MINNESOTA– The Los Angeles Lakers entire season is on the verge of collapse after a disheartening loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-113 on Sunday, April 27. Trailing 3-1 in their Playoff series headed back to L.A., the Lakers are one loss away from being bounced out of the first round.
Game 4 went down to the wire. Jaden McDaniels converted a three-point play with 39.5 seconds left for the lead and stole the ensuing inbounds pass from LeBron James, leading a 4th quarter rally.
In a word, the loss was frustraiting. The Purple and Gold blew a 12- point lead down the stretch, with Anthony Edwards torching Los Angeles with 43 points.
The Lakers have a small roster, which means the T’Wolves have a huge advantage on the boards. So many second chance points because the Lakers were unable to rebound.
Luka Doncic bounced back from a stomach bug with 38 points on 13-for-28 shooting, but the Lakers are heading home for a win-or-be-eliminated Game 5 on Wednesday.
Another reason for the Lakers struggles is our role players. I’m talking about Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves: Where are you?
Reaves final 3-point attempt to tie the affair with 10 seconds left rimmed out and that was the game. Despite the fact and percentages, these Lakers continue to shoot and miss wide open shots.
James had 27 points and 12 rebounds for his 144th career double-double in the playoffs, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the third-most in history behind Tim Duncan (164) and Magic Johnson (157). James went 15 for 18 from the free-throw line, determined to get to the rim in what was the best game by the Lakers offense in the series, but he was scoreless in the fourth.
Former Laker Julius Randle added 25 points in the comeback victory. Minnesota is young, determined and hungry.
The Wolves have outscored the Lakers in the fourth quarter of every game by a total of 105-69.
“We haven’t lost nothing yet,” Doncic said. “It’s still the first one to four wins, and we’ve just got to still to believe.”
There is still hope, but the Lakers must play better defense, and someone other than LeBron or Luka needs to score 20 points. Game 5 is Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. We need every fan there, the Lakers need us now.
LOS ANGELES, CA — With their season hanging in the balance, the Los Angeles Lakers rebounded with a galvanizing performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 94-85 on Tuesday, April 22 at Crypto.com Arena. The crucial victory, which evened up their Playoff series at 1-1 spearheaded by Luka Doncic and a superb team defense.
The Lakers never trailed after the first few minutes of Game 2, led by double digits almost until the very end, flexed their star power when necessary and sent the Wolves home feeling frustrated and maybe a little less confident about this series.
The Timberwolves scored a season low 85 points on just 38% shooting from the field. It was excellent defense, the L.A. Lakers were stellar on the boards, showing the ability to rotate on the pick and roll.
Luka’s favorite animal must be a wolf. He has been dominant against the T’Wolves. He finished one assist shy of a 31-point triple-double in Game 2 and is averaging 34 points for the series.
Minnesota rarely doubles opposing players — their one-on-one defense is that good — but Dončić is testing that strategy. It might be time for a tweak.
“We looked at what we didn’t do so well, which is a lot of things in Game 1,” said James, who scored 21 points and made a key steal in the fourth quarter. “We took it to heart, held each other accountable and had a much better result.”
Austin Reaves added 16 for the third-seeded Lakers, who jumped out to an early 22-point lead and hung on through a physical matchup with sixth-seeded Minnesota.
Los Angeles scored only 60 points in the final three quarters, but the Wolves never got closer than nine points. Coach JJ Redick was proud of his players’ response — even if he had to unload on them in the fourth quarter during a profanity-laden timeout to maintain their focus down the stretch.
Julius Randle scored 27 points and Anthony Edwards had 25 for the Timberwolves, who lost most of their offensive fluidity from Game 1. Edwards said the Lakers’ defensive adjustments made it “kind of hard” on him.
Los Angeles, CA – Top ranked LPGA golfer Nelly Korda drew a huge crowd this past weekend to El Cabarello Country Club for the JM Eagle LA Championship, but it was the 2025 JM Eagle LA Champion, Ingrid Lindblad, painting her scorecard with birdies from rolled in putts, canvassing with her fareway finder drives, and sealing her first Pro victory after 3 starts to getting paid one of the biggest payout for a maiden tournament.
It seem to not matter to Lindblad playing against the world No. 1 Korda as her most formidable opponent in this tournament was fellow rookie, Akie Iwai, whom had a final chance to extend their matchup into a playoff if she could have saved par on the 18th.
“I think from this week, I was trying to play pretty aggressive out there. I only hit drivers. I did not hit a single other club off the tee,” Lindblad said. “This week I was just trying to stay more down on the putts…And I felt very confident on the greens, very confident reading the greens; with the pace on the greens, too.“
Lindblad played consistent with a poise, confident demeanor even as she awaited for a potential playoff that was perhaps the difference maker between Iwai and her as Iwai admitted to being nervous.
“Really it was fun, so especially this week I feel—getting nervous on the back nine,” Iwai explained. “Actually, it was a good experience because under the pressure, yeah, my ball goes right so I did notice that this week.“
Photo by Eric Brown Jr
In addition, Iwai shared that out of her multiple pairings this tournament, “Ingrid” was her favorite. A mutual sentiment Lindblad shared post round three after playing with her in round two.
In their final round, the two would play in different groups, successively. Lindblad’s pairing was a group ahead as she started the front nine with a birdie on the first hole, followed by “taking one hole at a time” approach that she mentioned to maintain a three stroke lead on the leaderboard into the back nine.
“I was just telling myself, just keep hitting good golf shots,” Lindblad continued. “Felt like I could have made a couple more birdies on the back nine but nothing really wanted to drop.”
Lindblad shot a 68 to finish the final round and for the tournament, 21-under for 277. Despite having two bogeys on the front nine and a “barkie” on hole 13, she leveled it out with six birdies and parring her last seven holes.
CEO of JM Eagle and his wife, Walter and Shirley Wang, lauded Lindblad’s top performance as she passed them at the 15th hole, while taking notice of the extremely low scores from the tournament’s top leaders.
“Looking at the leaderboard, there are four rookies at the top, obviously they are competitive and they skillful,” co-founder of JM Eagle LA Championship Walter Wang said. “I wish I could play like 10 percent of what they play but I’ll keep my day job.”
His wife, Shirley, added, “It’s amazing they play so well, especially when I refer to stats that within 150 yards the women play better than the men, and I hear so much nicer too in Pro Am.” “I didn’t say that,” Mr. Wang chimed.
Mr. Wang and his wife did say with their money talking for them by increasing their tournament’s purse and hosting community partnerships with 61 golf academy and First Tee Los Angeles to promote the sport, particularly to girls and minorities.
“When new people come to check out a golf course or golf tournament, they usually are lost and don’t know how to watch or navigate,” Dominic Gutierrez of 61 golf academy said. “So through our program, for our kids we give them a scavenger hunt to find places and people like the starter, the pro Shop to force them to have to meet volunteers as well as staff.”
61 golf Academy ‘s founder is Larry Shackelford, a high school sports standout from the Culver City community who found inspiration from the ban lifted in 1961 of non-white players in professional golf.
Since 1961, which was also in that same year the first international player to win the Masters Tournament, gradual progress has been made, as a former LSU player from Sweden, breaks the JM Eagle tournament scoring record, earns a little over half a million dollars and connects with many fans from diverse walks of life, such as fellow LSU alum and Hall of Fame Shaquille O’ Neal to an amateur golfer and 61golf academy instructor.
“Ms. Ingrid just killed it, she just put the ball 3 foot from the pin and now she’s at 21- under, next person I think is 18, Gutierrez said. “I personally enjoy watching the ladies play more than I can watch dudes play cause it’s more relatable.”
Tarzana, CA-As the JM Eagle LA Championship returns at a different course in Tarzana California, the “El Cab” country club due to current renovations being done to its previous site, the world’s No. 1 Nelly Korda and LPGA tour winner Sophia Popov find themselves at the same place despite different points in their career, both tournament returners, giving different reasons with similar appreciation for the tournament’s CEO and wife, Walter and Shirley Wang.
Earlier on Wednesday, during Korda’s pre tournament press conference, she shared her gratitude for Walter and Shirley Wang supporting women’s sports, especially, ladies in this tournament.
“Walter and Shirley do such an amazing job at putting on such a great event, “ Korda said. “They treat the players so well which goes a long way for us, and I played in this event two years ago so coming back to LA, playing at this course for the first time, I am really impressed with it.”
In contrast to Korda’s first experience with this course,Popov played at “El Cab” course during her college years a little over a decade ago, but the course is not the same due impart to therecent wildfires causing it to undergo some renovations though Popov feels the changes are to her advantage.
“I’ve been very strict with my practice and compartmentalizing family versus work so I kind of excited to take it out on the golf course and see the results,” Popov said during her pre tournament press conference. “This golf course setups nice for me because it’s a ball strikers’ golf course and I want to take advantage of this opportunity that I got, thanks to Walter and Shirley.”
Both Korda and Popov, managed to keep their enthusiasm and emotions mild like experienced veterans while keeping different external focuses to execute their game plans for the rest of the week. For Korda it’s perhaps engaging in a LEGO challenge, but for Popov it’s her family, especially her daughter, whom she credited for her return because she felt she had “unfinished business” after maternity leave.
“Everyday, I think of myself as very blessed to have gone to USC. It was an amazing four years. Such a great opportunity for me to grow not just as an athlete but as a person,” Popov continued. “If I think about our golf schedule back then and our school schedule, how I managed all it’s kind of funny that it’s kind of similar to motherhood now. I have to have my time blocked exactly like how I did in college.”
Popov didn’t shy away when asked about her feelings on the controversial ‘admin error’ that impacted her career yet taking what she learned at USC about fighting on through adversity is something she realized now with her husband.
“A lot of times I think back on it and my husband tells me to kind of hone in on that a little bit and maybe use some of those skills that you’ve learned there [USC] to take forward with you and sometimes it takes 10 years after you graduate to figure those things out.”
Los Angeles, CA- It was no surprise, Paige Bueckers the projected No. 1 draft pick went to the Dallas Wings once announced at New York’s Hudson Yards at The Shed while ESPN broadcasted 38 draft selections by 12 different WNBA teams out of 13 across the country, becoming more unexpected and less predictable after the first two picks, as USC’s star forward and Stanford graduate transfer, KiKi Iriafen, garnered tons of interest before being selected as the No. 4 pick by the Washington Mystics while her fellow USC teammate and four year forward, Rayah Marshall, became the No. 25 pick for the Connecticut Sun after the LA Sparks holding the No. 9 pick and No. 21, choose two SEC players, Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker and South Carolina’s Sania Feagin. Then rounding out their draft picks at No. 27 with the selection of Notre Dame’s unheralded star forward, Liatu King.
“She is who we wanted going into this ninth pick and who we had circled, so we were fired up,” new LA sparks coach Lynne Roberts said during a post press conference following the draft. “The thing about Sarah Ashlee she is just a competitor at heart.”
Following Barker’s draft announcement, she spoke about learning from another Sparks’ shooting guard and recently acquired WNBA champion, Kelsey Plum, while also gleaning from former Sparks’ rookies, Rae Burrell and Rickea Jackson.
Photo by Full Image 360
Continuing to usher in a new era both for the league and Sparks team, with some athletes retiring while many athletes are evolving into playing dynamic roles, coach Roberts described Feagin as one of the rare traditional post players still able to carry on frontcourt elite tradition of Sparks Center Lisa Leslie and Power Forward Candace Parker whose jersey the Sparks will retire this year.
“She’s a winner and she knows how to compete. There is value in that I love her potential and know thats kind of an overused word, but when you talking about specifically post players, it’s an important word“ Coach Roberts said. “I think she has all the natural tools to be a really good WNBA player.”
Summarizing about their draft class, Sparks GM Raegan Pebley reflected on this humbling experience, sharing a personal connection that she had during King’s draft interview.
“She is the daughter of two deaf parents and I know some sign language so I was able to welcome them to the Sparks,” Pebley said. “Helping them feel apart of this Sparks family.”
Both Pebley and coach Roberts felt their Sparks won the draft with their three draft picks all exemplifying in their own way the kind of players drawn to Roberts’ coaching style.
Roberts emphasized, “they all had to fight thru some things, wait their turn and all the above and that’s who we want to have…they are studs.”
Feeling as if she had walked out of a war room after the draft, Roberts said,
“For where we were, where we are, and what we really want our franchise to be about, I think we won.”
Westwood, CA – The UCLA Bruins men’s volleyball team pulled off another thrilling five-sets victory over No. 7 BYU on April 12, 2025, at a packed Pauley Pavilion, winning 23–25, 25–17, 25–17, 22–25, 15–11.
The win, UCLA’s second against BYU in just three days, marked a critical late-season statement, further positioning the Bruins as a top NCAA title contender. With unmatched energy, high-IQ execution, and dominant performances from multiple players, UCLA controlled key stretches of the match and proved once again they thrive under pressure.
Bruins Rebound and Respond with Tactical Brilliance
After narrowly dropping the first set, the Bruins adjusted and came roaring back in sets two and three. Their strategy? Aggressive serving, fast transitions, and forcing BYU into uncomfortable passes.
Led by setter Andrew Rowan, the Bruins ran a fast-paced, multi-option offense that kept BYU guessing. The backcourt dug deep to keep rallies alive, while the front line controlled the net. When BYU found a rhythm in the fourth set, UCLA didn’t blink. They dug in again and finished the fifth with intensity, winning the final set 15–11.
Photo by Marlo Richardson / fi360 News
Key Player Highlights: Bruins Balanced and Bold
This win wasn’t carried by one star—it was built by a unit that’s learned to play as one.
Andrew Rowan distributed the offense with confidence and precision. His quick sets and in-game adjustments made him the engine of the Bruins’ success.
Cooper Robinson turned in another all-around performance, playing with high energy and contributing from both the front and back row.
Sean Kelly was a force at the net, using smart placement and sharp timing to beat blocks and frustrate BYU’s defense.
Cameron Thorne came up huge in momentum moments, delivering crucial blocks that sparked team-wide surges.
Together, they created an unstoppable rhythm that overwhelmed even one of the nation’s most disciplined teams.
Fan Energy, Home Court Impact
The energy inside Pauley Pavilion was unmistakable. Students, alumni, and volleyball fans packed the stands—and they didn’t sit still. The energy created by the UCLA fanbase had a clear effect on the momentum of the match.
This wasn’t just volleyball—it was an experience. A shared moment. And it reminded everyone why showing up matters.
Why This Win Matters
With postseason play looming, this win matters not just for rankings, but for rhythm. UCLA’s depth, discipline, and grit are on full display. This is a team that learns fast, adjusts faster, and plays with an edge that can carry them all the way to a national title.
Photo by Marlo Richardson / fi360 News
Final Thoughts from the sidelines
Let’s keep it real: these Bruins are built for championship moments. If you haven’t been paying attention, now’s the time to lock in. They’ve got the talent, the coaching, the mindset—and the momentum.
Pauley Pavilion deserves to stay loud.
This team deserves a crowd.
Let’s pack it again. Let’s ride this wave all the way to the postseason.
GEORGETOWN, TX – Greta Kwedar has made history as the first female coach to lead a boys’ program to a Texas state championship. As head coach of the Austin Achieve Polar Bears, Kwedar has been with the team since the school’s inception and remains the only head coach the program has ever known.
On Thursday at the UIL Class 4A-II state final in Georgetown, Texas, Austin Achieve (22-4-1) clinched the title with a 1–0 victory over Gainesville (18-4-3). The match’s lone goal came midway through the second half, scored by Fredy Lozano (#7), sealing a landmark win for the Polar Bears.
Photos by Taariq Cruz-Vanegas
The second half was where Austin Achieve truly took control. Their defense completely shut down Gainesville’s offensive efforts, holding the Leopards without a single shot on goal. On the other side of the field, the Polar Bears managed seven shots on target against Gainesville goalkeeper Leonardo Martinez.
“We really hit our rhythm in the second half, and we knew the goal would come,” said head coach Greta Kwedar. “After Fredy scored, the last few minutes felt painfully long — just hoping, waiting — but our defense stayed sharp and sealed it for us.”
Kwedar, a cornerstone of the Austin-based charter school since it opened, brings both experience and passion to the program. She played four years of college soccer — two at SMU (2004–05) and two at the University of Texas (2006–07), where she captained the Longhorns to back-to-back Big 12 championships.
Photos by Taariq Cruz-Vanegas
With this state title, Kwedar becomes the only female coach to ever lead a boys’ team to a state championship in any sport in Texas, shattering a long-standing glass ceiling in the traditionally male-dominated world of high school athletics.
Her leadership not only brought a trophy home to Austin Achieve but also set a powerful precedent for future generations of female coaches across the state and beyond.
Westwood, CA – There are volleyball matches—and then there are battles that leave the crowd breathless, the players soaked in sweat, and the arena vibrating with adrenaline.
That’s exactly what happened on April 11th at Pauley Pavilion, as the UCLA Bruins men’s volleyball team delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the season, pulling out a five-set thriller over the #7 ranked BYU Cougars: 22–25, 25–15, 25–21, 25–27, 19–17.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a war of wills, and UCLA made a clear statement: they’re not here to play safe—they’re here to dominate.
Momentum Shifts and Power Play
The first set went to BYU, who came out swinging and controlled the tempo early. But if the Cougars thought they were walking away with this one, the Bruins made sure to flip the script—fast.
In the second set, UCLA exploded with energy and execution, taking control and never looking back. They evened the match with a dominant 25–15 response that brought the crowd to its feet.
The third set felt like a chess match—strategic sets, perfectly timed blocks, and fierce rallies that pushed both teams to their limits. UCLA’s offense, powered by quick decision-making and confident swings, earned them a 25–21 edge.
Then came the fourth set—tense, dramatic, and razor-thin. It went back and forth until BYU barely edged out a 27–25 win to force a deciding fifth set.
But the Bruins? They live for the pressure.
In the final set, it came down to grit. Big swings, lockdown defense, and elite-level setting carried UCLA across the finish line in a nail-biting 19–17 victory.
Photo by Marlo Richardson / fi360 News
Stats That Tell the Story
Kills: UCLA – 64 | BYU – 51
Aces: UCLA – 12 | BYU – 6
Blocks: UCLA – 12 | BYU – 8
Hitting Percentage: UCLA – .352
UCLA’s offensive depth and aggressive serving proved too much to handle, while their block game at the net shut down BYU’s momentum in critical moments.
Standout Performances
Let’s talk impact players.
Zach Rama led the charge with 18 kills and a staggering .469 hitting percentage—his presence on the outside was untouchable.
Cooper Robinson brought the heat with 14 kills, 3 aces, and 7 digs—a complete performance that kept BYU on their heels.
Sean Kelly added 13 kills and 4 blocks, showing poise and power in the clutch.
And Andrew Rowan? The Bruins’ engine. With 55 assists and 3 aces, he orchestrated one of the most balanced and dynamic offensive showings we’ve seen all year.
This wasn’t a one-man performance. It was a team clinic in execution, communication, and resilience.
Why This Match Mattered
The matchup wasn’t just a test of athleticism—it was a playoff-level preview. These two programs are elite, and UCLA proved they can not only handle the pressure—they thrive in it.
The crowd? Electric.
The energy? Unmatched.
The kind of volleyball UCLA put on display is what the sport is all about—high IQ play, relentless hustle, and clutch finishes that make your heart skip a beat.
Let’s Pack Pauley Again – April 11
If you missed this one, you have one more chance to witness the fireworks. UCLA takes on BYU again this Saturday, April 11 at Pauley Pavilion.
And after what happened in Match 1, you can count on Match 2 being even more intense. Bring your friends. Wear your blue. Be loud. This team feeds off your energy—and they’re giving us every reason to show up.
DALLAS, TX– Luka Doncic returning to face his former team the Dallas Mavericks, on Wednesday April 9th was a thrilling and emotional homecoming for the 26-year old superstar. Doncic was able to control the hoopla and spectacle concerning his return by dropping 45 points in the Lakers 112-97 victory over the Mavs.
Prior to tipoff, the Mavericks showed a highlight reel on the jumbotron of Luka’s jaw dropping plays-where he joined the Mavs as a 19-year old kid-Doncic was genuinely touched by the outpouring of the Mavericks faithful. His eyes welled with tears, appreciative for the fans support.
“After that video, I was, like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game,’” Doncic said. “It was so many emotions.”
Driving to the basket for uncontested layup his signature step back three pointer, he dominated every aspect of the game. Scoring 31 in the first half alone, his incredible performance has the Purple and Gold sitting in the #3 seed in the Western Conference with only two games remaining in the regular season.
It was all smiles from him and his Lakers teammates who swarmed him and chanted along with the “Luka! Luka!” cacophony from the crowd.
Photo by Full Image 360
“Big time, because they all had my back,” Doncic said of sharing the moment with his new team. “Everybody had my back, from coaches to players, and we’re trying to build something special here. That was really, really, really nice to see.”
It was still a tight game in the fourth quarter, as the Mavs erased the deficit, briefly taking an 87-85 lead. LeBron James who powered the Lakers in the second half, posting 27 points and seven rebounds.
James paced himself to be his absolute best in crunch time. It also marked the first time Anthony Davis went up against the Lakers since the blockbuster trade in February.
AD was an extraordinary talent and man who helped the Los Angeles Lakers capture the 2020 NBA Title.
Although Laker fans complained about his constant injuries and availability over the years, he is a legendary Laker who one day will have his number 3 jersey hanging in the rafters.
While the win officially clinched an NBA playoff spot for Los Angeles. Throughout the night, when the Lakers went to the free throw line, loud “Fire Nico!” chants echoed throughout American Airlines Center.
Nico Harrison, the Mavericks president of basketball operations and general manager responsible for bringing the trade concept to the Lakers, spent the game standing in a tunnel near midcourt, mostly out of view.
Shortly after Doncic checked out with 1:34 left in the fourth and the win in hand, the crowd reprised its “Fire Nico!” chant a couple of more times.
The Lake Show returns tomorrow against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena at 7:30 PM.
Travis Hunter and Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders talk after Hunter ran some routes for scouts and media in the "We Ain't Hard 2 Find Showcase" at the University of Colorado indoor practice facility in Boulder, CO on Friday April 4, 2025. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Boulder, CU- In what may have been the most anticipated Pro Day since Heisman winners Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart donned the USC cardinal and gold, the football world turned its eyes to Boulder. A packed house of NFL scouts, coaches, and national media outlets descended on Colorado to witness projected top picks Shedeur Sanders, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, and an electrifying roster of draft hopefuls put on a show ahead of the NFL Draft on April 24.
And show out they did!
Jimmy Horn Jr. runs the 40-yard dash for scouts and media in the “We Ain’t Hard 2 Find Showcase” at the University of Colorado indoor practice facility in Boulder, CO on Friday April 4, 2025. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Putting the Team FirstIn a selfless and calculated move, Shedeur and Travis both chose to skip the NFL Combine—not for lack of ability, but to bring the spotlight to Boulder and elevate their teammates.
“We wanted to make sure guys like Will Sheppard, Shilo Sanders, and others who weren’t invited to the Combine got their time to shine,” Shedeur explained.
The event, fittingly titled the “We Ain’t Hard to Find Showcase”, lived up to its name. Travis Hunter participated in all team drills, running lightning-fast routes and stealing moments—even running up to me, all smiles, after a touchdown catch in the end zone. These two set the tone, embodying everything Coach Prime has built in Boulder: swagger, selflessness, and star power
Travis Hunter runs some routes for scouts and media in the “We Ain’t Hard 2 Find Showcase” at the University of Colorado indoor practice facility in Boulder, CO on Friday April 4, 2025. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Sanders & Hunter Dazzle Scouts
Shedeur Sanders didn’t miss a throw. He dropped dimes on every level—from quick outs and slants to deep shots downfield. His chemistry with each receiver was on full display. Whether it was Dre’Lon Miller out of the backfield or LaJohntay Wester on deep crossing routes (remember his Hail Mary catch vs. Baylor?), the ball placement was elite.
Will Sheppard, the 6’4” wideout, turned heads with a 4.54 40-yard dash and a 40.5-inch vertical, confirming what his tape has shown all year—he’s a legit outside threat.
But the moment of the day belonged to Jimmy Horn Jr. After clocking a 4.40 in the 40, Horn hauled in a diving post-corner from Shedeur that left the building buzzing. He topped it off with a backflip and perfect dismount before jogging back to the huddle. Horn sat out the East-West Shrine Bowl after Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin personally asked him not to play—due to the team’s strong interest in drafting him.
Shilo Sanders performs in the cone drill for scouts and media in the “We Ain’t Hard 2 Find Showcase” at the University of Colorado indoor practice facility in Boulder, CO on Friday April 4, 2025. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Shilo Brings the Boom
Shilo Sanders proved he’s more than just a hard hitter—he’s fast, too. Posting a 4.52 40, Shilo combined speed with his trademark physicality.
“Shilo’s old school,” Coach Prime said. “He’s a dog. He’s been making plays for five years and has the tape to back it up.” Facts. Just ask Ollie Gordon if he wants to get hit by Shilo again.
Coach Prime’s Vision Coming to Life
From Jackson State to Boulder, Coach Prime has “primed” two stars in Shedeur and Travis. Against all odds, they now stand on the brink of history—potentially going No. 1 and No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
• Multiple SWAC honors, including Offensive Player of the Year (2022)
Shedeur Sanders throws for scouts and media in the “We Ain’t Hard 2 Find Showcase” at the University of Colorado indoor practice facility in Boulder, CO on Friday April 4, 2025. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
• Walter Camp, Bednarik, Biletnikoff, Lott, and Hornung Award winner
• Unanimous All-American (2024)
• Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2024)
• Two-way dominance rarely seen at the college level
If you don’t draft these two early you’re crazy!
Notable Standouts
BJ Green II improved his Big 12 Pro Day 40 time from 4.70 to 4.57, showcasing elite edge speed and strength.
Full Colorado Pro Day Results
40-Yard Dash (Attempt One, Attempt Two):
• Jimmy Horn Jr.: 4.40, 4.47
• Will Sheppard: 4.56, 4.54
• LaJohntay Wester: 4.53, 4.50
• Shilo Sanders: 4.52, 4.59
• Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig: 4.65, 4.79
• Lavonta Bentley: 4.80, N/A
• Shane Cokes: 5.20, N/A
• BJ Green II: 4.57, 4.70
• Travis Jay: 4.64, 4.60
• Herman Smith III: 4.63, 4.62
• Kardell Thomas: 5.26, 5.25
• Mark Vassett: 4.65, 4.77
• Chidozie Nwankwo: 5.59, 5.59
Bench Press (225 lbs):
• Shane Cokes: 29 reps
• Justin Mayers: 28 reps
• Chidozie Nwankwo: 30 reps
• Kardell Thomas: 26 reps
(Bentley and Green benched at Big 12 Pro Day)
Vertical Jump:
• Will Sheppard: 40.5”
• Travis Jay: 33”
• Herman Smith III: 36”
• Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig: 30.5”
• Lavonta Bentley: 30.5”
• Shane Cokes: 30”
• BJ Green II: 31.5”
• Justin Mayers: 32.5”
• Kardell Thomas: 25”
• Chidozie Nwankwo: 28”
Broad Jump:
• Will Sheppard: 10’11”
• Jimmy Horn Jr.: 10’8”
• Travis Jay: 10’1”
• Herman Smith III: 9’9”
• Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig: 9’8”
• Shilo Sanders: 9’5”
• Justin Mayers: 9’1”
• Chidozie Nwankwo: 8’6”
Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders directs attention to one of his players running drills for scouts and media in the “We Ain’t Hard 2 Find Showcase” at the University of Colorado indoor practice facility in Boulder, CO on Friday April 4, 2025. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Coach Prime said it best: “We ain’t hard to find.” And if this Pro Day was any indication—neither are these future NFL stars.
