Latest news with #superstar
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
DeMarcus Cousins On Why Anthony Edwards Is A Superstar
DeMarcus Cousins On Why Anthony Edwards Is A Superstar originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Anthony Edwards has cemented himself as one of the NBA's best players over the past few seasons. At only 23, he holds a special place among the great shooting guards of today's generation due to his exceptional performances. Advertisement Based on his play for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards is a certified superstar. Unfortunately, the league is no longer just about basketball, as some people have anointed Edwards as the next "Face of the League." Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Even if he is a younger player, Edwards is in a special tier alongside some of the league's best players. He is on the same level as names like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, which proves Edwards is a megastar. Some media members have anointed Edwards as the NBA's next face when LeBron James or Stephen Curry retires, which is huge pressure for any player. Edwards has denied the tag because he only wants to play basketball. Related: Paul George Sends Strong Message About What Anthony Edwards Must Improve On DeMarcus Cousins Knows Edwards' Superstar Status When DeMarcus Cousins addressed the debate, he discussed the necessary qualities of a superstar. It is important to be a good player on the court but also have an off-court presence. Advertisement Edwards has the charisma to make himself noticeable anywhere. His exciting play style and personality have made him a fun player to follow across all demographics. He is not as proven as players like LeBron, Curry, or Kevin Durant, but he is one of the more popular stars. For Cousins, that is a combination of Edwards' talent and magnetism. "It's the on-court performance, that's important. Are you marketable? Can the league push you? Can the league sell you? Do the people like you? The global impact as well. You can't be a superstar if you're only known in the States," Cousins said on Run It Back. "The league is bigger than that, it's a global brand. Once you have that global impact, you get that superstar status... As great as Jokic is, you can't sell him... You have guys like Anthony Edwards when everything he says is gold." Edwards Is Focused On Playing Basketball Some people are focused on making Edwards the face of the league. He fits the bill, but that should come naturally. Edwards is a mega talent, who earned all of his accolades, but he should not be given that immense pressure at only 23. Advertisement He will probably carry the torch in the future alongside many other superstar-level players. The league has produced tremendous talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Tyrese Haliburton, and many more. Edwards will be part of that special group, but he will remain interested in playing basketball rather than doing off-court activities. In the meantime, the Timberwolves and their fans are glad Edwards keeps his focus on basketball because he is bringing them glory. Related: Anthony Edwards Feels He Let Down Mike Conley After Losing To The OKC Thunder This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shaquille O'Neal picks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the next face of the NBA: "If he wins a championship this year, it's his league"
Shaquille O'Neal picks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the next face of the NBA: "If he wins a championship this year, it's his league" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Let's face it: the NBA is struggling to identify its next superstar after LeBron James and Stephen Curry. While there is no lack of talent, there remains a missing X factor: a superstar whose skill combined with charisma can lead the league into the future. The definition of popularity and star power has changed with the evolution of social media. Advertisement Fans today have more access to their favorite NBA superstars than ever. The overexposure has led to an absence of mystery. This was not the case in the previous eras, with legends such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird who exuded aura. Another crucial factor is that the league hasn't found a talent since LeBron and Steph that is able to bring the game to a new dimension. Touching down upon the subject during the latest episode of the "Pivot Podcast," Shaquille O'Neal explained why greatness isn't handed it out, it's taken. The four-time champion shared Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's example, as he picked him as the next face of the league. "Right now, SGA is taking it, and he's taking it surely and smoothly. He ain't saying, not being arrogant about it. When I watch guys play and I get criticized for this a lot because my thing is, I've seen Magic, I've seen Jordan, I've seen Kareem, I've seen greatness. I've played with Penny, played with Kobe, played with D-Wade and LeBron. I've been part of greatness. If you're not in that category, I'm not giving you no type of props," revealed "The Big Diesel," who is widely regarded as the most dominating center of all time. Advertisement Talking about potential, Shaq added the following: "When they talk about who the next guy is, I say you got to give it to SGA right now because he's taking it. If he wins a championship this year, it's his league," claimed the Lakers legend, who was part of the last 3-peat in the NBA, between 2000 and 2002. Shaq's definition of greatness Often regarded as a tough critic, impressing Shaq is no easy feat. The three-time Finals MVP can be brutal with his words sometimes. Nonetheless, there have been instances of the fifteen-time All-Star giving due where needed. Addressing the subject of greatness, Shaq dished out some names, "SGA is in there now. Stephen Curry's in there now. Giannis and Joker, those guys are in." Advertisement Certainly, it's hard to disagree with "Big Diesel" in this case, given all the above names have proved themselves at each level. As Shai looks to secure his first championship, "The Chef," "Greek Freak," and "The Joker" have been granted the G-12 classification by the most dominant in history. Related: Luc Longley on why he and Michael Jordan couldn't get along: "Mike was doing what he did to rookies, what he was doing to me" Potential candidates for the future The process of identifying the future face of the NBA continues to be challenging. Nevertheless, there are certainly a couple of names who are truly deserving and could possibly take the baton. These nominees are the proper blend of skill and personality. Advertisement Starting with SGA, others capable of making the cut include Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, Ja Morant and Victor Wembanyama. That said, it won't be easy to replicate the impact of LeBron or Steph, who continue to dominate at a high level. Related: "He checks every single box for what you want" - Kendrick Perkins says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is ready to be the next face of the NBA This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.

News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Smith-less Cats outshine Suns
AFL: The Geelong Cats have overcome a late injury to superstar Bailey Smith to beat the Suns in Geelong.


The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Beyonce kicks off huge UK Cowboy Carter shows with biggest performance yet – but fails to sell out stadium gigs
FORGET the mighty Tottenham Hotspur, last night North London belonged to Beyonce. She kicked off her run of six shows in the Europa League winners ' stadium. 6 6 6 As I walked up Seven Sisters High Road, Lilywhite football shirts had been replaced by a sea of cowboy hats. The US superstar 's fans, complete with glittery boots and T-shirts, paid homage to her No1 album Cowboy Carter. Some weren't happy after being told they had to bin their brollies, but they cheered up as they heard Beyonce tunes pumping out of the stadium. The stadium lit up too, thanks to the Cowboy Carter glowing wristbands dished out on entry. This isn't your average show, but a moment of theatre. Beyonce is making a huge point of celebrating the genre's black roots and reclaiming country music as her forte with the finesse you'd expect from a global megastar. As she begins the mammoth seven-act show, which lasts almost three hours, Beyonce 's trademark megawatt smile lights up the stadium. When the music strikes up, Beyonce lookalikes walk out on to the diamond- shaped stage dressed in gold capes and cowboy hats. She nails the opener, American Requiem, while gold fireworks blast around her. Dressed in white tasselled chaps and shades, her voice is unparalleled and the crowd are hooked on every word. Prince Harry & Meghan Markle put on united front at Beyonce gig 'Ya'll look so beautiful,' Bey tells the audience. 'I feel so honoured to be standing on this stage. "Thank you for the support over so many years.' Referencing Blackbird, she adds: 'This song is dedicated to all the beautiful blackbirds who came before me. 'I want to thank Paul McCartney for writing this song and I'm going to sing it for y'all. "I want ya'll to have a good time. The rain won't stop us.' Beyonce smashes through The Star- Spangled Banner into Freedom, using the stage as her catwalk, before ripping into a Ya Ya mash-up with her 2008 track Why Don't You Love Me — a big screen in front of the stage showing the lyrics to keep her word perfect. Daughter Blue Ivy 's killer solo choreography on America Has A Problem, where she wears a newspaper-print outfit to match her mum, is insanely good. She gives a wry smile to the cameras as she notices the whole crowd are up on their feet screaming for her. It's easy to forget she's only 13. 'FAMILY AFFAIR' And it's not hard to see where Blue gets it from. Bey's choreo is, as always, high-energy and she doesn't put a step out of place. Formation gets a rapturous reaction, as well as Cuff It, Thique and Jolene. The show nods to her Renaissance tour, which saw her playing five shows right here in 2023. Beyonce throws in fan-favourite hits to support the tracks from her latest No1 record, including Texas Hold 'Em, which has nearly every person in the 62,000-seater stadium singing in unison. Youngest daughter Rumi makes the most of her big UK stage debut, appearing on stage after Beyonce started singing Protector, and tossing off a cowboy hat before sitting on her mum's lap. The stadium roars as Rumi waves to fans while video clips of her and twin brother Sir Carter from Beyonce and husband Jay-Z 's personal archive are shown on screens. It's a real family affair for the Single Ladies singer, with ads for her Cecred beauty line and Jay-Z's SirDavis whisky everywhere. Meanwhile, her mum Tina is in the audience. 6 The concert's staging is impressive, with Beyonce reclining on a throne as a robotic arm pours her a whisky at one point. Another moment sees her riding a mechanical bull, a move that whips the crowd up into near hysteria, just like when she rode Reneigh, her sparkly disco steed, the last time she was here. It is a spectacle from start to finish and even the rain, which had thundered down in North London, can't wash the shine off Beyonce's crown. MADGE'S RAY REMIX 25 YRS ON MADONNA has delighted fans by announcing the release of her Ray Of Light remix project – more than 25 years after she shelved it. Veronica Electronica features eight remixes inspired by her 1998 album. 6 The singer put it on ice due to the success of the original. But you will finally get the chance to own it on vinyl and listen online when it is released on July 25, while the first taste, Skin (The Collaboration Remix Edit) came out yesterday. Elsewhere, Faithless have released Forever Free, featuring the final recorded vocal from their late frontman Maxi Jazz. It is also the title of the first instalment of their eighth album Champion Sound, which will be out in full later this year. Also released today is Ellie Goulding And Marshmello's summery dance banger Save My Love, Sabrina Carpenter 's Manchild and Newton Faulkner's Hunting Season. And Mimi Webb has dropped Love Language, from her second album Confessions, which will be released on September 12. Bizbit JODIE COMER says fans heading to see Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later, in which she stars, should pack extra undies. She said of the film, out on June 20: 'I was scared. There is a kind of tension. 'When you are in these high-intensity situations, it's exhilarating, thrilling, terrifying.' HAVE AN APPY TIME AT GLASTO IF you are heading to Glasto this year, Vodafone has created a free app to help crowds on the ground – and it sounds brilliant. Its Official Glastonbury Festival App will allow users to share which acts they are watching with friends. And because it updates automatically, you will always be able to know where they are at Worthy Farm. A map has been added too, which helps you track down new stages and merch stands, and it will count your steps so you can compare notes at the end. Last year the Bizarre team clocked up 160,000 steps each in Somerset – and we'll be sure to do more this year. Bizbit PIXIE LOTT and Rizzle Kicks have been confirmed in the entertainment line-up for this summer's Formula E racing finale. The artists will take to the stage at Excel in London on Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27, as the World Champion-ship reaches its climax. Pixie said: 'I'm very excited that the finale is in my hometown of London. "It's going to be a lot of fun.' SLAYER'S SABBATH THRILL IN UK RETURN METAL fans rejoice – it's International Day of Slayer. And to celebrate, the US thrash metal band 's guitarist Kerry King spoke to me about returning to the UK for two huge shows this summer. 6 The rockers were last on our shores during their 2019 Farewell tour, but will now play Cardiff's Blackweir Fields on July 3 and London's Finsbury Park on July 6. Kerry admits they were inspired to come back after agreeing to play at Ozzy Osbourne 's huge farewell show with Black Sabbath 's at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5. 'It's an honour just to be mentioned in the same breath as the people playing that event,' Kerry tells me. 'Even if Slayer had never come back to do any shows, "I would've really pushed to come back just for this one. 'Sabbath means a lot to me musically, they're where I come from. 'They're my heroes. To be part of their final show and perform one of their songs is just massive. 'I'll be there early, watching every performance, hearing songs I've loved for decades. 'So all our shows are anchored with the Black Sabbath date.' Each of the bands performing, including Metallica, Pantera And Anthrax, will all play one of Black Sabbath's songs in tribute to the group. But Kerry is staying tight-lipped, as when I ask if he could give me a clue about their performance, he laughs and says: 'Of course not. 'I think Sharon Osbourne would cut my tongue out if I said anything.' He's got a point.

News.com.au
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Star's wild bedroom act two weeks into dating
An NRL superstar has revealed the make or break moment with her now husband when the couple were just two weeks into dating.