Pacers Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Carr did his annual media availability prior to the NBA Draft. This time around, the Pacers have a lot more riding on the success of their first top ten pick in over 30 years. Carr said the Pacers feel like there are seven guys being considered with the top five picks and Indiana is working hard to get a foundational piece out of the guy left out of the top five. Of the players expected to go in the top 10 of the NBA Draft, Arizona’s Bennedict Mathurin, Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis and Duke’s AJ Griffin have done individual workouts with the blue and gold and Shaedon Sharpe participated in a group workout on Monday. Purdue’s Jaden Ivey did not work out with the team, but Indiana spoke to him at the combine.
Caleb “Biggie” Swanigan, a great teammate, community man and Purdue basketball player, has died. Swanigan was 25. Fort Wayne TV station, WANE, said the Allen County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Swanigan died of natural causes. Purdue head coach Matt Painter said in a statement, “Caleb was a very thoughtful individual and a gentle soul who excelled both on and off the court.” Swanigan battled through homelessness during his childhood as well as weight issues to become one of the best players the Purdue basketball program has ever seen. The Purdue big man was heavily involved in Portland area community organizations to help promote healthy eating habits and eliminate child hunger during his time with the Trail Blazers.
The Notre Dame Baseball season came to an end on Tuesday in Omaha with a 5-1 loss to No. 5 Texas A&M. The Aggies scored three runs in the top of the third inning to grab a lead that they would never relinquish. The lone Irish run came in the bottom of the eight inning courtesy of Brooks Coetzee. Notre Dame finished the season 41-17 winning the Statesboro Regional and knocking off No. 1 Tennessee in the Super Regional. The Irish returned to the College World Series for the first time since 2002.
