College Basketball

Even though JuJu Watkins is in the middle of a huge shoe deal ... don't expect to see her driving an extravagant fleet of cars or flying around on PJs any time soon.

The USC women's basketball star told TMZ Sports out at LAX this month that despite re-upping with Nike for some big cash late in 2024, she's yet to make any frivolous purchases.

"I try to be very smart," the 20-year-old said.

If and when Shaquille O'Neal's Sacramento State men's basketball team faces off with Master P's University of New Orleans squad ... the NBA legend says he wants a whole lot more on the line than bragging rights.

During a chat with TMZ Sports this week, the Big Diesel -- who's the Hornets' general manager -- made it clear he's ready to "put whatever" on the line when it comes to CSUS vs. UNO.

"You tell Master P," O'Neal said, "when we do this game, if we're allowed to put a little wager on it, I'll put whatever."

A day after the NCAA announced it permanently revoked the eligibility of three players due to their involvement in a gambling scheme ... the organization announced it is now looking into 13 players from six different schools for alleged sports betting violations.

The NCAA shared the news in a press release on Thursday, saying that while each situation between the players varies -- the allegations range from betting on and against their respective teams, point shaving and game manipulation.

No identities were given by the NCAA ... but they said it involves players formerly associated with Temple, Arizona State, Eastern Michigan, North Carolina A&T and Mississippi Valley.

Univ. of Nebraska at Omaha basketball player Deng Mayar, who was swimming with a friend, died Saturday in a tragic drowning accident. He was only 22 years old.

Police received a 911 call at 5:45 PM on Saturday stating two individuals were in distress at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah -- about 25 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.

Law enforcement said Mayar's friend, Sa Mafutaga, saw him struggling after reaching the shore, so he reentered the water in an attempt to save Deng, who went under about 35 yards away.