In a spectacular display of athleticism and showmanship, Mac McClung reclaimed the NBA Slam Dunk crown by leaping over basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal during the contest’s final round on Saturday night.

The electrifying moment occurred as McClung, representing the Orlando G League affiliate Osceola Magic, soared over O’Neal, clad in McClung’s high school jersey, to earn five perfect scores from the judges. His flawless execution secured him a total of 98.8 points on his last two dunks, edging out Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, who finished with 97.8 points.

“Shaq was so cool to put that high school jersey on, man, it almost made me emotional that he would do that,” McClung expressed, reflecting on the iconic moment. “When he put it on, he said, ‘You better not miss it.’ I said, ‘OK, I won’t miss it.'”

McClung’s victory marks his second consecutive Slam Dunk title, making him the sixth player in NBA history to achieve such a feat and the first to do so since Zach LaVine in 2015 and 2016.

Despite his triumph, McClung remained modest about the possibility of pursuing a third consecutive title next year, stating, “I don’t know. We’ll think about it. I’m not sure yet.”

In addition to McClung’s thrilling performance, Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard defended his NBA 3-point contest title with a remarkable display, while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton clinched victory for Team Pacers in the NBA Skills Challenge with a clutch half-court shot.

The NBA All-Star weekend concluded with a series of thrilling events, showcasing the league’s top talent and providing fans with unforgettable moments of basketball brilliance.

As the Houston Astros secure their future with star player Jose Altuve, concerns arise regarding the fate of third baseman Alex Bregman as his contract approaches its end this season.

While General Manager Dana Brown has expressed intentions to extend an offer to Bregman, reports suggest that it may fall short of the player’s expectations. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Bregman’s asking price could hover around $300 million over a decade, a figure unprecedented in Astros’ history. The team has traditionally shied away from lengthy contracts exceeding six years or salaries surpassing $150 million.

The largest contract in Astros’ history remains Jose Altuve’s five-year, $151 million deal signed in 2018, following his remarkable performance as the American League’s Most Valuable Player.

Amidst these negotiations, Houston Astros radio broadcaster Robert Ford casts doubt on Bregman’s long-term tenure with the team. Speaking on MLB Network’s Power Alley, Ford suggested that Bregman’s future with the Astros beyond the 2024 season appears uncertain.

“If I were a betting man, I would bet that Bregman’s probably playing somewhere else next year,” Ford remarked. While expressing Bregman’s affinity for Houston, Ford highlighted potential disparities in the valuation between the player and the team, making it challenging to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

As the Astros navigate contract negotiations with Bregman, fans await the resolution of this pivotal decision, uncertain of the third baseman’s future role within the organization.

The University of Texas System board of regents is poised to greenlight a contract extension for Longhorns football head coach Steve Sarkisian, nearly doubling his annual compensation to over $10 million per season until 2030.

The board of regents is slated to review and approve the extension and pay hike during its upcoming meeting on February 21-22, as outlined in a published agenda book for the session.

According to the proposed agreement, Sarkisian would earn $10.3 million in 2024, with his salary increasing by $100,000 annually for the next six years, ultimately reaching $10.9 million in 2030.

This lucrative deal will position Sarkisian among the top 10 highest-paid coaches in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision).

Texas officials had previously announced on January 13 that Sarkisian had agreed to a four-year extension, but financial details were not disclosed at that time.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the extension, Sarkisian stated, “I said it when I came here three years ago, this is a dream job for me… We’re thrilled with what we’ve been able to accomplish and proud of the culture we’ve built and the way our players have grown – on and off the field. But we’re just getting started.”

Sarkisian recently completed the third year of a six-year contract and was initially slated to earn $5.8 million in 2024, $6 million in 2025, and $6.2 million in 2026.

In the previous season, Sarkisian guided the Longhorns to a Big 12 championship and their inaugural appearance in the College Football Playoff, concluding with a No. 3 ranking in the final AP poll.

Acknowledged as the Big 12 Coach of the Year, Sarkisian boasts a commendable record of 25-14 in three seasons at UT.

The extension comes as Texas prepares for its inaugural season in the SEC (Southeastern Conference), securing Sarkisian’s leadership amidst speculation about his potential move to Alabama.

Under the new terms, Sarkisian stands to earn additional performance bonuses, including rewards for SEC championships, CFP (College Football Playoff) appearances, and national coach of the year accolades.

Additionally, Texas will extend the contracts of assistant coaches Jeff Banks, Kyle Flood, and Pete Kwiatkowski, with their compensation increasing to $1.8 million for the upcoming season, rising to $2 million by 2026.