The Connecticut Sun Announce 2024 Preseason Schedule!

Uncasville, CT (March 22, 2024) – Today, the Connecticut Sun announced the team will host the New York Liberty for its preseason game, ahead of the 2024 campaign.

The Sun will tip-off against the Liberty on Thursday, May 9 at 7:00 PM EST at Mohegan Sun Arena. Connecticut also hosted New York during preseason play last season, coming away with a 63-57 victory on May 10, 2023. The contest will mark the Sun’s fifth preseason game against the Liberty over the last eight seasons, with the Sun boasting a 4-0 record.

Dating back to the 2015 season, the Sun are 17-2 in preseason contests. They have also won nine of their last ten preseason games.

Tickets for the preseason matchup can be purchased HERE or by calling 1-877-SUN-TIXX.

Connecticut will tip off the 2024 regular season on Tuesday, May 14 against the Indiana Fever at 7:00 PM EST at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Established in 2003, the Connecticut Sun is a professional women’s basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association that takes residence at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For additional information or to purchase season tickets, visit www.connecticutsun.com. 

This Saints Draft Would Change EVERYTHING

The Saints and the YAC King seem like PERFECT combo in New Orleans. Photo Credit: @malachicorley IG

Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints were seeking to rebound from a season that fell just short of the playoffs. Finishing with a 9-8 record, the Saints showed improvement from the previous year but still missed the postseason for the third consecutive time. With the departure of star wide receiver Michael Thomas and other significant players at key positions, the team’s need for dynamic playmakers is more apparent than ever.

In a mock draft tailored for the Saints, a dramatic overhaul appears to be the theme, with a clear focus on bolstering both sides of the ball. Here’s a our analysis of how the selected players could contribute to the Saints’ ambitions of a turnaround season. This mock starts with a move down from 14 to 20 and the acquisition of two picks in the 3rd Round. The best draft every for the Saints included multiple picks in the 3rd round producing stars like Alvin Kamara. In this mock we venture back into the third looking for game changing gems.

Round 1, Pick 20 - Byron Murphy II, Defensive Lineman, Texas

The selection of Byron Murphy II addresses the need for a powerful presence on the defensive line. With the ability to disrupt the pocket, Murphy’s addition could bring a new level of pressure that the Saints’ front has been craving.

Round 2, Pick 45 - Payton Wilson, Linebacker, North Carolina State

Wilson is a versatile linebacker known for his tackling prowess and coverage skills. He could immediately contribute to a linebacking corps led by the veteran Demario Davis, providing depth and athleticism.

Round 3, Pick 84 - Malachi Corley, Wide Receiver, Western Kentucky

Corley represents the playmaker at wide receiver the Saints have been seeking. His ability to stretch the field and create after the catch could complement the existing talents of Chris Olave, providing a much-needed spark to the Saints’ aerial attack.

Round 3, Pick 98 - Patrick Paul, Tackle, Houston

Paul could potentially shore up the offensive line, offering protection for quarterback Derek Carr, who had injury concerns the previous season. His size and strength are assets for the run game and pass protection.

Round 5, Pick 150 - Theo Johnson, Tight End, Penn State

Johnson offers an additional target for the Saints’ passing game, potentially filling the void left by tight end departures and providing Carr with a reliable middle-of-the-field option.

Round 5, Pick 168 - Luke McCaffrey, Wide Receiver, Rice

The younger brother of NFL star Christian McCaffrey, Luke adds depth to the receiving corps and brings a unique skill set with potential upside on special teams as well.

Round 5, Pick 170 - Joe Milton III, Quarterback, Tennessee

Milton is an intriguing developmental prospect at quarterback with a strong arm, adding depth and competition to the Saints’ quarterback room.

Round 5, Pick 175 - Kimani Vidal, Running Back,

Troy Vidal could contribute to a running back rotation that relies heavily on Alvin Kamara’s dynamic play. He brings a different style of running that could be useful in diversifying the Saints’ offensive playbook.

Round 6, Pick 199 - Brennan Jackson, Edge Defender, Washington State

Jackson could add to the Saints’ pass rush rotation, providing fresh legs and energy off the edge.

Round 6, Pick 200 - Frank Gore Jr., Running Back, Southern Miss

Gore Jr., the son of NFL legend Frank Gore, adds depth to the Saints’ running back group and could carve out a role for himself with his hard-nosed running style.

Round 7, Pick 239 - Jarius Monroe, Cornerback, Tulane

Monroe brings additional competition to the secondary and could contribute on special teams while developing as a cornerback.

This mock draft paints an optimistic picture for the Saints, aiming to supply them with immediate contributors and developmental prospects. Each pick seems to be carefully thought out to address specific needs or to add depth in critical positions. If these players perform up to their potential, the Saints could indeed be on the verge of a significant turnaround .

Trailblazing: Bellator Dublin

All photos are courtesy of the PFL

Much of the fun of watching children grow is experiencing all their firsts. First teeth, words, and steps are all memorable events. Organizations have first too and Friday March 22, 2024 is the first Bellator Championship Series card with many opportunities that accompany restructured organizations.

One opportunity is to become the first to win a title. That is what Corey “Overtime” Anderson and Karl Moore have.  As Vadim Nemkov vacated the title they will have the distinction of being the first champion of the promotion. This is a first title shot for Moore who has been fighting professionally since 2011. He would also be the first SBG Ireland athlete to win a title since 2015.  If victorious this will be the first major title held by Anderson.

The TUF 19 winner has had two title fights before but has yet to be victorious in these matches. At the March 30th press conference he mentioned that maybe, “The third time in the charm.”  When asked about his failed attempts he replied, “Don’t cry over spilled milk. Clean it up, and make a new bowl of cereal.”

Each of the Bellator Championship Series cards will have two title fights. A valuable position for the roster is that this iteration of Bellator is so new there are no rankings. For fighters like Ireland’s Bantamweight Ciaran Clarke, that presents a huge upside. A good showing and you could have a title shot next. That’s what James Gallagher says he was promised if he is victorious vs Leandro Higo.

Bellator in recent years has had much success internationally, specifically in Europe. So it’s no surprise that five of its seven announced locations this year will take place in a European nation.  That has often been a source of contention for the US market as fights were either tape delayed or difficult to find.  That has been remedied by a deal struck between Bellator and WBD. This marks a first for MMA to be broadcast on Max.

There will be many first on Friday’s card from the SSE arena. One thing that hopefully remains the same is the highlight reel, viral finishes that have made this organization a good watch down through the years.