Liberty Reigns Supreme!

The New York Liberty clinched their first WNBA championship in a dramatic overtime victory against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals. Trailing by seven points at halftime, the Liberty rallied with strong performances, particularly from Jonquel Jones, who scored 17 points and earned Finals MVP honors. Despite key players like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu facing challenges, the team showcased depth with impactful contributions from Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally. The series was marked by tight contests and memorable moments, including Ionescu's clutch three-pointer in Game 3, highlighting the thrilling nature of the championship battle.

Scoreboard

• The NY Liberty won the WNBA Finals in OT Sunday night 67-62

  • Jonquel Jones earns Finals MVP

• The NBA is back! Champion Celtics host the Knicks in Tuesday’s opener

  • LeBron & Bronny could be the first father/son duo to see regular season game action

• Bucks v. 76ers, Phoenix v. LA Clippers, Warriors v. Portland all on Wednesday night

Starting Five

1. NCAAM: Tony Bennett's retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Virginia basketball history, concluding a career defined by humility and success. After leading the Cavaliers to a national championship in 2019, Bennett stepped down, citing challenges in adapting to the evolving landscape of college basketball and a desire not to hinder his team's progress. His journey from initial hesitance to a respected figure in the ACC showcases his dedication to the sport and his players. As he moves forward, Bennett plans to advocate for positive changes in college athletics, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate with fans and players alike.

2. NCAA NIL: Clemson University has approved a new $150 per semester athletics fee for students, set to begin in Fall 2025. This fee, aimed at supporting student-athlete services and managing rising operational costs, is expected to generate between $7 and $8 million annually for the athletics department. While the fee will not fund Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation, it underscores the board's commitment to maintaining the competitiveness and sustainability of the Clemson Tigers. This decision aligns with a broader trend among universities seeking innovative financial solutions to bolster their athletic programs.These reforms aim to streamline the recruiting process and reflect the ongoing evolution in collegiate athletics, particularly in the context of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements.

3. NBA Idol: A touching moment unfolded during a preseason game as NBA star Steph Curry interacted with Lakers guard Quincy Olivari, a young player and devoted fan. Olivari was thrilled to play in front of his idol, and Curry's encouraging words left a lasting impression on him. Following the game, Curry shared a heartfelt message on Instagram for Olivari, which quickly gained traction online. This encounter beautifully illustrates the profound impact that sports idols can have on aspiring athletes, as Olivari's emotional reaction resonated with fans across social media.

4. All-American: The Associated Press has unveiled its preseason All-America men's basketball team, showcasing standout players from top conferences such as the ACC, Big 12, and SEC. Noteworthy names include Mark Sears from Alabama, RJ Davis from North Carolina, and Hunter Dickinson from Kansas, all of whom have chosen to remain in college, bolstering their teams' prospects. Sears and Davis, in particular, have garnered acclaim for their impressive performances last season, while Johni Broome, Cooper Flagg, and Caleb Love have also made substantial contributions. As the college basketball season approaches, the anticipation surrounding these talented athletes and their teams continues to build.

5. NBA to Prep School: Former NBA head coach Monty Williams has taken a surprising turn in his career by accepting a position as the head coach of his sons' high school basketball team at TMI Episcopal in San Antonio. Despite being fired by the Detroit Pistons after a challenging season, Williams remains financially secure, as he will continue to receive $65 million over the next five years from his contract. This move positions him as the highest-paid high school basketball coach in the country and allows him to potentially coach his son Elijah, a highly-ranked prospect, throughout high school. Williams, who previously garnered accolades as NBA Coach of the Year while with the Phoenix Suns, chose this path over offers to return to the NBA.

College Basketball: Rutgers Two Stars

Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper have quickly become pivotal figures in the Rutgers basketball program, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to campus. Their commitment to building a brotherhood within the team reflects their deep dedication not just to their individual success but to the collective goal of winning. As highly touted freshmen, they share aspirations of making it to the NBA, and their strong friendship has only strengthened their resolve. Together, they navigate the challenges of college basketball, showcasing their talent and determination as they embark on this promising journey.

Drill of the Week - Ball Handling Warmup

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Simple but effective handle warmup. 50 reps of the following below ⬇️

▪️Pounds (Right & Left Hand)
▪️Crossovers
▪️Tweens (Right & Left Leg)
▪️Behind the Back

🔑 Get all of this done in 1 min 45 seconds. College/Pros get it done in 1 min 30 seconds. If it gets too easy for you, do everything to 100 reps & 2 mins 45 seconds.

If you have a heavy ball, try it with the heavy ball, then rep it again with a regular ball right after!

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