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The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Part of Thunder's identity traces roots to Oklahoma City bombing
But they all have knowledge of the crime and tragedy because every Thunder employee - from the business side to basketball operations, from first-round draft pick to a player on a two-way G League contract - visits and tours the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. "I was on that tour within a month of working here," said Daigneault, who was hired as the franchise's G League coach in 2014. "There's literally no one that's ever put a logo on their chest that has not been through there because it's just such a big part of the story of the city and the kindness, the compassion that the city has and this community has not only for the team but for one another." April 19 marked the 30th anniversary of the bombing, and the memorial and museum has conducted several events honoring victims and their families and sharing history. There is no question the bombing shaped the city and region, contributing to its resolve, strength and sense of community. The memorial and museum are one mile north of the team's arena in downtown Oklahoma City, and about 500,000 people visit the sacred ground annually. The memorial is marked by solemnity and a reminder of evil. On a recent morning, visitors walked through the outdoor portion of the memorial. At one end, the 9:01 Gate "represents the innocence before the attack" - the bombing happened at 9:02 - and the 9:03 Gate "symbolizes the moment healing began." The 168 chairs represent each of the people killed in the bombing, the survivor wall - a remnant from the explosion - and the survivor tree, "a living symbol of resilience," are part of the outdoor memorial. Kari Watkins is the president and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and has had a significant role in creating a space that honors and teaches through a variety of storytelling methods, including interactive exhibits. Watkins, one of USA TODAY's 2025 Women of the Year, was the memorial and museum's first employee. She said Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti reached out to her. "I met with him, talked to him and took him through (the memorial and museum), and we've become good friends," Watkins told USA TODAY Sports. "He is more than a GM to me. He is a friend." Presti is on the memorial and museum's executive committee. "We have this term called the Oklahoma Standard," Watkins said. "It was a term that (Tom) Brokaw coined the first night of his broadcast in 1995 talking about how Oklahomans were a little different. They were cowboy tough, they were resilient, they were strong, and they had set the standard he had never seen before. ... "I'll never forget one board meeting, I don't know, 10 years ago, eight years ago, Sam said, 'You guys take this for granted. You think everybody takes care of their neighbors.' Everybody steps up, and it says so much about the people of the city. They just go and do things. They serve others, they help others. And there's a kindness level here, and we've worked on that harder because of Sam's influence." OPINION: How Pacers coach Rick Carlisle helped Thunder GM Sam Presti break into NBA C-suite USA TODAY Women of the Year: Pacers CEO Mel Raines relishes building community through sport On Friday, June 6, Watkins led NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Thunder owner Clay Bennett on a tour. "I was telling the commissioner the reason I think it's so important is because we are starting to see the same dehumanization and hear the same anti-government rhetoric, and we're hearing all those same noises we heard in 1995, and we've got to stop it," Watkins said. "We've got to figure how to sit down and listen." Caruso, the Thunder's key reserve guard, started his professional basketball career with the Thunder's G League team in 2016. That's when he visited the memorial and museum for the first time. "The cool thing about the organization is no matter how big, small, what your role is on the team, you make a trip out there just to learn about the history of it and how it did impact the community and understand why the relationship is so tight between this team and organization and the community," Caruso said. Said Watkins: "What the perpetrators sought to do in 1995 was to divide our city. And if you're here, you see a city that's united. And so those were the lessons we learned, and we just want to keep, we're passing them on to thousands of school kids a year. "But when you wear the words Oklahoma City on your jersey, you are an ambassador for your city. And so when they come through, they learn the story. Most of them don't know it. They weren't alive. And unless they've Googled it or seen it somewhere, they don't know the story." They now know the story, woven into the heart and soul of the city. Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Thunder trace ties to tight-knit fan community to 1995 Oklahoma City bombing
Thunder trace ties to tight-knit fan community to 1995 Oklahoma City bombing Most Thunder players weren't born when the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed 30 years ago. But everyone in the organization knows how the tragedy shaped the city. OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault was just 10 years old at the time of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995. Just two players on the Thunder's roster had been born at that time – Alex Caruso had just turned 1, and Kenrich Williams was 4 months old. But they all have knowledge of the crime and tragedy because every Thunder employee – from the business side to basketball operations, from first-round draft pick to a player on a two-way G League contract – visits and tours the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. 'I was on that tour within a month of working here,' said Daigneault, who was hired as the franchise's G League coach in 2014. 'There's literally no one that's ever put a logo on their chest that has not been through there because it's just such a big part of the story of the city and the kindness, the compassion that the city has and this community has not only for the team but for one another.' April 19 marked the 30th anniversary of the bombing, and the memorial and museum has conducted several events honoring victims and their families and sharing history. There is no question the bombing shaped the city and region, contributing to its resolve, strength and sense of community. The memorial and museum are one mile north of the team's arena in downtown Oklahoma City, and about 500,000 people visit the sacred ground annually. The memorial is marked by solemnity and a reminder of evil. On a recent morning, visitors walked through the outdoor portion of the memorial. At one end, the 9:01 Gate 'represents the innocence before the attack' – the bombing happened at 9:02 – and the 9:03 Gate 'symbolizes the moment healing began.' The 168 chairs represent each of the people killed in the bombing, the survivor wall – a remnant from the explosion – and the survivor tree, 'a living symbol of resilience,' are part of the outdoor memorial. Kari Watkins is the president and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and has had a significant role in creating a space that honors and teaches through a variety of storytelling methods, including interactive exhibits. Watkins, one of USA TODAY's 2025 Women of the Year, was the memorial and museum's first employee. She said Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti reached out to her. 'I met with him, talked to him and took him through (the memorial and museum), and we've become good friends,' Watkins told USA TODAY Sports. 'He is more than a GM to me. He is a friend.' Presti is on the memorial and museum's executive committee. 'We have this term called the Oklahoma Standard,' Watkins said. 'It was a term that (Tom) Brokaw coined the first night of his broadcast in 1995 talking about how Oklahomans were a little different. They were cowboy tough, they were resilient, they were strong, and they had set the standard he had never seen before. … 'I'll never forget one board meeting, I don't know, 10 years ago, eight years ago, Sam said, 'You guys take this for granted. You think everybody takes care of their neighbors.' Everybody steps up, and it says so much about the people of the city. They just go and do things. They serve others, they help others. And there's a kindness level here, and we've worked on that harder because of Sam's influence.' OPINION: How Pacers coach Rick Carlisle helped Thunder GM Sam Presti break into NBA C-suite USA TODAY Women of the Year: Pacers CEO Mel Raines relishes building community through sport On Friday, June 6, Watkins led NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Thunder owner Clay Bennett on a tour. 'I was telling the commissioner the reason I think it's so important is because we are starting to see the same dehumanization and hear the same anti-government rhetoric, and we're hearing all those same noises we heard in 1995, and we've got to stop it,' Watkins said. 'We've got to figure how to sit down and listen.' Caruso, the Thunder's key reserve guard, started his professional basketball career with the Thunder's G League team in 2016. That's when he visited the memorial and museum for the first time. 'The cool thing about the organization is no matter how big, small, what your role is on the team, you make a trip out there just to learn about the history of it and how it did impact the community and understand why the relationship is so tight between this team and organization and the community,' Caruso said. Said Watkins: 'What the perpetrators sought to do in 1995 was to divide our city. And if you're here, you see a city that's united. And so those were the lessons we learned, and we just want to keep, we're passing them on to thousands of school kids a year. 'But when you wear the words Oklahoma City on your jersey, you are an ambassador for your city. And so when they come through, they learn the story. Most of them don't know it. They weren't alive. And unless they've Googled it or seen it somewhere, they don't know the story.' They now know the story, woven into the heart and soul of the city. Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
U of I alum named USA Today Woman of the Year
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A University of Illinois graduate has been named USA Today's 2025 Woman of the Year. Temple Grandin graduated with a PhD from Illinois' College of ACES in 1989. She's known as an advocate for the humane treatment of livestock, a professor in animal science and a voice for neurodiversity. Rain threatens to put Central Illinois planting behind schedule In the early 1970s, Grandin studied cows in Arizona. While she faced adversity at the time, Grandin also said that her autism allows her to think primarily in pictures, which in turn helps her see what cows are seeing, and connect with how they are behaving. This helped Grandin realize that animals might be sensitive to distractions in their facilities, which can lead to injuries and losses. And, it helped her design facilities that were less threatening to livestock, transforming industry standards. U of I named emergency host of IHSA Baseball State Finals When Grandin was at the U of I, some of her research focused on how environments impact the visual cortex in animal brains. Today, Grandin still works to develop better ways to support people who are neurodivergent. Through her work over the years, Grandin challenged the world to value different perspective, and has written several books on her experiences and research. You can find some of her books here. Nearly $1 million in funding coming to expand workforce training in Sangamon County In 2010 Grandin was one of Time Magazine's most influential people in the world. In 2016, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the next year she was named to the National Women's Hall of Fame. You can read more about this year's USA Today 2025 Women of the Year honorees here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
09-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NC State vs Duke women's basketball live updates: How to watch ACC championship game
NC State vs Duke women's basketball live updates: How to watch ACC championship game Show Caption Hide Caption WNBA star Jonquel Jones' says 'being unapologetic' helps break barriers Basketball superstar and WNBA champion Jonquel Jones is one of USA TODAY's 2025 Women of the Year. The 2025 women's ACC basketball tournament is not going to produce an underdog story. When the brackets are revealed next Sunday, No. 8 NC State (26-5) and No. 11 Duke (25-7) are both locks for the NCAA Tournament. However, when the Wolfpack and Blue Devils square off at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, bragging rights and potential seeding will be on the line. REQUIRED READING: Women's ACC tournament bracket: Full TV schedule, scores, results for 2025 championship NC State is back in the ACC tournament championship game for the fifth time in six years, but the Wolfpack is seeking their first conference championship since 2022. NC State defeated in-state rival North Carolina 66-55 on Saturday and opened the tournament with a 73-72 nail-biting win over Georgia Tech on Friday. The Wolfpack received a double bye as the top overall seed. Meanwhile, Duke will make its first conference tournament championship appearance since 2017. The Blue Devils' last conference championship came in 2013. Duke upset No. 6 Notre Dame 61-56 in its semifinal matchup. The Blue Devils opened the tournament on Friday with a 61-48 win over Louisville, as the No. 3 seed, they also got the advantage of a double bye. Follow along below for live scores, updates and highlights from the NC State-Duke women's ACC basketball tournament: Watch NC State basketball vs. Duke live with Fubo (free trial) NC State vs Duke score updates TEAMS 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q F DUKE ― ― ― ― NC STATE ― ― ― ― NC State vs Duke live updates This section will be updated when the game begins. NC State vs Duke time today Date: Sunday, March 9 Sunday, March 9 Time: 1 p.m. ET 1 p.m. ET Location: First Horizon Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) The 2025 women's ACC basketball tournament championship game between the Wolfpack and Blue Devils will be played at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina on Sunday, March 9. What channel is NC State vs Duke game on today? TV channel: ESPN ESPN Streaming options: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial) The 2025 women's ACC Conference tournament championship game between in-state rivals NC State and Duke will be broadcast on ESPN. Streaming options include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers. NC State vs Duke history Series record: NC State leads, 51-40 NC State leads, 51-40 NC State's last win: Feb. 3, 2025 (89-83) Feb. 3, 2025 (89-83) Duke's last win: Feb. 25, 2024 (69-58) NC State vs Duke predictions John Leuzzi, USA TODAY: NC State 70, Duke 61 "NC State crushes any hopes for Duke in recording a second straight upset and winning its first ACC title since 2013. Expect a big game out of Aziaha James again after she put up 36 points against the Blue Devils earlier this season." NC State vs Duke women's basketball betting odds Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Sunday, March 9: Spread: Duke (-2.5) Duke (-2.5) Over/under : 134.5 : 134.5 Moneyline: Duke (-145); NC State (+120) NC State women's basketball 2024-25 schedule Here's a look at NC State's last five results. To view the Wolfpacks's full 2024-25 schedule, click here. Sunday, Feb. 23: No. 12 NC State 104, No. 1 Notre Dame 95 (2 OT) No. 12 NC State 104, No. 1 Notre Dame 95 (2 OT) Thursday, Feb. 27: No. 10 NC State 78, Wake Forest 57 No. 10 NC State 78, Wake Forest 57 Sunday, March 2: No. 10 NC State 69, SMU 45 No. 10 NC State 69, SMU 45 Friday, March 7: No. 8 NC State 73, Georgia Tech 72 (ACC tournament) No. 8 NC State 73, Georgia Tech 72 (ACC tournament) Saturday, March 8: No. 8 NC State 66, No. 14 North Carolina 55 (ACC tournament) Duke women's basketball 2024-25 schedule Here's a look at Duke's last five results. To view the Blue Devil's full 2024-25 schedule, click here. Sunday, Feb. 23: No. 11 Duke 80, Syracuse 49 No. 11 Duke 80, Syracuse 49 Thursday, Feb. 27: No. 15 Duke 68, No. 9 North Carolina 53 No. 15 Duke 68, No. 9 North Carolina 53 Sunday, March 2: No. 15 Duke 71, No. 24 Florida State 57 No. 15 Duke 71, No. 24 Florida State 57 Friday, March 7: No. 11 Duke 61, Louisville 48 (ACC tournament) No. 11 Duke 61, Louisville 48 (ACC tournament) Saturday, March 8: No. 11 Duke 61, No. 6 Notre Dame 56 (ACC tournament) We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage.
USA Today
05-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What time is UConn vs Marquette basketball today? Time, TV schedule to watch Big East game
What time is UConn vs Marquette basketball today? Time, TV schedule to watch Big East game Show Caption Hide Caption WNBA star Jonquel Jones' says 'being unapologetic' helps break barriers Basketball superstar and WNBA champion Jonquel Jones is one of USA TODAY's 2025 Women of the Year. UConn men's basketball has responded nicely after losing three games in a five-game stretch with back-to-back dominant wins. Now, the Huskies (20-9, 12-6 Big East) face another challenge against No. 20 Marquette (22-7, 13-5) at 8:30 p.m. ET Wednesday from Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut. The Golden Eagles are also coming off back-to-back wins against Providence and Georgetown. REQUIRED READING: When does March Madness start? Selection Sunday bracket reveal date for NCAA Tournament The two-time defending champion Huskies have two more games to avoid their first 10-loss season since 2021-22, a season in which they were knocked out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Marquette continues to be a strong product under Shaka Smart, already surpassing 20 wins for the third straight season. UConn has won four straight over Marquette over the last two years, the tied for the longest streak in the series' history. The Huskies lead the all-time series 12-8. UConn earned a 77-69 win over Marquette earlier this season on Feb. 1 in Milwaukee. The Golden Eagles' last win in the series was a 70-68 win on March 10, 2023. Here's what you need to know about how to watch UConn vs. Marquette on Wednesday, including start time and betting information: Watch UConn basketball vs. Marquette live with Fubo (free trial) What channel is UConn vs Marquette basketball on today? TV channel: Fox Sports 1 Fox Sports 1 Streaming options: Fubo (free trial) FS1 will televise Wednesday's matchup between UConn and Marquette. Fubo, which carries FS1 and offers a free trial to new subscribers, is a streaming option for the game. UConn vs Marquette basketball game time today Date: Wednesday, March 5 Wednesday, March 5 Time: 8:30 p.m. ET 8:30 p.m. ET Location: Harry A. Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, Conn.) UConn and Marquette are scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 5, from Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut. UConn vs Marquette predictions, picks, odds This section will be updated Prediction: Marquette 81, UConn 77 The Golden Eagles snatch a road victory over the Huskies to end a four-game skid against UConn. The game is close wire-to-wire. UConn basketball 2024-25 schedule Here's a look at UConn's last five results. To view the Huskies' full 2024-25 schedule, click here. Saturday, Feb. 15: Seton Hall 69, UConn 68 (OT) Seton Hall 69, UConn 68 (OT) Tuesday, Feb. 18: UConn 66, Villanova 59 UConn 66, Villanova 59 Sunday, Feb. 23: No. 10 St. John's 89, UConn 75 No. 10 St. John's 89, UConn 75 Wednesday, Feb. 26: UConn 93, Georgetown 79 UConn 93, Georgetown 79 Saturday, March 1: UConn 75, Providence 63 Marquette basketball 2024-25 schedule Here's a look at Marquette's last five results. To view the Golden Eagles' full 2024-25 schedule, click here. Tuesday, Feb. 11: No. 16 Marquette 68, DePaul 58 No. 16 Marquette 68, DePaul 58 Tuesday, Feb. 18: No. 15 Marquette 80, Seton Hall 56 No. 15 Marquette 80, Seton Hall 56 Friday, Feb. 21: Villanova 81, No. 15 Marquette 66 Villanova 81, No. 15 Marquette 66 Tuesday, Feb. 25: No. 21 Marquette 82, Providence 52 No. 21 Marquette 82, Providence 52 Saturday, March 1: No. 21 Marquette 76, Georgetown 61 We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage.
