SAN DIEGO -- Another group of former Aztecs were welcomed into the world of professional sports via the NFL Draft.
With the 108th pick in the fourth round, the Atlanta Falcons drafted Aztec cornerback Darren Hall (2017-20), who was the first player drafted out of the Mountain West. Following the NFL Draft, Atlanta reunited him with safety Dwayne Johnson, Jr. (2017-20), who they signed as an undrafted free agent. Other free agents signed included Tariq Thompson (2017-20) with Buffalo. Kyle Spalding (2017-20) with Los Angeles Chargers, Jacob Capra (2019-20) with Green Bay and Turner Bernard (2016-20) with Minnesota.
In the NBA, Malachi Flynn (2020) played in four games last week for Toronto, starting three. Flynn averaged 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 0.8 steals. For Charlotte, Jalen McDaniels (2018-19) also played in four games last week, averaging 8.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. He neared a double-double on Sunday with 12 points and nine rebounds against Miami. The Hornets are the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. Kawhi Leonard (2010-11) returned on Saturday for the Los Angeles Clippers, putting up 16 points, five rebounds and six assists against Denver. The Clippers are the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
Ty France (2013-15) started all seven games for Seattle Mariners last week at a combination of first base, second base, and designated hitter. France had a hit, walked four times, and scored a run in 25 at bats. On the season, he is batting .259 with a .362 on base percentage. The Mariners are tied with Houston at two games back in the division behind Oakland, who leads all of baseball in wins. Stephen Strasburg (2007-09) remains on Washington's IL with inflammation in his right shoulder. The Nationals are in first place in the NL East at 12-12.
On the PGA Tour, Scott Piercy (1999-01) and J.J. Spaun (2009-12) did not make the cut at the Valspar Championship. Next weekend, the duo joins Xander Schauffele (2013-15) at Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, N.C.