Sports

Sports Night: NBA prospects eschew labels

Kings: Some draft hopefuls prefer ‘basketball player’ rather than a position

When asked what their position is, many NBA draft hopefuls these days say “basketball player.” Michigan State’s Denzel Valentine is among those who want to be known for versatility.

Today’s video: Michigan State’s Valentine says he can play anywhere on the court

49ers: Team to kick off OTAs without first-round pick Joshua Garnett

NFL rules prohibit players from joining their teams for OTAs until the current senior class has graduated, so Stanford offensive lineman Joshua Garnett will not be with the 49ers on Tuesday.

UC Davis: New athletic director named

Kevin Blue, formerly the senior athletic director for external relations at Stanford, was hired as UC Davis’ athletic director. Blue replaces interim athletic director Teresa Gould.

NBA: Durant, Westbrook power Thunder past Warriors in West final opener

Kevin Durant scores 26 points, including a key 17-footer with 30.7 seconds left, and Russell Westbrook scores 24 of his 27 points in the second half to lead Oklahoma City over Golden State in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in Oakland.

A’s: Manaea earns first victory

Left-hander Sean Manaea retires 18 of the first 21 batters he faces and earns his first major-league victory as the A’s defeat the visiting Texas Rangers 3-1 on Monday night. Marcus Semien homers as the A’s win for the third time in four games.

A’s: Pitcher has setback in minor-league rehab start

Oakland manager Bob Melvin says right-hander Henderson Alvarez left his rehab start for Triple-A Nashville one inning early on Sunday after feeling shoulder soreness. Alvarez is attempting to return from shoulder surgery that has kept him from pitching in the majors since last May 22.

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▪ Standings

▪ A’s schedule

▪ Giants schedule

Hometown report: Quirky Sheldon pitcher becomes area’s top baseball prospect

Matt Manning, a Bee All-Metro basketball player, is also a pitcher who throws 96 mph. He constantly wears one of his four baseball gloves, which the Sheldon High School senior has given names.

High school notes: Section girls soccer playoffs have Sierra Foothill League flavor

Four Sierra Foothill League teams – Del Oro, Granite Bay, Rocklin and Woodcreek – are among the eight remaining in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I and II girls soccer playoffs.

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This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 10:51 PM with the headline "Sports Night: NBA prospects eschew labels."

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