Latest news with #GLOBLJAM
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hoyas Dominate Japan, 88-53, in GLOBL JAM Behind Harris-Smith's Near Triple-Double
Team USA, proudly represented by your Georgetown Hoyas, made a powerful statement in their opening game of the GLOBL JAM tournament, dismantling the Japanese national team in a commanding 88-53 victory on Wednesday afternoon. From the opening tip at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, Coach Ed Cooley's squad revealed a potent blend of physical dominance, defensive intensity, and selfless ball movement that left their opponents struggling to keep pace. While the game was not televised, there were glimpses from the box score, play-by-play, and some live video via Caleb Williams' father. The tone for the game was set early and decisively. The Hoyas exploded out of the gate, establishing a formidable 52-25 lead by halftime. This wasn't a game that was ever in doubt; it was a 40-minute clinic on how to control a basketball game on both ends of the floor. The second half started with a 12-0 run from Georgetown and finished with a comfortable fourth quarter where the bench saw playing time. The final score of 88-53 reflected a performance that should put the rest of the tournament field on notice. The Darris Harris-Smith Show While the victory was a complete team effort, the day belonged to sophomore guard Darris Harris-Smith. In a performance that showcased his all-around brilliance and immense value to this Hoyas roster, Harris-Smith flirted with a triple-double, finishing with a masterful stat line of 19 points (8-11 FG), 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals in just under 32 minutes of play. Harris-Smith was the engine that drove the Hoyas' attack. He was remarkably efficient, shooting an impressive 8 for 11 from the field. Whether he was driving to the basket for a score, finding open teammates, or crashing the defensive glass, he consistently looked to be the most active player on the court. A Story Told by the Numbers A look at the final team statistics reveals the anatomy of this dominant performance. The most glaring disparity came from inside the arc, where Georgetown's size and athleticism were simply overwhelming. Dominance in the Paint: The Hoyas outscored Japan 52-14 in the paint. This staggering 38-point advantage was the central theme of the game. They consistently attacked the rim, leading to high-percentage shots. Shooting Efficiency: This interior dominance resulted in a highly efficient offensive outing. The Hoyas shot 55% from the field (36/65) and an even better 65% on two-point attempts (30/46). In stark contrast, Japan struggled against Georgetown's length and defensive pressure, shooting just 30% from the field (19/63) and 23% from beyond the arc (9/38). Defensive Tenacity Creates Offense: Georgetown's defense was suffocating. They forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 28 points. They also controlled the transition game, outscoring Japan 21-5 in fast-break points. This ability to turn defensive stops into quick, easy baskets prevented Japan from ever settling into an offensive rhythm. Controlling the Glass: The Hoyas won the rebounding battle 42-31, limiting Japan's second-chance opportunities and securing possessions to fuel their own attack. The ball movement was another bright spot. The team registered 24 assists on 36 made field goals, a testament to the unselfish, team-first brand of basketball that Cooley is instilling. A Balanced and Potent Attack Beyond Harris-Smith's heroics, this was a truly balanced victory with key contributions from across the roster. Five Hoyas scored in double figures, showcasing the depth of their offensive talent. Malik Mack (game captain) was the steady hand at point guard, orchestrating the offense with poise. He finished with 11 points and 5 assists while impressively committing only one turnover. The frontcourt asserted its will all afternoon. Center/forward Julius Halaifonua was exceptionally efficient, scoring 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Forward Isaiah Abraham added 10 points and 2 blocks, providing a strong interior presence. The fifth starter, Caleb Williams, had 8 points on 3-7 FG (2-5 3PT), but was +40 in the +/- column. Off the bench, Jayden Fort was a significant spark plug, pouring in 10 points in 23 minutes of action. Prized transfer center Vince Iwuchukwu (7 points, 3-13 FG) made his presence felt on the defensive end, grabbing 6 rebounds and leading the team with 2 blocks. A Strong First Impression This victory serves as a fantastic start to the Hoyas' international competition in Canada. While it is just one game, the cohesion, defensive identity, and offensive execution on display were all incredibly positive signs. From what fans saw, the team played with a purpose and an edge that bodes well not only for the remainder of the GLOBL JAM but for the upcoming NCAA season. This was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent. The Hoyas demonstrated that they are a physical, long, and talented group ready to embrace the system and culture being built by Cooley. They will look to carry this momentum forward as the tournament continues with a 6PM game (ESPN+) against Canada on Thursday.


Cision Canada
11-08-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CANADA BASKETBALL LAUNCHES 'UNIFY+' A NEW MEMBERSHIP PLATFORM THAT GIVES FANS ACCESS, REWARDS, AND OWNERSHIP OF NATIONAL TEAM COMMUNITY Français
Launched in partnership with KDA3, the platform is powered by groundbreaking technology and gives fans more ways to connect with basketball in Canada. TORONTO, Aug. 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Following a year of unprecedented momentum, Canada Basketball is giving fans a new way to engage by launching Unify+, a digital membership platform that celebrates community, national pride, and fan participation. Unify+ offers exclusive access to Canada Basketball's community and content, allowing members to unlock fan-first benefits like early access to merchandise, ticketing, and interactive experiences - all at Unify+ is a first-of-its-kind initiative from a National Sports Organization (NSO), built to provide fans ownership of their passion and to elevate the experience of cheering on Canadian teams at every level. Fans who join early can claim several limited-time rewards such as founding member status, customizable Canada Basketball jerseys, early adoption rewards, and gain priority access to priceless experiences that reflect their role in building Canadian basketball culture. Members of Unify+ will receive recognition for their contributions to the platform, such as sharing basketball content, leading discussions, and supporting their local teams - all without needing to purchase tokens or complete undesirable digital tasks. " Unify+ was created specifically for a community of passionate Canadian basketball fans," said Michael Bartlett, President & CEO of Canada Basketball. "We're incredibly proud to have partnered with KDA3 to create this new environment for our audience to connect with and follow our players and national teams. We're always looking for ways to innovate and grow the basketball community in Canada and creating Unify+ was a natural next step in that journey." Unify+ also becomes the key destination to cheer on the next generation of Canadian basketball talent, making it easier than ever to support emerging players across the country. The platform was soft launched on August 4 at 15U National Championships, when fans and families of athletes were able to watch games, check scores, and track provincial team progress - all within Unify+. Youth and parents who registered for the platform were entered for the chance to win tickets to Homecoming Night powered by Unify+ on August 13 at Canada Basketball's marquee event, GLOBL JAM. Homecoming Night is presented by Unify+ and will feature appearances by some of the world's biggest basketball stars including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Lu Dort, Andrew Nembhard, as well as Olympians Shay Colley, Yvonne Ejim, Sami Hill, Syla Swords, and more*. "This isn't just another tech partnership, it's about rewriting the rules of how fans and athletes experience and take ownership of their love of sport. Unify+ will help shape the future," said Christian Magsisi, Founder & CEO of KDA3. "By utilizing blockchain technology for Unify+, we're putting power back in the hands of the community while directly supporting the growth of Canadian basketball." In addition to fan engagement, Canada Basketball's high performance coaches and training staff will soon contribute to the platform and provide expertise and advice for training, allowing Unify+ to impact long-term development of the next generation of Canadian basketball talent. Other resources will include standardized training and development programming for officials and coaches. Unify+ is built on Berachain, a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain built to power real-world applications and Frequency, a consumer gateway that enables developers and enterprises to build seamlessly. While the platform runs on blockchain technology, no technical knowledge or cryptocurrency engagement is required. Fans simply sign up and enjoy the benefits of a new digital Canadian basketball community or engage on a deeper level by subscribing to a variety of membership tier options to unlock even more value within Unify+. Canada Basketball joins Napoli SSC as the latest forward-thinking organization to utilize KDA3 to transform fan experience and deepen community connection. Fans can visit to sign up for Unify+ and claim their membership today. *Athlete appearances subject to change About Canada Basketball Canada Basketball is the National Sporting Organization for the sport of basketball in Canada. Canada Basketball is respected worldwide and recognized by the International Amateur Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Government of Canada as the sole governing body of amateur basketball in Canada. A not-for-profit organization, Canada Basketball represents all basketball interests and provides leadership, coordination and direction in all areas of the sport. About KDA3 KDA3 is a blockchain-powered fan engagement and membership platform built for sports organizations, creators, and communities. By combining onchain identity, composable loyalty programs, and exclusive digital experiences, KDA3 turns everyday fans into active stakeholders. KDA3 is built on Berachain and represents the next evolution of fandom in Canada and beyond. For more, visit About Berachain Berachain, the first blockchain powered by Proof of Liquidity, designed to help businesses scale and provide sustainable onchain economies. With a unique Proof-of-Liquidity consensus mechanism and a vertically integrated stack, Berachain offers unmatched capital efficiency, speed, and developer flexibility. Purpose-built for communities, culture, and utility, Berachain is the infrastructure layer for the next era of Web3 adoption. For more, visit About Frequency Frequency is the consumer layer for building Web3 applications on Berachain. Designed to make blockchain infrastructure usable and intuitive, Frequency enables developers, brands, and enterprises to launch high-impact products that prioritize real-world value, composable identity, and seamless user experiences. From sports and entertainment to loyalty and social applications, Frequency is the gateway to building the next generation of digital communities. Learn more at


USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Longhorns women's basketball earns unique honor to represent USA this summer
Longhorns women's basketball earns unique honor to represent USA this summer In August, the USA GLOBAL JAM showcase will return, and Longhorns fans will have a special reason to tune in this year. The Longhorns women's basketball team has been selected to represent the USA during the showcase, which will be held in Toronto from the 13th-17th. GLOBAL JAM is an international basketball showcase that features men's and women's Under-23 teams from around the globe. Following another impressive regular season, Texas will get to shine on the global stage. Over the last few years, the Longhorns have been one of the best teams in the nation, making them an ideal choice. "The University of Texas brings strong traditions of basketball excellence," said Michael Bartlett, Canada Basketball President and CEO. "As the 24-25 SEC co-champions and their advancement to the Final Four, we're proud to welcome this storied program and their fans to GLOBL JAM this August." During the 2024-2025 campaign, Texas won 35 games, setting a program record for wins in the NCAA Era. They also made history by advancing to the Final Four for the first time in 22 years. Their roster included Madison Booker, the SEC Player of the Year. She also got help from Rori Harmon who earned WBCA All-America honorable mention honors. As the Longhorns look to build on their success, they will get to participate in a showcase they will never forget. They will still have Booker and Harmon leading the way against the best talent in the world. While their focus is on winning a national championship, starting the season, playing in the GLOBAL JAM is something many fans and players have circled on their calendars.