Lady Tigers prepare for first Final Four appearance
BLOUNTSTOWN, Fla. (WMBB)– For the first time in program history, the Blountstown girls basketball team is getting ready to compete at the state semifinals in Lakeland.
The Final Four achievement was made possible under the leadership of Panhandle coaching legend, John Ellerbee, who returned from a 25-year retirement to guide the team.
Ellerbee's focus upon return was to improve structure and discipline, which proved to be key elements that affected the Lady Tigers' previous successes.
'I'm just excited to have this opportunity for these young ladies to be playing in the Final Four,' Ellerbee said. 'It's been a good year, a learning curve for both me and the team, but it's been a fun journey.'
Despite stepping away from the game for 20 years, Ellerbee's 'tough' coaching methods were embraced by the team.
'Young people want structure, they want boundaries,' Ellerbee said. 'If you lay the framework for what your expectations are, they're coachable.'
The Lady Tigers have not had a losing season since 2021, showcasing the program's internal talent. However, the lack of team unity was an issue that has been addressed since Ellerbee's return.
'We kind of went into last year lost,' said player Tiasia Alston. 'Him coming in and explaining things definitely helped us.'
The improvement in team bonding has been a significant factor in this season's success.
'We're definitely more comfortable with each other,' Alston added. 'That closer bond has helped us in games.'
Ellerbee's coaching style, combined with the team's willingness to buy in, has allowed the Lady Tigers to reach new heights.
'It's not a sprint, it's a marathon,' said sophomore guard Cyianna Smith, reflecting on Ellerbee's first words upon return.
'We know he's got our back, and we've got his. This is huge for us because we've never made it to the Final Four before.'
'We want to have a good experience and enjoy the moment, but this is a business trip, not a pleasure trip,' Ellerbee said. 'We want to come back with a state championship.'
The Lady Tigers are set to face Wildwood in the semifinal matchup, scheduled to be played in Lakeland on Wednesday, February 26.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
NBA mock draft: Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper expected to go 1-2. What happens next?
NBA mock draft: Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper expected to go 1-2. What happens next? Show Caption Hide Caption Jeremiah Fears enters NBA Draft as one of the youngest prospects Former Ohlahoma star Jeremiah Fears chats with Bryan Kalbrosky about being one of the youngest prospects entering the NBA Draft. Sports Seriously Sure, the 2025 NBA Finals is drawing all the attention, but looming in less than two weeks is the NBA draft. That means that teams across the league — even the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder — are putting the final touches on their draft boards as they sort out needs and the best available players. And while it seems like there's a consensus atop the board, with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper the likely selections at No. 1 and No. 2, it's anyone's guess what happens as the draft unfolds. Here's a look at USA TODAY Sports' NBA mock draft two weeks out from the NBA draft on June 25-26: (Age listed is age at time of the draft; for U.S. college players, height (without shoes) and weight taken at NBA draft combine) 2025 NBA mock draft 1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7¾ , 221, 18 years old 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg, 48.1% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 84% FT The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama. Flagg had 27 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a Final Four loss to Houston. 2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers Freshman, guard, 6-4½ , 213, 19 2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper's best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers' lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California. 3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Freshman, guard, 6-4, 193, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA Tournament second-round loss to Duke. 4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, Rutgers Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7½ , 202, 18 2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn't easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. 5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 190, 19 2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He had three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA Tournament loss to Xavier. 6. Washington Wizards: Kon Knueppel, Duke Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5, 219, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games. He had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in an Elite Eight victory against Alabama, and 16 points and seven rebounds in a Final Four loss to Houston. 7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Freshman, guard, 6-2½, 180, 18 2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA Tournament first-round loss to UConn. 8. Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 205, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Xavier. 9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke Freshman, center, 7-0½, 253, 18 2024-25 stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.2% FG, 76.6% FT Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA Tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. He struggled to make an impact in the Final Four loss to Houston with just six points and no rebounds. 10. Houston Rockets: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina Sophomore, forward, 6-6½, 239, 20 2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT Although he's a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC's No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament. 11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant, Arizona Freshman, forward, 6-6½, 215, 19 2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA Tournament. 12. Chicago Bulls: Derik Queen, Maryland Freshman, center, 6-9¼, 248, 20 2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida. 13. Atlanta Hawks: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Forward, 6-10, 198, 18 2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 51.6% FG, 27% 3PT, 70.5% FT The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up. 14. San Antonio Spurs: Asa Newell Freshman, forward, 6-9, 224, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT Based off of his size, Newell wouldn't appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Danny Wolf, Michigan Junior, forward-center, 6-10½, 252, 21 2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in a NCAA regional semifinals loss to Auburn. 16. Orlando Magic: Egor Demin, BYU Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 199, 19 2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field. 17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Liam McNeeley, UConn Freshman, forward, 6-6¾, 215, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year's Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA Tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s. 18. Washington Wizards: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown Freshman, forward-center, 6-9¼, 263, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT The standout freshman required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who's just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame. 19. Brooklyn Nets: Jase Richardson, Michigan State Freshman, guard, 6-0½, 178, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT Richardson improved as the season progressed and turned into the Spartans' steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA Tournament in four games – 5-for-11 shooting and 15 points against Bryant, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, and 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn. 20. Miami Heat: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Guard, 6-6, 200, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 45.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 72.7% FT He's just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect. 21. Utah Jazz: Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League) Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18 2024-25 stats: 5.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 61.5% FG, 58.4% FT Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn't have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, has made him a first-round prospect. Another player who has improved throughout the season. 22. Atlanta Hawks: Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France) Guard, 6-4, 175, 19 2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.9% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 72.8% FT Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He's quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February. 23. Indiana Pacers: Will Riley, Illinois Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 186, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.2% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 72.4% FT Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many, looks for offensive rebounds. His shot is a work in progress but the mechanics are there and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini's final six games. 24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nique Clifford, Colorado State Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-5¼, 202, 23 2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot of things – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams' final six games before the NCAA tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland. 25. Orlando Magic: Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph's Junior, forward, 6-8¼, 232, 20 2024-25 stats: 14.75 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 apg, 53.1% FG, 39% 3PT, 74.3% FT Fleming is a mobile forward who plays a physical game and has strong footwork to finesse his way around defenders. He likes to get easy buckets in transition, his 3-point percentage in nearly five attempts per game is encouraging and he is valuable in pick-and-rolls as the screener. Defensively, he deflects passes and can protect the rim. Fleming averaged 18.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.9% in the last six regular-season Atlantic 10 Conference contests. 26. Brooklyn Nets: Noah Penda, Le Mans (France) Forward, 6-8, 225, 20 2024-25 stats: 10.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 spg, 45.8% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 67.9% FT A solidly-built wing, Penda may not be the most explosive athlete, but he has flashed excellent footwork in the low block, has steady enough ball-handling abilities and can knock down 3s with relative efficiency. Penda has also shown that he can move well without the ball, often slashing through a defense on cuts for easy buckets. Improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. 27. Brooklyn Nets: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida Senior, guard, 6-2, 199, 22 2024-25 stats: 18.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.2 spg, 44.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT, 85.7% FT Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Clayton had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators' final three games. Has range on 3-point shots and can shoot off the dribble or pass but needs to improve as a playmaker and defender. 28. Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain) Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19 2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT One of Europe's top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He's still raw. 29. Phoenix Suns: Kam Jones, Marquette Senior, guard, 6-5, 205, 23 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 5.9 apg, 4.5 rpg, 1.4 spg, 48.3% FG, 31.1% 3PT, 64.8% FT All-Big East first-team selection, Jones is a strong, physical guard who can finish on drives to the rim, possesses solid footwork and isn't afraid of contact. He improved as a playmaker/passer this season and is a solid rebounder with at least 10 five-plus rebound games. The left-hander had a dip in his 3-point shooting percentage this season but has shown the ability to make them off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots as a career 37% shooter from deep. Jones was solid in the Big East tournament with 28 points (11-for-22 shooting, 5-for-10 on 3s), five assists and four rebounds in a victory against Xavier and 24 points (3-for-12 on 3s) and seven rebounds in a loss to St. John's. He had 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in a NCAA tournament first-round loss to New Mexico. 30. Los Angeles Clippers: Drake Powell, North Carolina Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5¼, 200, 19 2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 64.8% FT Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn't possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential. Was an efficient scorer in limited opportunities and can be a solid rebounder from the perimeter.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mavericks' Cooper Flagg 'Mistake' Turns Heads on Friday
Mavericks' Cooper Flagg 'Mistake' Turns Heads on Friday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Even before he committed to the Duke Blue Devils, Cooper Flagg had been touted as a possible first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Nothing Flagg did at Duke – picking up ACC Player of the Year, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four, or earning consensus All-American honors – dissuaded fans, analysts or scouts of that opinion. Advertisement Less than two weeks remain until commissioner Adam Silver begins the draft, in which the Dallas Mavericks hold the top pick after a stunning draft lottery result. However, 12 days before they can officially select Flagg, it appears as if the Mavericks have already telegraphed their choice. DLLS Mavericks reporter Kevin Gray posted on X a screenshot from Mavs' official website that displayed Flagg in Dallas' white home jersey – part of a premature "Welcome to Dallas" graphic that was quickly removed from the team's site. Gray later deleted the screenshot, as well as a screen-recorded iPhone video that "proved" he had navigated to the Mavericks' draft night portal on the team website, where he encountered the Flagg graphic. It is not uncommon for social media teams to prepare graphics well in advance for a major announcement, such as the Mavericks selecting Flagg. Advertisement When one fan on X asked if the Mavericks could get into trouble for posting the graphic erroneously, @KevinTroyGA wrote "they'll just say it was a publishing error, that they created several graphics & have them ready to go for whoever is drafted (which, when you're not picking first, you indeed will do)." As @Michael_Aranda pointed out on X, the section of the website where the Flagg announcement was published was supposed to be a landing page for the Mavericks' draft party. "This is clearly just a publishing mistake on the website," Aranda said. Still, other fans bashed the Mavericks for the mistake. Advertisement "The Mavs stay embarrassing themselves," wrote @blondie101317, criticizing the franchise for the error. "Announcing it 12 days early is wild," wrote @timthebim123. Although it won't be a surprise if Dallas picks Flagg first overall on June 25, some fans see a "silver lining" in such an early announcement of the Mavericks' intentions. "Looks like Nico (Harrison) got tired of the 'Nico is going to trade Cooper Flagg' that he figured let's just get out there to stop that talk," wrote @theGOATsPR, about Dallas' general manager, Nico Harrison. The @MavsFilmRoom even mentioned that if Flagg were to wear the #32 as the graphic suggested, then he would be the first Mavericks player to wear the jersey number since Marquese Chriss during the 2021-22 NBA season. Advertisement Related: Dwight Howard Urges Cooper Flagg to Return to Duke Amid $28 Million News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
Olivia Thompson's journey from South Carolina women's basketball reserve to podcast host
COLUMBIA — The day before Olivia Thompson was set to drive up to Lenoir-Rhyne University, her mom got a phone call. Thompson had committed to the Bears and was ready to sign paperwork when South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley called and offered Thompson a preferred walk-on spot. Advertisement The Lexington, South Carolina, native took one day to decide and then became part of the Gamecocks' 2023 signing class. "I had to adjust my perspective," Thompson told The Greenville News. "I had to disconnect myself from the basketball side of it a little bit. It was still something I really loved, but I was going to South Carolina for the impact, the experiences and for the people I would meet. I just wanted to pour myself into and learn as much as I could." Thompson earned a scholarship prior to the 2020-21 season, and graduated with three SEC tournament titles, three Final Four appearances and a 2022 national championship ring but only played 312 minutes across four seasons. Now, she's found a new career based entirely around what she always made sure to do when part of Staley's program: appreciate everyone involved. How Olivia Thompson started a podcast about South Carolina After graduation, Thompson approached the Garnet Trust, South Carolina's official NIL collective, about doing a podcast that highlighted people within the women's basketball program that play major roles, but aren't often talked about. Advertisement People like sports performance coach Molly Binetti and athletic trainer Craig Oates. At the time, the Garnet Trust didn't have the facilities for a podcast, and Thompson didn't know much about editing or producing. Before she could teach herself, the NIL collective partnered with 1801 Media last fall, which is an "athlete-driven media network designed to drive new NIL revenue for Garnet Trust," and one of the first ideas was for Thompson to start the podcast. "I wanted to create a space for these people to be highlighted," Thompson said. "To hear about their lives and journeys." On Oct. 9, 2024, the first episode of her podcast "The Coop" dropped and Binetti was her first guest. She's since had guests ranging from former players like Kaela Davis, Zia Cooke, Markeshia Grant and Laeticia Amihere to assistant coaches like Khadijah Sessions. Advertisement She had Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin on the podcast before they moved onto the WNBA, and rising senior forward Chloe Kitts as well. Her most recent episode was a sit down roundtable talk with Feagin's mom, Joyce Edwards' mom and Kitts and Tessa Johnson's parents, recorded during the Final Four run in April. The podcast has expanded to other women's sports teams on campus, and Thompson wants the proceeds to go back to whatever program the person being interviewed is from. Why South Carolina basketball alum Olivia Thompson got into podcasting Though Thompson had a concrete understanding that her role in the iconic "Freshies" class was different then one of Aliyah Boston or Cooke, she was still dedicated to the basketball side of the program. Limited playing time didn't mean she had a lack of care or motivation. Advertisement Her brain just had a little bit more time to soak in the intricacies of the program as a whole. "I wanted to immerse myself in the experience," Thompson said. "I was so grateful for the times that I did get playing time. That was amazing but the people is what really drew me to South Carolina. When I graduated, I had so much love and appreciation for (people in the program). I just wanted to create something that would lift them up, give back to them, and pour into them, for all that they poured into me." A podcast felt like a natural fit, especially since she had brief experience doing color commentary in 2024. Growing up, she was always the one sparking up conversations with adults, and time spent with her friends' parents wasn't anxiety inducing like it was for some of her peers. Unlike her teammates, playing in the WNBA was never the goal. After graduating, she took the entire summer to travel instead. Advertisement When on a 36-foot white water raft in the middle of the Grand Canyon with her family, she soon realized she knew nothing about everyone else around her. "You just slowly start to befriend these people that you're on the raft with," Thompson said. "The community aspect is really important. And I think that's the parallel between traveling and podcasting is just meeting people. Being curious about their lives and who they are." DAWN STALEY: Dawn Staley's home is with South Carolina women's basketball but she's forever Philadelphia She aims to have that same conversational tone with guests on her show. She acknowledges that her former teammates or coaches, there's a comfortability factor with her as the host, but now that she's expanded beyond basketball, her goals remain the same. Advertisement "Everyone's journey is different, but just getting to know people is really important to me, and hearing them talk about themselves and their life is really cool," Thompson said. "Express themselves, and show listeners and viewers their personalities and sides that people wouldn't ordinarily see on any other given day." Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@ and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Olivia Thompson's journey from South Carolina basketball to podcast host
