Watkins became the first Trojan to be selected the Associated Press player of the year Thursday, joining Courtney Paris, Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart as just the fourth sophomore to win the award.
Gonzaga, historically a strong contender in March Madness, continues to be underestimated despite its previous tournament appearances and solid performances under coach Mark Few.
Oregon men's basketball center Nate Bittle has garnered attention as a finalist for the prestigious 2025 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, recognizing the top NCAA Division I center, as announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Flagg has lived up to the hype. Anointed as the No. 1 player in his high school class and the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft from the moment he reclassified in August of 2023, Flagg has not disappointed.
The SEC's recent shakeup of the Power Rankings has intensified the competition, evident in Alabama's loss ending their eight-game winning streak against Ole Miss and Florida's narrow defeat at home.
His wife and daughter, Marcy and Michelle Grumbel, confirmed he died from complications due to cancer in a statement to the outlet, writing, "It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity."