MANHATTAN&nbsp;– Kansas State will host 3-time NCAA champion Villanova on Dec. 5 as part of the fifth edition of the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle, the two conferences announced on Thursday.

The game will be broadcast on one of ESPN’s properties at a time to be determined later.

The 11 matchups were jointly determined by the two conferences and will be played on various campuses starting on Nov. 30 and running through Dec. 5. The series will increase to 11 games in 2023-24 and 2024-25 due to increased membership for both leagues. The Big 12 will host six games in 2023-24 while the BIG EAST will host six the following season.

This will be just the second meeting between the programs and the first in more than 80 years since Villanova knocked off K-State, 51-34, on Dec. 27, 1940, in Philadelphia.

K-State is 0-3 all-time in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle following losses to Marquette in 2019 and 2021 and Butler in 2022. This past season, the Bulldogs posted a 76-64 win over the Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Overall, K-State is 24-27 all-time against BIG EAST opponents, including 11-4 at home. The last win against a BIG EAST foe came against Creighton in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 16 in Charlotte.

Led by first-year head coach&nbsp;Kyle Neptune, Villanova posted a 17-17 overall record, including a 10-10 mark in the BIG EAST, and advanced to the NIT in 2022-23. Rocked by injuries early in the season, the Wildcats won 6 of their last 8 regular-season games, including notable victories over NCAA Tournament teams Xavier and Creighton, to earn a bid to the NIT, where they lost at Big South Champion Liberty, 62-57, in the first round.

Neptune replaced the legendary&nbsp;Jay Wright&nbsp;as the Wildcats’ head coach on April 20, 2022, after guiding Fordham to a 16-16 record in his first and only season in 2021-22. Neptune was a Villanova assistant coach from 2013-21, helping the school to 233 victories, 7 BIG EAST regular-season titles, 4 BIG EAST Tournament crowns and NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2018.

Led by Naismith National Coach of the Year&nbsp;Jerome Tang, the Wildcats compiled a 26-10 record in 2022-23, which included a tie for third place in the Big 12 and the school’s 13th&nbsp;trip to the Elite Eight. The 26 wins are the third-most in school history and the most since winning 27 in 2012-13.

The rest of the 2023-24 men’s basketball schedule will be released as it becomes official.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680803967277.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="http://k-statesports.com">k-statesports.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="http://k-statesports.com">k-statesports.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State SportsMANHATTAN&nbsp;– Kansas State will host 3-time NCAA champion Villanova on Dec. 5 as part of the fifth edition of the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle, the two conferences announced on Thursday.The game will be broadcast on one of ESPN’s properties at a time to be determined later.The 11 matchups were jointly determined by the two conferences and will be played on various campuses starting on Nov. 30 and running through Dec. 5. The series will increase to 11 games in 2023-24 and 2024-25 due to increased membership for both leagues. The Big 12 will host six games in 2023-24 while the BIG EAST will host six the following season.This will be just the second meeting between the programs and the first in more than 80 years since Villanova knocked off K-State, 51-34, on Dec. 27, 1940, in Philadelphia.K-State is 0-3 all-time in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle following losses to Marquette in 2019 and 2021 and Butler in 2022. This past season, the Bulldogs posted a 76-64 win over the Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse.Overall, K-State is 24-27 all-time against BIG EAST opponents, including 11-4 at home. The last win against a BIG EAST foe came against Creighton in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 16 in Charlotte.Led by first-year head coach&nbsp;Kyle Neptune, Villanova posted a 17-17 overall record, including a 10-10 mark in the BIG EAST, and advanced to the NIT in 2022-23. Rocked by injuries early in the season, the Wildcats won 6 of their last 8 regular-season games, including notable victories over NCAA Tournament teams Xavier and Creighton, to earn a bid to the NIT, where they lost at Big South Champion Liberty, 62-57, in the first round.Neptune replaced the legendary&nbsp;Jay Wright&nbsp;as the Wildcats’ head coach on April 20, 2022, after guiding Fordham to a 16-16 record in his first and only season in 2021-22. Neptune was a Villanova assistant coach from 2013-21, helping the school to 233 victories, 7 BIG EAST regular-season titles, 4 BIG EAST Tournament crowns and NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2018.Led by Naismith National Coach of the Year&nbsp;Jerome Tang, the Wildcats compiled a 26-10 record in 2022-23, which included a tie for third place in the Big 12 and the school’s 13th&nbsp;trip to the Elite Eight. The 26 wins are the third-most in school history and the most since winning 27 in 2012-13.The rest of the 2023-24 men’s basketball schedule will be released as it becomes official.Big 12/BIG EAST ChallengeNov. 30 – Texas Tech at ButlerNov. 30 – Creighton at Oklahoma StateDec. 1 – Iowa State at DePaulDec. 1 – Houston at XavierDec. 1 – UConn at KansasDec. 1 – St. John’s at West VirginiaDec. 2 – TCU at GeorgetownDec. 5 – Texas at MarquetteDec. 5 – Providence at OklahomaDec. 5 – Seton Hall at BaylorDec.&nbsp;5 – Villanova at K-State

K-State men to host Villanova in BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle

By MARC BOWMAN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Alek Manoah allowed one hit over seven innings, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first homer of the season and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Manoah (1-0) held the Royals hitless until Jackie Bradley Jr. singled with one out in the fifth.

"I think we were able to attack them for the most part and force them to dig out of a hole," Manoah said. "Just going out there and letting that defense work. I think I was able to do that, to go out there and command most of my pitches, limit damage and get some weak contact.

"The weather, a little gloomy, a little windy, little cold. I just kept trying to blow into my hand. Some of those balls can get a little bit slick. Still left some pitches that I felt like command-wise need to be a little bit better. But, it was a good day on the mound and we got a win."

Despite struggling to locate his off-speed pitches for strikes, Manoah struck out five with four walks.

"He really buckled down when he needed to," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. "He's a fiery competitor. He kind of has a different gear. You trust him in those spots. His competitive aspect really comes out."

Toronto broke a scoreless tie in the sixth with a one-out grounder by Matt Chapman, plating Guerrero. With runners at the corners, Chapman appeared to ground into an inning-ending double play, but first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino was unable to handle Bobby Witt Jr.'s low relay after the force out.

The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the eighth with Guerrero's opposite-field leadoff homer and a run-producing single by Chapman. Guerrero and Daulton Varsho had three hits apiece.

"(Going opposite field is) tough to do in this ballpark, this weather," Schneider said. "That's impressive. That's Vladdy being Vladdy right there."

Guerrero said the key was being more relaxed at the plate.

"I believe when you're trying too hard, when you look for it, it's going to be harder," he said. "So I feel relaxed. I got a good pitch and put good contact and it went well."

Zack Greinke (0-2) worked ahead of batters all night, throwing first-pitch strikes to 20-of-25 hitters. He threw six innings, allowing a run on seven singles and a walk, striking out three.

"A pitcher like him with that experience, he goes out there every day and competes," Guerrero said. "So when you face him you've got to do the same thing, you've got to compete. You've got to have good at-bats against him."

Manoah also enjoyed the competition against Greinke.

"I thought it was great, his definition of pitching," Manoah said. "Obviously a future Hall of Famer. It was great to be able to go zero-zero for five or six innings there. That was pretty fun."

Jordan Romano closed out Kansas City with a scoreless ninth inning, collecting his third save in three chances.

The Royals were shut out for the third time in six games.

Bench coach Paul Hoover served as Royals interim manager with Matt Quatraro out with COVID.

Royals OF Kyle Isbel has been placed on the paternity list, with 1B/OF Nick Pratto recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (0-1, 0.00 ERA) takes the mound opposite Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (0-1, 1.69) in the series finale Thursday afternoon.

By MARC BOWMAN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Alek Manoah allowed one hit over seven innings, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first homer of the season and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Wednesday night.Manoah (1-0) held the Royals hitless until Jackie Bradley Jr. singled with one out in the fifth."I think we were able to attack them for the most part and force them to dig out of a hole," Manoah said. "Just going out there and letting that defense work. I think I was able to do that, to go out there and command most of my pitches, limit damage and get some weak contact."The weather, a little gloomy, a little windy, little cold. I just kept trying to blow into my hand. Some of those balls can get a little bit slick. Still left some pitches that I felt like command-wise need to be a little bit better. But, it was a good day on the mound and we got a win."Despite struggling to locate his off-speed pitches for strikes, Manoah struck out five with four walks."He really buckled down when he needed to," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. "He's a fiery competitor. He kind of has a different gear. You trust him in those spots. His competitive aspect really comes out."Toronto broke a scoreless tie in the sixth with a one-out grounder by Matt Chapman, plating Guerrero. With runners at the corners, Chapman appeared to ground into an inning-ending double play, but first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino was unable to handle Bobby Witt Jr.'s low relay after the force out.The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the eighth with Guerrero's opposite-field leadoff homer and a run-producing single by Chapman. Guerrero and Daulton Varsho had three hits apiece."(Going opposite field is) tough to do in this ballpark, this weather," Schneider said. "That's impressive. That's Vladdy being Vladdy right there."Guerrero said the key was being more relaxed at the plate."I believe when you're trying too hard, when you look for it, it's going to be harder," he said. "So I feel relaxed. I got a good pitch and put good contact and it went well."Zack Greinke (0-2) worked ahead of batters all night, throwing first-pitch strikes to 20-of-25 hitters. He threw six innings, allowing a run on seven singles and a walk, striking out three."A pitcher like him with that experience, he goes out there every day and competes," Guerrero said. "So when you face him you've got to do the same thing, you've got to compete. You've got to have good at-bats against him."Manoah also enjoyed the competition against Greinke."I thought it was great, his definition of pitching," Manoah said. "Obviously a future Hall of Famer. It was great to be able to go zero-zero for five or six innings there. That was pretty fun."Jordan Romano closed out Kansas City with a scoreless ninth inning, collecting his third save in three chances.The Royals were shut out for the third time in six games.TRAINER'S ROOM Bench coach Paul Hoover served as Royals interim manager with Matt Quatraro out with COVID.TRANSACTIONSRoyals OF Kyle Isbel has been placed on the paternity list, with 1B/OF Nick Pratto recalled from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTBlue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (0-1, 0.00 ERA) takes the mound opposite Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (0-1, 1.69) in the series finale Thursday afternoon.

Manoah, Blue Jays blank Royals 3-0; Guerrero hits first HR

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer

Bill Self said he's doing well after a health scare kept him from coaching Kansas in the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments last month, and he reiterated Wednesday that he has no plans to step away from the Jayhawks any time soon.

Self spoke to reporters for the first time since March 8, when he went to an emergency room after a final shootaround for the conference tournament. He was complaining of chest tightness and concerns about his balance, and the 60-year-old had two stents placed to help treat blocked arteries at the University of Kansas Health System.

"To be honest," Self said, "I haven't done a lot since the Big 12 Tournament. But I'm exercising almost daily. I don't know if you guys believe this: They told me that I need to improve my diet and exercise more."

"But I feel fine," the Hall of Fame coach continued. "My energy level is probably back to where it was prior to the episode but not where it's getting ready to go, I believe. I think sometimes we don't realize we don't feel well until we actually feel well and know the difference. And I'm in the process of feeling well again, so I'm excited about that."

Longtime assistant Norm Roberts guided the Jayhawks to the Big 12 title game, where they lost to Texas. They still received a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, thanks to their regular-season Big 12 championship and strong schedule, and easily beat Howard in the first round before losing a 72-71 nail-biter to eighth-seeded Arkansas in the second round.

Self helped to run practices during both of the NCAA tourney games but decided against coaching on game day.

"I was never scared that I wasn't going to be OK. But it was a different feeling," he said. "I'm sure many have had it, but it was kind of like an out-of-body type experience that you really don't know what's going on. You have no control over what is going on. So it was something that I'd never experienced before, but it was never to the point where I felt like I was in danger."

Self did acknowledge that the health scare made him reevaluate his future in coaching.

"I think the last several weeks I've been able to reflect on a lot of things," he said. "The one thing I can tell you without question: I missed my job. I love my job and I want to do my job for a long time. That's what is positive."

"Now," Self said, "for me to be effective doing that, I think I have to wake up a little bit and maybe do some things from a lifestyle standpoint, a personal habit standpoint, that I've been very, very, very inconsistent with my entire adult life. And I said that jokingly earlier, can you imagine a doctor telling you to lose weight, eat right and exercise? I've been told that a long time, but I'm taking that serious for the first time I probably have in my life."

The Jayhawks, who are holding their end-of-season banquet Thursday, are poised to look much different next season.

Star freshman Gradey Dick has declared for the NBA draft, All-American forward Jalen Wilson has likewise announced his intentions to go pro, and Kevin McCullar Jr. is expected to join them. The Jayhawks also have had forwards MJ Rice and Zach Clemence, big man Cam Martin and guards Joseph Yesufu and Bobby Pettiford Jr. enter the transfer portal.

The Jayhawks have four high-level freshmen arriving next season, but Self acknowledged the need to work the portal.

"We've got work to do before we're a top-10 team, but I'm really hopeful within weeks everybody would say they should be ranked higher than a top-10 team," Self said. "I feel like we're in on some good kids."

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball WriterBill Self said he's doing well after a health scare kept him from coaching Kansas in the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments last month, and he reiterated Wednesday that he has no plans to step away from the Jayhawks any time soon.Self spoke to reporters for the first time since March 8, when he went to an emergency room after a final shootaround for the conference tournament. He was complaining of chest tightness and concerns about his balance, and the 60-year-old had two stents placed to help treat blocked arteries at the University of Kansas Health System."To be honest," Self said, "I haven't done a lot since the Big 12 Tournament. But I'm exercising almost daily. I don't know if you guys believe this: They told me that I need to improve my diet and exercise more.""But I feel fine," the Hall of Fame coach continued. "My energy level is probably back to where it was prior to the episode but not where it's getting ready to go, I believe. I think sometimes we don't realize we don't feel well until we actually feel well and know the difference. And I'm in the process of feeling well again, so I'm excited about that."Longtime assistant Norm Roberts guided the Jayhawks to the Big 12 title game, where they lost to Texas. They still received a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, thanks to their regular-season Big 12 championship and strong schedule, and easily beat Howard in the first round before losing a 72-71 nail-biter to eighth-seeded Arkansas in the second round.Self helped to run practices during both of the NCAA tourney games but decided against coaching on game day."I was never scared that I wasn't going to be OK. But it was a different feeling," he said. "I'm sure many have had it, but it was kind of like an out-of-body type experience that you really don't know what's going on. You have no control over what is going on. So it was something that I'd never experienced before, but it was never to the point where I felt like I was in danger."Self did acknowledge that the health scare made him reevaluate his future in coaching."I think the last several weeks I've been able to reflect on a lot of things," he said. "The one thing I can tell you without question: I missed my job. I love my job and I want to do my job for a long time. That's what is positive.""Now," Self said, "for me to be effective doing that, I think I have to wake up a little bit and maybe do some things from a lifestyle standpoint, a personal habit standpoint, that I've been very, very, very inconsistent with my entire adult life. And I said that jokingly earlier, can you imagine a doctor telling you to lose weight, eat right and exercise? I've been told that a long time, but I'm taking that serious for the first time I probably have in my life."The Jayhawks, who are holding their end-of-season banquet Thursday, are poised to look much different next season.Star freshman Gradey Dick has declared for the NBA draft, All-American forward Jalen Wilson has likewise announced his intentions to go pro, and Kevin McCullar Jr. is expected to join them. The Jayhawks also have had forwards MJ Rice and Zach Clemence, big man Cam Martin and guards Joseph Yesufu and Bobby Pettiford Jr. enter the transfer portal.The Jayhawks have four high-level freshmen arriving next season, but Self acknowledged the need to work the portal."We've got work to do before we're a top-10 team, but I'm really hopeful within weeks everybody would say they should be ranked higher than a top-10 team," Self said. "I feel like we're in on some good kids."

Kansas' Self feels good after scare, plans to keep coaching

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

NEW YORK — A year removed from a labor lockout that postponed opening day, major league players are enjoying their biggest salary spike in more than two decades.

The average Major League Baseball salary was up 11.1% to a record $4.9 million to start this season, the largest jump for the sport since 2001, according to a study by The Associated Press.

The surge follows a spending spree in the first offseason since players and owners agreed to a five-year collective bargaining agreement last March.

"It's a step in the right direction," said Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien, part of the union's eight-member executive subcommittee who helped negotiate the CBA.

The New York Mets led the way with a $355 million payroll, $70 million more than the previous high for a season's start. Seven teams topped $200 million.

Oakland was last at $58 million — less than the combined salaries of Mets pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, who tied for the major league high of $43.3 million.

This year's percentage rise was the largest since a 13.9% jump in 2001.

"It's about damn time, honestly," said Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Zach Eflin, who signed a $40 million, three-year deal in December. "It's been pretty much a joke the past five, 10 years about the way the players have been paid the minimum salaries."

Aaron Judge, Manny Machado, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa and Jacob deGrom all got big deals during an offseason that saw the average shatter the previous high of $4.45 million in 2017.

"Teams are making money, players are making it. So it's good all around," said deGrom, who left the Mets for Texas.

Of 943 players in the major leagues on opening day, 546 had salaries of $1 million or more, 58%, and up from 514 last year.

"The stance that we took was great, getting players to be paid more is what we want," Correa said. "Obviously, we bring a lot to this game. But at the same time us as players have to keep putting up the work, making sure that after we get contracts, we keep performing to the highest level for teams to keep spending and keep going big."

Judge was third at $40 million after hitting an American League-record 62 homers. Seven of 11 highest-paid players are with teams in New York or Los Angeles, a sign of the economic power of the large markets.

"I saw the revenue numbers for the game last year," said Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, also a member of the players' association's executive subcommittee during negotiations. "So when those continue to go up, then players salaries should go up with that, as well."

After setting a record in 2017, the average dropped by just under 1% in each of the following two years and fell as low at $4.2 million in 2021 after the pandemic-shortened season.

Unhappy with their share of spending, players endured a 99-day lockout before agreeing to a labor contract last March. Spending resumed at a frenetic pace, and the average rose 6% to $4.4 million in 2022.

This winter, spending was spurred by paydays for streaming and broadcast rights, an expanded postseason format and rising ticket prices.

"It's a barometer of the wealth of the game" agent Scott Boras said. "It's always great business to invest in players, and this increase reflects investment in the great players of the game."

Steve Cohen has boosted payroll steadily since buying the Mets, who were at $154 million in 2019, the last full season under the Wilpon and Katz families. Their spending rose to $186 million in 2021 and $266 million last year, when they started second to the Dodgers but wound up first after Los Angeles pitcher Trevor Bauer was suspended for most of the season without pay.

The Yankees are second at $275 million followed by San Diego ($258 million), NL champion Philadelphia ($236 million), the Dodgers ($222 million), the Angels ($212 million) and Toronto ($210 million).

World Series champion Houston is 11th at $193 million. Baltimore is 29th at $60 million, with Pittsburgh ($71 million) and Tampa Bay ($75 million) just above.

Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon was fourth at $36.8 million, followed by Angels outfielder Mike Trout ($37.1 million), Cole ($36 million), Texas shortstop Corey Seager ($35 million), Correa ($33.3 million), St. Louis third baseman Nolan Arenado ($32.8 million) and Washington pitcher Stephen Strasburg ($32.5 million).

Sixteen players earn $30 million or more, an increase of three; 53 earn $20 million, a rise of five; and 158 at least $10 million, a jump of 25. The 50 highest-paid players make 29% of total salary, down from 30% last year and 33% in 2021, and the top 100 earn 47%, a decrease from 52% two years ago.

Forty-five players earned the $720,000 minimum, which was increased by $20,000 from last year.

The median salary, the point at which an equal number of players are above and below, rose by $300,000 to $1.5 million, still below the record high at the start of 2015. Active rosters have increased from 25 to 26, lowering the median by adding more lower salaried players.

The AP's figures include salaries and prorated shares of signing bonuses and other guaranteed income. For some players, parts of deferred money are discounted to reflect current values.

MLB's opening-day payroll figures for 40-man rosters and luxury tax payrolls based on average annual values of contracts plus benefits, won't be finalized until later in the season.

AP Sports Writer Stephen Hawkins and AP freelance writers Larry Fleisher, Santos Perez and Harvey Valentine contributed to this report.

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball WriterNEW YORK — A year removed from a labor lockout that postponed opening day, major league players are enjoying their biggest salary spike in more than two decades.The average Major League Baseball salary was up 11.1% to a record $4.9 million to start this season, the largest jump for the sport since 2001, according to a study by The Associated Press.The surge follows a spending spree in the first offseason since players and owners agreed to a five-year collective bargaining agreement last March."It's a step in the right direction," said Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien, part of the union's eight-member executive subcommittee who helped negotiate the CBA.The New York Mets led the way with a $355 million payroll, $70 million more than the previous high for a season's start. Seven teams topped $200 million.Oakland was last at $58 million — less than the combined salaries of Mets pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, who tied for the major league high of $43.3 million.This year's percentage rise was the largest since a 13.9% jump in 2001."It's about damn time, honestly," said Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Zach Eflin, who signed a $40 million, three-year deal in December. "It's been pretty much a joke the past five, 10 years about the way the players have been paid the minimum salaries."Aaron Judge, Manny Machado, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa and Jacob deGrom all got big deals during an offseason that saw the average shatter the previous high of $4.45 million in 2017."Teams are making money, players are making it. So it's good all around," said deGrom, who left the Mets for Texas.Of 943 players in the major leagues on opening day, 546 had salaries of $1 million or more, 58%, and up from 514 last year."The stance that we took was great, getting players to be paid more is what we want," Correa said. "Obviously, we bring a lot to this game. But at the same time us as players have to keep putting up the work, making sure that after we get contracts, we keep performing to the highest level for teams to keep spending and keep going big."Judge was third at $40 million after hitting an American League-record 62 homers. Seven of 11 highest-paid players are with teams in New York or Los Angeles, a sign of the economic power of the large markets."I saw the revenue numbers for the game last year," said Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, also a member of the players' association's executive subcommittee during negotiations. "So when those continue to go up, then players salaries should go up with that, as well."After setting a record in 2017, the average dropped by just under 1% in each of the following two years and fell as low at $4.2 million in 2021 after the pandemic-shortened season.Unhappy with their share of spending, players endured a 99-day lockout before agreeing to a labor contract last March. Spending resumed at a frenetic pace, and the average rose 6% to $4.4 million in 2022.This winter, spending was spurred by paydays for streaming and broadcast rights, an expanded postseason format and rising ticket prices."It's a barometer of the wealth of the game" agent Scott Boras said. "It's always great business to invest in players, and this increase reflects investment in the great players of the game."Steve Cohen has boosted payroll steadily since buying the Mets, who were at $154 million in 2019, the last full season under the Wilpon and Katz families. Their spending rose to $186 million in 2021 and $266 million last year, when they started second to the Dodgers but wound up first after Los Angeles pitcher Trevor Bauer was suspended for most of the season without pay.The Yankees are second at $275 million followed by San Diego ($258 million), NL champion Philadelphia ($236 million), the Dodgers ($222 million), the Angels ($212 million) and Toronto ($210 million).World Series champion Houston is 11th at $193 million. Baltimore is 29th at $60 million, with Pittsburgh ($71 million) and Tampa Bay ($75 million) just above.Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon was fourth at $36.8 million, followed by Angels outfielder Mike Trout ($37.1 million), Cole ($36 million), Texas shortstop Corey Seager ($35 million), Correa ($33.3 million), St. Louis third baseman Nolan Arenado ($32.8 million) and Washington pitcher Stephen Strasburg ($32.5 million).Sixteen players earn $30 million or more, an increase of three; 53 earn $20 million, a rise of five; and 158 at least $10 million, a jump of 25. The 50 highest-paid players make 29% of total salary, down from 30% last year and 33% in 2021, and the top 100 earn 47%, a decrease from 52% two years ago.Forty-five players earned the $720,000 minimum, which was increased by $20,000 from last year.The median salary, the point at which an equal number of players are above and below, rose by $300,000 to $1.5 million, still below the record high at the start of 2015. Active rosters have increased from 25 to 26, lowering the median by adding more lower salaried players.The AP's figures include salaries and prorated shares of signing bonuses and other guaranteed income. For some players, parts of deferred money are discounted to reflect current values.MLB's opening-day payroll figures for 40-man rosters and luxury tax payrolls based on average annual values of contracts plus benefits, won't be finalized until later in the season.AP Sports Writer Stephen Hawkins and AP freelance writers Larry Fleisher, Santos Perez and Harvey Valentine contributed to this report.

AP exclusive: MLB average salary up 11% year after lockout

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As fans of the Kansas City Royals look to the future during MLB’s opening week. Here’s an update on where members of the Royals' 2015 World Series team, the last time the franchise won the championship, are today.

Catcher Salvador Perez remains with the team — he’s the only starter from the 2015 team still with the Royals. The 2023 season will be his 13th in blue. In 2019, he missed the entire season due to an injury.&nbsp;

Outfielder Alex Gordon remained with the Royals until he retired after the 2020 season. He played his entire career for KC.

Outfielder Lorenzo Cain signed with the Milwaukee Brewers after the 2017 season. This year, he announced he’s done playing in the MLB and will return to Kauffman Stadium this season to officially retire as a Royal.

Outfielder Alex Rios went out with a bang in 2015, his 12th and final season in the major leagues.

Third baseman Mike Moustakas played with Cain in Milwaukee after the Royals traded him during the 2018 season. He then played with the Cincinnati Reds and will play for the Colorado Rockies this season.

Shortstop Alcides Escobar stayed with the Royals through 2018. He then spent a couple of years in the minors before signing with the Washington Nationals in 2021. This March, he signed with Leones de Yucatán, a professional team in the Mexican League.&nbsp;

Second baseman Ben Zobrist joined the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and won back-to-back World Series. He retired in 2020. Zobrist named his daughter Blaise Royal after the Kansas City team.

First baseman Eric Hosmer signed with the San Diego Padres before the 2018 season. The Padres traded him to Boston in 2022, and he’ll play the 2023 season for the Chicago Cubs.

Pitcher Danny Duffy remained with the team until the Royals traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, although he hasn’t played in the MLB since the trade.

Pitcher Yordano Ventura died in a car crash in his home country of the Dominican Republic after the 2016 season.

Pitcher Jeremy Guthrie will return to the Royals as a member of the broadcast team this season. He last played in 2017 for the Washington Nationals.

Relief pitchers Greg Holland and Wade Davis both returned to the Royals for second stints after leaving in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Davis retired after the 2021 season. Holland is a free agent after spending time with the Texas Rangers organization in 2022.

Manager Ned Yost retired from the Royals in 2019. The team will induct him into the Royals Hall of Fame this year.

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 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As fans of the Kansas City Royals look to the future during MLB’s opening week. Here’s an update on where members of the Royals' 2015 World Series team, the last time the franchise won the championship, are today.Catcher Salvador Perez remains with the team — he’s the only starter from the 2015 team still with the Royals. The 2023 season will be his 13th in blue. In 2019, he missed the entire season due to an injury.&nbsp;Outfielder Alex Gordon remained with the Royals until he retired after the 2020 season. He played his entire career for KC.Outfielder Lorenzo Cain signed with the Milwaukee Brewers after the 2017 season. This year, he announced he’s done playing in the MLB and will return to Kauffman Stadium this season to officially retire as a Royal.Outfielder Alex Rios went out with a bang in 2015, his 12th and final season in the major leagues.Third baseman Mike Moustakas played with Cain in Milwaukee after the Royals traded him during the 2018 season. He then played with the Cincinnati Reds and will play for the Colorado Rockies this season.Shortstop Alcides Escobar stayed with the Royals through 2018. He then spent a couple of years in the minors before signing with the Washington Nationals in 2021. This March, he signed with Leones de Yucatán, a professional team in the Mexican League.&nbsp;Second baseman Ben Zobrist joined the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and won back-to-back World Series. He retired in 2020. Zobrist named his daughter Blaise Royal after the Kansas City team.First baseman Eric Hosmer signed with the San Diego Padres before the 2018 season. The Padres traded him to Boston in 2022, and he’ll play the 2023 season for the Chicago Cubs.Pitcher Danny Duffy remained with the team until the Royals traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, although he hasn’t played in the MLB since the trade.Pitcher Yordano Ventura died in a car crash in his home country of the Dominican Republic after the 2016 season.Pitcher Jeremy Guthrie will return to the Royals as a member of the broadcast team this season. He last played in 2017 for the Washington Nationals.Relief pitchers Greg Holland and Wade Davis both returned to the Royals for second stints after leaving in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Davis retired after the 2021 season. Holland is a free agent after spending time with the Texas Rangers organization in 2022.Manager Ned Yost retired from the Royals in 2019. The team will induct him into the Royals Hall of Fame this year.

⚾ MLB: 2015 World Series Royals: Where are they now?

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yusei Kikuchi and four relievers limited the Kansas City Royals to one run on four hits, and the Toronto Blue Jays snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory in Whit Merrifield's return to Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday night.

Matt Chapman was 3-for-4 with a double for Toronto, and Merrifield doubled and scored the go-ahead run in his first game back in the city where he spent most of seven seasons before he was traded last August.

“Awesome job by (Kikuchi),” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “Efficient with his pitch count. (He was) around the zone. A few less strikeouts than we saw in the spring, but it was an outstanding job.”

Kikuchi (1-0) allowed one run on three hits and retired the side in order three times over his five innings.

“I think I threw well overall,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “I felt pretty good for it to be the first start of the season. We obviously had a plan, but we didn't want to over-think it. We wanted to find what was working today.”

He was also helped by his defense, with left fielder Daulton Varsho throwing out Matt Duffy at the plate in the second inning.

“We're focusing and priding ourselves on that (play),” Schneider said. “It was a great throw and a great tag by Jano (Danny Jansen). It kind of squashed a little bit of momentum. Those things add up.”

Jordan Romano pitched a perfect ninth for his second save.

Kris Bubic (0-1) worked around trouble most of the night, only retiring the Blue Jays in order in the fifth, his last inning. He allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk. He was relieved by Carlos Hernandez, who yielded a home run to Varsho on his first pitch.

The Royals never could get the momentum back after the second.

“I thought we took some pretty good swings (against Kikuchi)," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "He's tough. I think we laid off some of the tougher change-ups he threw. We put some swings on balls; we just missed a few. But overall he was efficient.”

Franmil Reyes got the Royals on the board in the second with his first hit in a Kansas City uniform, a 455-blast over the fountains in left center. Reyes had been 0-for-6 in his first two games with the Royals.

The Jays tied it in the top of the third. Bo Bichette, Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Chapman stroked consecutive singles, with Chapman driving in Bichette. Toronto added another run in the fourth. Merrifield led off with a double down the left-field line, went to third on a fly ball and scored on a wild pitch.

The Blue Jays will send RHP Alek Manoah (0-0, 13.50 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City’s RHP Zach Greinke (0-1, 3.38 ERA) Wednesday night in the third game of a four-game series. Manoah got a no-decision on opening day when the Blue Jays defeated the Cardinals 10-9. Greinke allowed two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings as the Royals lost to the Twins 2-0 on opening day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680689181299.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays' Whit Merrifield acknowledges the cheers of the fans on his first at-bat for the Blue Jays in Kansas City since leaving the Royals late last season, during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays' Whit Merrifield acknowledges the cheers of the fans on his first at-bat for the Blue Jays in Kansas City since leaving the Royals late last season, during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yusei Kikuchi and four relievers limited the Kansas City Royals to one run on four hits, and the Toronto Blue Jays snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory in Whit Merrifield's return to Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday night.Matt Chapman was 3-for-4 with a double for Toronto, and Merrifield doubled and scored the go-ahead run in his first game back in the city where he spent most of seven seasons before he was traded last August.“Awesome job by (Kikuchi),” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “Efficient with his pitch count. (He was) around the zone. A few less strikeouts than we saw in the spring, but it was an outstanding job.”Kikuchi (1-0) allowed one run on three hits and retired the side in order three times over his five innings.“I think I threw well overall,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “I felt pretty good for it to be the first start of the season. We obviously had a plan, but we didn't want to over-think it. We wanted to find what was working today.”He was also helped by his defense, with left fielder Daulton Varsho throwing out Matt Duffy at the plate in the second inning.“We're focusing and priding ourselves on that (play),” Schneider said. “It was a great throw and a great tag by Jano (Danny Jansen). It kind of squashed a little bit of momentum. Those things add up.”Jordan Romano pitched a perfect ninth for his second save.Kris Bubic (0-1) worked around trouble most of the night, only retiring the Blue Jays in order in the fifth, his last inning. He allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk. He was relieved by Carlos Hernandez, who yielded a home run to Varsho on his first pitch.The Royals never could get the momentum back after the second.“I thought we took some pretty good swings (against Kikuchi)," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "He's tough. I think we laid off some of the tougher change-ups he threw. We put some swings on balls; we just missed a few. But overall he was efficient.”Franmil Reyes got the Royals on the board in the second with his first hit in a Kansas City uniform, a 455-blast over the fountains in left center. Reyes had been 0-for-6 in his first two games with the Royals.The Jays tied it in the top of the third. Bo Bichette, Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Chapman stroked consecutive singles, with Chapman driving in Bichette. Toronto added another run in the fourth. Merrifield led off with a double down the left-field line, went to third on a fly ball and scored on a wild pitch.UP NEXTThe Blue Jays will send RHP Alek Manoah (0-0, 13.50 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City’s RHP Zach Greinke (0-1, 3.38 ERA) Wednesday night in the third game of a four-game series. Manoah got a no-decision on opening day when the Blue Jays defeated the Cardinals 10-9. Greinke allowed two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings as the Royals lost to the Twins 2-0 on opening day.

⚾ Toronto ends 3-game skid in Whit Merrifield's return to KC

LAWRENCE –&nbsp;The second year of the Buck O’Neil Classic at Legends Field in Kansas City will return this year on Tuesday, April 11, vs. Texas Southern at 6 p.m. CT. Kansas will wear its uniforms designed after the Kansas City Monarchs, while Texas Southern will wear replica uniforms of the Homestead Grays.

“We’re excited to participate this year in the Buck O’Neil Classic,” Kansas Head Baseball Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “Our student-athletes and coaching staff had the opportunity this fall to visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and learn about Buck O’Neil and the Negro Leagues from Bob Kendrick. There is a deep baseball history integrated in the Kansas City area and we’re grateful that we have the opportunity to play this game in honor of Buck and everyone from the Negro Leagues who helped set the foundation for baseball to become what it is today.”

Buck O’Neil was a first baseman and played a majority of his career for the Kansas City Monarchs. He later would be a player-manager for the Monarchs. Upon the conclusion of his time in the Negro Leagues in 1955, O’Neil was hired by the Chicago Cubs as a scout. In 1962, the Cubs promoted O’Neil to their major league coaching staff, making him the first African American coach in Major League Baseball history. O’Neil, who died in 2006, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July 2022 for his contributions to the game as a player, scout and manager.

Last year, Kansas won a 7-6 thriller against Texas Southern in the inaugural Buck O’Neil Classic at Legends Field. The Jayhawks led 5-0 in the game before falling behind 6-5 and ultimately coming from behind to win with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning.

“In the second year of the Buck O’Neil Classic, we are excited to expand the community engagement component of this year’s event to include the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, the Kansas City Kansas Unified School District 500 and the University of Kansas Student Union Association,” Paul Pierce II, Kansas Associate Athletics Director for Inclusive Excellence said. “The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has been an awesome partner in elevating our athletics department’s desire to create community-wide opportunities to discuss topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and we felt that the addition of our new community partners into this year’s initiative will further amplify a wonderful event.”

All seats for the game will be general admission. Adult admission will cost $10, while youth and senior citizens will be $8. Season ticket holders will receive a ticket to the game as part of their season ticket package. Fans wishing to purchase tickets can contact the Kansas ticket office at 785-864-3141, or visit the ticketing page&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=4bca8f1fdd&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">here</a>. Legends Field is a cashless facility and will only accept card transactions.

For those unable to attend, the game will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and fans can also listen to the game on KLWN and the Jayhawk Sports Network on <a href="http://KUAthletics.com">KUAthletics.com</a> and the Kansas Jayhawks app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680653710363.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsLAWRENCE –&nbsp;The second year of the Buck O’Neil Classic at Legends Field in Kansas City will return this year on Tuesday, April 11, vs. Texas Southern at 6 p.m. CT. Kansas will wear its uniforms designed after the Kansas City Monarchs, while Texas Southern will wear replica uniforms of the Homestead Grays.“We’re excited to participate this year in the Buck O’Neil Classic,” Kansas Head Baseball Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “Our student-athletes and coaching staff had the opportunity this fall to visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and learn about Buck O’Neil and the Negro Leagues from Bob Kendrick. There is a deep baseball history integrated in the Kansas City area and we’re grateful that we have the opportunity to play this game in honor of Buck and everyone from the Negro Leagues who helped set the foundation for baseball to become what it is today.”Buck O’Neil was a first baseman and played a majority of his career for the Kansas City Monarchs. He later would be a player-manager for the Monarchs. Upon the conclusion of his time in the Negro Leagues in 1955, O’Neil was hired by the Chicago Cubs as a scout. In 1962, the Cubs promoted O’Neil to their major league coaching staff, making him the first African American coach in Major League Baseball history. O’Neil, who died in 2006, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July 2022 for his contributions to the game as a player, scout and manager.Last year, Kansas won a 7-6 thriller against Texas Southern in the inaugural Buck O’Neil Classic at Legends Field. The Jayhawks led 5-0 in the game before falling behind 6-5 and ultimately coming from behind to win with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning.“In the second year of the Buck O’Neil Classic, we are excited to expand the community engagement component of this year’s event to include the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, the Kansas City Kansas Unified School District 500 and the University of Kansas Student Union Association,” Paul Pierce II, Kansas Associate Athletics Director for Inclusive Excellence said. “The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has been an awesome partner in elevating our athletics department’s desire to create community-wide opportunities to discuss topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and we felt that the addition of our new community partners into this year’s initiative will further amplify a wonderful event.”All seats for the game will be general admission. Adult admission will cost $10, while youth and senior citizens will be $8. Season ticket holders will receive a ticket to the game as part of their season ticket package. Fans wishing to purchase tickets can contact the Kansas ticket office at 785-864-3141, or visit the ticketing page&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=4bca8f1fdd&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">here</a>. Legends Field is a cashless facility and will only accept card transactions.For those unable to attend, the game will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and fans can also listen to the game on KLWN and the Jayhawk Sports Network on <a href="http://KUAthletics.com">KUAthletics.com</a> and the Kansas Jayhawks app.

Buck O’Neil Classic at Legends Field set for April 11

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– On the strength of its run to the Elite Eight, the Kansas State men’s basketball team finished with a No. 9 ranking in the final&nbsp;USA Today&nbsp;Coaches poll released on Tuesday (April 4) afternoon.

K-State (26-10, 11-7 Big 12) was among four Big 12 schools to finish in the Coaches Top 25, joining No. 7 Texas, No. 11 Kansas and No. 19 Baylor, while three others (TCU, West Virginia and Iowa State) received votes. National champion UConn was No. 1, followed by national runner-up San Diego State at No. 2, Miami at No. 3, Alabama at No. 4 and Florida Atlantic at No. 5. Incoming Big 12 member Houston finished at No. 6.

It marks the sixth time that K-State has appeared in the final&nbsp;USA Today&nbsp;Coaches poll since 2010, including the highest since finishing seventh in 2010. The Wildcats also appeared in the final Coaches poll for the first time since placing 19th&nbsp;in 2018-19. It is the school’s second-highest ranking (following 2010) since the coaches began doing a post NCAA Tournament poll in 1994.

K-State concluded the 2022-23 campaign with a 26-10 overall record, including a tie for third place in the Big 12 standings with an 11-7 mark, and the school’s 32nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats advanced to the Sweet 16 for the 18th time after wins over Montana State and Kentucky in the first two rounds then made it to the Elite Eight for the 13th time after their victory over Michigan State on March 23.

The 26 wins are the third-most in school history, trailing the school-record 29 in 2009-10 and the 27 in 2012-13, and just the eighth 25-win season and the first since 2018-19.

Head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;was named Big 12 Coach of the Year by the league coaches and The Associated Press, while he was selected as the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year on April 2. Senior&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;capped his K-State career by becoming the first Wildcat to ever win the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard, while he was named the NCAA East Regional’s Most Outstanding Player after his memorable performance in the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals during his 4-game NCAA Tournament run, including 25 points and 15.5 assists in the games against Michigan State and Florida Atlantic.

Nowell finished No. 4 in total points (94) in the NCAA Tournament behind UConn’s&nbsp;Adama Sanogo&nbsp;(118) and&nbsp;Jordan Hawkins&nbsp;(98) and Gonzaga’s&nbsp;Drew Timme&nbsp;(97), while his 54 assists are the third-most in the tournament’s history and the most since Michigan’s&nbsp;Rumeal Robinson&nbsp;had 56 in 1989.

Nowell dished out a tournament and school-record 19 assists in the win over the Spartans. He finished his college career with just the second 30-point, 10-assist game in school history, as he led the way with game-highs in points (30), assists (12) and steals (5) in playing all 40 minutes against the Owls. He is the first player with at least 25 points and 10 assists in a game in the Elite Eight or later since Marquette’s&nbsp;Dwyane Wade&nbsp;had a triple-double (29 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists) against Kentucky in 2003.

Nowell was joined on several All-America teams by teammate&nbsp;Keyontae Johnson. The duo, who finished fourth among power conference players at 35 points per game, became the first Wildcat tandem to each earn All-America honors from the AP in the same season when they were selected to organization’s Third Team. Johnson, who was also selected to the NCAA East Regional All-Tournament, was the unanimous Big 12’s Newcomer of the Year, while both were named to the All-Big 12 First Team by the league coaches and the AP.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677751084912.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– On the strength of its run to the Elite Eight, the Kansas State men’s basketball team finished with a No. 9 ranking in the final&nbsp;USA Today&nbsp;Coaches poll released on Tuesday (April 4) afternoon.K-State (26-10, 11-7 Big 12) was among four Big 12 schools to finish in the Coaches Top 25, joining No. 7 Texas, No. 11 Kansas and No. 19 Baylor, while three others (TCU, West Virginia and Iowa State) received votes. National champion UConn was No. 1, followed by national runner-up San Diego State at No. 2, Miami at No. 3, Alabama at No. 4 and Florida Atlantic at No. 5. Incoming Big 12 member Houston finished at No. 6.It marks the sixth time that K-State has appeared in the final&nbsp;USA Today&nbsp;Coaches poll since 2010, including the highest since finishing seventh in 2010. The Wildcats also appeared in the final Coaches poll for the first time since placing 19th&nbsp;in 2018-19. It is the school’s second-highest ranking (following 2010) since the coaches began doing a post NCAA Tournament poll in 1994.K-State concluded the 2022-23 campaign with a 26-10 overall record, including a tie for third place in the Big 12 standings with an 11-7 mark, and the school’s 32nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats advanced to the Sweet 16 for the 18th time after wins over Montana State and Kentucky in the first two rounds then made it to the Elite Eight for the 13th time after their victory over Michigan State on March 23.The 26 wins are the third-most in school history, trailing the school-record 29 in 2009-10 and the 27 in 2012-13, and just the eighth 25-win season and the first since 2018-19.Head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;was named Big 12 Coach of the Year by the league coaches and The Associated Press, while he was selected as the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year on April 2. Senior&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;capped his K-State career by becoming the first Wildcat to ever win the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard, while he was named the NCAA East Regional’s Most Outstanding Player after his memorable performance in the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals during his 4-game NCAA Tournament run, including 25 points and 15.5 assists in the games against Michigan State and Florida Atlantic.Nowell finished No. 4 in total points (94) in the NCAA Tournament behind UConn’s&nbsp;Adama Sanogo&nbsp;(118) and&nbsp;Jordan Hawkins&nbsp;(98) and Gonzaga’s&nbsp;Drew Timme&nbsp;(97), while his 54 assists are the third-most in the tournament’s history and the most since Michigan’s&nbsp;Rumeal Robinson&nbsp;had 56 in 1989.Nowell dished out a tournament and school-record 19 assists in the win over the Spartans. He finished his college career with just the second 30-point, 10-assist game in school history, as he led the way with game-highs in points (30), assists (12) and steals (5) in playing all 40 minutes against the Owls. He is the first player with at least 25 points and 10 assists in a game in the Elite Eight or later since Marquette’s&nbsp;Dwyane Wade&nbsp;had a triple-double (29 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists) against Kentucky in 2003.Nowell was joined on several All-America teams by teammate&nbsp;Keyontae Johnson. The duo, who finished fourth among power conference players at 35 points per game, became the first Wildcat tandem to each earn All-America honors from the AP in the same season when they were selected to organization’s Third Team. Johnson, who was also selected to the NCAA East Regional All-Tournament, was the unanimous Big 12’s Newcomer of the Year, while both were named to the All-Big 12 First Team by the league coaches and the AP.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🏀 MBB: K-State Finishes No. 9 in final USA Today Coaches Poll

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>
 of K-State baseball collected his second weekly honor on Monday as the 
senior was named the Big 12 Player of the Week following the league's 
announcement.

Pena is the first Wildcat to earn the league's weekly honors this season and the first since <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dylan-phillips/8341">Dylan Phillips</a> in April 2022. &nbsp; 
The Collegiate Baseball's National Player of the Week jumped to first on
 the Wildcats' season home run leaderboard after hitting four over the 
course of a week. Pena, a native of Caracas, Venezuela posted a .571 
batting average with 14 RBI including two games with five. 
Pena had a blistering 2.208 OPS, with a 1.571 slugging percentage and 
.636 on-base percentage. He now ties third in the league with eight 
homers while ranking third overall with 37 RBI. &nbsp; 
K-State will host Nebraska on Tuesday, April 3 at 6 p.m. inside Tointon Family Stadium.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680614453310.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State AthleticsMANHATTAN —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>
 of K-State baseball collected his second weekly honor on Monday as the 
senior was named the Big 12 Player of the Week following the league's 
announcement.Pena is the first Wildcat to earn the league's weekly honors this season and the first since <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dylan-phillips/8341">Dylan Phillips</a> in April 2022. &nbsp; 
The Collegiate Baseball's National Player of the Week jumped to first on
 the Wildcats' season home run leaderboard after hitting four over the 
course of a week. Pena, a native of Caracas, Venezuela posted a .571 
batting average with 14 RBI including two games with five. 
Pena had a blistering 2.208 OPS, with a 1.571 slugging percentage and 
.636 on-base percentage. He now ties third in the league with eight 
homers while ranking third overall with 37 RBI. &nbsp; 
K-State will host Nebraska on Tuesday, April 3 at 6 p.m. inside Tointon Family Stadium.&nbsp;

K-State's Pena collects Big 12 Player of the Week honors

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Athletics and K Club will honor Jayhawk greats Tony Sands and Nick Reid by inducting the duo into the Kansas football Ring of Honor at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium during Kansas’ October 7 game against UCF.

The Ring of Honor is the highest honor bestowed upon Kansas football letterwinners, with Sands and Reid becoming the 24th&nbsp;and 25th&nbsp;members to be inducted into the Ring of Honor.

Since coming to Lawrence, I have learned more and more about the great impact that both Tony and Nick have had on Kansas Football and their pride of being a Jayhawk. Both helped leave Kansas better than they found it and have provided an example for our current players, who are working hard to do the same. Nick and Tony both had the characteristics as players that we want our current team to have. I am excited for both of them and their families to be able to celebrate their careers and have their names inducted into the Ring of Honor on October 7.

Sands, a standout running back from 1988-91, amassed 3,788 rushing yards on 778 attempts and 28 touchdowns throughout his Jayhawk career, which all stood as school records upon his departure. In his final game in a KU uniform, Sands set the FBS record for rushing attempts (58) and rushing yards (396) in a 53-29 victory over Missouri on November 23, 1991, which still stands as KU’s single game rushing record.

Sands, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was the 1991 Big Eight Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was named Third Team All-America by the Associated Press.

Sands currently ranks second in school history in career rushing yards and rushing attempts. Throughout his career, Sands rushed for 100+ yards 17 times, which is the most in school history.

“It means the world to me, and not only me but to every teammate that had a part in it. It is unbelievable to have this recognition and to know that my name is going to be in the stadium up amongst the greats. When I go into the Ring of Honor, that means everyone that took part in my success goes in and that just means the world to me.”

Reid starred for the Jayhawks at linebacker from 2002-05, starting 40 games and playing in 48 in a Jayhawk uniform. A native of Derby, Reid totaled 416 tackles throughout his Kansas career, which ranks second in school history, while his 40.0 tackles-for-loss ranks fourth.

In 2005, Reid became the first Jayhawk to be named Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He is still the only KU player to ever receive the award. Reid was also named Third Team All-America by the Associated Press following his senior season.

Reid was a three-time All-Big 12 selection over his career, leading the Jayhawks in tackles in three consecutive seasons (2003-05). Along with his 416 career tackles and 40.0 tackles-for-loss, Reid finished his KU career with 14.0 sacks, three interceptions and six forced fumbles.

"I am truly honored to be getting this recognition, but I know for a fact, it wouldn’t have happened without my teammates. To think that my children will be able to take my grandchildren to Memorial Stadium and see my name in the Ring of Honor is more than I could have ever dreamt about. I am forever grateful to be a Jayhawk. Rock Chalk!"

Reid was a part of two bowl teams at Kansas, including the 2005 Fort Worth Bowl Champions and the 2003 Mazda Tangerine Bowl.

Sands and Reid will be joining Gilbert Brown, Larry Brown, Anthony Collins, Nolan Cromwell, Bobby Douglass, Ray Evans, John Hadl, Chris Harris Jr., David Jaynes, Bruce Kallmeyer, Curtis McClinton, Mike McCormack, George Mrkonic, Willie Pless, Todd Reesing, Gil Reich, Gale Sayers, Otto Schnellbacher, Oliver Spencer, Darrell Stuckey, John Riggins, Aqib Talib and John Zook in the Kansas football Ring of Honor.

More information on the induction ceremony will be released at a later date.

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 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Athletics and K Club will honor Jayhawk greats Tony Sands and Nick Reid by inducting the duo into the Kansas football Ring of Honor at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium during Kansas’ October 7 game against UCF.The Ring of Honor is the highest honor bestowed upon Kansas football letterwinners, with Sands and Reid becoming the 24th&nbsp;and 25th&nbsp;members to be inducted into the Ring of Honor.Since coming to Lawrence, I have learned more and more about the great impact that both Tony and Nick have had on Kansas Football and their pride of being a Jayhawk. Both helped leave Kansas better than they found it and have provided an example for our current players, who are working hard to do the same. Nick and Tony both had the characteristics as players that we want our current team to have. I am excited for both of them and their families to be able to celebrate their careers and have their names inducted into the Ring of Honor on October 7.Sands, a standout running back from 1988-91, amassed 3,788 rushing yards on 778 attempts and 28 touchdowns throughout his Jayhawk career, which all stood as school records upon his departure. In his final game in a KU uniform, Sands set the FBS record for rushing attempts (58) and rushing yards (396) in a 53-29 victory over Missouri on November 23, 1991, which still stands as KU’s single game rushing record.Sands, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was the 1991 Big Eight Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was named Third Team All-America by the Associated Press.Sands currently ranks second in school history in career rushing yards and rushing attempts. Throughout his career, Sands rushed for 100+ yards 17 times, which is the most in school history.“It means the world to me, and not only me but to every teammate that had a part in it. It is unbelievable to have this recognition and to know that my name is going to be in the stadium up amongst the greats. When I go into the Ring of Honor, that means everyone that took part in my success goes in and that just means the world to me.”<figure>
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 </figure>Reid starred for the Jayhawks at linebacker from 2002-05, starting 40 games and playing in 48 in a Jayhawk uniform. A native of Derby, Reid totaled 416 tackles throughout his Kansas career, which ranks second in school history, while his 40.0 tackles-for-loss ranks fourth.In 2005, Reid became the first Jayhawk to be named Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He is still the only KU player to ever receive the award. Reid was also named Third Team All-America by the Associated Press following his senior season.Reid was a three-time All-Big 12 selection over his career, leading the Jayhawks in tackles in three consecutive seasons (2003-05). Along with his 416 career tackles and 40.0 tackles-for-loss, Reid finished his KU career with 14.0 sacks, three interceptions and six forced fumbles."I am truly honored to be getting this recognition, but I know for a fact, it wouldn’t have happened without my teammates. To think that my children will be able to take my grandchildren to Memorial Stadium and see my name in the Ring of Honor is more than I could have ever dreamt about. I am forever grateful to be a Jayhawk. Rock Chalk!"NICK REIDReid was a part of two bowl teams at Kansas, including the 2005 Fort Worth Bowl Champions and the 2003 Mazda Tangerine Bowl.Sands and Reid will be joining Gilbert Brown, Larry Brown, Anthony Collins, Nolan Cromwell, Bobby Douglass, Ray Evans, John Hadl, Chris Harris Jr., David Jaynes, Bruce Kallmeyer, Curtis McClinton, Mike McCormack, George Mrkonic, Willie Pless, Todd Reesing, Gil Reich, Gale Sayers, Otto Schnellbacher, Oliver Spencer, Darrell Stuckey, John Riggins, Aqib Talib and John Zook in the Kansas football Ring of Honor.More information on the induction ceremony will be released at a later date.

🏈 Sands, Reid to be inducted into Kansas Football Ring of Honor in 2023

SOMERSET, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky high school football player who suffered a head injury during a scrimmage last week has died.

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHSAA-120082242482/photos/a.10151177785727483/10159018516162483">Kentucky High School Athletic Association</a>
 said Monday in a statement on Facebook that it joined family, friends 
and teammates in mourning the loss of Pulaski County High School varsity
 football player Andrew Dodson.

“No words can explain, justify or rationalize tragedies such as these,” the association wrote.

Alan Dodson told the <a href="https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/education/article273892880.html#storylink=mainstage_card2">Lexington Herald-Leader</a> that his son was running the ball during his team's spring game when he was tackled by a teammate.

“It
 was not a violent hit or helmet-to-helmet. It was a simple, clean 
tackle,” Alan Dodson said. “His head hit the turf, and Andrew suffered 
blunt-force trauma to the brain."

Andrew Dodson played tight end and defensive end for the Maroons during his junior season, <a href="https://www.wkyt.com/2023/04/03/pulaski-county-high-school-football-player-dies/">WKYT reported</a>.

SOMERSET, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky high school football player who suffered a head injury during a scrimmage last week has died.The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHSAA-120082242482/photos/a.10151177785727483/10159018516162483">Kentucky High School Athletic Association</a>
 said Monday in a statement on Facebook that it joined family, friends 
and teammates in mourning the loss of Pulaski County High School varsity
 football player Andrew Dodson.“No words can explain, justify or rationalize tragedies such as these,” the association wrote.Alan Dodson told the <a href="https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/education/article273892880.html#storylink=mainstage_card2">Lexington Herald-Leader</a> that his son was running the ball during his team's spring game when he was tackled by a teammate.“It
 was not a violent hit or helmet-to-helmet. It was a simple, clean 
tackle,” Alan Dodson said. “His head hit the turf, and Andrew suffered 
blunt-force trauma to the brain."Andrew Dodson played tight end and defensive end for the Maroons during his junior season, <a href="https://www.wkyt.com/2023/04/03/pulaski-county-high-school-football-player-dies/">WKYT reported</a>.

Kentucky high school football player dies after head injury

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer

HOUSTON — UConn topped off one of the most impressive March Madness runs in history Monday night, clamping down early and breaking it open late to bring home its fifth national title with a 76-59 victory over San Diego State.

Adama Sanogo had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Tristen Newton also had a double-double with 19 points and 10 boards for the Huskies (31-8), who became the fifth team since the bracket expanded in 1985 to win all six NCAA Tournament games by double-digits on the way to a championship.

They won the six games by an average of an even 20 points, only a fraction less than what North Carolina did in sweeping to the title in 2009.

UConn built a 16-point lead late in the first half, only to see the Aztecs (32-7) trim the lead to five with 5:19 left. But Jordan Hawkins (16 points) answered with a 3 to trigger a 9-0 run and the only drama left was whether UConn would cover the 7 1/2-point spread and go six for six with double-digit wins.

Keshad Johnson had 14 points for San Diego State, which came up one win shy in this, its first trip to the Final Four.

UConn set the stage for this one over an 11:07 stretch in the first half during which the Aztecs didn't make a single basket. Unable to shoot over or go around this tall, long UConn team, they missed 14 straight shots from the floor.

They went from leading by four to trailing by 11, and when they weren't getting shots blocked (Alex Karaban had three and Sanogo had one) or altered on the inside, they were coming up short — a telltale sign of a team that was out of hops after that draining 72-71 buzzer-beater win over Florida Atlantic two nights earlier.

UConn fan Bill Murray was one of the few celebrities on hand to watch the Huskies make it five for five in title games in one of the most unexpected Final Fours in history. This one marked the last that Jim Nantz would call after 37 years behind the mic.

He's had a lot of UConn stories to tell, though this certainly wasn't the most dramatic.

Even with that brief bout of uncertainty midway through the second half, UConn never truly let the Aztecs, who overcame a 14-point deficit in the semifinal, start thinking about any more last-second dramatics.

This was a team built strictly for 2023 — replenished by coach Dan Hurley, who went to the transfer portal to find more outside shooting after back-to-back first-round exits in the tournament.

And yet, there was something decidedly old-school about the way the Huskies took care of business in the early going.

They didn't even think much about 3-point shooting at the start, instead skip passing into Sanogo on the post and wearing down SDSU while building the early lead.

The Aztecs were too good a team to cave and an over-pursuing defense is what triggered the late run to within five. A team built on defense only shot 32% from the floor.

And after its late run, they started getting burned and Hurley and Co. were hugging it out on the bench before the buzzer.

UConn's latest coronation makes Hurley the third coach to bring a trophy home to Storrs, Connecticut. He joins Jim Calhoun (1999, 2004, 2001) and Kevin Ollie (2014).

By EDDIE PELLS AP National WriterHOUSTON — UConn topped off one of the most impressive March Madness runs in history Monday night, clamping down early and breaking it open late to bring home its fifth national title with a 76-59 victory over San Diego State.Adama Sanogo had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Tristen Newton also had a double-double with 19 points and 10 boards for the Huskies (31-8), who became the fifth team since the bracket expanded in 1985 to win all six NCAA Tournament games by double-digits on the way to a championship.They won the six games by an average of an even 20 points, only a fraction less than what North Carolina did in sweeping to the title in 2009.UConn built a 16-point lead late in the first half, only to see the Aztecs (32-7) trim the lead to five with 5:19 left. But Jordan Hawkins (16 points) answered with a 3 to trigger a 9-0 run and the only drama left was whether UConn would cover the 7 1/2-point spread and go six for six with double-digit wins.Keshad Johnson had 14 points for San Diego State, which came up one win shy in this, its first trip to the Final Four.UConn set the stage for this one over an 11:07 stretch in the first half during which the Aztecs didn't make a single basket. Unable to shoot over or go around this tall, long UConn team, they missed 14 straight shots from the floor.They went from leading by four to trailing by 11, and when they weren't getting shots blocked (Alex Karaban had three and Sanogo had one) or altered on the inside, they were coming up short — a telltale sign of a team that was out of hops after that draining 72-71 buzzer-beater win over Florida Atlantic two nights earlier.UConn fan Bill Murray was one of the few celebrities on hand to watch the Huskies make it five for five in title games in one of the most unexpected Final Fours in history. This one marked the last that Jim Nantz would call after 37 years behind the mic.He's had a lot of UConn stories to tell, though this certainly wasn't the most dramatic.Even with that brief bout of uncertainty midway through the second half, UConn never truly let the Aztecs, who overcame a 14-point deficit in the semifinal, start thinking about any more last-second dramatics.This was a team built strictly for 2023 — replenished by coach Dan Hurley, who went to the transfer portal to find more outside shooting after back-to-back first-round exits in the tournament.And yet, there was something decidedly old-school about the way the Huskies took care of business in the early going.They didn't even think much about 3-point shooting at the start, instead skip passing into Sanogo on the post and wearing down SDSU while building the early lead.The Aztecs were too good a team to cave and an over-pursuing defense is what triggered the late run to within five. A team built on defense only shot 32% from the floor.And after its late run, they started getting burned and Hurley and Co. were hugging it out on the bench before the buzzer.UConn's latest coronation makes Hurley the third coach to bring a trophy home to Storrs, Connecticut. He joins Jim Calhoun (1999, 2004, 2001) and Kevin Ollie (2014).

🏀 UConn wins March Madness with smothering of SDSU

By MARC BOWMAN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer pitched five effective innings, MJ Melendez hit a two-run homer and the Kansas City Royals broke loose early to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 9-5 on Monday night for their first victory of the season.

Nicky Lopez had a two-run triple and Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a pair of RBI singles as the Royals opened a 7-0 lead in the fourth against José Berríos and gave Matt Quatraro his first win as manager.

Singer (1-0) allowed just two hits — doubles by Matt Chapman — with three walks and three strikeouts. He is 7-0 with a 1.68 ERA in his last 10 starts at Kauffman Stadium dating to June 26 last year.

Toronto mounted a fifth-inning charge, loading the bases with a double and a pair of walks, but Singer limited the damage with a double-play grounder that scored one run.

Kansas City was shut out twice at home by Minnesota last weekend while losing its first three games of the year. After entering with a major league-worst .133 batting average, the Royals greeted Berríos (0-1) with four first-inning hits, producing three runs and their first lead of the season.

Berríos went 5 2/3 innings in his season debut, allowing eight runs on nine hits and striking out seven.

Lopez’s two-run triple highlighted a four-run fourth as Kansas City expanded its lead to 7-0. Melendez capped the scoring in the sixth with a two-run homer, his first of the year.

Witt also had Kansas City’s first stolen base of the year, while five Royals collected their first hits and RBIs.

Four consecutive singles off Royals relievers led to a pair of seventh-inning runs, but the Blue Jays left the bases loaded. Toronto stranded seven in scoring position, going 2 for 11 in those situations.

Bo Bichette drilled Toronto's first home run of the year leading off the ninth. The Blue Jays had gone without a long ball in their first three games — their longest drought to begin a season.

Toronto’s Yusei Kikuchi and Kansas City’s Kris Bubic will make their season debuts Tuesday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680577278177.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Monday, April 3, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Monday, April 3, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARC BOWMAN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer pitched five effective innings, MJ Melendez hit a two-run homer and the Kansas City Royals broke loose early to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 9-5 on Monday night for their first victory of the season.Nicky Lopez had a two-run triple and Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a pair of RBI singles as the Royals opened a 7-0 lead in the fourth against José Berríos and gave Matt Quatraro his first win as manager.Singer (1-0) allowed just two hits — doubles by Matt Chapman — with three walks and three strikeouts. He is 7-0 with a 1.68 ERA in his last 10 starts at Kauffman Stadium dating to June 26 last year.Toronto mounted a fifth-inning charge, loading the bases with a double and a pair of walks, but Singer limited the damage with a double-play grounder that scored one run.Kansas City was shut out twice at home by Minnesota last weekend while losing its first three games of the year. After entering with a major league-worst .133 batting average, the Royals greeted Berríos (0-1) with four first-inning hits, producing three runs and their first lead of the season.Berríos went 5 2/3 innings in his season debut, allowing eight runs on nine hits and striking out seven.Lopez’s two-run triple highlighted a four-run fourth as Kansas City expanded its lead to 7-0. Melendez capped the scoring in the sixth with a two-run homer, his first of the year.Witt also had Kansas City’s first stolen base of the year, while five Royals collected their first hits and RBIs.Four consecutive singles off Royals relievers led to a pair of seventh-inning runs, but the Blue Jays left the bases loaded. Toronto stranded seven in scoring position, going 2 for 11 in those situations.Bo Bichette drilled Toronto's first home run of the year leading off the ninth. The Blue Jays had gone without a long ball in their first three games — their longest drought to begin a season.UP NEXTToronto’s Yusei Kikuchi and Kansas City’s Kris Bubic will make their season debuts Tuesday evening.

⚾ Singer, Lopez lead Royals past Blue Jays for 1st win

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced its<a href="https://www.hoophall.com/news/naismith-basketball-hall-of-fame-announces-12-inductees-for-the-class-of-2023/"> 12-member class of 2023</a> last weekend. Among the inductees is longtime Purdue coach Gene Keady, who has deep connections to Kansas.

The Larned native and Larned High School graduate went to school at Garden City Junior College before transferring to Kansas State in Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680550837327.png" alt="Purdue University photo / Creative Commons " />
 <figcaption>Purdue University photo / Creative Commons </figcaption>
 </figure>The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced its<a href="https://www.hoophall.com/news/naismith-basketball-hall-of-fame-announces-12-inductees-for-the-class-of-2023/"> 12-member class of 2023</a> last weekend. Among the inductees is longtime Purdue coach Gene Keady, who has deep connections to Kansas.The Larned native and Larned High School graduate went to school at Garden City Junior College before transferring to Kansas State in Manhattan.His first coaching position was in the Beloit school district. He then advanced to the college ranks, leading Hutchinson Junior College for a decade started in 1965.He coached at Purdue from 1980 to 2005.— Post News Network