Roundup: Timmy Allen returns for junior year at Utah, Buffs launch 2021-23 strategic plan

Josh Newman of The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Timmy Allen has withdrawn his name from NBA Draft consideration and will return to Utah for his junior year. Talk about a big-time boost for Larry Krystkowiak's 2020-21 lineup.

Check out Colorado's recent announcement of its 2021-23 stategic plan. It includes time and resources devoted to the WHOLE Athlete (Wellness, Health and Optimal Life Experience). All the goods and details on CUBuffs.com.

Former Arizona guard Ryan Luther gave us a rare sports highlight Thursday during The Basketball Tournament. He recorded a layup as time expired this week to boost Team Herd That into the quarterfinals:

We already knew Kiara Kennedy was a talented infielder for Sun Devil softball, blasting five HRs for the team before the season was interrupted. But this week, we also learned she has a way with words. She wrote a powerful first-person letter Friday chronicling her perspective as a Black student-athlete.

WSU Director of Athletics Pat Chun was named to the NCAA Division I council this week and will serve a four-year term. He will have a key voice in the day-to-day decisions affecting athletes all across the nation.

Scott Rueck's Beavers are about to have a first-of-its-kind experience in branding; OSU has partnered with branding expert Jeremy Darlow for the upcoming season. The Oregon State graduate will consistently be on campus to give the Beavs mentorship and guidance as they develop their own platforms as student-athletes.

Garrett Mitchell is officially a member of the Brew Crew. That's right, the former UCLA star signed his professional contract with the Brewers this week after going 20th overall in the MLB Draft. Check out his custom Brewers mask, too.

In case you missed it, we featured incoming five-star Oregon women's hoops guard Te-Hina Paopao on our "Pac-12 Unlocked" series this week. Come for her sweet handles on the hardwood. Stay for her appetizing breakfast ideas. 

Washington football's season-opening game against Michigan on Sept. 5 was canceled Thursday after the Big Ten's announcement of a conference-only schedule for fall. Said UW Athletic Director Jen Cohen: "Our fans and football program have been looking forward to this game for several years, but we understand this decision was made due to the impact of COVID-19 and prioritizing the health and well-being of student-athletes."

CalBears.com published an impactful piece by Kaleo Fernandez sharing how he found his voice for activism after George Floyd's death.

Merete Lutz, former Stanford women's volleyball player, wrote for The Players Tribune this week on what she saw in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And finally, USC fans have made their voices heard — in a landslide no less. In a poll on Instagram, Reggie Bush was voted as the favorite USC athlete of all time. It's clear Trojan fans are fired up to have Bush back in the family.