Moana role brought Dwayne Johnson closer to own cultureLea Miller-Tooley hopped off a call to welcome the Baylor women’s basketball team to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, where 80-degree temperatures made it easy for the Bears to settle in on Paradise Island a week before Thanksgiving. About 5,000 miles east of the Caribbean nation, similar climes awaited Maui Invitational men’s teams in Hawaii. They’ve often been greeted with leis, the traditional Hawaiian welcome of friendship. College basketball teams and fans look forward to this time of the year. The holiday week tournaments feature buzzworthy matchups and all-day TV coverage, sure, but there is a familiarity about them as they help ward off the November chill. For four decades, these sandy-beach getaways filled with basketball have become a beloved mainstay of the sport itself. “When you see (ESPN’s) ‘Feast Week’ of college basketball on TV, when you see the Battle 4 Atlantis on TV, you know college basketball is back,” said Miller-Tooley , the founder and organizer of the Battle 4 Atlantis men’s and women’s tournaments. “Because it’s a saturated time of the year with the NFL, college football and the NBA. But when you see these gorgeous events in these beautiful places, you realize, ‘Wow, hoops are back, let’s get excited.’” The Great Alaska Shootout was the trend-setting multiple-team event (MTE) nearly five decades ago. The brainchild of late Alaska-Anchorage coach Bob Rachal sought to raise his program’s profile by bringing in national-power programs, which could take advantage of NCAA rules allowing them to exceed the maximum allotment of regular-season games if they played the three-game tournament outside the contiguous 48 states. The first edition, named the Sea Wolf Classic, saw N.C. State beat Louisville, 72-66, for the title on Nov. 26, 1978. The Maui Invitational followed in November 1984, borne from the buzz of NAIA program Chaminade’s shocking upset of top-ranked Virginia and 7-foot-4 star Ralph Sampson in Hawaii two years earlier. Events kept coming, with warm-weather locales getting in on the action. The Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cancun Challenge in Mexico. The Cayman Islands Classic. The Jamaica Classic. The Myrtle Beach Invitational joining the Charleston Classic in South Carolina. Numerous tournaments in Florida. Some events have faded away like the Puerto Rico Tipoff and the Great Alaska Shootout, the latter in 2017 amid event competition and schools opting for warm-weather locales. Miller-Tooley’s push to build an MTE for Atlantis began as a December 2010 doubleheader with Georgia Tech beating Richmond and Virginia Tech beating Mississippi State in a prove-it moment for a tournament’s viability. It also required changing NCAA legislation to permit MTEs in the Bahamas. Approval came in March 2011; the first eight-team Atlantis men’s tournament followed in November. That tournament quickly earned marquee status with big-name fields, with Atlantis champions Villanova (2017) and Virginia (2018) later winning that season’s NCAA title. Games run in a ballroom-turned-arena at the resort, where players also check out massive swimming pools, water slides and inner-tube rapids surrounded by palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean. “It’s just the value of getting your passport stamped, that will never get old,” Miller-Tooley said. “Watching some of these kids, this may be their first and last time – and staff and families – that they ever travel outside the United States. ... You can see through these kids’ eyes that it’s really an unbelievable experience.” ACC Network analyst Luke Hancock knows that firsthand. His Louisville team finished second at Atlantis in 2012 and won that year’s later-vacated NCAA title, with Hancock as the Final Four’s most outstanding player. “I remember (then-coach Rick Pitino) saying something to the effect of: ‘Some of you guys might never get this opportunity again. We’re staying in this unbelievable place, you’re doing it with people you love,’” Hancock said. “It was a business trip for us there at Thanksgiving, but he definitely had a tone of ‘We’ve got to enjoy this as well.’” Maui offers similar vibes, though 2024 could be a little different as Lahaina recovers from deadly 2023 wildfires that forced the event’s relocation last year. North Carolina assistant coach Sean May played for the Tar Heels’ Maui winner in 2004 and was part of UNC’s staff for the 2016 champion, with both teams later winning the NCAA title. May said “you just feel the peacefulness” of the area — even while focusing on games — and savors memories of the team taking a boat out on the Pacific Ocean after title runs under now-retired Hall of Famer Roy Williams. “Teams like us, Dukes, UConns – you want to go to places that are very well-run,” May said. “Maui, Lea Miller with her group at the Battle 4 Atlantis, that’s what drives teams to come back because you know you’re going to get standard A-quality of not only the preparation but the tournament with the way it’s run. Everything is top-notch. And I think that brings guys back year after year.” That’s why Colorado coach Tad Boyle is so excited for the Buffaloes’ first Maui appearance since 2009. “We’ve been trying to get in the tournament since I got here,” said Boyle, now in his 15th season. And of course, that warm-weather setting sure doesn’t hurt. “If you talk about the Marquettes of the world, St. John’s, Providence – they don’t want that cold weather,” said NBA and college TV analyst Terrence Oglesby, who played for Clemson in the 2007 San Juan Invitational in Puerto Rico. “They’re going to have to deal with that all January and February. You might as well get a taste of what the sun feels like.” The men’s Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, got things rolling last week with No. 11 Tennessee routing No. 13 Baylor for the title. The week ahead could boast matchups befitting the Final Four, with teams having two weeks of action since any opening-night hiccups. “It’s a special kickoff to the college basketball season,” Oglesby said. “It’s just without the rust.” On the women’s side, Atlantis began its fourth eight-team women’s tournament Saturday with No. 16 North Carolina and No. 18 Baylor, while the nearby Baha Mar resort follows with two four-team women’s brackets that include No. 2 UConn, No. 7 LSU, No. 17 Mississippi and No. 20 N.C. State. Then come the men’s headliners. The Maui Invitational turns 40 as it opens Monday back in Lahaina . It features second-ranked and two-time reigning national champion UConn , No. 4 Auburn , No. 5 Iowa State and No. 10 North Carolina. The Battle 4 Atlantis opens its 13th men’s tournament Wednesday, topped by No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 16 Indiana and No. 17 Arizona. Michigan State Hall of Famer Tom Izzo is making his fourth trip to Maui, where he debuted as Jud Heathcote’s successor at the 1995 tournament. Izzo’s Spartans have twice competed at Atlantis, last in 2021 . “They’re important because they give you something in November or December that is exciting,” Izzo said. Any drawbacks? “It’s a 10-hour flight,” he said of Hawaii.DHAKA: Squeezing rubber-covered robotic prosthetic hands, Bangladesh protesters wounded during the deadly revolution to topple autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina test out replacement arms for their lost limbs. "I'll be able to do some everyday tasks with this artificial hand," said student Hafeez Mohammad Hossain, 19, whose right hand was ripped off in gunfire on August 5. It was the same day protesters stormed Hasinas palace as she fled to India by helicopter. In the middle of the chaos, Hossain said a police officer levelled a shotgun at him and fired. He described searing pain as gun pellets lacerated his back and leg. Surgeons picked out the gunshot, but were unable to save his hand. "I can't write anymore," Hossain said. "I'm struggling to learn how to write with my left hand." On Thursday, he was fitted with a prosthetic limb, alongside four other students who also lost their hands during the months-long protests in which at least 700 people were killed during a police crackdown. Robolife Technologies, a Bangladeshi organisation manufacturing artificial hands, said the prosthetic limbs use sensors connected to the nerves to move. The company says it allows users to grasp objects, to type and use a phone. "If you ask me whether they work like organic hands, I'd say no," said Antu Karim, who is working on the government-backed project to fit the limbs. "But these hands allow the boys to hold a glass if thirsty, or a spoon to eat," he added. "At least, they won't be looked down upon for not having hands." Hasina's 15-year tenure saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents. Limbless protesters held a rally earlier this month demanding the interim government who took over after Hasina's fall support those injured in the protests. Many say they have not received the aid they need. The four other former protesters who had arms fitted on Thursday included Mohammad Mamun Mia, 32, a father of two, whose hand was hacked off by a gang he said was loyal to Hasina's Awami League party. The new arm is far from perfect, but it has made a huge difference. "I'll be able to do some regular tasks with this hand," he said, saying that while he cannot work driving a tractor in the fields again, he hopes now to open a small business. Arif Hossain Sagar, 19, had his hand amputated after it failed to heal from an injury he sustained during the protests, and doctors worried about gangrene. "I can't do any regular activities now," Sagar told AFP . "I rely on others for eating or bathing." The new hand will return a degree of normality to his life, he said. Nayeem Hasan, wounded when attackers pounced on him as he went to donate blood to help those injured after a fire, broke into tears. The new arm would help him fulfil his simple dream. "I have a one-year-old daughter who wants me to hold her," Hasan said.

Jeddah: England wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Rs 11.50 crore in the IPL 2025 Auction here at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday. Salt received significant attention at the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore. Mumbai Indians (MI) opened the bidding, but Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) quickly entered the fray. The price shot past Rs 4 crore in no time. As the competition heated up, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) joined at Rs 4.4 crore, eager to reclaim Salt. His ability to unleash power play fireworks kept the paddles moving. RCB and KKR locked horns, driving the price to Rs 6.5 crore, then Rs 8 crore, and beyond. KKR momentarily gained the upper hand at Rs 8.25 crore, but RCB countered at Rs 9 crore. The bid surged past Rs 10 crore, with RCB regaining control at Rs 10.5 crore. Despite KKR’s persistence, they eventually paused as RCB claimed Salt for Rs 11.5 crore. The opening batter was key for the Knight Riders in their IPL 2024 winning campaign. He played 12 games and racked up 435 runs at an average of 39.55. In another purchase, South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock was sold to KKR for Rs 3.60 crore. He entered the IPL auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, but bidding for the South African keeper-batter started slowly. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) eventually opened proceedings, followed by Mumbai Indians (MI) at Rs 2.2 crore. The prospect of de Kock reuniting with Rohit Sharma at the top of MI’s batting order sparked excitement, but SRH ensured the bidding remained competitive. The price climbed to Rs 3 crore, where MI briefly held the lead. However, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) joined the fray, pushing the bid to Rs 3.6 crore. MI opted out, leaving KKR to secure de Kock for Rs 3.6 crore. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), de Kock’s previous franchise, chose not to exercise their Right to Match. Following RCB and KKR’s battle for Salt, the latter went on to buy Rahmanullah Gurbaz without any challenge as the Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter went for his base price of Rs 2 crore to KKR.

Tagovailoa, Dolphins carve up Patriots

The final stretch of the season is here. The AFC playoff race is just about set, the NFC is duking it out and there’s a host of teams just waiting to be officially eliminated from the playoffs. This week’s Four Verts starts with a division that's the very definition of duking it out. Coming into the season, all four teams in the NFC North had a reason for hope. Three of them still do, with the Lions, Packers and Vikings each being this season. All three of those teams are likely going to make the playoffs, barring catastrophe over the final few weeks. The Lions have command of this division as one of the best teams in the NFL, but the Packers’ chances as the division winner can increase with a huge game on Thursday night at Detroit. The Bears, well, are still having a Bears-like season, but the rest of the division is primed to make noise in the playoffs. The Lions have been just an incredibly dominant team this season, especially on offense. According to TruMedia, the Lions’ offense ranks first in success rate (48.6%), points per drive (2.84), first downs and touchdowns per play (6.44), success rate on dropbacks (53.1%) and rushing attempts (46.9%). They also rank in the top five of most expected points stats and have converted 45.7% of their third downs. They’ve combined competent quarterback play, arguably the best running back duo in the league and a rock star offensive line to just mow down opposing defenses. Ben Johnson has a huge chest of talent to reach into, making his job as a play-caller much easier. Their defense, which has been good this year, faces a tough test against the that’s been among the league’s best over the past month of the season. Since Week 9, the Packers rank first in yards per play (6.6), fourth in points per drive (2.76) and third in success rate on dropbacks (51.8%). This offense is playing like a machine and the defense, while inconsistent down-to-down, is getting enough turnovers to the point where they’re consistently giving the ball back to an offense that’s on fire. At 9-3, they're still very much alive for the division title and a high playoff seed if they can play their cards right and get a little lucky. Minnesota is sandwiched in between them with a 10-2 record as one of the upstart teams in the league that might be outperforming expectations. The Vikings' defense has been one of the best in the NFL this year and Sam Darnold has been steady enough to lead the offense to a potential playoff berth. They still have to play the Packers and Lions (and Bears) one more time before the close of the season, but Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores deserve a ton of credit for raising the expectations in Minnesota, even while their personnel might not be as well-known as what the Lions and Packers have. It’s tough to tell whether or not this is a real Super Bowl contender, but their defense will certainly give them a chance in January. Then there’s the Bears. At this point, they’re just trying to get to 2025, which is a fair mindset to have following their masterclass on Thanksgiving. Man. It’s been about a week since the Bears' unprofessional blunder to lose to the Lions on Thanksgiving and it’s still unbelievable. The Bears had no choice but to after this loss, but it’s still hard not to be in awe at how messy the was — and it was partly the Bears' fault by the end of all of it. The timeout blunder has been spoken about ad nauseam, but it really is just one of the craziest unforced errors seen at any level of football. The Bears, down 23-20, had a timeout on the edge of field goal range with roughly 30 seconds left on a running clock. The optimal way to play it would have been to run another play, gain some yards, call a timeout and then try to kick the field goal. However, the Bears players really never got set in a timely fashion, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was taking too long to move things along, and the Bears found themselves running out of time in a hurry. With just six seconds left, Williams snapped the ball, threw a prayer to Rome Odunze that landed incomplete and the game ended. Sloppy play by the players on the field, no doubt about it. Still, the timeout should have been used. They could have kicked a difficult field goal, which is certainly better than what they did. Once Eberflus saw the original plan had just gone to complete crap, the timeout simply had to be burned. No discussion. Call the timeout. After a six-game slide from 4-2 to 4-8 with this latest failure being so pronounced, Eberflus had to go. That part makes sense. What didn’t make sense is . For whatever reason, Eberflus was able to have a media conference with reporters the Friday after the game where he said he had turned his focus to preparing for the 49ers. Shortly thereafter, it was reported that Eberflus was fired, which seemed a bit in poor taste. Why make him speak on the mistake if he’s not going to have a chance to rectify it? Just let him go after the game and move on. That part was a bit weird. The Bears' season has turned into a shame festival, which is fair for how some of their games have ended. Their season is certainly over, but at least they have a . Could be worse, you could be the Raiders. Reject the quarterback mind hive! Don’t let the media make you think they’re the only players on the field! There have been a playing well for their experience level, who deserve praise for their performances this year, but there is one rookie who is playing like one of the best players in the entire NFL — Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers has been sensational and should be the hands-down favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year as one of the best tight ends in the league. According to data from TruMedia, Bowers has been arguably the most productive tight end in the league, especially when considering his volume of targets (and that he’s really the only scary offensive threat that the Raiders have). Among all tight ends with at least 40 targets this season, Bowers is first in receptions (84), yards (884), targets (113) and targets per route (0.28). He also ranks fourth in both yards per route run (2.18) and first downs and touchdowns per route (10.6%). That’s pretty great! Again, not just for a rookie, but that makes him one of the most productive tight ends in the league. This isn’t a situation that’s exactly conducive for success for a rookie skill player. The Raiders have had a turnstile at quarterback with Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder. The Raiders have had one of the worst run games in the league this season. Davante Adams was traded early in the season, creating a huge target vacuum for the Raiders. Bowers had to be the man immediately for the Raiders' offense to be competitive this season, and he has been. On the whole, Bowers' 884 receiving yards rank fourth in the league and he leads the entire league in receptions. He’s having a historically great season as the focal point of the Raiders' offense. Yes, the Raiders' offense is bad, but they would be completely untenable without his presence. At this pace, he’s on track to have 1,252 receiving yards as a rookie, which would shatter the rookie yards record for a tight end set by Mike Ditka in 1961 (1,076). He’s also on pace to join Ditka and Kyle Pitts as the only tight ends in NFL history to have 1,000 yards as a rookie. If this isn’t worth rookie of the year, get rid of the award. Bowers being on a bad team shouldn’t be held against him here. Everyone knows the Raiders' problems run deep and tight ends ultimately have a limited impact on winning if they’re the only top players on the team. He should be the leader for this award and win it outright if he can keep this going. The Raiders didn’t overthink their draft strategy and went straight “Best Player Available” and grabbed an absolute superstar in the making. At least they did one thing right! Let’s keep this brief: Doubt the Chiefs at your own risk. given the absurd standard that they’ve set for themselves over the past few years, but this is still one of the best teams in the league. I care about every person who takes the time to read this column and I would hate for them to incur the wrath of Patrick Mahomes as the Chiefs fight and claw their way to homefield advantage for the playoffs. Ignore scraping past mediocre-to-downright terrible teams. Ignore the Bills beating them earlier in the season. You know what the deal is with this team. The data doesn’t matter. Just wait until the playoffs before you even think about doubting what this team is capable of. Mahomes is reading everything. Make sure you keep your team safe and don’t add fuel to the fire.