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Tour de France 2024: TV and streaming, schedule, stages, route, and what to watch for tour,de,france,tv,and,streaming,schedule,stages,route,and,what,to,watch,for,sbnation,com,front-page

On: June 29, 2024 By: admin

Cycling’s premier event is about to get underway.

And it will look a little different than in year’s past.

The 2024 Tour de France, the 111th in history, begins on Saturday June 29. However, the starting point for this year’s Tour de France, as well as the finish line, will mark a series of firsts for the event.

To mark 100 years since Ottavio Bottecchia became the first Italian rider to win the Tour de France, this year’s race will begin in Italy, with riders setting off in Florence. The first three stages of this year’s Tour de France will keep riders in Italy, before the Tour’s fourth stage sees riders make the journey from Pinerolo in Italy, to Valloire in France.

In addition, this year’s Tour de France schedule coincides with the 2024 Paris Summer Games, which begin in Paris at the end of July. As such the Tour de France will conclude in Nice, with the final stage of the 2024 Tour de France bringing riders from Monaco to Nice.

This year’s Tour de France also concludes with an individual time trial, the first time the event has concluded with an ITT since 1989. That year saw the legendary duel on the final day between Greg LeMond and Laurent Fignon.

This year’s event has no shortage of storylines, starting with the battle between Dane Jonas Vingegaard, riding for Visma—Lease a Bike, and Slovenian Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates.

Vingegaard is the reigning Tour de France champion, winning in both 2022 and 2023 ahead of his rival Pogačar. But his status for this year’s Tour de France is a huge question mark, as Vingegaard endured a horrific crash at the Tour of Basque Country in April. The Danish cyclist suffered a broken collarbone, several broken ribs, a pulmonary contusion and a pneumothorax as a result of the crash, and spent 12 days in the hospital.

Vingegaard’s questionable form has opened the door for Pogačar to perhaps claim another title. The Slovenian took home the prestigious yellow jersey, the maillot jaune, in both 2020 and 2021; his victory in 2020 at the age of 21 made him the second-youngest winner in race history.

The two are the odds-on favorites to compete for the top spot on the podium again in 2024, but Vingegaard’s recent crash has made his rival the favorite.

Beyond the two favorites, there are some other riders in the field who could challenge for the yellow jersey. Primož Roglič from Slovenia, riding for Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe, is one of the older riders in the field but might have some unfinished business after losing out to fellow Slovenian Pogačar in 2020. Roglič failed to finish in both 2021 and 2022, but won the Critérium du Dauphiné at the start of the month, fending off a late challenge from Matteo Jorgenson from Visma—Lease a Bike.

Remco Evenepoel from Soudal Quick-Step is another rider to watch. The Belgian cyclist suffered a crash of his own at Basque Country, but seemed back in form during the Critérium du Dauphiné when he was part of the chasing pack that put Roglič under pressure in the final stage. Considered one of the sport’s premier time trialists, the schedule sets up well for him with the 2024 Tour de France containing a pair of time trials, including the one on the final day previously mentioned.

For American fans Jorgenson represents your best hope for Tour de France glory. However, his role this year might best be described as “undetermined,” given Vingegaard’s questionable form. Should Vingegaard be healthy Jorgenson may serve as an auxiliary leader for Visma, and one of the sport’s premier domestiques. But if Vingegaard struggles with his health as a result of his recent crash, the 24-year-old could be thrust into a major role. And given his recent performance — including finishing just eight seconds behind Roglič at Dauphiné — he is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

For more on the favorites in the 2024 Tour de France field Bernd Buchmasser has you covered here.

Here is how to watch, a look at each stage, and more.

How to watch the 2024 Tour de France

NBC Sports is your home for every stage of the 110th Tour de France, with the bulk of the coverage airing live each day on Peacock. NBC and USA Network will also air live coverage during of three stages of the 2024 Tour de France: Stage 8, Stage 14, and Stage 20.

All NBC and USA Network coverage also streams on NBCSports.com/live, as well as the NBC Sports app.

Here is the full broadcast schedule:

2023 Tour de France Broadcast Information

Date	Time (ET)	Stage	Route	Platform
Date	Time (ET)	Stage	Route	Platform
June 29	6:30 a.m.	1	Florence to Rimini	Peacock
June 30	6:05 a.m.	2	Cesenatico to Bologna	Peacock
July 1	6:50 a.m.	3	Piacenza – Turin	Peacock
July 2	7:00 a.m.	4	Pinerolo to Vallorie	Peacock
July 3	6:55 a.m.	5	Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Saint-Vulbas	Peacock
July 4	7:00 a.m.	6	Mâcon to Dijon	Peacock
July 5	7:10 a.m.	7	Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin	Peacock
July 6	6:00 a.m.	8	Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises	Peacock
July 6	8:00 a.m.	8	Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises	NBC
July 7	7:05 a.m.	9	Troys to Troys	Peacock
July 9	6:55 a.m.	10	Orléans to Saint-Amand-Montrond	Peacock
July 10	6:55 a.m.	11	Evaux-les-Bains to Le Lioran	Peacock
July 11	6:55 a.m.	12	Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot	Peacock
July 12	7:30 a.m.	13	Agen – Pau	Peacock
July 13	6:30 a.m.	14	Pau – Pla d’Adet	Peacock
July 13	8:00 a.m.	14	Pau – Pla d’Adet	NBC
July 14	6:55 a.m.	15	Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille	Peacock
July 16	6:50 a.m.	16	Gruissan to Nîmes	Peacock
July 17	6:05 a.m.	17	Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaus to Superdévoluy	Peacock
July 18	6:55 a.m.	18	Gap to Barcelonnette	Peacock
July 19	7:05 a.m.	19	Embrun to Isola 2000	Peacock
July 20	7:35 a.m.	20	Nice to Col de la Couillole	Peacock
July 20	4:00 p.m.	20	Nice to Col de la Couillole	NBC (replay)
July 21	10:10 a.m.	21	Monaco to Nice	Peacock

What teams are competing in the 2024 Tour de France

22 teams are competing in the 2024 Tour de France: That includes all 18 UCI WorldTeams, and 4 UCI ProTeams.

18 UCI WorldTeams

Alpecin-Deceuninck
Arkéa-B&B Hotels
Astana Qazaqstan Team
Cofidis
Decathalon-AG2R La Mondiale
EF Education-EasyPost
Groupama-FDJ
Ineos Grenadiers
Intermarché-Wanty
Lidl-Trek
Movistar Team
Red Bull—Bora—Hansgrohe
Soudal—Quick-Step
Team Bahrain Victorious
Team dsm—firmenich PostNL
Team Jayco-AlUla
Visma—Lease a Bike
UAE Team Emirates

UCI ProTeams

Israel—Premier Tech
Lotto—Dstny
Team TotalEnergies
Uno-X Pro Mobility

The 2024 Tour de France map

Here is the official map of the 2024 Tour de France:

You can also view the map on the official Tour de France website.

Stages, dates, and distances for the 2024 Tour de France

Here are the stages for the 2024 Tour de France. According to the official website there are eight stages classified as flat, four stages classified as hilly, seven mountain stages (including four summit finishes: Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet in Stage 14, Plateau de Beille in Stage 15, Isola 2000 in Stage 19, and Col de la Couillole in Stage 20). There are also two individual time trials, along with a pair of rest days.

2024 Tour de France Stages

Stage	Date	Distance (Miles)	Route	Stage Type
Stage	Date	Distance (Miles)	Route	Stage Type
1	June 29	128	Florence to Rimini	Hilly
2	June 30	123.8	Cesenatico to Bologna	Hilly
3	July 1	143.4	Piacenza – Turin	Flat
4	July 2	86.7	Pinerolo to Vallorie	Mountain
5	July 3	110.2	Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Saint-Vulbas	Flat
6	July 4	101.6	Mâcon to Dijon	Flat
7	July 5	15.7	Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin	ITT
8	July 6	114	Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises	Flat
9	July 7	124	Troys to Troys	Hilly
	July 8		Rest Day
10	July 9	116.4	Orléans to Saint-Amand-Montrond	Flat
11	July 10	131	Evaux-les-Bains to Le Lioran	Mountain
12	July 11	126.5	Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot	Flat
13	July 12	102.7	Agen – Pau	Flat
14	July 13	94.4	Pau – Pla d’Adet	Mountain
15	July 14	122.8	Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille	Mountain
	July 15		Rest Day
16	July 16	117.2	Gruissan to Nîmes	Flat
17	July 17	110.5	Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaus to Superdévoluy	Mountain
18	July 18	111.5	Gap to Barcelonnette	Hilly
19	July 19	89.9	Embrun to Isola 2000	Mountain
20	July 20	82.5	Nice to Col de la Couillole	Mountain
21	July 21	20.9	Monaco to Nice	ITT

Overall, the 2024 Tour e France route covers 3,498 kilometers (2,174 miles) and contains 52,230 meters (171,358 feet) of total vertical climb.

If riders were hoping to ease into the 2024 Tour de France, they have another thing coming. The opening stage of this year’s Tour not only marks the first time the race has started in Italy, but it might be the toughest opening stage in history, featuring 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) of climbing. The final climb into San Marino, featuring over seven kilometers (4.35 miles) of climb at nearly five degrees.

The two toughest stretches are likely Stages 14 and 15, as well as Stages 19 and 20. Not only are all four stages mountain stages — meaning riders will have to conquer the mountains on back-to-back days — but all four stages contain a summit finish: Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet in Stage 14, Plateau de Beille in Stage 15, Isola 2000 in Stage 19, and Col de la Couillole in Stage 20.

Stage 9 is a very intriguing stage. While it is classified as “hilly” Stage 9, which sees riders start and finish in Troyes, it also contains 14 “white road” sectors. White roads on the Tour de France are dusty, gravel roads that have been a feature of this event.

In addition, the 2024 Tour de France concludes with an Individual Time Trial, the second ITT of this year’s race and the first time the Tour de France will finish in such fashion since the legendary LeMond-Fignon duel in 1989.

2024 Tour de France results

Stage 1: Florence to Rimini

Stage Winner: Romain Bardet, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL
Overall Leader: Romain Bardet, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL

Romain Bardet, aided in large part by his Team dsm-firmenich PostNL teammate Frank Van den Broek, captured the difficult first stage of the 2024 Tour de France on Saturday. For Bardet, who is competing in his final Tour de France after announcing his upcoming retirement following next year’s Critérium du Dauphiné before a switch to gravel. This stage win was his first in seven years, and he’s the first Frenchman to don the famous yellow jersey since Julian Alaphilippe in the 2021 race.

UFC 303: 30 tidbits, facts and storylines for Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka 2 ufc,tidbits,facts,and,storylines,for,alex,pereira,vs,jiri,prochazka,sbnation,com,front-page,mma,ufc,ufc-events-ppv

On: June 29, 2024 By: admin

After an entertaining UFC Saudi Arabia event in which Robert Whittaker showed Ikram Aliskerov that there are “levels” to mixed martial arts (MMA), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns home to Las Vegas, Nev., for its massive yearly International Fight Week event, UFC 303.

In the pay-per-view (PPV) main event, Alex Pereira defends his light heavyweight championship against Jiri Prochazka. In the co-main event, two-time Featherweight title challenger, Brian Ortega, takes on surging Diego Lopes (in a 155-pound showdown).

UFC 303 has several fun fights, and the atmosphere should be incredible because it is a giant card. So, before it all goes later this evening (Sat., June 29, 2024) on PPV and ESPN/ESPN+, let’s checkout some random storylines, tidbits, and statistics ahead of showtime.

Pain.

You all know by now that UFC 303 was supposed to be the highly-anticipated return of Conor McGregor. However, a toe injury ruined everything (seriously). Now, everyone has to wait longer for McGregor versus Michael Chandler, which hopefully will go down later this year.

Rematch

Pereira vs. Prochazka are running it back this weekend, and let’s be honest, they can fight every two weeks and fight fans will be just fine. The two light heavyweights first met inside the iconic arena Madison Square Garden at UFC 295 for the interim 205-pound championship. “Poatan” knocked out Prochazka in the second round.

Kind Of Short Notice …

Yes, Pereira vs. Prochazka is a short-notice fight. They were planned to collide in the main event of UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, over Israel Adesnya vs. Dricus Du Plessis in August. So, they knew about the matchup and were training for each other, although Pereira was in Australia when he signed the contract.

Win-Win

Pereira is in the ultimate win-win scenario. Not only is he even more of a legend for helping UFC once again (more on that soon), but MMAmania.com has heard, per sources, that he is granted an immediate rematch in New York City later this year if he loses.

Phenomenal ‘Poatan’

Pereira’s Octagon run has been absolutely stunning thus far. In eight UFC fights, Pereira became a UFC champion in two divisions, headlined Madison Square Garden (twice), defeated four former UFC champions, headlined (and saved) UFC 300, and now he saved “International Fight Week.”

When you think about it, those accolades are genuinely incredible, especially since most of his combat sports career was in kickboxing.

Jeez, Jiri

Pereira’s UFC accomplishments are unreal, but so is Prochazka’s UFC resume. Thus far, he is the only fighter to knockout Aleksandar Rakic and Volkan Oezdemir, submit Glover Teixeira, and finish former Bellator Light Heavyweight champion, Vadim Nemkov.

The guy is special.

Mexican Grapple-fest With Stakes

Ortega vs. Lopes is UFC 303’s new co-main event. The fight is one of the best matchups in the Featherweight division that could be made because both men are excellent grapplers and extremely exciting. On top of that, it very well could be for a No. 1 contender.

Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway is the fight that should be made, but if that fight falls apart, the winner of Lopes vs. Ortega could step in. Or, they could wait around for the winner of Topuria vs. Holloway.

Weigh-In Day Change

During UFC 303’s early morning weigh-ins, UFC announced that Ortega vs. Lopes will now take place at Lightweight.

Ortega was planning on moving to the 155-pound division, but because of the short-notice call, he had his plans (and weight) on hold.

To The Moon

Since Lopes entered UFC, he has been shot out of a rocket … and deservingly so. And with a win at UFC 303, he will go from No. 14 to No. 3 in the rankings.

Talk about a springboard.

While he lost his UFC debut to Movsar Evloev, he has finished everyone in since in the first round and is coming off a win at UFC 300 against Sodiq Yusuff.

Same Card Luck

Pereira and Lopes have been on the same card twice (UFC 295 and UFC 300), and both have received technical knockout finishes.

Switch-Up Mania

The featured bout between Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze looks completely different from what the initial bout was supposed to be.

Indeed, the original fight was former Light Heavyweight champion, Jamahal Hill, taking on Khalil Rountree Jr. However, Rountree Jr. failed a drug test, so the fight was changed to Hill versus Carlos Ulberg. Next, Hill got injured, and then Smith stepped in, making it Smith vs. Ulberg. Well, Ulberg suffered an injury, and now the final matchup (knock on wood) is Smith vs. Dolidze.

Moving Up

Dolidze will be moving back up to Light Heavyweight to face Smith.

10 vs. 10

Both Smith and Dolidze are ranked No. 10 in there respective divisions (Middleweight and Light Heavyweight).

Polar Bear In The Desert

UFC 303’s new main card (that is being held together with duct tape) looks pretty awesome; however, there is one fight that sticks out like a sore thumb: Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Macy Chiasson. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Silva competed for a title in her last fight, but it was a horrible fight and performance.

No disrespect, but that women’s Bantamweight fight is not UFC 303 PPV main card-worthy, especially for “International Fight Week.” Two obvious fights could take its place: Talbott vs. Ghemmouri or Swanson vs. Fili.

‘MVP’ Gets His Shot

Michael “Venom” Page (MVP) will look to snag Ian Garry’s No. 7 Welterweight ranking later this evening to crack UFC’s Top 10 rankings.

“MVP” made a gigantic splash in the promotion when he upset Kevin Holland in his UFC debut earlier this year at UFC 299. He is riding a two-fight win streak.

Unappealing

Garry doesn’t care about his upcoming fight with “MVP.” At UFC 303 media day, he flat-out said, “I have no interest in it.” It makes sense because he was gunning for former three-time title challenger, Colby Covington.

Garry is fighting down in the rankings and was only taking the fight to stay active and compete on the same card as McGregor.

Welp.

Time Is A Construct

Garry made his professional mixd martial arts (MMA) debut on Feb. 16, 2019, the same night that Page fought Paul Daley at Bellator 216. Garry fought James Sheehan at Cage Warriors 101.

They both won.

Rebound

Joe Pyfer looks to rebound from his first UFC main event loss against Jack Hermansson. It was also his first “L” in the promotion. Pyfer had a rocket ship put on his back when he received a contract on Contender Series, and it still feels that way.

He is given a pretty picture-perfect matchup against Marc-Andre Barriault, and he should get a highlight-reel knockout and put himself back into the UFC Middleweight picture.

Triple Retirement?

Three UFC veterans could lay down their gloves in the Octagon on Saturday: Cub Swanson, Andrei Arlovski and/or Michelle Waterson.

Both Arlovski and Swanson are already 40 years old, and Waterson is 38. It just makes sense because it is “International Fight Week,” and they are fighting in front of a sold-out Las Vegas crowd. And Swanson has not fought in front of a crowd since before the global COVID-19 pandemic (an utter crime).

Arlovski is fighting Martin Buday, Waterson is fighting Gillian Anderson and Swanson is fighting Andre Fili, which should be a banger.

Time To Step Up, Kid

Payton Talbott is fighting outside the UFC Apex for the first time this weekend and is primed to be the one everyone talks about from the “Prelims.”

Talbott had the whole MMA world talking about him after he demolished Cameron Saaiman in his last outing earlier this year, and because of that, he got placed on UFC 303.

He holds an 88 percent finish rate and is one of the flashiest fighters in UFC at the moment.

Biggest Favorite Ever?

While Talbott isn’t the biggest betting favorite … yet — that belongs to Bo Nickal (-2200). But, by fight night, Talbott could surpass that if money keeps coming in on him. He is currently a -1600 favorite, by far the biggest favorite on UFC 303. He faces Yanis Ghemmouri.

Welcome To UFC!

Only one fighter makes his UFC debut this weekend, Rei Tsuruya (9-0). Tsuruya scored a UFC contract by winning the “Road To UFC” Flyweight finals (he finished Jiniushiyue).

Tsuruya holds an 88 percent finish rate with four knockouts and four submissions. He faces Carlos Hernandez.

Curtain Jerker

The first fight of UFC 303 is a banger as former Top 10 Bantamweight, Ricky Simon, takes on Vinicius Oliveira, who is coming off a “Knockout of the Year” contender.

While this fight definitely deserves to be higher on the card, the matchmakers know precisely what they’re doing: start UFC 303 off with a bang.

UFC 303 Fight Leader

The fighter with the most career fights competing at UFC 303 is Arlovski (57).

UFC 303 Fight Rookie

The fighter with the least amount of career fights competing at UFC 303 is Talbott (eight).

UFC 303 Knockout King

The fighter with the most amount of career knockouts competing at UFC 303 is Prochazka (26).

UFC 303 Submission Savant

The fighter with the most amount of career submissions competing at UFC 303 is Smith (15).

Winners And Losers

Thirteen fighters are coming off wins and 13 are coming off losses.

Multi-Divisions

Here are the divisions that will be on display this Saturday:

One Heavyweight fight
Two Light Heavyweight fights
One Middleweight fight
One Welterweight fight
Three Featherweight fights
Two Bantamweight fights
One Flyweight
One women’s Strawweight
One women’s Bantamweight

Beta Dog

According to DraftKings, the “biggest” underdog at UFC 303 is Ghemmouri at +900.

LIVE! Watch UFC 303 PPV On ESPN+ Here!

’McGREGOR-FREE MAIN EVENT! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sat., June 29, 2024, without its biggest box office draw, Conor McGregor, after the Irish sports star delayed the “greatest comeback of all-time” because he broke his pinky toe (seriously). Coming the rescue once again is Light Heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, agreeing to rematch former division champion, Jiri Prochazka, in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event. In UFC 303’s co-headliner, top-ranked Featherweight contender, Brian Ortega, will attempt to halt the rise of red-hot surging 145-pound prospect, Diego Lopes. UFC 303’s PPV main card (see it here) will also feature Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze and Ian Garry vs. Michael “Venom” Page and so much more. It’s must-watch action! UFC 303 start time scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (Prelims) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV).

Don’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action!

To checkout the latest and greatest UFC 303 fight card and rumors click here.

Rocket Mortgage Classic Rd. 3 Tee Times for competitive Moving Day rocket,mortgage,classic,rd,tee,times,for,competitive,moving,day,sbnation,com,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-pga-tour,golf-news

On: June 29, 2024 By: admin

Welcome to Playing Through’s morning ritual — Golf Talk Today.

Each morning will feature a Golf Talk Today, where the crew will discuss various elements throughout the PGA Tour, LPGA, LIV Golf, and more.

It is Moving Day at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai are tied for the lead at 13-under and remain the only two players without a bogey on their scorecards. For the second week in a row, the tournament is a birdie fest.

The PGA Tour chose to take precautions for Saturday’s round and have the players go off on split tees again as inclement weather is headed toward Detroit Golf Club. Who can take advantage of the track on Saturday and post a low number headed into the final day?

Brew a pot of coffee, grab some breakfast, and settle in as we get you ready for the third round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Notable names who missed the cut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic

The cut line for the Rocket Mortgage Classic sat at 4-under, the second lowest in the tournament’s short history. The top 60 and ties make the weekend in Detroit, but check out the biggest names that are headed home early.

Popular golfers who missed the cut at Rocket Mortgage
Keith Mitchell: 3-under, 70-71
Michael Thorbjornsen: 3-under, 68-73
Tom Kim: 3-under, 73-68
Francesco Molinari: 2-under, 72-70
Daniel Berger: 2-under, 70-72
Robert MacIntyre: 1-under, 71-72
Brendon Todd: 1-under, 71-72
Jackson Koivun (a): E, 72,72
Miles Russell (a): 74-70
Kevin Kisner: 2-over, 75-71
Gary Woodland: 2-over, 70-76

Rocket Mortgage Round 3 Tee Times (ET):

*tees off from 10th tee

10:48 a.m. — Ben Silverman, Vince Whaley, Justin Lower

10:48 a.m.* — Ryan Fox, Matt Kuchar, Rickie Fowler

10:59 a.m. — David Skinns, Jacob Bridgeman, Luke Clanton (a)

10:59 a.m.* — Matti Schmid, Patton Kizzire, Ben Griffin

11:10 a.m. — Bud Cauley, Davis Thompson, Ben Kohles

11:10 a.m.* — Rico Hoey, Aaron Baddeley, Nate Lashley

11:21 a.m. — Chris Kirk, Nick Hardy, Andrew Novak

11:21 a.m.* — Hayden Buckley, Kevin Streelman, Ryan McCormick

11:32 a.m. — Nick Dunlap, Dylan Wu, Will Zalatoris

11:32 a.m.* — Maverick McNealy, Blaine Hale Jr., Carl Yuan

11:43 a.m. — Michael Kim, Robby Shelton, Hayden Springer

11:43 a.m.* — Max Greyserman, Peter Malnati, Taylore Moore

11:54 a.m. — Zach Johnson, Patrick Rodgers, Nicolai Højgaard

11:54 a.m.* — Callum Tarren, Patrick Fishburn, Harry Hall

12:05 p.m. — Roger Sloan, Min Woo Lee, J.J. Spaun

12:05 p.m.* — Chris Gotterup, Taylor Pendrith, Nico Echavarria

12:16 p.m. — Neal Shipley, Joe Highsmith, Jhonattan Vegas

12:16 p.m.* — Mark Hubbard, Pierceson Coody, Ryan Moore

12:27 p.m. — Jake Knapp, Wesley Bryan, Sam Stevens

12:27 p.m.* — Brandon Wu, Kevin Yu, Davis Riley

12:38 p.m. — Eric Cole, Cam Davis, Joel Dahmen

12:38 p.m.* — Luke List, Beau Hossler, Ryo Hisatusne

12:49 p.m. — Troy Merritt, Erik van Rooyen, Cameron Young

12:49 p.m* — Chandler Phillips, Nicholas Lindheim, Ben Jones (a)

1:00 p.m. — Akshay Bhatia, Aaron Rai, Taylor Montgomery

ICYMI: Top stories from the Rocket Mortgage Classic and across professional golf

Check out these stories:

PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh stepping down; not renewing contract

Paige Spiranac reveals eye-popping handicap; quiets trolls with impressive receipts

Former Rocket Mortgage Classic champion making more memories, records first PGA Tour hole-in-one

Padraig Harrington deep dives into worst golf swing advice ahead of U.S. Senior Open

U.S. Senior Open: Golfer makes mind blowing consecutive holes-in-one that will make your jaw drop

Rocket Mortgage: Neal Shipley finds no learning curve, contends in 1st professional PGA Tour start

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.

Tom Brady aiming for spot on US Olympic Track and Field team tom,brady,aiming,for,spot,on,us,olympic,track,and,field,team,sbnation,com,front-page,olympics,draftkings

On: June 27, 2024 By: admin

Tom Brady, from the University of Michigan, is hoping to clinch a spot on the United States Olympic Track and Field this week, competing in the men’s 5000 meters.

Of course, we are not talking about THAT Tom Brady.

No, we are talking about Tom Brady, the member of the Michigan Track and Field Team who is the school’s record-holder in both the indoor 5000 meters, as well as the outdoor 10,000 meters. That Tom Brady gets his Olympic quest underway later today, in the opening heat of the men’s 5000 meters.

However, there are some eerie similarities between the two athletes, beyond the University of Michigan. Consider this: Brady’s personal best in this event, the 5000 meters, came at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational back in February.

That event was held at Boston University.

Brady’s other focus is the 10,000 meters, and as indicated above he holds the Michigan record in that event. Where did he set that record?

Stanford University, in the San Francisco Bay area, near where the other Tom Brady grew up.

One thing the two do not share, however? Their NFL allegiances. Obviously Tom Brady the NFL quarterback has his ties to the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But Tom Brady the Olympic hopeful?

He is a Chicago Bears fan, through and through.

“Growing up in Chicago, for some reason there’s some kind of rivalry with Tom Brady there. I don’t know why but I think it’s because he destroys us every time we play him,” Brady said in a profile of him back in 2023. “Except for the last time, that was a good time.”

Included in that profile was this bit: “Brady will never root for the 20-year NFL veteran because of his “unhealthy” Chicago Bears obsession, but he respects Brady’s work ethic, and for that, he admits Tom Brady is the greatest NFL player of all time.”

But that Tom Brady never made an Olympic team, even though his mom once said he was the fastest player in the NFL.

The other Tom Brady might do just that this weekend.

NBA Draft’s 30 best available players for second round in 2024 nba,draft,s,best,available,players,for,second,round,in,sbnation,com,front-page,nba,nba-draft

On: June 27, 2024 By: admin

Round one of the 2024 NBA Draft is over, and for the first time, teams have to wait one more day to make their picks for round two. The draft is now a two-day event, with the second round taking place on on Thursday, June 27 at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN. There is still a lot of talent on the board even in a weaker draft class like this one.

We have already handed out instant grades for every first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Now let’s rank the best remaining players for round two.

Our best available rankings come directly from my top-60 big board heading into the draft. There’s still one lottery-caliber prospect available in G League Ignite stretch forward Tyler Smith. Duke big man Kyle Filipowski slipping to the second round was also a big surprise, and his combination of passing ability and shooting range could make him a big steal for at the top of the second round.

The Toronto Raptors start off the second round with pick No. 31, followed by the Jazz, Bucks, Trail Blazers, and Spurs. We’ll have the full second round draft order after the table. But first, here’s our list of the 30 best players still available to start the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

The best available players after first round of 2024 NBA Draft

Second roud rank	Overall rank	Player	From	Position	Age
Second roud rank	Overall rank	Player	From	Position	Age
1	12	Tyler Smith	G League Ignite	F	Born 2004
2	16	Kyle Filipowski	Duke	C	Sophomore
3	27	Kevin McCullar	Kansas	G/F	Senior
4	28	KJ Simpson	Colorado	G	Junior
5	29	Johnny Furphy	Kansas	F	Freshman
6	32	Jamal Shead	Houston	G	Senior
7	33	Adem Bona	UCLA	C	Sophomore
8	34	Ajay Mitchell	UC Santa Barbara	G	Junior
9	35	Tyler Kolek	Marquette	G	Senior
10	37	N’Faly Dante	Oregon	C	Senior
11	38	Bobi Klintman	Sweden	F	Born 2003
12	39	Judah Mintz	Syracuse	G	Sophomore
13	40	Juan Nunez	Spain	G	Born 2004
14	41	Keshad Johnson	Arizona	F	Senior
15	43	Melvin Ajinca	France	G	Born 2004
16	44	Jaylen Wells	Washington State	F	Junior
17	45	Nikola Djurisic	Serbia	F	Born 2004
18	46	Isaiah Crawford	Louisiana Tech	F	Senior
19	47	Jonathan Mogbo	San Francisco	F	Senior
20	48	Cam Christie	Minnesota	G	Freshman
21	49	Harrison Ingram	North Carolina	F	Junior
22	50	Baylor Scheierman	Creighton	F	Senior
23	51	Ulrich Chomche	Cameroon	C/F	Born 2005
24	52	Oso Ighodaro	Marquette	C	Senior
25	53	Anton Watson	Gonzaga	C/F	Senior
26	54	Tristen Newton	UConn	G	Senior
26	55	Reece Beekman	Virginia	G	Senior
27	56	Bronny James	USC	G	Freshman
28	57	Antonio Reeves	Kentucky	G	Senior
29	58	Justin Edwards	Kentucky	F	Freshman
30	60	Jalen Bridges	Baylor	F	Senior

2024 NBA Draft second round order

31. Raptors (from Pistons via Knicks and Clippers)

32. Jazz (from Wizards via Pistons and Nets)

33. Bucks (from Blazers via Kings)

34. Trail Blazers (from Hornets via Nuggets, Thunder and Pelicans)

35. Spurs

36. Pacers (from Raptors via 76ers, Clippers and Grizzlies)

37. Timberwolves (from Grizzlies via Lakers, Wizards and Thunder)

38. Knicks (from Jazz)

39. Grizzlies (from Nets via Rockets)

40. Trail Blazers (from Hawks)

41. 76ers (from Bulls via Celtics, Spurs and Pelicans)

42. Hornets (from Rockets via Thunder)

43. Heat

44. Rockets (from Warriors via Hawks)

45. Kings

46. Clippers (from Pacers via Grizzlies and Bucks)

47. Magic

48. Spurs (from Lakers via Grizzlies)

— 76ers (forfeited)

49. Pacers (from Cavaliers)

50. Pacers (from Pelicans)

51. Wizards (from Suns) — Reportedly traded to Knicks

52. Warriors (from Bucks via Pacers)

53. Pistons (from Knicks via 76ers and Hornets)

54. Celtics (from Mavericks via Kings)

55. Lakers (from Clippers)

56. Nuggets (from Timberwolves via Thunder) — Reportedly traded to Suns

57. Grizzlies (from Thunder via Rockets and Hawks)

— Suns (from Nuggets via Magic; forfeited by Suns)

58. Mavericks (from Celtics via Hornets)

NBA Draft results 2024: Pick-by-pick tracker for every selection nba,draft,results,pick,by,pick,tracker,for,every,selection,sbnation,com,front-page,nba,nba-draft,draftkings

On: June 27, 2024 By: admin

The 2023 NBA Draft certainly lacked intrigue, at least when it came to the first-overall selection. For months Victor Wembayama was locked into the top spot on every draft board, and when the San Antonio Spurs won the 2023 NBA Draft lottery it was clear: Wembymania was headed to the Lone Star State, and the draft began in earnest at No. 2.

That is not the case this year.

The 2024 NBA Draft begins later tonight, as the league shifts to a two-day event for this season. And who will go first overall is anyone’s guess. Will it be athletic big man Alex Sarr from France, whose massive wingspan and defensive skills have seen him fly up draft boards? Will it be one of the Kentucky guards? Reed Sheppard might not offer a ton of creativity and upside, but his shooting skills are elite and he showed a knack for creating turnovers on the defensive end for the Wildcats. Rob Dillingham is undersized by NBA standards — perhaps historically so — but pairs elite ball-handling skills with tremendous potential as a shooter.

Two more options for that first-overall selection? Nikola Topic from Serbia and Ron Holland out of the G League. Holland looked like a potential first-overall selection months ago, but a losing season with the Ignite has seen his draft stock fall a bit. Then there is Topic, who got off to a slow start with Mega in the Adriatic League and then suffered a pair of injuries, the second a partially-torn ACL.

But the upside, especially combined with his age (Topic will not turn 19 until August) is immense.

Oh and before we forget, Bronny James is waiting to hear where he lands, along with the rest of us … and his father.

Ahead of the draft check out SB Nation’s Top 60 Big Board, as well as deep dives into Holland, and Zach Edey. You can also check out our most recent NBA mock draft here, as well as this previous installment. In addition, our SB Nation NBA site managers got together for this mock draft which is also worth your time.

If you are looking for pick-by-pick grades, we have you covered here.

Then check back early and often as the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft gets underway Wednesday night. The draft will conclude with the second round starting on Thursday afternoon.

2024 NBA

Pick	Team	Player	From	Position	Age/Class
Pick	Team	Player	From	Position	Age/Class
1	Atlanta Hawks	Zaccharie Risacher	France	F	Born 2005
2	Washington Wizards	Alex Sarr	France	C/F	Born 2005
3	Houston Rockets (via BKN)	Reed Sheppard	Kentucky	G	Freshman
4	San Antonio Spurs	Stephon Castle	UConn	G	Freshman
5	Detroit Pistons	Ron Holland	G League Ignite	F	Born 2005
6	Charlotte Hornets	Tidjane Salaun	France	F	Born 2005
7	Portland Trail Blazers	Donovan Clingan	UConn	C	Sophomore
8	San Antonio Spurs (via TOR)	Rob Dillingham	Kentucky	G	Freshman
9	Memphis Grizzlies	Zach Edey	Purdue	C	Senior
10	Utah Jazz	Cody Williams	Colorado	F	Freshman
11	Chicago Bulls	Matas Buzelis	G League Ignite	F	Born 2004
12	Oklahoma City Thunder	Nikola Topic	Serbia	G	Born 2005
13	Sacramento Kings
14	Washington Wizards (via POR and GS)
15	Miami Heat
16	Philadelphia 76ers
17	Los Angeles Lakers
18	Orlando Magic
19	Toronto Raptors (via IND)
20	Cleveland Cavaliers
21	New Orleans Pelicans (via MIL)
22	Phoenix Suns
23	Milwaukee Bucks (via NO)
24	New York Knicks (via DAL)
25	New York Knicks
26	Washington Wizards (via LAC)
27	Minnesota Timberwolves
28	Denver Nuggets
29	Utah Jazz (via OKC)
30	Boston Celtics

NBA Draft grades 2024: Instant letter grades assigned for every pick nba,draft,grades,instant,letter,grades,assigned,for,every,pick,sbnation,com,front-page,nba,nba-draft,draftkings

On: June 27, 2024 By: admin

The 2024 NBA Draft is hardly the most anticipated in league history, but it’s important to remember that even weak drafts have plenty of good players. Take 2013, for instance: Anthony Bennett was an all-time bust at No. 1 overall, but there was a future two-time league MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo and four-time Defensive Player of the Year in Rudy Gobert taken outside of the lottery.

What makes this draft a fun and challenging evaluation is that there’s no consensus top player available. I’ve seen more than 10 players be listed as No. 1 overall on various boards. We won’t really know how this draft shakes out for at least five years, but that won’t stop us from assigning instant grades for 2024 draft picks as they happen.

These grades will mostly be based on my final top-60 big board for this draft class, but will also consider team fit and value based on consensus mocks. The fireworks have already started in the NBA with the Knicks’ bold trade for Mikal Bridges, the Trail Blazers’ deal for Deni Avdija, and the fascinating pick swap between the Rockets and Nets.

Let’s grade every first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

1. Atlanta Hawks – Zaccharie Risacher, F, France

Grade: B-

Risacher looks nothing like a typical No. 1 overall pick. He doesn’t create much with the ball in his hands, doesn’t have takeover scoring ability, and isn’t an elite athlete. The main appeal of Risacher is his combination of size and shooting. At 6’9, he knocked down 39 percent of his threes while playing a big role at a young age in the top French pro league. His defense looked good, particularly when smothering smaller guards with his length, but he’ll have to bulk up to be a true wing stopper. Risacher is a high floor pick who can fit into team structure, and there’s value in that in a weak draft. I didn’t view him as one of the top talents available because of his lack of creation ability, but he’s still the type of player ever team wants as the wing complementing their stars.

PGA Tour: 15-year-old Miles Russell set for more fun in debut pga,tour,year,old,miles,russell,set,for,more,fun,in,debut,sbnation,com,golf,golf-pga-tour,golf-news

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

Two months ago, 15-year-old Miles Russell set an incredible record, becoming the youngest player to make a cut in a Korn Ferry Tour event. He eventually finished in a tie for 20th at the LECOM Suncoast Classic, which earned him a spot in next week’s tournament.

He missed the cut despite posting a 4-under par score through 36 holes. But Russell made a lasting impression—so much so that the Rocket Mortgage Classic offered him a sponsor’s exemption to compete in this week’s event at the Detroit Golf Club.

“I was pretty much speechless at the time,” Russell said when he received the call that he would make his PGA Tour debut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

“It’s always been a dream to play at the highest level and compete with the best players in the world, and I get to do that this week. I am really looking forward to it.”

Russell has quite a resume. He broke par for the first time at the age of six and then finished second in the Drive, Chip, and Putt finals at Augusta National in 2018 at nine years old.

Since then, Russell has racked up numerous junior titles. He won the Junior PGA Championship last August by seven strokes and then added a Junior Players Championship title at TPC Sawgrass, where he won by three. As such, Russell won the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Player of the Year Award, becoming the youngest player ever to do so—besting Tiger Woods in the process. Speaking of Woods, Russell will join Charlie Woods at next month’s U.S. Junior Amateur, which will also take place in Michigan at Oakland Hills Country Club.

“I don’t know how to describe it other than just a rollercoaster, and it’s just been a rollercoaster of just fun,” Russell said.

“It all happened a little faster than I thought it might, but it’s just what happens when you have good play.”

Russell will undoubtedly continue to have fun this week at Detroit Golf Club, the host of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, regardless of the result. He said he will have to rely on his short game—his strong suit—to get around this tight golf course, but he also noted that staying disciplined will be critical.

“My goal is just to come out here and have fun,” Russell said.

“That’s my main goal: have fun, maybe learn something, and take something to my next event.”

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

Helmut Marko hints at F1 return for Liam Lawson at VCARB helmut,marko,hints,at,f,return,for,liam,lawson,at,vcarb,sbnation,com,front-page,formula-one,2024-formula-one

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

Could Liam Lawson be headed back to the Formula 1 grid for the 2025 season?

According to recent comments from Red Bull Senior Advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, that could indeed be the case, leaving veteran driver Daniel Ricciardo on the outside looking in.

Speaking with Austrian outlet Kleine Zeitung ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, Marko indicated that a move in a younger direction at Visa Cash App RB F1 Team may be coming down from on high. “The shareholders have made it clear that [VCARB] is a junior team and we have to act accordingly,” said the Red Bull advisor.

That could very well mean that Ricciardo is out, and Lawson is in, for 2025.

“The aim was for Ricciardo to qualify for a return to Red Bull Racing with exceptional performances. That seat now belongs to Sergio Perez, so that plan is off the table. We will have to put in a young driver soon,” continued Marko. “That would be Liam Lawson.”

The comments come not only days ahead of the F1 Austrian Grand Prix, but a week after Ricciardo himself indicated that he wanted to “earn” his spot at VCARB for next season. Speaking at the FIA Press Conference in Barcelona ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Ricciardo said that “I also said, I think, before the weekend in Canada that, you know, I obviously want to earn it … I obviously want to be here because I know that I still belong here and can do can do performances like I did last week. So it’s also up to me just to make sure that I can keep pulling it out. And in that case, then I’ll be very happy to stay.”

However, the orders form shareholders referred to by Marko, as well as a clause in Lawson’s contract that allows him to seek a seat elsewhere and leave Red Bull if he does not have a ride with the team, could force the organization’s hand. With the 2025 driver lineup remaining unsettled and a number of open seats available on the grid, Lawson could find more than a few potential suitors for next year should VCARB decide to retain Ricciardo.

What might that mean for Ricciardo if this is indeed the path Red Bull and VCARB take? As noted above there are still available seats for 2025, and Ricciardo remains a marketable driver with a resume that includes Grand Prix victories and recent strong performances at both VCARB and AlphaTauri a season ago. If that is not enough to keep him at VCARB, could it be enough for another team to give him a shot for next year?

Update: And now there is even more fuel to the “Lawson to VCARB” fire, with longtime and respected F1 journalist Joe Saward indicating that Lawson could be in Ricciardo’s seat before the end of the season.

Before the end of the summer, in fact:

So, Lawson will be in for Ricciardo at some point. I’d guess the end of July…

— Joe Saward (@joesaward) June 26, 2024

We will know soon enough.

Ernie Els likens U.S. Senior Open to Royal Troon; ready for links ernie,els,likens,u,s,senior,open,to,royal,troon,ready,for,links,sbnation,com,golf,golf-pga-tour,golf-champions-tour,golf-news

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

Ernie Els has won the U.S. Open twice and a pair of Claret Jugs, so this week’s U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club should suit his game nicely.

Els compared Newport to Royal Troon, the site of this year’s Open Championship, as Newport, like Troon, sits right on the coast, meaning the elements have a great impact on the course. The wind will gust off the Atlantic, creating havoc at times. But that will also require players to keep the ball low and run it into the greens, much like what golf fans see in Scotland every summer for The Open.

“The way you’re going to have to play the course is very much links style, and the course is designed that way,” Els assessed on Tuesday.

“It’s a golf course where you can play the ball on the ground, unlike last year and normal U.S. Opens, where we play the ball in the air. It’s going to be a different taste this week. The wind is going to play a huge factor. Greens are very up, and there’s a lot of slope on them. So that wind, when it comes, it’s going to be difficult around the greens.

“There’s a bit of room for us off the tee, which is nice. As somebody that’s played in the wind, somebody that’s used to British Open type of golf, you’re going to have to hit those little 4-iron shots that will run 20, 30, 40 yards. Those who are comfortable playing in the wind will probably do well this week.”

Of the five senior majors, the only one Els has not recorded a top-10 finish in is the U.S. Senior Open. Yet, he has posted top 20 finishes in the last three iterations, with his best finish being a T-12 at SentryWorld Golf Course in Wisconsin last year.

He has not yet triumphed in a senior major but has come close. Earlier this year, Els tied for third at the Regions Tradition. The South African then finished six strokes back of Richard Bland at the Senior PGA Championship, tying for sixth.

But he has picked up a pair of victories on the PGA Tour Champions since then, winning the Principal Charity Classic and the American Family Insurance Championship in back-to-back weeks in early June.

“I’ve been playing decent golf. Just started driving the golf ball better, so giving myself more opportunity out of the short grass to attack some of the flags,” Els said of his recent stretch.

“I made some good putts in the wins, and even when I didn’t win, I’ve been putting quite steadily. Just things are a little bit more in shape. My overall game is in better shape.”

Considering his game is rounding into form at the right time and that Els loves the layout of this course, do not be surprised if ‘The Big Easy’ prevails for his first senior major title at Newport Country Club this week.

At the very least, he should contend as long as he can control his golf ball in the wind. But he has proven to have done so before, so there’s no reason to believe he will not again this week.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.