Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne and North Carolina basketball player Armando Bacot faced backlash from bettors after poor performances, highlighting the pressures college athletes face due to legalized sports betting.

New Jersey is considering a bill to ban prop bets on college athletes, citing their vulnerability compared to professional players. The NCAA supports this move, advocating for a nationwide prohibition.

Despite opposition from gambling lobbyists, the bill has passed a committee and awaits further legislative approval.

The North Carolina Tar Heels faced a challenging start to their season, struggling in both games. In their opener against Elon, they managed a late surge to win, but against Kansas, they fell short despite a comeback from a 20-point deficit. The absence of All-American Armando Bacot was felt, particularly in their interior defense.

Kansas showcased its depth, with key contributions from bench players like Zeke Mayo, who scored 21 points. The Jayhawks secured a thrilling 92-89 victory over the Tar Heels, with Hunter Dickinson scoring crucial points in the final moments. This win marked a milestone for coach Bill Self, tying him with Phog Allen for the most wins in Kansas history.

The college basketball season is heating up with two exciting matchups: North Carolina vs. Kansas and New Mexico vs. UCLA. North Carolina, despite losing key player Armando Bacot, aims to improve its defense while maintaining offensive efficiency. Kansas boasts a strong roster, led by Hunter Dickinson, and is favored to win.

Meanwhile, New Mexico, under Richard Pitino, looks to build on last season's success against a revamped UCLA team that struggled last year but has high hopes with new talent. Both games promise thrilling competition as teams seek to establish their early-season identities.

No. 9 North Carolina Tar Heels are gearing up for the season with a mix of returning talent and new recruits. After a strong previous season where they claimed the ACC regular-season title, they aim to build on that success despite losing key players like Armando Bacot.

RJ Davis, the standout guard and last year's ACC player of the year, leads the team as they look to fill the gaps left by departed starters. The Tar Heels are expected to finish second in the ACC and have a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against top-ranked teams.

The Memphis Grizzlies concluded their preseason with a defeat to the Miami Heat, leading to the release of four players from their roster.

Among those waived were Armando Bacot, Miye Oni, Miles Norris, and Maozinha Pereira. Bacot, a former standout at North Carolina, had notable college accolades, while Oni previously played for the Utah Jazz. Norris and Pereira also faced challenges in their professional journeys.

The Grizzlies are set to kick off their season against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 23.