#player-development

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National Basketball Association
fromESPN.com
in 3 days

Who's got next? Predicting five breakout players for the 2025-26 NBA season

Several NBA players are primed for breakout seasons due to increased opportunity, with the Rockets' defensive-minded guard positioned for expanded playmaking after roster changes.
fromDistrict on Deck
5 days ago

Nationals' latest front office move hints at Paul Toboni's Red Sox blueprint

On Friday, the Nationals hired Justin Horowitz as an assistant general manager. Horowitz most recently served as director of amateur scouting for the Pirates beginning in 2023. But Horowitz becomes the second high-profile AGM who previously worked under Paul Toboni in Boston. This hire follows Devin Pearson's, who also served on Toboni's staff in his Red Sox days. Both new AGMs are viewed as sharp, modern voices in scouting and player development.
Major League Baseball
#st-louis-cardinals
#kyshawn-george
fromWiz of Awes
1 week ago
National Basketball Association

Wizards coaches just made their expectations for Kyshawn George crystal clear

fromWiz of Awes
1 week ago
National Basketball Association

Wizards coaches just made their expectations for Kyshawn George crystal clear

Soccer (FIFA)
fromBavarian Football Works
5 days ago

Bayern Munich wonderkid Lennart Karl has an automatic extension clause in his contract

Lennart Karl, 17, has a youth-to-professional clause activating at 18 that will convert his deal into a multi-year contract with a significant pay rise while he shines for Bayern.
Chicago Cubs
fromCubsinsider
5 hours ago

Cubs Lose Minor League Hitting Coach Rachel Folden to Mets -

Rachel Folden left the Chicago Cubs to become the New York Mets' Double-A hitting coach in Binghamton, pursuing advancement and alignment with her coaching philosophy.
fromDefector
4 days ago

Felix Auger-Aliassime Is Once Again Threatening To Turn The Corner | Defector

Before Wimbledon in 2019, I remember skimming over the list of men's favorites at a number of sites. Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal ... Felix Auger-Aliassime? He was 18 years old at the time and ranked 21st in the world, but no worse than the sixth-favorite anywhere I looked. Auger-Aliassime had famously owned Stefanos Tsitsipas, who beat each member of the Big Three before age 21 and enjoyed plenty of hype at the time, in juniors.
Games
#miami-heat
Toronto
fromBlueJaysNation
2 months ago

3 Blue Jays prospects who could mimic Yesavage's meteoric rise through the farm system in 2026

High-upside Blue Jays prospects can rapidly ascend from low minors to major-league contributors, with Juan Sanchez among legitimate candidates to break out by 2026.
#florian-wirtz
#washington-nationals
fromDistrict on Deck
1 week ago
Washington Nationals

2024 Nationals 1st-rounder dominating competition in Arizona Fall League

The Washington Nationals are overhauling their front office to prioritize player development after frustrating prospect growth, exemplified by Seaver King's underperformance.
fromDistrict on Deck
1 week ago
Washington Nationals

Nationals add yet another piece to their front office in new hire from the Red Sox

Washington Nationals hired Paul Toboni's Boston colleagues, including Andrew Wright, to strengthen player development, especially defense and baserunning, addressing organizational weaknesses.
#kelel-ware
Canada news
fromRaptors Republic
16 hours ago

"The Golden Generation" by Oren Weisfeld is gold

Canadian grassroots development and rising NBA talent propelled national improvement despite decades of organizational failure.
#blake-butera
fromMLB Trade Rumors
1 day ago
Washington Nationals

Nationals Hire Blake Butera As Manager

Nationals hire 33-year-old Blake Butera as manager, joining 35-year-old Paul Toboni as the youngest front-office and managerial leaders in MLB.
fromESPN.com
6 hours ago
Washington DC

Nats hire Butera, youngest manager in decades

Blake Butera, 33, was hired as Washington Nationals manager, becoming MLB's youngest manager since 1972.
New York Islanders
fromeyesonisles.com
2 days ago

It's time to have a serious conversation about Simon Holmstrom

Simon Holmstrom's increased ice time has led to improved offensive production and greater importance within a young Islanders core despite defensive inconsistencies.
San Francisco Giants
fromABC7 San Francisco
2 days ago

SF Giants introduce new manager Tony Vitello

Tony Vitello was hired as San Francisco Giants manager despite no professional playing or coaching experience, emphasizing fundamentals, player development, and reliance on veteran leaders.
Boston Bruins
fromBoston.com
2 days ago

Marco Sturm's faith in Marat Khusnutdinov gets rewarded with Bruins OT winner

Marat Khusnutdinov moved from fourth-line scratches to a top-line role and scored an overtime goal after patiently working hard and seizing his opportunity.
#golden-state-warriors
fromThe Mercury News
1 week ago
Golden State Warriors

Kurtenbach: This is the Jonathan Kuminga 'the whole world has been waiting to see' and it changes everything for the Warriors

The Warriors are legitimate title contenders with veteran stars, deep roster, strong defense, and Jonathan Kuminga emerging as a potential X-factor.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 week ago
Golden State Warriors

Kurtenbach: This is the Jonathan Kuminga the whole world has been waiting to see' and it changes everything for the Warriors

The Warriors are legitimate title contenders bolstered by Curry, Butler, Draymond, deep experienced roster, and rising Jonathan Kuminga as a potential X‑factor.
fromThe Mercury News
1 week ago
Golden State Warriors

Kurtenbach: This is the Jonathan Kuminga 'the whole world has been waiting to see' and it changes everything for the Warriors

fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 week ago
Golden State Warriors

Kurtenbach: This is the Jonathan Kuminga the whole world has been waiting to see' and it changes everything for the Warriors

fromwww.caughtoffside.com
4 days ago

Mikel Arteta has opened up on the future of Max Dowman at Arsenal

Arteta on Max Dowman Arteta said during the pre-match presser ahead of the Brighton clash: We look at his passport every day. We watch in training, and you have to play him; otherwise, I'm blind. He's coped really well. It's what we want (Dowman's long-term future at the club) and what he wants. The feeling I have is that he loves it here. Huge Arsenal supporter and his family are happy.
Soccer (FIFA)
#lamine-yamal
#chelsea-fc
fromRaptors Rapture
1 day ago

Raptors desperately need Scottie Barnes to follow strange career trend

Scottie Barnes' development has not been linear. After winning Rookie of the Year, he didn't improve much in year two. Then, in year three, he made a leap, earning his first All-Star nod. Then, last year was another step back. His efficiency was down, the team was not good, and there wasn't much consistency. He didn't look like someone coming off the best season of their career.
National Basketball Association
fromSempreMilan
1 day ago

Mirante discusses Scudetto and Gasperini influence: "Milan-Roma is my match"

I see the Rossoneri looking very good, solid and compact again. Of course, the absences of Rabiot and Pulisic are weighing heavily. I hope they can give Leao even more responsibility: he's a champion, he can decide the match on his own.
AC Milan
fromSoccer News
1 day ago

Liam Delap plans to succeed at Chelsea - Soccer News

Delap always knew he would be making a big decision to join Chelsea because they are ruthless in terms of squad competition and will not carry passengers for long before looking to replace them. Part of joining Chelsea was to push the limits of what he is capable, even at a young age. The problem with criticising him for his red card is that these competitive traits he has are part of the reason Chelsea signed him.
Soccer (FIFA)
Manchester United
fromwww.caughtoffside.com
1 day ago

Chelsea and Man United tracking Kerim Alajbegovic

Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are interested in 18-year-old RB Salzburg winger Kerim Alajbegovic, who has seven goal contributions this season.
#roony-bardghji
#emil-heineman
Soccer (FIFA)
fromwww.bbc.com
6 days ago

Wales face up to challenge of life after Fishlock

Wales enters a transitional period after Jess Fishlock's international retirement, prioritising collective rebuilding and opportunities for younger players rather than replacing a one-of-a-kind player.
FC Barcelona
fromBarca Universal
6 days ago

Former Barcelona forward explains circumstances of his exit - 'They offered renewal, but did not believe in me' | Barca Universal

Hugo Alba left Barcelona after a late contract offer, signed for OFK Belgrade, and values first-team training while regretting missed progression opportunities.
fromwww.standard.co.uk
1 week ago

Manchester United: Why Carlos Baleba has struggled ahead of Old Trafford 'transfer audition' today

For me, it's always important that I'm very transparent with the players. I have a very good relationship with Carlos, Hurzeler told Sky Sports. We speak regularly, we are in touch. I always share my thoughts about his development and my thoughts about his performance. It's important to be very clear about what you expect from players on the pitch, off the pitch. And it's important to build relationships where you can criticise or give personal feedback they might not be happy about, but they understand the intention behind it.
Manchester United
National Hockey League
fromMaple Leafs Hotstove
1 week ago

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres - Game #9 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info

Maple Leafs aim to stop a four-game losing streak by tightening defensive awareness, improving stick detail, and building confidence in emerging forward lines.
fromLos Angeles Times
1 week ago

Prep talk: Donovan Webb of Golden Valley is point guard on the rise

When any basketball coach is raving about an opposing player, that sets off an alarm bell for sportswriters to pay attention and investigate. It turns out all the good things coaches are beginning to say about 6-foot-4 junior guard Donovan Webb of Golden Valley High are true. Canyon Country Canyon coach Ali Monfared said Webb might be the best player in the Foothill League, which held its media day at Canyon on Saturday.
National Basketball Association
Soccer (FIFA)
fromwww.caughtoffside.com
1 week ago

Report: Versatile star could leave Palace in 2026 after joining them in the summer

Christantus Uche faces a likely return to Getafe after limited Premier League chances, despite his versatility and potential to develop into a valuable asset.
Soccer (FIFA)
fromBavarian Football Works
1 week ago

Tom Bischof reveals how Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has helped improve his style of play

Vincent Kompany transformed Bayern Munich's training and tactics, significantly improving players like Tom Bischof through detailed coaching, discipline, and enjoyable sessions.
fromwww.fourfourtwo.com
1 week ago

David James on Cole Palmer's drive and winning attitude

Cole Palmer's emergence as one of Europe's best young players is the result of desire, drive and confidence, according to former Manchester City and England goalkeeper David James. Palmer's first taste of senior football came as an 18-year-old when he played in a fourth-round League Cup clash in September 2020, as he looked to make the transition from promising youngster at the Etihad to a regular first-teamer in one of the planet's most star-packed sides.
Soccer (FIFA)
#brooklyn-nets
fromwww.amny.com
1 week ago
National Basketball Association

Nets 2025-26 preview: Development superseding wins once again | amNewYork

fromNew York Daily News
1 week ago
Brooklyn

Jordi Fernandez and the NBA's boldest experiment: Can the Nets develop five first-round picks at once?

Jordi Fernández rebuilt Brooklyn's culture and emphasized player development, defense, and integrating five newly drafted first-rounders to reshape the team's identity.
fromNew York Daily News
2 weeks ago
National Basketball Association

Nets' rookie guards learning on the fly as Egor Demin joins the mix

Nets rookie guards show promising athleticism and playmaking but struggle with turnovers and inexperience during preseason.
fromwww.amny.com
1 week ago
National Basketball Association

Nets 2025-26 preview: Development superseding wins once again | amNewYork

National Hockey League
fromEyes On Isles
1 week ago

NY Islanders make forward looking hire with new mental performance consultant

The New York Islanders hired Siana Sylvester as Mental Performance Consultant to embed cognitive preparation across NHL, AHL, and prospect levels alongside skill, analytics, and recovery.
New York Islanders
fromEyes On Isles
1 week ago

Marshall Warren's crazy journey from NY Islanders youth program to NHL debut

Long Island native Marshall Warren earned an NHL recall after steady AHL development, returning to UBS Arena carrying the community that supported his childhood dream.
fromESPN.com
1 week ago

NBA intel: Wemby's new game plan, and early concerns for Lakers and Rockets

A thrilling start to the NBA season came to a screeching halt on Thursday, when Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former player and coach Damon Jones were arrested as part of FBI investigations into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. Questions remain on the status of those investigations. And while those indictments overshadowed the opening days of the NBA's 80th season, its first handful of games showed us plenty about what could be next on the court.
National Basketball Association
AC Milan
fromSempreMilan
1 week ago

GdS: Smile and the rest- seven words that could define Leao's future at Milan

Rafael Leao remains a high-potential attacker whose role, leadership, and long-term future at AC Milan are undecided despite recent strong performances.
fromwww.caughtoffside.com
1 week ago

Enzo Maresca recently confronted one Chelsea player with strong criticism in training

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted to recently confronting striker Marc Guiu during training to tell him to improve. The Italian tactician, speaking at his press conference today, as quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano, says he didn't like the way Guiu was training. It seems Maresca made it very clear to Guiu that he wasn't happy with any aspect of his performances in training sessions, but since then the Spaniard has taken that on board and improved.
Soccer (FIFA)
Soccer (FIFA)
fromESPN.com
1 week ago

Maresca: 'I didn't like' Guiu training performance

Enzo Maresca warned Marc Guiu about poor training; Guiu improved, regained opportunities, and scored his first goal in Chelsea's 5-1 Champions League win over Ajax.
fromBarca Blaugranes
1 week ago

New Monaco boss sends advice to Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati

"We have a lot of quality between the lines, Mamadou also brings solutions at the back in terms of creativity and infiltration. I try to use tactical discipline to provoke this creativity and not the other way around. I think Maghnes had a lot of fun, while still performing well defensively. He was smiling at the end, even though he was inevitably disappointed," he told reporters.
FC Barcelona
fromLos Angeles Times
1 week ago

Commentary: What might have been if the Angels had signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a decade ago

This is a brutal October for the Angels, and not just because they are defendants before a jury that must determine whether the team is guilty of negligence or ignorance that contributed to the death of one of its players. On the field, baseball's longest postseason drought extended to 11 years. They just hired their fourth manager in five years and gave him a one-year contract, which makes him a lame duck before he ever manages a game.
Toronto
Washington Wizards
fromWiz of Awes
1 week ago

Cam Whitmore's opening night sent a clear message about his Wizards future

Cam Whitmore's 19-point, 19-minute bench debut for the Washington Wizards suggests he can be an impactful contributor in the team's rebuild.
AC Milan
fromSempreMilan
1 week ago

Ballo-Toure reflects on Milan spell and makes predictions on Scudetto plus Maignan's future

Ballo-Touré's Milan spell was mixed but valuable: he won the Scudetto, learned high standards, struggled for minutes, and now mentors teammates at Metz.
Soccer (FIFA)
fromWorld Soccer
1 week ago

Out now: World Soccer November 2025 - World Soccer

Emerging Under-20 footballers show exceptional intelligence, maturity, precociousness and fearlessness, suggesting a bright future for the sport.
fromESPN.com
1 week ago

Chelsea 'lucky' to have record-breaking Estevao

On what was only his fifth Chelsea start after a summer move from Palmeiras worth an initial £29 million, Estêvão was impressive throughout and almost capped an all-round action display late on with a fabulous overhead kick which drifted just wide.
Soccer (FIFA)
Brooklyn
fromNew York Daily News
1 week ago

Nets Notebook: Brooklyn picks up Noah Clowney's option, rookies adjust on the fly and the helmet tradition returns

Nets exercised Noah Clowney's 2026–27 team option, guaranteeing $5.4M after offseason physical development, improved shooting, and showing potential despite last season's ankle injuries.
#new-york-rangers
AC Milan
fromSempreMilan
1 week ago

MN: Hard work, Futuro spell and Allegri's faith - how Bartesaghi is proving doubters wrong

Davide Bartesaghi has earned AC Milan first-team trust through Serie C experience, disciplined development, and Allegri's confidence, evolving into a reliable wing-back.
fromwww.bbc.com
1 week ago

'Tough feedback' - how Frankfurt turned Ekitike into 69m star

Strikers are always more shiny,
Soccer (FIFA)
fromBavarian Football Works
1 week ago

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany won't steal Harry Kane's thunder

"He's unlocked his next level by himself," Kompany said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). "He's always done that, even when I was playing against him and the years in between. That's the mentality that he's created every year. Maybe it helped that he didn't win a title for a long time, meaning he kept up that hunger. He's felt what his role in our team can be, also among his teammates."
Soccer (FIFA)
fromRaptors Rapture
1 week ago

Raptors wing's defensive intensity sparks hope for long-term stay

I remember assistant coach Pat Delany mentioning during his session the importance of making defense messy. He stressed that players should keep their arms moving, working on hand activity, staying focused and getting their chin on the ball. While this might sound like a chaotic, spazzy style of defense, Delany offered a key analogy: players need to have a " cobra mentality" instead of a " woodpecker mentality," waiting patiently for the right moment to strike.
Toronto Raptors
fromEditor In Leaf
1 week ago

Berube says Leafs rookie needs 'reset' as he sits out vs. Devils

he needs a reset, get a game to watch. It's always good for young guys to watch a game at some point
National Hockey League
Soccer (FIFA)
fromwww.fourfourtwo.com
1 week ago

'I was thrown straight into it with that World Cup. I turned out okay, but it could've gone a different way' Theo Walcott offers advice to Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman

Theo Walcott says Arsenal's young players are exciting but need patience, protection from media, and measured exposure to handle early first-team breakthroughs.
fromESPN.com
1 week ago

Nuggets' Braun reaches 5-year, $125M extension

Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun has agreed to a five-year, $125 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball told ESPN on Monday. Braun, the No. 21 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, has been a developmental find and success for the Nuggets brass. The Nuggets' top executives, Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, made it a priority to negotiate a new long-term deal to lock in Braun as part of the franchise's core moving forward.
National Basketball Association
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 week ago

Exciting' Noah Caluori could make England debut this autumn, says Borthwick

It was impossible to miss Caluori's aerial ability and eye for the try line at the weekend with the former Lions captain Sam Warburton describing the 6ft 5in tall youngster as almost undefendable and an absolute diamond. England have been aware of his potential for a while and it seems that some game time against Fiji a fortnight on Saturday is not impossible.
Miscellaneous
National Hockey League
fromBlue Seat Blogs
1 week ago

The Matt Rempe circus has ended, thankfully - Blue Seat Blogs

Matt Rempe transformed from a limited enforcer into a trusted, effective fourth-line player after offseason skating work and trust from coach Mike Sullivan.
National Hockey League
fromMaple Leafs Hotstove
1 week ago

The Maple Leafs' offseason plan forward isn't playing out on the ice - Leafs Notebook

Nick Robertson must develop additional skills beyond goal-scoring to earn a steady NHL role, while Brandon Carlo shows limited puck-confidence despite solid offensive-zone faceoffs.
fromAll U Can Heat
1 week ago

Heat's master plan for Jaime Jaquez Jr. is becoming crystal clear

For Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, it appears JJJ is going to be utilized as a Swiss Army knife, filling any gaps at positions 1-4 that the team may need at the start of the regular season. And now that the Heat have cut Precious Achiuwa, there is at least some sense that the team is fairly confident in JJJ heading into the start of the season.
National Basketball Association
Major League Baseball
fromMLB Trade Rumors
1 week ago

Willson Contreras's Move To First Base Was A Success

Willson Contreras moved to first base, struggled early in 2025, then rebounded to a .257/.344/.447 season with a 124 wRC+, matching his career offensive level.
fromDodgers Nation
1 week ago

Dave Roberts Sends Message to Dodgers Ahead of World Series After NLCS Sweep

Dave Roberts deserves his flowers. Prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers breaking through last year, he often was criticized by the media and the fan base for his managerial choices. The disgruntlement and criticism has fortunately died down over the last calendar year given the fact he's established himself as one of the most decorated, well-liked, and well-respected skippers in the history of the sport.
Major League Baseball
National Hockey League
fromMaple Leafs Hotstove
2 weeks ago

Craig Berube on keeping Easton Cowan on the bench for most of the third period vs. NYR: "He pushed a little bit too much... He knows; he is a smart kid who understands"

Young players need patient, in-game management and simple, patient play when leading; manage workloads and use coaching and video review for improvement.
Washington DC
fromRMNB
2 weeks ago

Rumors swirling about Hendrix Lapierre's potential trade availability after another uneven start to a season

Hendrix Lapierre’s roster role with Washington has already diminished early in 2025–26, sparking trade speculation despite his preseason scoring pedigree.
AC Milan
fromSempreMilan
2 weeks ago

'Asked for the cameras to be turned off' - Carbone reveals Maldini-Camarda anecdote

Gabriele Camarda is rapidly developing as a young striker, scoring for Lecce and Italy U21 while Milan secures him under contract with loan and buy-back.
Washington Wizards
fromWiz of Awes
2 weeks ago

Wizards' preseason ends with brutal blow offering unwanted news

Bub Carrington suffered knee soreness after an awkward preseason landing, jeopardizing his expected role as the Wizards' primary ball-handler.
fromWiz of Awes
2 weeks ago

Scouts don't know Tre Johnson's ceiling - but they know he's too good to fail

That was a good pick just from the standpoint that he has a very defined path in the NBA, and it's going to be his combination of his shooting and size," the scout told Robbins.
National Basketball Association
fromSun Sentinel
2 weeks ago

Dolphins O-line coach passionately says rookie Jonah Savaiinaea needs time, development

I look at it like this: When I'm a parent, I got three kids. They all go at a different rate in terms of - I have an expectation of what I think they should do and how I think they should mature. They don't do it at my rate, though. They do it at their own. Players have that same type of mode of operation. It's consistency, it's the standard of work that we approach it with.
National Football League
fromESPN.com
2 weeks ago

U.S. Soccer: Extend NCAA season

A committee working on behalf of U.S. Soccer has recommended that men's college soccer switch to a season that stretches across the full academic year beginning fall 2026. The recommendation comes after U.S. Soccer tasked the 17-person "NexGen College Soccer Committee" with finding solutions to evolve college soccer to, among other things, better prepare players to turn professional and compete at the international level.
Soccer (FIFA)
Miami
fromAll U Can Heat
2 weeks ago

Heat's gamble on Keshad Johnson might have been a massive mistake

Keshad Johnson has underperformed in preseason and risks becoming a wasted roster addition for the Miami Heat unless he improves quickly.
#bayern-munich
AC Milan
fromSempreMilan
2 weeks ago

Camarda admits to 'skipping steps' in development and names 'biggest sacrifice'

Francesco Camarda acknowledges skipping development steps and prioritizes strict nutrition, intensive training, and mentality to make sacrifices and reach professional goals.
Soccer (FIFA)
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 weeks ago

Pitch Points: could Italy really miss another World Cup? And why has Wirtz started slowly at Liverpool?

Italy face a prolonged World Cup absence despite recent attacking improvements and managerial change, while major clubs invested heavily in perceived generational talent.
fromEyes On Isles
2 weeks ago

One young Islanders player is quietly falling out of the picture

Last season, Tsyplakov looked like he was on an upward trajectory, clocking in 35 points and 10 goals across 77 contests along with a plus-4 rating. He was a physical force, with 140 hits, and Tsyplakov also logged middle-six minutes, with an average time on ice of 14:58. Not bad for a first-year player.
New York Islanders
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