UCLA's Lonzo Ball is one of the top freshman basketball players in the country, but his father, LaVar Ball, has lofty expectations for his son at the professional level.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, LaVar Ball said he believes the speed of the professional game will help his son. He even invoked the name of the great Michael Jordan.
No pressure, kid.
The Bruins have lost their past two games but own a 19-3 record and rank third in the nation with 92.2 points per game. They have already surpassed their victory total from last season (15) and should have no problems making the NCAA Tournament.
Ball has been a key to UCLA's renaissance. He averages 14.8 points, 8.0 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 53.8 percent overall, including 43.1 percent from three-point range.
He's ranked as the No. 2 prospect for the 2017 draft by Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, who singled out his passing skills and ability to hit shots from beyond the arc.
Ball is a tremendous talent. Reaching Jordan's level is certainly a mountainous task, but at least Ball's dad doesn't shy away from reaching for the stars when it comes to his son.
Trade in San Diego
Sad that the Chargers are leaving San Diego? Get some free Padres gear to ease the pain.
On Friday, the MLB team informed fans of the now Los Angeles-based NFL franchise that Chargers gear can be exchanged at the Padres team store.
Here's more from the team's news release about a San Diego rally in February:
"Those who would like to donate their Chargers apparel in good condition will be able to exchange one piece of Chargers clothing or a Chargers hat for a $25 credit to the Padres Majestic Team Store good through May 4, 2017. This offer is good for one (1) Chargers item exchanged for one (1) store credit per adult (ages 18 and older). Multiple exchange locations will be open in the Park at the Park, but guests are encouraged to line up early to minimize wait times. The Padres will distribute donated clothing items to charitable partners that support our neighbors in need."
Fans get $25 for apparel that would've otherwise lined their closets, the Padres get to adorn the town in their team's gear -- and best of all, it helps people in need.
Pretty sweet deal all around.
Recruiting early birds
LSU Coach Ed Orgeron is not going to let sleep get in the way of his recruiting efforts.
According to Scout.com, Orgeron and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda showed up at a recruit's home at 5 a.m. Friday to catch him before he flew to an official visit with Florida.
The recruit, five-star defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson, told Scout.com via text: "He said I [Orgeron] didn't come to Houston to wake up at 4 in the morning to follow you to the airport to have you sit on the bench. I am recruiting you to play right away. It was great."
Chaisson is considered one of the best recruits coming out of Texas. A 6-4 pass rusher from Galena Park, Texas, Chaisson was an Under Armour All-American. He is said to be choosing between Texas and LSU, despite the trip to Florida.
Chaisson has said he will announce his decision on national signing day Wednesday.
Sports on 01/28/2017