Virginia Lacrosse Reportedly Adds Former Duke Midfielder Charles Balsamo Through Transfer Portal
In a bid to strengthen their midfield lineup, Virginia Cavaliers head coach Lars Tiffany has quickly secured the services of two skilled midfielders early in the transfer window.
One significant addition is Charles Balsamo, formerly a Duke midfielder and the No. 7 overall recruit (National Lacrosse Federation) from the class of 2022. Balsamo’s transfer to the Cavaliers will see him reunite with his former club teammate Joey Terenzi, as initially reported by Matt Chandik.
During his freshman year at Duke, Balsamo recorded an impressive 31 points playing in the first midfield. However, his productivity declined after being moved to the second midfield in his sophomore year, finishing with 16 points. Over both seasons, he also accumulated 10 turnovers each year.
Balsamo’s move comes just a day after Virginia secured Johnny Hackett, a fellow left-handed midfielder from Bryant University. Hackett was recognized as the 2023 America East Rookie of the Year. Like Hackett, the 5’8″ Balsamo brings versatility, often dodging behind the cage despite being primarily a middie, and can also transition to attack.
With these early transfers, Virginia’s midfield now boasts a formidable lineup, including Hackett, Griffin Schutz, Ryan Colsey, Truitt Sunderland, Terenzi, and incoming No. 6 overall recruit (Prep Lacrosse) Hudson Hausmann. This assumes that Jack Boyden returns for another year and shifts to attack. Sunderland, who has previously played in attack for Virginia, might also make a switch.
Both Balsamo and Hackett have two years of eligibility remaining, offering Virginia continued strength in their midfield.
NBA Finals Update: Duke Alumni Performances
In the 2024 NBA Finals, three Duke alumni had a modest showing in game one. Jayson Tatum, playing for the Boston Celtics, had the standout performance among them with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, leading his team to a commanding 107-89 victory.
For the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving managed 12 points and three rebounds, while Dereck Lively II contributed two points and five rebounds in his 18 minutes off the bench. The second game of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Sunday, June 9, at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Duke’s Academic Excellence Recognized in NCAA APR Data
Duke University continues to excel academically, as reflected in the latest NCAA Academic Progress Report (APR) data. With 14 programs achieving perfect APR scores, Duke ranks second among all universities at the Football Bowl Subdivision level, trailing only Ohio State, which has 16 perfect scores.
The APR system, designed to hold universities accountable, measures student-athletes’ progress toward their degrees and their retention rates. Points are awarded for maintaining academic eligibility and remaining enrolled or graduating at the end of each term.
Duke Basketball Target Nate Ament Rises to Top-10 Recruit Status
Nate Ament, a 6-foot-9 forward in the class of 2025 and long-time Duke basketball target, has seen his recruiting stock rise significantly. Now ranked No. 8 in his class and achieving five-star status according to On3 Sports, Ament’s performance has attracted considerable attention.
Ament, hailing from Virginia, also holds offers from numerous prestigious programs, including Creighton, Illinois, Florida State, Indiana, Kansas, Louisville, Michigan, Missouri, Ole Miss, Virginia, and others.
North Carolina Bill Requiring State Schools to Play Each Other Stalls
A proposed North Carolina bill that would have mandated state-funded schools to compete more frequently in football has failed to progress. House Bill 965, introduced last month, did not make it to the House floor for a vote. This development does not impact Duke, a private institution, but it affects its rivals such as North Carolina and N.C. State, who will not be required to play in-state Group of 5 schools like Appalachian State, Charlotte, and East Carolina more often.
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**College Football Permitted to Display Corporate Logos on Fields**
In a national policy change, college football teams are now allowed to display corporate logos on their fields. This new rule aims to help universities increase revenue, particularly in light of the recent $2.8 billion settlement that necessitates revenue-sharing with athletes.
