard, play hard with this squad."

Phoebe Maslen joins from NIC Leeds Rhinos having previously played in the NSL for Birmingham Panthers and Team Bath.

"I am so excited to be a Dragon for the 2027 season. I can't wait to get started and see what we can achieve together. This is a really exciting squad and I'm looking forward to the challenge," Maslen said.

Seven players remain from the Dragons encouraging 2026 campaign which saw them win six of their 14 games, with three defeats by just one goal.

They will be led once again by Welsh Feathers captain Bethan Dyke (wing attack, centre) who returns for a third season with Dragons.

She is joined by four more Wales internationals in Leah Middleton (goalkeeper, goal defence), Alex Johnson (goal defence), Victoria Booth (wing defence) and goal shooter Georgia Rowe who was Dragons' top goalscorer in the 2026 season.

Rowe is joined in the attacking circle by Scotland international Niamh McCall,who was third in NSL over the past season for two-goal Super Shots.

The 10-player squad is completed by Jacqui Newton returning for a fourth year.

The 29-year-old Australian goal defence was named in the NSL All-Star 7 for the 2026 season.

• Thunder beat Pulse to win Super League Grand Final