AARON BEARD

AP Basketball Writer

John Andrzejek, the new men's basketball coach at Campbell, speaks with reporters after he was introduced at news conference, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Buies Creek, N.C.. (AP Photo/Aaron Beard)

John Andrzejek won a national title with Florida to start the week. Now he’s Campbell’s head coach

John Andrzejek is finally done with juggling coaching duties as an assistant at Florida and Campbell’s new head coach. Andrzejek had his introductory news conference Wednesday with the Camels.

Florida forward Alex Condon celebrates after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Florida’s run to the national title lifts the Gators to No. 1 in the final AP Top 25 men’s poll

Florida is a unanimous No. 1 in the final Associated Press men’s college basketball poll of the 2024-25 season after winning the national championship. The Gators beat Houston 65-63 to clinch the program’s third national title and first since 2007.

Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson leaves the court after Florida beat Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Houston’s Kelvin Sampson was close to his 1st national title. It slipped away painfully vs. Florida

Kelvin Sampson watched his Houston team come within seconds of the first NCAA title for both himself and the program. It slipped away in painful fashion on the final play.

Houston's L.J. Cryer (4) reacts after Houston lost to Florida in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Houston’s LJ Cryer falls short in bid to win NCAA titles at 2 schools in finale vs. Florida

Houston’s LJ Cryer fell short in his bid to become the first player to win the NCAA college basketball title at two schools. Cryer was a spot-duty freshman for Baylor when the Bears won the championship in 2021 during the pandemic.

Duke's Patrick Ngongba II sits in locker room after Duke lost to Houston in the national semifinals at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Duke’s Final Four fade against Houston puts the Blue Devils among top teams to fall short of title

Duke’s loss to Houston in the Final Four puts the talented Blue Devils on a list of elite teams that fell short in a run for the national championship.

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. and guard Alijah Martin speak during a news conference at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, April 6, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. is rolling into the NCAA title game. Next up: Houston’s rugged defense

Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. is rolling entering Monday night’s matchup with Houston’s rugged defense in the NCAA championship game. The Associated Press first-team All-American is averaging 24.6 points through five tournament games.

Duke's Cooper Flagg (2) walks off the court after Duke lost to Houston in the national semifinals at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Duke’s push for 6th NCAA title falls apart in unlikely late collapse against Houston in Final Four

Duke’s push for its sixth national championship ended abruptly and in unlikely fashion with the Blue Devils squandering a double-digit second-half lead.

Auburn forward Johni Broome and guard Miles Kelly talks during practice at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, April 4, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson )

The Final Four again has multiple 5th-year starters. This time, it’s a farewell to an uncommon era

The final Final Four marks an end to the era of players sticking around college longer with an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That fifth year largely cycled out of the sport this season.

Houston assistant coach Quannas White gestures during practice at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, April 4, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson )

Florida duo, Houston’s White juggle tasks as Final Four assistants set to lead their own programs

Florida’s John Andrzejek and Kevin Hovde join Houston’s Quannas White as assistant coaches at the Final Four who have already taken head-coaching jobs elsewhere.

Duke forward Cooper Flagg, Associated Press Player of the Year, answers a question during a news conference ahead of the Final Four college basketball games in the NCAA Tournament Friday, April 4, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Duke freshman star Cooper Flagg named the AP men’s college basketball player of the year

Duke star Cooper Flagg is The Associated Press men’s college basketball national player of the year. Flagg is just the fourth freshman to win the award. He joins Duke’s Zion Williamson, Kentucky’s Anthony Davis and Texas star Kevin Durant.

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer answers a question during media day at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Jon Scheyer followed a legend in Duke’s Coach K. It took him just 3 seasons to reach the Final Four

Duke’s Jon Scheyer is in the Final Four for the first time as a head coach. The 37-year-old is in his third season as the Blue Devils’ coach and the successor to Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski.

Workers make final preparations around the Men's NCAA Final Four college basketball court at the Alamodome, Monday, March 31, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Maple hardwood, the very foundation of the Final Four, is ingrained with basketball’s rich history

The maple hardwood that makes up the courts at the men’s and women’s Final Four is part of basketball’s foundation. Maple has been the go-to wood for courts for a century.

Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young shoots during the 3-point contest at the NBA basketball All-Star weekend, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, FILE)

Hardwood is basketball’s longtime foundation. A German company would love to change that to glass

Hardwood has been the long-running foundation for basketball, but could the sport eventually find a home on glass? German company ASB GlassFloor is building floors made of fuzed-together layers of safety glass.

Auburn guard Denver Jones (2) takes a photo after the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Michigan State, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Efficiency metrics touted Duke, Houston, Florida and Auburn all year. Now they’re in the Final Four

Duke, Houston, Florida and Auburn have posted elite efficiency numbers in making it a rare Final Four featuring only 1-seeds. Those four teams head to San Antonio this week.

McNeese State head coach Will Wade questions a call during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Will Wade ‘paid’ for misdeeds at LSU. Now, he’s thankful for a 2nd power-conference shot at NC State

Will Wade is promising fast success at N.C. State. He also says he’s “thankful” for another shot at a power-conference job after his firing at LSU in 2022 amid allegations of recruiting violations.

Duke guard Tyrese Proctor (5) makes a three-point shot in front of Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe (7) during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Duke’s Tyrese Proctor was wrestling with his 3-point shot before March Madness. Now he can’t miss

Duke guard Tyrese Proctor has made 13 of 16 3-pointers through two games of the NCAA Tournament. The junior has hit at least six 3s in each of the past three games going back to the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title game.

North Carolina's Alyssa Ustby (1) celebrates with the crowd after defeating West Virginia in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, March 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

UNC’s Alyssa Ustby missed senior day due to injury. March Madness offered her another home finale

North Carolina’s Alyssa Ustby stood out in her final home game as the Tar Heels advanced in the NCAA Tournament. Ustby had 16 of her 21 points after halftime as the Tar Heels beat West Virginia in Monday night’s second round.

North Carolina's Alyssa Ustby (1) handles the ball as West Virginia's Kylee Blacksten (14) defends during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, March 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

Alyssa Utsby and North Carolina beat West Virginia 58-47 to set up Sweet 16 meeting with Duke

Alyssa Ustby scored 16 of her 21 points after halftime to help North Carolina beat West Virginia 58-47 on Monday night in the second round of the women’s NCAA Tournament.

From left, Duke guard Tyrese Proctor (5), forward Cooper Flagg (2), center Khaman Maluach (9), guard Sion James (14) and guard Kon Knueppel (7) react to their team's lead during the second half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Mount St. Mary's, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

No. 1 seed Duke’s opening-week offense in March Madness was a display of elite efficiency

Duke’s elite offensive efficiency stood out as it rolled through the first two games of the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils are the top seed in the East Region.

Duke guard Tyrese Proctor (5) celebrates after making a three-point shot during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Baylor, Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Proctor, Flagg help No. 1 seed Duke roll past Baylor 89-66 to reach Sweet 16 of March Madness

Tyrese Proctor had career highs of seven 3-pointers and 25 points to continue his recent tear, helping No. 1 seed Duke beat Baylor 89-66 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

McNeese State head coach Will Wade signals to his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)

NC State officially announces hiring of McNeese’s Will Wade as new Wolfpack men’s basketball coach

N.C. State has announced the hiring of McNeese’s Will Wade as the Wolfpack’s new men’s basketball coach. The school announced the hiring Sunday. That came a day after Wade’s McNeese team lost to Purdue in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

McNeese State head coach Will Wade questions a call during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

McNeese’s Will Wade signs a 6-year deal to become NC State coach, AP source says

A person with knowledge of the situation says McNeese coach Will Wade has a signed six-year deal to take over as N.C. State’s next coach.

UConn forward Alex Karaban celebrates after their win against Oklahoma in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

UConn’s bid for 3rd straight title endures with 67-59 win over Oklahoma in March Madness

UConn’s improbable bid for a third straight national title continued when Alex Karaban came through with a critical 3-pointer and a floater in the lane during a late run that helped the Huskies hold off Oklahoma 67-59 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Mount St. Mary's head coach Donny Lind watches during the second half against Duke in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

March Madness is over for Mount St. Mary’s. It was ‘the best few weeks of my life’ for a coach’s son

Mount St. Mary’s coach Donny Lind and his 9-year-old son Silas shared a touching moment in a postgame news conference after a March Madness loss to Duke.

Duke forward Cooper Flagg celebrates after scoring against Mount St. Mary's during the second half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Duke star Cooper Flagg has a smooth March Madness debut in his return from an ankle injury

Duke freshman star Cooper Flagg looked comfortable and unbothered in his NCAA Tournament debut as he returned from a sprained ankle. Flagg finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 22 minutes against Mount St. Mary’s.

Duke center Khaman Maluach dunks against Mount St. Mary's during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

No. 1 seed Duke rolls past Mount St. Mary’s 93-49 to open NCAAs in Flagg’s return from injury

Tyrese Proctor had 19 points and freshman star Cooper Flagg returned from an ankle injury as No. 1 seed Duke beat Mount St. Mary’s 93-49 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Flagg had 14 points and seven boards for the East Region’s top seed.

Duke forward Cooper Flagg passes during practice, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C., in preparation for the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament. Duke plays Mount St. Mary's Friday. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Freshman star Cooper Flagg is ready to go for No. 1 seed Duke in March Madness

Duke freshman star Cooper Flagg said he’ll be ready to play in Friday’s NCAA Tournament opener against Mount St. Mary’s as he recovers from a sprained ankle.

Fairleigh Dickinson guard Grant Singleton (4) celebrates after a basket against Purdue during the second half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, March 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

March Madness’ top seeds have faced trickier Final Four paths than ever in the transfer portal era

The top seeds in March Madness are facing a trickier path to the Final Four. The past four NCAA Tournaments have seen more lower-seeded teams making deeper runs. That coincides with coaches’ growing use of the transfer portal to find talent.

North Carolina State's Saniya Rivers (22) and Aziaha James (10) celebrate after beating North Carolina in an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

NC State’s guard quartet gives the Wolfpack a strong edge heading into March Madness

N.C. State’s hopes of making a second straight Final Four run will lean heavily on an elite guard quartet. Explosive scorer Aziaha James and versatile Saniya Rivers led the way in last season’s run. They’re both back for March Madness this year.

High Point players celebrate after winning the Big South Championship NCAA college basketball game against Winthrop, Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Johnson City, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

High Point kept falling short of March Madness. Now the Panthers are finally getting their moment

Former Creighton assistant Alan Huss has brought High Point to its first-ever NCAA Tournament bid. Huss is in his second year at the program.