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Steve Marcus

UNLV Rebels guard Dedan Thomas Jr. (11) takes the ball upfield past Bethesda University Flames guard Stephen Perry (0) during an exhibition game at Cox Pavilion on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.

By Mike Grimala (Contact)

Saturday, January 6, 2024 | 2 a.m

• What:
  UNLV at San Diego State
• When:
  Saturday, 1 p.m
• Where:
  Viejas Arena, San Diego
• TV:
  CBS
• Radio:
  1100 AM, 100.9 FM

There's no letup in conference play this season: UNLV will open the Mountain West portion of its schedule at San Diego State on Saturday (1 p.m., CBS), taking on last year's runner-up on its home court.

Could Scarlet and Gray make a statement with a big away win? Three keys to observe:

The rule of the Aztecs

There is no question that the Aztecs rule the mountain west. San Diego State won the regular season title last year, won the conference tournament and advanced to the Final Four. And this year's edition looks to pick up where the historic team left off.

Led by senior forward Jaedon Ledee (21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds per game), SDSU is just as tough and physical as ever. The team ranks 17th in KenPom's adjusted defense metric and is 21st overall.

Even in a year where a breakout team like Colorado State is on the edge of the top 10, San Diego State is the team to beat.

Kevin Kruger put his charges through a tough training session on Thursday with an eye on the gauntlet that awaits them in the Viejas Arena.

After that session, Kruger didn't downplay the challenge San Diego State will pose.

“They’re going to be incredibly tough, they’re going to be incredibly physical, they’re going to be incredibly disciplined,” Kruger said. “They are a great team.”

Hill returns

The Scarlet and Gray are expected to enter the game at full strength as senior forward Jalen Hill attended practice on Thursday and said he is 100 percent recovered from the hand injury that has sidelined him since Nov. 28.

Hill started the first six games at power forward before getting injured, but it remains to be seen what role he will fill as he makes his way back into the rotation. During his absence, senior winger Keylan Boone became eligible and junior Shane Nowell returned from injury, leaving more players available to fill the frontcourt.

Hill said he is ready to fit in and provide whatever the team needs.

“It felt great to be back out there with the guys,” Hill said. “I think I can add a lot of physicality and rebounding, whatever we need. Whatever we're missing, I feel like I can add something. We were outrebounded in rebounding for a few games; I feel like when I get back I’ll be physically active and capitalize on things like that.”

Backcourt tandem

One of the surprises outside of the conference was the emergence of DJ Thomas and Jackie Johnson as a dynamic duo.

The two smallest players on the team combined to give UNLV some of its most efficient minutes, with Thomas leading the show as the starting point guard and Johnson coming off the bench as an offensive spark and defensive bulldog. They are also UNLV's two best 3-point shooters, combining to hit 43.5% from deep.

How effective can they be against San Diego State's stout defense? That could determine how competitive the game becomes.

What: UNLV (5-5, 0-0 MWC) at San Diego State (12-2, 1-0 MWC)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m

Where: Viejas Arena (San Diego)

TV: CBS

Radio: 1100 AM, 100.9 FM

UNLV leaders

Rating

Luis Rodriguez: 12.5 points

rebounds

Keylan Boone: 8.0 rebounds

Supports

DJ Thomas: 6.3 assists

San Diego State Leaders

Rating

Jaedon Ledee: 21.5 points

rebounds

Jaedon Ledee: 8.5 rebounds

Supports

Lamont Butler: 3.5 assists

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.

Without Quebec's Félix Auger-Aliassime, Canada will face South Korea in a Davis Cup qualifier in Montreal on February 2-3.

In fact, the Canadian team was announced on Friday morning.

So Denis Shapovalov, Gabriel Diallo, Alexis Galarneau and Vasek Pospisil will be the ones who will put on the maple leaf sweater in the hope of qualifying for the Davis Cup final.

Auger-Aliassime represented Canada at the United Cup a few days ago.

In 2022, Canada won the Davis Cup, but was unable to repeat its success in 2023 and was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Finland.

“It has been several years since we last played in Canada, so we are very happy to have the chance to play at home in front of the best fans in the world,” said Canadian team captain Frank Dancevic. release in a press release. We played against South Korea in Valencia in 2022 and they were a tough opponent, but our team is more than up to the task and will be ready to show why Canada is one of the best tennis nations in the world.”

Shapovalov is slowly returning to competition at the start of the year after not playing since Wimbledon almost six months ago.

Neither Auger-Aliassime nor Shapovalov had represented Canada at the Davis Cup in 2023.

After a great season with Rojo Matador, Marco Huamán became the blue and white team's ninth signing.

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Alianza Lima announced the creation of Marco Huaman. In this way, the Blue-Whites signed their ninth contract for the start of Liga 1 in 2024. Now, in the last few hours, information has emerged about the modest salary that the right-back received during his time at Sport Huancayo.

Marco Huamán and the modest salary he received at Sport Huancayo

According to journalist Sandro Bazán, Marco Huamán earned 930 soles at Sport Huancayo. Obviously an unusual amount that is normally handled in the football world.

Marco Huamán is Alianza Lima's ninth signing. Photo: X

Likewise, the communicator pointed out that the 21-year-old footballer joins the blue and white team as a free transfer “after receiving a positive response from the Disputes Chamber to play for Alianza Lima without any problems”.

Could Marco Huamán make the leap into international football?

There is no doubt that Marco Huamán was one of Sport Huancayo's frontrunners in 2023. For this reason, it is not surprising that he arrived at Alianza Lima. However, a few years ago it piqued the interest of a European group.

“In 2020 he had an offer from the Sheriff of Moldova and couldn’t leave,” Bazán wrote on his Twitter account. Of course, if he shows great performances over the course of 2024, interest from foreign clubs could resurface.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bachelor in Communication Sciences with a specialization in Journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. I currently work as a web editor in the trends section of La República. I have experience as an editor, photographer and content creator for digital media. Especially on sporting, cultural and social topics.

SAN FRANCISCO – Following The Athletic's report that Jonathan Kuminga had lost confidence in Steve Kerr's ability to maximize his potential, the Golden State Warriors' third-year head coach and winger met before the 113-109 win on Friday night about the Golden State Warriors in Kerr's Detroit Pistons office.

Kuminga's latest disappointment came a night earlier, as he watched from the bench for the final 18 minutes – and particularly the agonizing final six minutes – as the Warriors squandered an 18-point lead over the Denver Nuggets in another losing gut punch.

Kerr's decision to limit Kuminga to 19 minutes and zero in the fourth quarter, even though he was already 16 points ahead and clearly relying on his downhill skills, came under scrutiny. Kuminga's seething emotions became public. Kerr felt a personal conversation was necessary. After the win over Detroit, Kuminga said the discussion had a positive impact.

“I think it went really well,” Kuminga said. “I think it was just about understanding each other better. More communication. We can't sit together so often and talk about things that actually have nothing to do with basketball, namely basketball topics. We can't do that that often. The fact that we had this conversation today made me feel like every time I want to ask something, I should just go to his office. His door is open. Go there, relax and wait for him to come back whenever you want. I think that's what it's all about: communication every time something goes wrong. Communication is key.”

Kuminga played a season-high 36 minutes against the Pistons. He didn't allow himself a single second of rest in the fourth quarter. He had 11 points and six rebounds and spent most of the crunch time as the primary defender for Cade Cunningham. It was his 12th consecutive game in the starting lineup, but Kuminga still hasn't played more than 30 minutes in consecutive games in his career. So the game time tracker will continue to be monitored.

“I never complained about playing time (during the meeting),” Kuminga said. “We were just talking about how if I'm great at something, I should just go back and remind him, 'Yo, coach, what do I need to do to get better at this?' What do I need to do to gain more confidence or more minutes? Like I said, it’s more about communication and a better understanding between both of us.”

Kuminga's discomfort with his fluctuating role — dating back to the previous offseason, when he moved from a regular part of the rotation to a backup player in the final two months of the regular season after Andrew Wiggins returned from a long personal absence — has raised questions about him Future with the Warriors. Does he want to be with them long-term? Will he still be on the roster after the February 8 trade deadline? After Friday's meeting, how does he feel about his standing in the organization and with Kerr in general?

“I love it here,” Kuminga said. “I was drafted here. There are always ups and downs. I feel like if you look at all the ups and downs, it's going to confuse a lot of people. But I know Steve believes in me. I know he trusts me at this point. It was just more about communication and better understanding. It wasn't beef. None of them. Scratch whatever happens. It's the past. Let’s move forward with better understanding and hope we can all work together, help this team and leave everything in the past.”

What does this better understanding mean?

“Overall, it’s a better understanding of certain things on the field that I need to do to make the team better,” Kuminga said. “Who is he going with tonight or next night?” Who does he trust the most? As a coach, you talk about who you trust the most or who is currently doing the things you want as a coach. So it was just about these little things. When we sat together and talked about it, it went well.”

The core of the problem is the Warriors' inability to get Kuminga and Wiggins on the floor together. On Friday, they were a combined minus-66 in 131 minutes as a pair. The Warriors have an analytics department that provides the coaching staff with these numbers and thus partially influences their lineup selection. Because of this, Kerr remains hesitant to play his two bigger wings together, calling them a “superfluous” pairing.

But he tried to find time for them together against the Pistons. They lay on the floor together for six minutes. They topped Detroit by seven points. But Wiggins struggled with a 1-for-5 shooting night and didn't provide much else. So he was limited to 19 minutes and Kuminga got 36.

“I’m going to keep it serious,” Kuminga said. “I went to the coach and talked about playing with Wiggs. I don't want it to seem like Wiggs and I argue for minutes every day. I know Wiggs comes to work every day without thinking about it. Me too. I don't come to work every day thinking about keeping the logs of Wiggs and that guy. We come here to play well and help the team win and achieve things that we all care about as a team. Championship and all that. Whenever the team wins, everyone wins. When it comes to the future, it’s really about what the team needs first and then the rest.”

More minutes will become available in the Warriors' rotation in the near future. Chris Paul broke his left hand against the Pistons and will have surgery next week. He is out indefinitely. Kerr said that would give Brandin Podziemski, Cory Joseph and Moses Moody a chance. But it could also open the door to experimenting more with Kuminga and Wiggins' lineups.

Draymond Green's impending return from his indefinite ban will create a renewed logjam. But that’s another depth issue for another day.

“I’ve been there before,” Curry said of Kuminga. “He’s not wrong if he’s upset and mad and wants to play. Probably should have played. Probably not. … But the ultimate challenge for anyone in this league is not letting the story be told to you and not being able to address it in your own voice or directly with Coach or whatever. We all go through our challenges. We all go through our learning lessons. Like I said, he's not wrong to be upset and frustrated. I heard Coach talking about it. He was a bit joking, but serious. For 15 years he was always dissatisfied with the playing time. This is a topic of conversation in every locker room in some way, shape or form. There are ways to express this, express your opinion and protect the team at the same time. I'm just proud of the way he talked about it before the game. Go out and play. Go tires. Be a professional. And that’s what he did.”

(Photo of Jonathan Kuminga driving against Detroit's Isaiah Livers in the first half on Friday: Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)

Quebecer James Pantemis, who replaced Jonathan Sirois as CF Montreal's No. 1 goalkeeper, will look to restart his career with the Portland Timbers, where he will reunite with one of his former teammates.

The 26-year-old's contract option for 2024 had not been activated by Bleu-Blanc-Noir and he became a free agent on January 1st. The Timbers quickly showed interest and Pantemis could serve as a replacement for Aljaz Ivacic in net.

• Also read: MLS: Djordje Mihailovic's return became official shortly

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On Friday he signed a two-year contract with an option until 2026. This gives him the opportunity to work again with Canadian defender Kamal Miller, who was transferred to the Timbers on Thursday. The latter spent just over two seasons in Montreal before being sent to Inter Miami CF at the start of last season.

After spending the last six years in Montreal, Pantemis played 34 games and allowed 51 goals. He also had seven shutouts. An injury forced him to miss activities for three months starting in February, and Sirois retained his place upon his return.

“James, he served his time in Montreal. He completely agrees with these words. He needs a new challenge. […] This will allow him to reach the level he deserves,” CF Montreal sporting director Olivier Renard said on December 1.

Bruno Marioni, sports director of Alianza Lima, spoke about the situation of the central defender of the Peruvian national team in the intimate club.

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Carlos Zambrano's continuity at Alianza Lima was one of the issues that caused the most concern among fans. Although the “Emperor” has a contract with the Victorian club, sports manager Bruno Marioni made it clear about the situation of the central defender of the Peruvian national team and indicated that he was not in the plans.

“Carlos (Zambrano) will not be present in the sports structure this year either and we are looking for the best possible way out,” the manager said at a press conference.

It is worth noting that, despite having an employment relationship with the institution until 2024, the 34-year-old defender is not part of the group that is training under Alejandro Restrepo's orders with a view to the 1st Division and the 2024 Copa Libertadores.

Marioni, on the other hand, was aware of a possible signing of Paolo Guerrero and ruled out a return to the blue-whites. “Together with the technical management and the club, we decided to create a profile of footballers. We believe that there is no Paolo Guerrero within the squad structure,” he explained.

Carlos Zambrano left Peru

Before Alianza Lima was eliminated Carlos Zambrano, The former Boca Juniors central defender uploaded a photo on his social networks in which he is seen on a plane on a trip abroad.

Caros Zambrano arrived at Alianza Lima in 2023. Photo: Instagram.

Who signed Alianza Lima?

• Alejandro Restrepo: Trainer
• Renzo Garces: defend
• Kevin Serna: Forward
• Catriel Cabellos: Steering wheel
• Adrian Arregui: Steering wheel
• Jiovany Ramos: defend
• Juan Pablo Freytes: defend
• Jhamir D'Arrigo: Forward
• Cecilio Waterman: Forward
• Marco Huaman: defend.

Who has renewed with Alianza Lima in 2024?

• Hernan Barcos: Forward
• Angelo Campos: Goalkeeper
• Paul Sabbag: Forward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Journalist. Graduate of the San Ignacio de Loyola Institute with an interest in social, sports and intercultural issues. Editor of the sports section of La República.

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UNLV Rebels (7-5) at San Diego State Aztecs (12-2, 1-0 MWC)

San Diego; Saturday, 4:00 p.m. EST

FANDUEL SPORTS BOOKLINE: Aztecs -9.5; over/under is 140

Conclusion: San Diego State hosts the UNLV Rebels after Jaedon LeDee scored 21 points in San Diego State's 74-47 win over the Fresno State Bulldogs.

The Aztecs are 7-0 at home. San Diego State is fourth in the MWC with 9.2 offensive rebounds per game, led by LeDee with an average of 3.3.

The Rebels lost 1-0 away. UNLV has a record of 1-2 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

San Diego State is making 44.9% of its shots from the field this season, which is 2.8 percentage points more than UNLV has allowed to its opponents (42.1%). UNLV averages 12.0 more points per game (77.5) than San Diego State gives up (65.5).

The Aztecs and Rebels meet for the first time this season in the MWC on Saturday.

TOP PERFORMERS: LeDee scores 21.5 points per game and averages 8.5 rebounds for the Aztecs. Reese Waters is averaging 12.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in the last 10 games for San Diego State.

Luis Rodriguez is averaging 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals for the Rebels. Jackie Johnson III has averaged 1.6 3-pointers in the last 10 games for UNLV.

LAST 10 GAMES: Aztecs: 9-1, averaging 76.9 points, 38.6 rebounds, 12.7 assists, 7.0 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 65.6 points per game.

Rebels: 6-4, averaging 78.8 points, 35.3 rebounds, 15.6 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.7 points.

The Associated Press produced this story using technology and data from Sportradar provided by Data Skrive.

Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman responded to Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti accusing him of hitting him in retaliation, denying the sneakiness of his action.

The 29-year-old American is starting to make enemies on the Manitoba team. On Sunday, he appeared to intentionally hit his rival in the face during a faceoff. Perfetti later told the media that Hartman told him it was in retaliation for Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon double-checking Wild star Kirill Kaprizov the previous day.

• Also read: NHL: Ryan Hartman has reportedly admitted to intentionally injuring a Jets player

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“I’m trying to be better at faceoffs. The kid comes in and his head is really low and I'm trying to be physical with the puck and with him. Think about what you want,” Hartman told The Athletic on Thursday.

During that meeting, Perfetti wore a microphone and assured that the Wild player's comments had been recorded. Hartman denied telling him that he intentionally hurt him, especially since he knew about the microphone.

“It’s on the board. [dans notre vestiaire] He explained that he was wearing a microphone. I knew he would be wearing a microphone the whole game. He comes up to me several times and asks me if I did that on purpose. And in the end I just told him, 'I wouldn't say it wasn't intentional.'”

“I’m not sorry he got hit in the face on that play,” Hartman added. This is what happens with bullies. Like I said, I don't want to say it wasn't intentional. If I can say something that motivates them and pushes them to fight back, I won't apologize to the child or say it was an accident.”

It's hard to say who will have the final say on the matter, but we should expect some discussion between the two players when the Wild visit the Jets on February 20th.