Back to school

Good morning! A quick personal note:

Today’s my last edition of The Field of 68 Daily. Ever since June 1, 2022, I’ve produced the Daily, whether that’s writing it (482 of the roughly 1,000 newsletters), editing it (sometimes not very well; thanks for the emails about typos), or helping to plan content.

It’s certainly been a labor of love, but lately that’s been tough to balance with my full-time job. So it’s time to step back.

Sam Lance will take over the bulk of the writing and editing, with an assist from Rob and Jeff when needed. Tristan Freeman and Sean Paul will continue writing. Don’t expect a lot of changes. You’ll still get all the essential college hoops news, served to your inbox year round. But expect to see some changes as Sam wraps his arms around the newsletter. (I’d guess you’ll have more recruiting insights).

So thanks for reading! And I have you stick with the Daily. I’m proud of the product and proud to have been a part of the Field of 68.

Now, let’s get to the news.

In partnership with

While you're hitting the ground running at the new program—meeting the boosters, the media, and the team—your spouse is left shoulder-deep in the chaos of a "life reset."

They are the ones:

• Vetting movers and praying the truck shows up on time.

• Searching for new schools and doctors for the kids.

• Managing the emotional "landing" for a family who just lost their social circle.

CLICK HERE to learn how D1.relocation is designed to help!

1. Moreno, Blackwell, Bidunga all return to college

Kentucky, Duke and Louisville all got good news well ahead of Wednesday’s deadline for underclassmen to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft. Stanford … not so much.

The most impactful? Probably Malachi Moreno’s decision to play at Kentucky next season.

The rising sophomore reportedly impressed NBA scouts and executives over the last few weeks at the NBA Draft Combine, but ultimately decided playing at least another season in Lexington made more sense, both for development (he’ll be one of the Wildcats’ go-to players) and financially (he’ll reportedly make more than $3 million in NIL deals next season).

Most importantly for Mark Pope and Kentucky, Moreno was an essential piece to have back. The Cats didn’t have any returning big men and much of their 2026-27 success will depend on Moreno. His production (7.6 ppg, 6 rpg) should take a significant jump if his efficiency (121.9 ORtg, top 115 in offensive rebounding) holds.

John Blackwell’s also withdrawing from the NBA Draft, which’ll give Duke a shot as the preseason No. 1 team. But while the senior guard is an experienced scorer, Duke would’ve been a Final Four contender without him. This just raises their floor with Blackwell alongside Cayden Boozer, incoming freshman Deron Rippey Jr. and potentially Isaiah Evans (if he changes his mind).

One could argue that Flory Bidunga officially withdrawing from the NBA Draft will be more impactful on Louisville’s season — and its Final Four upside — but the big man and potential defensive POY was always viewed as a longshot to stay in the draft. Especially given his NIL deal.

Unfortunately for Stanford, freshman guard Ebuka Okorie reportedly will stay in the draft. He’s not a first-round lock, which would’ve been an opportunity to have a star sophomore season, but the Cardinal will have to adjust.

As for the other players who have decisions to make ahead of Wednesday’s deadline, there are about 12 players of note. We’ll focus on what they should do in Wednesday’s Daily.

2. Oklahoma State’s savvy move + more portal news

Steve Lutz’s second season at Oklahoma State relied on a group of transfers that (mostly) meshed well and delivered 20 wins.

Next season won’t be nearly as transfer centric — the Cowboys bring in five freshmen — but the incoming transfers should be even better for Year 3. That includes his latest addition, Jordan Burks.

Subscribe to Premium to read the rest.