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USA Today
26-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
East Carolina guard RJ Felton to attend predraft workout with Raptors
East Carolina guard RJ Felton to attend predraft workout with Raptors East Carolina senior RJ Felton is scheduled to work out with the Toronto Raptors, his management, Exclusive Athletes Agency, announced on Monday. Felton was an All-AAC first-team selection this past season, averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals on 37.6% shooting from 3-point range in 33 games. He ranked third in the conference in points (620) and fourth in 3-pointers (86). The 6-foot-3 guard leaves East Carolina ranked second in career field goals (630) and third in total scoring (1,774) and 3s (235) after four years with the program. His 620 points scored were the fourth-most by a Pirates player in a single season. Felton was among the prospects who competed at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament last month, emerging as one of the top performers after recording 22 points in one game. He was named Player of the Game for that performance on April 16. The soon-to-be 23-year-old has also had known predraft workouts with the Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz. He will also have others scheduled before the draft on June 25-26. Felton is highly touted for his scoring and ability to make hustle plays. He had a productive college career and wants to continue that momentum into the predraft process.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Sky vs Sparks 78-91: Is Angel Reese on her way out of Chicago? Star admits it's 'tough' losing 3-in-a-row
The Chicago Sky's tough start to the 2025 WNBA season continued on Sunday as they fell to the Los Angeles Sparks 91-78, marking their third consecutive loss. After a season-opening defeat to the Indiana Fever and another setback in their home opener against the New York Liberty, Chicago remains winless with an 0-3 record. Despite the defeat, the Sky found a silver lining in Angel Reese's standout performance at Arena. The 2024 WNBA All-Star had struggled in the first two games of the season, shooting just five-for-22 from the field. However, on Sunday, Reese bounced back in a major way, finishing with a double-double: 13 points and 12 rebounds, alongside four assists and two steals. She also shot a more efficient 5-for-11 from the field. Following the game, Chicago made an announcement on social media, naming Reese the Player of the Game. 'Double double for 5️⃣‼️,' the team posted, accompanied by a graphic of Reese's stats. Despite their overall struggles, Reese's effort was a bright spot for the Sky, who sit in last place in the Eastern Conference. Post-match, Reese was visibly frustrated with the game. Her demeanor in the post-match press conference led many to believe she might be looking at her WNBA future elsewhere. Chicago finished at the bottom of the East in 2024 and is hoping to turn things around under new head coach Tyler Marsh. With the season still in its early stages, the Sky will be looking for their first win on Tuesday against the Phoenix Mercury. While their 0-3 record remains concerning, Reese's bounce-back performance offers a glimmer of hope for the team moving forward.
TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Vincent has flashbacks of legendary Larry Bird in Prinsloo's display against Thunder
Made By Ball (MBB) head coach Sam Vincent says he saw glimpses of his former Boston Celtics teammate and Hall of Famer Larry Bird in Pieter Prinsloo's match-winning performance against Nairobi City Thunder in the Basketball Africa League in Kigali on Tuesday. The Pretoria-born Prinsloo had 30 points and 11 rebounds, while Robinson Odoch-Opong knocked down a three-pointer at the death to help MBB to a 75-74 win in the Nile Conference. 'There were moments when I was having fond NBA flashbacks, because Pieter today [Tuesday], he reminded me of Larry,' Vincent said. 'No disrespect to Larry but some of the shots [Prinsloo] hit on the step-back threes and the low post moves, he was sensational.' Vincent also praised Teafale Lenard Jnr, who scored 20 points, saying he reminded him of another teammate in former Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen. Pippen was a crucial member of the Bulls' championship-winning team that featured players such as Michael Jordan, Steve Kerr and Dennis Rodman and dominated the NBA in the 1990s. 'I also had some flashbacks with Teafale and a couple of those monstrous dunks that he had reminded me of Scottie,' Vincent said. Pieter Prinsloo's double-double (30 PTS/11 REB) performance for MBB earned him the @visitrwanda_now Player of the Game mention. #BAL5 — Basketball Africa League (@theBAL) May 20, 2025 He said the adjustment he made by bringing 2.13m tall David Craig into the starting five in place of Nkosi Sibanyoni brought stability in their defence. The win was the Johannesburg-based team's first in the BAL after losing two games at the weekend. 'Getting this win is almost like a full circle,' Vincent said. 'I first came to South Africa in 1999 and got involved with basketball. 'From coaching in South Africa, I got to the NBA and had a chance to coach. 'Having a chance 25 years later to come back and get this win, which is so important for what we're trying to do to get more exposure and promote basketball in South Africa, is important. 'So it's exciting, but more importantly, we have to keep our heads down and keep on working, and that's what we're going to do in the next few games.' The win was influential in boosting MBB's chances for the playoffs in Pretoria. The South African team have to win one game with a superior points difference or two games, depending on how other matches play out in the conference, to comfortably claim the last wild card spot. That berth is now occupied by FUS Rabat of Morocco, who have won two games but have a -19 points difference. MBB will next play Rwanda's Armée Patriotique at the same venue on Thursday.
Scoop
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Black Ice Edges Bulgaria In Thriller At Sold-Out Dunedin Ice Stadium
02 May A deafening crowd roared to its feet in Dunedin tonight as the Ice Blacks secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Bulgaria at the IIHF Division II Group B World Championships. With a sell-out home crowd packed into the Dunedin Ice Stadium, the Ice Blacks delivered one of their grittiest performances of the tournament, grinding out a hard-fought victory that keeps their silver medal hopes alive heading into the final day. In a game that was evenly matched from puck drop to final whistle, it was New Zealand's composure in key moments - and the electric atmosphere behind them - that made the difference. Fan favourite Justin Daigle sealed the win with just minutes left on the clock, wiring home the game-winning goal off a crisp feed from Colin McIntosh to send the arena into absolute chaos. The Canadian-born blueliner's celebration was matched only by the thunderous response from the home faithful. New Zealand found the net once per period despite a penalty-heavy contest that saw both benches routinely shortened by minor infractions. The first goal came off the stick of Colin McIntosh, who was later named Player of the Game for New Zealand. The dynamic forward was everywhere tonight, generating relentless pressure with linemates Chris Eaden and Jacob Carey. The trio combined for two of the team's three goals and countless high-danger chances. Alexander Regan added the second marker for the Kiwis, taking a perfect pass from Eaden and finishing with precision midway through the second. But Bulgaria never backed down, clawing back both times to even the score and threatening late into the third. McIntosh's late-game heroics on the Daigle goal ultimately separated the two sides, pushing New Zealand ahead for good. With the win, New Zealand now faces Iceland tomorrow night in a clash that will decide the silver medal. Puck drops at 8:00 p.m. in what promises to be another electric atmosphere. Strap in, Dunedin. One more game. One more medal. And this team is just getting warmed up.
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Georgia Proves Too Strong As Ice Blacks Fall 5-0 In Dunedin
The New Zealand Ice Blacks faced a formidable challenge last night at the IIHF World Championship Division II B, going down 5-0 to a powerful Georgian side at Dunedin Ice Stadium. From the opening face-off, Georgia asserted their dominance with a fast, physical game, controlling much of the play and keeping the Ice Blacks pinned in their defensive zone for long stretches. Georgia, who have become an increasingly competitive force in international ice hockey, showed their class, strength, and clinical finishing ability, and now sit unbeaten at the top of the tournament table with two wins from two games. Despite the scoreline, the Ice Blacks showed heart and grit in a bruising contest. Stand-out performances came from forward Colin McIntosh, Justin Daigle, Jacob Carey, and the tireless Joe Orr, who was named New Zealand's Player of the Game. After two games, New Zealand sits in fourth place with one win and one loss. Today is a scheduled rest day for all teams, offering a chance for recovery and regrouping with low-impact on-ice sessions. The Ice Blacks will look to bounce back tomorrow when they face Thailand, who are still searching for their first win of the tournament. New Zealand will be aiming to reignite their campaign and climb back up the standings. The puck drops for New Zealand vs Thailand tomorrow at 8pm - a crucial game as the second half of the tournament unfolds. About the Ice Blacks The Ice Blacks are New Zealand's national men's ice hockey team, representing the country on the world stage in IIHF competition. Known for their grit, determination, and fast-paced style of play, the Ice Blacks are a proud symbol of the growth of ice hockey in New Zealand. They regularly compete in the IIHF World Championship Division II tournaments and have a strong following at home and abroad. About the IIHF World Championship Division II B The IIHF World Championship Division II B is an international tournament featuring emerging hockey nations from around the globe. Teams compete for promotion to higher divisions, with each game offering valuable world ranking points. The 2025 tournament is being held in Dunedin, New Zealand, providing a rare opportunity for local fans to see world championship action on home ice. Teams include: New Zealand (Ice Blacks), Chinese Taipei, Georgia, Thailand, Iceland and Bulgaria
