Latest news with #Regular
Hamilton Spectator
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Harbour Grace rolls out the brass for top athletes, and long serving volunteers
Members of a storied regional soccer team from yesteryear were among the athletes, coaches and volunteers highlighted at the Harbour Grace Sports Hall of Fame and Town Awards held at the Danny Cleary Community Centre on May 8. The soccer team in question, which was inducted this year into the Harbour Grace Sports Hall of Fame, was the 2007 Earharts. It was a regional team consisting of players from Trinity Bay, Victoria, Salmon Cove, Carbonear, Harbour Grace, Spaniard's Bay, Bay Roberts, and Bryant's Cove. The team went undefeated in provincials, becoming champions. Several members went on to play with Memorial University, Team Newfoundland and Labrador, the university level of Team Canada, and for the province's female soccer crown, the Jubilee Cup. In addition to their skill, the players' willingness to give back to the community was commended. 'It is felt that this female soccer team was the best to ever come out of the region,' said emcee Don Regular, a member of the Sports Museum and Hall of Fame Committee. The Paul Moriarty Memorial Sport Volunteer Award went this year to Matthew Sheppard, a teacher at Carbonear Collegiate and coach of the Carbonear Sentinels Senior Boys Volleyball Team. Sheppard created and organized the Sentinels Snowball Classic Senior High Boys Volleyball Tournament, a fundraiser for men's mental health. He also organized the first fall invitational volleyball tournament, with the team taking home the gold medal in Division 2. 'Mr. Sheppard goes above and beyond all aspects,' said Regular. 'He has made these teams the focus of all that he does. But more importantly, he focuses on developing more than just the sport.' Regular said Sheppard prioritizes sportsmanlike conduct and is an uplifting and encouraging figure to his students. The CeeBees Minor Hockey U18 Rep 1 Team received the Dick Power Memorial Award. The team has medaled at various invitational tournaments. They won the Don Osborne and Brandon Harris Memorial Trophy in February 2024, and won silver at the All-Newfoundland Provincial Hockey Tournament in Placentia. They were commended not just for their skill, but also their camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the pride they bring to the community. Makenna Hunt is this year's recipient of the 1992 Summer Games Scholarship. Hunt has been involved in a number of sports throughout her high school career, including ice hockey, ball hockey, and soccer. She has received MVP awards in ice hockey and ball hockey and has volunteered with the Sparks and the CBN Minor Hockey Association, two groups which wrote letters of recommendation in her support. The Sparks noted that she inspired young girls and helped create a welcoming and safe space for them to learn, play, and grow. The CBN Minor Hockey Association said she helped foster a love of soccer in the youths. The Sonia Williams Award for Junior Female Athlete of the Year went to Lily Moriarty. An avid soccer player, Moriarty played with a number of teams and participated in many tournaments and events, including the 2024 NL Summer Games. She also plays indoor soccer, hockey, and softball. 'She is dedicated to her own growth in every sport, but is more dedicated to her team's success and the overall performance of her team,' said Regular. 'She is a team player who is always there to help out her teammates in any way she can.' The Jamie Korab Award for Junior Male Athlete of the Year went to Raymond Owusu-Ansah. The second-degree black belt in taekwondo is also a rower, having participated in the Harbour Grace and Placentia regattas, and has played on basketball teams for Carbonear Collegiate and is also a good volleyball player. Regular said Owusu-Ansah encourages his fellow athletes and prioritizes sportsmanship, serving as a role model for other students. The Doris Murcell Memorial Award for Senior Female Athlete of the Year went to Jade Bennett, who plays soccer, volleyball, softball, ball hockey, and runs cross country. She has won various athletic awards and was commended for her hard work and sportsmanship. Regular said she is punctual, never missing practice and juggling sports when scheduling conflicts arise. The S.W. Moores Memorial Award for Senior Male Athlete of the Year went to Hunter Williams. A member of the CeeBees Minor Hockey U18 Rep 1 Team, Williams is also a member of the Carbonear Collegiate senior high boys hockey team, soccer team, volleyball team, and softball team. In addition, he has competed in the Harbour Grace Regatta. Williams has been coaching younger players for several years in the CBN minor soccer program and hopes to become a physical education teacher. The S.W. Moores Memorial Award was presented to Hunter by his grandfather, Kevin Williams, who is also a member of the Harbour Grace Sports Hall of Fame. In the municipal awards segment of the evening, Alan Cass, was awarded recognition by the mayor and council for his work with the War Memorial Public Library. Gord Taylor was also recognized for his many volunteer services, including with the TCP Health Foundation, and for being instrumental in the formation of the Harbour Grace South community council. The members of the Town's own Civic Events Committee were also awarded for their work. 'They do everything professionally, they do everything properly, and the people that they have involved are second to none,' said Mayor Don Coombs. Two municipal employees received Long Service Awards. The first was Dave Regular, who was awarded for 30 years of service. Mayor Coombs commended Regular for his volunteerism. 'If we've got a problem in the town he's there to help out. And he's been there for 30 years. He can't do enough,' said Coombs. At last year's reception, Regular also received an award for 45 years of service as a member of the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade. The second Long Service Award went to Pat Hearn for 15 years of service. Hearn is the Town's public works superintendent. 'He's another person who goes above for the community,' said Coombs. The rest of the Long Service Awards recipients were members of the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade. Awards for 30 years of service went to Shawn Baker, Alf Dove, Chris Noseworthy, Steve Verge, and Sonia Williams. Awards for 35 years of service went to Jim Barnes, the aforementioned Pat Hearn, and Harbour Grace Deputy Mayor Keith Skinner. Finally, an award for 45 years of service went to Paul Ash.
Iraqi News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Palestinian and Jordanian Foreign Ministers Arrive in Baghdad to Participate in the Arab Summit
Baghdad - INA Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Mustafa, and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday evening to participate in the preparatory ministerial meeting of the Council of Arab Foreign Ministers, as part of the 34th Regular Session of the Arab Summit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Mustafa, and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday evening to participate in the preparatory ministerial meeting of the Council of Arab Foreign Ministers, as part of the 34th Regular Session of the Arab Summit." The statement added that "Iraqi Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Nayef Rashid Al-Dulaimi, received them at Baghdad International Airport and welcomed the two distinguished guests." Al-Dulaimi stressed, according to the statement, "the depth of bilateral relations between Iraq and both the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Palestine, and Iraq's keenness to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and joint coordination in a way that serves crucial Arab issues, foremost among which is the Palestinian cause, and contributes to supporting the path of joint Arab action and unifying ranks in confronting regional and international challenges."
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA playoffs: The biggest questions, boldest predictions and early Finals picks
The wait is over. The highly anticipated 2025 NBA playoffs are set to begin, featuring spicy first-round matchups, a never-before-seen generation battle, and two legends who are somehow still here chasing titles. Who has the most at stake this postseason, and who will ultimately win it all? Let's dive in! Vincent Goodwill: Who's gonna challenge the Boston Celtics? They lived a charmed existence last spring. It's hard to recall them having tough games let alone a tough time on the way to the Finals — and even the Finals were easy. They've toyed with the Knicks this year, their assumed second-round appointment unless Detroit crashes the party. So clearly the biggest challenge is the team that's led the East from end-to-end, those Cleveland Cavaliers. When the Cavs stormed into Boston and came back from a 22-point deficit in late February, everyone had to take notice. 'Let em know' as they say. Donovan Mitchell is healthy, and there are questions about Jaylen Brown's bothersome knee. Is that enough to close the gap? No team in the modern era has stormed through two straight conference playoffs — even those three-peat teams. A grind is coming, history tells us. Dan Devine: Is Cleveland really for real? The Cavs have done everything they can to make the case. They won 64 games. They produced one of the most efficient offenses since the ABA-NBA merger. They outscored their opposition by the 13th-highest margin in league history. They'll likely put at least two players on the All-NBA teams, with multiple prospective finalists for other individual awards. They posted an elite record against good teams, splitting their season series with Boston and Oklahoma City … … and if they buckle against Boston in the conference finals — or, heaven forbid, against either Indiana or Milwaukee a round earlier — everyone who doubted them will get to say they were right all along. I don't think that's who this Cavs team is. Now, we find out. Dan Titus: Does Giannis request a trade if the Bucks have another first-round exit? Damian Lillard's imminent return would add some much-needed firepower to Milwaukee's title hopes. Still, consecutive first-round losses to Indiana could prompt questions about Milwaukee's and Giannis' future. The Bucks can't waste another MVP-like campaign from Giannis, especially after beating the Pacers by a margin of nine points in their three regular-season wins. The front-office follies, plus falling short in the playoffs, again, could push Giannis to explore options elsewhere. [2025 NBA playoff matchups to watch] Tom Haberstroh: Is Kenny Atkinson really the Coach of the Year or just Coach of the Regular Season? The Cavs made the coaching change with great success, winning 64 games and the No. 1 overall seed over the reigning champs. Evan Mobley is unlocked and De'Andre Hunter is an upgrade, but there's still a sense of doubt around the league that the Cavs are truly the best team in the East. We'll see if Atkinson's playoff success next to Steve Kerr can translate to the East. Ben Rohrbach: Can anyone match Boston's playoff experience? Only Kobe Bryant and Tony Parker played more playoff games than Jayson Tatum has (113) at his age. Same goes for Jaylen Brown (124) at his age. Jrue Holiday can reach 100 playoff games if the Celtics make a seventh conference finals in nine years. Al Horford could surpass 200. Derrick White has now been to two NBA Finals in the past three years with this group. They are as battle-tested a team as we have seen, other than past dynasties, and it will take a series of haymakers to knock them out. Can the Cavaliers deliver those punches? The Thunder? Neither is nearly as experienced. Rohrbach: Can anyone take advantage of Oklahoma City's playoff inexperience? Noticing a theme to my answers here? It matters whether you have been there before. Just look at the history of the league. It is why I'm picking the Warriors in seven games over the Rockets and the Lakers in seven games over the Timberwolves. Veterans win in the postseason. But it may not matter for the Thunder. Led by a 26-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexaner, they could be too talented, too deep and too rabid to let anyone, even all-time greats, stand in their way of a title. Titus: Are we sleeping on the Rockets? The Warriors, the second seventh-seeded team favored in a first-round series since 1988, bring unmatched experience and a championship pedigree. Then they added Jimmy Butler. However, Houston's top-five defense thrives on physicality, wearing opponents down. With a frontcourt edge and defensive grit, the Rockets could disrupt Curry's rhythm — something we've seen Houston do to Steph before. Just saying. Haberstroh: Is playoff experience overrated? It's the single biggest variable of all. If playoff experience isn't what it's all chalked up to be, look for OKC and Houston to meet in the Western Conference finals. But if they can't act like they've been there before, then we might be looking at LeBron James' or Stephen Curry's seasoned squads in the Finals. I can't wait to see the kids balling out against the uncles. Devine: Does Oklahoma City have a good enough answer when opponents throw the kitchen sink at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? We saw the Thunder stumble in Round 2 last spring when the Mavericks packed the paint, cut off their drive-and-kick game and sold out to make Gilgeous-Alexander's teammates beat them. (SGA still averaged 32-8-7 on .599 true shooting, because he's a monster.) Those teammates combined to shoot 42.3% from the floor and 31.1% from 3-point range. OKC lost in six. As this season has worn on, we've seen the Thunder thrive in non-SGA minutes by ensuring that both Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are on the floor during them. If Mark Daigneault and Co. can replicate that kind of magic when opponents sell out to turn Gilgeous-Alexander into a facilitator — and if Williams, Holmgren or both can step up and prove to be a legitimate, dependable No. 2 scoring threat against elite defenses — then the Thunder's chances of making their first Finals appearance since 2012 improve considerably. Goodwill: Let's be honest here. It's about the Lakers. Do they have enough now to make a real run? Is Luka Dončić in good enough shape to handle the next two months? Does LeBron James have enough gas and health for that same time? They have the bodies to throw at Anthony Edwards and SGA, but do they have enough size? There are plenty of intriguing teams in the West, and aforementioned storylines, but we know the eyes of many will be fixated on what happens in downtown Los Angeles. Haberstroh: It's cliche to say that everything revolves around LeBron and Steph, but they honestly have the most compelling storylines this postseason. I don't know what to expect from JJ Redick, Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves in their first foray together. Same goes for Jimmy Buckets and the pressure cooker of playing in San Francisco with Draymond Green and Curry. All bets are off. Goodwill: Who gets out of the Western Conference, because that feels all about matchups as opposed to who's the best team. You could simulate these playoffs several times, NBA Live or 2K style, and come up with a different winner each time. You could see OKC finally putting it together, or the Lakers, or the Nuggets, or even the Warriors going on a crazy run. It's partially because there is no true degree of separation between all these teams, or everyone has big questions that could spell doom, or that parity is here to stay. Anybody who claims to know what's going to happen is a liar or has the lottery numbers. Test them. Rohrbach: Does Denver still have what it takes? I ranked them fifth among all title contenders in our final power rankings of the regular season, trusting in the partnership of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray as the foundation of a killer half-court offense — one that trailed only the three title favorites in the regular season. And then they fired their head coach. Did they do it with the belief that David Adelman is better equipped to lead this team on as deep a postseason run as Michael Malone led them in 2023? We could find out in their first-round set with the Clippers. Devine: What does the maiden playoff voyage of the Luka-and-LeBron Lakers look like? (Hopefully, for their sake, fewer L's than that alliterative run.) How do their two A1 superstars play off one another in the heat of the postseason? How will they mitigate their lack of size against the Timberwolves? If they advance, how will they fare against the physicality of the Rockets, or the offensive firepower of the Steph-and-Jimmy Warriors in a battle of small-ball? If they don't advance, where will they have fallen short, and how will Lakers brass look to address that come the summer? No shortage of fascinating questions, and obviously no greater spotlight than the one that comes when you're wearing forum blue and gold. Titus: The Clippers' redemption arc. Can Kawhi stay healthy? Is James Harden going to choke again? Despite the haters, the Clippers are riding an NBA-best, eight-game winning streak heading into the playoffs. With one of the league's deepest rosters and an exceptional coaching staff, they seem poised to shatter narratives and make an unexpected run. Devine: Tom Thibodeau. He's resurrected the Knicks, bringing the team to the playoffs three times in four years, with back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since 1994 and 1995. … and yet. New York's looked shaky for the last couple of months, playing just-above-.500 ball since the trade deadline. Some of that can be hand-waved away, thanks to the glaring caveat that Jalen Brunson missed a month with a nasty ankle sprain; even with him, though, the Knicks have struggled all season against good competition, famously going 0-10 against the Celtics, Cavaliers and Thunder. If New York's season once again ends before the conference finals, questions will swirl about whether Thibodeau, who has inarguably raised the Knicks' floor, is the right coach to push them to reach a higher ceiling. (Also, maybe David Adelman? 'Hey, take over the team and go beat the Clippers' is one hell of a job interview!) Goodwill: Luka Dončić. Wasn't he traded because his boss believed him to be a loser? If you read between the lines, that's what Nico Harrison is trying to tell you — about Dončić not being in shape, or his disappointing performance in last year's Finals. Harrison was raked through the coals for making the deal, for sending him to the Lakers no less, without a worry Dončić would come back to haunt him in his own conference. That says: 'I don't believe this man to be a winner.' Whether it's clairvoyant or foolhardy, a lot of eyes are on Dončić. [2025 NBA playoff X-factors] Titus: LeBron James. At 40, LeBron's quest for GOAT status hinges on adding to his championship haul. The Lakers secured Luka Dončić for a bag of chips and Austin Reaves is a budding star, so the talent is there. Whether it's fair or not, anything less than a Finals appearance invites criticism. Rohrbach: Stephen Curry. Honestly, I think the Warriors can win the championship this season. The collective experience (see: that word again) of Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green is a real thing. They will test anyone. And what if they do win? That would be five championships for Curry, matching Kobe Bryant and surpassing LeBron James. Would we then have to have some uncomfortable conversations about who ranks higher in the pantheon? We certainly will. Haberstroh: Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets. I would say SGA, but this feels like the third inning for OKC, not the ninth. For Jokić and Co., there's a lot on the line this postseason. Who's running the team? Who's coaching the team? Is Jokić's supporting cast going to get a much-needed upgrade? If they get swept next week, I still don't see Jokić demanding a trade. But I don't think he'd be blamed for it. Titus: Pistons upset the Knicks. BetMGM puts the Knicks as heavy favorites (-425, 81% probability to win), but Detroit's Cade Cunningham has been a problem for New York all year. The Pistons are well-coached with a balanced roster that can knock down 3s, bang in the post and lock down defensively. It's Detroit vs. Everybody on the road to claim its first postseason series win since 2008. Haberstroh: Cleveland, OKC and Boston all sweep. We haven't seen three sweeps in Round 1 since 2020, but I have a feeling we'll see it outside the Bubble for the first time in almost a decade. They're that much better than their first-round opponents. Rohrbach: Giannis Antetokounmpo reminds us that it is unwise to pick against him in the playoffs, averaging around 40 points per game in a seven-game victory against the Pacers, which would count as an upset, according to BetMGM. Will a first-round victory be enough to convince Antetokounmpo that Milwaukee is still a long-term home for him? That I don't know. Goodwill: Nikola Jokić and Kawhi Leonard engage the world in a battle of non-emotional chess and treat us to one of the most compelling first-round matchups we've seen in years. Plus, Cade Cunningham will become the new MSG foil, scaring the living nightlights out of the Knicks in a seven-game marathon. Devine: Rudy Gobert stonewalls Luka Dončić on a clutch final-second possession, blocking a step-back 3 to seal a Timberwolves win. The apology will not be as loud as the disrespect was. Devine: I took OKC over Boston in our preseason roundtable. I'm not going to switch up now. Haberstroh: OKC over Cleveland. The Thunder dynasty begins this season. I guess until Wemby takes over. Titus: Boston over OKC. It's chalk, but they're the best teams until proven otherwise. Rohrbach: I'm with Dan. I picked Boston over OKC in the preseason. No reason to change. Goodwill: Boston over whoever. Could be OKC, Lakers, Nuggets. I'm punking out on the opponent, but Boston will repeat — it just won't be easy.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA playoffs: The biggest questions, boldest predictions and early Finals picks
The wait is over. The highly anticipated 2025 NBA playoffs are set to begin, featuring spicy first-round matchups, a never-before-seen generation battle, and two legends who are somehow still here chasing titles. Who has the most at stake this postseason, and who will ultimately win it all? Let's dive in! Vincent Goodwill: Who's gonna challenge the Boston Celtics? They lived a charmed existence last spring. It's hard to recall them having tough games let alone a tough time on the way to the Finals — and even the Finals were easy. They've toyed with the Knicks this year, their assumed second-round appointment unless Detroit crashes the party. So clearly the biggest challenge is the team that's led the East from end-to-end, those Cleveland Cavaliers. When the Cavs stormed into Boston and came back from a 22-point deficit in late February, everyone had to take notice. 'Let em know' as they say. Donovan Mitchell is healthy, and there are questions about Jaylen Brown's bothersome knee. Is that enough to close the gap? No team in the modern era has stormed through two straight conference playoffs — even those three-peat teams. A grind is coming, history tells us. Dan Devine: Is Cleveland really for real? The Cavs have done everything they can to make the case. They won 64 games. They produced one of the most efficient offenses since the ABA-NBA merger. They outscored their opposition by the 13th-highest margin in league history. They'll likely put at least two players on the All-NBA teams, with multiple prospective finalists for other individual awards. They posted an elite record against good teams, splitting their season series with Boston and Oklahoma City … … and if they buckle against Boston in the conference finals — or, heaven forbid, against either Indiana or Milwaukee a round earlier — everyone who doubted them will get to say they were right all along. I don't think that's who this Cavs team is. Now, we find out. Dan Titus: Does Giannis request a trade if the Bucks have another first-round exit? Damian Lillard's imminent return would add some much-needed firepower to Milwaukee's title hopes. Still, consecutive first-round losses to Indiana could prompt questions about Milwaukee's and Giannis' future. The Bucks can't waste another MVP-like campaign from Giannis, especially after beating the Pacers by a margin of nine points in their three regular-season wins. The front-office follies, plus falling short in the playoffs, again, could push Giannis to explore options elsewhere. [2025 NBA playoff matchups to watch] Tom Haberstroh: Is Kenny Atkinson really the Coach of the Year or just Coach of the Regular Season? The Cavs made the coaching change with great success, winning 64 games and the No. 1 overall seed over the reigning champs. Evan Mobley is unlocked and De'Andre Hunter is an upgrade, but there's still a sense of doubt around the league that the Cavs are truly the best team in the East. We'll see if Atkinson's playoff success next to Steve Kerr can translate to the East. Ben Rohrbach: Can anyone match Boston's playoff experience? Only Kobe Bryant and Tony Parker played more playoff games than Jayson Tatum has (113) at his age. Same goes for Jaylen Brown (124) at his age. Jrue Holiday can reach 100 playoff games if the Celtics make a seventh conference finals in nine years. Al Horford could surpass 200. Derrick White has now been to two NBA Finals in the past three years with this group. They are as battle-tested a team as we have seen, other than past dynasties, and it will take a series of haymakers to knock them out. Can the Cavaliers deliver those punches? The Thunder? Neither is nearly as experienced. Rohrbach: Can anyone take advantage of Oklahoma City's playoff inexperience? Noticing a theme to my answers here? It matters whether you have been there before. Just look at the history of the league. It is why I'm picking the Warriors in seven games over the Rockets and the Lakers in seven games over the Timberwolves. Veterans win in the postseason. But it may not matter for the Thunder. Led by a 26-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexaner, they could be too talented, too deep and too rabid to let anyone, even all-time greats, stand in their way of a title. Titus: Are we sleeping on the Rockets? The Warriors, the second seventh-seeded team favored in a first-round series since 1988, bring unmatched experience and a championship pedigree. Then they added Jimmy Butler. However, Houston's top-five defense thrives on physicality, wearing opponents down. With a frontcourt edge and defensive grit, the Rockets could disrupt Curry's rhythm — something we've seen Houston do to Steph before. Just saying. Haberstroh: Is playoff experience overrated? It's the single biggest variable of all. If playoff experience isn't what it's all chalked up to be, look for OKC and Houston to meet in the Western Conference finals. But if they can't act like they've been there before, then we might be looking at LeBron James' or Stephen Curry's seasoned squads in the Finals. I can't wait to see the kids balling out against the uncles. Devine: Does Oklahoma City have a good enough answer when opponents throw the kitchen sink at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? We saw the Thunder stumble in Round 2 last spring when the Mavericks packed the paint, cut off their drive-and-kick game and sold out to make Gilgeous-Alexander's teammates beat them. (SGA still averaged 32-8-7 on .599 true shooting, because he's a monster.) Those teammates combined to shoot 42.3% from the floor and 31.1% from 3-point range. OKC lost in six. As this season has worn on, we've seen the Thunder thrive in non-SGA minutes by ensuring that both Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are on the floor during them. If Mark Daigneault and Co. can replicate that kind of magic when opponents sell out to turn Gilgeous-Alexander into a facilitator — and if Williams, Holmgren or both can step up and prove to be a legitimate, dependable No. 2 scoring threat against elite defenses — then the Thunder's chances of making their first Finals appearance since 2012 improve considerably. Goodwill: Let's be honest here. It's about the Lakers. Do they have enough now to make a real run? Is Luka Dončić in good enough shape to handle the next two months? Does LeBron James have enough gas and health for that same time? They have the bodies to throw at Anthony Edwards and SGA, but do they have enough size? There are plenty of intriguing teams in the West, and aforementioned storylines, but we know the eyes of many will be fixated on what happens in downtown Los Angeles. Haberstroh: It's cliche to say that everything revolves around LeBron and Steph, but they honestly have the most compelling storylines this postseason. I don't know what to expect from JJ Redick, Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves in their first foray together. Same goes for Jimmy Buckets and the pressure cooker of playing in San Francisco with Draymond Green and Curry. All bets are off. Goodwill: Who gets out of the Western Conference, because that feels all about matchups as opposed to who's the best team. You could simulate these playoffs several times, NBA Live or 2K style, and come up with a different winner each time. You could see OKC finally putting it together, or the Lakers, or the Nuggets, or even the Warriors going on a crazy run. It's partially because there is no true degree of separation between all these teams, or everyone has big questions that could spell doom, or that parity is here to stay. Anybody who claims to know what's going to happen is a liar or has the lottery numbers. Test them. Rohrbach: Does Denver still have what it takes? I ranked them fifth among all title contenders in our final power rankings of the regular season, trusting in the partnership of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray as the foundation of a killer half-court offense — one that trailed only the three title favorites in the regular season. And then they fired their head coach. Did they do it with the belief that David Adelman is better equipped to lead this team on as deep a postseason run as Michael Malone led them in 2023? We could find out in their first-round set with the Clippers. Devine: What does the maiden playoff voyage of the Luka-and-LeBron Lakers look like? (Hopefully, for their sake, fewer L's than that alliterative run.) How do their two A1 superstars play off one another in the heat of the postseason? How will they mitigate their lack of size against the Timberwolves? If they advance, how will they fare against the physicality of the Rockets, or the offensive firepower of the Steph-and-Jimmy Warriors in a battle of small-ball? If they don't advance, where will they have fallen short, and how will Lakers brass look to address that come the summer? No shortage of fascinating questions, and obviously no greater spotlight than the one that comes when you're wearing forum blue and gold. Titus: The Clippers' redemption arc. Can Kawhi stay healthy? Is James Harden going to choke again? Despite the haters, the Clippers are riding an NBA-best, eight-game winning streak heading into the playoffs. With one of the league's deepest rosters and an exceptional coaching staff, they seem poised to shatter narratives and make an unexpected run. Devine: Tom Thibodeau. He's resurrected the Knicks, bringing the team to the playoffs three times in four years, with back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since 1994 and 1995. … and yet. New York's looked shaky for the last couple of months, playing just-above-.500 ball since the trade deadline. Some of that can be hand-waved away, thanks to the glaring caveat that Jalen Brunson missed a month with a nasty ankle sprain; even with him, though, the Knicks have struggled all season against good competition, famously going 0-10 against the Celtics, Cavaliers and Thunder. If New York's season once again ends before the conference finals, questions will swirl about whether Thibodeau, who has inarguably raised the Knicks' floor, is the right coach to push them to reach a higher ceiling. (Also, maybe David Adelman? 'Hey, take over the team and go beat the Clippers' is one hell of a job interview!) Goodwill: Luka Dončić. Wasn't he traded because his boss believed him to be a loser? If you read between the lines, that's what Nico Harrison is trying to tell you — about Dončić not being in shape, or his disappointing performance in last year's Finals. Harrison was raked through the coals for making the deal, for sending him to the Lakers no less, without a worry Dončić would come back to haunt him in his own conference. That says: 'I don't believe this man to be a winner.' Whether it's clairvoyant or foolhardy, a lot of eyes are on Dončić. [2025 NBA playoff X-factors] Titus: LeBron James. At 40, LeBron's quest for GOAT status hinges on adding to his championship haul. The Lakers secured Luka Dončić for a bag of chips and Austin Reaves is a budding star, so the talent is there. Whether it's fair or not, anything less than a Finals appearance invites criticism. Rohrbach: Stephen Curry. Honestly, I think the Warriors can win the championship this season. The collective experience (see: that word again) of Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green is a real thing. They will test anyone. And what if they do win? That would be five championships for Curry, matching Kobe Bryant and surpassing LeBron James. Would we then have to have some uncomfortable conversations about who ranks higher in the pantheon? We certainly will. Haberstroh: Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets. I would say SGA, but this feels like the third inning for OKC, not the ninth. For Jokić and Co., there's a lot on the line this postseason. Who's running the team? Who's coaching the team? Is Jokić's supporting cast going to get a much-needed upgrade? If they get swept next week, I still don't see Jokić demanding a trade. But I don't think he'd be blamed for it. Titus: Pistons upset the Knicks. BetMGM puts the Knicks as heavy favorites (-425, 81% probability to win), but Detroit's Cade Cunningham has been a problem for New York all year. The Pistons are well-coached with a balanced roster that can knock down 3s, bang in the post and lock down defensively. It's Detroit vs. Everybody on the road to claim its first postseason series win since 2008. Haberstroh: Cleveland, OKC and Boston all sweep. We haven't seen three sweeps in Round 1 since 2020, but I have a feeling we'll see it outside the Bubble for the first time in almost a decade. They're that much better than their first-round opponents. Rohrbach: Giannis Antetokounmpo reminds us that it is unwise to pick against him in the playoffs, averaging around 40 points per game in a seven-game victory against the Pacers, which would count as an upset, according to BetMGM. Will a first-round victory be enough to convince Antetokounmpo that Milwaukee is still a long-term home for him? That I don't know. Goodwill: Nikola Jokić and Kawhi Leonard engage the world in a battle of non-emotional chess and treat us to one of the most compelling first-round matchups we've seen in years. Plus, Cade Cunningham will become the new MSG foil, scaring the living nightlights out of the Knicks in a seven-game marathon. Devine: Rudy Gobert stonewalls Luka Dončić on a clutch final-second possession, blocking a step-back 3 to seal a Timberwolves win. The apology will not be as loud as the disrespect was. Devine: I took OKC over Boston in our preseason roundtable. I'm not going to switch up now. Haberstroh: OKC over Cleveland. The Thunder dynasty begins this season. I guess until Wemby takes over. Titus: Boston over OKC. It's chalk, but they're the best teams until proven otherwise. Rohrbach: I'm with Dan. I picked Boston over OKC in the preseason. No reason to change. Goodwill: Boston over whoever. Could be OKC, Lakers, Nuggets. I'm punking out on the opponent, but Boston will repeat — it just won't be easy.
BBC News
20-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Woman 'stunned' to discover father's Korean War role
A woman said she was "stunned" to discover her father's extensive military background while conducting research for a war Davies, born in Redbrook, was a Regular soldier who served with The Gloucestershire Regiment - known as the Glorious Glosters - during World War daughter, Pam Walker, was aware he served in the Korean War but described him as a "quiet and reclusive man" who rarely shared stories from the name will now appear on a war memorial alongside 15 other fallen soldiers from the Forest of Dean who all fought in the Battle of the Imjin River in April 1951. About 400 members of the Glorious Glosters held out against 10,000 Chinese troops for three nights during the battle on hill 235, which was later renamed Gloster Hill. The fierce stand-off is credited with saving South Korea's capital Seoul from capture by communist Imjin Veterans' Memorial Group, based in Coleford, has so far raised more than £14,000 to build a memorial in the Cyril Hart Arboretum to honour the soldiers. After spotting the fundraising appeal online, Ms Walker contacted the campaign group to inform them her father had fought on that hill."He never talked about it," she said. "The only reason I knew it was Korea was because of the medals he left behind." Roger Deeks, vice Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire and member of the memorial project, said the team were "initially sceptical" of his involvement."Alan Davies was completely below our radar," he said."He'd been shot through the shoulder only hours before the encirclement by the Chinese, and was evacuated. "He didn't become a prisoner of war, he was shipped back as a casualty of war, to be nursed back to health. "Perhaps that's why not many people knew about him. In fact, even his family didn't know his history. When we looked into it, it was remarkable."Mr Davies had been wounded during the retreat to Dunkirk in France during World War Two before going on to serve in Burma. At the Battle of the Imjin River, he was wounded again and evacuated before the Chinese encirclement. "Getting shot saved his life," Ms Walker said. "He was a lucky chap. It's a miracle he made it home."I'm just over the moon with the pleasure of knowing he's done so much for his country."I can't even put it into words really, I'm overwhelmed by it all. It's taken me to another place with him, I'm just stunned." Ms Walker said her father had always seemed "reserved" and distant, but his newly-revealed past offered an explanation."After three campaigns I think that changed him in some way," she said."He was a dad, but in his own way - one that we couldn't understand then but can understand now."I'm always proud of dad, but to put this name on this memorial will mean the world to me. I suppose if dad's watching me from above, he might be proud of me as well."
