Latest news with #FinalFourMostOutstandingPlayer
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony Reacts to Major Kiyan Anthony News
NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony Reacts to Major Kiyan Anthony News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Kiyan Anthony has wrapped up a standout high-school career at Long Island Lutheran, where the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 10.3 points, 2.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds while guiding the Crusaders to a 21-5 record and a national top-25 ranking. He posted several marquee outings, including 25 points against Oak Hill Academy and 16 points at the Hoophall Classic, performances that helped him earn a four-star grade and a place in ESPN's top-50 for the Class of 2025. Advertisement Throughout the year, Kiyan Anthony navigated the extra attention that comes with being Carmelo Anthony's son, and will certainly have more eyes on him as he takes the next step in his basketball career. His commitment to Syracuse University—where his father delivered a national championship in 2003—extends the family legacy and has Orange fans anticipating a new era built around the younger Anthony. Former NBA star Carmelo Penner-Imagn Images This weekend, Kiyan Anthony officially graduated high school. This major news was celebrated by his father with a heartfelt post on Instagram that included a celebratory message. 'High school graduation…what an accomplishment!" the former NBA star wrote. "This world has so much in store for you. Proud of you always @kiyananthony.' Kiyan moves from high-school stardom to ACC basketball at his father's alma mater, where Carmelo became one of the most hyped NBA draft prospects in league history. Anthony averaged 22.2 points and 10.0 rebounds as a one-and-done freshman, was Final Four Most Outstanding Player, and led the Orange to the 2003 NCAA title—the first in program history. Advertisement Carmelo was later selected third overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 NBA Draft, before concluding his 19-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022. Kiyan now heads to Syracuse aiming to craft his own legacy. Related: NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony Sends Unexpected Cooper Flagg Message Related: Lakers Fans React to Dalton Knecht's 2-Word Message This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. listed as a lottery pick in one mock draft
Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. listed as a lottery pick in one mock draft Walter Clayton Jr. established himself as a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA draft, and the Florida guard is even projected to go as early as the lottery in one mock draft. Clayton led the Gators to their third national championship, averaging 18.3 points, 4.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 38.6% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked eighth in the country in scoring, setting the single-season program record with 713 total points. The 22-year-old was considered one of the top point guards in the country, thanks to his scoring, shooting and ability to lead different offenses. He was listed 13th in the latest mock draft by Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports, as a result. This year's Mr. March Madness played his way into lottery consideration, not because he led Florida to a national championship, but because he showed different elements of his game and a higher upside while doing it. He's an extreme shot-maker and good scorer with on/off ball versatility and defensive potential, if not yet a consistent approach. Clayton became the first player in program history to be named a consensus first-team All-American selection. He also claimed the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award after registering two 30-point outings in the NCAA Tournament. The 6-foot-3 standout had a strong showing in the draft combine earlier this month, shooting 17-of-25 in the 3-point star drill and 16-of-27 in the corner. He also measured in with an 8-foot, 1 1/2-inch standing reach and a 6-foot, 4-inch wingspan. Clayton will have the chance to affirm his standing in team workouts and interviews, with less than four weeks to go until the draft. He will likely begin ramping up his visits soon. The draft will take place on June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
UConn Star Makes Special Appearance for Paige Bueckers' Wings Game
After losing their first two games of this season, the Dallas Wings headed north to take on the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday. Rookie guard Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in last month's WNBA draft, struggled in her season debut, but on Monday, she had 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and eight assists versus the Seattle Storm. Advertisement She struggled early in Wednesday's game, but she did have some support, as Azzi Fudd, her former teammate at UConn, was in the stands. The two teamed up this past season to lead the UConn Huskies to the women's NCAA championship. Fudd averaged 13.6 points a game while shooting 47.4% from the field, 43.6% from 3-point range and 91.7% from the free throw line during the 2024-25 campaign for the Huskies. She was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player and scored 24 points on 9-of-17 overall shooting in the championship game versus South Carolina. Instead of making herself eligible for the WNBA draft after her fourth season at UConn, she decided to remain put for one more season. Connecticut Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) and Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrate after the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Barclays Boland-Imagn Images Bueckers put up 19.9 points on 53.4% overall shooting and 41.9% from 3-point land, 4.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game last season for UConn. She is a very adept and efficient three-level scorer, and her offensive game has been compared to that of Diana Taurasi, who won three WNBA titles and three NCAA titles at UConn. Advertisement After full-time halftime of Wednesday's game, the Lynx defeated the Wings 85-81. With 12 points, Bueckers had 10 assists and three steals. Related: WNBA Rookie Paige Bueckers Reveals Truth on Goal With Dallas Wings
USA Today
05-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. lands with Miami Heat in The Athletic's 2025 NBA mock draft
Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. lands with Miami Heat in The Athletic's 2025 NBA mock draft Former Florida basketball star guard Walter Clayton Jr. is headed to Miami — at least in The Athletic's latest 2025 NBA mock draft. The Athletic's Sam Vecenie projects the Miami Heat to select Clayton with the 20th overall pick, recognizing the guard's explosive NCAA Tournament run and elite scoring pedigree. Clayton, one of the fastest risers in the draft conversation, earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors after leading the Gators to a national title. The 6-foot-3-inch guard averaged 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season; he also shot 44.8% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range. Vecenie praised Clayton's shot creation and toughness, noting his "truly special" ability to score from all angles. His skill set makes him a fit for Miami's offense, which often thrives on spacing and perimeter production. If this projection holds, it would mark yet another major milestone in Clayton's decorated basketball career. From Iona transfer to SEC star and now a projected first round pick, Clayton's ascent continues–and Miami could be where the next chapter begins. Here is everything Vecenie wrote about Clayton. What The Athletic said about Clayton 20. Miami Heat (via GSW): Walter Clayton Jr., Guard "Clayton is this year's big NCAA Tournament riser. The Florida guard was the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 18 points and four assists this year while shooting 45 percent from the field, 39% from 3 and 88% from the line. But more than that, the level of shot-making that Clayton can showcase at times is truly special. "He can get to his shot from any footwork or any angle on the court, especially from distance. He's comfortable using a change-of-pace dribble to get to a stepback, and then can also attack and drive off that to score around the rim. He's a former high school quarterback and has real athleticism out there. The questions for me are twofold. First, his ball-screen reads weren't always on point. "He was terrific against Houston in the championship game, but the picture often looked a bit cloudy in terms of his decision-making. Then, on defense, the real question is if he's a bit too far in-between positions. He got better this year as a senior but wasn't always reliable throughout his college career. That's concerning for an older, undersized player. Still, teams love Clayton's toughness, and I would expect to hear his name called in the first round." The Athletic's 2025 NBA mock draft top 10 Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg (Duke Blue Devils) Utah Jazz: Dylan Harper (Rutgers Scarlet Knights) Portland Trail Blazers: Tre Johnson (Texas Longhorns) New Orleans Pelicans: V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor Bears) Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey (Rutgers Scarlet Knights) Philadelphia 76ers: Kon Knueppel (Duke Blue Devils) Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakučionis (llinois Fighting Illinis) Toronto Raptors: Derik Queen (Maryland Terrapins) San Antonio Spurs: Carter Bryant (Arizona Wildcats) Houston Rockets (via PHX): Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina Gamecocks) Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
We have predictions for NCAA men's basketball national title from our in-house experts
We have three games left to decide the NCAA men's Division I basketball title. We're down to four teams. Let's skip ahead to Monday night about 11:30 p.m. ET. Who will be holding up the trophy in San Antonio? Advertisement We asked our in-house experts for their pick to with the March Madness national champion. They didn't mince words. Tony Garcia, Michigan beat reporter It's been 10 years since Duke won it all and nearly 20 for Florida, but ultimately one team has been head and shoulders above the rest. Jon Scheyer proves he wasn't only one of the best March Madness players for the Blue Devils, but he was the proper heir to Coach K. Duke pulls away in the second half and wins the national title. Duke 80, Florida 71. Carlos Monarrez, columnist There was only one blowout in the Elite Eight, and it came when Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils annihilated 2-seed Alabama, 85-65. After getting past Houston, Duke will flex its offense muscle, but also the kind of defensive dominance it showed against the Crimson Tide to stifle the Gators. Duke 92, Florida 84. Jeff Seidel, columnist Before March Madness began, I predicted that Duke was going to win it all; and I see no reason to change it now. Give Jon Scheyer his first national championship. Give Cooper Flagg the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award. Duke 84, Florida 81. Chris Solari, Michigan State beat writer The Gators' guard play keeps them in the game early, but the Blue Devils' size and skill advantage wears them down. And with Mike Krzyzewski watching from the stands, Flagg, Kon Kneuppel and Duke's ubertalented freshman class delivers Scheyer his first national championship after replacing his mentor and former coach. Duke 77, Florida 70. Shawn Windsor, columnist The Blue Devils are healthy, have the best player, the best combination of size and shooting, and defend like some of Mike Krzyzewski's best teams. Cooper Flagg may or may not be a superstar at the next level, but he is at this level and, in the end, makes the difference in a tense and entertaining championship game against the SEC's most talented team. Duke over Florida. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: NCAA title prediction: We asked our in-house experts
