SEC News: Black declares for NBA Draft, Twins call up Julien

Good morning, SEC fans! As you begin your day, here are a few things that you need to know from across the conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, featuring an NBA Draft decision from Anthony Black, the Minnesota Twins calling up a former Auburn product, and more.

Iona transfer G Walter Clayton Jr. commits to Florida

Florida landed a notable basketball commitment Tuesday from Walter Clayton Jr., who transfers to the Gators from Iona. Clayton, who was the 2022-23 MAAC Player of the Year, as well as a First Team All-MAAC selection, is coming off a season in which he started in 31-of-32 games for the Gaels, averaging 16.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, and 1.8 SPG, while also shooting 43.1% from three and 95.3% from the free throw line.

DeMarcus Cousins signs with Guaynabo Mets

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, DeMarcus Cousins has signed with the Guaynabo Mets of the Puerto Rican Professional Basketball League. Cousins, a former 2010 first round pick out of Kentucky, last played during the 2021-22 season, where the four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection averaged 9 PPG and 5.6 RPG across 48 games, seven of which he started, with the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets.

Minnesota Twins call up 2B Edouard Julien

The Minnesota Twins called up second baseman Edouard Julien on Wednesday to make his MLB debut. Julien, who is a former 18th round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft out of Auburn, has slashed .290/.421/.548 across nine games with Triple-A St. Paul so far this season, and is currently rated by MLB Pipeline as the Twins No. 4 overall prospect, as well as No. 96 overall in baseball.

Temple transfer G Khalif Battle transfers to Arkansas

Arkansas added a basketball transfer Wednesday afternoon from guard Khalif Battle, who comes to Fayetteville from Temple. Starting in 8-of-27 games, Battle averaged 17.9 PPG and 3.6 RPG for the Owls this past season, while also shooting 35% from three and 89.8% from the free throw line.

Arkansas G Anthony Black declares for 2023 NBA Draft

After one season in Fayetteville, Arkansas guard Anthony Black declared for the 2023 NBA Draft on Wednesday. An SEC All-Freshman selection, Black started in all 36 games for the Razorbacks this past season, averaging 12.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, and 2.1 SPG.