PANTHERS-DRAFT PICKS
Panthers sign 1st rounder Thompson, 2 other draft picks
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) β The Carolina Panthers signed first-round draft pick Shaq Thompson and two other selections to contracts Thursday night, the eve of their rookie minicamp.
Thompson, a linebacker from Washington, was the 25th player selected overall.
The Panthers also signed fourth-round choice Daryl Williams, an offensive tackle from Oklahoma, and fifth-round draft choice David Mayo, a linebacker from Texas State.
The 6-foot, 228-pound Thompson was a three-time All-Pac 12 honoree for the Huskies. He played in 40 games with 38 starts before entering the draft following his junior season. Thompson made 233 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 3 1-2 sacks, had three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and five interceptions during his college career.
PALMETTO STATE-PROBLEMS
Tigers, Gamecocks struggling; could miss NCAA playoffs
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) β It’s been four decades since an NCAA baseball tournament did not include either Clemson or South Carolina.
This year, the Palmetto State’s two powerhouse programs are having a tough time making a case for an invitation to the 64-team field.
With little more than two weeks until the NCAA playoff teams are announced, the Tigers and Gamecocks are on the outside looking in. It’s a troubling place for the two proud programs that have combined for 10 College World Series trips since 2000.
Clemson (25-24) stands 66th in the latest RPI rankings issued by the NCAA. South Carolina, once a top-five team this season, stands 74th.
Both need to finish the regular season strong and qualify for their respective conference tournaments to have a chance at the postseason.
ACC-CLOUGHERTY
Clougherty retiring as ACC head of men’s basketball referees
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) β The Atlantic Coast Conference says John Clougherty will retire as coordinator of men’s basketball officials after the 2015-16 season.
Clougherty has worked in this role with the ACC since June 2005, part of a long career that includes 30 years as an oncourt referee. His responsibilities with the league include evaluating and grading league officials.
As a Division I men’s official, Clougherty worked 26 straight NCAA Tournaments, 12 Final Fours and four NCAA title games. He received the James Naismith Official of the Year and the NIT Officials awards, and will be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame next week.
In a statement Thursday, league commissioner John Swofford said Clougherty serves the ACC and the sport “with great integrity and passion.”
WIZARDS-WALL
Wizards’ Wall has multiple fractures in left wrist, hand
WASHINGTON (AP) β The Washington Wizards say All-Star guard John Wall suffered five non-displaced fractures in his left wrist and hand, and his playing status has not been determined.
Wall was hurt in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Atlanta Hawks. Initial X-rays were negative, but “multiple examinations” on Wednesday revealed the injuries, the team announced Thursday.
Washington hosts Atlanta for Game 3 on Saturday. The Hawks won Game 2 to even the series at 1-1.
Though he practiced following Sunday’s series-opening win in Atlanta, Wall was a surprise inactive for Game 2 Tuesday. With his left wrist noticeably swollen, the point guard struggled with various drills during pregame warm-ups.
The Wizards added they and Wall are consulting with multiple physicians and specialists to determine the best course of action.
