Sports
Orlando Magic Sign Paolo Banchero to Multi-Year Contract Extension
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced today that they have signed forward Paolo Banchero to a contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are thrilled to keep Paolo Banchero in a Magic uniform for years to come,” said Jeff Weltman, President of Basketball Operations for the Magic. “At just 22, he’s already an NBA Rookie of the Year, an All-Star, and one of the brightest young stars in the league. This agreement reflects our belief in Paolo’s talent, leadership, and his commitment to winning in Orlando, as well as his belief in this organization and our city.”
Banchero’s Standout Season and Historic Milestones
The 6’10”, 250-pound forward had an exceptional season in 2024-25, playing and starting in 46 games while averaging 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Banchero became one of only three players in NBA history — alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic — to compile 4,000+ points, 1,300+ rebounds, and 900+ assists before the age of 23.
Notably, Banchero became the fourth player in Magic history to score 50 or more points in a game, recording a career-high 50 points against Indiana on October 28. He also logged 20+ points in 20 consecutive games and had a five-game streak of 30+ points, tying for the fourth-longest in franchise history. His outstanding performance earned him NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for the period ending March 30.
Playoff Heroics and Franchise Records
Banchero elevated his game during the postseason, starting in five playoff games and averaging 29.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He scored 25+ points in seven consecutive playoff games, tying legends Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the longest streak before turning 23.
He also became one of only two players in Magic history — along with Tracy McGrady — to record three or more 30+ point playoff games in multiple series.
Rising Star Since Day One
Selected by Orlando as the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Banchero has played in 198 career regular-season games, averaging 22.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest. His accolades include the 2022-23 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, 2023-24 NBA All-Star, and two-time NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors.
Before entering the NBA, Banchero starred at Duke University, where he was named ACC Freshman of the Year, earned multiple All-America selections, and led the Blue Devils to the 2022 NCAA Final Four.
For more Orlando Magic coverage, visit FloridaNationalNews.com.
NEW YORK CITY, NY (FNN SPORTS) – LIV Golf plans to begin winding down operations Monday, Nov. 9, following five years and more than $5 billion in spending.
Attorney Matthew Williams outlined the league’s plans during a bankruptcy court hearing Thursday, Nov. 5, in New Jersey. The process includes selling its remaining assets.
“We believe the wind down path is the best path,” Williams told the court.
LIV Golf confirmed the decision after a proposed restructuring deal fell through. The league said it will continue considering alternatives during the shutdown process.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — On Monday November 2, at the Yuengling Center, the South Florida women’s basketball team opened with a successful debut undernew head coach Kristy Curry.
The Bulls established control early with a 9–0 opening run, taking a 27–12 lead after the first quarter. Furman narrowed the margin before halftime, but South Florida maintained a 46–32 advantage heading into the break.
A dominant third quarter proved decisive, as USF outscored Furman 23–9 to extend its lead to 69–41 entering the fourth.
Balanced Scoring Leads the Bulls
Stefanie Ingram led South Florida with 15 points, followed by Hannah Kohn with 13 and Kendall Puryear with 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Bulls placed six players in double figures, shot 51.6 percent from the field and controlled the boards with a 48–25 rebounding advantage.
A Winning Debut for Kristy Curry
The victory marked Curry’s first win leading South Florida after arriving from Alabama.
Ahead of the season opener, Curry expressed confidence in the program’s potential:
“I’m so excited to be here. I truly think the sky’s the limit at USF.”
— Kristy Curry, USF Head Coach, in pregame remarks published by USF Athletics.
South Florida (1–0) will face Belmont on Friday, November 6, in Nashville, Tennessee.
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Bulls overcome early deficit behind defensive touchdowns and a record-tying performance from C.J. Hicks.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The University of South Florida (USF) secured its sixth victory of the season Saturday, October 31, defeating the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) 30–10 at Raymond James Stadium. The victory improved the Bulls’ record to 6–2 overall and 2–2 in American Conference play, making the program bowl-eligible for the fourth consecutive season.
Defense Turns the Game Around
UAB opened the game with a 10–0 first-quarter lead, but South Florida responded with 30 unanswered points, highlighted by two defensive touchdowns.
Defensive end C.J. Hicks delivered one of the game’s most significant performances, recording four sacks to tie the USF single-game record. Two of those sacks forced fumbles that resulted in touchdowns.
Late in the second quarter, Hicks forced a fumble by UAB quarterback Ryder Burton, allowing USF defender Asani Redwood to recover the football and return it six yards for a touchdown. The play gave South Florida a 17–10 halftime lead.
Asani Redwood and UAB #71 UAB defensive lineman #71 attempts to tackle USF’s Asani Redwood during the October 31, 2026, matchup at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Photo by Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
Hicks created another scoring opportunity in the fourth quarter, forcing a second fumble that linebacker Grayson Howard recovered and returned 13 yards for a touchdown, extending USF’s lead to 27–10.
South Florida’s defense finished with six sacks and 11 tackles for loss, limiting UAB to just 177 total offensive yards, including 17 rushing yards.
Offensive Adjustments Provide Momentum
Following an injury to starting quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., sophomore Luke Kromenhoek entered the game and helped shift momentum in South Florida’s favor.
Luke Kromenhoek (#17) USF quarterback Luke Kromenhoek (#17) carries the football while facing pressure from a UAB defender during the Bulls’ 30–10 victory at Raymond James Stadium on October 31, 2026. Photo by Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
Kromenhoek finished with a career-high 92 rushing yards, including a 42-yard run that helped establish the Bulls’ offensive rhythm.
Running back Jason Collins Jr. added a six-yard rushing touchdown late in the second quarter to tie the game at 10–10.
Kicker Nico Gramatica contributed three field goals, connecting from 31, 30 and 33 yards to help secure the victory.
Bowl Eligibility Marks Another Program Milestone
With its sixth win, South Florida secured bowl eligibility for the fourth consecutive season, matching the second-longest such streak in program history.
The accomplishment allows USF to qualify for postseason bowl consideration, although an official bowl invitation and destination have yet to be determined.
The victory also kept the Bulls competitive in the American Conference standings, with four regular-season games remaining following the UAB matchup.
Looking Ahead
USF will return to conference competition Friday, November 6, traveling to face East Carolina as the Bulls continue their pursuit of a stronger conference finish and a postseason bowl invitation.
Final Score: USF 30, UAB 10
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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