Basketball

It's like a scene out of "Groundhog Day" ... 'cause Bill Murray is celebrating UConn winning a national championship once again -- sharing an awesome moment with his assistant coach son right after Monday's big game!!

The legendary comedian's second oldest child, Luke, is quite the basketball guru -- he joined UConn in 2021 ... and was a huge part of the Huskies' offensive success this season.

Bill has always been supportive of his kid at his previous stops like Xavier and Louisville ... and was most recently spotted cheering for UConn during its second-straight title run this season, so it's no surprise he was present for the huge matchup against Purdue.

The "Ghostbusters" star looked like he was part of the team when they partied after the 15-point victory ... even hopping onstage to hoist the new trophy.

Bill was super proud of his son ... shaking him a little bit and sharing a conversation with him on the hardwood after the confetti fell from the rafters.

Bill had a bit of fun during the game, too -- after all, it was a pretty stress-free competition -- the funny guy took advantage of his time on the jumbotron by getting in a flex-off with Purdue alum and former NFL superstar Drew Brees!!

It's safe to say Dan Hurley is comfortable with his gig at UConn -- the head coach got a case of the giggles when asked about job openings after winning his second-straight NCAA title on Monday ... flat-out saying the Huskies fanbase has nothing to worry about.

Hurley and the defending champs easily handled Zach Edey and the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Arena ... cruising to a 75-60 win to keep the hardware in Storrs.

Despite being in the middle of a tournament run, Hurley's name has been tossed around as a potential replacement for John Calipari ... who left Kentucky for Arkansas after 15 seasons on Sunday.

Hurley was asked about the coaching carousel in his postgame press conference ... and if we're taking him at his word, he'll be back on the UConn bench next season.

"I don't think that's a concern," Hurley said with a laugh. "You know, my wife, you should have her answer that."

"She'll answer that question better than I can, s***."

Of course, the Hurley fam is royalty on the East Coast -- not only is Dan a back-to-back champion coach, his pops, Bob, led the St. Anthony high school hoops team in NJ to 26 championships ... and his brother, Bobby, won two rings with Duke in 1991 and 1992.

Hurley even later joked that his wife would straight-up divorce him if he considered leaving the New Jersey area ... adding he doesn't have the money to support a split.

UConn says its fans celebrated the Huskies' national championship far more responsibly than they did last year ... telling TMZ Sports only five arrests were made at the Storrs party on Monday night.

Mike Enright, a university spokesperson, said in a statement Tuesday morning thousands filled the streets surrounding Connecticut's campus following the Huskies' 75-60 win over Purdue ... but overall, they were well-behaved.

Enright told us the fans cheered "respectfully, responsibly, and safely." He did add, though, there were a few issues ... namely a couple instances of vandalism.

"But they were limited in number," Enright said. "As of 1:15 AM, UConn Police made five arrests. On the whole, it was a very good night on the Storrs campus and the university looks forward to continuing to celebrate our phenomenal student-athletes, their coaches, and this incredible win."

Of course, it's a stark contrast to last year ... when UConn supporters went overboard celebrating their championship victory over San Diego State.

You'll recall, fires were set, windows were broken, light poles were torn down ... and a total of 15 people were thrown behind bars. An additional 16 needed to be transported to the hospital due to injuries, the school said.

In fact, the party got so wild, UConn made several changes in the leadup to this year's Final Four -- including removing light poles from its campus -- to keep the peace.

There might not have been anyone happier to see UConn win on Monday night than Dave Portnoy ... 'cause the Barstool Sports founder made over TWO MILLION DOLLARS betting on the Huskies to take home the national championship.

The 47-year-old put down $600K on Dan Hurley's squad to win the NCAA tourney just before March Madness kicked off last month ... and at the time, he said he was a bit worried -- as Connecticut was nearly everyone's pick to win it all.

But as UConn boat raced Purdue in the title game in Glendale, AZ ... those nerves melted away -- and his wallet got a whole lot fatter.

While many fans in Lexington celebrate the departure of Kentucky coach John Calipari, the wife of former star player Julius Randle is revealing something previously unknown about the famed HC -- he saved her grandma's life!

"4 years ago my grandmother was very sick in a small hospital in eastern KY. Julius called Coach Cal and asked if there was anyone he knew that could get her transferred to UK hospital," Kendra Randle wrote on X, recalling a story from several years back.

She continued ... "15 mins later she was in a helicopter to UK and I still to this day believe he saved her life."

Of course, Kendra tells the story as Calipari is headed to the University of Arkansas ... after a decade and a half at the helm of the program. JC, hired in 2009, won a National Championship in 2012.

Kendra, who was a student at UK (that's where she met her future hubby), isn't pleased with the move.

"I’m not well😫 we love you forever Coach Cal💙 BBN 4L," KR wrote.

FYI, Julius played one season under Cal, 2013-2014 ... where he averaged 15 points per game and over 10 rebounds. JR was the 7th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Despite the fact he's no longer at Kentucky, Cal will always hold a place in the hearts of the Randle family.

Russell Westbrook helped the Clippers take down the Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon, and afterward, he beat up Tristan Thompson's ego too ... taunting Khloe Kardashian's ex right on the court following the game.

It all happened after Russ and L.A. came back from down 26 points to beat Cleveland at Crypto.com Arena, 120-118.

Video shows after the final buzzer sounded, Russ appeared to point at Thompson, before he threw his hands in the air in a mocking fashion. Westbrook then repeated the gesture over and over again.

It's unclear why exactly Westbrook went after the Cavs center -- some online have speculated it was due to Tristan aggressively cheering on his team from the bench during the game -- but nonetheless, Thompson didn't like it one bit.

Check out the footage, the 33-year-old looked pissed as he walked to confront Russ over the taunts ... although, thankfully, one of Westbrook's teammates intercepted him before things could escalate.

The two then left the court without further issue.

Westbrook certainly had rights to brag following the victory, he logged eight points, seven rebounds and six assists in 25 minutes. Thompson, meanwhile, did not play.

Byron Scott is ready to go back to college ... he tells TMZ Sports he wants to be the head basketball coach of a university!!

The former NBA star -- who spent years managing pro players after his hoopin' days ended -- said after watching March Madness these past couple seasons ... he's got an itch to get on the bench at a school somewhere in the nation.

"I've got that bug," he told us.

Baron Davis está de acuerdo con la decisión de Bronny James de presentarse al draft de la NBA y le dice a TMZ Sports que ve muy posible que el hijo de LeBron sea mucho mejor como jugador profesional que como jugador de baloncesto universitario.

La ex estrella de los Clippers compartió sus pensamientos sobre el asunto en LAX el viernes por la tarde, pocas horas después de que Bronny anunciara que va a probar suerte en las aguas de la NBA mientras deja la puerta abierta para un regreso a la escuela.

Davis dijo que podía ver a Bronny siendo reclutado por una organización, a pesar de una temporada de primer año más o menos tranquila en USC, explicando que el juego profesional podría adaptarse mejor a él.

Baron Davis is in favor of Bronny James' decision to declare for the NBA draft ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks it's very possible LeBron's kid turns out to be a far better pro than a college basketball player.

The former Clippers star gave us his thoughts on the matter out at LAX on Friday afternoon ... just hours after Bronny said he'll test the NBA waters while leaving the door open for a return to school.

Davis said he could see Bronny getting picked up by an org despite a quiet freshman season at USC ... explaining the pro game simply might fit him better.

College basketball phenom Caitlin Clark reached major celebrity status at her Final Four game Friday night – drawing the likes of MGK and Jason Sudeikis to see for themselves what everyone has been talking about.

Clark and her fellow Iowa Hawkeyes teammates went head-to-head against the UConn Huskies during their NCAA Tournament matchup at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

As America's new favorite dribbler, Clark helped her team beat UConn in a squeaker 71 to 69.

Bronny James ha decidido entrar al Draft de la NBA en 2024. El estudiante de primer año de USC ha lanzado oficialmente su nombre para ser considerado para el siguiente nivel, pero eso no significa que su carrera universitaria haya terminado para siempre.

La noticia se dio a conocer hace apenas unos minutos. El hijo de 19 años de LeBron James pasará por el proceso profesional, entrenando y visitando equipos antes del draft.

Ahora, no esperen que la pandilla James se una a la Asociación todavía. Bronny compartió una declaración sobre la decisión diciendo que mantendrá su elegibilidad universitaria y entrará en el protocolo de transferencia de la NCAA.

The NBA has a new partner ... and it's none other than K-pop group LE SSERAFIM!!

Adam Silver's organization announced the big collaboration this week ... saying the quintet of musicians will headline the NBA's celeb and influencer operation in Asia.

The Association hopes the group's popularity will help expand its fanbase overseas ... similar to what it did when it enlisted BTS' Suga as an ambassador.

It seemed like a pretty "Smart" move -- especially considering Chaewon, Yunjin, Sakura, Kazuha and Eunchae are quite the hoop heads.

In fact, the group hit up a Laker game in customized jerseys back in November ... and briefly got to meet NBA legend Magic Johnson during their time at Crypto.com Arena.

The ladies also took a break from promoting their new project, "Easy," to tune in to the All-Star Game from a cellphone in February ... and recently posted a video of them showing off their choreography while decked out in numerous teams' merch.

With the collab, it's safe to say fans will see a lot more of LE SSERAFIM at games in the future ... and they can expect a ton of new content on socials.

The group made its debut in 2022 ... and has exploded in popularity ever since.

Bronny James has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft -- the USC freshman has officially thrown his name into consideration at the next level ... but it doesn't mean his college career is over for good.

The news broke just minutes ago -- LeBron James' 19-year-old son will go through the pro process ... working out and visiting teams leading up to the draft.

Don't expect the James gang to team up in the Association just yet -- Bronny released a statement on the decision ... saying he will maintain his college eligibility and enter the NCAA transfer protocol.

Shaheen Holloway was nearly washed away Thursday night -- as the coach was drenched in his locker room -- moments after his Seton Hall men's basketball team stormed back from 7 down late to secure the NIT championship!

It was awesome!

#1 seeded SHU defeated fellow #1 seeded Indiana State in the NIT title game on Thursday ... in front of a mostly hostile crowd at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game was tied at 39 at the half and remained close throughout.

Despite being up 7 late in the second half, Seton Hall mounted a comeback, taking the lead, and then surviving as Indiana State jacked up several potential game-winning threes.

The shots didn't fall, and when the horn rang, the scoreboard read Seton Hall 79, Indiana State 77.

Cue the confetti, it was time to celebrate ... and that's exactly what the Pirates did, both on the court, and in the locker room.

Head coach Shaheen Holloway, a former star player at SH, knew what was about to come as he prepared to enter the winning locker room. Sha even removed his watch (smart man!)

After unsuccessfully recruiting someone to walk in his place, Holloway opened the door ... and cue the waterworks. Coach was doused with two massive coolers full of what appeared to be ice water.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!🥶

There was also a touching moment on the court.

Indiana State star Robbie Avila, aka Cream Abdul-Jabbar, was devastated over the loss, and was slumped over on the court. Holloway saw Avila, and walked over to the breakout star to console him, urging the big man to keep his head up.

Seton Hall, of course, was snubbed by the NCAA tourney committee ... they should've been in the field, and the NIT win further cements it.

Diddy puede estar atrapado en aguas turbulentas, pero sus hijas estaban de lo mejor disfrutando de sus vacaciones de primavera con el hijo adolescente de LeBron James.

Bryce James -de 16 años de edad- fue presentado en un video que está circulando en línea en el que se lo ve a él y a un amigo suyo -Boogie Johnson- disfrutando del océano en Turcas y Caicos, y en la pequeña compilación de baile que se publicó (y que desde entonces ha sido eliminada), se puede ver a Jessie y D'Lila Combs también.

Las chicas y sus trajes de baño a juego son inconfundibles, sobre todo si tenemos en cuenta que Bryce y los gemelos son bastante cercanos. Él y Boogie los llevaron a la fiesta de bienvenida el año pasado. De hecho, Boogie tiene fotos con uno de los gemelos en su página de redes sociales, así que sí, es un grupo de amigos muy unido y parece que están de vacaciones juntos en este momento.

Diddy might be in hot water at the moment, but his daughters were in much calmer waters a world away this week -- enjoying their Spring Break with LeBron James' teenage son.

16-year-old Bryce James was featured in a video that's making the rounds online -- which shows him and a pal of his, Boogie Johnson, enjoying the ocean in Turks and Caicos ... and in the little dance compilation that got posted (and which has since been deleted), you can see Jessie and D'Lila Combs in the mix as well.

The girls and their matching bathing suits are unmistakable -- especially when you consider Bryce and the twins are quite close ... he and Boogie took them to homecoming last year. In fact, Boogie's got photos up with one of the twins on his social media page ... so yeah, it's a tight-knit friend group -- and it appears they're vacationing together right now.