This Summer League coach's unique NBA journey began in the video room of a Toronto university
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Winnipeg Free Press
22-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Kyle Filipowski becomes 1st Utah Jazz player to earn NBA Summer League MVP
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Kyle Filipowski became the first Utah Jazz player to earn most valuable player honors in the NBA Summer League on Tuesday. Filipowski, a 6-foot-11 forward out of Duke, averaged a league-leading 29.3 points per contest over three games while adding 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He shot 56.1% from the field and 39.1% from 3-point range. His best summer league performance came against San Antonio on July 14th when he finished with 35 points and 11 rebounds. He's hoping to use his summer league experience as a springboard for the role he wants to play with the Jazz in his second NBA season. 'Obviously it's different in summer league versus (the regular season),' Filipowski said, following the third and final summer league game for the Jazz. 'I'm just trying to be myself out there right now. However that translates to the season, that's how it's going to be. I'm going to make the most of it in that way.' Filipowski appeared in 72 games in his rookie campaign with Utah, making 27 starts. He averaged 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 21.2 minutes per game. By season's end, Filipowski was one of only two NBA rookies to total more than 650 points, 400 rebounds and 100 assists. ___ AP NBA:
Winnipeg Free Press
21-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Hollywood meets NBA hardwood: A look inside the rise of the Summer League Film Festival
LAS VEGAS (AP) — While Bronny James and other young talent were lighting up the NBA Summer League court in Las Vegas, another game was being played just a few steps away: One with scripts, storyboards and studio buzz. Inside the Thomas & Mack Center, just as the league wrapped up Sunday, a different kind of crowd formed. Hollywood execs, producers and curious power players were slipping away from the basketball action to catch a slate of 34 film projects created by NBA stars past and present. More than just film screenings, it's an emerging playground where sports and the art of storytelling collide. From baseline to backlot, the Summer League Film Festival is generating off-court buzz — with the likes of Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, actor-producer Mark Wahlberg and filmmaker Deon Taylor joining the mix. Conversations are building on turning this three-day showcase into a launchpad for athlete-filmmakers, backed by film industry veterans who understand both the creative and business sides of shaping ideas and grooming projects for the screen. 'This definitely has legs,' said retired NBA player Stacey Augmon after previewing 'UNLV: Kings of Vegas,' a documentary chronicling the untold story of the Runnin' Rebels in the Strip View Pavilion. A 10-minute clip was screened before a packed audience, including Sundance Film Festival director Michelle Satter and production companies like the Wahlberg co-owned Unrealistic Ideas and Alcon Entertainment, the company behind 'The Book of Eli' and 'Blade Runner 2049.' Like other entries, the 'Kings of Vegas' team showcased select footage, including interviews with high-profile names such as Snoop Dogg, Chuck D and Jimmy Kimmel, alongside UNLV legends Augmon, Larry Johnson, Greg Anthony and others. After the screening, the producers and cast discussed the film's origins, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. The documentary remains in development, but Augmon says the film festival is already proving its worth. 'This gives us another great avenue,' said Augmon, who played on the Runnin' Rebels team that won the 1990 NCAA championship before his 15-season NBA career. His college teammate, Anderson Hunt, said sharing their authentic, real-life stories offer a major advantage like never before, unlocking new pathways to getting their projects financed and sold. 'We have control of what's coming out,' Hunt said. 'People might know about our stories through the internet. But stuff like this takes our platform to the next level. This is great for us, and Deon is like a golden child.' From hardwood to Hollywood The festival spotlighted stories produced by NBA stars past and present including Nikola Jokic, Luguentz Dort, Tony Allen, Nate Robinson, Kyle Anderson, Cole Anthony, Keyon Dooling and Udonis Haslem. Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor of Hidden Empire Film Group were tapped to infuse the festival with seasoned filmmaking expertise, helping bridge the worlds of sports and entertainment. He played a key role in encouraging Hollywood insiders to show up, especially during the NBA Summer League's final stretch to keep the closing days as enticing as opening week. Taylor credited NBA Summer League co-founder Albert Hall for having the foresight to spark the collaboration. 'This is all invaluable,' said Hall, who cofounded the league with Warren LeGarie in 2004. 'The players make money, no doubt about it. They invest in these projects. But they don't really know what the system can provide or how to approach it. Kind of like a young executive getting into the sport or a young player trying to be seen and get exposure. It's the same way. They have to be coached up.' Hall said the partnership with Hidden Empire was a natural next step following their successful collaboration with the NFL and Skydance Sports, where they led film training sessions in March for more than 20 current and former NFL players. He added that having Wahlberg and Archie Gips of Unrealistic Ideas on board brings more industry muscle to strengthen the initiative and help drive it forward. Taylor said the festival is a door opener for the athletes. 'It's a gateway for athletes to share their art, do their art and be creative without anyone questioning them,' said Taylor, director of 'Black and Blue,' 'The Intruder, 'Meet the Blacks' and 'Fatale.' A former basketball player in East Germany turned independent filmmaker, he said true artistry requires neither a film school nor a Hollywood pedigree. 'The greatest artists are the ones that draw, create, build, shoot in the face of negativity and who paint pictures of what they see in the times that they live in,' Taylor said. 'You can only do that if you live in this culture. You can do that if you've lived and experienced it. You can't do that from a high-rise building with no pain. These guys come from adversity in life and sports.' Is the film fest worth the buzz? EverWonder Studio president Michael Antinoro certainly thinks so, and then some. He sees the film festival as more than a one-off spectacle in Las Vegas. In Antinoro's eyes, it could become the Oscars of athlete-driven storytelling with satellite versions popping up in the NBA arenas throughout the season. He sees value in helping standout projects secure the final funding and reach the right distributors. 'If we can add any value, we're in the rooms talking to all the networks and streamers that distributes films,' said Antinoro, a founding partner of the studio, which specializes in nonfiction content, documentaries and live events. The company served as co-executive producer on 'Defiant: The Manny Pacquiao Obsession' in 2019 and produced projects featuring Mike Tyson and Brett Favre. 'We're talking to them a lot. It's all about exposure,' he said. 'Some of these films maybe need a little more money just to get them over the line. If it makes sense, we can play a little there too.' How can Sundance play a role? For Michelle Satter, it's all about fostering a supportive creative community. She sees promising potential in what's taking shape at the Summer League Film Festival. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. While it's still early, Satter can envision a future where projects from the festival eventually find their way into Sundance. 'Why not? Of course,' said Satter, a founding figure at Sundance since 1981. She now serves as the founding senior director of Sundance Institute's artist programs. She's exploring how it might support the festival after being invited by Taylor. Sundance already has an existing partnership with Taylor's Hidden Empire. She called the opportunity to collaborate on this new venture both exciting and aligned with Sundance's mission to uplift emerging voices in storytelling. Satter's late son, Michael Latt, had his documentary short 'Hoops, Hopes & Dreams' premiere at Sundance early this year. She said Sundance gets about 15,000 short film submissions each year, but there's room for compelling storytelling that opens up new perspective from an athlete's lens. 'That was the power of storytelling, the unity of sports and bringing people together in community,' she said. 'I love the idea. These are the stories people need to see. They need to be out there in the world.'
Japan Forward
20-07-2025
- Japan Forward
NBA Summer League is a Testing Ground for Japanese Players
Guards Yuki Kawamura, Yudai Baba and Keisei Tominaga competed in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, hoping to impress NBA executives during games. From left, Keisei Tominaga (Indiana Pacers), Yuki Kawamura (Chicago Bulls) and Yudai Baba (New York Knicks) compete in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Competition is held from July 10-20. (©NBAE/GETTY IMAGES/via KYODO) In the annual NBA Summer League, young players have opportunities to test their skills against rookies and other up-and-coming pros in Las Vegas. The 2025 NBA Summer League runs from July 13-20, with all 30 teams participating. Guards Yuki Kawamura, Keisei Tominaga and Yudai Baba, all of whom have played extensively for the national team in recent years, represented Japan in Nevada. All three players have stated that it's their goal to land jobs on NBA rosters. Kawamura was the most productive Japanese participant in Las Vegas, averaging 10.2 points, 6.2 assists and 2.2 steals in five games while playing for the Chicago Bulls. That productivity paid off. Kawamura has signed a two-way contract with the Bulls for the 2025-26 NBA campaign, the team announced on Saturday. The former star had 20 points, including 6-for-9 on 3-point shots, 10 assists, four rebounds and two steals in 27 minutes off the bench in a 105-92 win over the Utah Jazz on Friday, July 18 at Thomas & Mack Center. Kawamura also contributed 15 points, 10 assists and three steals in the Bulls' 114-105 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday, July 14. And Kawamura also had three turnovers. Chicago Bulls guard Yuki Kawamura shoots a jumper in an NBA Summer League game against the Utah Jazz on July 18 in Las Vegas. (NBAE/GETTY IMAGES/via KYODO) Best-selling author Sam Smith, formerly of the Chicago Tribune who has covered the Bulls for decades, was impressed with Kawamura's razzle-dazzle playmaking skills. "No clown car in this game; this was a ringmaster's repertoire of tricks," Smith wrote in an article for "Kawamura among his 10 assists had his usual assortment of lobs and bounces. Though what he does, which is more common in the NFL than the NBA, is throw the ball where players should be going than where they are. It accounts for some of his turnovers that shouldn't be." After splitting the 2024-25 season between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Memphis Hustle, the team's NBA G League affiliate, Kawamura, 24, worked to remain on the radar of another NBA team. "I believe I still can play in the NBA," the former Yokohama B-Corsairs standout said in Las Vegas, the Chicago Tribune reported. "[And] I want to get a contract — two-way, whatever. I just want to get a contract." He averaged 1.6 points, 0.9 assists and 4.2 minutes in 22 games for the Grizzlies this past season. For the Hustle, he impressed with 7.8 assists to go along with 12.4 points in 24 games. At 5-foot-8 (173 cm), he's a liability at times on defense. He does, however, have a knack for using his speed to make steals. Yuki Kawamura in action against the Indiana Pacers on July 14. (NBAE/GETTY IMAGES/via KYODO) In another NBA Summer League article, Smith noted that former NBA guards Muggsy Bogues, Spud Webb, Earl Boykins, Keith Jennings and Charlie Criss were among the shortest players in league history. He provided that info to preface his observations on Kawamura. "Kawamura shares with them the decisiveness, creativity and agility that suggests he can play in the NBA," the author of the classic NBA book The Jordan Rules wrote. "He'll be taken advantage of because of his size. A few times opponents this weekend literally tossed him aside in the two games. But he continually cracked back. He plays tough and fearless with a confident audacity." What else grabbed Smith's attention while watching Kawamura early on in the NBA Summer League? "Kawamura has backed away from no one," Smith wrote. "He challenges defenders and is so quick into the lane and back out that he can create space to get off his shot, and he's willing to navigate deep into the lane no matter the size of the defenders." Heading into the final day of the NBA Summer League (July 20), the Indiana Pacers had already played their allotted number of games. Tominaga averaging 5.0 points while appearing in three of the Pacers' five games. And for the New York Knicks, who also weren't scheduled to play on the final day, Baba averaged 3.5 points in four games. Tominaga has signed a contract to play for the Levanga Hokkaido for the 2025-26 season. In 2024-25, his first pro season, the former University of Nebraska shooting guard received limited playing time with the NBA G League's Indiana Mad Ants (averaging 5.4 points and 8.7 minutes in 14 games). Tominaga expressed enthusiasm about playing in the Summer League in a July interview with the YouTube channel Hail Varsity, which specializes in Nebraska Cornhuskers reporting. "It was one of my dreams to be in the Summer League," Tominaga said in the interview, "so I'm really excited." He added, "It means a lot to me to be able to play at this level, competing at a very high level, it's a very good experience for me. And it's been very fun." Now 29, Baba spent three seasons with the G League's Texas Legends, most recently in the 2022-23 campaign. He suited up for the Nagasaki Velca from 2023-25, contributing 14.6 points in 47 games in his second season with the team. Baba is trying to persuade the Knicks ― or another NBA club ― to offer him a contract for the upcoming season. Japan's Kokoro Tanaka drives to the basket in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup semifinals against China on July 19 in Shenzhen, China. (ⓒFIBA/via KYODO) In the 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup semifinals, Japan defeated China 90-81 on Saturday, July 19 in Shenzhen, China. Japan outscored the hosts 24-14 in the third quarter to take an eight-point cushion entering the final period. Kokoro Tanaka led Japan with 27 points, including 5-for-9 on 3-point attempts, and dished out five assists. Yuki Miyazawa added 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Norika Konno finished with 14 points and four assists. Australia defeated South Korea 86-73 in Saturday's first semifinal. The championship match is on Sunday evening. Ichika Kajimoto displays her gold medal after winning the women's 3-km knockout sprint, an open water swimming event, at the World Aquatics Championships on July 19 in Singapore. (Edgar Su/REUTERS) Ichika Kajimoto is off to a great start at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. The 21-year-old Osaka native captured Japan's first two medals of the high-profile meet in Singapore. On Friday, July 18, Kajimoto placed third in the women's 5-km open water swimming competition, completing the race in 1 hour, 2 minutes, 28.90 seconds. Australia's Moesha Johnson claimed the gold in 1:02:01.30. On Saturday morning, Kajimoto returned to competition in another open water event, the women's 3-km knockout sprint. A trio of races was held to determine the winner, and Kajimoto was in second place after her 1,500-meter preliminary heat and the runner-up in the 1,000-meter semifinal race. In the 500-meter final of the knockout sprint, Kajimoto was the fastest swimmer to secure the gold in a competition being held as a medal event at the world championships for the first time. Her total time: 6:19.90. Runner-up Ginevra Taddeucci of Italy completed the event in 6:21.90. Ichika Kajimoto competes in the women's 3-km knockout sprint final at the world championships in Singapore on July 19. (Edgar Su/via REUTERS) Kajimoto was pleased with the outcome of the 3-km knockout sprint. "In Japan, open water is a lesser-known sport, but this time I was able to achieve eighth place in the 10-km [race], third place in the 5-km [race] and now champion in the 3-km knockout," Kajimoto said, citing her results at the world championships. "Now more people [in Japan] are aware of open water swimming. This is very important to both me and the Japanese swimming federation." Kajimoto is also planning to compete in a trio of freestyle races (400, 800 and 1,500 meters) in the pool at the World Aquatics Championships, which concludes on August 3. [ODDS and EVENS] Japan's National Swimming Program at the Crossroads Deploying an effective thrust-down maneuver, No 14 maegashira Fujinokawa defeats 16th-ranked Mitakeumi in a Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament match on July 19 at IG Arena. (©SANKEI) After Day 7 of the Nagoya Basho, six sumo wrestlers shared the lead with identical 6-1 records. Mitakeumi, a 16th-ranked maegashira, was the last remaining makuuchi division wrestler with a perfect record. Fujinokawa, a No 13 maegashira, handed Mitakeumi his first loss of the 15-day tournament on Saturday, July 19. The 20-year-old Isenoumi stable grappler improved to 5-2 at IG Arena. Mitakeumi slipped to 6-1, putting him into a logjam at the top of the leaderboard with lone yokozuna Onosato, Kusano, Ichiyamamoto, Tamawashi and Kirishima. Check out daily results (for all divisions) of the Nagaya Basho on SportsLook. ODDS and EVENS | Sumo Begins a New Era with 2 Yokozuna Shohei Ohtani posts an announcement for his upcoming children's book about his dog Decoy. (©Shohei Ohtani's Instagram Page/via SANKEI) If you love dogs and baseball, a new children's book about Shohei Ohtani's dog Decoy (aka Dekopin) may leap to the top of your must-read list. Or become a sought-after souvenir. Decoy Saves Opening Day , co-written by Ohtani and Michael Plank, is scheduled to be released in February 2026. The HarperCollins book will also feature illustrations by Fanny Liem. Decoy Saves Opening Day is Ohtani's homage to his beloved dog. The book "tells the story of how Decoy is supposed to throw the first pitch on opening day but realizes he left his lucky baseball at home and scrambles to retrieve it in time," The Associated Press wrote. By collaborating on this book, reigning National League MVP Ohtani wants to celebrate his canine pal and also raise awareness about animal rescue organizations. "Decoy has been by my side through so many meaningful moments, and I'm excited to share a story that celebrates what makes him so special," Ohtani said, according to a HarperCollins press release issued on Thursday, July 17. "I hope it brings joy to young readers and that our support of animal rescue organizations helps more incredible dogs find loving homes." David Linker, the editorial director of HarperCollins Children's Books, also said he's fired up about this book. "I couldn't be prouder to publish the first-ever picture book from baseball's biggest superstar, Shohei Ohtani, and his lovable pup, Decoy," Linker said in the press release. "It's a perfect celebration of friendship, teamwork, and hustle, and the perfect addition to any family's library." In other MLB news, CNN published a profile of New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga on its website on Friday. Senga shared insights on his career and differences in pro baseball in North America and Japan. One of Senga's most interesting observations compared the atmosphere at MLB ballparks and NPB stadiums during games. "Over here [in the United States] when the excitement hits, the fans cheer loudly, and you can really tell they're here to enjoy the game," Senga said, according to CNN "While over there [in Japan] they enjoy the cheering itself almost as its own activity, so I think that's a different experience." Chunichi Dragons starter Hiroto Takahashi pitches against the Hanshin Tigers on July 16 at Koshien Stadium. (©SANKEI) Chunichi Dragons right-hander Hiroto Takahashi tossed a four-hit shutout against the Hanshin Tigers on Wednesday, July 16 at Koshien Stadium. Takahashi improved to 3-8 as the Dragons won their season-high sixth game in a row. The 22-year-old fanned seven batters and didn't issue a walk in his second complete game of the NPB season. In 2024, Takahashi had a career-best 12-4 record for Chunichi. Yokohama F Marinos player Anderson Lopes scores on a header against FC Tokyo on June 25 at Nissan Stadium. (KYODO) Brazilian Anderson Lopes, who led the with 24 goals in the 2024 season, has joined the Singapore Premier League's Lion City Sailors. Lopes, 31, suited up for Yokohama F Marinos from 2022-25 and scored 58 goals in 114 matches across all competitions. "I'm thrilled to join the Sailors at such an exciting point in their journey," Lopes said in a statement. "Their run to the AFC Champions League Two final last season really caught my attention, and I've been impressed by the club's vision and ambition to elevate Singapore football. "My objectives are clear: I'm here to contribute, to score goals, to win trophies, and to help the team make a real impact in Asia." In addition to his successful stint with Marinos, Lopes also played for the Sanfrecce Hiroshima (2016-17) and Consadole Sapporo Hokkaido (2019-21). He scored 101 goals in 221 matches, a total that grabbed the attention of Sailors management. "To reach 100 goals in a league as competitive as J1 speaks volumes about his quality," Sailors head coach Aleksandar Rankovic said in a statement. "But it's not just about his goal scoring — Anderson is excellent at holding the ball up and just as capable of creating chances for his teammates. I'm confident he'll be a tremendous asset to the team this season." Celtic FC newcomer Shin Yamada applauds fans during a preseason friendly against Newcastle United on July 19 at Celtic Park in Glasgow. (Scott Heppell/REUTERS) ―Shin Yamada on signing a four-year contract to play for the Scottish Premiership's Celtic FC . The team announced the acquisition of the former Kawasaki Frontale player on July 19. Yamada, 25, scored 19 goals in 38 matches in 2024, his top season as a pro. ― Sakino Miyazawa , the Wimbledon girls' 14-and-under singles champion, reacting to her title-winning effort in the prestigious tennis tournament on July 13 in London, Japanese sports website The Digest reported. Miyazawa, 13, defeated Ukrainian opponent Sofiia Bielinska 3-6, 7-5 (10-5) in the final. Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
