WILL GRAVES

National writer

Graves is a national writer for The Associated Press, based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NFL, MLB, NHL, the Olympics and major college sports.

North Carolina State's Ben Middlebrooks (34) shoots against Texas Tech's Darrion Williams (5) during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the men's NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Ben Middlebrooks scores career-high 21 points, N.C. State stays hot in 80-67 win over Texas Tech

Ben Middlebrooks scored a career-high 21 points and 11th-seeded North Carolina State surged past sixth-seeded Texas Tech 80-67 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Oakland's Jack Gohlke (3) reacts after hitting a 3-point shot against Kentucky during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the men's NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Jack Gohlke makes 10 3s as Oakland delivers first true shock of March Madness, beating Kentucky

Jack Gohlke made 10 3-pointers and 14th-seeded Oakland delivered the first true shock of this year’s March Madness, beating third-seeded Kentucky 80-76 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky head coach John Calipari, right, gives directions during NCAA college basketball team practice at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Kentucky faces Oakland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

March Madness: Back home during the NCAAs, Calipari hoping Kentucky can mirror his blue-collar roots

Kentucky coach John Calipari is looking for an extended homecoming to start the NCAA tournament. The Wildcats are the third seed in the South region and open against 14th-seeded Oakland.

FILE - Duquesne center Jim Tucker (4) leaps for a rebound against Holy Cross players in the NIT finals at New York's Madison Square Garden, March 13, 1954. Holy Cross players, from left: Togo Palazzi (22); Joe Liebler (32); Tom Heinsohn (24) and Don Prohovich (35). Tucker was a part of a wave of Black players who helped the small Pittsburgh Catholic school become a national power in the 1940s and 1950s. (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler, File)

March Madness: Long before Duquesne spent 47 years in anonymity, a progressive approach led to glory

Duquesne’s return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 47 years is putting a spotlight on the team’s storied past.

Duquesne University men's basketball coach Keith Dambrot sits next to the Atlantic 10 Championship trophy during a gathering in Pittsburgh celebrating Duquesne earning a berth in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament for the first time since 1977 Monday, March 18, 2024. Dambrot announced that he is retiring after his team's NCAA tournament run. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Keith Dambrot returned Duquesne to the NCAAs just as he promised. Now it’s time to walk away

Keith Dambrot’s first NCAA tournament appearance as the head coach at Duquesne will also be his last.

New York Rangers' Artemi Panarin (10) backhands a shot past Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, March 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Panarin collects five points as surging Rangers race past reeling Penguins 7-4

Artemi Panarin had two goals and three assists, and the New York Rangers zoomed past the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 7-4 win.

FILE - Minnesota Twins' Michael A. Taylor takes an at-bat during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, April 18, 2023, in Boston. Taylor agreed to a one-year, $4-million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Friday, March 15, 2024, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal will not be completed until Taylor passes a physical. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

Former Yankees pitcher Domingo German agrees to minor league deal with Pirates, AP source says

The Pittsburgh Pirates are signing former New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German to a minor league contract.

Pittsburgh Steelers newly-signed quarterback Russell Wilson speaks with reporters during an NFL football news conference in Pittsburgh, Friday, March 15, 2024, in Pittsburgh. Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Steelers after he was cut by the Denver Broncos. (AP Photo/Rebecca Droke)

Russell Wilson is eager to reboot his career in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are betting big on it

Russell Wilson is eager to help the Pittsburgh Steelers return to their winning ways. The nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback is joining Pittsburgh on a one-year deal after being cut by Denver.

FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) scrambles out of the pocket with Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) defending during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Friday, March 15, 2024. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Steelers trade Kenny Pickett to the Eagles after signing Russell Wilson, sources tell the AP

The brief and tumultuous Kenny Pickett era in Pittsburgh is over. The Steelers are trading the quarterback to the Philadelphia Eagles, multiple sources told The Associated Press.

FILE -Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Seattle. The Carolina Panthers gave quarterback Bryce Young the No. 1 wide receiver he's been lacking, acquiring Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 for cornerback Donte Jackson. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

Steelers sending WR Diontae Johnson to Carolina for DB Donte Jackson, AP source says

The Carolina Panthers are giving quarterback Bryce Young the No. 1 wide receiver he’s been lacking. The Panthers have agreed to acquire Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers for cornerback Donte Jackson.

FILE - Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen works out prior to an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans, Jan. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. Pittsburgh is luring inside linebacker Queen away from rival Baltimore. The Steelers and the second-team All-Pro have agreed to a three-year deal worth $41 million, a person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

Patrick Queen leaving Baltimore for rival Pittsburgh on 3-year deal, AP sources say

The Pittsburgh Steelers are luring inside linebacker Patrick Queen away from rival Baltimore. The Steelers and the inside linebacker have agreed to a three-year deal worth $41 million, two people with knowledge of the deal tell The Associated Press.

Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) returns to his bench after scoring during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Connor McDavid has goal, 2 assists and Oilers cruise past Sidney Crosby and Pens 4-0

Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists and Darnell Nurse scored twice in the third period and the Edmonton Oilers eased past the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0.

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, left, stands behind his bench during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals in Pittsburgh, Thursday, March 7, 2024. The Capitals won 6-0. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

The Pittsburgh Penguins tried to put off a youth movement as long as they could. Now it’s here

The Pittsburgh Penguins are bracing for life without longtime forward Jake Guentzel. The club shipped the high-scoring Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes at the trade deadline in exchange for forward Michael Bunting and a handful of prospects and draft picks.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Jake Guentzel (59) celebrates with Bryan Rust, left, Sidney Crosby (87), and Chad Ruhwedel after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. The Panthers won 5-2. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Penguins send Jake Guentzel to Carolina for Michael Bunting, 3 prospects and 2 conditional picks

Jake Guentzel is heading to Carolina. The Pittsburgh Penguins traded the high-scoring forward to the Hurricanes in exchange for forward Michael Bunting, three prospects and two conditional 2024 draft picks.

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, center, celebrates after assisting on a goal by teammate Hendrix Lapierre (not shown) as Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby (87) and Valtteri Puustinen skate back to their bench during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, March 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Tom Wilson scores hours after grandfather’s death to lead inspired Capitals by reeling Pens 6-0

Tom Wilson scored just hours after the death of grandfather, Alex Ovechkin scored his 840th career goal and added an assist and the Washington Capitals drilled the reeling Pittsburgh Penguins 6-0.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Evgeni Malkin (71) returns to the bench after after scoring against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Carter and Smith score late as Penguins pull away from Blue Jackets 5-3 to end 3-game skid

Jeff Carter and Reilly Smith scored just over a minute apart midway through the third period and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3.

FILE-Pittsburgh Steelers Andy Russell (34) is shown in 1975. The Steelers announced Saturday, March 2, 2024 that Russell, a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl winner during his 12-year career, has died at 82. (AP Photo, File)

Andy Russell, a star outside linebacker who helped turn the Steelers into champions, dies at 82

Andy Russell, the standout linebacker who was an integral part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ evolution from perennial losers to champions, has died. He was 82.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates his goal with Bryan Rust after scoring during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Crosby collects 4 points as Penguins hold off rival Philadelphia in wild 7-6 win

Drew O’Connor and Rickard Rakell scored less than two minutes apart in the third period to break open a tie game and the Pittsburgh Penguins held off the Philadelphia Flyers 7-6.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Drew O'Connor (10) begins to celebrate his goal against Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau (30) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Penguins give fading postseason hopes a needed boost in 4-1 win over reeling Canadiens

Bryan Rust and Drew O’Conner scored 21 seconds apart in the second period to break open a tie game and the Pittsburgh Penguins gave their flagging postseason hopes a boost with a 4-1 win over the reeling Montreal Canadiens.

FILE - Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller throws during a baseball spring training workout Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Bradenton, Fla. The Pirates and Keller agreed to a five-year contract on Thursday worth $77 million. The deal is pending a physical, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because it was not yet final. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

All-Star pitcher Mitch Keller and Pirates agree to $77 million, 5-year contract, AP source says

A person with knowledge of the agreement tells The Associated Press that the Pittsburgh Pirates and All-Star pitcher Mitch Keller agreed to a five-year contract worth $77 million.

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, left, stands behind his bench during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Penguins loaded up for one last run. Mired in the standings, time may already be up

The struggling Pittsburgh Penguins may be sellers at the trade deadline for the first time in decades.

New York Islanders' Adam Pelech (3) celebrates his game-winning goal in overtime with Kyle Palmieri (21) and Brock Nelson during an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. The Islanders won 5-4. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Adam Pelech’s overtime goal lifts Islanders past skidding Penguins 5-4

Adam Pelech beat Alex Nedeljkovic 57 seconds into overtime to lift the New York Islanders past the skidding Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4.

Los Angeles Kings' Adrian Kempe (9) returns to the bench after scoring his second goal of the third period during an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Kempe scores twice late as Kings spoil ‘Jaromir Jagr Day’ with 2-1 win over Penguins

Adrian Kempe scored twice in the third period as the Los Angeles Kings rallied past the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins player Jaromir Jagr, at podium to right, is joined by former teammates as he speaks during a ceremony retiring his uniform number before an NHL hockey game between the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene Puskar)

Jaromir Jagr’s return to Pittsburgh ends with his No. 68 being retired — and catharsis

The Pittsburgh Penguins have retired Jaromir Jagr’s iconic No. 68. The NHL’s second all-time leading scorer was on hand as his jersey was raised to the rafters at PPG Paints Arena.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Rickard Rakell (67) gets to a rebound off Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) and Sam Reinhart (13) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Rakell scored on the play but the goal was disallowed upon review. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Panthers race by Penguins 5-2 to extend franchise-record road winning streak to 9

Anton Lundell scored twice, Matthew Tkachuk added a goal and two assists and the surging Florida Florida Panthers cruised past the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2.

FILE - Chicago White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal throws down to first during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers Monday, June 19, 2023, in Chicago. The Pittsburgh Pirates are adding two-time All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal. The club and the 35-year-old Grandal have agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $2.5 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

Pirates adding catching depth by agreeing with two-time All-Star Yasmani Grandal, AP source says

A person with knowledge of the deal says the Pittsburgh Pirates are adding two-time All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal.

Pittsburgh forward Jala Jordan (14) fights for a rebound against North Carolina State center River Baldwin (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

No. 3 NC State bounces back from loss to No. 16 Virginia Tech with 83-47 win over Pitt

Madison Hayes scored 16 points, River Baldwin had 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, and No. 3 North Carolina State used a dominant second quarter to pull away from Pitt 83-47.

FILE - Texas Rangers relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws during the seventh inning of Game 7 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros, Oct. 23, 2023, in Houston. The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered the back end of their bullpen, agreeing to terms with seven-time All-Star reliever Aroldis Chapman on a one-year deal worth $10.5 million, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. The deal is pending completion of a physical, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

Aroldis Chapman eager to help Pirates elbow their way into playoff race in whatever role they need

Aroldis Chapman isn’t in Pittsburgh to take David Bednar’s job. The seven-time All-Star closer is happy to fill whatever bullpen role the Pirates need.

FILE -Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith speaks during a news conference after their loss against the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. Smith, who was fired by Atlanta on Jan. 8, is nearing a deal to become the offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers a source told The Associated Press on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones, File)

Weeks after dismissal in Atlanta, Arthur Smith nearing a deal to join the Steelers, AP sources say

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping Arthur Smith can turn around one of the NFL’s most underachieving offenses.

Pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws during practice with the Cuban Professional Baseball Federation (FEPCUBE), Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, in Miami. The team is a group of about 30 or so players, most of whom were born in Cuba and defected from their home island. They’re not affiliated with the Baseball Federation of Cuba (FCB), the sport’s governing body in Cuba, but were put together to field a team that represents the patriotic ideals of their people. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Pirates bolster bullpen, reach $10.5 million, 1 -year deal with Aroldis Chapman, AP source says

The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered the back end of their bullpen, agreeing to terms with seven-time All-Star reliever Aroldis Chapman on a one-year deal worth $10.5 million.