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Tigers lead race for Kiyan Anthony

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Carmelo Anthony’s son, Kiyan Anthony, burst onto the scene with a strong performance in Session II of the Nike EYBL. With Anthony’s recruitment set to ramp up in June, Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway has been named as one of the frontrunners to land the prized recruit.

Kiyan Anthony has been ascending up the ranks as one of the top high school basketball prospects in the class of 2025. After scoring 26 points at a recent Nike EYBL session in Memphis, Anthony has been making waves as a potential high-octane scorer at the college level.

According to NCAA rules, college basketball coaches will have to wait until June 15 to contact Anthony for a potential visit. However, that hasn’t stopped the shooting guard from raking in a handful of scholarship offers.

Heading into his junior season at Long Island Lutheran, Anthony has already secured scholarship offers from 10 schools, including Memphis, Tennessee, Illinois, and his father’s alma mater, Syracuse.

Anthony will reportedly start taking visits in September, which should give college coaches plenty of time to express their interest in one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 class.

“I will start taking my visits in September of this year,” Anthony explained in a previous interview. “I will visit schools I feel most needed and most welcomed.”

Memphis Reportedly Among Anthony’s Top Schools

For Anthony, one college coach has stood out during his ascent up the recruiting rankings: Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway.

“He was trying to get to me before everybody else, which is a great feeling,” Kiyan Anthony said. “Him looking out for me like that, I always see Penny around and he always shows love. He’s a great guy.”

With the June 15 deadline right around the corner, the race to get a commitment from Carmelo’s son is expected to heat up. While Hardaway will undoubtedly be one of the first coaches to reach out, Kiyan is intent on keeping his options open.

“I’m sure he’ll reach out to me and probably try to set up a visit or something,” said Kiyan Anthony. “But I’m keeping all my options open, just waiting to see what happens.”

Indiana, Providence, Seton Hall, and UMass are among the other schools that have already extended a scholarship offer to the rising junior.

But being the son of an NBA great, Anthony appears to value having the guidance of a former player as his head coach, which could ultimately give Memphis an edge in recruiting.

“I feel like when you played in the NBA, you’ve got a different understanding for the game,” Kiyan Anthony said. “So, when you coach, you see the game differently than people who haven’t played in the NBA. They can really break down the game. They know what subs to make. They know what works, what doesn’t work, what defense to play.”

Anthony Set For More Playing Time At Long Island Lutheran

Currently ranked as the No. 62 player in the 2025 class, the 6-5 shooting guard played sparingly as a sophomore at Christ The King (N.Y.), which prompted him to change schools in search of a better opportunity to showcase his talents.

Anthony has since transferred to Long Island Lutheran, where he became a student in February and has been allowed to practice with the team.

Check out some of his practice footage below.

“I just feel like it was the right decision to come here,” Kiyan said after his first practice “I felt like they were bringing me to a family with the players and coaches. I just felt accepted.”

According to MaxPreps, Long Island Lutheran (NY) ranked as the No. 3 basketball team in the country in 2023 and the best school in the state of New York.


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Is Haley Van Lith Dating Jalen Suggs? LSU Star Not With Boyfriend

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LSU guard Hailey Van Lith, 22, is rumored to still be dating Orlando Magic star Jalen Suggs, also 22. But is it true? When the couple first began dating in 2021, Suggs played for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

The Magic guard revealed their relationship via an X post at the time. Considering the X and Instagram posts have since been deleted, a number of fans are speculating that they’re no longer together.

In March 2021, Van Lith (696K followers, $965K) and Suggs (325K followers, $495K) were among the top five most-followed athletes with top NIL earning power on Elite Eight teams, per Front Office Sports. 

Suggs was also a McDonald’s All-American in high school in 2020 and a consensus second-team All-American as a Gonzaga freshman in 2021. Orlando selected him fifth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.

In July 2021, Suggs wrote “Hey wife” as a response to Van Lith’s Instagram photo of her sporting Los Angeles Lakers shorts.

Van Lith played basketball at the late Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California, where she spent time with the Lakers legend and his late daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant.

Regarding Van Lith’s personal dating life, she hasn’t responded to any rumors pertaining to her relationship status with Jalen Suggs. Therefore, is Van Lith still dating the Magic guard?

Is LSU star Hailey Van Lith still dating Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs? Van Lith is reportedly not back together with ex-boyfriend Suggs as of September 2023

Although they never publicly acknowledged their relationship, the couple is still spotted hanging out together to this very day, igniting more dating rumors. Nonetheless, perhaps they’re just friends.

For a reminder, Van Lith and Suggs are no longer following one another on social media. Until they do, fans can only speculate. According to her Instagram profile, she currently appears to be single.

Van Lith established herself as a star last season when she helped Louisville reach the Elite Eight. In 37 starts, she averaged career highs of 19.7 points, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 36.9 minutes per game.

The 5-foot-7 guard received her second first-team All-ACC selection after leading the conference in points (729), free throw percentage (87.4%), and minutes played (1,364). She had three incredible seasons (2020-23) with Louisville.

However, the Washington native surprised fans in April when she announced her transfer to LSU, following the Tigers’ national championship win over Iowa in Dallas, Texas.

In August, she reported to the LSU campus. During the early stages of the offseason, Hailey Van Lith was the top prospect of The Athletic’s transfer portal tracker. She has two seasons left of collegiate eligibility.


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Luka Doncic launches new Luka 2 ‘Lake Bled’ Jordan Brand shoes

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Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic celebrated the official launch of his new Luka 2 “Lake Bled” shoes from Jordan Brand on Saturday by hosting a 3-on-3 tournament on Lake Bled in Slovenia. Grosbasket Basketball Shop and Jordan Brand co-hosted the event.

Doncic, 24, started his partnership with Jordan Brand after signing a multi-year endorsement deal in December 2019. After signing his latest contract extension, he’s locked in until 2029. Grosbasket released this statement:

“We’re delighted to have partnered with Jordan Brand to bring this event to life in celebration of Luka Doncic and his signature footwear Luka 2 Lake Bled. Luka’s had an incredible impact in Slovenia and we’re thrilled that his latest game shoe is inspired by the country itself.”

Per multiple NBA betting sites, Luka Doncic holds second-best odds behind Nikola Jokic to win MVP next season. Sportsbooks are still showing great odds for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Jayson Tatum.

Luka Doncic celebrates launch of new Luka 2 'Lake Bled' Jordan Brand shoes during 3-on-3 tournament on floating court in Slovenia

Nike

Jordan Brand and Luka Doncic first introduced the Jordan Luka 2s earlier this summer. Prior to the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season, a new all-blue palette color pays tribute to Slovenia’s Lake Bled.

According to the Nike website, sizes are available from 3.5 to 18. “Slovenia — Luka’s home country — is the first nation to be declared a ‘Green Destination of the World’ in its entirety,” the product description reads.

“Celebrate its status with this special-edition Luka 2. The colorway is inspired by picturesque Lake Bled, a famed example of Slovenia’s natural beauty. And the shoe’s mindful construction (each pair is made with at least 20% recycled material) honors the country’s ongoing dedication to sustainability.”

Of course, the 360-degree connected support should help the feet “stay securely contained.” The precise style is DX9013-400.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic launches new Luka 2 “Lake Bled” Jordan Brand shoes during 3-on-3 tournament on floating court on Lake Bled in Slovenia

More importantly, the shoes were designed to enhance athleticism and are cushioned for impact. “When you’re shifting side to side, you need support that’s firm—but not rigid. A wedge of cushioning in the midsole butts up against the medial sidewall so you can bank like a champ, and a thick, molded insole helps you stay grounded.”

The shoes were also made to improve lateral support. “To help your quick stops feel secure, we added a strong, flexible plate that runs up the lateral sidewall, complimented by a firm foam carrier and Formula 23 foam in the midsole.”

Furthermore, the “Lake Bled” edition comes in a polar, bright crimson, psychic blue, diffused blue, university blue, and blue tint color scheme. The shoe’s upper was made with engineered mesh.

Plus, the blue shade is visible throughout both sides of the shoes. Not to mention, crimson accents are featured on the laces, Luka-branded tongues, Jumpman logo, and insoles.

For comfort and sustainability, the Formula 23 foam and Cushlon 3.0 wedge foam on the medial side were added. A Jordan Brand spokesman called it “the best improvement overall.” The white midsole and blue outsole were constructed to complete the bluish appearance.

Additionally, Luka Doncic’s shoes were designed out of “recycled materials from post-consumer and/or post-manufactured waste.” Zero carbon and zero waste was the goal during manufacturing.

“By reusing existing plastics, yarns, and textiles, we significantly reduce our emissions. Our goal is to use as much recycled materials as possible without compromising on performance, durability and style.”

However, the environment-friendly sneakers are expensive. The new Luka 2 “Lake Bled” shoes are now available to purchase at select retailers and online at Nike for $140.


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How much will players receive?

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The 2023 WNBA playoffs’ $500,000 prize pool has been leaked. For the league’s 27th postseason, each WNBA player, who is listed on a team roster on the last day of the regular season, will receive a bonus. Teams eliminated in the first round will receive $1,616 per player.

Next, teams eliminated in the second round are expected to receive $3,123 per player. Of course, runner-up players of the WNBA Finals will each be awarded $7,746. Lastly, each WNBA champ will earn $20,825.

WNBA Playoffs Round

Prize Money

First Round $1,616 per player
Second Round $3,123 per player
WNBA Finals (runners-up) $7,746 per player
WNBA Finals (champions) $20,825 per player

Based on the aforementioned criteria, the prize pool totals $500,000. This is the second straight year the league is using the above structure. The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) went into effect prior to the 2020 season, and the contract offered $11,356 per player on the championship-winning team.

However, the prize money was negotiated to $20,825 per player, the highest bonus the WNBA can offer each champion. For a reminder, the league MVP receives $15,450, the second-highest bonus.

Ahead of the 2023 WNBA season, the regular season was expanded to 40 games per team, becoming the most games scheduled in a single season. Last season, the schedule increased to 36 games.

In the 2022 season, the league also boasted a 27% increase in viewers and a 16% increase in attendance. This year, the W had its most-watched regular season in 21 years and its highest average attendance since 2018.

2203 WNBA Playoffs’ $500K Prize Pool: How much will each player make in bonuses? Teams eliminated in second round: $3,123 per player; runner-up players of WNBA Finals: $7,746; WNBA champs: $20,825

Moreover, viewership was up 21% over 2022 across its national television partners. Additionally, the league’s average attendance of 6,615 fans was the WNBA’s highest since the 2018 season. The expanded schedule helped the league gain its highest total attendance in 13 years at 1,587,488.

“The significant rise in key business metrics is a testament to the captivating games being played and the WNBA’s expanding appeal,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “This surge in interest not only showcases the immense talent and athleticism on the court but also highlights the compelling narratives that continue to emerge about the players and the league.”

This postseason will also be the second straight year that the playoffs will be an all-series format after returning to it in 2022. The first round will use a 2-1 format, and the higher seed is set to host the first two games. Plus, the semifinals and the WNBA Finals will remain a best-of-five series.

Furthermore, the biggest change this season was the enforcement of the “prioritization clause” in the CBA. For this season, players with more than two WNBA seasons of experience who did not report to their teams by the designated start of training camp or May 1, faced mandatory fines.

Those who missed the start of the regular season were suspended for the season. Players who miss the start of training camp will be suspended for the season.

The first round of the 2023 WNBA playoffs began last Wednesday night. On Tuesday, the New York Liberty (1-0) host Game 2 against the Washington Mystics (0-1) at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Atlanta Dream (1-0) taking on the Dallas Wings (1-0) in the second matchup at 9 p.m.


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