New Balance Bets Its Basketball Future on Cooper Flagg
New Balance, a brand long known for running shoes, is planting a flag in basketball tonight.
That's when 18-year-old Cooper Flagg is expected to be the top pick in the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-9 forward from Duke University represents a rare shot for a company besides Nike Inc. to claim the game's next young star.
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USA Today
19 minutes ago
- USA Today
2025 NBA draft: Get to know the draft class with exclusive Rookie Wire interviews
The 2025 NBA draft is set to begin on Wednesday, with 30 players expected to hear their names called in the first round by Commissioner Adam Silver in Brooklyn, New York. Throughout the predraft process, Rookie Wire sat down with several prospects to discuss various topics and provide insight into their personalities both on and off the court. From potential draft picks to those competing for roster spots, we spoke with a diverse range of individuals. Related: NBA draft workout tracker: Where prospects have visited in 2025 Prospects have been busy preparing for the upcoming draft by attending predraft workouts and interviews, while spending countless hours in the gym to achieve the ultimate goal of advancing to the next level and playing in the NBA. With the first round of the 2025 NBA draft tipping off Wednesday, familiarize yourself with these in-depth looks at several players who could hear their names called at the Barclays Center. Obinna Anochili-Killen, Marshall Obinna Anochili-Killen was the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year this past season, averaging 14.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 blocks on 54.8% shooting from the field in 32 games. He ranked third in the country in blocked shots (102) and fifth in block percentage (12.7). The 6-foot-8 Nigerian nearly recorded three triple-doubles with blocked shots, including a 23-point, 10-rebound, nine-block effort on Jan. 23 in a win over Georgia State. He became the 14th player in history to reach that stat line in a game. He wants to bring that defensive prowess to the NBA. "I want (teams) to know that if they're going to the rim or they're around, they're looking for me or I'm on the scouting report: 'You can't just go inside. You have to find him,'" Anochili-Killen said. "I wanted to make sure that, offensively, people are looking for me even if I'm on the ball or off the ball. They're looking to see where I am to try to find a way to take me out of the picture defensively, which isn't going to be possible because I'm all over the place." Interview: Marshall forward Obinna Anochili-Killen: 'I want to bring my length and my versatility' Koby Brea, Kentucky A 6-foot-7 wing with a career 43.4% average from beyond the arc, Brea could be the steal of the draft in the second round after a sensational year with the Wildcats. Averaging 5.9 attempts per game, Brea led the SEC in 3-point percentage and ranked ninth among all players in Division I. Brea, who played the first four years of his career at Dayton, finished last year with 93 total 3-pointers, tied for the seventh-most in a single season in program history. He was one of six players from a power conference to make 90 or more 3s on at least 40% shooting. "I've had to earn everything, and it's a big reason to why I'm here today, and it's a big reason to why I'll be able to have a pretty long, successful career, God willing, in the NBA," Brea told Justin Quinn. "(Being) a really good teammate, that's something that's really, really important to me." Interview: Kentucky alum Koby Brea on his NBA future, the 2025 NBA draft, and more Steven Crowl, Wisconsin Crowl helped Wisconsin to the NCAA Tournament last season, averaging 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 41.6% shooting from 3-point range. He had 18 points on 8 of 10 shooting in the first round, the best single-game percentage by a Badger in a tournament game. Since becoming a full-time starter as a sophomore, Crowl played and started in 141 out of a possible 141 total games for the Badgers. He is one of five Big Ten players since the 1986-87 season to tally at least 1,400 points, 800 rebounds and 300 assists. "I think I'm more versatile than I showed at Wisconsin, and that is why I was very grateful to get those predraft workouts and show teams that I'm more than the player I showed at Wisconsin," Crowl said. "Just being a big who can space the floor and knock the 3 down at a high level. Then lastly, just playing out of that short roll and being a facilitator when the team needs you to be, making those good decisions and not turning the ball over." Interview: Wisconsin center Steven Crowl: 'I'm more versatile than I showed at Wisconsin' Chaz Lanier, Tennessee Lanier led the Volunteers to the Elite Eight, averaging 18 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists on 39.5% shooting from 3-point range in 38 appearances last season. He was a third-team All-American and an All-SEC second-team selection. The 23-year-old ranked 15th in the country in points (684) and fourth in 3-pointers, setting the program record for a single season (123). He finished in double figures 36 times with the Volunteers, becoming the third player in the SEC over the last 20 years to accomplish that feat. "I feel like the SEC was definitely the toughest conference in the country, so being able to go up against high-level dudes, night in and night out, was big for me," Lanier said. "I feel like I made a great case for myself and put on a good showing throughout the season. I feel like every night was an Elite Eight game, so when you're playing high-level games like that, it really prepares you for the next level." Interview: Tennessee All-American Chaz Lanier: 'I'm a fierce competitor and I want to win' Clifford Omoruyi, Alabama Omoruyi helped Alabama advance to the Elite Eight for the second straight year, averaging 7.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 37 appearances. He registered two double-doubles and ranked ninth in the country in 2-point field goal percentage (73.9). The 6-foot-11 Nigerian finished fourth in the country in blocked shots (93) two seasons ago at Rutgers, with his 7-foot, 6 1/4-inch wingspan. He was the first player to have at least eight blocks in multiple conference games since the 1999-00 season. "I can be the best version of myself, I just need the opportunity to get there and keep doing what I'm doing," Omoruyi said. "I'm already a great defensive player, and I can improve more. I just have to keep improving on my shooting and everything." Interview: 'He was wonderful to coach': Nate Oats believes Clifford Omoruyi can flourish in the NBA Kobe Sanders, Nevada Sanders was an All-Mountain West third-team selection this past season, averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals on 34.2% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked fourth in the conference in assists (147) and sixth in points (523). The 6-foot-8 standout registered nine 20-point performances, including a season-high-tying 30 points, four rebounds and four assists on Feb. 22. He was one of four players in the Mountain West with multiple 30-point games last season. "I think I've shown in my career that I'm big into loyalty, and I'm going to pour as much into my teammates and an organization as they pour into me," Sanders said. "That is a big thing about me, and a big thing that I was raised on is loyalty and pouring into others. I think I'm a good locker room guy, I'm very versatile and I'm a hard worker. I'm going to come into work every day and be Kobe." Interview: Nevada guard Kobe Sanders: 'I'm very versatile and a hard worker'
Forbes
27 minutes ago
- Forbes
Trump Media Board Member Who Led SPAC Deal Sells 90% Of His Shares
Eric Swider, one of seven board members at Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ: DJT) and a leader in the deal to take Truth Social public, has sold around 90% of his company stock—netting around $4.4 million before taxes—since November, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Truth Social is seen on a mobile device with an image of President Donald Trump in the background in ... More Warsaw, Poland in February 2022. (Photo by STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images Swider became CEO of the blank-check firm Digital World Acquisition Corp.—the SPAC that merged with Truth Social parent company Trump Media—in March 2023. After the merger was finalized in March 2024, former Congressman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., became CEO and Swider remained on the board. Swider received 153,000 shares when the merger closed, and another 26,000 in January 2025 through an incentive plan. In November 2024, Swider sold about 136,000 shares at $28.23 apiece, netting roughly $3.8 million. Since March 2025, Swider has made four additional sales—most recently 8,500 shares earlier in June—reducing his holdings to 17,500 shares. Swider and Trump Media did not respond to requests for comment. It's unclear why Swider has sold about 90% of his holdings, and he does not appear to have commented on the transactions. Contra No other Trump Media insiders have sold comparable amounts, according to SEC filings. President Donald Trump, whose 114.8 million shares are held in a revocable trust where he is the sole beneficiary and donor, has not reported any sales. Others, including Nunes, have only sold shares to cover tax withholdings, not directly receiving any cash proceeds. Big Number $4.8 million. That's how much Swider has made so far from Trump Media—counting stock sale proceeds, the current value of his remaining shares and a $45,000 cash retainer. Key Background Swider joined Digital World's board in 2021 and became CEO in 2023, as the SPAC pursued a drawn-out merger with Trump Media that took 29 months to complete. During that time, a former Digital World board member was convicted of insider trading, the company admitted to two years of unreliable financials and it paid $18 million in penalties to the SEC for failing to disclose early Trump Media talks. After the merger finalized in March 2024, turmoil continued: Trump Media's cofounders sued over allegedly diluted stakes, prompting a countersuit. The company also replaced its auditor after the SEC accused its accounting firm, BF Borgers, of 'massive fraud' involving more than 250 clients (Borgers agreed to pay a $12 million fine and an industry ban). Swider's term on Trump Media's board is set to expire in 2027. In a 2024 filing, Trump Media disclosed Swider failed to report a change in his stock holdings to the SEC within the required timeframe. What To Watch For In March, Swider and Nunes launched a new blank-check firm, Renatus Tactical Acquisition Corp I, targeting acquisitions in cryptocurrency, cybersecurity and dual-use tech—sectors with significant regulatory and government involvement, in which the Trump administration has major influence. Swider holds 50,000 shares directly and controls another 5 million through an LLC. Surprising Fact Trump Media warned in May that 'material misstatements' may have appeared in its financial filings, citing weak internal controls and a lack of SEC reporting expertise—though a company spokesperson told Forbes the filing was 'a routine disclosure that TMTG has repeatedly made in the past, and is typical for former shell companies, that does not in any way indicate an intention to restate any of TMTG's financial reporting.' News Peg Trump Media is in the midst of reshaping its finances, raising $2.3 billion from institutional investors in May to fund bitcoin purchases, registering a crypto ETF with the SEC and announcing plans Monday to buy back up to $400 million in shares. Forbes estimates Donald Trump's net worth at $5.2 billion, with $2.1 billion tied to his 114.8 million shares in Trump Media, as of the market close on Tuesday. Most of his fortune is now tied to crypto holdings. Editor's Note In November 2023, Trump Media sued 20 media outlets, including Forbes, for reporting that included calculations of its financial results while still a private company. The defendants have moved to dismiss the claims but the case is currently ongoing. Further Reading The 3 Easy New Ways Anyone Can Funnel Money Directly To Donald Trump's Businesses (Forbes) CEO Devin Nunes Made $47 Million While Truth Social Parent Company Reported $401 Million In Losses In 2024 (Forbes) Trump Media Shares Rise After Planning Fintech Brand—Trump's Net Worth Spikes Over $200 Million (Forbes) Truth Social Hosted Party At Trump's Mar-A-Lago (Forbes) Trump-Linked SPAC Spent $10.8 Million On Legal Fees Amid Regulatory Probes (Forbes) When It Comes To Truth Social, Republicans In Congress Aren't Buying What Trump's Selling (Forbes)
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Anthony Edwards is Among Jeremiah Fears' Most Anticipated NBA Opponents
Anthony Edwards is Among Jeremiah Fears' Most Anticipated NBA Opponents originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The 2025 NBA Draft will bring a new class of rookies to the league, eager to prove themselves amongst the pros. Several years ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves landed the first overall pick in the draft, bringing Anthony Edwards to the team. Advertisement That pick has paid off rather well for the team, as Edwards is among the league's best, and Minnesota has been on the cusp of the NBA Finals in the past two seasons. Based on many projections, Edwards will only continue to get better and better in his career. He's now familiarized himself with the league and talented opponents, including fellow All-Stars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Most of this year's incoming rookies already have specific players in mind they're most looking forward to playing against. Ahead of Wednesday night's opening round, many of the draft prospects appeared in the NBA's live YouTube video, On The Clock with the 2025 Draft Class. Hosts Ryan Hammer and Krysten Peek asked them each questions, including who their games compare to and who they can't wait to battle on the court. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5).David Gonzales-Imagn Images For many, the same superstar's name kept popping up as the opponent they couldn't wait to play: LeBron James. More than a few of the 2025 NBA Draft prospects indicated he's the greatest of all-time, and it's unclear how much longer he'll be in the league. Advertisement A few of the other popular answers included Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. However, Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears immediately said Anthony Edwards and Steph Curry as his choices. 'Just because [of] Ant-Man's mentality. Fierce competitor, not scared of nobody, and he gonna come at you, so you wanna play against somebody like that every single night and it's gonna help you bring your A-game as well,' Fears said on why he chose Edwards. The 6-foot-4 Sooners star averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game as a freshman. Fears helped lead his squad to the NCAA Tournament, where he tallied 20 points, five boards, and four assists in a loss to the UConn Huskies. He finds out on Wednesday night, which team he'll suit up for next season. Most mock drafts have him going in the top 10, with some projecting him at No. 7 to the New Orleans Pelicans or No. 8 to the Brooklyn Nets. Advertisement ESPN praised Fears ahead of the NBA Draft, due to his 'combination of size, speed, pace, shotmaking, and shot creation,' suggesting he has 'significant long-term upside" for a team. As of this writing, he's projected to go No. 5 in ESPN's mock draft to the Utah Jazz. While they're not nearly a contender, yet, it would give Fears multiple opportunities each season to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Edwards. Related: NBA Mock Draft Suggests Timberwolves Pick Rudy Gobert's Replacement Related: NBA Mock Draft Predicts Timberwolves Will Pick UConn's Liam McNeeley This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
