Sports Roundup: Big Ten Sophomores to NBA

Michigan Underclassmen to NBA Draft

Michigan State sophomore guard Gary Harris is giving up his final two seasons of college eligibility and is heading to the NBA.  Harris made the announcement yesterday, saying his two years at Michigan State have been amazing, but it's time to follow his dream and declare for the draft.

Michigan will hold a press conference at 3:30 today.  Reports say Nik Stauskus and Glenn Robinson the Third are expected to announce they will head to the NBA.

Both are leaving after their sophomore seasons which saw the Wolverines advance to the Elite Eight before losing to Kentucky.  Reports say Center Mitch McGary might not be a part of the announcement.   McGary missed most of his sophomore season after back surgery and might not be sure about his decision.

Tigers

The Detroit Tigers start a 10-game home stand with a three game series against Cleveland tonight at Comerica Park.  Detroit is 6-4 on the year, in first place in the Central, a half game ahead of the White Sox and one and a half games ahead of the Indians.  Anibal Sanchez takes the mound for the Tigers. Broadcast time with the Indians is 6:40 on 95.3 WBCK-FM.

Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings will be back on the ice for practice today, as they prepare for their upcoming playoff series with the Boston Bruins. Captain Henrik Zetterberg is expected to skate today as he continues to recover from back surgery he had in February.  The Bruins are the top team in the NHL this season. It’ll be a battle of goalies with Jimmy Howard against Tuuka Rask.  Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson is likely to miss the first round of the playoffs as he continues to deal with a broken finger and torn ligaments.  Detroit at Boston…this Friday.

Pistons        

Joe Dumars has stepped down as Pistons president of basketball operations but will stay on as an advisor.   The 50-year-old has been with the team for 29-years, since they drafted him out of McNeese State in the first-round of the 1985 NBA Draft.  The Pistons have missed the playoffs now five-straight seasons.  After Sundays home finale loss to Toronto, the Pistons have one more game this season….tomorrow night in Oklahoma City.

Girls Soccer

Marshall 2, Charlotte 0.  Tristan Tobias and Lauren Feasel scoring for Marshall in their season opener.

Lansing Christian 4, Delton Kellogg 0

Baseball

Harper Creek split a doubleheader with Jackson Northwest.  Joe Stasa had three hits and two RBIs in game one for the Beavers.    Lakeview hosts Harper Creek tonight.

Jackie Robinson Day

Major League Baseball will honor the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson today. Teams throughout baseball will wear Robinson's iconic number-42 for a sixth consecutive year. April 15th marks the day Robinson played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers and broke baseball's color barrier.  Robinson's wife, Rachel, will be on hand in the Bronx where the Yankees face the Cubs in an interleague matchup. Commissioner Bud Selig will also attend the game for pre game festivities, which include the unveiling of a plaque for late South African president Nelson Mandela in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium.

Lions’ Mathis Signs

Cornerback Rashean Mathis will return to the Lions after he and the team agreed to terms on a new one-year deal. The 11-year NFL veteran joined Detroit during training camp last year and became a starter in Week Three. The Lions also claimed defensive end Kourtnei Brown off waivers from he Buffalo.   Detroit is working to sign Ndamakong Suh to a long term contract.  He has a final year on his contract.

Phelps Back in the Pool

18-time gold medalist Michael Phelps will be part of the field for next week's Arena Grand Prix at Mesa in Arizona.  Phelps will join Ryan Lochte and Katie Ledecky as part of the nearly 50 United States athletes expected to compete next week.  It will be Phelps' first competitive meet since winning six medals, including four gold, at the 2012 London Games.