Former Mizzou Guard Emerges as MVP Candidate in Canadian Basketball League
One former Missouri Tigers guard is making lots of noise in the Canadian basketball scene.
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Sean East II, who played his final collegiate season as a graduate student in 2024, is turning heads in his rookie season up north.
Signed by the Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) in April, East II has put up impressive numbers through his first 15 games — averaging 24.4 points, 5.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game.
As his assistant coach Eric Fawcett points out, he's doing it all with remarkable efficiency, shooting 51.9% from three, 57.7% from the floor, and 93.2% from the charity stripe.
In his best season at Mizzou (2023-24), East II averaged 17.6 points, 4 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. Before arriving in Edmonton, the 6-foot-3 guard played 10 games for CSM Constanța of the Romanian Basketball League during his first professional season, averaging 24.4 points and 4.8 rebounds.
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The former Tiger is quickly becoming an MVP candidate within the league, making a name for himself with every game. In a standout performance against the Montreal Alliance, the Louisville, Kentucky native led the Stingers to a 94-83 victory, posting a season-high 35 points, six assists, and four steals.
'If he's not the MVP of the league at the midway point, I don't know who is,' said Stingers head coach Jordan Baker. 'He's carried us a lot of the time, and now we've got guys playing alongside him that are pretty damn good too.'
Despite shouldering a heavy load, East II remains humble.
'I give the credit to my teammates and my coaching staff. They're letting me play. My teammates are finding me when I'm open, we're moving the ball well. We started [the season] out slow… but we finally found our team and I think we're moving in the right direction,' East II said.
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As mentioned, the Stingers didn't start the season too hot, going 2-4 in their first six games. However, with East II leading the charge, they've turned things around—now riding a five-game win streak and sitting at 9-6.
He was recently named CEBL Weekly host Esfandiar Baraheni's mid-season MVP, showing strong early returns in his first season in the league.
With just nine games remaining in the regular season, the former Tiger has taken the CEBL by storm, and he doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
It wouldn't be too surprising to see East II pick up interest from top European or NBA teams in the coming months, as he could easily fit on a roster as a gritty two-way player with the ability to control game tempo — someone who likely won't be on the secondary market for much longer.
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Related: Mizzou Becomes Favorite to Land Top-5 Class of 2026 Recruit
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

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USA Today
39 minutes ago
- USA Today
NFL record predictions 2025: AI makes win-loss picks for all 32 teams
Artificial flavoring. Artificial sweeteners. Artificial plants. Artificial intelligence (AI). Technology has taken artificial to the forefront, making it so even a square peg can fit into a round hole, bridging the gap in all situations. Don't know what song to listen to? The algorithm will figure it out. Don't know how to find your destination? The self-driving car can handle that. Don't understand what you just read? AI can summarize it. Society soaks up everything artificial because it's more convenient or tastes better. Laziness or convenience? You be the judge. No matter how popular those fake things become, nothing can ever replace the original. As we embark on the early days of NFL training camp, it's important to have some fun, even if the robots continue to conquer more and more in some sort of ode to imperialism. Will Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs rebound after a Super Bowl beatdown? Which NFL team will surprise? Who will be the league's best and who will be the worst? While many speculate and debate how each NFL team will perform in 2025, we decided to get Google Gemini's artificial thoughts by having it predict every team's record. Here are the results. 2025 NFL record predictions: AI projections for all 32 teams Gemini isn't forecasting any surprises in the AFC East, predicting Buffalo to win the division for the sixth straight year. The chatbot noted that they have a strong foundation in place as the team dreams of reaching the Super Bowl. Josh Allen's crew should keep rolling without much resistance. Google's artificial intelligence is buying stock, however, in the Patriots next season. It's a big fan of Drake Maye and believes Mike Vrabel can get the team back to their winning ways. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Patriots are poised for a better season. Gemini subscribes to that line of thinking as well. Miami finds itself settling into the third spot in this division race, primarily because of concerns about consistency and health. Can Tua Tagovailoa avoid injury all season? Is there enough depth on the roster? The chatbot isn't sure of either, saying results for the Dolphins are mixed this season. Returning to the bottom of the AFC East is the Jets, who are certainly no stranger to being there. However, it's a 7-10 season for New York in what profiles as a significant question mark-style season, according to Gemini. The team has limited upside in its imaginary eyes, but likes the defense and is unsure about Justin Fields. Maybe the intelligence isn't that artificial after all. The Ravens are locked and loaded for another run in 2025, hoping this will be the year they get over their playoff woes to reach the big game in February. Gemini is forecasting another division-winning season for John Harbaugh's team, with a sprinkling of regression despite their all-in approach to the offseason. Regardless, it should come as no surprise that the Ravens lead the way here as Lamar Jackson looks to build off another MVP-caliber season. Cincinnati is a logical entrant for the second spot in the AFC North, but the Bengals are a wild card in the jungle. The contract situations for Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart have been a dark cloud hanging over the offseason in Cincinnati. That is in addition to a team that has underachieved each of the last two seasons. The Bengals have a wide range of outcomes, but Gemini lands on the more optimistic side of the spectrum. The Steelers also know a thing or two about a wide range of outcomes, especially after signing the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. After adding DK Metcalf to upgrade the receiver room, it remains to be seen whether Pittsburgh is better in 2025. The chatbot has taken Mike Tomlin's ability to avoid losing seasons into account, predicting a 9-8 record. In the AFC North basement, it's the Cleveland Browns. That comes as no surprise considering the state of their rebuild and the lack of a clear quarterback solution. Cleveland's defense can steal some games thanks to Myles Garrett, but don't expect a miracle in The Land. MORE: Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers are desperate to win big again. They are a perfect match It's been all chalk for Gemini in the early going, sticking with the favorite to capture the division crown. The Texans may have a few problems on their hands come playoff time, especially if C.J. Stroud is wounded behind that offensive line. However, the defense is good enough to carry them through a division that doesn't figure to have much resistance, leaving them as the clear team to beat. Liam Coen lived a life of luxury coordinating an experienced Tampa offense loaded with talent in 2024. Now for his next trick, he heads to the opposite coast of Florida to guide Jacksonville back to NFL relevancy. It's a much younger offense for the Jaguars, giving the rookie head coach a blank canvas to mold the roster as he sees fit. With that in mind, Gemini believes they can contend for a playoff spot this year. If Trevor Lawrence returns to form, Jacksonville is a frisky team that can be a threat. Everything for the Colts is tied to their quarterback situation, and the chatbot agrees. Anthony Richardson has to take a step in the right direction, but his shoulder injury is already dominating the conversation. There is still talent on this team that should keep them from bottoming out. However, the ceiling isn't particularly high and seven wins feels pretty close to it. The Titans hope they have their quarterback in Cam Ward, but it's unlikely that wins will follow in 2025. Tennessee has plenty of other issues that will hold them back next season, which is to be expected in a rebuild. An infusion of talent will continue in the coming years, but this year is all about making sure Ward is the answer going forward. Wins would be a bonus. The Super Bowl seemed to show some cracks in the armor for Kansas City, but the Chiefs remain inevitable in an AFC West desperate to dethrone them. As long as Patrick Mahomes is playing and Andy Reid is coaching, this is the Chiefs' spot until it's not. Gemini agrees, highlighting their consistency and top-end talent. Jim Harbaugh's first season back in the NFL was a resounding success, remaking the identity of the Chargers while still securing a playoff spot. Following an early playoff exit, Harbaugh now needs his team to take the next step. The chatbot has them finishing with one less win, but considers Los Angeles a serious contender if things break right. Gemini believes the Broncos will challenge for a playoff spot again this season, calling them a potential surprise in the AFC. The AI must've forgotten that Denver was the surprise of 2024 with Bo Nix delivering in a big way. It especially likes the addition of Trent Sherfield. Regardless, the Broncos will again be a pesky bunch next season. Perhaps the most surprising prediction in the AFC, Gemini isn't buying whatever the Raiders are selling. Vegas checks in at 6-11, which would be a disappointing win total after its offseason makeover. They've stabilized the organization by bringing in Pete Carroll and Geno Smith to work with a roster infused with young talent like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. Gemini considers the division too tough for them to compete right away, but that won't make anyone in Sin City feel good if it comes to fruition. We've yet to see a team reach the 13-win mark and that won't happen here either with the Eagles. Maybe it's a Super Bowl hangover for the defending champions, but Gemini isn't going out on a limb for this prediction. However, this would also be the first time an NFC East champion was able to defend its crown since the Eagles last did so from 2001-2004. The Cowboys are a surprise entrant in the second spot, primarily because they profile as a team in transition. Dak Prescott is returning from a hamstring injury that ended his 2024 season. Brian Schottenheimer takes over as head coach and the offensive line will have to operate without the veteran presence of Zack Martin, who retired. The acquisition of George Pickens should take some pressure off CeeDee Lamb and Gemini likes the revamped running back room. Either way, Dallas is a wild card with a big gap between the floor and the ceiling. Surprises continue in the NFC East as the Giants check in at 8-9. Despite a new-look quarterback room headlined by Russell Wilson, the Giants don't profile as a team prepared to make such a vast improvement in 2025, considering the challenging schedule that lies ahead. Gemini is higher on them than most, but an offense led by Malik Nabers coupled with a pass rush featuring Brian Burns and Abdul Carter can certainly make even the most pessimistic see a ray of sunshine in the future. No matter what, Washington has always been a city that disappoints 50% of people at a given moment in time. In the case of the Commanders, this might be closer to unanimous – an unheard of conclusion in the district. Barring an injury to Jayden Daniels, it seems impossible for the Commanders to finish 6-11 after making the trip to the NFC championship a season ago. The chatbot pointed out that Washington is going all-in and could struggle to integrate those pieces. Color us skeptical. The Packers finished four games behind the NFC North champions in 2024 after totaling 11 wins. According to Gemini, that same win total will be enough to grant them a home playoff game in 2025. The chatbot is expecting a big year for Jordan Love and likes the Matthew Golden draft pick, adding that improving on a 1-5 record in division games will be enough to put them in the top spot. Detroit, on the other hand, is primed for a setback this season. That is thanks in large part to the staffing changes following the departures of both coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. After injuries claimed many roster players last year, this will be a Lions group that faces some new challenges in a division that provides no soft landing spot. As if losing the coordinators wasn't bad enough, the Lions will have to watch as Johnson takes over for their rivals in Chicago. The Bears are a popular breakout candidate with the expectation of a second-year leap from Caleb Williams and now they are also armed with a capable offensive line. Protecting Williams is key, but the quarterback must also step up his play. If both things come true, the Windy City is in for an exciting fall. The Vikings bet on J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback of the future. It would've been easy to stick with what worked last year while the quarterback was sidelined. After all, 14-win seasons don't grow on trees. Yet Minnesota is making the move to the former Michigan man, hoping he can deliver the goods in the Twin Cities. Gemini isn't a believer, calling it a season of transition for the Vikings. Depending on McCarthy's season, decision-makers in Minnesota could end up wondering if Sam Darnold is the one that got away. Talent has never been the question for the Falcons. Atlanta's woes seem to be more a citywide sports issue, but Gemini is predicting the football team will respond in a big way this season, winning the division for the first time since 2016. They are loaded on offense with Bijan Robinson and Drake London, while the defense tries to catch up with a much-improved pass rush. Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. both enter the fold, representing the youth movement in the ATL. A big step forward from Michael Penix Jr. could be all they need to make some serious noise. The Buccaneers have become a factory for producing offensive coordinators in recent years, losing Dave Canales and Coen to head coaching jobs. Now it's Josh Grizzard's turn, but that lack of continuity can also be a problem. That is also Gemini's primary concern, suggesting that turnover could lead to a slow start. Tampa remains the team to beat in the NFC South, but the chatbot predicts they will fall short in 2025. Much like how Johnson left Detroit to join the division foes in Chicago, Canales did the same to Tampa Bay by leaving for Carolina. His Panthers are looking to turn a corner this year and Bryce Young is a big reason for that. He made strides in 2024, giving Carolina a reason to be optimistic. Despite being in the midst of a rebuild, the Panthers can be frisky in 2025. Unless some higher power intervenes, the Saints won't be winning many games this year. There is talent on the roster, even if it's often injured, but the quarterback spot is a complete unknown. Derek Carr retired, leaving Tyler Shough as the apparent starter in New Orleans. Kellen Moore, the team's new head coach, has his work cut out for him in what should be a year that isn't defined by wins and losses. MORE: Los Angeles Rams are 'right place' for wide receiver Davante Adams After a short stay at the bottom of the NFC West, Gemini has the 49ers back on top in 2025. Last year was ruined by injuries for San Francisco, leading to some new players emerging in different spots. Now they are loaded up for what they hope is a deep playoff run. Gemini has them tied for the league lead in wins, staving off tough competition from their Southern California neighbors. The Rams lost the snow globe battle in the playoffs against the Eagles, but proved they are Super Bowl contenders. It wasn't a guarantee that would remain the case after the offseason. Matthew Stafford was involved in trade rumors, but he is now back for another run in Hollywood. They made a big splash by signing Davante Adams. On paper, this should be a top team in the league. Gemini has them finishing second in the NFC West, but this is a squad no one will want to play in January. Gemini didn't specify how the Cardinals' season will play out, but we can only assume it expects a hot start followed by a limp to the finish line. Arizona's defense should make some significant strides; however, this team goes as far as Kyler Murray takes them. That is evidenced by the extreme highs and lows that the Cardinals seem to experience every year. If he can find some consistency, this team can be in the hunt. Our last stop on our tour around the NFL and the NFC West is Seattle. The Seahawks will have a new look in 2025, highlighted by the arrivals of Darnold and Cooper Kupp. It remains to be seen if Darnold can replicate the magic he found in Minnesota last season, leaving the Seahawks as an unknown. They are remaking the team with Mike Macdonald's vision in mind, turning the page from the Carroll era. The chatbot expects flashes, but not a lot of consistency. We tend to agree.


Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Lionesses' triumph: England to celebrate back-to-back European titles with open-top parade
LONDON (AP) — The Lionesses are heading back home to celebrate. England successfully defended its Women's European Championship title by beating world champion Spain in a shootout in the final in Basel, Switzerland on Sunday. After becoming the first England team to win a major tournament on foreign soil, the squad will celebrate its victory with a trip to Downing Street later on Monday. Celebrations will continue on Tuesday with an open-top bus parade in central London, ending with a ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace. Fans erupted with joy across England after Chloe Kelly lashed in her spot kick to give her team a 3-1 win on penalties, after a 1-1 draw following extra time. King Charles III said the team had the royal family's 'warmest appreciation and admiration' following its win. 'The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can,' he added. The Downing Street reception will be hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. 'The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation,' British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. 'Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country. It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team.' It was back-to-back European trophies for England and yet another final that Kelly had a huge impact on, after also coming on as a substitute during the Euro 2022 trophy match and scoring the winner against Germany in extra time to clinch a 2-1 victory. ___ AP soccer:


Boston Globe
2 hours ago
- Boston Globe
Baseball's split from its past feels more severe than previous shifts, and more observations from Cooperstown
All that said, the current version of this universal push-pull is truly different. In the summer of 2025, baseball is largely unrecognizable to old-time greats and, even worse, today's Hall of Famers increasingly feel estranged from the people who run the game. Analytics and new methods of teaching have removed the endearing layer of tutelage that's always connected the sport. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Through the decades, young players sought help from the all-timers. Twenty-year-old Ted Williams thought he could learn from Cobb and Rogers Hornsby. Yaz thought he could learn from Ted. Jim Rice thought he could learn from Yaz. Advertisement In 2025, few players are encouraged to learn from those who came before. 'We're all Mr. Irrelevent now,' said Related : Baseball owners and front offices have Advertisement There were But in casual chats with dozens over the weekend, I kept hearing about new distance they feel from the game they mastered. Without even asking. When I came upon 79-year-old Rod Carew in the lobby of the Otesaga, he had one question for myself and two other veteran scribes. 'What do you think of the baseball that is being played today?' We delivered our answers to the man who hit .388 in 1977. (Bet his exit velocity was pathetic.) Too many strikeouts, too many pitchers trying to throw 100, pitchers throwing instead of pitching, no bunting, difficulty advancing runners from second to third, few batters changing their approach with two strikes, and few young players tapping into the minds of older stars who used to be pretty darned good. The conversation reminded me of Advertisement 'I was minding my own business, having a cup of coffee, and a young kid came out of the cage and asked about loading and his front foot,' Rice recalled Saturday as he stood under statues of Babe Ruth and Ted Williams in the plaque gallery. 'I didn't know him. He was a catcher. I talked to him about loading up and how to hit line drives and, while we were talking, one of the instructors came over and said 'That's not how we teach it.' I said, 'Did you play?' He said he played Division 1 college . . . OK. 'Here's the thing. These instructors want them to hit everything in the air. I tried to hit line drives. I think line drives are the way to go. The ball doesn't need to go 500 feet to get over the fence. If you hit a two-run homer and it goes 500 feet, you don't get extra runs for the extra 100 feet.' Eddie Murray hit 504 home runs over a 21-year career, and received MVP votes in eight straight seasons with the Orioles after he won Rookie of the Year in 1977. Seth Wenig/Associated Press While Rice and I were talking, Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Barry Larkin, plus two-time All-Star Eric Davis joined the conversation. All great hitters, they echoed the sentiments and experiences. They said they are not encouraged by their old teams to work with young talent. 'I try to talk to young hitters about all the motion they have, loading up at the plate to swing for the fence,' said Murray. 'I think a lot of that exposes them because they have more trouble getting out of the way on the ball thrown up and in, but they don't want to listen.' Advertisement It was largely the same when I spoke with Cal Ripken Jr. and 'I used to get asked if I could have more walks than strikeouts. Nobody does that now,' said Griffey. 'I was at least able to get more hits than strikeouts. Now I see good teams where the top three or four guys in the lineup all have more strikeouts than hits.' Indeed. Of the nine players in Boston's starting lineup for 'And let's talk about those cards inside their hats that tell them where to play guys,' he added. 'We didn't need that. We watched the games. We knew where to play guys.' Ken Griffey Jr. was in Cooperstown over the weekend after he attended All-Star festivities in his new capacity as a photographer. Carson Ming/Getty 'I saw a team positioning players more to the pull side on 0-2 counts,' said Larkin. 'I said, 'Why would you do that? That's moving them in the wrong direction.' And I was told, 'No, we expect guys to try to pull even more with 0-2 counts.' It's just crazy what they're teaching.' 'I don't watch any baseball anymore,' said Kaat. 'Last night at the Phillies party, I was sitting with Larry Bowa, Mike Schmidt, and Ted Simmons, and everyone was saying the same thing. It's the same with my morning coffee buddy, George Brett. It's almost sickening. I have yet to find one former player who thinks the game is great today. There's such a divide. 'I was talking with Tony Oliva and he said that Twins hitters are looking at a [tablet] after every swing they take. It's the same with pitchers. I think we could teach them how to pitch and control their fastball, but nobody asks. I had a nice conversation with Advertisement 'It's over for us,' said Kaat. 'The old-school GMs who knew baseball are gone. The scouts are gone. Ownership has decided this is the way they want to go. We've all become ⋅ Cooperstown-area hotels have concerns that other hotels needn't prioritize in block letters. Dan Shaughnessy/Globe Staff ⋅ You know your hotel is in Cooperstown when the stenciling on the indoor pool door reads, 'No food, drinks, bats, or balls allowed in pool area.' ⋅ Sunday's induction was delayed for about an hour by rain. Dave Parker's son, who looks exactly like his dad (who 'They told me he was too expensive for a singles hitter and I said, 'Yes, but it's a lot of singles,' ' recalled Valentine. 'I told them he was one of the five best players in the world.' Related : I asked Valentine if he's the best athlete in the history of Stamford, Conn. 'No,' he said. 'That would be [former New York Football Giant] Andy Robustelli.' Advertisement Here's Valentine on ⋅ Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred stumbled briefly while giving a speech at Ichiro's Hall party on Saturday night. When the commish stated that Ichiro never played for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, Ichiro said, 'Yes, I did!' A chagrinned Manfred made things worse by blaming the mistake on Wikipedia. Related : ⋅ Albert Pujols, who should be enshrined in the summer of 2028, made his first trip to Cooperstown, ⋅ Ryne Sandberg, the great Cub second baseman, was unable to attend because of a relapse of prostate cancer. Wade Boggs, who was enshrined the same summer as Sandberg and recently 'I think about Ryno every day,' said Boggs. 'It can be overwhelming. I was able to ring that bell, but he hasn't been so lucky.' Boggs and other Hall of Famers have recently been victims of AI social media scams in which they are rumored to be near death from illness. Boggs's family was alarmed by such a report last week, and his wife, Debbie, fielded a call from a television network asking for comment. Sandy Koufax, whose 90th birthday is Dec. 30, made it to the stage on Sunday. Jim McIsaac/Getty ⋅ Carew, ⋅ John Smoltz played golf in Cooperstown on Friday, flew back to Boston to broadcast ⋅ Kaat was on Boston's north shore a couple of weeks ago and played golf with Ray Bourque, Mike Andrews, and Dwight Evans. ⋅ No Rollie Fingers attended a 33rd consecutive induction. Receiving plaques on Sunday were, from left, Billy Wagner, Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Willa Allen (widow of late inductee Dick Allen), and Dave Parker II (son of late inductee Dave Parker). Seth Wenig/Associated Press Dan Shaughnessy is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at