Newsmakers
Declared Duke freshman Justise Winslow is entering the NBA draft after one season at Duke. Winslow said in a statement issued by the school that “my dreams and aspirations have literally come true” while winning the national title in his only season in college. Winslow averaged 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds while helping Duke win its fifth national title.
• Arkansas forward and Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Bobby Portis says he is declaring for the NBA draft after his standout sophomore season. The 6-foot-11 Portis averaged 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season, leading the Razorbacks (27-9) to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2008.
Buried The burial for Lauren Hill was held in a private ceremony, one day after thousands attended a memorial at the basketball arena where the college freshman made her first layup while fighting brain cancer. More than 400 people attended a private funeral service on the Mount St. Joseph campus. The 19-year-old was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor during her senior year of high school.
Retired Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor is retiring, ending a 12-year career in which he helped lead the team to two Super Bowl victories. The 34-year-old Taylor became a free agent last month and says he couldn’t envision playing for another team. He finishes his career with 17 interceptions, including three in the playoffs.
Announced Wichita State guards Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet announced they will return for their senior seasons for the Shockers. Baker and VanVleet both applied to be evaluated for their NBA draft potential. Baker led Wichita in scoring, averaging 14.7 points per game, with VanVleet second at 13.6 points per game.
Transferred Former California defensive lineman Brennan Scarlett has transferred to rival Stanford. Stanford said that Scarlett has been admitted to the university’s graduate program for management science and engineering. Because he’s graduating from Cal with a year of eligibility remaining, Scarlett can play immediately for the Cardinal, who are replacing three defensive linemen from last season.
Returned Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong is returning to professional cycling. USA Cycling announced that the 41-year-old Boise, Idaho, resident has been named to the 2015 Pan American Continental Road Championships roster.