The early hours of Saturday morning have arrived at the Bryce Jordan Center, and some Penn State THON attendees shared their motivations for participating.

Andrew Canning said hes at THON with Delta Upsilon and is trying to stay the full 46 hours.

My friends are dancing down (on the floor), Canning, a fourth-year studying management information systems, said. Its a really good cause and I want to be there for them.

For Angelica Cerda, whos with Phi Gamma Nu, the goal is the same.

Last year I got close to (staying the whole time,) Cerda, a second-year studying management, said. I made that a goal for myself, and now Im doing it.

Taylor Turley said shes here to support two dancers with Operation Blue and Gold.

Im the primary chair for the org, Turley, a second-year studying biobehavioral health, said. So Im really here just to support (the organizations dancers) and let them look into the stands and see that were still there for them.

Michael Detato, a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa, has been at THON since 2 a.m. on Saturday and plans to stay for 20-25 hours.

For Detato, its just about being here with everyone.

I wanted to stay more and more just because of the people, Detato, a second-year studying health policy and administration, said.

Emily Treesh-Coln is a 2022 cybersecurity analytics and operations graduate and was a dancer in THON 2023. This year, shes with her organization, Eclipse, to support her boyfriend as he dances.

For Marcello Sabat, he said hes at THON with Lambda Chi Alpha and is going to try to stay as long as he can for the kids.

I think this is one of the few times that you can see everyone really come together, Sabat, a first-year studying finance, said. Now that (THON) is finally here, weve got to go all out.

MORE THON COVERAGE

The sun rises over a snowy Panzer Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2023 in University Park, Pa.

Madison Dowdell, a senior majoriing in psychology, waves to someone in the audience during the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

Jeanna + Perry perform during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Victoria Gil, a fourth-year studying criminology and psychology, dances during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Jack Huze, a first-year studying art, blows bubbles during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

THON dancers and attendees color together on the floor at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2023 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

Dancers stretch together at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2023 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

Dancers sing and dance together during a silent disco at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2023 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

The dancers scream and dance with each other during the line dance together at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2023 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

Dancers play "what's in the box" event during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Dancers pick up their packages for package call during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Olivia and Freddie, class of 2022 alumni singers, perform at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2023 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

Olivia and Freddie, class of 2022 alumni singers, perform at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2023 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

Megan Horan, a third-year studying biomedical engineering, and Ava Zoba, a fourth-year studying biomedical and mechanical engineering, sing and dance along with Olivia and Freddie, class of 2022 alumni singers, at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2023 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

The group Rainbow hugs after their performance at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2023 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

Lead singer of Stars and Sapphire Bernadette Bratina sings to the crowd during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Lead singer of Stars and Sapphire Bernadette Bratina sings to the crowd during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Alpha XI Delta and Alpha Sigma Phi perform a Barbie themed dance representing the Greek community during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

A young boy cheers onstage during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Kids participate in challenges onstage during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Dancers on the floor stretch during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Penn State student donors get their hair cut at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

The Luxurious Lionesses dance on stage during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

The Luxurious Lionesses dance on stage during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

THON performer John Kailian plays folk music for THON dancers during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

A little boy starts the "We Are" chant onstage during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Dancers gather for the Slide of Strength during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Jocelyn Hibbard, a second-year studying electrical engineering, participates in the Slide of Strength activity during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

A dancer participates in the Slide of Strength activity during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

A dancer participates in the Slide of Strength activity during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Senator Bob Casey speaks during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Island Fever performs during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

THON attendees pose for a photo during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

A THON dancer claps after the slides of strength during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

A THON dancer runs down the slides of strength during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

THON attendees sing and dance through the 2000s with Ted McCloskey and the Hi-Fi's ft. MollyCountermine at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

Isla Forsyth, 4, blows bubbles at the 52nd THON in the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Talent show contestant Sarah Zeisloft holds up a basketball during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Multiple talent show contestants hug each other during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Talent show contestant Charlize Curry, left, and Jackson Brennen, right, perform together during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Talent show contestant Charlize Curry dances during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Levi Krobel performs in the talent show at the 52nd THON in the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

The Nittany Lion mascot and Penn State Mic Man Ben Meloy hype up the crowd before the Pep Rally at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

The Nittany Lion mascot points during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

The Penn State men's gymnastics performs their dance for the pep rally during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

The Penn State women's hockey team performs their dance for the pep rally during the during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Blue Sapphire Mackenzie Bronk performs at the 52nd THON in the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

The men's gymnastics team performs at the Pep Rally at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

The Penn State football team performs their dance for the pep rally during the during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

The football team performs at the Pep Rally at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

The Nittany Lion entertains the crowd at the 52nd THON on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

DJ Dosk performs on stage during the during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

Walk on Mars lead singer Mary Joe Swang sings to the dancers during the during the 52nd THON at the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Feb. 17, 2024 in University Park, Pa.

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THON attendees share where they get their early morning motivation - The Daily Collegian

The Patrick Mahomes era has not been kind to the Silver and Black. The now three-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player has gone 10-2 against the Raiders and quarterbacked Kansas City to six of its eight straight division titles.

However, Pierce can still hang his hat on being the last squad to beat the Chiefs during the 2023 season.

Entering Christmas Day with a six-game losing streak against K.C., the Raiders bullied the Chiefs during a 20-14 win in which Las Vegas scored two defensive touchdowns and twice turned Mahomes and Co. over on downs.

As part of gearing up for the rivalry game, Pierce leaned into animosity.

"There's a difference between dislike and hatred," he said. "There's a hatred for the Chiefs. You've got to truly dislike and hate this individual team. We'll be cool now in the offseason. We see them, we're going to shake hands out at a place like this. But between that white lines and the grass, it was on. And these guys did it."

"Hate the color red. We saw red. We hate red. It was on that kind of level," Pierce added about the matchup.

At the time an interim head coach, Pierce showed his team footage ranging from UFC fights to Muhammad Ali closing out boxing matches, something the Raiders had failed to do against the Chiefs a month prior despite opening up a 14-0 lead.

He also borrowed from basketball and the "Bad Boy" Detroit Pistons to get his point across, introducing an ingredient that'll continue to factor into Pierce's Chief-dethroning recipe now that he's the full-time head coach.

"We've got the Jordan rules and what I'm calling from now on as long as I'm here, the Patrick Mahomes rules," Pierce said. "So you remember when Jordan was going through it with the Pistons, all those guys in the '80s before he became Michael Jordan, Air Jordan, the Pistons used to whoop his ass. Any time he came to the hole? Elbows, feeling him, love taps. We touched him. We're in the head, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, I'm touching you. So, I showed those guys Jordan getting his ass whooped."

What resulted was a bruising victory in line with the spirit of the Raiders, one that seemingly had the Chiefs reeling after four losses in their last six games.

It was the height of panic regarding Kansas City's title defense, but much like Jordan did in later years, Mahomes overcame, rattling off six consecutive victories on the way to his third Super Bowl victory while the Raiders watched at 8-9.

Such a response and such sustained success is worthy of Pierce's begrudging respect, even as he looks to build off a slice of success to wrest away the whole AFC West in 2024.

"At the end of the day, you've got to give them their respect," Pierce said. "They've done it now for seven years, man. Three out of four years they're at the Super Bowl. To be honest, we're striving for that."

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Raiders' Antonio Pierce motivated to 'run it back' against Chiefs: 'We've already given the recipe of how to do it' - NFL.com

Penn State has 20 branch campuses across the Commonwealth, but some students made the trip to University Park this weekend for THON 2024.

According to Bailey Hayes from the Wilkes-Barre campus, her first time at Penn State THON has been a life-altering experience.

This has been a bucket list thing of mine for years. I grew up watching this on TV, Hayes, a third-year studying criminal justice, said. This was something I had to be a part of.

Riley Fegley from the Penn State Altoona campus attended THON to support her friends who are dancers.

Im really excited to be here and see all of this for the first time, Fegley, a second-year studying criminology, said. It's a really cool experience to have.

Jeremy Kou traveled over two hours from the Penn State York campus to attend THON for the first time.

Im here to help the kids, Kou, a first-year studying political science, said.

When asked about his future plans, Kou responded, Hell yeah Im coming next year.

Gavan Quimby from Penn State Scranton and a member of the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments said while supporting the student government dancers, he was happy to see familiar faces.

It's honestly awesome to see a lot of the Commonwealth campuses. As a member of student government, I saw a lot of these guys two weeks ago at CCSG, Quimby, a second-year studying information sciences and technology, said.

This year is Rita Nis second THON attendance.

From Penn State York, Ni, a second-year studying accounting, shared that going last year motivated her to become treasurer of Penn State York THON.

I wanted to do a position in THON, Ni said. I wanted to help in some way so I was like, Treasurer is the best option.

Raylee Gibbons attended Penn State Mont Alto and recently graduated with a degree in human development and family studies. This is her fifth THON but first time as an alumni.

Gibbons shared her commitment to THON is personal.

My father passed away when I was four from cancer so (the Four Diamonds Foundation) has always been a special place in my heart.

Gibbons involvement with THON has included dancing in 2022, serving as a primary chair and as a Family Relations chair.

It's an amazing organization that Ill forever continue to support, Gibbons said.

MORE THON COVERAGE

The winners of the Greek Sing competition, Alpha Xi Delta and Alpha Sigma Phi, took to the s

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Branch campus students describe motivation for attending THON 2024 - The Daily Collegian

Joe Rogan, in his recent podcast, revealed that he is not really motivated by money. The 56-year-old invited Will Storr, a former journalist and author, for a candid chat. During the conversation, the UFC color commentator made a claim which might shock his fans.

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Rogan recently bagged a $250 million deal with Spotify and even after bagging such a massive deal, the 56-year-old claimed that money is not the motivating factor for him. But why does he feel like that? So, without any further ado, let us find out the reason behind Rogans recent claim.

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The Joe Rogan podcast is famous for bringing up unique topics in its podcast. It is also famous for hosting people from different professions. This time around the #2012 episode hosted the writer of The Status Game: On Human Life and How to Play It, Will Storr. During the chat, the 56-year-old made a point about human desires and how it is limitless. According to him, the people are never satisfied and are constantly trying to get more in terms of success and wealth.

He said: I am not that motivated by money. Its just a natural desire that people have. It never ends its a bottomless pit. Its a game you can never win. And I think its designed to make human beings create Aliens. This is my thought.

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In contrast to this podcast, the 56-year-old in his last podcast discussed California. The standup comedian invited the quarterback for the New York Jets Aaron Rodgers in his #2099 episode and shared with him why did he move out from California. What prompted the 56-year-old to move to Austin?

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UFC 298 was hosted in California, Anaheim, and Joe Rogan was part of the event. Rogan resided in California for more than 25 years and decided to move in 2020 because of the strict COVID-19 policies. The UFC color commentator shared that California tends to exert control on its residents in an excessive manner. He also did not agree with the recent Nicotine laws and shared his discontent. Before the event, while speaking to Rodgers he mentioned why he would never move back to California.

He said: I guess one of the rare times I go back to that communist shithole commonly known as California,.Rogan further added: That fucking place is so crazy. You know, you cant get these(Flavoured Nicotine). I had a friend of mine, my friend Moshe, was here the other day, and hes like, Oh, you have flavored. You cant get flavored nicotine. Imagine you cant get flavored nicotine.

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Rogan not only was affected by the restrictions but was also affected by the COVID situation in California. Do you feel it was the right decision to leave California for Texas? Let us know in the comments below.

Ilia Topuria Handed a Meagre $350K as Dana Whites Payout Surpasses $23 Million After Alexander Volkanovski-Headlined UFC 298

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Joe Rogan, Not Motivated by $250M Success, Exposes the Bottomless Pit of Desires - EssentiallySports

Waking up early at 5 a.m. seems impossible for night owls. Hitting snooze into the late morning feels so much more comforting. But becoming an early riser can be life-changing. Rising with the sun boosts productivity, mental clarity, and feelings of fulfillment. This article reveals tips, strategies, and lifestyle changes for how to wake up at 5 a.m. Follow this advice to transform yourself into a motivated morning person.

Before attempting such an ambitious habit change, connect with your underlying motivations.

Pinpoint precisely what drives you. Maybe you want more tranquility in the mornings. Perhaps you hope to establish a consistent yoga practice. Or you have business goals requiring focused hours without distractions.

Your reasons should be meaningful to you. If jotting down thoughts in a journal for 20 minutes, going on long walks outdoors, or chatting with a friend helps identify purposeful motivationsdo it.

Transform motivations into tactical SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Having unambiguous finish lines motivates progress through obstacles bound to emerge.

With clear motivations and goals fueling your efforts, focus on preparing your mind and body.

Suddenly, expecting your body to operate on significantly less sleep inevitably backfires. Incrementally adjust your bedtime by 15-30 minutes instead.

Sync your sleep-wake cycles by unwinding at the same time nightly. Follow cues signaling your brain it will soon be time for sleep. Avoid stimulating activities like intense exercise at night. Limit light exposure, too. Light bulbs and electronics suppress melatonin productionthe sleep-inducing hormone.

When your alarm blares at 5 a.m., pulling motivation out of thin air proves difficult. Execute intention-setting strategies the night before instead.

Simplify your morning routine so rolling out of bed flows easily into productivity.

Scrolling social feeds and binge-watching shows overstimulate your brain, making falling asleep extra tricky.

When your alarm sounds at 5 a.m., avoid frustration by filling your morning with activities you like.

At 5 a.m., when motivation is lacking, momentum carries you forward through simple movements like arm stretches toward the window or light yoga poses by your bed. Save scrolling social media feeds for later.

Construct your early morning ritual intentionally by incorporating things you love. Not an early morning exerciser? Maybe listen to an audiobook while making breakfast. Choose whatever feels pleasant as you gain momentum.

You will inevitably encounter setbacks in your 5 a.m. endeavors. Implement systems ahead of time so you power through challenges.

Note daily in a journal or app when you succeed in waking up early. Watching consistent days accumulate motivates you to keep your streak going.

When you press snooze or have a groggy morning, talk to yourself the way you would a good friendwith kindness and understanding. Refocus on your motivations and try again tomorrow.

Early risers benefit from better mood, heightened cognition, decreased stress hormones, enhanced creativity, and boosted immune function.

Waking up intentionally fuels taking ownership of how you spend your precious time and mental energy. Carve out space doing things that matter to you.

Erica committed to waking up at 5 a.m. after years of languishing through mornings, anxious and overwhelmed before her workday began. Within one month of strategically optimizing her sleep habits and morning routine, Erica became an early risersubsequently decreasing stress while boosting happiness and success.

In her mornings, she was transformed from chaotic to tranquil. Rather than frantically speeding through her routine, she intentionally savors moments gazing out her kitchen window with coffee in hand. She journals freely about life goals before settling into intensely focused work.

Ericas permeating anxiety has been replaced with energy and motivation. She works efficiently so evenings can be protected for reconnecting to herself through creative hobbies. Her relationships and physical health also dramatically improved.

While the habit change took dedication, Erica insists the benefits make early mornings worthwhile. She is astounded by how centering her mornings sets her up to win each day. Her outlook is brighter. She tackles obstacles as they come while maintaining balance.

Erica acknowledges that without first clarifying her motivations, setting intentional goals, and incrementally shifting routines, she surely would have snoozed her 5 a.m. alarm back into oblivion. But committing to rise with intentionality taught Erica how mornings can transform your days, mindset, and trajectory.

Channel the predawn stillness into possibility. Greet sun rays peeking over the horizon as your cue to make each moment matter. Rise with hope. Set empowering intentions to guide your energy. Creative solutions will illuminate as daylight streams into your spacesilluminating pathways aligned with your motivations. Rediscover childlike wonder by watching Daybreaks soft lighting transform familiar rooms and landscapes into something majestic. Draw encouragement from the dawn, ready to infuse passion and purpose into your priceless hours.

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How to Wake Up at 5am (And Feel Motivated) - New Trader U

Chelsea midfielder Melanie Leupolz says the Blues will need to be at their best to overcome Manchester City as the top two in the Barclays Womens Super League meet under the lights at Kingsmeadow on Friday.

Three points separate the teams ahead of kick-off with Emma Hayes side knowing that a win would see us extend our lead at the top of the table to six points, while avoiding defeat would mean we maintain a three-point gap going into the international break.

It promises to be a fascinating spectacle in front of a sell-out crowd at our Kingsmeadow home, which Melanie Leupolz describes as a special place for us, and our German midfielder is determined for the team to put on a show for the supporters.

Its first versus second in the WSL with Chelsea and Manchester City having battled against each other on several occasions down the years. Leupolz highlighted the importance of fine margins in games like this and alluded to an extremely competitive race for the title.

Its so tight every single year with the title race, but this season it feels even more. Its always been difficult to play against Manchester City, theyre very good with the ball, and with these games its always the little margins. We really have to exploit them and be at our best to beat this team.

Im really looking forward to it. Its a big game and we have an opportunity to make the gap even bigger otherwise it is getting even tighter. The pressure is on! But we love to play with pressure.

We have the opportunity to set a WSL record for the longest unbeaten home run, but the 29-year-old says the team dont focus on such statistics and instead praised the role of our fans for giving the players confidence on home soil.

We dont really think about things like that. Its just about winning the games. But it would be awesome to have another record. Even without knowing the numbers, we obviously know we have a good feeling at Kingsmeadow, its a special place for us. The fans are always so close, we can see the familiar faces at every game, and thats really nice.

We all have our songs! Its nice to play in front of them and I think its difficult for other teams to play at Kingsmeadow as we are super-strong at home and other teams know that. That gives us confidence.

Away from football, Leupolz is loving life as a mother and expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from the club, as she adapts to balancing her career and building a family.

I really enjoy it, its amazing. I get so much support from the club, they are very understanding, and I really like it. My boy is developing really good and his sleep got so much better, so Im better rested as well!

Hes almost 18 months, running around, talking some words he knows some German ones and some English, but he always picks the easier one when hes speaking! It will be amazing for his future to have two languages.

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Leupolz on Man City, motivation and motherhood | News | Official Site - Chelsea FC

The New York Yankees managed to avoid their first losing season since 1992, but Gerrit Cole admitted that "disaster" was an appropriate word to describe missing the postseason for the first time since 2016.

"Certainly there were injuries that were outside the normal realm of injuries that impacted us," Cole said Thursday as the Yankees opened camp for pitchers and catchers. "With that said, we get injured too much as a group. We need to improve."

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Gerrit Cole Hoping Yankees Use 2023 'Disaster' As Motivation - RealGM

At least one member of the Detroit Pistons showed some fight last night, unfortunately, it wasn't on the court.

Isaiah Stewart was reportedly arrested after allegedly punching Drew Eubanks before the game in after an altercation that took place in the tunnel.

I have nothing to say about the incident itself, as I don't know what happened.

That didn't stop some fans from clutching their pearls, calling Stewart a "thug" and demanding he be "thrown out of the league." Sure.

I don't know what happened, but I do know that people like to throw around the word "thug" when it comes to young black men when we all know what they really mean. If this had been Mike Muscala who punched Eubanks (allegedly), I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have seen that language.

If you think punching people is wrong, you have every right to say so, and I agree (mostly). If you think Stewart should be suspended, again, that's your opinion and you have every right to it. Those things can be expressed without using racially coded language. Im sure this will anger some of you and thats fine too, but maybe explore your own motivation for using loaded terms when there are others available.

Related Story. Plotting the dream offseason for the Detroit Pistons. Plotting the dream offseason for the Detroit Pistons. dark

Most people didn't have that response and I am sure some of those who did, didn't mean it that way, but we all know certain words have been weaponized (read one of the many studies on this) and that's one of them. I'll get off my soapbox now, sorry for the lecture in semantics.

I'm sure we'll talk more about this after the inevitable suspension, but for now, I will withhold my opinion until I have some idea of what happened.

Anyway, back to the "game."

As I wrote yesterday, I am not normally one go after coaches, as I do believe that players win and lose games, not the coach. I leave them to their job, as they know more about basketball than me, have direct access to the players and may have motivations of which I am unaware.

But I am starting to wonder what motivations are driving Monty Williams.

After using 12 players vs the Lakers, Williams used all 13 players he had at his disposal last night. He went to all bench units early on, well before the game was out of hand, and the results were predictable.

I just dont get it.

Why is Evan Fournier playing 26 minutes (the most of any bench player)? Why is James Wiseman playing at all? Wiseman was a miraculous 28 in just 12 minutes last night. How is that even possible?

Is Wiseman the new Killian Hayes, the player that the team will have to waive just to keep out of the rotation?

This isnt the preseason. What NBA team is using 13 players this deep into the season?

And the lineups hes throwing out there arent even interesting. Its not like hes experimenting with things that could be useful in the future. Most of these bench players arent even going to be on the team next season. Why is Monty running out lineups with four guards and James freaking Wiseman? Is there some reason we need to see that? Is it benefitting the team now? In the future?

After the offense took off with Mike Muscala and Danilo Gallinari spreading the floor, Williams has promptly cut Muscalas minutes (He was a +25 last night by the way), which makes zero sense at all. We want to see what the core looks like with a stretch five. Muscala is also a willing defender who knows how to do it without fouling, something the young bigs could learn from. There is also a good chance the Pistons might want to bring him back as a backup veteran center next season, so why isnt Monty playing him?

We dont need to see Wiseman, Flynn, Fournier or Milton again this season, as THEY WONT BE ON THE TEAM NEXT YEAR. Play your five starters with Muscala, Sasser, Troy Brown Jr and one of the G-League guys (until Stewart is back) off the bench.

If you dont care about developing young players, could you at least try to win the freaking game? Williams has managed to fail at both by sabotaging the young guys minutes in favor of worse players and lineups that make zero sense.

Ive never questioned the motivations of a coach before, but I cant figure Monty Williams out. Its like he wants to be fired. Tom Gores may have to oblige him, as this is one of the worst coaching jobs Ive ever seen.

Williams spoke about spending time with his family and you have to wonder if he should have just done that instead of taking a job that he didnt want.

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Pistons news: Isaiah Stewart's punch, Monty's motivation and the new Killian - Piston Powered

The 2023 NFL Season ended with the Kansas City Chiefs being crowned Super Bowl 58 champions, while the 31 other teams had to watch them celebrate.

And now all those teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, have their eyes set on next season with the hope that it's them holding up the Lombardi trophy.

According to Draft Kings, the Jaguars open up with +3000 odds to win next year's Super Bowl. Below are the teams who were given better odds to win:

The Jaguars are also tied with one other team at +3000.

The Jaguars came in tied for the 14th-best odds to win next year's Super Bowl, and they came in at 7th in the AFC and 2nd in the AFC South behind the defending champs in their division, the Houston Texans.

The Jaguars looked primed to become back-to-back divisional champs before their late-season collapse, which cost them not only the division crown but also the playoffs altogether. They will look to come back with a vengeance next season, and these lower-than-expected odds should be good bulletin board material.

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The Jaguars' now have some extra motivation for 2024 - Yardbarker

In the midst of a season that has seen its fair share of twists, turns, and heart-stopping moments, the landscape of college basketball remains as exhilarating and unpredictable as ever. As teams across the nation jockey for position, the stories of ambition, resilience, and sheer talent continue to unfold on the hardwood floors of arenas big and small. Among these, certain teams have risen to the forefront, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. Notably, UConn and Purdue have emerged as formidable contenders, each with their own unique strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations for national championship glory. But as history has shown us, in the realm of college basketball, it's not just about the talent on the roster; it's about motivation, depth, experience, and the ability to seize the moment when it counts.

In a recent showcase of dominance, the Auburn Tigers decimated South Carolina with a historic win, boasting a final score of 101-61. The team's exceptional shooting performance, with 61.0% from the field, 60.0% from the 3-point range, and 89.5% from the free throw line, underscored a night of near-perfect execution. Coach Bruce Pearl, in his post-game reflections, lauded the team's outstanding display, a sentiment echoed as Auburn ascended from No. 14 to No. 9 in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings. With eyes set on their upcoming face-off against Kentucky at Neville Arena, Auburn enters as 10-point favorites, a testament to their rising prominence and the palpable buzz of anticipation among their supporters.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Mercy Titans have scripted their own narrative of hope and perseverance. Breaking free from the shackles of a 27-game losing streak, the Titans clinched their first win of the season against IUPUI with an 81-66 victory. Despite a challenging season that tested the limits of their resolve, the win, celebrated as a significant milestone, saw fans storming the court in jubilation. As 5.5-point favorites, their triumph not only marks a turning point but also ignites a spark of optimism for the battles that lie ahead, with Fort Wayne next in their sights.

The stories of UConn, Purdue, Auburn, and Detroit Mercy underscore a critical facet of college basketball - the unpredictability and the sheer competitiveness of the game. Yet, beneath the surface of these narratives lies a deeper truth about the ingredients for success in this high-stakes environment. Motivation, depth, and experience stand out as pivotal elements that can propel teams to greatness or serve as stumbling blocks to their aspirations.

As teams navigate the treacherous waters of the season, the importance of a deep bench cannot be overstated. Injuries, fatigue, and strategic adjustments call for a roster that can adapt and thrive under pressure. Moreover, the experience of having been through the crucible of high-pressure games equips teams with the mental fortitude necessary to face the challenges of the tournament. Finally, motivation, often stemming from a blend of leadership, culture, and the hunger for victory, can be the catalyst that transforms potential into performance.

As the season progresses, the anticipation builds, not just for the fans but for every team with dreams of cutting down the nets in April. The standings across various conferences, from the CAA to the Mountain-West Conference, reflect a mosaic of potential championship contenders, each with their own story of triumphs, defeats, and unrelenting ambition. With team records, win-loss percentages, and upcoming games painting a picture of a fiercely competitive landscape, the road to the national championship remains fraught with uncertainty and excitement.

In the end, the journey of college basketball this season is a testament to the power of sports to inspire, unite, and captivate. The tales of UConn, Purdue, Auburn, and Detroit Mercy, each with their unique challenges and triumphs, remind us that beyond the stats and scores lies the heart of the game - the players, the teams, and the communities that rally behind them. As the season unfolds, the only certainty is the promise of more unforgettable moments, the kind that only college basketball can deliver.

Originally posted here:
College Basketball 2024: Rise of Top Teams and the Power of Motivation, Depth, and Experience - BNN Breaking