Eric Smithling, Athlon Sports Journalist Profile

Articles

Angel Reese, Sky squander opportunity against Caitlin Clark-less Fever

2 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

The Chicago Sky caught the Indiana Fever without guard Caitlin Clark and head coach Stephanie White on Saturday. Yet instead of closing the gap between their purported rival, the Sky showed once again they aren't in the Fever's orbit. The Fever won decisively, 79-52, leading by as many as 30 points to improve to 4-4 and win their second consecutive game without Clark after losing their first two.
Thunder HC addresses struggling stars ahead of Finals Game 2

2 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault hasn't lost confidence in struggling stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams ahead of Sunday's NBA Finals Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers. While MVP point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered with a game-high 38 points in Game 1, Holmgren and Williams weren't factors, combining to shoot an ugly 28.6 percent (8-of-28), scoring 23 points. The Thunder blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead and lost on a last-second Tyrese Halliburton jumper, 111-110.
10 potential first-time MLB All-Stars: Cubs star helps case with Saturday home run

2 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

MLB's 2025 All-Star Game, set for Tuesday, July 15, is a little over a month away. As voting continues for this year's Midsummer Classic, here's a look at 10 players who should be first-time All-Stars when baseball's best travel to Truist Park in Atlanta. Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan ArandaAranda averaged 36.7 games per season during his first three MLB seasons (2022-24) and didn't do much in those limited opportunities, slashing .222/.309/.382 with 10 home runs in 293 at-bats.
Coco Gauff is just getting started after second major title

2 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

Coco Gauff has already accomplished plenty, yet chances are she's just getting started. Gauff, 21, won her second career major and first French Open on Saturday, defeating No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4.
Five Super Regional MLB Draft prospects who could be next Jac Caglianone

3 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

Following an inauspicious debut on Tuesday, Kansas City Royals prized prospect Jac Cagalinone recorded his first MLB hit and run batted in during Thursday's 6-5 extra innings loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Daniel Jones has stronger chance of winning Colts QB battle following Anthony Richardson update

3 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

Earlier this offseason, the Colts added Jones as competition for Richardson in a battle for the QB1 role. With Richardson not taking snaps at minicamp, Jones will have more reps to connect with the team's skill-position players and learn the offensive system. It could be what he needs to overtake Richardson on the depth chart.
Ranking the head coach-GM combos within each NFC division

3 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Adam Gretz |Eric Smithling |Bruce Ewing |Jack Dougherty

In the NFL, it's important for the key decision-makers to be on the same page. That's especially true for a team's head coach and general manager. The GM typically picks the players, who must suit the philosophy and vision of the team's head coach. Ahead of the opening of training camps in July, Yardbarker NFL writers rank the head coach-GM combos within each NFC division. NFC East1.
Dominant third set puts Aryna Sabalenka closer to tennis royalty following French Open semis

3 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

Aryna Sabalenka left no doubt who rules women's tennis with a dominant third set against three-time defending French Open champion Iga Swiatek during the first of two Thursday semifinals. After a tough first two sets, Sabalenka cruised in the third, winning the match 7-6, 4-6, 6-0. With the win, the three-time major winner advanced to her first final at Roland-Garros. Sabalenka's previous best finish was the 2023 semis when she lost to Karolina Muchova.
Ravens get great value with 2021 first-round wide receiver extension

3 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

Per Spotrac, the $12.25 million average annual value of Bateman's three-year extension ranks 29th among all wide receivers. He ranks 32nd in guaranteed salary. In 2024, Bateman broke out after an underwhelming first three NFL seasons. He had 45 receptions and posted career-highs in receiving yards (756) and receiving touchdowns (nine).
Watch: Novak Djokovic wins 41-shot rally, advances to French Open semis

3 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

Djokovic bounced back after losing the first set, winning the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. The rally came at a critical juncture in the fourth set, with Zverev seeking a break point down 3-2. They played four more points before Djokovic saved his service game for a 4-2 set advantage.