Author: Staff Reports

The start of March doesn’t just mean the annual return of basketball madness. It also means that a new league year — and NFL free agency — is just around the corner. In other words, it’s about to be “Howie SZN.”

The NFL scouting combine wrapped up over the weekend, but before the Eagles can fully dive into the draft, they’ll first have to decide which of their 20 pending free agents they’ll want to keep — a list that includes Jaelan Phillips, Dallas Goedert, Nakobe Dean, and Reed Blankenship — and how they plan on using their remaining salary cap space.

Some of the team’s biggest questions are on offense, where the Eagles will have first-year coordinator Sean Mannion running a new scheme. But the changes on the roster are just beginning. So how many new faces can you expect? And who might they be? A lot depends on what happens with A.J. Brown and Goedert.

Jeff Neiburg kicks off our two-part free agency preview with a position-by-position look at the offense.

— Matt Mullin, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Which of the Eagles’ pending free agents should Roseman prioritize re-signing? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Stop blaming Bohm

“The only person who takes more underserved blame than manager Rob Thomson for the shortcomings of the Phillies quarter-billion dollar lineup is Alec Bohm,” writes columnist Marcus Hayes.

Bohm was the third overall pick in the 2018 draft, and is labeled a semi-bust by many fans. And while he’s not the next Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, or Ryan Howard, as Hayes points out, he’s also not Domonic Brown or Maikel Franco. And he’s not to blame for the Phillies’ struggles behind Bryce Harper.

Next: The Phillies didn’t play Monday, but they’ll be back at it on Tuesday when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays. Alan Rangel is scheduled to make the start.

What we’re …

🤔 Wondering: How long will Travis Konecny’s upper-body injury keep him out of the Flyers’ lineup?

🕷️ Fearing: Johan Duran’s scary nickname and blockbuster entrance were born in the minors.

🏥 Learning: Villanova’s Matt Hodge suffered a season-ending knee injury.

📺 Watching: Kyle Schwarber joined Scott Lauber on this week’s Phillies Extra.

Big … big trouble?

After learning that a right oblique strain will sideline Joel Embiid through at least Wednesday, Andre Drummond told Gina Mizell that he wanted to “wrap him in a bubble sheet and give him a hug, man.”

“I just feel like he can’t get a break,” Drummond added.

Embiid’s importance to the team was magnified in Sunday night’s loss in Boston where the Sixers allowed a career-best 27 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks to Neemias Queta, who is not exactly regarded as a dominant interior force. The Sixers were blasted in the rebounding category, 59-37, including surrendering 19 offensive boards that Boston turned into 30 second-chance points.

And those harrowing numbers come one game before tonight’s home matchup against 7-foot-4 NBA MVP contender Victor Wembanyama and the 43-17 San Antonio Spurs. So what are the short-handed Sixers to do?

Next: The Embiid-less Sixers host the Spurs (NBC/NBCSP, 8 p.m.) and Utah Jazz (NBCSP, 7 p.m.) in a back-to-back this week at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Mixing it up

When Rick Tocchet came to Philly, he brought his box-and-one defensive structure. During training camp, he called it “a very aggressive zone” defense where he wanted his players to double and triple up when they could to keep the puck on the outside. It worked. Until it didn’t.

The Flyers were one of the best defensive teams leading up to the holiday break — and then one of the worst over the next month-plus. So, with time off over the Olympic break, Tocchet and his staff went to work revamping their defensive structure. So far, it’s paying off, but Tocchet believes they’ll see even more payoff “in the long run.”

The revamped defensive structure seemed to work as the Flyers picked up their third straight win in a 3-2 shutout victory at the Maple Leafs. It was their first shutout win since the end of November.

Next: The Flyers will be back on home ice Thursday when they host the Utah Mammoth in South Philly (NBCSP, 7 p.m.).

On this date: Mlkvy lights it up

It’s a week for high-scorers. Monday was the 64th anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, but Tuesday marks another former Philly great’s highest-scoring night. On March 3, 1951, former Temple star Bill Mlkvy, also known as “The Owl Without a Vowel,” scored 73 points — including 54 straight — in a win over Wilkes College.

Mlkvy, who died in December 2024 and reached the rank of major in the United States Army, was a first-round pick of the Philadelphia Warriors in 1952, and played one season with the team before opting to return to dental school.

David Murphy’s take

“The best way to get yourself into trouble at the NFL draft is to focus on immediate needs over expected future value,” David Murphy wrote in Monday’s column.

But this year, the draft looks like its strengths could align with the Eagles’ needs — especially if Brown is on his way out.

“If the mock drafts are to be trusted, the Eagles could have their choice of at least three potential difference-makers at No. 23 and perhaps a second if they can move up in the second round. Last year, I was beating the drum for Missouri receiver Luther Burden III, who ended up going No. 39 to the Bears. This year’s trio is even better,” Murphy adds.

Here’s a look at that trio of pass-catchers, who are drawing comparisons being made to Vernon Davis, Antonio Brown/Stefon Diggs, and Deebo Samuel.

🧠 Trivia time

Speaking of receivers in the NFL draft …

The Eagles drafted first-round wideouts in back-to-back years in 2020 (Jalen Reagor) and 2021 (DeVonta Smith). Prior to that, who was the last receiver they drafted in the first round?

A) Jeremy Maclin

B) Jordan Matthews

C) JJ Arcega-Whiteside

D) Nelson Agholor

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Devin Jackson, Jeff Neiburg, Jeff McLane, Olivia Reiner, Alex Coffey, Scott Lauber, Marcus Hayes, Gina Mizell, Jackie Spiegel, and David Murphy.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading. Bella will be back in your inbox for Wednesday’s newsletter. — Matt

Good morning and happy Friday. We at Sports Daily don’t like to push the panic button, but we also know a potentially worrisome situation when we see one.

Aidan Miller has yet to play in a Grapefruit League game for the Phillies, who are being abundantly careful with their 2023 first-round pick. At 21, he has been bothered by a sore lower back. Bryce Harper even brought up the injury in a televised interview.

The shortstop said he woke up with a “super tight” back one day last week and the feeling did not go away after treatment. Miller said that nothing specific on the field caused the soreness. He also said he felt it last season.

He was not likely to make the opening-day roster anyway, but Miller is one of the top prospects in the organization. The team has a lot riding on that back. Scott Lauber reports on the young player’s frustration.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Trade talk

Will the Eagles trade A.J. Brown? The wide receiver’s name has come up among the media and NFL officials this week at the scouting combine, and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has expressed his affection for Brown. (Vrabel coached him with the Titans.) If Howie Roseman can get enough interest from teams for the star receiver, he might work out a deal.

At any rate, Jeff McLane writes, the Eagles are likely to decide whether to trade or retain Brown within a matter of days.

Wheeler takes next step

Zack Wheeler toed the rubber on a mound Thursday for the first time in more than six months.

The 21 pitches — all four-seams and sinkers — Wheeler threw at the Phillies’ Carpenter Complex marked the next major step in his journey back from Sept. 23 thoracic outlet decompression surgery.

Could Wheeler conceivably be ready to pitch in major league games in six weeks’ time?

Taijuan Walker looked to be in regular-season form when he picked off a Nationals runner and then used his WBC tune-up to work on two of his pitches.

Next: The Phillies will split up today, with one group hosting the Marlins in Clearwater and the other headed to Lakeland, Fla., to play the Tigers (1:05 p.m., NBCSP+). Aaron Nola is scheduled to start against Miami and Jean Cabrera will start against Detroit.

Maxey’s on the money

Tyrese Maxey is in his sixth season with the Sixers, but already he has surpassed a franchise record held by Allen Iverson, who spent 12 seasons here. Maxey became the team’s all-time leader in made three-pointers on Thursday, surpassing Iverson’s record of 885.

Now at 887 three-pointers made, he hit five threes in the first quarter alone, finishing with a team high 28 points in the Sixers’ 124-117 win over Miami last night.

Crusading coach

Bill Koch has been a fixture at Father Judge High as an assistant football and basketball coach since the 1970s. Now 76, Koch shows no signs of slowing down.

“He’s a lifer,” says basketball coach Chris Roantree. “People associate Mr. Koch with Father Judge and Father Judge with Mr. Koch. He’s been a part of Father Judge for 50-plus years. He’s the ultimate Judge Guy in my eyes in terms of everything he’s done for kids.” Now Koch is celebrating a Catholic League title and Matt Breen tells his story.

Sports snapshot

• Michkov magic: Flyers winger Matvei Michkov scored the game-winner in overtime, one of his two against the New York Rangers last night.
• Young gun: Two goals for Union wunderkind Cavan Sullivan aided in a 7-0 thrashing of Trinidad’s Defence Force F.C. in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
• Remember when: Mel Greenberg goes back 50 years at The Inquirer, when he created the women’s college basketball poll.
• A rare sight: Penn guard Cam Thrower is one Big 5 senior who has not transferred.
• Villanova basketball: Guard Bryce Lindsay is breaking out of his slump at a good time.
• College football: Temple releases its complete schedule for the fall.

Our best sports 📸 of the week

Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors will pick our best shots from the last seven days and share them with you, our readers. This week, photos focus on Public and Catholic League basketball finals, the Phillies at spring training and more.

What you’re saying about Joel Embiid

We asked: Do you think Joel Embiid can help the Sixers make a playoff run this season? Among your responses:

When available, Embiid is still a dominant force on both ends of the court. Can he play on an every-other-day schedule? We hope so, but history tells us not to get our hopes up. — Bob C.

Of course Embiid would certainly help the 76ers in a playoff run. But he has to play. — Tom G.

Absolutely the 76ers would make a serious run in the East if Embiid can stay healthy during the NBA playoffs this year. Embiid, unfortunately, is this generation’s Bill Walton. A Hall of Fame talent with a body that continues to betray him. A healthy Embiid should get the Sixers to the Eastern Conference Finals. Book it! — John F.

Sure if he can play every other game. If he can only play every 5th game, forgetaboutit. — Bill M.

I don’t think Embiid will ever bring Philly a championship. This has been going on too long with the so-called development, the Process, and now getting used to him playing every 5th game. Enough is enough with this process, it’s time to move on. The fans have had enough, work out a trade or just end this, you’re hurting the Maxey and the rest of the lineup. It’s a fast game and he’s in his own world with his pace of play. Enough! — Dick F.

I think he’s wasting his talent. Sixers probably don’t need him when one game he plays well but then he’s out. He’s just not a strong enough person to give 100 percent. I say trade him and complete the team to compete. — Jim E.

He will never be available enough for the Sixers to be a factor even if they make the playoffs. Josh Harris doesn’t give a hoot about the Sixers. All he cares about now is the Washington Commanders. — James

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Matt Breen, Jeff McLane, Gina Mizell, Jonathan Tannenwald, Jackie Spiegel, Jeff Neiburg, Ryan Mack, Gabriela Carroll, and Mel Greenberg.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thank you for reading and have a great weekend. Sports Daily will return to your inbox on Monday. — Jim

Here at Sports Daily, we’re suckers for inspirational stories about people in sports. Fresh off Wednesday’s coverage of Zack Wheeler’s return, here is another.

Those who are plugged in to Philly hoops know the names of Brad and Brian Wanamaker, the twins who led Roman Catholic to the Catholic League championship in 2007. Brad went on to star at Pittsburgh and played in the NBA. Brian’s path took to him to Texas Wesleyan, an NAIA school where he starred and returned to coach. He is a success as Rams coach now, but he is also in the fight of his life.

Brian Wanamaker was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer, in 2022. His treatment has not stopped him from giving his all to his team. His players are inspired by him for sure.

“The vets feel like if Coach is giving his all, with his chemo, we should give it our all every day in practice and every day on the court,” says Khalil Turner, a Philly native who plays for Wanamaker on the team in Texas. “He’s going above and beyond for us, so we should do the same.”

Alex Coffey has the story.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Do you think Joel Embiid can help the Sixers make a playoff run this season? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Back on track?

What began as a woeful three-game Sixers road trip quickly flipped into a successful one. They snapped a four-game skid by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves, then took care of business against the shorthanded and tanking Indiana Pacers. As they return home tonight to face the Miami Heat (7 p.m., NBCSP), the most encouraging development for the Sixers is that Tyrese Maxey is officially humming again. He has scored 39 and 32 points in his last two games.

Gina Mizell offers some takeaways from the road trip, including Maxey’s friendly rivalry with Minnesota star Anthony Edwards, which goes back to grade school.

Pushing onward

Despite previous leaguewide critiques regarding player safety and aesthetics, the Tush Push could be poised to live another season. The Packers sought to ban the Eagles’ signature sneak with a rule change proposal that failed last March, but Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that his team has no plans to try again.

Maybe the critics of the Tush Push have lost interest because the Eagles aren’t very good at it anymore. They tried a league-high 33 push sneaks last season and converted 21, a 64% success rate. The league average is 73.8%.

The Hitman and The Showman

After a drill on Wednesday, Don Mattingly conferred with Bryce Harper. The Hitman and The Showman. Imagine being a fly on the wall for that.

The Phillies didn’t hire Mattingly to be their bench coach because of the effect he could have on any one player. But they do believe he will bring a different form of credibility to a coaching staff that is well-regarded within the sport but light on major-league playing experience.

And Harper and Mattingly are both chasing something that has eluded them during their long careers: a World Series championship.

Brad Keller was efficient in his spring debut with his new team, and Alec Bohm stood out in the field and at the plate in a win over the Tigers.

Silver for Sanny

Travis Sanheim was back with the Flyers on Wednesday after a couple of productive weeks in Italy with Team Canada. The blueliner did himself proud, winning a silver medal and having a strong tournament.

While Sanheim said ending up with silver stings, he believes there are aspects from the experience that he can bring back with him to help the Flyers.

Speaking of Flyers defensemen, Oliver Bonk hopes to follow in Sanheim’s footsteps with Canada at the Olympic Games. Jackie Spiegel caught up with the Flyers’ top defensive prospect last week to check on his transition to pro hockey.

The Flyers returned from the break with a 3-1 loss to the Capitals in Washington. Noah Cates scored the only goal for Rick Tocchet’s team.

Sports snapshot

• Banged up: Frankie Westfield is among three Union players dealing with injuries ahead of tonight’s home game against Defence Force FC.
• New role: Milan Iloski is adapting to different duties as a tactical playmaker for the Union.
• After the final whistle: Pro Athlete Community is helping Brandon Graham and others plan their post-playing careers.

Our columnists say …

• The U.S. men’s hockey team won Olympic gold in dramatic, heartwarming fashion Sunday, but our sitting president immediately spoiled the afterglow as they celebrated in Italy. Still, most of Team USA accepted an invitation to visit the White House. They met with Trump on Tuesday afternoon and attended the State of the Union address that night. All of this set social media and TV talk shows on fire: How dare they? Which is exactly what Trump wanted. More from Marcus Hayes.
• Last season, there wasn’t a lonelier lot in life than to be a Phillies superstar standing on first, second, or third. Only four players in the majors reached base as many times as Bryce Harper did and scored fewer runs. The 72 runs he did score were the fewest of his career in a season with at least 500 plate appearances. … Not since E.T. have we seen someone with such otherworldly attributes struggle this hard to get home. More from David Murphy.

What you’re saying about comebacks

We asked: What’s your favorite athlete comeback story? Among your responses:

Embiid has certainly been more solid this year when he plays, however my favorite is Tiger Woods. He came back from back and knee surgeries to win the Masters. He’s working hard again to play the Masters this year. Will a miracle happen again? We’ll see. — Tom G.

Here are 2 inspirational comeback stories that resonate strongly for me. Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a nearly fatal cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game in January 2023. He miraculously returned to play the following year and eventually became a starter. In 2003, Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton was bitten by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing in Hawaii when she was 13. She lost her left arm as well as 60% of her blood. Incredibly, she returned to surfing just 26 days after the attack, and began competing again professionally the next year. So much for “time management.” — Stephen T.

For me, it’s not the comeback from an injury, but rather come back — two words. It was when Dick Allen came back to Philadelphia. No more powerful, emotional, uplifting, soul-cleansing moment I can recall. It still resonates with me after all these years. — Tony R.

Hard to top the 2004, down 0-3, Red Sox in the [World Series] against the dominant Yankees, but came back to win 4 straight and finally end the Curse of the Bambino. Regarding Philly sports, I would pick backup QB Nick Foles who took over for injured Wentz and took the Eagles through the playoffs and on to their 1st ever Super Bowl win over Tom Terrific and the favored Patriots and even added the now famous Philly Special. — Everett S.

You know a procedure to fix your injury is so innovative when it is named after you. Tommy John is the patron saint of the elbow surgery that is ubiquitous in baseball. After the surgery in 1975, many thought that he would never pitch again and that his 10-year major league baseball career was over. But he returned in 1976 and went on to have 14 more years and post 164 of his career 288 victories. — Joseph W.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Marcus Hayes, David Murphy, Alex Coffey, Olivia Reiner, Gina Mizell, Jackie Spiegel, Gabriela Carroll, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, and Jonathan Tannenwald.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading Sports Daily. I’ll see you in Friday’s newsletter. — Jim

The NFL has converged on Indianapolis for the scouting combine, when teams will get to kick the tires on the top prospects before the draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh. For the Eagles, it is the next step as they try to reinvent themselves, especially on offense.

Before we get knee-deep in combine coverage this week, let’s take a look at where the Birds stand so far in their bid to become serious contenders again. It starts with the new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion, and Jeff McLane offers an in-depth examination of how the Eagles landed on the 33-year-old coach. McLane provides 10 takeaways from the evolving offense so far.

While Mannion and other assistants entered, of course, the venerated Jeff Stoutland exited. How will the Eagles’ offensive line start anew after losing one of the most respected assistant coaches in the NFL? Jeff Neiburg reports on Stoutland’s replacement, Chris Kuper, the new offensive scheme, and the team’s immediate need for reinforcements on the line.

What are Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni saying about A.J. Brown’s future in the new offense? Olivia Reiner reports on that, along with the possibility of contract extensions for star defensive players, a new direction for the team’s tight ends, and more.

Yes, it is Feb. 24, but the Eagles news cycle never shuts down for long. The new league year is just over two weeks away, meaning free agency and trades are almost here.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Which rookie will have the best season for the Phillies? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Painter’s long wait

Before he reported to his first major league spring training camp in 2023, Andrew Painter met with his agent. “Ideally,” Scott Boras said, “I would love it if you didn’t throw your first pitch in the big leagues until you’re 22.”

Sure thing, Painter thought. One problem: He was 19, and the Phillies were dangling a spot in the season-opening starting rotation.

A torn ligament in his right elbow, two missed seasons, and three years later, Painter finds the whole thing to be oddly prophetic. Because if, as expected, he breaks camp with the Phillies, he will be 22 — a few days shy of his 23rd birthday on April 10 — when he makes his major league debut.

‘Attack mode’

The 76ers have received mixed results from Quentin Grimes during his time in Philly. During a down season last year, Grimes stepped up and served as the focal point of the offense.

Even with the Sixers at full strength, Grimes emerged as a potential Sixth Man of the Year to start this season. He then slowly slipped into an inconsistent space, having nights when he went cold or didn’t shoot at all. Grimes has started to turn the corner lately, playing well before the All-Star break and dropping 19 points and seven assists in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. For his part, Grimes has vowed to stay in “attack mode.”

Deal or no deal?

With the Olympics over, all eyes will quickly turn to the sprint to the NHL trade deadline on March 6.

While Flyers general manager Danny Brière recently said he expects a quiet deadline for his team, that could be him trying to throw up a smoke screen. Rasmus Ristolainen’s strong Olympics should only help his trade value, while the Flyers have other pieces they could move for the right price.

Here’s where the roster stands less than two weeks from the trade deadline.

Speaking of potential trades, veteran Nic Deslauriers is a player who might benefit from a change of scenery and a chance for more playing time.

Heartwarming moment

Johnny Gaudreau’s family says that the NHL star yearned to play in the Olympics and that he was training with that goal in mind when he and his brother Matty were killed by alleged drunk driver in August 2024. So the decision to attend the Olympic hockey tournament in Milan was a bittersweet one for the South Jersey family.

The scene after the U.S. team beat Canada for the gold medal wound up touching the hearts of the Gaudreaus deeply. During the celebration, Johnny’s USA jersey was carried onto the ice in tribute, as were his two oldest children, Johnny Jr. and Noa.

“Every time I think, ‘All right, now it’s time to move on, we’re not going to have all this support’ — they don’t [move] on,” said Katie Gaudreau, the sister of Johnny and Matty. “This is a history book [moment] that there will be a movie about.” Alex Coffey has the story.

Sports snapshot

• No pushback yet: The Tush Push faced a possible ban last offseason, but as of now, no team is pursuing it again.
• New powerhouse: Coach Chris Roantree lived up to his promise. Now Father Judge is a two-time Catholic League champ.
• South Jersey contender: Cherry Hill East aims for another long run in the Group IV boys’ basketball tournament.

Marcus Hayes’ take

In the wake of the untimely deaths of three young NFL players, A.J. Brown on Monday posted a 9-minute, 8-second testimonial on Instagram encouraging NFL athletes struggling with mental health issues to seek counseling and God rather than taking their own lives. It was poignant and it was beautiful.

It was a revealing glimpse into how Brown deals with his own demons. More from Marcus Hayes.

🧠 Trivia time

Who was the first Phillie to homer from both sides of the plate in a game? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Jimmy Rollins

B) Steve Jeltz

C) Freddy Galvis

D) Tomas Perez

What you’re saying about Olympic memories

We asked: What is your favorite Olympic moment, Summer or Winter Games? Among your responses:

Favorite moment! I was present at the Miracle On Ice in Lake Placid in 1980. I am presently 95 and love the Olympics for what it represents. — Pegg E.

For me the Olympics is all about track and field, but nothing ever has or probably ever will top the U.S. 4-3 win over the highly favored Soviet Union team at Lake Placid in 1980. “The Miracle on Ice,” how can you top it? My Philly friend Mike Pantalione was recently elected to the Jr. College Hall of Fame along with Jim Craig, who was the outstanding goalie of that team. I include myself among probably thousands who have forgotten that we still had to beat Finland to win the gold medal. — Everett S.

When Bob Beamon collapsed to his knees, overwhelmed by emotion while burying his face with his hands, after learning he broke the world record in the long jump by [almost two] feet at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. — Mike P.

For me, I’d tab the two latest great moments, similar ones, when the top-seeded women’s hockey team snatched victory from those jaws and tied the gold medal game with 2 minutes left and a goalie pulled to tie Canada and then to win in thrilling overtime. The NHL would consider that way of breaking ties. That was then equaled by the USA hockey men, who somehow held on to a tie in regulation when being dominated in play for almost all the game, and then winning with an overtime goal, also against Canada. Somehow, the joy of winning a tight hockey game stands out for me over other Olympic triumphs. — John W.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff McLane, Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Scott Lauber, Gina Mizell, Jackie Spiegel, Marcus Hayes, Alex Coffey, Ariel Simpson, Matt Breen, and Conor Smith.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading. Here’s hoping you’re counting the days till spring right along with me. Kerith will join you for Wednesday’s newsletter. — Jim

While the players on the U.S. hockey team captured the gold medal at the Olympics for the first time in 46 years, they took time to honor someone who should have been with them: South Jersey’s Johnny Gaudreau.

Goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves Sunday in the 2-1 overtime victory against Canada to bring the Milan-Cortina Games to a thrilling climax. Then the players paid tribute to Gaudreau, a regular on the U.S. team who was killed, along with his brother Matthew, by an alleged drunk driver in August 2024.

Amid the celebration, U.S. captain Auston Matthews and close friends Matthew Tkachuk and Zach Werenski skated around the ice holding up Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 Team USA jersey. The American players later brought two of the late NHL star’s children, Noa and Johnny Jr., onto the ice to sit in for the team picture alongside their father’s jersey.

“I was so proud they remembered him for how great he was,” said Bob Nark, Gaudreau’s chemistry teacher at Gloucester Catholic High. “Today brought back a lot of memories, seeing them march his jersey around the ice.”

It was a touching end to a compelling Olympic Games, Mike Sielski writes: That entire postgame sequence sent a quiver across a region that the Gaudreau family turned into a hockey hotbed years ago. Guy Gaudreau, Johnny’s father, had helped to form the program at Gloucester Catholic, forging it into a powerhouse before Matt eventually coached there, too. All the while, Johnny was the example that every youth coach could hold up to every youngster who was wobbling on skates but dreaming big dreams.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What is your favorite Olympic moment, Summer or Winter Games? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

A slugging start

On his first at-bat of spring training, Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run to right field off Pirates righty Braxton Ashcraft, clocked at an exit velocity of 108.7 mph off the bat.

“Just trying to simplify, first at-bat, and just happened to get a good piece of it,” Schwarber said. When he gets a good piece of the ball, it usually sails out of the park. All news was not good in the Phillies’ first home game of the spring, though. Shortstop prospect Aidan Miller sat out again, and Lochlahn March has the details.

Before the game in Clearwater, Fla., many Phillies players were glued to the big screen at BayCare Ballpark, watching the gold medal hockey game. Schwarber and Bryce Harper are hoping MLB players will get to experience the Olympics themselves when baseball returns to the Games in 2028.

Time to get desperate

A troubling road loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday left the Sixers with their fourth straight defeat. Sure, Joel Embiid was out of the lineup once again, but the team could not compensate for his loss and showed little fight, according to veteran Kelly Oubre Jr.

“I don’t think anything’s funny right now. I don’t think anything is fun,” said Oubre, who scored 25 points in the loss. “I just hope that we get mad. I think we’ll play better if we’re mad. We’ll play better if we’re desperate.”

The Sixers said on Sunday that rookie Johni Broome suffered a torn meniscus in his knee in a game with the Delaware Blue Coats.

The Sixers managed to bounce back nicely on Sunday with a 135-108 win over the Timberwolves, which included a highlight-reel dunk from guard Tyrese Maxey.

Championship Sunday

The Public and Catholic Leagues crowned their champions in boys’ and girls’ basketball on Sunday. Imhotep Charter’s boys have made this a habit. Zaahir Muhammad-Gray scored 15 points as the Panthers captured their sixth PPL title in a row with a 39-35 victory over West Philadelphia at La Salle’s John E. Glaser Arena.

On the girls’ side, 22 points from Nasiaah Russell helped Audenried earn its fourth straight crown in a 64-50 win over Imhotep.

Repeat champions were the story of the day. In the Catholic League boys’ final at the Palestra, Father Judge won its second straight crown by beating Neumann Goretti.

Sisters Alexis, Kayla, and Kelsey Eberz combined to score 29 points for Archbishop Carroll, which topped Cardinal O’Hara for the Catholic League championship.

The spirit of 76

Arguably the most legendary 76er of all, Julius Erving turned 76 years old on Sunday. “I want to put my focus on keeping the carrot out in front,” the Hall of Famer says, “and tomorrow being the best day of my life.”

In an excerpt from his book, Magic in the Air: The Myth, the Mystery, and the Soul of the Slam Dunk, Mike Sielski explores Erving’s heyday: the 1976 ABA slam dunk contest.

Sports snapshot

• ’Nova’s setback: Kevin Willard’s Wildcats went cold in a loss to No. 5 UConn.
• ’Nova’s big win: Jasmine Bascoe scored 18 points as the women routed Marquette.
• Back from Milan: Flyers goalie Dan Vladař reflected on his Olympic experience.
• Costly defeat: Ezekiel Alladoh picked up a red card in the Union’s loss to D.C. United.

On this date

Feb. 23, 2005: The Sixers traded for All-Star forward Chris Webber and two reserves, sending Brian Skinner, Kenny Thomas, and Corliss Williamson to the Sacramento Kings. Webber was a disappointment with the Sixers, averaging 17.9 points before he was waived in 2007.

Marcus Hayes’ take

You never know how Jeffrey Lurie sees his team, but, after two Super Bowl trips and two post-Super Bowl disasters, it feels more than ever like there’s a one-year window in which Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts can save their jobs in Philadelphia. Their chances got a lot better Thursday.

That’s when The Inquirer reported that right tackle Lane Johnson, arguably the greatest Eagle ever and inarguably the greatest Eagles offensive lineman, would return for a 14th season. Left guard Landon Dickerson, a three-time Pro Bowl player, will return as well.

Replacing either of them would have been difficult. Replacing both would have been catastrophic. More from Marcus Hayes.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Mike Sielski, Marcus Hayes, Gustav Elvin, Stephen Wyno, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Gina Mizell, Ryan Mack, Colin Schofield, Dylan Johnson, Owen Hewitt, Jeff Neiburg, Katie Lewis, Jackie Spiegel, and Jonathan Tannenwald.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Happy Monday and good luck shoveling or slow blowing! I’ll see you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Jim

The Eagles might have gotten the best news of their offseason. Lane Johnson, a no-doubt Hall of Famer someday, told The Inquirer on Thursday that he would be back for the 2026 season, ending speculation about whether he might retire.

Eagles fans are well aware of how important the right tackle is to the offense. In Johnson’s 13 seasons, the team is 110-57-1 when he plays and 18-27 when he does not. Ask Saquon Barkley if he missed Johnson when the Pro Bowl tackle sat out seven games this season and missed parts of others.

Of course, Johnson will be 36 in the next season and he’s coming off a Lisfranc foot fracture in Week 11. He avoided surgery, though, and he has shown the ability to overcome major injuries in the past. Now the Eagles wait for the other shoe to drop: Oft-injured guard Landon Dickerson has hinted at retirement as well, and we’re waiting to see if he’ll return. Jeff McLane has the full story.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Game on: What to watch

Spring training games don’t count. But don’t tell that to Dylan Moore, the 33-year-old utility man fighting for a bench role with the Phillies.

The Phillies will play 30 spring training games, including a March 4 exhibition against Canada’s entry in the World Baseball Classic. That’s a lot of faux innings for a team that has few jobs up for grabs.

Here, then, is an attempt to answer a few roster questions entering Saturday’s opener against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla., based on reporting from the first eight days of camp.

These Phillies starting pitchers are preparing for the “different feeling” that goes with competing in the World Baseball Classic.

J.T. Realmuto is back for an eighth season with the Phillies. But for a week in January, he wasn’t sure he’d return.

Back after the break

Tyrese Maxey returned from his All-Star Game appearance with a 28-point effort, but the Atlanta Hawks earned a 117-107 victory over the Sixers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Jalen Johnson, fresh off an All-Star appearance himself, led the way for the Hawks with 32 points.

Outside looking in

Flyers fans have been clamoring for Emil Andrae to play after the Swedish defenseman was benched for five straight games heading into the Olympic break. They may soon get their wish.

“He’s been really sharp in these three practices that he’s been back for,” says defense coach Todd Reirden. “I know he came back a little bit earlier and did some other skating. He’s doing everything he can to get himself in a situation where he’s fighting to be in that lineup every night.”

Andrae’s future with the team is an uncertain one with the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 6. We’ll see if he’s back in the lineup when the Flyers return to game action against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.

‘I did my best’

Figure skater Isabeau Levito, the 18-year-old pride of South Jersey, placed 12th at the Winter Olympics in Milan, the hometown of her mother. Levito’s teammate, friend, and fellow Blade Angel, Alysa Liu, emerged with the gold medal.

Levito had an uncharacteristic fall on her opening triple flip but otherwise skated a beautiful long program on Thursday. “I did my best,” she said afterward.

After the U.S. women’s hockey team won the gold medal with an overtime victory against Canada, the spotlight turns to the men’s team in the semifinals. Here’s the Olympic TV schedule for today.

Sports snapshot

• Catholic League playoffs: Defending champion Father Judge and Neumann Goretti advanced to the final.
• Public League playoffs: Audenried’s girls topped Lincoln to reach the championship game, where they will face Imhotep after the Panthers held off Central, 52-45.
• ’Nova’s NCAA hopes: The chances for Kevin Willard’s team could take a big jump with a win against No. 5 UConn.
• Great opener: Bradley Carnell never doubted his untested lineup in the Union’s first game of the season.
• “Simpsons” tribute: The iconic animated show found a way to honor the writer Dan McQuade, who died of cancer at 43.

Our best sports 📸 of the week

Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors will pick our best shots from the last seven days and share them with you, our readers. This week, it’s hoop, hoop hooray: Photos include high school boys’ and girls’ basketball playoffs, college hoops as well, and plenty from the Phillies at spring training.

What you’re saying about burning questions

We asked: What’s your burning Philly sports question? Among your responses:

The fans of all Philly sports teams are passionate, but it is the Eagles who draw the most passion. Their most burning off season question is “are the Eagles trying hard to trade A.J. Brown before next season?” … Does the Eagles brass see him as a locker room cancer with more negative value to the team than the value of his performance on the field? And how confident are they that the new offensive coaching staff can turn around his mental attitude toward performing consistently at his best? There are some who believe that the same question could be applied to Jalen Hurts. — John W.

Will the Phillies have enough to repeat as Eastern Division champs? Can the Eagles adapt to a new offensive scheme and remain a legit Super Bowl contender? Is Joel Embiid done? — Bob C.

What, if anything, can be done to have at least one Big Five (I’m not talking to you, Drexel) doubleheader each year at the Palestra.? Streamers, banners, the whole works. Or even a doubleheader with one nationally popular team. Everyone would get totally into it. Sorry to live in the past, but those were the greatest times I ever had. Cold outside, hot, sweaty and noisy inside. And everyone celebrating Philadelphia basketball, no matter which school they were from or rooting for. — Tom L.

Two questions. Ready to spend in the 100 millions for Bo Bichette, but unwilling to spend even a small percentage of that to keep Harrison Bader, who so impressed all Phillies fans during his short time here? And is Sirianni truly the coach who can bring the Eagles back to the Super Bowl? This past season I think he failed to lead when the going was the toughest and leadership was most needed. — Everett S.

What’s wrong with the Flyers? As usual they have become irrelevant. — Bill M.

Is this still Bryce’s team, or has Schwarber overtaken him as the star of the organization? — Anthony P.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff McLane, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Ellen Dunkel, Gabriela Carroll, Jonathan Tannenwald, Rob Tornoe, Jeff Neiburg, Sean McKeown, Colin Schofield, Conor Smith, and Dylan Johnson.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Have a great weekend. Thanks for reading, as always, and I’ll see you in Monday’s newsletter. — Jim

As we’re past the “what-if” stage of the 2025-26 NFL season, we move into the questions phase, specifically with the NFL scouting combine starting on Monday.

These questions circle less around the top prospects (though they’re in there), but more so around decisions that were made or are yet to be made this offseason by the Eagles.

• Like, what really happened with longtime coach Jeff Stoutland?
• What was it about Sean Mannion that made him the top choice to lead the Eagles’ offense?
• Will A.J. Brown be back in midnight green (or the occasional Kelly green)?

These are a few questions that kick off your Thursday edition of Sports Daily, as Inquirer writer Jeff Neiburg delves into that and more in his latest story.

Speaking of Thursday, expect a carbon copy of yesterday across the region, with cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-40s.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What’s your burning Philly sports question? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Turner not slowing down

Trea Turner hasn’t lost a step 10 years into his major league career. If anything, he may be a tick faster. As a 23-year-old rookie with the Nationals in 2016, he averaged 30 feet per second, according to Statcast. Last season, at age 32, he averaged 30.3.

Through the years, Turner has changed his nutritional habits. He cut out soda several years ago. He eats more carefully now, taking cues from Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, and other teammates.

“Genetics, I’d say, is a big part of it,” said Brett Austin, Turner’s college teammate and close friend. “But I think his offseason program really allows him to optimize and maintain his speed.”

Indeed, the biggest reason Turner has remained in the fast lane is a training routine that he has followed since he was a teenager.

Softball masks, paddles, and tennis balls are all part of early spring workouts for Bobby Dickerson, whose drills are designed to get infielders to work on one of the game’s most basic skills.

Recently, J.T. Realmuto sat down with Inquirer Phillies writer Scott Lauber to discuss the offseason, all of the rumblings, and now that he’s secured a deal to remain in Philly, his aspirations for the season. Watch here.

What we’re …

🏟️ Sharing: The Ivory Coast has chosen the WSFS Sportsplex in Chester as its home base ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

🤔 Pondering: How long will it take to stop calling the Eagles’ training facility the NovaCare Complex after it was renamed the Jefferson Health Complex earlier this week?

🏀 Wondering: The lessons learned from a prep basketball skirmish that saw Carver Engineering & Sciences High School lose its opportunity to compete in the upcoming Public League playoffs.

⚽ Introducing: Union newcomer Agústin Anello and how choosing Philly coincided with a chance to be back on American soil.

The new guys

The Olympic break has always been a great reset for NHL teams. The Flyers are no different. Consider it a second training camp, if you will.

This week, the Flyers called up defensemen Oliver Bonk and Hunter McDonald, and goaltender Carson Bjarnason from Lehigh Valley to fill in for the players in Milan for the Winter Olympics. The coaches say having new, hungry players in practice has given the group a “new energy.”

“The guys, their spirits have been really high,” said Flyers assistant coach Todd Reirden. “Today’s practice was pretty spirited, with some competitions that we had. That, in conjunction with bringing in new players that are excited about getting an opportunity, I think, is a really great experience for everybody involved.”

So what does that mean for when the team is back at full strength? Well, that remains to be seen, but it’s definitely promising for a team looking for a spark in a push for the playoffs.

‘I guess the NBA’s still watching’

Cameron Payne was in the middle of a game with KK Partizan when his agent, Jason Glushon, alerted him that a return to the 76ers was in play. Payne had spent the summer waiting for the phone to ring and decided to take a deal overseas when an opportunity with the Phoenix Suns didn’t stick. But this was the moment he had waited for at that time. “You might want to pack,” Glushon told him.

Payne practiced with the Sixers on Wednesday and received praise from head coach Nick Nurse and star guard Tyrese Maxey. And while he wasn’t looking for an NBA opportunity, Payne was grateful. “I don’t know how I keep finding a way to get back,” Payne said. “But I guess the NBA’s still watching. And if you still take your game seriously and do the right things, play the right way, they’re still looking.”

Blowout win

The Union opened their 2026 season with a win on Wednesday night, defeating Defence Force FC, 5-0, in the first of a two-game Concacaf Champions Cup first round series at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Milan Iloski, Ezekiel Alladoh, Olwethu Makhanya, and Bruno Damiani (twice) all scored in the win. Next up for the Union is the MLS season-opener at D.C. United on Saturday.

On this date

Feb. 19, 1992: The Flyers bid farewell to current head coach Rick Tocchet as a player in a monster trade with Pittsburgh that sent Mark Recchi, Kjell Samuelsson, and Ken Wregget to Philly.

David Murphy’s take …

The best way to understand Bryce Harper is to think about all the things he can’t say. He can’t say that Alec Bohm is a seven-hole hitter at best. He can’t say that Adolis García is much closer to Nick Castellanos than he is a legitimate four- or five-hole hitter. He can’t say that J.T. Realmuto isn’t the guy he was three years ago. He can’t say that he’d swing at fewer pitches out of the zone if he had more confidence that the guys behind him would get the job done. Murphy’s latest tries to dive inside the mind of Harper in the aftermath of comments made about him by team president David Dombrowski.

What you’re saying about collectibles

We asked: Do you have a sports card or any memorabilia that is meaningful to you, and why?

In 1965, I was 6 years old and living in Hedgerow Woods, a community in Morrisville, Pa. The tough card to find that summer was the 1965 Phillies team card. It actually showed the 1964 team, the season the Phillies blew the pennant. My buddy Mark Becker and I were always looking for that card, spending our quarters at Irv’s Pharmacy in the Makefield Shopping Center on packs of cards and enjoying the sweet bubblegum that came with them. We could not find that Phillies team card though. While wandering our neighborhood, Mark and I happened to look down, and there in the gutter was the card! Actually, half the card. Someone had torn the team card in half and tossed this portion the gutter. — Rich G.

I used to live in Havertown, but that was 48 years ago. I once corresponded with him to ask him questions about something I had, but that is a distant memory. I have some autographs, and used to collect tickets, and believe I still have one from Pittsburgh, the day Mike Schmidt hit is 500th homer. “It’s outta here.” I have not looked at anything I have for a long time. Will have to do that. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Scott Lauber, Jonathan Tannenwald, David Murphy, Gabriela Carroll, Lochlahn March, Mike Sielski, and Gina Mizell.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s my time. As always, thanks for reading. We’ll be in your inbox for the final time this week on Friday, to get you ready for the weekend. Take care. — Kerith