On Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts starting safety unexpectedly announced his retirement from the National Football League. The 26-year-old said his three-year NFL career is coming to an end so he can pursue ministry full time. In three seasons in Indianapolis, Willis tallied four interceptions, one which he ran back for a touchdown, 219 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Without him on the roster, the Colts will turn to a host of different options at the safety position including Julian Blackmon, Rodney McLeod and 2022 third-round selection Nick Cross.
The Indiana Pacers brought in six more draft prospects as workouts continue ahead of next week’s NBA draft. The blue and gold welcomed a group of highly productive college guards including Gonzaga guard Andrew Nembhard. He was joined by former Vanderbilt guard Scotty Pippen Jr. The son of Bulls legend, Scottie Pippen, started all but one game for the Commodores in three seasons averaging 20 points per game as a sophomore and junior. Wyoming’s Drake Jeffries and Texas A&M’s Quenton Jackson were also part of the workout as well as foreign players Luke Travers from Australia and Italy’s Gabriele Procida.
After the departure of Jaden Ivey to the NBA draft and Eric Hunter’s transfer to Butler, Matt Painter and the Purdue men’s basketball team were in need of an anchor in the backcourt. On Wednesday, the Boilermakers completed at least part of that puzzle with the commitment of Utah transfer David Jenkins Jr. The veteran averaged 8.5 points per game for the Utes last season but averaged at least 14.8 points each of his first three seasons. Homestead star Fletcher Loyer and Westfield’s Braden Smith finished first and second in 2022 Indiana Mr. Basketball voting and will both play for Matt Painter next season. Between those three players, Painter has several different options to try and solve arguably the most pressing question about the Boilermaker offseason.
