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USA Today
an hour ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking all 18 Big Ten basketball arenas from youngest to oldest
The Big Ten is the home of some of the oldest and most storied programs and arenas in college basketball. That was true even before the conference's recent addition of UCLA and its 11 national titles, as well as other former Pac-12 powers USC, Oregon and Washington. Now, specifically with the Bruins and Pauley Pavilion, the Big Ten basketball landscape is second to none. One could argue that the ACC's Duke and North Carolina boast more individual history than the Big Ten's top programs. But the Big Ten's conference-wide depth is unmatched, with a rich history of excellent play, NBA products and, of course, historic arenas. We recently compiled an updated ranking of those 18 basketball arenas, plus took the ranking a step further with a specific look at their in-game atmospheres. Now, with the conference's rich history in mind, here are those 18 basketball arenas ranked from youngest to oldest. It should be no surprise that the conference's best venues are also among the longest-tenured. 18. Pinnacle Bank Arena (Nebraska Cornhuskers) Capacity: 15,500 Opened: 2013 Arena Rank: No. 15 Nebraska plays in the youngest building in the Big Ten. It should be no surprise that the arena is also among the nicest. The Cornhuskers are still looking for their first back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances since the early 1990s, which sometimes lends to their arena being forgotten. If Nebraska ever rises toward the top of the conference, this building and its environment will soon follow. Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis, and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire 17. Matthew Knight Arena (Oregon Ducks) Capacity: 12,364 Opened: 2011 Arena Rank: No. 10 Oregon's building is among the Big Ten's youngest and has the amenities to match -- it's a fantastic basketball venue. Its new court is certainly better than the previous design, although it could still do without the patterns under the basket. Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire 16. Galen Center (USC Trojans) Capacity: 10,258 Opened: 2006 Arena Rank: No. 17 USC is one of several Big Ten arenas built after 2000. These buildings have somewhat of a professional feel, depending on the placement of the student section. USC is also forced to contend with being the second-best team in town. Get more (USC) news, analysis, and opinions on Trojans Wire 15. Xfinity Center (Maryland Terrapins) Capacity: 17,950 Opened: 2002 Arena Rank: No. 7 Maryland's arena may be on the newer side, but it still generates a top-tier in-game environment. The student section and the school's fan base deserve a ton of credit. They impressively make an 18,000-seat arena feel like a classic college venue. 14. Value City Arena (Ohio State Buckeyes) Capacity: 18,809 Opened: 1998 (Nov. 3) Arena Rank: No. 16 Ohio State's arena fits the general theme of those built after 1995. It is the largest basketball arena in the conference, which can sometimes be a detriment to the in-game environment. The building itself is as nice as any, however. Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis, and opinions on Buckeyes Wire 13. Kohl Center (Wisconsin Badgers) Capacity: 17,287 Opened: 1998 (Jan. 17) Arena Rank: No. 6 Like the Xfinity Center, Wisconsin's Kohl Center is one of the rare new-age college arenas that feel like a classic venue. The building itself is also arguably the nicest in the conference. That all leads to a top-tier in-game atmosphere and environment. 12. Bryce Jordan Center (Penn State Nittany Lions) Capacity: 15,261 Opened: 1996 Arena Rank: No. 18 The Bryce Jordan Center looks a lot like the newer arenas in the conference. Its only issue is the quality of the Penn State program, which rarely threatens the NCAA Tournament. Get more (Penn State) news, analysis, and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire 11. Breslin Center (Michigan State Spartans) Capacity: 14,759 Opened: 1989 Arena Rank: No. 4 Circle the Breslin Center as arguably the perfect college basketball arena -- one that would be challenging to recreate today. A major part of its environment is a student section that wraps around 80% of the court. Nowadays, newly constructed areas are set aside that area for premium seating and any other initiative to generate more revenue. Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire 10. Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Iowa Hawkeyes) Capacity: 14,998 Opened: 1983 Arena Rank: No. 8 The difference in construction eras becomes clear starting with Iowa's Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The building is a great place to watch a college basketball game, though it is clearly a few steps behind those built after 1995. Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire 9. Jersey Mike's Arena (Rutgers Scarlet Knights) Capacity: 8,000 Opened: 1977 Arena Rank: No. 12 Jersey Mike's Arena isn't for everyone. The building generates a fantastic in-game environment and is a great place to watch a game if you're sitting in the first 20 rows. However, the top-level seating is less than ideal, to say the least. 8. Assembly Hall (Indiana Hoosiers) Capacity: 17,220 Opened: 1971 Arena Rank: No. 1 Assembly Hall is one of college basketball's classic venues. It hasn't undergone any dramatic changes, which adds to its allure. 7. Crisler Center (Michigan Wolverines) Capacity: 12,707 Opened: 1967 (Dec. 6) Arena Rank: No. 5 Crisler Center is surprisingly old for how nice of a venue it is. Major renovations in 1998, 2001 and 2012 ensure that reality. The building isn't quite on par with Michigan State's arena, but it's clearly one of the Big Ten's best. Get more (Michigan) news, analysis, and opinions on Wolverines Wire 6. Mackey Arena (Purdue Boilermakers) Capacity: 14,240 Opened: 1967 (Dec. 2) Arena Rank: No. 2 Mackey Arena is older than the Crisler Center by just four days. The building has turned into one of the best venues in the sport, thanks to an energized fan base and one of the perennial top teams in the sport. This is one arena that shouldn't make major changes. Keeping its current feel should be the top priority. 5. Pauley Pavilion (UCLA Bruins) Capacity: 13,800 Opened: 1965 Arena Rank: No. 3 Pauley Pavilion is as-advertised and then some. Not only has the building housed some of the greatest teams in college basketball history, but it is a fantastic combination of old-school and updated. A 2012 renovation helped bring the building into the modern age. Get more (UCLA) news, analysis, and opinions on UCLA Wire 4. State Farm Center (Illinois Fighting Illini) Capacity: 15,544 Opened: 1963 Arena Rank: No. 9 Illinois' State Farm Center creates one of the best in-game atmospheres in college basketball. While the building itself is a bit outdated, its unique architecture and feel are major pluses. 3. Welsh-Ryan Arena (Northwestern Wildcats) Capacity: 7,039 Opened: 1952 Arena Rank: No. 14 Northwestern completely redid Welsh-Ryan Arena in 2017–18. That upgraded it from a near-high-school arena to a fantastic, updated college venue. The building itself is still quite old, but the indoor feel is dramatically different from where it was pre-renovation. 2. Williams Arena (Minnesota Golden Gophers) Capacity: 14,625 Opened: 1928 Arena Rank: No. 13 Minnesota's Williams Arena is another Big Ten venue that desperately needs a competitive team on the court. The building is historic and generates a terrific in-game atmosphere. Minnesota just hasn't won 20 games in six years, and counting. 1. Alaska Airlines Arena (Washington Huskies) Capacity: 10,000 Opened: 1927 Arena Rank: No. 11 I was a bit surprised to learn that Washington's Hec Edmundson Pavilion was nearly 90 years old. A 1999–2000 renovation brought the arena itself into the modern age. Like Welsh-Ryan Arena, the building has an intimate and uniquely collegiate feel. Now, it just needs a good team on the court. Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Geno Auriemma Named Finalist For Prestigious Award After National Championship Run
Geno Auriemma Named Finalist For Prestigious Award After National Championship Run originally appeared on Athlon Sports. At 71 years old, there aren't many awards Geno Auriemma hasn't won in his legendary career. But after capturing his 12th NCAA Tournament title this spring, the longtime UConn head coach is up for another prestigious honor, one he's never claimed before. Advertisement Auriemma, who has led the Huskies since 1985 and recorded 1,250 wins, is a finalist for the Best Record-Breaking Performance at the 2025 ESPYs. He's also an eight-time Naismith Coach of the Year, but this nomination marks a new recognition for his legacy. And he's not the only one from the UConn program to receive a nod. The UConn Women's Basketball account on X proudly shared the news on social media: 'We have some Huskies nominated for @ESPYS! Best Team: UConn Women's Basketball Best Record-Breaking Performance: Geno Auriemma Best WNBA Player: Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart' Last year's Best Record-Breaking Performance award went to Caitlin Clark, who broke Pete Maravich's all-time NCAA scoring record with 3,951 career points. Clark, now in her second WNBA season, is nominated again after becoming the league's single-game and single-season assist leader. Advertisement Other notable nominees for record-breaking feats include Kevin Durant, who became the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team, and Alexander Ovechkin, who passed Wayne Gretzky for first place on the NHL's all-time goals list. Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma hugs guard Paige Bueckers (5).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images In 2023, LeBron James took home the honor after surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer. The Huskies are also finalists for Best Team, joining a stacked list of champions that includes the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Liberty, Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Panthers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Two former UConn stars, Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and Stewart of the Liberty, are up for Best WNBA Player. Both helped lead their teams to the WNBA Finals last season and are joined by fellow finalists A'ja Wilson and Clark. Advertisement The 2025 ESPY Awards will air on July 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The annual event, hosted by ESPN, honors the most outstanding achievements and performances across the sports world. Related: Stephanie White Sounds Alarm for Indiana Fever Ahead of Key Player's Absence Related: Ranking the 25 Best WNBA Players of All Time This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Xavier will host Missouri State as part of 2025-26 non-conference basketball schedule
Xavier men's basketball's non-conference schedule for the 2025-26 campaign is nearing completion after a social media report from Alex Rosinski on June 24 that the Musketeers will host Missouri State at Cintas Center on Dec. 12. Xavier now has eight non-conference games scheduled with three more to be announced soon. Advertisement Missouri State, which competes in the Missouri Valley Conference, finished 9-23 last season under first-year head coach Cuonzo Martin, who is in his second stint with the school after coaching the Bears from 2008-2011. More: House vs. NCAA settlement approved: Here's what it means for Xavier Musketeers basketball Martin took Tennessee (2014), California (2016) and Missouri (2021) to the NCAA Tournament before returning to Missouri State in 2024. Five of Xavier's 18 regular-season games at Cintas Center have now been revealed. There will be three more non-conference home affairs for the Musketeers this fall, plus 10 games against Big East foes. Advertisement Xavier opens the season on Nov. 3 against Marist and hosts Santa Clara a week later. Xavier will host Cincinnati in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout on Dec. 5. More: 'Get him Xavier fans': Richard Pitino responds to his dad Rick's vow to spank him Away from home, Xavier will visit Iowa to begin a home-and-home series in November. The Musketeers will also play two games in the Charleston Classic in November with Clemson, Georgia and West Virginia in the bracket. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Xavier to host Missouri State as part of non-conference schedule
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Xavier Musketeers standout Zach Freemantle agrees to deal with Orlando Magic
Zach Freemantle was not one of the five Big East players selected in this week's NBA Draft, which wrapped up from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Thursday, June 26. However, it didn't take long for the former Xavier Musketeers forward to find an NBA suitor. Advertisement Freemantle has agreed to a deal with the Orlando Magic, the school announced Friday afternoon. Freemantle will suit up for the Magic in the NBA Summer League, which begins next month. More: Xavier will host Missouri State as part of 2025-26 non-conference basketball schedule In April, Freemantle was named to the all-tournament team at the 71st annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) in Virginia. The Teaneck, New Jersey native was also selected to play in the NABC-Reese's Division I College All-Star Game in San Antonio as part of Final Four weekend. Xavier forward Zach Freemantle (32) was a second-team All-Big East selection in 2025. Over a six-season collegiate career with the Musketeers, Freemantle battled a slew of injuries but still etched his name in Xavier history. Advertisement During Xavier's first-round Big East Tournament loss to Marquette at Madison Square Garden in March, Freemantle became the fourth Xavier player to rank top 10 all-time in scoring and rebounding, joining David West, Romain Sato and Tyrone Hill. More: Who is Vaughn Karvala? Xavier hosting 4-star, Class of 2026 forward on Wednesday Freemantle ranks 10th in Xavier history in career points (1,749) and ninth in career rebounds (888). In 136 total games, Freemantle made 107 starts and averaged 12.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per night. After missing all of the 2023-24 season due to a foot injury, Freemantle returned for one more season and helped lead Xavier to the NCAA Tournament. Advertisement More: 'A lot of hugs.' For Xavier's Zach Freemantle, NCAA Tournament was the missing piece Freemantle averaged 16.8 points and 6.8 rebounds and scored in double figures in Xavier's first 30 games before a season-ending loss to Illinois in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Freemantle was a second-team All-Big East selection for the second time in his career (2021). This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Former Xavier standout Zach Freemantle signs with NBA's Orlando Magic
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
First-rounder Derik Queen wastes no time updating LinkedIn profile after NBA Draft
Most people's LinkedIn profiles are pretty similar: some internships here, jobs and experience there. But for Derik Queen, a new entry has just been added: NBA player. The former five-star recruit who just finished an impressive year at Maryland was drafted No. 13 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday, June 25 landing with the New Orleans Pelicans. Queen, who earned first-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors during his first and only year at Maryland, wasted little time updating his LinkedIn profile to reflect his new job position. "I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as a Professional Basketball Player at New Orleans Pelicans," Queen wrote. "Can't wait to touch down in New Orleans and meet the fans!" His acquisition by the Pelicans came after a draft-night deal with the Atlanta Hawks, who got No. 23 pick Asa Newell and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick. The 6-foot-10, 246-pound center played all 36 games for the Terps last season, almost averaging a double-double. He'll be fondly remembered in Maryland for his buzzer-beater against Colorado State in the second round of this year's NCAA Tournament. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
