NCAA Council Removes Cannabis Products from Banned List; University of Houston Begins Search for New Athletics Director; Texas Parts Ways with Baseball Coach David Pierce; Top Guards in NBA Draft Revealed
NCAA Council Removes Cannabis Ban, University of Houston Begins Search for New AD, Texas Parts Ways with Baseball Coach
In a series of recent developments in the world of collegiate sports, the NCAA Division I Council has voted to remove cannabis products from its banned substance list, citing a focus on the health and well-being of student-athletes. This decision also includes ending limits on the number of football staffers who can work with players on the field, allowing for additional coaches to be present during practices and games.
Meanwhile, the University of Houston has announced the search for a new athletics director after parting ways with Chris Pezman, who had led the athletic department since 2017. Raymond S. Bartlett will serve as the interim athletics director until a replacement is found, as Houston continues its transition into the Big 12 Conference.
In Texas, the Longhorns have parted ways with baseball coach David Pierce after eight seasons. Despite winning the Big 12 three times, Pierce’s tenure only saw three appearances in the College World Series. With Texas set to join the Southeastern Conference on July 1, the search for a new coach is underway to lead the program in the powerhouse conference.
On the basketball front, UConn’s Stephon Castle, Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht, and a duo from Kentucky headline the list of top guards in the upcoming NBA draft. Castle, a standout freshman, helped lead UConn to a second consecutive NCAA title, while Knecht impressed as a transfer player. Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham, along with Serbian point guard Nikola Topic, are also top prospects at the guard position.
As changes continue to shake up the landscape of college sports, these recent developments are sure to have a lasting impact on the future of athletics at both the collegiate and professional levels.
