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Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dwyane Wade gets his NBA journey inked on his chest, fans call it 'tough'
Dwyane Wade gets his NBA journey inked on his chest, fans call it 'tough' (Image Credit: Getty Images) The former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade got a bit maverick in his ways and chose an offbeat way of displaying his passion for basketball. He got his NBA journey's significant milestones tattooed on his chest. Wade's artist shared a picture featuring his inked chest on his Instagram account. An X account reposted the same picture. Fans shared mixed reactions to his pictures, with some calling it 'tough', while others reminded him of pit stops he missed from his NBA journey. Dwyane Wade recapped his NBA journey through a big tattoo on his chest Dwyane Wade gave a unique embodiment to the idea of keeping NBA moments 'close to his heart' by getting his career milestones inked on his chest. The tattoo artist, Clifford Chen, gave a full view of his tattooed chest to fans by sharing the player's picture on his Instagram account. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Lost Their Money - Learn From Their Lesson Expertinspector Click Here Undo The tattoo encapsulated significant milestones from Wade's NBA journey. Wade had a prolific basketball career, during which he played for the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Among various accolades, he was also the Conference USA Player of the Year in 2003, whose symbolic presentation appeared in the tattoo design. He also included several other milestones of his basketball career in the tattoo. Fans gave thumbs-up to Dwyane Wade's tattooed chest picture, calling it tough An NBA media and news brand, Ballislife, reposted Clifford Chen's Instagram picture on its X account. It grabbed fans' attention in no time. The picture got 116.3K views and sparked a discussion among fans who had mixed views on the player's way of endorsing his basketball journey. Several fans called it 'hard' and 'tough', considering the amount of pain and endurance such a huge tattoo requires. However, it also drew some nasty comments from a few irritated fans who wanted to have fun at Wade's expense. 'For the case if he forgets who he is?' - commented an X user in a questioning tone. 'Bro left out ditching Miami for more money in Chicago, and then a rough run in Cleveland', was another comment. 'Clown behavior', wrote another user trolling the NBA legend. Also Read: 'In my community…': Dwyane Wade urges open health conversations after a tough battle against cancer It was certainly an interesting way of representing the prolific basketball career that Wade proudly owns. His dedication and passion for the game are indeed worth saluting and offer a guiding light to others trying to make it big in the NBA world.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How transfer RB Star Thomas got to Tennessee football thanks to former teammate Diego Pavia
Star Thomas didn't believe he could continue playing college football, not even after former teammate Diego Pavia celebrated the courtroom victory that made it possible. Sitting in a chair amid reporters at Tennessee's indoor football facility, the Vols' newest running back admits he didn't expect to be here. Advertisement 'I was shocked when I heard it. I didn't believe it at first,' Thomas said about an NCAA rule change that granted him an extra year of eligibility. 'I had to call around and get some facts on it.' Thomas, who transferred from Duke to Tennessee in January, didn't say whether he called Pavia, Vanderbilt's quarterback. But that's a good bet. They were teammates at New Mexico State in 2022-23. In December, Pavia challenged the NCAA's eligibility rules in federal court and won a preliminary injunction that granted him an extra year of college football because he started his career in junior college. Five days later, the NCAA granted a blanket waiver for an additional year of eligibility to former junior college transfers. That included Thomas, who suddenly got a second chance at playing his final year of college football. Advertisement Thomas entered the transfer portal, took inquiries from interested schools and booked a flight to Knoxville. '(Pavia's case and the NCAA rule change) helped me a lot,' Thomas said. 'So I was like, 'Why not?' I had to come back and try it again. Last season, I did alright. But I didn't have the season that I wanted to have (at Duke) to get me to that next level. I feel like I can do that here (at Tennessee).' How Star Thomas got his unique name Thomas has a flashy name but a humble spirit. His first name is actually Star'Corius, which is a combination of his two uncles' names. Over time, it was shortened to Star. Advertisement Thomas said he knows some people see Star as a big name to live up to. 'But I never thought I had to,' said Thomas, shrugging his shoulders. 'It's just a name.' That sums up why UT coaches wanted him on their roster. He's got a flashy game as a versatile runner and receiver but an unassuming demeanor. 'You saw a guy that was highly productive at his previous stops, an older guy that's played a lot of football, a guy that brings some maturity into the whole room,' running backs coach De'Rail Sims said. 'We were definitely looking for an older guy because we are still fairly young in that room. So he brought a ton of maturity, a ton of leadership.' Thomas starred alongside Diego Pavia, then led Duke in rushing Thomas will turn 24 years old in October, during his sixth college football season. He's been productive at every stop. Advertisement At Coffeyville Community College, he was just shy of 1,000 yards rushing. At New Mexico State, he accounted for 1,529 yards from scrimmage and 14 TDs in two seasons, earning 2023 All-Conference USA honors. That's where he shared the spotlight with Pavia, the 2023 Conference USA Player of the Year. AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 18: Running back Star Thomas #4 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates with quarterback Diego Pavia #10 of the New Mexico State Aggies after scoring a touchdown during the second half of their game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by) Last season, Thomas led Duke in rushing with 871 yards and seven TDs. He also made 20 receptions for 153 yards and one TD. Thomas could've arrived at Tennessee demanding respect from younger running backs. Instead, he showed it back to them. 'Those guys are pretty seasoned, and they've helped me with a lot of things,' Thomas said. 'We've got a great room. Everyone is eager to learn. There are no egos in there.' Advertisement Sophomore running back DeSean Bishop saw the addition of Thomas as a plus to the position. 'He's someone that's going to push me,' Bishop said. 'And it's good to have another older guy in the room. I'm glad to have him.' Where Thomas fits in Tennessee running back competition So there are good vibes in Tennessee's backfield. But camaraderie alone won't replace the record-breaking production of Dylan Sampson, the 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. He rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 TDs, both single-season school records, and then declared for the NFL Draft. Bishop and Peyton Lewis, Sampson's backups, have the early lead in the backfield competition. Bishop rushed for 455 yards and three TDs last season. Lewis rushed for 339 yards and three TDs. Advertisement Freshman running backs Daune Morris and Justin Baker also debuted in spring practice as early enrollees. Thomas appears to be somewhere in the middle of that mix with plenty of time before the 2025 season. He could challenge Bishop and Lewis for the starting spot. But it's just as likely that he plays well enough to claim one spot in a three-man rotation. It's too early to tell because Thomas admits that he only recently turned the corner in spring practice. He had to learn UT's playbook, verbiage and signals. Then he had to adjust to the offense's fast tempo. DESEAN BISHOP: How RB bet on himself from Tennessee walk-on to scholarship Advertisement Fortunately, he has experience making such a transition. This is his fourth football program in the past five years, so he's not overwhelmed. 'The hard part was at the beginning, but I'm way more comfortable now than the first practice,' Thomas said. 'I've always dreamed of playing SEC football, and this is a great opportunity for me to have a chance to play.' Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Star Thomas: Duke transfer got to Tennessee football thanks to Diego Pavia
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Will Barton, former Memphis basketball star, announces retirement from NBA
Will Barton, former Memphis basketball star and 11-year NBA veteran, announced his retirement Wednesday. Nicknamed "The Thrill," the 34-year-old Barton spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards and the Toronto Raptors. He last played in an NBA game during the 2022-23 season. Advertisement "13 years pro. 11 years in the NBA. Man where did the time go?" Barton wrote on Instagram. "Crazy when I was young I never seen the end in my vision. But here we are. Man what a time I promise it was everything I dreamed of plus way more." Barton, who twice finished fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting (2016 and 2018), finished with career averages of 11.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists. A second-round draft pick in 2012, the Baltimore native came into his own with Denver, where he played seven-plus seasons. Barton (along with his brother, Antonio) came to Memphis in 2010, Josh Pastner's first season as head coach. He spent two seasons with the Tigers, winning Conference USA Player of the Year as a sophomore, when he averaged 18.0 points per game. He finished his Memphis career with 1,062 points and helped lead the Tigers to the NCAA tournament in 2011 and 2012. Former Tigers who spent time in the NBA this season include Jalen Duren, Precious Achiuwa, Josh Minott, Emoni Bates, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, Damion Baugh, Lester Quinones, David Jones, and James Wiseman. Advertisement Reach sports writer Jason Munz at follow him @munzly on X, and sign up for the Memphis Basketball Insider text group. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Will Barton, former Memphis basketball star, announces retirement from NBA
