Valančiūnas Leads Way in Pelicans Win

Chrissy Smith • January 14, 2023

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DETROIT – The game plan of running things through Jonas Valančiūnas eventually paid off as the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Detroit Pistons, 116-110.


The Pelicans played at Detroit on Friday, Jan. 13, but it was all good luck for the Pels as they were able to win another one without Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.


But it was Valančiūnas who was the leading scorer for New Orleans who finished the night with 33 points and 16 boards. CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy both finished with 19 points each, and Naji Marshall continues to impress with his game, scoring 17 points against Detroit.


The turning point in the game was in the second quarter when the Pelicans went on a 14-4 run to take a dominating lead. Although Detroit never quit, and even made it a close game in the fourth quarter, the Pelicans were able to pull it out being back in head coach Willie Green’s home town.


The Pelicans will play one more game in this stretch on the road and that will come on Monday, Jan. 16 at 2 pm against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Get your bets in early as this is a very early game for the Pels. The next home game for Nola will be on Wednesday at 7 pm against the Miami Heat.


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Part Of The Core: Chris Olave Extended

By Kaden Arkeder • July 30, 2026
Chris Olave has signed a contract extension valued at 4 years 132 million dollars, 90 million guaranteed with an AAV of 33M. All the contract talk is finally over for Chris Olave as it always felt like it was a matter of time before the deal would get done. Olave is too important to the Saints success this season and beyond to not get a deal done. Coming off a breakout 2025 campaign where Olave earned a second team All pro nomination after putting up his best season of his career. This extension gives the Saints and Tyler Shough their guy at WR for the foreseeable future. When you have a young quarterback like Tyler Shough you have to have proven talent around him and Olave has shown he can be a security blanket for Shough to aid in his development. But not only will Olave help Shough develop as he enters his sophomore season but Olave will also be able to help mentor rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. With Olave in the fold for the long haul the Saints hope the duo of Olave and Tyson become one of if not the best WR duo in the league one day soon. But for now Tyson gets to get his feet wet in his first NFL training camp and learn from one of the best in Chris Olave. Olave’s extension begins signals the beginning of a new core for the Saints as Olave certainly won’t be the last player extended in the near future if the Saints continue to trend in the right direction. It’s an exciting time to be Saints fan after feeling stuck in doldrums the last few years and deals like this help show the Saints are well on their way to contending once again.
Football player in dark uniform celebrating on a field with a scoreboard in the background

Tulane Green Wave PWO Commit: Brett Paukstis

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
Class of 27 QB Brett Paukstis 6-0/185 Washington, DC He trains with QB Factory and is positioned for a big senior year that could elevate his stock further. Arm Talent & Passing Ability (Strong for regional level): Paukstis possesses legitimate arm talent with velocity, spin, and the ability to drive throws downfield (including 50+ yard air yards). He makes all the throws, short, intermediate, and deep, with good touch and anticipation. Off-platform accuracy stands out; he can throw receivers open while scrambling or from awkward arm angles. Ball placement is precise, and he layers passes over defenders effectively. Accuracy & Mechanics: High completion rate (mid-to-high 60s) reflects sound mechanics, timing, and decision-making. Quick release and consistent footwork allow him to get the ball out cleanly. He goes through progressions with high football IQ and makes correct reads quickly. Velocity and arm strength continue to improve. Mobility & Playmaking: True playmaker who keeps plays alive when protection breaks down. Excels extending downs outside the pocket, using mobility to create space before delivering accurate downfield throws. Capable of off-platform creativity and arm strength on the run. Not a designed-run heavy QB but adds a valuable dimension through scrambles and creating opportunities in high-leverage moments. Decision-Making, Poise & Leadership: Poised and confident in the pocket with excellent command of the offense. High football IQ, precise decisions, and the ability to spread the ball around. Described as a great leader who elevates those around him; two-time All-Conference performer who has “breathed life” into the program through production and intangibles. Low turnover stretches (e.g., zero in key late-season games) show growth. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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