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SEC Report Cards 2024-25: A Season of Triumphs, Turnarounds, and Tough Lessons

From Florida’s national title run to Kentucky’s revival under Mark Pope, the SEC dominated the NCAA stage — but not every team made the grade.

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Florida celebrates their 2025 national title as the SEC dominates the NCAA tournament, with seven teams earning “A” grades for a historic season. ( Source: ESPN )

The 2024-25 men’s college basketball season was a landmark campaign for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) — one that saw a record 14 teams qualify for the NCAA Tournament and a slew of remarkable performances across the board. Now, with the dust settled, ESPN’s Myron Medcalf has handed out his official SEC report cards, and they paint a picture of a conference at its competitive peak — though not without its blemishes.The “A” Team: SEC’s Elite Shine Bright

Seven SEC programs earned top marks, starting with Florida, who captured the program’s third national championship behind Most Outstanding Player Walter Clayton Jr. and an impressive roster rebuilt by coach Todd Golden. Clayton, now a projected first-round NBA pick, made the Gators one of the most balanced and explosive teams in the nation.

Alabama wasn’t far behind. Led by All-American Mark Sears, the Crimson Tide reached the Elite Eight, boasting the nation’s most potent offense. While they finished third in the regular season, they exceeded expectations with key wins and consistency.

Auburn, under Bruce Pearl, delivered a 32-win season — the best in school history — and advanced to the Final Four, where they fell to champion Florida. Powered by Johni Broome, a Wooden Award contender, the Tigers dominated the regular season with a 20-1 midseason stretch and were ranked No. 1 for nearly two months.

Meanwhile, Kentucky earned an “A” thanks to new head coach Mark Pope, who engineered a swift rebuild following John Calipari’s departure. Despite injuries to key transfers, Pope took the Wildcats to the Sweet 16, knocking off powerhouses like Duke, Tennessee, and Florida along the way. The Wildcats finished with eight top-30 KenPom wins, the most of any Kentucky team in recent history.

Tennessee, Missouri, and even Vanderbilt joined the top grade group. The Vols, led by Rick Barnes, won 30 games for only the third time in school history. Missouri, after a dismal 2023-24, pulled off one of the biggest turnarounds in NCAA history, finishing sixth in the SEC. And Vanderbilt, picked to finish last, rode Jason Edwards’ 17.0 PPG to their first tournament appearance since 2017.

Respectable and Resilient: Solid but Short of Elite

Arkansas, now under John Calipari, weathered injuries and an 0-5 SEC start to rally for a Sweet 16 appearance. Meanwhile, Ole Miss had its best season in decades under Chris Beard, and Texas A&M showed defensive dominance but sputtered late.

Georgia, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma each exceeded or met modest expectations, securing tournament bids while laying groundwork for future success. The Sooners, led by future NBA lottery pick Jeremiah Fears, overcame a late-season slump after a red-hot 13-0 start.

🅳 Disappointments in the Deep South

Not every story was a fairytale. LSU, South Carolina, and Texas all received “D” grades.

South Carolina fell from a 26-win season to just two conference victories. Texas, despite a star-studded lineup including Tre Johnson (19.9 PPG), never gelled and bowed out in the First Four, leading to Rodney Terry’s firing and Sean Miller’s hiring as the new head coach. LSU, under Matt McMahon, missed the tournament for the third straight year and fell short of expectations yet again.

OTTOM LINE: The SEC in 2024-25 showcased its depth, firepower, and coaching strength, securing its place as the nation’s top basketball conference. With rising stars, powerhouse programs, and fierce competition, the bar has never been higher — and the 2025-26 season already promises even more drama.

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“She’s too easy to beat”—Claressa Shields defends undisputed crown and dares Laila Ali to accept $15M mega-fight offer

In a dominant 10-round display against Lani Daniels, boxing icon Claressa Shields remains undefeated, mocks the lack of worthy challengers, and throws down a $15 million gauntlet to retired legend Laila Ali.

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Claressa Shields Defeats Lani Daniels and Calls Out Laila Ali for $15M Mega-Fight

Claressa Shields the self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time), continues to build a case that few in boxing history—man or woman—can match her legacy. On Saturday night at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, she reminded the world why she’s still the queen of the ring.

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In front of a roaring crowd of 15,369 fans, the Flint, Michigan native defended her undisputed heavyweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over New Zealand’s Lani Daniels The judges scored the bout 100-90, 99-91, and 99-91—all in favor of Shields, who barely broke a sweat in yet another masterclass performance.She fought a hard fight, and I hit Lani with some big shots,” Shields said. “I broke her to the body. I broke her down to the head… but she’s tough.

Shields, now 17-0 (3 KOs), dictated the fight from the center of the ring, showing off her exceptional footwork, sharp jab, and brutal body shots—especially in Rounds 5 through 7. Daniels, who entered the bout as the IBF Light Heavyweight Champion, had won seven straight prior to Saturday but quickly discovered why Shields is in a league of her own.

Claressa Shields Defeats Lani Daniels and Calls Out Laila Ali for $15M Mega-Fight


Rapper Rick Ross accompanied her ring walk, setting the tone for a night that was all about greatness. From the opening bell, Shields controlled the pace, teasing Daniels and even urging her to “stand and fight” during an early-round taunt. When Daniels finally mounted a minor rally in the eighth and ninth rounds, Shields simply laughed it off.

These girls are just too easy to beat,” Shields declared post-fight. “They talk so much crap, but I clear every division I touch.

Indeed, she has. In February, she made history as the first boxer—male or female—to become undisputed champion in three weight divisions, after defeating Danielle Perkins in her hometown of Flint.

Now, Shields is looking for something bigger. She’s eyeing legacy fights—ones that would define eras. That includes a long-teased showdown against Laila Ali daughter of Muhammad Ali and a legend in her own right.

We put up the $15 million for the fight and we haven’t heard anything back,” Shields revealed. “Hopefully she saw the fight tonight and says, ‘You know what? I think I can take her.

Shields also mentioned possible matchups with Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Che Kenneally, and even a potential bout at 154 lbs against Mikaela Mayer if serious negotiations happen.

In the co-main event, Tony Harrison made a triumphant return with a unanimous decision win over Edward Diaz. Harrison, sporting full Detroit Lions gear, bounced back from a 2023 TKO loss to Tim Tszyu, overcoming a scare in the ninth round when Diaz clipped him with a right hand.

It wasn’t even like a punch that hurt me,” Harrison said. “It was kind of a flash. I owed that for not being disciplined.

But the night undoubtedly belonged to Shields. Her ability to neutralize elite opponents, control the fight tempo, and entertain fans has positioned her as not just the face of women’s boxing—but its gold standard.

With no signs of slowing down, Claressa Shields has made it clear: she’s waiting for someone—anyone—who can bring the fight to her level.

Until then, she remains undisputed, undefeated, and unmatched.

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Who is this masked man Arsenal fans erupt as €63M star Gyökeres unveiled before late Ødegaard penalty stuns Newcastle

Viktor Gyökeres receives hero’s welcome in Singapore as Arsenal edge Newcastle United 3-2 thanks to a dramatic 85th-minute penalty from Martin Ødegaard, with 15-year-old Max Dowman stealing hearts again.

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Arsenal Unveil Gyökeres Before Ødegaard’s Penalty Seals 3-2 Win Over Newcastle
Viktor Gyökeres greets Arsenal fans in Singapore before Ødegaard’s late penalty clinches 3-2 win over Newcastle.

The humid Singapore air couldn’t cool down the electric atmosphere inside the National Stadium as Arsenal fans got more than just a preseason friendly—they got a blockbuster show. Just before kick-off, the Gunners unveiled their €63 million ($74M) marquee signing Viktor Gyökeres and the crowd roared in unison, many mimicking the striker’s now-iconic mask celebration as he waved to all four corners.

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Having just flown in from London after completing his medical, Gyökeres didn’t take the field, but his presence alone lit a spark under Mikel Arteta’s side. That spark soon turned into fire, culminating in a thrilling 3-2 win over Newcastle United that showcased everything from world-class talent to youthful brilliance.

Newcastle struck first, and early. Sandro Tonali made a blistering run down the right and found Anthony Elanga—a £55M summer arrival from Nottingham Forest—who scuffed his finish but beat David Raya regardless.

But Arsenal, never a side to be silenced, responded in style just after the half-hour mark. Mikel Merino dispossessed Joe Willock, passed it to Leandro Trossard, who quickly linked up with Kai Havertz. A cheeky flick from Havertz set up Merino for a clinical finish—an equalizer that oozed class and control.

Within two minutes, the Gunners were in front. Trossard fired a low cross from the left, and in a twist of misfortune, Alex Murphy of Newcastle bundled the ball into his own net. Arsenal were ahead 2-1, and Singapore’s 38,720 fans were roaring.

However, concern briefly hit the red half when new signing Riccardo Calafiori was forced off before halftime with what appeared to be a muscle issue.

Arsenal Unveil Gyökeres Before Ødegaard’s Penalty Seals 3-2 Win Over Newcastle


Coming into the second half, Martin Ødegaard replaced youngster Ethan Nwaneri, while Newcastle rolled out nine changes, with only Nick Pope and William Osula staying on.

Though Bukayo Saka almost stole the show with a bicycle kick that Pope acrobatically saved, it was Jacob Murphy who drew Newcastle level at 2-2 with a long-range strike that stunned Raya.

Then came Max Dowman—Arsenal’s 15-year-old prodigy who had already made waves earlier in the tour. His curling shot forced another smart save from Pope. But he wasn’t done.

In the 85th minute, Dowman made a surging run into the box and was brought down, earning the penalty that Ødegaard coolly converted to seal a thrilling 3-2 win.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, who had come on for Raya, had to make one final stop from Harrison Ashby in stoppage time, preserving the victory.

What’s even more exciting for Gunners fans? This team isn’t just talented—it’s deep. With stars like Gyökeres, Saka, Ødegaard, and emerging names like Dowman, Calafiori, and Nwaneri, the future looks both packed and promising.

Next stop for Arsenal? Hong Kong, where they’ll face fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur. As for Newcastle, they’re heading to South Korea for a showdown against the K League All-Stars.

This wasn’t just a preseason game. It was a statement: Arsenal are ready for the new season—and they’ve got a new masked striker waiting in the wings.

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Lamine Yamal wears No. 10 as Barcelona crush Vissel Kobe 3-1 in preseason thriller—Here’s what stole the show…

With goals from Eric Garcia, Roony Bardghji, and academy sensation Dro, Barcelona’s preseason opener under Hansi Flick hints at a squad deeper, hungrier, and more dynamic than ever.

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Barcelona vs Vissel Kobe Preseason 2025 Lamine Yamal Wears No.10 as Barca Win 3-1
Lamine Yamal stuns in Barcelona’s No. 10 jersey as Flick’s side dominate Vissel Kobe in a commanding 3-1 victory.

The new era at FC Barcelona kicked off in style as the Catalan giants swept aside Vissel Kobe 3-1 in their preseason opener. But it wasn’t just the scoreline that made headlines. From Lamine Yamal donning the iconic number 10 jersey to the seamless debut of Joan García, this match may go down as the moment Barcelona’s depth and future ambition were laid bare for the world.

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Led by newly appointed head coach Hansi Flick the Spanish champions fielded a near full-strength XI to honor the 30th anniversary of Vissel Kobe’s foundation. And the message was clear: Barcelona isn’t here to experiment—they’re here to dominate.

The game’s opening goal came from an unlikely source: Eric Garcia The defender pounced on a messy clearance in the box after a corner kick, showing poise more often associated with strikers than center-backs.

Soon after, Joan García—Barcelona’s new number one goalkeeper—stole the spotlight with a string of critical saves. Flick has put full faith in the young Spaniard, and García proved why, commanding his box with maturity and confidence that belied his age.

But it wasn’t just the established names making noise.

Enter Roony Bardghji the Swedish teen sensation. Making his debut in Blaugrana colors, Bardghji slotted home a calm finish that showcased both his composure and potential. Not to be outdone, La Masia graduate Dro added a third, capping off an encouraging night for Barcelona’s youth development program.

Barcelona vs Vissel Kobe Preseason 2025 Lamine Yamal Wears No.10 as Barca Win 3-1


Yet the moment that truly sent chills down the spines of the Culers was seeing Lamine Yamal with the sacred No. 10 on his back. In the post-Messi era, that jersey carries immense weight. And while Yamal showed moments of brilliance with his dribbles, flicks, and one-touch passes, it’s clear the club believes he’s ready for more.

The only sour note? A defensive lapse by Pau Cubarsí allowed Miyashiro to equalize briefly for the Japanese side. But with Joan García between the posts, Barcelona quickly regained control, and the match was never truly in doubt.

What’s perhaps most impressive is Flick’s tactical clarity this early into his tenure. He fielded Gavi in a double pivot, explored Ferran Torres as a Lewandowski alternative, and trusted Eric Garcia at right-back—each decision hinting at long-term strategy, not just preseason tinkering.

With other regulars like Pedri, Raphinha, Alejandro Balde, and Iñigo Martínez also getting valuable minutes, the Blaugrana looked not just sharp—but unified.

While it’s still early days, fans and analysts alike are starting to believe: this might be the most balanced Barcelona squad in years.

From fresh blood to familiar brilliance, from youth dreams to championship ambition, this 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe was more than just a preseason match—it was a statement.

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is here. And they’re hungry.

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