The Sports Bank

Football. Soccer. Basketball. Gaming and Much More

NBA

How International Grassroots Basketball Programs Are Reshaping the Global Talent Pipeline

By

Basketball has transcended its North American roots to become a truly global game. The days of scouting being limited to high school gymnasiums across the United States are long gone. Today, professional scouts and collegiate recruiters are casting their nets worldwide, looking for the next generational talent. The globalisation of grassroots development is reflected at the … [Read more...] about How International Grassroots Basketball Programs Are Reshaping the Global Talent Pipeline

Kasparas Jakucionis in a Better Spot After Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade

By

Finally, the Giannis Antetokounmpo transfer saga is now over. On Monday night, the Milwaukee Bucks agreed to trade the two-time MVP, along with Bobby Portis, to the Miami Heat, for four players, three first round draft picks, one second round draft pick and one draft pick swap. It's a blockbuster deal to say the least. It's a true "blow it all up and completely start over" kind … [Read more...] about Kasparas Jakucionis in a Better Spot After Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade

2026 NBA Mock Draft Version 14.0 Final

By

Happy NBA Draft Day! The draft green room invite list has been released, and the big night is now here. And thus, The Sports Bank has released their final 2026 NBA mock draft. It's time for version 14.0, the final boss of this endeavor. Also, The Sports Bank is the only independently-owned, mom and pop shop website to publish a mock draft in all four of the major North American … [Read more...] about 2026 NBA Mock Draft Version 14.0 Final

NBA Conference Finals Shift the Finals Picture for 2026

By

The 2026 NBA Finals picture changed before the league had a settled Western opponent for New York. The Knicks swept Cleveland 4-0 in the Eastern Conference finals, winning 115-104 in overtime, 109-93, 121-108, and 130-93, then sat down with an 11-game winning streak and the franchise’s first Finals trip in 27 years. Out West, the Thunder-Spurs series had already swung hard … [Read more...] about NBA Conference Finals Shift the Finals Picture for 2026

Andrej Stojakovic Likely Exiting NBA Draft Process, Returning to Illini Next Season

By

The Illinois Fighting Illini will certainly lose player to the NBA Draft, in Keaton Wagler, who is likely to be selected in the top ten. The Illini will also see one of their players from the 2024-25 team, Morez Johnson, stay in the draft. He'll likely be a late first round selection. Kylan Boswell and Andrej Stojakovic, two key players from this past season's Final Four team, … [Read more...] about Andrej Stojakovic Likely Exiting NBA Draft Process, Returning to Illini Next Season

Caitlin Clark Named Grand Marshall for 2026 Indianapolis 500

By

With the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 comes this Sunday, and just a few minutes ago, we got official confirmation on the identity of the next Grand Marshal. Caitlin Clark will lead the sold out Indianapolis Motor Speedway crowd this holiday weekend, helping them get fired up for the start of the race. The two-time WNBA All-Star and face of the Indiana Fever … [Read more...] about Caitlin Clark Named Grand Marshall for 2026 Indianapolis 500

Kylan Boswell: Strengths, Weaknesses of former Illini PG as NBA Combine Nears

By

This past Friday saw the NBA Draft Combine invite list, 73 names long, released, and it included three Illinois Fighting Illini. Shooting guard and Jerry West Award wiiner Keaton Wagler, point guard/combo guard Kylan Boswell and small forward Andrej Stojakovic. Wagler is set to become a top 10, maybe even 5 overall pick. Stojakovic, who has a mid-to-late second round grade, … [Read more...] about Kylan Boswell: Strengths, Weaknesses of former Illini PG as NBA Combine Nears

Yaxel Lendeborg Played His Way into NBA Draft Lottery this March Madness

By

The NCAA Tournament can do a whole lot for your NBA Draft stock, provided you are a player who can rise up and carpe diem. Michgan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, the reigning Big Ten Playery of the Year, projected as a potential mid first round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, entering March Madness. However, some pundits and prognosticators project him into the late lottery, and the … [Read more...] about Yaxel Lendeborg Played His Way into NBA Draft Lottery this March Madness