Latest news with #RoadtoGold
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nikola Jokic names an unlikely NBA legend as his favorite player growing up: "No one could guard him"
During his childhood, Nikola Jokic found inspiration in the talents of his fellow European NBA stars. Their influence is evident in his playing style, which reflects European basketball's most notable characteristics—efficiency and intelligence over flashiness. However, "Joker" surprisingly revealed that his all-time favorite player was not someone who played in a style similar to his own or even in the same position. While he admired many NBA superstars during his formative years, Jokic pointed out that it was Tracy McGrady who stood out as his No. 1 idol. Advertisement "When I was growing up, Peja Stojakovic and [Vlade] Divac were in the NBA. There's also Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, all those guys," the Denver Nuggets star center said on the team's" "Road to Gold" documentary. "Well, there's Kobe Bryant, LeBron James... But I have to say Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, I love Tracy McGrady, I think he was a very talented player," Jokic added. "He was unique, no one could guard him. I never mentioned him, but let's say Tracy McGrady." Who Jokic admires in today's NBA The NBA has been home to an overwhelming number of exceptional players, making it no surprise that young Jokic, like many aspiring basketball stars, had several idols growing up. While he has always admired T-Mac, the Serbian big man once emphasized that LeBron James is the player he believes every aspiring NBA player should aspire to emulate. Advertisement Jokic explained that James embodies the very essence of what it means to be a great player. His remarkable consistency and high level of performance over an extended period set a standard that few can match. For "Joker," Bron's dedication, skill, and impact on the game are a guiding light for young athletes aiming to make their mark in the NBA. "Nobody in the near future will do what he did," the three-time MVP once said of James. "It's a great accomplishment, of course. I think the guy didn't have a prime, he's been in his prime for 20 years. It's something that not a lot of people can do in a sport. If you wanna have an idol or someone to look up to, because the guy is always leading and playing consistently for 20 years, winning championships, and MVPs, he's the guy you look up to." Jokic has carved out his own legacy In conclusion, Jokic was undoubtedly influenced by various contrasting NBA superstars. Each of these icons left an imprint on his approach to the game, but rather than just imitating them, Jokic embraced those influences and forged his own unique identity in the game. Advertisement Jokic has crafted a legacy that stands apart from those who inspired him. Today, he is not only considered one of the greatest players of his generation, but he has also become an idol to many aspiring athletes and fans alike. Jokic's otherworldly skill set, combined with his distinct personality, has garnered admiration from sports fans all over the world. People celebrate his achievements and the authenticity he brings to the game, making him a true representation of greatness in the NBA. Related: Hardaway says Jokic is dominating without needing the spotlight: "Jokic is like, 'I don't want that. I'm just gonna do the job for the team that pays me"
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Hannah calls for review of BAM ecosystem to ensure player welfare
YOUTH and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh hopes that newly-appointed Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz will review the national governing body's ecosystem to ensure the welfare of all national shuttlers is safeguarded. Hannah also advised shuttlers to remain under the BAM umbrella instead of turning professional so that they can continue receiving full government support through the association. 'There are many factors to be considered when a shuttler contemplates staying with BAM or turning pro. The advantage of staying with BAM is that they will have ready sparring partners, which is something that will be lacking should they turn pro and which can also affect their performance. 'That is why I'm asking BAM president Tengku Zafrul to review this ecosystem and ensure the players receive the best possible support. If possible, for the shuttlers to remain with BAM so that the government's assistance will reach them and there will be an orderly system... various types of government support are channelled through BAM,' she said. She said this at the launch of a video to raise awareness about the Drug-Free Youth campaign in collaboration with a cinema chain and national athletes, which was also attended by National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh here today. Meanwhile, Hannah said she was satisfied with the performance of the national shuttlers at the 2024 Malaysia Masters, which ended yesterday. 'I believe that with the presence of coaches and the support from the RTG (Road to Gold) programme, we can continue to raise their performance level. We have allocated a budget for the National Sports Council (NSC) talent development programme this year to ensure a constant supply of new talents,' she said. Earlier, at the event, Hannah announced a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), through the Rakan Muda Development Division, the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) and TGV Cinemas to further empower the Drug-Free Youth campaign. Hannah said the strategic collaboration involves the screening of videos raising awareness of the dangers of drugs and banned substances before the screening of movies at all TGV Cinemas nationwide. 'Today, we launched the awareness video in partnership with TGV. TGV has cinemas at 40 locations nationwide, except in Sabah, and TGV cinemas have also assisted the government in a promotional video campaign to fight baby dumping. 'The campaign was very effective because it encouraged those affected to seek government assistance. So, this time we are collaborating with the AADK to bring this series of promotional videos to the cinemas because many who go for movies are youths,' she said.
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Hannah calls For Review Of BAM Ecosystem To Ensure Player Welfare
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh hopes that newly-appointed Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz will review the national governing body's ecosystem to ensure the welfare of all national shuttlers is safeguarded. Hannah also advised shuttlers to remain under the BAM umbrella instead of turning professional so that they can continue receiving full government support through the association. "There are many factors to be considered when a shuttler contemplates staying with BAM or turning pro. The advantage of staying with BAM is that they will have ready sparring partners, which is something that will be lacking should they turn pro and which can also affect their performance. bootstrap slideshow "That is why I'm asking BAM president Tengku Zafrul to review this ecosystem and ensure the players receive the best possible support. If possible, for the shuttlers to remain with BAM so that the government's assistance will reach them and there will be an orderly system… various types of government support are channelled through BAM,' she said. She said this at the launch of a video to raise awareness about the Drug-Free Youth campaign in collaboration with a cinema chain and national athletes, which was also attended by National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh here today. Meanwhile, Hannah said she was satisfied with the performance of the national shuttlers at the 2024 Malaysia Masters, which ended yesterday. "I believe that with the presence of coaches and the support from the RTG (Road to Gold) programme, we can continue to raise their performance level. We have allocated a budget for the National Sports Council (NSC) talent development programme this year to ensure a constant supply of new talents,' she said. Earlier, at the event, Hannah announced a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), through the Rakan Muda Development Division, the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) and TGV Cinemas to further empower the Drug-Free Youth campaign. Hannah said the strategic collaboration involves the screening of videos raising awareness of the dangers of drugs and banned substances before the screening of movies at all TGV Cinemas nationwide.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
National rider Izzah and sister anchor Kedah to elite team sprint title
PETALING JAYA: Double Asian champion Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri (pic) got off to a winning start in the National Championships by leading Kedah to the women's elite team sprint title at the Johor Velodrome in Iskandar Puteri yesterday. Izzah, competing for the first time since her inclusion in the Road to Gold programme, partnered her younger sister Nurul Nabilah Mohd Asri and Phi Kun Pan to win the race in 51.444s.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Maintaining their top 10 ranking is Goh-Shevon's priority
PETALING JAYA: Being among the best demands significant sacrifices, especially for players who are entering the later stages of their careers. Mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie are aware that while they face a tough task maintaining their ranking, they can no longer compete in international tournaments with the same enthusiasm as before. Soon Huat, now 34, and his wife Shevon, 31, have once again been included in the national elite programme, Road to Gold. This time, the programme imposes strict requirements on the athletes involved. To start with, athletes in the programme must be ranked among the world's top 10. By 2026, they need to be within the top eight, and even tougher conditions apply in 2027. They must qualify for the Olympic Games on merit, be ranked among the top four in the world, and maintain that standing through 2028. Soon Huat-Shevon currently hold the world No. 3 spot, a position they have maintained since February. However, they know they cannot afford to be complacent as many pairs are chasing hard from behind. 'Maintaining our position is quite a tough challenge. As you can see from past matches, the point margins are very close and the competition is intense,' said Shevon. 'So we both know that if we want to stay at this level, we not only need to be physically fit but also have a versatile style of play. With so many tournaments now, everyone is studying each other's game.' Going forward, they not only plan to diversify their playing style to remain among the world's best, but the husband-and-wife duo also intend to be more selective when planning the tournaments they will enter. Although they recently suffered a surprising loss to world No. 20 pair Mads Vestergaard-Christine Busch 18-21, 19-21 at the Malaysian Masters, a busy schedule awaits them. They will next compete at the Singapore Open starting next Tuesday, followed by the Indonesian Open the week after. For them, playing three consecutive tournaments is the maximum they can currently handle. This cautious approach is aimed at avoiding injuries, especially given Soon Huat's history of various injuries throughout his professional career. 'Our current plan is to play in three back-to-back tournaments. If possible, we don't want to compete in too many events. We'll aim for two to three tournaments in a row and focus on delivering quality performances. That's the direction we're heading in,' added Shevon. For the record, according to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) regulations, top players are compulsory to play in all four Super 1000, six Super 750, and up to two Super 500 events.
