David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Ant Edwards’ Path to World’s Best Demands Elite Defense

Posted on October 18, 2026October 18, 2026 by David Shama

Anthony Edwards, 25, starts his seventh NBA regular season Wednesday night in Miami against the Heat. He remains the focal point of the Timberwolves, despite a roster shakeup that has two new starters in the lineup.

It’s an annual story now, waiting to see what improvement the Wolves superstar guard might make to elevate his status among the NBA’s best players. Authorities agree he’s one of the league’s 10 best players, but his raw talent teases with the potential to climb higher among his contemporaries and the greats of the past.

Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves player — Anthony Edwards photo courtesy of Minnesota Timberwolves

In its annual ranking of the top 100 NBA players last month ESPN.com listed Edwards at No. 7 and said in part: “Edwards averaged a career-high 28.8 points per game and again made 40% of his 3s on high volume (as he did in 2024-25) while enjoying his most efficient season overall. And while Edwards missed out on an All-NBA nod because he appeared in only 61 games, he is generally one of the sturdiest stars around, having appeared in at least 72 games in each of his previous five campaigns.”

Edwards might average 30 points or more per game this season with the addition of play maker extraordinaire LaMelo Ball (new to the lineup along with 24-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga). One of the league’s best point guards, Ball’s passing benefited Edwards in preseason when the two quickly developed chemistry with one another.

Edwards has twice been named second-team All-NBA. Playing on a Western Conference or NBA champion team would elevate the esteem with which the 6-foot-4 scoring whiz is regarded. But probably even more of a factor is whether Edwards can become a consistent elite defender.

Wolves’ basketball executive Tim Connelly saw it that way last month when meeting with the media. “I think Ant’s best chance to be the best player in the world (is) he has to (first) be the best two-way player in the world. I think he’d be the first to tell you at times last year (that was not up to standard). Part of it was our fault. We put him in positions where he had to (do) so much offensively.

“A lot of the ballhandling stuff will be out of his hands now with a more traditional point guard next to him. But you gotta be a two-way player. He’s gotta be a leader on both ends. He’s shown the ability to be, I think, maybe the best on ball perimeter defender in the league. … He’s so strong. He’s got great instincts. He’s so competitive.

“Do we think it’s gotta be 48 minutes of elite play on both ends? Is that unrealistic? Probably, but do we think in the biggest moments that he’d be the most impactful perimeter defender in the league? Absolutely.”

What about Edwards’ playmaking? Last season he averaged 3.7 assists, the lowest since his rookie year average of 2.9.

“We’re not concerned about his playmaking and we expect our offense to be a bit more free flowing with the addition of LaMelo,” Connelly said.

No question Ball’s availability will be tied to Edwards’ success this season and beyond. The concern is availability. Since being drafted by the Hornets in 2020 (he went No. 3 overall and Edwards No. 1), he has missed a lot of games. Last season he played a near career high of 72 out of 82 games but in previous seasons the totals were 47, 22, 36, 75 and 51.

Ankle injuries have been troublesome. That’s a worrisome history for a 25-year-old, with logic suggesting lower body injuries can become more frequent and last longer as an athlete ages.

Connelly is banking on Ball continuing the trend of the 2025-2026 season. Playing most of the season, he averaged 20.2 points per game and 7.1 assists. The 6-7 veteran also averaged nearly 5 rebounds per game.

Connelly was asked if he saw a ceiling on minutes per game for Ball. “I’d hope 48. I don’t know if that’s reasonable. Everything is nuanced. …There’s nothing chronic (regarding his health).

“He’s been healthy all summer. He’s really taken his body seriously this offseason… I think our expectation of him is to play as much as possible. …When healthy he is going to make a huge impact and right now he looks fantastic.”

Worth Noting

The Golden Gophers men’s basketball team is ranked No. 42 in the KenPom preseason rankings, two spots behind the Badgers and one ahead of the Hawkeyes. https://kenpom.com/index.php

That’s the good news. The bad news is the ranking is likely based on Cade Tyson being on the roster. Word is litigation for Tyson and other athletes involved in an appeal to gain a fifth year of college competition is unlikely to be settled in their favor. Tyson led all Gopher scorers last season averaging 19.6 points per game.

Sports Headliners reader and longtime season tickets buyer Kirk Detlefsen was asked via email what the fans he knows are thinking regarding the Twins who surprised with a better-than-expected record of 77-85.

“…I do know that the attitude with many Twins fans is much different today than it was at this time last year. The few people that I talk to would still like to see the team sold, but the hatred towards the Pohlads that existed a year ago I don’t see. There definitely is a little excitement out there for the Twins’ future with some of our young talent. …

“My personal thoughts, I like Tom Pohlad. The change in leadership within the Pohlad family was the best thing that happened this year. I like what he says, and so far, he does what he says.

“With the addition of three minority partners this past year, I would really be surprised if the Pohlads were to sell the team any time soon. But as the old saying goes, ‘Everything is for sale, it’s just a matter of price.’ “

Among the Twins’ most intriguing prospects because of his youth and skills is 17-year-old Venezuelan shortstop Enmanuel Merlo who signed a reported $1.5 million contract last January. He hit .311 in the Dominican Summer League this year.

Expectations will be high regarding the 2027 performance of new Twins pitching coach Brian Reith because he comes from the Rays organization with an envied reputation for being among the most intelligent and innovative in developing pitchers. Reith, 48, was the pitching coach last season for the Triple-A Durham club.

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Here’s a Look at How U Hoopers Use Their Money

Posted on October 14, 2026October 14, 2026 by David Shama

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team is one of five programs in the athletic department that receives revenue share money to pay its athletes. After football, the men’s hoops program receives the largest allocation and that money is supplemented by Name, Image and Likeness income.

Neither the U, nor other college athletic departments, reveal specific sums but Minnesota athletics director Mark Coyle told Sports Headliners last summer the Gophers are in a good spot with rev sharing and NIL which has players being paid for things like endorsements and personal appearances.

“I feel like we have put ourselves in a position where we can be very competitive with our peers in the Big Ten and be able to compete at the highest level,” he told Sports Headliners recently. In the new fiscal year that started July 1, the revenue share money allowed for major Division I programs like Minnesota is $21.3 million.

A solid guesstimate for coach Niko Medved’s hoops program is a combined $7 million budget from rev sharing and NIL for players. College basketball players now have six-figure compensation, and sometimes beyond.

With that backdrop, Sports Headliners interviewed a number of players recently and asked how they’re spending money. More than anything, they are saving and investing. Here are answers about their money allocations, plus additional fodder.

Bobby Durkin

There was a consensus of appreciation for the money including from Durkin, a senior forward and in his second season at Minnesota. “I just try to be smart with everything I get so I am grateful to have it,” said Durkin who works with a financial advisor. He hasn’t done anything yet with his money to treat himself.

Durkin grew up about 30 minutes from the White Sox’s stadium and has long been a fan of the Twins Central Division rival. Asked why, he said: “Oh, I don’t know. All my friends were Cub fans and me and one other buddy decided to be White Sox fans.”

His favorite movie is the 1946 classic “It’s a wonderful Life.”

Nolan Groves

“Honestly, I’ve saved almost all of it (money),” said the sophomore guard who attended Orono High School and transferred earlier this year from Texas Tech. Groves is grateful for the upswing this year in the financial market. “It’s a good time to have your money invested,” he said.

Groves loves fishing and missed the sport when he was in Texas. He once caught a 6-foot lemon shark in Florida.

“I was pretty young so I don’ remember it that much but it took about 20 minutes to reel in, I remember that. I remember my arms being tired because I was so little. It’s the biggest fish I ever caught.”

Grayson Grove

The redshirt sophomore forward also has a financial advisor. “It’s not like I’ve done anything crazy with it (the money),” he said.

If there’s an indulgence, the decision is for a “nice meal.” Café Zupas, an on campus spot featuring sales and soups, is a favorite.

Medved, starting his second season as Gopher head coach, has earned the trust of his players including Grove. “You can really tell he cares about us. He’s just a really good person to play for.”

Malick Kordel

The sophomore center transfer from Michigan, and a native of Germany, has used his money to buy a used truck. That helps accommodate his large body, listed at 7-foot- 2 and 275 pounds.

It’s been a forever practice for teams to exaggerate heights. “No, I am not lying,” said Kordel who reports he is 7-foot-2 in shoes and “about 7-1” without.

He said his wingspan is about 7-foot-6.

Isaac Asuma

The junior guard from Cherry, Minnesota has used his money “helping my family out a little bit.” He added that he is “saving a lot of it as well.”

Asuma has a new look wearing braids. His hair was getting long and he’s always wanted to have braids which take about an hour to style.

Asuma is easy going, enjoys video games, and hanging out with friends. “I am really open to anything,” he said.

Malachi Palmer

The junior guard and transfer from Villanova took a different approach with some of his money. “I bought a couple of houses trying to invest in those. So, spending my money wisely for sure.”

Palmer isn’t sure whether he will try to flip the houses or rent them. The properties are in his hometown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Palmer’s father is in real estate, so he has a valued mentor. After Palmer’s basketball career is over, he plans to work in real estate, perhaps commercial.

Kai Shinholster

The sophomore guard from the greater Philadelphia area said his money has enabled him to help his parents with their endeavors.

His mom, Katie Shinholster, is an experienced development and fundraising executive for JEVS Human Services. The Philly nonprofit helps youth and young adults overcome socioeconomic issues through education and training.

Kai has also given money to his dad Rick’s basketball and literacy camp back home.

Kai treated himself to a car and is leasing a Tesla.

Minnesota’s exhibition opener is Thursday night against Omaha at The Barn. The Gophers’ first nonconference regular season game is November 2 at home against North Dakota.

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Vikings’ Brian Flores Might Be Next Mike Tomlin

Posted on October 12, 2026October 12, 2026 by David Shama

Vikings’ defensive coordinator Brian Flores plays to rave reviews locally and nationally. He’s revered by Purple fans for his coaching prowess that has mostly wowed since coming to Minneapolis before the 2023 season.

He might be the best at what he does in franchise history. And Purple Nation frets about how long the Vikings can retain him, with a (small?) part of the fanbase hoping ownership will promote him to head coach replacing Kevin O’Connell.

The situation has a Vikings historical rub from about 20 years ago when Mike Tomlin, as a first-year defensive coordinator, directed a unit that was the No. 1 rushing defense and No. 8 in total yards yielded among NFL teams. The 2006 season was Tomlin’s only one with the Vikings who had a 6-10 record.

Still, he was a fan favorite and there’s been lamenting over the years that the Wilf ownership group should have dumped head coach Brad Childress in favor of Tomlin. That didn’t happen because Childress, never that popular with the fanbase, had only coached one season. Plus, Tomlin had no head coaching experience.

Tomlin departed the Vikings to become head coach of the Steelers where his tenure lasted 19 seasons. His teams made the playoffs 13 times. The Tomlin era’s highlight was winning Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.

Flores, 45, has been a head coach before and seems positioned to be one again. In three seasons with the Dolphins, 2019-2021, he had a 24-25 record with no playoff appearances.

Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator, image by David Shama — Brian Flores

His was a controversial tenure in south Florida with issues that included reported strained relationships with management and ownership. After his firing, he brought a lawsuit against the NFL and multiple teams alleging systemic racial discrimination in coaching and executive hiring practices, and also retaliation for refusing to “tank” games. Litigation is still pending.

A former front office executive with NFL teams, communicating with Sports Headliners on condition of anonymity, offered perspective on Flores in a text message. “I think he will be a very good head coach (he’s learned how to better get along with all players compared to his Miami years) if he gets the opportunity with his lawsuit against the NFL and several teams—which is likely a potential stumbling block with some owners. But I think he’ll get a head job soon especially if the Vikings are a playoff team and win a playoff game or two.”

After yesterday’s 23-13 win over the Saints, the defense leads the NFL in fewest points allowed with 64. The unit is also tops in takeaways with six, third in yards allowed at 259.8 and tied for third in sacks with 17, per ESPN.com. The Vikings have the second-highest pressure rate (47.8 percent) of any defense through Week 5 since 2018, according to Next Gen Stats.

With Flores and his defense playing a major role, the Vikings are 5-0 this season and 9-0 dating back to last season.

In Flores’ first three seasons leading Minnesota’s defense (2023-25), the Vikings limited their opponents to 19.2 points per game (second-fewest league wide) and 317.1 yards per game, including 5.1 yards per play (ranking fourth).

What makes Flores so effective at what he does? “Flores is very creative and extremely aggressive with his blitzes, and he has smart players with experience in his system who can play multiple spots as rushers or droppers into coverage (such as Andrew Van Ginkel, Kyle Van Noy, Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson),” the source wrote. “He confuses QBs and o-linemen who don’t know who is rushing and who is dropping so he can scheme their best pass rusher, Dallas Turner, into sometimes being unblocked or one-on-one versus a tight end (as at the end of the win in Chicago).

“He’s certainly one of the two or three best DCs in the league today.”

Worth Noting

The same source offering his view on the Vikings trading quarterback J.J. McCarthy for a fifth-round draft choice to the Giants: “…I think they should’ve kept him this season as insurance if (Kyler) Murray and/or (Carson) Wentz gets hurt—then McCarthy is a much better option (with 10 starts and a 6-4 record) than (Max) Brosmer.

“They probably could’ve gotten a fifth for him at the November trade deadline or after the season. And they should’ve gotten an upgraded (contingent) draft pick if he starts and is successful with Giants, but they probably asked for the upgrade and were turned down… .

“McCarthy has the talent to be a good NFL QB, but he needs to become a much more accurate passer and prove he can stay healthy.”

The passing of former Bears tight end great and head coach Mike Ditka is a reminder about his dislike of the Metrodome. As Chicago’s coach in the 1980’s he reportedly said: “I just don’t like indoor domes,” Ditka said. “They weren’t meant for football. Football is meant to play it outside and on grass… .Indoor domes should be useful for roller rinks. That’s all they should be for. Roller skating.”

Vikings general manager Mike Lynn trolled Ditka by sending him a pair of roller skates which he wore in the Bears’ office.

Deep condolences to family and friends of Dick Hunegs, from St. Louis Park, who passed away at age 95 on September 27. A terrific trial lawyer, Dick was a passionate Golden Gophers football fan. He died at home watching his beloved team on TV playing the Washington Huskies.

Ironically, as a nine-year-old he attended his first Gopher game on September 28, 1940, watching Minnesota defeat the Huskies in Minneapolis.

The 2026 Gophers, who defeated the Huskies last month and were awful in their most recent game last Saturday against Purdue, are 4-2 on the season and 2-1 in Big Ten games. Minnesota has defeated one team with a winning record, Michigan, 3-2. The combined record of Minnesota’s six opponents is 16 wins and 18 losses.

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