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Axios Sports

Basketball is a game of runs. Monday's grand finale was a game of punches — and counterpunches.

ICYMI: Kansas erased a 15-point halftime deficit to beat UNC, 72-69, and claim its fourth national title and first since 2008.

It's the largest comeback in national championship game history and makes Bill Self the 16th D-I men's basketball coach with multiple titles.

UNC had been 46-0 in the NCAA tournament when leading by double digits at the half, the longest streak in history. They're now 46-1.

Game recap: Kansas had trailed at halftime just once in the tournament. And just like they did against Miami in the Elite Eight, the Jayhawks came out of halftime firing, outscoring the battered Tar Heels, 47-29.

By the numbers: UNC shot just 31.5% from the field but kept things close thanks to a 55-35 rebounding edge.

Most Outstanding Player: Ochai Agbaji (33 combined points) won Final Four MOP. David McCormack (40 and 19) had a great case.

The final seconds: "And the game is over! Kansas completes the biggest championship comeback [of] all time!" — Jim Nantz

Flashback: In 2020, the Kansas men and South Carolina women would have been No. 1 seeds and among the title favorites — but March Madness was canceled. Two years later, they're both champs. Take that, COVID.

Ochai Agbaji and Bill Self celebrate. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

What they said: "Would you rather be down 15 with 20 left or down nine with two left?" Self asked his team at halftime, alluding to KU's comeback in the 2008 title game — and giving his players the belief that the night could still be theirs.

The other side: Tar Heel Nation just went through "an unprecedented emotional science experiment," writes Slate's Alex Kirschner:"No sports fan base has ever taken such a hard bit of whiplash in such a short time. It's like if Team USA had won the 'Miracle on Ice' and topped it off by losing to Finland."

Parting thoughts: In college basketball, March Madness is everything. Sure, we watch the big regular-season games and follow the AP poll movement. But more than perhaps any other sport, we're always looking ahead to the postseason.

March is when America really starts tuning in, our eyes glued to the screen for conference tournaments and opening weekend chaos, all the way through the ceremonial rendition of "One Shining Moment."

On paper, there's some risk in banking an entire sport's brand and success on the final month of the season fulfilling its potential and delivering on its promise. But here's the thing: it always does.

The bottom line: The last three weeks reminded us why we love sports. From Cinderella stories, to bitter rivalries, to thrilling comebacks, to the electricity of a jam-packed Superdome (we are so back!!!), it was everything everywhere all at once.

Kansas beats UNC in historic comeback for national title

Kansas erased a 15-point halftime deficit to beat UNC and claim its fourth national title and first since 2008.

Kansas holding the trophy after winning the national championship.

Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

March Madness

NCAA

Shifts in technology and media are changing the way we play, watch and understand sports. Business models are adapting and social change is forcing those in charge of teams and leagues to reconsider decades-old practices.

Sports

South Carolina throttled UConn, 64-49, on Sunday to complete a wire-to-wire season of dominance and win its second national championship.

Why it matters: The Gamecocks are now one of just eight programs with multiple titles, joining UConn (11), Tennessee (8), Baylor (3), Stanford (3), Notre Dame (2), Louisiana Tech (2) and USC (2).

Wild stat: This was UConn's first loss in a national title game, men or women. The women had been 11-0 (all under Geno Auriemma) and the men are 4-0.

Game recap: South Carolina’s defense and rebounding prowess (+25 edge) gave UConn fits all night, and anytime the Huskies chipped away at the lead, their answer was fast and furious.

Senior swan song: Senior Destanni Henderson went out on top in more ways than one, scoring a career-high 26 points in her final game. Mic drop.

Most Outstanding Player: Aliyah Boston's 30th double-double of the season (11-16) made her the first national champion to average 15 points (16.8) and 15 rebounds (15.2) during the tournament.

What they're saying: "I've been thinking about this since last season, because everybody had a picture of me crying,” said Boston, who missed a would-be game-winner against Stanford in last year's Final Four. "But today we're national champions, and [all I have are] happy tears!"

The big picture: Dawn Staley's ascension to greatness has charted an eerily similar path to Auriemma's, roughly three decades apart.

Auriemma, 68, inherited a program in 1985 that had never been to the tournament. Four years later, he made it there. Eleven years after that, he won his second title over a coach widely considered the GOAT (Pat Summitt).

Dawn Staley, 51, inherited a program in 2008 that was coming off two decades of mediocrity. Four years later, she made her tournament debut. Ten years after that, she won her second title over a coach many now consider the GOAT.

Looking ahead: UConn hasn't won a championship since 2016, its longest drought since winning the first of its 11 titles in 1995. Is the dynasty over?

"I like our chances [next year]," said Auriemma, whose senior class will graduate without a title for the first time since 2008.

Paige Bueckers returns, as does fellow No. 1 recruit Azzi Fudd. And the Huskies will add two more top-five recruits in Ayanna Patterson and Isuneh Brady.

Fun fact: The last time South Carolina won the title was in 2017. The men's champion that year? UNC…

South Carolina's dominant win cements new era in women's basketball

South Carolina beat UConn on Sunday to complete a wire-to-wire season of dominance.

Photo: Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

South Carolina

The NCAA Women's Basketball Sweet 16 is set, and will begin on Friday. 

State of play: Powers like South Carolina and UConn headline the field, while unlikely threats like Creighton and South Dakota lurk.

Greensboro, North Carolina: No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 5 UNC; No. 3 Iowa State vs. No. 10 Creighton

Spokane, Washington: No. 1 Stanford vs. No. 4 Maryland; No. 2 Texas vs. No. 6 Ohio State

Wichita, Kansas: No. 1 Louisville vs. No. 4 Tennessee; No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 10 South Dakota

Bridgeport, Connecticut: No. 1 NC State vs. No. 5 Notre Dame; No. 2 UConn vs. No. 3 Indiana

Lady Vols return: Tennessee — the winningest program in women's D-I history — is back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016. The Vols made 34 of the first 35 (1982–2008, 2010–16) before the drought.

Historic blowout: No. 5 Notre Dame obliterated No. 4 Oklahoma, 108-64, becoming the first team in NCAA tournament history (men or women) to beat a higher seed by 40+ points.

Family still dancing: Speaking of the Irish, Notre Dame's head coach is Niele Ivey, mother of Purdue star Jaden Ivey, whose Boilermakers are also still alive in the men's tournament.

Power programs: Iowa State, Michigan and UNC have teams in both the men's and women's final 16. Reminder: UConn is the only school to win both titles in the same year (2004, 2014).

Women's Sweet 16 set as Tennessee returns for first time in 6 years

Powers like South Carolina and UConn headline the field, while unlikely threats like Creighton and South Dakota lurk.

Tennessee players douse each other with bottled water.

Sara Puckett drained a go-ahead three to beat Belmont. Photo: Donald Page/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Saint Peter's, a small school in New Jersey that had never won a tournament game, shocked the world Thursday with an 85-79 (OT) win over Kentucky.

 Why it matters: The Peacocks' unlikely victory was the fourth-biggest upset since the men's NCAA tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

2012: No. 15 Norfolk State (+21.5) def. No. 2 Missouri

2018: No. 16 UMBC (+20.5) def. No. 1 Virginia

1993: No. 15 Santa Clara (+20) def. No. 2 Arizona

Thursday: No. 15 Saint Peter's (+18.5) def. No. 2 Kentucky

Wild stats: Kentucky has four assistant coaches who make more than Saint Peter's head coach Shaheen Holloway (~$266,000). The Peacocks' entire budget is $1.5 million, while UK's John Calipari makes ~$9 million per year.

The Spider special: No. 12 Richmond's victory over Iowa was the Spiders' ninth win as a 12-seed or lower, five more than any other team since seeding began in 1979.

Three OT games: Saint Peter's-Kentucky wasn't the only game that needed extra time. Murray State and Creighton also won OT thrillers, beating San Francisco and San Diego State, respectively.

0-4: All four Mountain West teams are out (No. 12 Wyoming, No. 6 Colorado State, No. 8 Boise State, No. 8 San Diego State). The conference is now 0-8 since Nevada reached the Sweet 16 in 2018.

Team on his back: Teddy Allen (37 points) was New Mexico State's only player in double-figures in an upset win over UConn.

Monster line: Freshman sensation Chet Holmgren had 19 points, 17 rebounds, seven blocks, five assists and two steals in Gonzaga's 93-72 win over Georgia State.

Go deeper: March Madness betting expected to set record

Saint Peter's beats Kentucky in March Madness shocker

Saint Peter's, a small school in New Jersey, had never won a tournament game.

Saint Peter's players celebrating their victory over Kentucky on March 17.

Photo: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images 

The College Football Playoff will keep its four-team playoff format through at least 2025, CFP executive director Bill Hancock announced Friday.

Driving the news: The CFP management committee, made up of 10 conference commissioners and Notre Dame's athletics director, could not reach the unanimous consensus needed to expand the tournament before the end of its 12-year contract, which means expansion will have to wait until the 2026 season.

Catch up quick: A 12-team expansion plan was proposed to the CFP and made public in June, ESPN notes.

But Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner Jim Phillips took a strong public stance against the plan, saying that now is "not the right time for expansion," citing other problems with Division I collegiate athletics. 

What they're saying: "Even though the outcome did not lead to a recommendation for an early expansion before the end of the current 12-year contract, the discussions have been helpful and informative," Hancock said in a statement.

"I thank the working group for its hard work that resulted in the 12-team proposal, and the Management Committee for its thorough and diligent job reviewing it and other possible expansion ideas," he added.

College Football Playoff keeping 4-team format through 2025

The CFP could not get the unanimous approval needed in order to expand prior to the end of its 12-year contract.

Lucas Oil Stadium where the CFP championship was held

Lucas Oil Stadium where the Alabama Crimson Tide versus the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship, on January 10, 2022. Photo: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

College Football Playoff

The NCAA said Thursday that it will not change its policy on eligibility requirements for transgender swimmers ahead of this year's championships, clearing the way for the University of Pennsylvania's Lia Thomas to compete at nationals.

Why it matters: The move comes amid renewed controversy over transgender participation in elite sports, spurred by the success of Thomas, a 22-year-old transgender woman who has broken several records in the pool this season.

Catch up quick: The NCAA updated its policy in January to allow each sport's national governing body to decide eligibility requirements for trans athletes' participation. It was made to align with new guidance from the International Olympic Committee.

In early February, USA Swimming announced new rules for trans women competing in "approved elite events." 

They would have to maintain a testosterone level below 5 nanomoles per liter for at least 36 months — a significant change from the previous policy, which required a testosterone level below 10 nanomoles per liter for at least a year.

USA Swimming would also require evidence showing that the athletes don't bear a competitive advantage from being assigned male at birth.

The latest: Members of the swimming community quickly rallied to support Thomas and other trans and nonbinary athletes. Over 300 swimmers and divers, including NCAA and Team USA athletes, signed an open letter Thursday in support of Thomas.

"We urge you to not allow political pressure to compromise the safety and wellbeing of college athletes everywhere," states the letter, which was organized by LGBTQ advocacy group Athlete Ally and Schuyler Bailar, the NCAA's first openly trans Division I swimmer.

The letter asked the NCAA to not adopt USA Swimming's current rule and instead ensure trans and nonbinary athletes are involved in establishing new eligibility policies. 

"No one should be denied the opportunity to have their life changed through swimming simply because of who they are."

Yes, but: Thomas has faced criticism from competitors and teammates as well as some retired athletes who are part of a broader effort to restrict trans women's participation in women's sports.

Sixteen of her teammates sent an anonymous letter asking their school and Ivy League officials to refrain from pursuing legal action against the NCAA over the January policy change, the Washington Post reported last week. 

"Lia has every right to live her life authentically. However, we also recognize that when it comes to sports competition, that the biology of sex is a separate issue from someone’s gender identity," read the letter, which pointed to Thomas' No. 462 ranking in men's swimming versus her No. 1 ranking in women's.

What they're saying: The NCAA said it would retain its previously approved testosterone threshold for trans women based on recommendations from the Administrative Subcommittee of the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports.

"The subcommittee decided implementing additional changes at this time could have unfair and potentially detrimental impacts on schools and student-athletes intending to compete in 2022 NCAA women's swimming championships," the NCAA said in a release. 

It did add that USA Swimming's new policy "will be part of the subcommittee's future analysis when recommending additional updates to eligibility requirements."

Between the lines, via Axios' Ina Fried: Thomas' success has turned up the heat on the long-simmering debate over how to handle transgender women in elite sports.

The debate over transgender participation in elite sports comes as a number of states have passed laws limiting the ability of trans athletes to participate in youth sports. However, even some of those calling for stricter guidelines on participation at the elite level have cautioned that bans on youth are unwarranted.

Worth noting, via Axios' Jeff Tracy: There’s very little evidence to suggest that trans women hold a competitive advantage over their cisgender counterparts. 

Go deeper: Elite trans athletes decry youth sports bans

NCAA clears way for trans swimmer Lia Thomas to compete at nationals

The move comes amid renewed controversy over transgender participation in elite sports.

Photo of Lia Thomas in a swimming pool lane with competitors in the lanes next to her

Trans swimmer Lia Thomas, who competes for the Pennsylvania Quakers, after finishing a freestyle event during a tri-meet at Sheerr Pool at the University of Pennsylvania on Jan. 8 in Philadelphia. Photo: Hunter Martin via Getty Images

National Collegiate Athletic Assocation (NCAA)

The NCAA's new one-time transfer policy has fundamentally altered college sports. And while football has garnered most of the headlines, basketball has been impacted just as much, if not more.

What they're saying: The Athletic spoke to 17 college hoops coaches about the transfer portal, which has "transformed the notion of roster building into a wild flea market of back-channel dealings."

"If you see a guy playing well at a mid-major right now, you might as well kiss that guy goodbye. Seriously. That's a fact," said one anonymous coach told The Athletic.

"There aren't many real NIL opportunities in college basketball, but you've still got third parties telling these kids, 'Hey come here, and I can swing a deal for you.' Kids don't know the difference," said another.

The big picture: The impact of pseudo free agency coming to college sports extends to the high school ranks, where recruits now must compete with transfers for scholarships and roster spots.

"If you're a local high school kid and you get a D-I offer, you better take it. If you're not a top 50 kid and you have an offer, take it. You wait until March and it's not going to be there."

Go deeper: NCAA calls on each sport to set eligibility rules for trans athletes

College basketball's "wild flea market"

The NCAA's new one-time transfer policy has fundamentally altered college sports.

GIF of a basketball player with a jersey changing colors.

The NCAA approved a new policy Wednesday for transgender athletes, calling for each sport's national governing body to determine its own eligibility requirements for participation.

Why it matters: The policy change comes amid a national debate on the issue of inclusion of transgender athletes in collegiate sports, which has dovetailed the introduction of Republican-sponsored anti-trans legislation across the U.S.

The NCAA said the rules are in line with recent policy changes from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic committees, and International Olympic Committees. The previous policy was uniform across all sports and contingent on hormone therapy requirements.

What they're saying: "We are steadfast in our support of transgender student-athletes and the fostering of fairness across college sports," said John DeGioia, chair of the Board of Governors and president at Georgetown University, in a news release.

"It is important that NCAA member schools, conferences and college athletes compete in an inclusive, fair, safe and respectful environment and can move forward with a clear understanding of the new policy," he added.

"Approximately 80% of U.S. Olympians are either current or former college athletes," said NCAA president Mark Emmert. "This policy alignment provides consistency and further strengthens the relationship between college sports and the U.S. Olympics."

The big picture: The new sport-by-sport policy will be effective immediately, starting with the 2022 winter championships.

If a sport has no national governing body policy on transgender participation, then the sport's international federation policy will be followed, the press release states.

Worth noting: The University of Pennsylvania released a statement Thursday acknowledging the policy change and voicing support for Lia Thomas, a 22-year-old transgender swimmer whose record-breaking campaign became a focus of the national debate.

“Penn Athletics is aware of the NCAA’s new transgender participation policy. In support of our student-athlete, Lia Thomas, we will work with the NCAA regarding her participation under the newly adopted standards for the 2022 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championship," the statement read.

NCAA calls on each sport to set eligibility rules for trans athletes

"We are steadfast in our support of transgender student-athletes and the fostering of fairness."

Photo: Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Transgender

Lia Thomas, a 22-year-old transgender woman who swims for the University of Pennsylvania, is dominating in the pool this season.

Why it matters: Thomas' record-breaking campaign comes amid a debate over transgender inclusion in sport — one that has become increasingly politicized as anti-trans legislation sweeps across the U.S.

Catch up quick: Thomas, assigned male at birth, competed on the men's team at Penn from 2017-20, though in 2018 she realized that she identified as a woman.

In May 2019, she began testosterone suppression therapy, and after the Ivy League canceled the 2020-21 season, she joined the women's team last fall as a fifth-year senior.

NCAA rules state that a trans woman can compete against women as long as she's undergone one year of testosterone suppression.

By the numbers: At one meet in early December, Thomas won the 200-yard free by seven seconds, the 500 free by 14 seconds and the 1,650 free by 38 seconds, setting two Ivy League records and posting the fastest time of the year among college women in the 200 and 500.

Of note: While Thomas' broken records have made news, her times relative to the women's field are generally comparable to what her times relative to the men's field had been.

Her best time in the 500 pre-transition (4:18.72) was 12 seconds off the men's record (4:06.32); now, her best time (4:34.06) is 10 seconds off the women's record (4:24.06), having lost 16 seconds post-transition.

Driving the news: Thomas won two races at her final home meet on Saturday. She also lost two to Yale's Iszac Henig, a transgender man who can compete against women because he hasn't begun hormone therapy.

Picture of Lia Thomas shaking hands with another swimmer in a pool

Thomas is congratulated after winning the 200-yard freestyle event. Photo: Hunter Martin/Getty Images

What they're saying: Thomas just wants to "continue to do the sport I love as my authentic self," she told SwimSwam last month.

"My mental health was not very good," she said of the 2018-19 season. "It was a lot of unease, basically just feeling trapped in my body."

Since transitioning, that's improved: "Being in a swimsuit 20 hours a week has helped me accept my body as it is [and] be comfortable in who I am."

The other side: Some believe Thomas holds an unfair advantage even after two-plus years of testosterone suppression.

"At stake here is the integrity of women's sports," a group of Penn swim parents wrote after that December meet. "The precedent being set ... is a direct threat to female athletes."

"I think the NCAA policy issued in 2011 was not really based much on scientific knowledge," one parent told WashPost. "So this is all about the rules. It's not really about Lia. She followed the rules."

What's next: Thomas, an Austin native, will be a favorite at next month's Ivy League championships, and she's already qualified for the NCAA championships in March.

The story of trans Penn swimmer Lia Thomas

Thomas' record-breaking campaign comes amid a debate over transgender inclusion in sport.

Picture of Lia Thomas wearing a one-piece swimsuit with a cap and holding a towel

Penn's Lia Thomas during a meet with Yale and Dartmouth on Saturday. Photo: Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Pennsylvania

Georgia fans are buying championship gear at a historic rate. 41 years of waiting will do that to you.

Driving the news: Fanatics says it sold more Georgia championship merchandise in the first 24 hours after the Bulldogs' victory than the previous best-selling school (2021 Alabama) sold in the first 30 days.

The big picture: "Merchandise sales are just one of the many ways the Bulldogs will capitalize on this national title," notes Sportico's Eben Novy-Williams (subscription).

"High-profile victories generally produce short-term increases in sponsorship and licensing revenue, and larger impacts in the form of donations, future ticket sales and future recruiting."

Georgia already generates more football revenue than almost any other school ($134.4 million in Fiscal 2020). Naturally, it also ranks near the top in spending ($48.5 million budget).

Go deeper: Georgia's unmatched recruiting spending (USA Today)

Georgia fans buying championship apparel at record pace

Georgia already generates more football revenue than almost any other school.

A Georgia fan celebrates after the national championship

College football

Reproduced from Student Player; Cartogram: Axios Visuals

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced a bill on Thursday that would require the NCAA to change its rules by June 2021 regarding athletes' ability to profit off their name, image and likeness (NIL), while also protecting the NCAA from legal challenges to the new regulations.

The big picture: The NCAA is fearful that state-by-state action will lead to competitive unbalance and chaos and is hoping to work with Congress on passing national legislation, so they predictably endorsed Rubio's bill.

What they're saying: "We can't have 50 separate laws. It will destroy college athletics," Rubio said in a video posted to Twitter.

The backdrop: The bill comes six days after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis passed a law that will allow athletes in the state to profit off their NIL starting in July 2021. California and Colorado passed similar laws that go into effect in 2023.

The other side: Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said he's glad Rubio introduced legislation, but Murphy cautioned against putting too much emphasis on the interest of the NCAA and placing the fate of endorsement deals in their hands.

What's next: There is already a bill in Congress on this topic from Rep. Mark Walker (R.-N.C.), and there is another one coming in the next few weeks from Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio). It's a mess — but the tide is turning.

The latest on national legislation to pay student athletes

The NCAA is fearful that state-by-state action will lead to competitive unbalance and chaos.

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This story first appeared in Axios Sports

Business

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

Economy & Business

Empowered by social media, college athletes are speaking out on social issues and driving the national conversation in ways their predecessors could only dream about.

Driving the news: It's not only superstars whose messages have been amplified. Just last week, a little-known Georgia Tech basketball player started a movement to make Election Day a universal off day for all 460,000 NCAA student athletes, and it's gaining momentum.

Auburn: The football team staged a peaceful, three-hour protest at the famed Toomer's Corner.

Oklahoma: In a tweet that has since gone viral, two-sport athlete Ashlynn Dunbar called stick to sports culture "dehumanizing" and encouraged fans who don't support her voice on social issues to not support her on the court.

Missouri: Over 60 football players knelt together in silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds to honor George Floyd before registering to vote.

Iowa: Former and current football players exposed the program's racist culture on social media, with most of the ire directed towards longtime strength coach, Chris Doyle, who has been placed under administrative review amid the allegations.

The backdrop: Colleges have long been a hub for social change, thanks to the thousands of young men and women experiencing independence for the first time and seeing the world through a new lens.

In the 1960s, some of the world's biggest athletes, from Muhammad Ali and Bill Russell, to John Carlos and Tommie Smith, led by example as they spoke out against the issues of the day.

Students took note, and whether it was Oregon State football player Fred Milton and his peers in 1969, or 300 students at Kent State in the spring of 1970, they learned their voices and actions mattered, too.

The big picture: Fast forward 50 years, and though the landscape appears painfully similar, the role of the college athlete has drastically changed.

50 years ago: Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement, athlete activism wasn't unheard of, but with limited media exposure, it was tough to break through the noise, especially for non-stars.

Today: Against the backdrop of a global pandemic and worldwide protests over systemic racism, star athletes who were once merely celebrities on campus are now viewed as leaders in the community and almost expected to speak out, while even non-stars can make national news with a single tweet.

"The power dynamics have shifted, the status quo has been unbalanced, and it's been tipped into the favor of student-athletes. ... If you have the ability to do what's right, you have the responsibility to do what's right. I just can't be silent anymore."

UNC linebacker Jake Lawler, who also wrote a powerful essay

The rise of student-athlete activism

They're driving the national conversation in ways their predecessors could only dream about.

Illustration of a foam finger in the shape of a fist

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