Category: Sports Daily

The Eagles announced the hiring of Sean Mannion on Thursday night, wrapping up a two-week interview process in their search for a new offensive coordinator. At 33, Mannion does not have any play-calling experience.

He’ll get that soon enough with the Eagles, replacing Kevin Patullo, another guy who didn’t have previous experience calling plays. Mannion was the quarterbacks coach for the Packers, beginning his coaching career in 2024 as an offensive assistant with Green Bay.

So there is not a great deal of coaching experience there, but Mannion has the mind of a quarterback. He played for nine NFL seasons at the position, including three on practice squads, and was a record-setting player at Oregon State.

“Sean’s 11 years in the NFL have provided him a great opportunity to learn from and grow alongside some of the best coaches in the game,” coach Nick Sirianni told the team’s website. Now we’ll see if the former quarterback can help Jalen Hurts get back on track.

Here’s something to consider: In Mannion’s one year as Packers QB coach, Jordan Love had his best season with a 66.3% completion rate and a 101.2 passer rating. Jeff Neiburg looks inside Mannion’s coaching numbers.

Here’s more on Mannion, whose father is a longtime high school football coach.

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

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Philly Special delivery

We remember it like yesterday: On a fourth-and-goal trick play for the ages, tight end Trey Burton tossed a touchdown pass to Nick Foles of all people and the Eagles went on to shock the New England Patriots, 41-33, in Super Bowl LII.

It is arguably the most iconic play in Eagles history and eight years later, the Philly Special is getting documentary treatment by ESPN. The Philly Special, produced by NFL Films, will debut next Friday at 9 p.m. on ESPN and the ESPN app.

Part of the network’s 30 for 30 documentary series, the film features, among others, coach Doug Pederson and the four players who touched the ball on that classic play: Jason Kelce, Corey Clement, Burton, and Foles.

More from the Eagles: Defensive line coach Clint Hurtt is serving as a head coach this week at the Senior Bowl.

Deal or no deal?

The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching on Feb. 5 and the 76ers don’t have a lot of trade value beyond Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, who certainly won’t be dealt. Daryl Morey loves to made a deal at this time of year, but the Sixers should be cautious, Keith Pompey writes. Here’s why. They weren’t so cautious on Thursday night, when they almost lost to the Sacramento Kings, one of the NBA’s worst teams.

From the heart

WNBA star Paige Bueckers will play Friday night in the Unrivaled basketball showcase before a sellout crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena. In advance of the three-on-three event, Bueckers spoke out Thursday about another subject close to her heart.

Bueckers grew up near Minneapolis, the site of recent ICE raids and the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. She addressed the events in her home state: “We feel like, and we hope and we pray, that there’s a change in direction in where this is heading.”

Limping but scoring

Travis Konecny came up limping Wednesday after taking a slap shot off his foot during a Flyers loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. That did not prevent the winger from scoring a hat trick, a rare bright spot in the defeat.

Sore foot or not, Konecny was back at it Thursday night in Boston, scoring a second-period goal. It wasn’t enough as his team suffered a 6-3 blowout loss to the Bruins.

Sports snapshot

• NFL hopeful: Levittown’s David Blay played for West Chester and Louisiana Tech before ending his college career with a bang at Miami.
• Hawks on the rise: St. Joseph’s has won five of six entering Saturday’s game against La Salle.
• Transferring out: Three Penn football standouts have landed with major programs.
• U.S. men’s soccer: Manager Mauricio Pochettino will take his time selecting the World Cup roster.

Marcus Hayes’ take

Incredibly, against all odds, fate has delivered Daryl Morey and the Sixers a miraculous escape route that would repair his recent mistakes and erase the entire 13-year stench of The Process.

It’s no sure bet, but Morey simply has to push all his chips in and snag the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, in a trade with the Bucks. He should do it today, before anybody else does, and before Joel Embiid gets hurt again. More from Marcus Hayes.

What you’re saying about the Sixers

We asked: Do you agree there’s an upside with the Sixers? Among your responses:

With the current backcourt of 2 superstars (Maxey and Edgecombe) and 2 almost superstars (Grimes and McCain) they have the basis of what could become a dynasty. Embiid and George are the keys to the present team but what they do about acquiring or keeping (Oubre etc.) front court players holds the key to their future. — Richard F.

Don’t think so. Frankly I don’t care about how much money the billionaire who owns the team pays Embiid or George until it affects the teams ability to pay Maxey, Kelly Oubre or VJ Edgecombe as well as the supporting players. — Bill M.

There is always a potential upside and Edgecombe and Maxey are certainly the beginning of a possible comeback, but until they do something about either replacing or improving the play and endurance of the big guys, they will not be a legitimate contender. I sent this morning’s SD to a friend back in So Cal who is from the Bahamas and knows the Edgecombe family and will certainly appreciate the comment from the Prime Minister. — Everett S.

No. The Sixers have been playing well, hovering between the 5th to 7th seed in the conference. Can they maintain that level of play and will Joel and PG hold up during a grueling every-other-day playoff run? History tells us the team will falter during rounds 1 and 2. — Bob C.

The Sixers’ upside is huge again, but imagine the greater upside that would exist if Embiid stopped hoisting up 3-point shots at a 26% accuracy rate (ugh). And then he could stop trying to handle the ball and leading the team in turnovers. No doubt, he is a special talent who makes them better, but why doesn’t he do the other things to max their upside? — John W.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Gabriela Carroll, Devin Jackson, Jonathan Tannenwald, Matt Mullin, Keith Pompey, Gustav Elvin, Jackie Spiegel, and Sean McKeown.

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 and do your best to stay warm. I’ll see you in Monday’s newsletter. — Jim

Sure, the Sixers are barely past the .500 mark.

Yes, it’s still a dice roll if Joel Embiid’s knees will hold up on any given night or if Paul George will consistently rip off the warmups. But let’s remove our collective Negadelphian tendencies for one second, and you’ll find a team that’s been pretty fun to watch underneath, with a pair of stars not named Embiid or George receiving national attention.

Any hoophead will tell you that the cover of SLAM Magazine is the holy grail, and in their latest issue, the magazine features both Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe in the Sixers’ signature throwback black uniforms.

As my 9-year-old would say, the SLAM cover and the distinction “is tough.”

It headlines a strong year for both players, with Maxey named a starter for the NBA’s All-Star game while Edgecombe is lauded as one of the league’s top rookies, averaging 15.4 points and a fan favorite of the prime minister of the Bahamas.

Oh, and not discounting Embiid and George, let’s remember the two got together on Tuesday, combining for 61 points in a win over the Bucks. Now, they all collectively look to run it back inside Xfinity Mobile Arena against Sacramento tonight (7 p.m., NBCSP).

As for today, expect sunny skies, but we’re still in a tundra across the region, with temperatures not expected to leave the teens — again.

What was that about the Bahamas? Sheesh.

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

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Healthy Kemp gets his shot

Otto Kemp is hoping for a healthier 2026 with the Phillies. He underwent two procedures this winter to address injuries he’d been grinding through last year: a bone fragment removed from his left knee and what he described as a “shoulder cleanup.”

Kemp had been playing with the bone fragment since June, but only missed a single game.

“He’s just so tough. He really is,” said manager Rob Thomson. “He’s just one of those guys that can put all that pain and little dings behind them, and forget about it, and go out and play..”

Kemp expects to be fully ready for spring training. The Phillies’ first full-squad workout is set for Feb. 16 in Clearwater, Fla.

And it figures to be a big spring training for the 26-year-old.

What we’re…

⚽ Sharing: The eight area organizations that shelled out big bucks to support World Cup soccer this summer.

👏🏾 Applauding: Jared McCain’s breakout game and the resurgence that could coincide.

🏈 Introducing: Philly’s next NFL Draft hopeful, USC linebacker and Neumann-Goretti alum Eric Gentry.

‼️ Watching: Gritty and the mayhem he caused visiting the Inquirer office earlier this month.

Vive la Vladǎr

Win or lose, we’re sure it felt good for Flyers fans to see goalie Dan Vladǎr between the pipes against the Columbus Blue Jackets last night.

After missing the last six games due to a lower-body injury, Vladǎr made 26 saves in a 5-3 loss in his 29th start, which matched a career-high.

“He’s been very consistent for us, and a really competitive guy, and he adds a lot to our locker,” said Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet said, … [he] likes to be involved with the players with instructions, even just being positive with the guys. So he’s going to add a lot to our room, especially on the ice and off the ice.”

Flyers writer Jackie Spiegel has more on what having Vladǎr back means going forward.

Finding a fit

Union manager Bradley Carnell offered a good deal of insight into the team’s current state as they ramp up preseason training in Marbella, Spain. During his weekly press conference, Carnell exuded calm as he explained a number of issues that still need clarity before the season gets going in a few weeks.

It was like watching a mallard hover gracefully on water, unable to see its feet flapping feverishly below the surface. Currently, the Union is trying to get players up to speed both defensively and on offense, the latter of which finds newcomer Ezekiel Alladoh looking to build chemistry with potential fellow strike partner Bruno Damiani up top.

Ahead of another preseason game scheduled for later this morning, when they play an extended match against Montenegro’s FK Buducnost, Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald examines what the Union are still looking to perfect.

Talkin’ baseball

In less than three weeks, Phillies pitchers and catchers will hold their first spring-training workout. It’s a good time to sit down with manager Rob Thomson, who discussed the roster in the aftermath of not signing Bo Bichette, the potential impact of rookies Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter, the value of J.T. Realmuto, and, perhaps most importantly, if he thinks the Phillies are better now than at the end of last season. Watch here.

On this date

Jan. 29, 2023: The Eagles were headed to Super Bowl LIX following a 31-7 dismantling of the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Standings, stats, and more

Looking for a deeper breakdown of last night’s Flyers game? Here’s a place to access your favorite Philadelphia teams’ statistics, schedules, and standings in real time.

Marcus Hayes’ take…

“In Bill Belichick’s hour of disappointment and shame, Philly can savor revenge…Why should Belichick, a proven and penalized two-time cheater, be treated any better than other scofflaw? He might not be Pete Rose, but he ain’t Bill Walsh, either.” — The latest from Hayes diving into the former Patriots head coach’s first ballot Hall of Fame snub.

What you’re saying about the WNBA

We asked: What are your thoughts on an WNBA team in Philly?

Absolutely, Philadelphia should have a WNBA team. Philadelphia is a basketball city with a far richer basketball history and heritage than almost any other city in the U.S. Right now, there are no Philly-area schools in the top 25 women’s college rankings. I think the presence of a WNBA team might even help some of Philly’s Big 5 women’s teams become UConn- or South Carolina-level powerhouses. Maybe coach [Dawn] Staley would retire and be the first Philly coach. — Everett S.

I think it’s great, especially for young women. It’s long overdue. — Tom G.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Marcus Hayes, Gabriela Carroll, Kerith Gabriel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Lochlahn March, Jackie Spiegel, Gina Mizell, Devin Jackson, Vaughn Johnson, and Scott Lauber.

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 Thursday. Stay warm, be safe, and we’ll be back tomorrow to get you ready for the weekend. — Kerith

It doesn’t help that the Seattle Seahawks are preparing for the Super Bowl, but most Eagles fans are experiencing fatigue these days as that search for an offensive coordinator goes on. In other NFL cities, the wheels are turning as new head coaches and assistants move in.

Many of the prominent names are off the board already, including Mike McDaniel, who agreed Monday to become the Los Angeles Chargers’ OC. The Birds have not resorted to using LinkedIn yet, as Mike Sielski cracked, but this search seems to be dragging on a bit.

Here’s Jeff Neiburg’s update on who’s out and who’s still available, with a couple of new candidates joining the list.

The Eagles announced one move on Monday: They promoted Joe Kasper to take over as defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator for Christian Parker, who defected to become the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator.

Here’s hoping you have dug out of the snow and ice by this point. Think warm thoughts.

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

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Edgecombe’s razor-sharp

VJ Edgecombe was honored Monday for his stellar start to a breakout rookie season. He was named to the Rising Stars Challenge, joining teammate Tyrese Maxey, who will be an All-Star starter, at All-Star Weekend. The road there for Edgecombe has been colored by his speed, leaping ability, and surprising perimeter accuracy. Beneath the surface, however, basketball IQ is driving his early success. The Inquirer’s Gina Mizell takes a deeper look at Edgecombe’s maturation, a process that started in the Bahamas, moved to Long Island and then Baylor, and blossomed with the Sixers.

Edgecombe did not have a great game Monday in Charlotte, and neither did any of the Sixers in a resounding 130-93 loss to the Hornets.

Topper’s state of the Phils

Later this week, Rob Thomson will gas up his truck near his home in Ontario and begin the drive to Clearwater, Fla., for spring training.

“As you go further south, it gets warmer and warmer, and you really feel like baseball’s back,” the Phillies manager said. “And I’m really looking forward to it.”

First, Thomson was a guest on Phillies Extra, The Inquirer’s baseball podcast. He discussed a variety of topics, including how the organization will get over its collective disappointment at not signing Bo Bichette, the value of J.T. Realmuto, moving on from Nick Castellanos, and more.

Watch the entire Thomson episode of Phillies Extra here.

In other news, former Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader found a new home for 2026.

Taken by storm

Fresh off a successful trip out west ending with a 7-3 victory on Friday against the Avalanche in Colorado, the Flyers came home to a momentum-busting storm. Because of the weather here, they were not on the ice again until Monday morning.

They showed a bit of rust as they fell behind the New York Islanders, 3-0, en route to a lackluster 4-0 loss.

One lanky linebacker

At 6-foot-6 and 221 pounds, Southern Cal’s Eric Gentry is built more like an NBA wing player than a linebacker. Perhaps he is just a new prototype for the position. NFL scouts and media members have found out just how impactful Gentry can be this week during workouts for the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas. One NFC scout remarked that the Philadelphia native “can be a good one.”

Sports snapshot

• Face of the franchise? The Union’s Quinn Sullivan likely won’t return to action until July, but he welcomes a bigger role.
• Breaking new ground: MLS announces a partnership deal with Polymarket, a prediction market platform.

Marcus Hayes’ take

Color commentary is vastly more difficult than you can imagine. I’ve done it a few times as an emergency replacement for a basketball broadcast, and, in the parlance of social media, I sucked.

The job requires research, alertness, rhythm with a partner, familiarity with every coach, and mastery of the game’s history. It requires knowledge of rules, of strategy, of game-day procedures, of tendencies, of strengths and of weaknesses.

Then, in real time, you have to explain what’s happening to millions of mildly inebriated fans, most of whom wouldn’t know a naked blitz from a naked blintz. Which brings us to the NFL’s color analysts, where Tom Brady outclasses Tony Romo, just like he did on the field. More from Marcus Hayes.

🧠 Trivia time

Which athlete has won the most MVP awards while playing with Philadelphia’s professional teams? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Wilt Chamberlain

B) Mike Schmidt

C) Bobby Clarke

D) Julius Erving

What you’re saying about Joel Embiid

We asked: Should Joel Embiid be an NBA All-Star this season? Among your responses:

Absolutely not! While his stats are similar to his past All-Star performances, his frequent load management games should disqualify him from All-Star consideration. — Bob C.

How ’bout no. In most of the games he has played in recently he’s played well, but takes half the games off, so is not deserving. — Bill M.

First he does not deserve the honor given the number of games he has missed this season. More importantly playing in a meaningless game gives him an unnecessary opportunity to injure himself again. Even if he is selected to the team he should decline, but given his ego he will accept. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. — Mike D.

Tyrese Maxey yes of course, but for Joel no. In NBA stat leaders, it is very hard to find Joel among them in any category. However, if Keith Pompey says yes, I would defer to his knowledge and expertise. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Marcus Hayes, Jonathan Tannenwald, Devin Jackson, Gabriela Carroll, Jackie Spiegel, Gina Mizell, Keith Pompey, and Scott Lauber.

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 to bring you Sports Daily on Wednesday. — Jim

Good morning, frozen Philly.

That overtime loss to the Knicks on Saturday notwithstanding, this has been quite a different season for the 76ers. Tanking losers a season ago, they stand at 24-20 and look at times like a team that might actually win a playoff series, something the Sixers haven’t done since 2023.

The NBA trade deadline is 10 days away and NBA sources tell our Keith Pompey that the Sixers are willing to part ways with Andre Drummond. Pompey is not a fan of such a move, given the big man’s contributions off the bench.

In fact, Pompey writes, it might make sense for the team to do little at all at the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Whether it’s fool’s gold or not, the Sixers believe they have a chance to contend. They might try to unload some salary (Eric Gordon, anyone?), but they might just decide to see how far Nick Nurse can take this team.

Incidentally, that loss to the Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena marked the second straight game in which the Sixers got some tough calls from the referees during crunch time.

For their part, the Knicks are feeling better about their chances after beating the Sixers for the first time this season.

Because of the storm, the Sixers’ game against the Hornets in Charlotte, initially scheduled for tonight, has been moved up to 3 p.m. (NBCSP).

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

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❓Should Joel Embiid be an NBA All-Star this season? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Are the Phillies any better?

Whether or not you think the Phillies made an appropriate number of changes after a second straight NL East title and another loss in the divisional round of the playoffs, the pertinent question is this: Are they better or worse today than when last season ended Oct. 9 at Dodger Stadium?

Scott Lauber examines whether the Phillies are any better with a cast of characters that is one year older but almost as familiar as ever. Here are a few factors to consider.

Pride of Downingtown

Penn State tackle Drew Shelton is in Frisco, Texas, for East-West Shrine Bowl workouts as he prepares for the NFL draft. The Downingtown native will get even deeper in preparation when he attends the sports academy run by OL Masterminds, a program for standout offensive linemen with NFL opportunities ahead.

“Coming from Downingtown and growing into the offensive lineman that I needed to be at Penn State, and continuing to grow to be the offensive tackle I need to be in the NFL, it’s been fun,” Shelton says. “It’s been a challenge.”

‘We should have won that game’

Villanova coach Kevin Willard is taking no moral victories from a 75-67 road loss to No. 2 Connecticut in overtime on Saturday. Sure, the Wildcats battled, but they also missed 10 of 15 layups.

“I don’t like losing,” Willard said. “We should have won that game.”

Things went better for St. Joseph’s, which had three players score 20 points in an 81-74 victory against Dayton.

Tippett and a turnaround

The Flyers had lost six straight before heading west to take on three of the NHL’s best. They headed home after taking five out of six points, capped by a 7-3 victory against the league-leading Colorado Avalanche. Owen Tippett notched his second career hat trick against Colorado.

“He’s a big-time player,” goalie Sam Ersson said. “He makes big-time plays at the right time when we need it. And he’s that guy who can score from anywhere. He just doesn’t need much. And you give him the finger, he’ll take the whole hand.”

Sports snapshot

• Legendary Dragons: Malik Rose and coach Bill Herrion led Drexel to three NCAA Tournament bids in the 1990s. On Saturday, they joined the Dragons’ Hall of Fame.
• Revenge for St. John’s: The Red Storm topped Villanova’s women to avenge a 37-point loss.

On this date

Jan. 26, 2025: The Eagles throttled the Washington Commanders, 55-23, in the NFC championship game. Saquon Barkley rushed for 118 yards and three touchdowns.

Marcus Hayes’ take

The Phillies led the National League in batting average and finished second in OPS last season as they won their second consecutive NL East title. That offense was led by a lineup that generally featured Trea Turner leading off, Kyle Schwarber batting second, and Bryce Harper batting third. Harper has spent most of his career batting third.

This year might be different.

Asked if the changes could involve Harper moving out of the three-hole, manager Rob Thomson said, “Yes.”

A change might do him good, and here’s why. More from Marcus Hayes.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Keith Pompey, Gina Mizell, Gabriela Carroll, Devin Jackson, Marcus Hayes, Scott Lauber, Jackie Spiegel, Jeff Neiburg, Ryan Mack, Conor Smith, and Katie Lewis.

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 stay warm in this deep freeze. I’ll see you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Jim

As a nasty winter storm bears down on us, it’s a good time to start the newsletter with warm thoughts about baseball.

Could the Mets actually give the Phillies a run for their money in the NL East this season? In the last week or so, they have gotten a little closer.

First they swiped Bo Bichette in a free-agent signing that Phillies president Dave Dombrowski called “a gut punch.” Then the New Yorkers traded for Gold Glove center fielder Luis Robert. Then they dealt for front-line pitcher Freddy Peralta, a noted Phillie killer.

What in the name of Flushing is going on around here? David Murphy takes it all in and provides his analysis: “Offseasons are pretty much the only the thing Mets have won in the 40 years since the ’86 Amazin’s did their thing. They are going to need a lot of things to break right for that to change this year.” Read more of Murphy’s take here.

Still … In Peralta and second-year righty Nolan McLean, the Mets will have a powerful 1-2 punch, and if Sean Manaea can bounce back, their starters could be formidable. At the very least, the flurry of Mets moves has given fans something to talk about around the hot stove … and we’ll need that stove in the next few days.

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

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Philly ties

The Eagles will be spectators Sunday when the NFC and AFC championship games are played, but there will be more than a few Philadelphia connections to the action. The pride of Penn Charter, Mike McGlinchey, is the anchor of the Broncos’ line. Imhotep Charter’s Omar Speights is a top tackler for the Rams. And ex-Eagles DT Milton Williams is lining up for the Patriots. Olivia Reiner gives us the rundown of familiar faces one step from the Super Bowl.

Assistant coach Christian Parker is set to become an ex-Eagle himself, as reports have him heading to the Cowboys to become their defensive coordinator.

Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is a finalist for NFL assistant coach of the year honors.

Working overtime

Joel Embiid delivered a triple-double with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Sixers fought past the Houston Rockets, 128-122, in overtime at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Tyrese Maxey made only 2 of 10 three-point shots but led the Sixers with 36 points. Gina Mizell has a closer look at the action.

Let’s make a deal?

The Flyers’ ongoing search for a No. 1 center is no state secret at this point. But do they potentially have a new lead?

With reports that St. Louis pivot Robert Thomas could be available, the Flyers might finally have a path to filling the organization’s biggest hole. Gustav Elvin believes the Flyers should do whatever it takes to land Thomas, whom he calls one of the league’s top playmakers and a bona fide top-20 center.

The Flyers’ need for centers has been apparent in recent weeks as the team has dropped seven of eight games and fallen below the playoff cut line. But blowing a 3-0 lead and squandering a point on Wednesday in Utah represented a new low, writes Jackie Spiegel.

Back to grassroots hockey

A former Flyers beat writer for the Daily News, Frank Seravalli has become known as an NHL insider who is now building a hockey network at the streaming service Victory+. These days, he is also known as the hockey coach at Germantown Academy, a job that takes up even more of his precious time. A family tragedy was a major part of Seravalli’s inspiration to coach the Patriots. Alex Coffey tells the story.

Sports snapshot

• “Unraveling George”: A documentary pays tribute to former Villanova player George Raveling, who became an influential college coach.
• Winning bets: A former St. Joseph’s walk-on player strikes it rich in a Las Vegas contest picking NFL winners.
• Phillies moves: The team re-signs reliever Tim Mayza, while Weston Wilson is claimed by the Orioles.
• ’Nova hoops: After they handled Georgetown, the Wildcats prepare to face No. 2 UConn next.

What you’re saying about the Sixers

We asked: Thoughts on the Sixers so far this season? Among your responses:

Why would any Philadelphia sports fan, specifically a basketball fan, get fired up over our 76ers? By giving Joel Embiid and Paul George max contracts, the GM has essentially made this team irrelevant in the NBA for thee years. These two “Superstars” don’t play enough to make an impact yet account for almost a half BILLION dollars in salary over the life of their contracts. This franchise is handcuffed for the foreseeable future with two untradeable players who miss more games than they play while making it nearly impossible to add salary/free agents. For this franchise, the new reality is not championships, it’s relevancy. — Tom D.

No one cares. George and Embid will be out of the playoffs with “pain management.” Please move back to Syracuse. — Bill M.

An aging Embiid is transitioning into the complementary center he needs to become to help the young Sixers mesh and morph. They will become a quick guard-oriented offense, with the best total guard talent in the NBA.That set of guards includes Maxey, Edgecombe, McCain, Grimes, Edwards, Gordon and Lowry to mentor all of them. But there is no reason for Embiid to be hoisting 3-point shots, which he does at an awful 26% rate this year. — John W.

Encouraging! After last year’s disastrous season, Tyrese and VJ have stepped up to lead the team. Finishing in the top 6 in the conference would be a very successful season. — Bob C.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from David Murphy, Lochlahn March, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Alex Coffey, Gustav Elvin, Jackie Spiegel, Gina Mizell, Matt Breen, and Owen Hewitt.

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. I’ll see you in Monday’s newsletter, when it looks like we’ll be digging out from a doozy of a storm. — Jim

Thousands of college football coaches have paid their dues through the years, so it’s good to see a lifer like Curt Cignetti reach the top rung in his sport.

Cignetti’s unbeaten Indiana Hoosiers will play Miami tonight for the College Football Playoff championship (7:30, ESPN), and for the 64-year-old coach it is the culmination of quite a climb.

He was the head coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Elon, and James Madison, among many other stops in his career. He also put in his time on North Broad Street as quarterbacks coach for Temple from 1989-92. Matt Breen tells the story of Cignetti’s time on Jerry Berndt’s staff, when the young coach learned by watching a master in another sport: Basketball Hall of Fame coach John Chaney.

Speaking of someone paying his dues, linebacker Mohamed Toure certainly has done that with the Miami Hurricanes. A native of Pleasantville, Atlantic County, Toure is in his seventh season of college football after ACL injuries cost him two seasons at Rutgers.

“It means a lot to the community,” says Chris Sacco, who was Toure’s head coach at Pleasantville. “I know it means a lot to the younger kids to be able to look at the school and say there’s somebody playing on Monday night for the national championship that went here, and recently.”

Beyond the local connections tonight, there is a reason for Eagles fans to tune in. Several Hoosiers and Hurricanes could be draft candidates for the Birds, and Devin Jackson identifies seven players who could fit the bill.

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

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❓What’s your favorite story about a coach? (Dick Vermeil sleeping on a cot at the Vet, etc.) Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

A holiday break

Sports Daily is taking a break to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no newsletter on Tuesday. We’ll return to your inbox on Wednesday morning.

David Murphy’s take

Bo Bichette is headed to the Mets, much to the chagrin of Phillies fans. The reports emerging in the immediate aftermath of New York’s agreement with the former Blue Jays star shortstop on a three-year, $126 million contract suggest the Phillies thought they were on the verge of signing Bichette to a seven-year, $200 million deal. But that’s more a misreading of the state of play than it is reality, David Murphy writes.

If the Mets were willing to offer Bichette these kinds of terms, and Bichette was intent on taking the best deal for his personal finances, the Phillies weren’t going to sign him. Both of those outcomes were more likely to be the case than Bichette accepting a long-term deal that the Phillies felt made fiscal sense.

Far from clutch

With their second straight loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, the Sixers dropped from fifth to seventh in the Eastern Conference standings. They blew an 11-point fourth-quarter lead in the 117-115 defeat at home.

They have played 25 “clutch” games — contests with the scoring margin at five points or less with five minutes remaining — and they have lost 12 of them, including three in a row.

“We’ve got to close games,” says Joel Embiid, “and we’ve had a lot of games that [we] probably wish we could take it back.”

Slumping and hurting

The Flyers will try to end a six-game losing streak tonight when they take on the Knights in Las Vegas (8, NBCSP+), but they’ll have to do it without Rodrigo Ābols. The team placed the fourth-line center on injured reserve after he was hurt Saturday in the loss to the Rangers. Ābols appeared to get his right toe stuck in the ice along the boards in the offensive zone, and his ankle buckled.

The Flyers called up Lane Pederson from the Phantoms to take his place.

Owls come up short

Temple ran out of gas at the Liacouras Center on Sunday, getting outscored by 10 points in the last 10 minutes of a 79-73 loss to Florida Atlantic, the first-place team in the American Conference.

Villanova had a tough time dealing with a physical St. John’s team in an 86-79 loss on Saturday.

Sports snapshot

• Hawks fall: Rhian Stokes scores 15 points, but St. Joe’s loses to George Mason.
• Winning Wildcats: Jasmine Bascoe’s 22 points boost Villanova past Butler.
• Explorers tumble: La Salle’s women drop their fourth straight.
• Ivy slump: Penn’s women have yet to win a game in league play.

On this date

Jan. 19, 2003: In the final Eagles game at Veterans Stadium, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers spoiled the party with a 27-10 victory in the NFC championship game. Ronde Barber intercepted a Donovan McNabb pass and returned it 92 yards for a touchdown.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Breen, Devin Jackson, Owen Hewitt, David Murphy, Gina Mizell, Jackie Spiegel, Jeff Neiburg, Colin Schofield, Katie Lewis, Ryan Mack, Sean McKeown, 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 Sports Daily. Enjoy the holiday and we’ll return to your inbox on Wednesday. — Jim

Kobe Bryant will be remembered for many moments in his basketball career. The NBA titles he’s won, the records he’s set, all visible, tangible memories that are a click away.

In Philly, however, his lore extends beyond what he did in the pros. It starts with his impact on the boys’ varsity basketball program as the shooting guard for Lower Merion High School in the late 1990s.

Before Bryant, the Aces struggled to compete with area teams. Now, nearly 30 years after he graduated and took his talents to the NBA, the program, which is still guided by head coach Gregg Downer, is still regarded as one of the top public school programs in the area.

Another impact of Bryant’s time is the rivalry that developed between Lower Merion and Chester, the other area hoops powerhouse, that remains a fixture on the calendar to this day. While it might not bring the same fire as games in previous years, it’s a game in which both schools test themselves on several different facets — some you could suggest might even transcend basketball.

It’s the latest from Inquirer writer Alex Coffey, who dived deep into this area high school hoops rivalry and the hardworking teen turned NBA great whose star power made this game a must-see event.

We’re in for sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-40s today. Enjoy.

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

❓What’s your favorite rivalry? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Playoff push?

Over the past few seasons, the Flyers have made it no secret that the team was rebuilding and taking a long-term approach to roster construction.

But with the Flyers in a playoff spot entering Wednesday’s games, have things changed? Jackie Spiegel recently caught up with Flyers president Keith Jones to talk about the team’s direction, Matvei Michkov, Trevor Zegras, and how the team could approach March’s trade deadline.

While it remains to be seen whether the Flyers will look to add at the deadline, the team got some reinforcement with the return of top-four defenseman Jamie Drysdale on Wednesday. Drysdale’s return after a three-game absence, combined with the team’s three-game losing streak, convinced Rick Tocchet to scramble his three defensive pairs in Buffalo.

The Flyers losing streak reached four after dropping a road game at the Sabres, 5-2. The team also lost starting goalie Dan Vladar to an undisclosed injury after the first period.

What we’re…

⚾ Realizing: That for the first time, Ranger Suárez is no longer a Phillies pitcher and he’s got a $150 million contract from the Red Sox to prove it.

👀 Watching: The reaction from this young Eagles fan who found out that former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was fired on Tuesday.

⚽ Introducing: We sat down with the Union’s newest striker, Ezekiel Alladoh. Here’s what he had to say.

🤔 Wondering: What Jason Kelce really meant with his comments on former Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.

🏈 Applauding: Penn sprint football coach Jerry McConnell, who, until next season, has been a fixture on the sidelines for nearly 20 years.

What if Realmuto moves on?

As the free agency dominoes continue to fall this winter, the one representing catcher J.T. Realmuto’s future has remained upright.

While fan attention has mostly turned to the Phillies’ interest in free agent infielder Bo Bichette, with whom team officials met on Monday, there is still a glaring hole in the team’s lineup at the catching position.

Five years ago, when Realmuto signed his last contract with the Phillies, they didn’t come to an agreement until Jan. 26. But if both sides don’t ultimately reach a deal this time, what happens at catcher?

Here’s a breakdown of the Phillies’ options behind the plate if they don’t reunite with Realmuto.

‘Small preview’ of the playoffs

When the 76ers lost to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, they didn’t have to wait long to get revenge. Less than two nights later, they were back in Scotiabank Arena. On the second try they secured a 115-102 win. The Sixers returned home to Xfinity Mobile Arena to yet another two-game set against — this time at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“It kind of gives you a small preview of what the playoffs look like, having to beat a team and go out and do it again the next night or whenever you play,” Sixers power forward Dominick Barlow said following Wednesday’s shootaround.

Barlow left Wednesday’s 133-107 loss against Cleveland with a back contusion after awkwardly falling early in the third quarter. Though Joel Embiid is showing glimpses of his dominant self, turnovers continue to be an issue for the Sixers’ star center.

Sports snapshot

• Pay to play: Temple, Villanova, and Penn State are among local schools beginning to pay athletes. Here’s how it’s going so far.
• Portal impact: We weigh Temple football’s most impactful departures and arrivals from the transfer portal over the last few years.
• Facing a legend: Villanova’s Denise Dillon recalls what it’s like to face Geno Auriemma as her Wildcats take on UConn on Thursday.
• ICYMI: Villanova leans on Devin Askew’s bench scoring to secure a win over Providence.

On this date

Jan. 15: How about a pair of Philly moments with California ties? First, on this date in 1965, the San Francisco Warriors traded Wilt Chamberlain to the Sixers in a three-player deal, along with cash. Fast forward to 2024, and you’ll see Joel Embiid hit his 16 consecutive game with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, tying Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Mike Sielski’s take …

“Given that Jalen Hurts will turn 28 in August and has absorbed his share of punishment over his five years as the Eagles’ starter, it’s fair to wonder whether that dynamism with his legs is gone forever.” — It’s one, among many questions Sielski ponders in his latest column.

What you’re saying about the Eagles

We asked: Who should the Eagles hire as their next offensive coordinator?

[Kevin] Patullo was really subpar at his job, but even more so was his boss, head coach [Nick] Sirianni. Nick has an outstanding record as Eagles coach, but I have a feeling it might have been his players who carried him to a Super Bowl win rather than the opposite. Would be great to get Kellen Moore back, but even though he had a bad season I don’t think the Saints are ready to give up on him. Other than him, I would go as the team did with Vic and bring in Frank Reich who has that same depth of experience and who of course is very familiar with the Eagles organization. — Everett S.

Pretty much anyone can make these calls: run, run, pass. — Cathy J.

Not really knowing the availability of who would be available, the best thing to do would be to run an ad. Coaching opportunity of a lifetime. OC Wanted. Experienced professional football OFFENSIVE Coordinator. Must understand the rhythm of the game. Creativity a must. Trick plays a necessity. Must be able to teach strict discipline. You will earn a top-five salary plus the opportunity to earn a $2 million bonus ending with the team’s last game played whether it be 17, 18, 19 or 20 games. This means postseason games count. … Opportunity to work in front of the best fans in football. — Ronald R.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Jackie Speigel, Keith Pompey, Gina Mizell, Lochlahn March, Ariel Simpson, Jonathan Tannenwald, Conor Smith, Mike Sielski, Susan Snyder, Katie Lewis, Colin Schofield, 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.

That’s Thursday. Make it a good one. Bella is back in your inbox to get you set for the weekend tomorrow. — Kerith