Sports
Stanford star G Ebuka Okorie enters NBA draft
Mar 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) on the court in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Stanford star guard Ebuka Okorie said Thursday that he is declaring for the NBA draft after leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring as a freshman.
Okorie was overlooked by top-flight programs during the recruiting process but was a big hit with the Cardinal. He ranked eighth nationally with a 23.2 scoring average to go with 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals and was earned honorable mention All-America status.
“A year ago you guys took a chance on a kid from New Hampshire with zero high major offers, welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to be the best version of myself on and off the court,” Okorie said on Instagram. “… I’m truly blessed and humbled with this opportunity, and I’m thankful to Stanford for helping me chase my dreams.”
Okorie scored 719 points this season, third most in Stanford history. He finished behind Chasson Randle (724 in 2014-15) and leader Adam Keefe (734 in 1991-92).
Okorie recorded eight 30-point outings, surpassing the mark of Duke’s Marvin Bagley III (seven in 2017-18) for ACC freshmen.
Okorie, who shot 46.5% from the field, is rated as a first-round pick with a possibility of moving into the lottery.
–Field Level Media
Sports
A's OF Brent Rooker leaves game vs. Yankees with flank discomfort
Apr 8, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) hits a run scoring sacrifice fly in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The visiting Athletics lost Brent Rooker to right flank discomfort when the right fielder felt pain on a swing in the first inning of Thursday’s game against the New York Yankees.
Rooker appeared to feel pain when he fouled off a changeup by New York starter Ryan Weathers for a 0-2 count. He winced after appearing to feel something near his back and was lifted from the game after being checked out by manager Mark Kotsay and a trainer.
The A’s announced the injury in the fourth inning.
Rooker was replaced by Lawrence Butler in the third spot in the Athletics’ lineup. Butler took a called third strike on the next pitch and the at-bat was charged to Rooker.
Rooker hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the ninth inning off David Bednar to give the A’s a 3-2 victory on Wednesday night.
Rooker entered the day hitting .146 this season with two homers and eight RBIs this season. He drove in six runs on a pair of homers in Sunday’s 12-10 10-inning win over Houston, which he ended with a walk-off three-run homer.
–Field Level Media
Sports
NBA fines Magic $25K for violating injury reporting rules
Apr 6, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) is fouled by Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Orlando Magic were fined $25,000 by the NBA on Thursday for violating the league’s injury reporting rules.
Per the NBA, the Magic failed to disclose the game availability status of guard Anthony Black prior to Monday’s contest against the Detroit Pistons. Black was listed as “out” in the initial injury report and later played in the game.
Black, 22, scored 14 points in 15 minutes during the Magic’s 123-107 victory over the Pistons.
The third-year player is averaging 15.1 points, 3.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 62 games (40 starts) this season.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Sam Burns torches par 5s to grab early Masters lead
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Sam Burns plays his shot from the fifth tee during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — Sam Burns took advantage of Augusta National’s longest holes in posting a 5-under-par round of 67 to take the early first-round in the 90th edition of the Masters Tournament on Thursday.
Burns got his round rolling by sinking an 11-foot eagle putt on the par-5 second hole. After dropping a shot on the seventh, he immediately gained it back with a birdie on the par-5 eighth. Burns also birdied both par-5s on the back nine and added another with a birdie on the par-3 12th.
It added up to the best round of Burns’ Masters career, besting the 68 he posted in the first round in 2023. In 12 previous rounds through four previous appearances at Augusta National, that had been the lone time Burns had broken 70 until Thursday.
Patrick Reed also reached 5 under by eagling both par-5s on the front nine to make his turn in 31, but the 2018 Masters champion gave a shot back at No. 10 before putting a ball in the water on the par-5 15th for another bogey.
Kurt Kitayama finished an eventful day at 3-under 69. He reached 4 under through 10 holes before a bogey on No. 11 and a double bogey on the short par-3 12th. He was able to card birdies on two of his final holes to get to the clubhouse among the early leaders.
Bryson DeChambeau, who is seeking to build on his best Masters finish of fifth place last year, was at even par beginning hole Nos. 11-13 known as “Amen Corner.” DeChambeau put his approach shot on No. 11 into the bunker behind the green. He then failed to get out of the bunker on his first two attempts and ended up carding a triple bogey on the hole.
NOTES: The 91-player field includes 22 first-time players — six amateurs and 16 professionals. Each amateur is paired with a Masters champion for the first two rounds of the tournament.
–Derek Harper, Field Level Media
A's OF Brent Rooker leaves game vs. Yankees with flank discomfort
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