#2021 Top Basketball Recruits

[celaenaeiln]

Hi! I loved your posts about Happy Robin Dick. The one thing that surprised me was about Dick's school/civilian life — can you elaborate on that? The few instances I've read where his school and peers were brought up, I got the impression he didn't fit in (off the top of my head, Robin & Batman (2021) #2)? If you have any reccommendations, I'd love to hear them! Clearly I've got a lot more reading to do! No pressure obviously if you're done talking about this :)

No worries I would love to talk about it more!

I spoke a little bit about this in this post and @northoftheroad as correct as always expanded more on it and I like the way they explained it.

Usually the bullying is a plot point that's used to cause drama or tension because of his rich boy status but by the end of the comic he finds friends and etc. It's also only ever used in the beginning of his school years like first couple days at the elementary school or new middle school or new high school depending on what age he is to make things more interesting before they settle down. I know it seems like I'm taking it lightly but Bruce used to get bullied and he's Bruce Wayne. So it's just like real life where it doesn't matter who you are, someone's gonna bully you anyway cause they feel like it.

Overall though he was pretty popular among everyone.

I want to use this perfect opportunity to elaborate on a specific point I mentioned earlier where I said "He was actually the one who went out of his way to help troubled kids because of his kindness, goodness, and empathy."

I actually had a specific comic in mind when I wrote this and it's this one:

Batman (1940) Issue #192

Where a guy Dick's looking to recruit for his basketball team starts squaring up with Dick because he hates rich kids. There's a whole story that takes place but in the end,

Batman (1940) Issue #192

Dick could've chosen to take revenge on him. Loomis hit him and he got his friends to jump Dick in civies before another friend of Dick's saved him. But instead he fought off the guys that were going to attack his friend and says,

"As Robin, I talked him into going out for the basketball team! I pointed out that if he's a star player--As he can be-- He'll become a celebrity quickly enough! After all, he just wanted folks to think he was a big shot!"

Robin Dick was a role model to everyone. There's several instances in the Teen Titans comics where Dick and the Teen Titans literally negotiate peace between the kids and the adults. They acted as a liason with Dick being the negotiator in charge. His empathy, understanding, and kindness let him do that.

First another quick example of Robin and the Titans being role models to troubled teens specifically:

Teen Titans (1966) Issue #5

And here's one of many times he and the titans took over peace talks

Teen Titans (1966) Issue #8

Teen Titans (1966) Issue #9

I got a little off topic but this is the kind of person Dick was. And this personality bled over into his school life too which is why he was so popular. There's another comic where Dick's in Hudson University and there's a conflict between the school and students and he in his civilian identity tries to negotiate between the students and the police. The students listen to him because he's popular and has influence.

[prettyhennytea]

Dawn Staley, the esteemed head coach of the South Carolina Gamecock's women's basketball team, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the league is nothing short of inspiring. Let's take a closer look at her childhood years, high school experiences, how she entered the league, and her remarkable career.

Childhood Years Born on May 4, 1970, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dawn Staley grew up in a challenging environment. Raised by her mother and grandmother in North Philadelphia's Raymond Rosen housing project - a neighborhood known for its economic hardships, Staley faced adversity from an early age. However, it was during these formative years that she developed resilience and determination that would shape her future success.

High School Years Staley attended Dobbins Technical High School where she quickly made a name for herself as an exceptional athlete. Excelling not only in basketball but also track and field and tennis, she showcased versatility and raw talent across multiple sports. As a standout point guard on the basketball court with unmatched skills and leadership qualities, Staley caught the attention of college recruiters nationwide.

Entering the League After graduating from high school in 1988 as one of Pennsylvania's most highly recruited players ever seen at that time. Dawn Staley faced numerous offers from top-tier universities across America. Ultimately choosing to attend the University of Virginia under legendary Coach Debbie Ryan was a physical decision that would set her on course for greatness.

Career in College Basketball During her time at Virginia (1998-1992), Staley became one of college basketball's most electrifying players. She led her team to three Final Four appearances (1990-1992) while earning All-American honors each year - an impressive feat indeed! Known for her exceptional ball-handling skills and court vision, Staley's ability to control the game and make her teammates better was unparalleled. Her leadership qualities were also recognized when she was named ACC Female Athlete of the Year in 1991 and 1992.

Professional Career Following her illustrious college career, Staley transitioned into professional basketball. In 1996, she joined the American Basketball League (ABL) as a member of the Richmond Rage. Her impact on the court continued to shine as she earned All-Star selections and led her team to an ABL Championship in 1997.

When the ABL folded in late 1998, Staley seamlessly transitioned to the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She was selected with the ninth overall pick by the Charlotte Sting in its inaugural draft. Throughout her WNBA career, which spanned from 1999-2006, Staley played for both Charlotte and Houston Comets. Known for her tenacity on defense and play-making abilities on offense, she left an indelible mark on each team she represented.

Coaching Career After retiring as a player in 2006, Dawn Staley embarked on a new chapter of her basketball journey, coaching. She began as an assistant coach at Temple University before taking over as head coach at South Carolina in April 2008. Under her guidance, South Carolina has experienced unprecedented success. Staley has transformed South Carolina into a powerhouse program that consistently competes at the highest level. The Gamecocks have won multiple Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season championships and SEC Tournament titles under her leadership. Most notably, Staley guided South Carolina to their first-ever NCAA National Championship victory in women's basketball during the historic season of 2016-2017.

Beyond coaching at South Carolina, Dawn Staley has also made significant contributions internationally by serving as head coach for Team USA Women's Basketball since March 2017. Under her guidance, Team USA won gold medals at the 2018 FIBA World Cup and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Dawn Staley's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a revered figure in women's basketball is a testament to her unwavering determination, resilience, and exceptional skills. As she continues to inspire both on and off the court, Staley remains an influential force in shaping the future of women's basketball for generations to come.

[5sosfanfictioncatalogue]

Fics Written In 2021 Masterlist

A Part Of Me (ao3) - stelleshine michael/luke, calum/ashton E, 77k

Summary: After a skate park mishap, could Michael really be lucky enough to find the love of his life in the emergency department?

Cards Are Dealt - @ashtcnirwin (elivigar) luke/ashton E, 100k

Summary: “You wanna… date me?” he asks eventually, when the silence is starting to feel loaded. “I don’t date and even if I did, I definitely wouldn’t be interested in dating you. I’d say no offense, but… full fucking offense.”

Ashton snorts. “Don’t flatter yourself, pumpkin, I have no interest in dating you either. Actually, the thought alone is exhausting and a little nauseating.”

Clenching his jaw, Luke grinds his teeth and shakes his head. “Then what do you want from me?”

“Sex. I already said that.”

A story about wants and expectations branching out and evolving without the knowledge or consent of those they belong to.

Denouement (Love is Almost Always Accidental) (ao3) - galacticsugar luke/ashton T, 28k

Summary: It’s 9pm on Sunday night and Ashton is alone in his room, crying. Oh, and he’s in Paris. Tomorrow he starts his senior year of high school, something he had been looking forward to pretty much his entire life. But then his parents had to go and ruin it by sending Ashton to boarding school in Paris for his final year of high school.

-

Ashton's parents send him to boarding school in Paris, where he is immediately charmed by Luke. Unfortunately, Luke has a boyfriend.

Ease (ao3) - Grace_Williams calum/ashton, michael/luke G, 138k

Summary: In a world where everyone was a dominant or a submissive and everyone had an assigned soulmate, Ashton was remarkably unsure of himself. Nothing is going as he planned and his soulmate, Calum, is, to put it simply, not who he expected.

Michael is Calum's best friend and an all round terrible example when it comes to navigating relationships.

Calum's assistant Maggie, along with her soulmate Carla, seem to be the only ones who do understand how a relationship is supposed to work.

Are they the only people can put those around them at ease?

Eighteen (ao3) - boomercal luke/ashton E, 56k

Summary: Eighteen-year-old Luke is done putting up with his father and brothers so he takes his father's Corvette and credit card to track down Ashton Irwin. Who graduated a few years ahead of him and has a reputation for smoking, drinking and sleeping around; surely he'll be enough to make his dad meet his demands... right?

feeling the weight of the world (ao3) - babyblueliveshere calum/ashton M, 22k

Summary: duke university and the university of north carolina, ten miles apart, home to the most intense rivalry in all of college basketball. and now, they have the top two high school basketball recruits in the nation: ashton irwin and calum hood.

for every question why (ao3) - caughtcal (marvelaf) calum/ashton T, 9k

Summary: When doing what he wants means sacrificing everything he knows, Calum has to find a way to deal with the changes.

Greyhound, Run - @daydadahlias (cornflowerblue (daydadahlias)) luke/ashton M, 12k

Summary: It's a small town—the sort where everyone knows everyone—so when a new car pulls into their lot that he doesn't recognize, and some blonde blue-eyed pretty boy steps out, Ashton's thrown for a loop.

But, he's seen it a time before, and he knows the look in someone's eye when they're running from something.

home is wherever you are tonight (ao3) - lifewasradical luke/ashton E, 72k

Summary: Life has become so mundane in the past few years that there’s very little that sends a thrill up Luke’s spine anymore. It’s that idea that had him saying yes to the idea of moving out here for a few weeks anyways: the knowledge that this was a completely new place where no one knew his name. He could be anyone he wanted to be here, within reason. He wouldn’t be seeing any of these people again after May, so what’s the harm in becoming a new person for a bit? Someone not so bogged down by the shit in their head that they can’t get out of bed some mornings. Maybe this is a step in the direction of the person Luke wants to be in the future anyways.

Or, Luke inherits a beach house on a tiny coastal island that needs some work. He didn't plan on falling in love with the guy at the hardware store.

I'd Marry You With Paper Rings (ao3) - FayeHunter luke/calum T, 4k

Summary: Calum seems to be on a mission to propose to Luke with as many things as he can. Luke just wants it to be real.

lu and mike (tt) (ao3) - coolbabyblue michael/luke T, 426k

Summary: Luke Hemmings. He'd always been extravagant, extra, aggressive, careless and an absolute jaw dropper.

People avoid him in the halls, in the cafeteria, in class because they know that they'll end up hurt - should they cross him.

He's explosively aggressive. He's the son of a very wealthy man and he simply loves to live life on the edge - somewhere between dangerously and carelessly. Maybe that's why he's always ending up in detention.

But I'm intrigued by his mystery, I'm invested in his story and there's no way that he's going to shake me off. Sure he hates my friends with burning passion behind his icy eyes, but he tolerates me and only me.

--------------

The story in which Luke is an overly aggressive teen who just can't seem to catch a break in life and Michael just wants to show him that he deserves the world and more.

No Shame (ao3) - valiantnerd (arareads) ot4 E, 11k

Summary: Everyone makes wild offers and pleas as dirty talk, it just so happens that Luke has three rather giving bandmates who'll make every single one of his wildest dreams come true.

Even if—or especially when—it means fucking him on stage.

Paint Me - @daydadahlias (cornflowerblue (daydadahlias)) luke/ashton, michael/crystal E, 17k

Summary: “Holy shit, hold on a minute,” Calum says, “is that who we’re supposed to be drawing?”

“I can’t draw him,” Michael gawks, “I’m not a Goddamn renaissance painter.”

Or, the one where Luke is an art student practicing realism for a month and Ashton is the nude model in his portrait class.

right then i realized (you're the love of my life) (ao3) - jbhmalum ot4 T, 6k

Summary: “Ash,” Luke mumbles, half asleep on Michael’s shoulder. It seems the people fighting on the TV screen aren’t enough to keep him up. “Come cuddle. Not the time for a photoshoot.”

“Coming, coming.”

Ashton looks at the picture for a second, before shaking his head and pocketing his phone. The real thing is right there in front of him; it would be a shame not to appreciate it. He can look back at the picture when he’s on his own and feeling lonely. *

or: 5 times ashton takes pictures of his boys and 1 time they insist he needs to be in the picture too

Scene 14 - @daydadahlias (cornflowerblue (daydadahlias)) luke/ashton, michael/crystal, roy/calum, kaykay/sierra E, 128k

Summary: It's one of the first lessons you learn. There’s a difference between performing and acting.

Actors are intellectuals; they’re poets with their expression and the way their voices hit the air. Performers, by comparison, are children, ignorant and too bright for their own good. No one wants to admit to being only a performer. If you’re anyone worth anything, you want to be an actor.

And Luke is not an actor, but Ashton is.

Or, the one where Luke hates Ashton but has to pretend to be in love with him for five months for his acting final except for the fact that maybe he isn't pretending anymore.

Take Notes - @daydadahlias (cornflowerblue (daydadahlias)) luke/calum E, 78k

Summary: “Calum,” Luke replies shakily, reeling. “I can’t take your virginity.”

“You’re not taking it,” Calum says in a small laugh, bobbing his head, “I’m giving it to you.”

Or, the one where Calum wants someone to teach him about sex and Luke happens to be an education major.

The Bass Player (ao3) - boomercal calum/ashton E, 69k

Summary: It's his first big tour with his relatively newly joined band, opening for his favourite band in highschool. So what if he's always found the drummer hot, nothing's going to come of it, and it would unprofessional if something did happen.

the violent voices, loud and deafening (ao3) - lifewasradical michael/calum T, 3k

Summary: Michael knows he’s a chronic overthinker, thoughts always plaguing his mind even when he begs them to quiet down. He’s started categorizing his thoughts into different groups, depending on how loud the voices are screaming and what he can hear them saying.  The thoughts spiral a lot, starting off as little seeds planted by his insecurities, blooming up into something big, terrifying, all encompassing. 

Or, Michael can't get out of his own head, but at least he has Calum.

Tidal Wave - @ashtcnirwin (elivigar) luke/ashton E, 127k

Summary: “We talked about it before we went over to fetch you,” Ashton starts, “and Michael talked it over with Liz, and we decided that you shouldn’t live on your own for the time being.”

“You decided that I shouldn’t live on my own,” Luke repeats. “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I’m an adult who can make his own decisions.”

Ashton smiles, but it’s thin and void of humour. “You’re staying with me for a while, Luke.”

A story about figuring out how to handle the difficulties life throws at you, on your own and with the help of loved ones.

Tie That Binds - @ashtcnirwin (elivigar) luke/ashton E, 98k

Summary: “If you do think I’m insane, I’ll go home and we can forget that this whole conversation ever took place. Deal?”

“I guess?” Ashton says, bewilderment painting every nook and cranny of his face. “What was with all the questions beforehand, though? You’re not gonna ask me to have sex with you, are you?”

Awful, unwelcome, mortified heat rushes to Luke’s face, and he lets out an involuntary noise that’s halfway between a squeak and a gag. He keeps his eyes on Ashton, though, and Ashton’s jaw drops.

“What?!” Ashton exclaims, putting his coffee down. “You want us to— what? Why?”

In which Luke wants to explore miscellaneous kinks and Ashton strikes him as a good candidate to do said exploring with with.

[lboogie1906]

Zion Lateef Williamson (July 6, 2000) is a basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans. He plays the power-forward position. Following a freshman-year stint with the Duke Blue Devils, he was selected by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020. In 2021, he became the fourth youngest NBA player to be selected to an All-Star game.

Born in Salisbury, North Carolina to La’Teef Williamson and Sharonda Sampson. He attended Spartanburg Day School, where he was a consensus five-star recruit and was ranked among the top five players in the 2018 class. He led his team to three straight state championships and earned South Carolina Mr. Basketball recognition in his senior season. He left high school as a McDonald’s All-American, runner-up for Mr. Basketball USA, and USA Today All-USA first-team honoree. In high school, he drew national attention for his slam dunks.

In his freshman and only season with Duke, Williamson was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Athlete of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year. He set the single-game school scoring record for freshmen, claimed ACC Rookie of the Week accolades five times, earned AP Player of the Year, Sporting NewsCollege Player of the Year recognition, and won the Wayman Tisdale Award.

He played soccer and the quarterback position in football. He competed in youth leagues with his mother Sharonda Sampson coaching and playing for the Sumter Falcons on the Amateur Athletic Union circuit. He began working with his stepfather to improve his skills as a point guard.

He has one child. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[jcmarchi]

AI recruitment's bias: Missing top talent

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/ai-recruitments-bias-missing-top-talent/

AI recruitment's bias: Missing top talent

As companies increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI) for their hiring processes, numerous well-qualified applicants are being overlooked.

Techniques such as analyzing body language, evaluating voice, gamified assessments, and scanning resumes are tools in the AI recruitment arsenal. These technologies evaluate job seekers, determining their suitability for positions.

AI adoption in recruitment

A significant portion of businesses are adopting these technologies. An IBM survey from late 2023, which included over 8,500 IT professionals worldwide, revealed that 42% are utilizing AI for screening to enhance recruitment and HR processes, while an additional 40% are contemplating its integration.

Many corporate leaders believed that AI in recruitment would eliminate hiring biases. However, the reality has been quite the opposite in some instances. There are rising concerns that these AI tools may be inadvertently filtering out the most capable candidates.

The impact of AI on job seekers

Hilke Schellmann, a US-based author and assistant professor of journalism at New York University, argues that there’s little proof these tools are bias-free or effectively identify the most suitable candidates. She asserts that the primary threat of this software isn’t the replacement of human jobs by machines but rather barring skilled individuals from securing employment.

For example, in 2020, Anthea Mairoudhiou, a UK-based makeup artist, was instructed to reapply for her position post-furlough. Despite her skillset scoring high, the AI tool HireVue rated her body language poorly, resulting in job loss. Following criticism, HireVue discontinued its facial analysis feature in 2021. Schellmann notes other workers have lodged complaints against similar systems.

Systemic flaws in AI tools

Schellmann highlights that job applicants are often unaware if AI tools are the sole reason for their rejection, as the software typically does not provide feedback on their assessment. However, examples of systemic issues are evident.

In one case, a rejected applicant resubmitted their application with a younger birthdate, which led to an interview offer. In another instance, an AI resume scanner trained on current employees’ CVs favored applicants listing “baseball” or “basketball” as hobbies, commonly associated with male employees, over “softball,” a hobby more associated with female applicants.

The expansion of this technology could potentially harm a vast number of applicants, surpassing the impact of biased human hiring managers.

Schellmann emphasizes the difficulty in pinpointing the exact source of harm and suggests that companies may lack the incentive to address these issues due to cost savings from AI adoption.

The future of ethical AI in hiring

Ensuring AI fairness and unbiasedness is crucial, according to Sandra Wachter, professor of technology and regulation. She argues that ethical AI not only fulfills legal and ethical obligations but can also boost profitability by making fairer and merit-based decisions.

Schellmann advocates for regulatory measures to prevent ongoing issues and warns against the future workplace becoming more unequal without intervention.

Like what you see? Then check out tonnes more.

From exclusive content by industry experts and an ever-increasing bank of real world use cases, to 80+ deep-dive summit presentations, our membership plans are packed with awesome AI resources.

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[sportyconnect]

Introduction North Carolina basketball holds a storied historical past of success, boasting a formidable roster of legendary coaches who've formed this system's identification. When you're curious to know who presently coaches North Carolina basketball and the effect of their management, this text will delve into the teaching legacy and make clear the present head coach. Legendary Coaches Dean Smith: The Architect of Success Dean Smith is without a doubt one of the most revered figures in school basketball's historical past. He coached North Carolina basketball from 1961 to 1997, amassing a rare report and main the crew to quite a few triumphs. Identified for his innovation and emphasis on participant growth, Smith constructed a basis of excellence that also resonates inside the program right now. Roy Williams: Persevering with the Legacy Following in Dean Smith's footsteps, Roy Williams took over as head coach of North Carolina basketball in 2003. Williams continued the custom of success, main the crew to 3 nationwide championships and persistently competing on the highest stage. His tenure was marked by an unwavering dedication to this system's core values and a deep understanding of the sport. Present Coach Hubert Davis: Main the Crew into the Future Since April 2021, Hubert Davis has taken on the position of head coach for North Carolina basketball. A former participant beneath Dean Smith and an assistant coach beneath Roy Williams, Davis brings a novel perspective and a robust connection to this system. Along with his expertise and fervor for the sport, Davis goals to construct the crew's wealthy historical past whereas incorporating his personal imagination and prescient techniques. Teaching Philosophy North Carolina basketball has long been synonymous with custom and excellence. The coaches prioritize upholding this system's values while adapting to the ever-evolving panorama of school basketball. They emphasize a robust work ethic, teamwork, and dedication to steady enhancement. Recruiting top-tier expertise and creating gamers' expertise are key points of the teaching philosophy. Achievements and Successes The success of North Carolina basketball beneath these coaches is unparalleled. This system has gained several nationwide championships and made quite a few appearances within the Closing 4, solidifying its standing as one of many elite basketball applications within the nation. Moreover, North Carolina persistently dominates the Atlantic Coast Convention (ACC), showcasing its competitiveness and dedication to excellence. Influence on Gamers North Carolina basketball has produced an exceptional variety of gamers who've transitioned to profitable careers within the NBA. The teaching workers' steerage and mentorship have performed an important position in nurturing these athletes' expertise and instilling in them the values of exhausting work, self-discipline, and teamwork. Past their achievements on the court docket, the coaches prioritize the private and professional progress of their gamers. Group Engagement North Carolina basketball goes past the confines of the court docket by actively participating with the group. The coaches and gamers take part in numerous outreach applications, contributing to native charities and making a constructive effect on the lives of others. This dedication to group involvement underscores this system's dedication to being a pressure for good. Conclusion In conclusion, the teaching legacy of North Carolina basketball is wealthy and impactful. From Dean Smith's transformative tenure to Roy Williams' continued success, this system has been outlined by distinctive leaders. Underneath the steerage of present head coach Hubert Davis, the crew is poised to hold the torch ahead, making certain that the traditions of excellence and dedication endure. FAQs What number of nationwide championships has North Carolina basketball gained?

North Carolina basketball has gained a complete of six nationwide championships, solidifying its standing as one of the vital profitable applications in school basketball's historical past. Who was the primary head coach of North Carolina basketball? North Carolina's first head coach was Frank McGuire, who led the crew to its first national championship in 1957. Are you able to go to the North Carolina basketball services? Sure, the North Carolina basketball services are open to guests. You may discover the Smith Heart, and the crew's house environment, and take a tour to get a glimpse of the wealthy historical past and customs of this system. How can I help the crew? You may help the North Carolina basketball crew by attending video games, buying crew merchandise, and cheering them on from wherever you're. Your help as a fan is invaluable to this system. Has North Carolina basketball produced any well-known gamers? Sure, North Carolina basketball has a protracted listing of well-known gamers who've made important contributions to the game. Some notable examples embrace Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, James Worthy, and lots of others who've achieved nice success within the NBA. #SportyConnect

[laocommunity]

From NBA Dreams to Transfer Rumors: The Curious Case of Arthur Kaluma" - An Inside Look on his Decision to Exit the NBA Draft and Explore Other Options

From NBA Dreams to Transfer Rumors: The Curious Case of Arthur Kaluma" - An Inside Look on his Decision to Exit the NBA Draft and Explore Other Options From NBA Dreams to Transfer Rumors: The Curious Case of Arthur Kaluma The NBA draft is always an exciting time for young basketball players around the world. It's an opportunity to showcase their talent and potentially fulfill their dreams of playing in the NBA. And when Arthur Kaluma, a highly-touted recruit in the 2021 class, declared for the NBA draft, the basketball world was abuzz with excitement. However, not long after his announcement, rumors began to swirl about Kaluma's decision to instead explore other options. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the curious case of Arthur Kaluma and delve into the reasons behind his decision to exit the NBA draft. Who is Arthur Kaluma? Before we dive into the specifics of Kaluma's situation, let's take a moment to introduce the man himself. Arthur Kaluma is a 6-foot-8 forward from Arizona who is widely considered one of the top high school basketball players in the country. He played his high school ball at Dream City Christian, where he averaged 15.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game as a senior. Kaluma was also a McDonald's All-American and a member of the gold-medal-winning USA Basketball U19 team. Kaluma's Decision to Enter the NBA Draft Given Kaluma's impressive high school resume, it's no surprise that he attracted attention from NBA teams. In April 2021, Kaluma announced that he would be entering the 2021 NBA draft, with the hope of being selected by a team in the two-round event. At first glance, the decision seemed like a logical one. Kaluma had just completed an impressive high school career, and his size and versatility were attributes that NBA teams look for in young players. However, as the draft drew closer, rumors began to circulate that Kaluma was considering a different path. Exploring Other Options A few weeks after declaring for the NBA draft, reports emerged that Kaluma was considering other options, including potentially joining the G League Ignite team or transferring to another college program. It was unclear at the time why Kaluma had decided to explore these alternatives, but the rumors quickly gained traction. Eventually, it was revealed that Kaluma had decided to withdraw from the draft and explore his options as a college transfer. According to sources close to Kaluma, the decision was made in part because of uncertainty surrounding the G League Ignite team and concerns about his draft stock. What's Next for Kaluma? With Kaluma no longer in the NBA draft pool, the question is where he goes from here. As of this writing, Kaluma has not announced any definitive plans, but there are a few possibilities that have been discussed. One option would be for Kaluma to join the G League Ignite team, which is a newly formed squad that serves as a development program for young players. Another possibility is that Kaluma could transfer to a Division I college program, where he would have the opportunity to continue honing his skills and potentially boost his draft stock for next year's draft. Conclusion The case of Arthur Kaluma is a fascinating one and highlights some of the complexities of the NBA draft process. Despite being a highly-touted prospect, Kaluma ultimately decided to explore other options, citing concerns about his draft stock and the potential benefits of developing his game in a different setting. Whatever the future holds for Kaluma, we can be sure that he will continue to be a player to watch in the coming months and years. FAQs 1. Why did Arthur Kaluma decide to explore other options instead of entering the NBA draft? - Kaluma cited concerns about his draft stock and the benefits of developing his game in a different setting. 2. What were Kaluma's stats in high school? - As a senior, Kaluma averaged 15.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. 3. What other options is Kaluma considering? - Kaluma is reportedly considering joining the G League Ignite team or transferring to another college program. 4. Why was there uncertainty surrounding the G League Ignite team? - It's unclear what specifically caused the uncertainty, but it may have been related to logistics or the overall structure of the team. 5. What will Kaluma's future career look like? - It's too early to say for certain, but Kaluma is a talented player with plenty of options, so the sky's the limit in terms of his potential. #SPORT Read the full article

[news4usonline]

The solution to amateurism in college sports

(News4usonline) - The world of college sports has officially entered an era where student-athletes will be able to get paid. In the case of Shaqir O’Neal, he has an estimated earning of over a million dollars and has had brand deals with companies like Fortnite and Capital One. O’Neal and many of his athletic peers are ushering in an era where “amateur” athletes will be able to gain financially based on their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Using his name associated with his father’s legacy and his own image, O’Neal will now be able to turn a profit due to NIL laws. Amateurism in the NCAA has a long history of controversy tied to it. The famous case of Reggie Bush having his name removed from Heisman record books shows how seriously the NCAA takes its policy to not pay players.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 20: USC Trojans vs Drake Bulldogs in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 20, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jack Dempsey/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) New or recruited athletes were only offered scholarships that cover room and board with no outside compensation for performance in their respective sport, this includes money for winning championships or big tournaments which is reflected in the coaches and schools' pay and the players see no profit. The topic of amateurism has since been argued several times throughout history. In June of 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the NCAA violated the Sherman Act in the case of the NCAA vs. Alston. This case was sparked by Nick Saban’s national college football championship in 2021 where he had a salary of more than $9 million dollars. None of the earnings from this championship was rewarded to the players that he coached. Now players are now able to actively look for outside means of income, whether that be partnering with popular companies like Fortnite or even in some cases, garnering shoe deals. Adidas has made the additions of college basketball players a hot topic of discussion, linking up with Gradey Dick, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Hansel Emmanuel, and Jalen Hood-Schifinio. Alongside Emmanuel’s deal with Adidas, he is also the top-paid college basketball player with around one and a half million in NIL deals. This marks a historical moment in college basketball as players are being paid as an individual while wearing and representing a brand.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 30: Charli Collier #35 of the Texas Longhorns takes a shot over Aliyah Boston #4 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on March 30, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Justin Tafoya//NCAA Photos via Getty Images) The NIL benefit has even already reached the high school level with LeBron James’s sons; Bronny James, and Bryce James both having massive NIL deals. The introduction of the NIL and NIL laws is the seed of a wave of change when it comes to college athletes and how they can benefit. Amateurism will forever be a pillar in the NCAA as it was at its conception. However, there are other means for a player to gain notoriety and financial gain. They don’t have to wait four years to get it. The student-athlete of today can get what they want right now. Feature Image Photo Caption: WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - MARCH 18: Marcus Bingham Jr. #30 of the Michigan State Spartans defends Jaime Jaquez Jr. #4 of the UCLA Bruins in the First Four round of the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Mackey Arena on March 18, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Hancock/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) Read the full article

[mimelord1]

Basketball Star Emoni Bates Cries On Phone With Mom During Gun Arrest

Basketball Star Emoni Bates Cries On Phone With Mom During Gun Arrest https://ift.tt/Nux23q4 Play video content TMZSports.com Eastern Michigan basketball star Emoni Bates was deeply emotional as he sat handcuffed in the back seat of a cop car … breaking down in tears and talking to his mom on the phone right after his gun arrest, footage obtained by TMZ Sports shows. 18-year-old Bates — one of the top prospects in the class of 2021 — was pulled over in Superior Township, Michigan after allegedly running through a stop sign around 10:45 PM on September 18. Getty Ex-Top H.S. Basketball Recruit Emoni Bates Charged W/ Two Felonies After Arrest During the traffic stop, Washtenaw County sheriff’s deputies — who immediately recognized Bates — told him there was a strong scent of weed coming from his vehicle and asked if there were guns or drugs in the Mitsubishi Outlander. Bates — who was driving without a license — initially claimed he didn’t, but eventually came clean … admitting he had marijuana and a gun, putting his hands up and complying with the officers. The 6’9″, 190-pounder was then placed under arrest and put into the back seat of the cop car. While his vehicle was being searched, cops allowed him to use his phone … and he called his mother to apologize for the arrest — breaking down in tears in the process. During the search, cops found what appeared to be a bag of marijuana … as well as the gun. Play video content TMZSports.com Emoni’s mom, Edith, calmed him down during the phone convo … and then handed the phone over to a man, who seemingly said he is the owner of the gun. The man appears to ask if cops found “my stick in your car?” … to which Bates replied, “Yeah.” Bates was hit with two felonies — carrying a concealed weapon and altering ID marks on a firearm — but on Thursday, Bates’ attorney, Steve Haney, told ESPN he expects the charges to be dismissed after agreeing to a plea deal. Haney says he will plead to a misdemeanor count of attempted illegal transportation of a weapon … which will be dismissed off his record if he completes a diversion program. The school confirmed the news to TMZ Sports … saying, “The Eastern Michigan University department of athletics has received notification that there is an agreement between the Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office and Emoni Bates’ defense team that would result in the felony charges being dismissed.” “In accordance with EMU athletics policies, Mr. Bates is immediately reinstated to all athletic and campus activities.” The post Basketball Star Emoni Bates Cries On Phone With Mom During Gun Arrest first appeared on Suave Media. Tags and categories: Uncategorized via WordPress https://ift.tt/xe12tm3 October 13, 2022 at 09:50PM

[justcss]

2002 uk basketball roster

2002 uk basketball roster free#

Instead of being the dude for a bad team, he'll be fighting for a role on a great team in a much tougher conference. Bench Antonio ReevesĪfter averaging 20.1 points for Illinois State as a junior last season, Reeves faces a big transition in his fourth season of college basketball. Tshiebwe's physicality, tenacity and touch around the rim is a problem for opponents. Now, he's hungry for more team success after racking up a ridiculous amount of individual hardware. Tshiebwe swept the national player of the year awards circuit after averaging 17.4 points, 15.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 60.6% from the floor in his first season with the program after transferring in from West Virginia. He's a versatile defender and elite finisher at the rim, but he'll be fighting for minutes with a handful of teammates. Toppin gets penciled in for now after averaging 17.7 minutes per game while mostly coming off the bench. With Keion Brooks transferring out to Washington, Calipari has options here. Early returns on that quest appear positive. For floor-spacing purposes, it would also be huge for UK if Livingston can keep opposing defenses honest from the perimeter. He'll bring athleticism and versatility to the wing for UK and could play his way into the lottery pick conversation if he can demonstrate a consistent 3-point shot. 15 overall prospect in the 2022 class, per 247Sports. 7 in Kyle Boone's 2023 NBA mock draft last week. Calipari likened Wallace to Eric Bledsoe and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when he signed. He should be able to slide naturally into the role that TyTy Washington played last season for the Wildcats as a combo guard who plays tenacious defense. Wallace finished the 2022 recruiting cycle ranked No. But he's an excellent, old-school point guard who can facilitate an offense, run the break and provide critical veteran leadership. At 5-foot-10 and as just a career 27.5% 3-point shooter, Wheeler has his limitations. Wheeler led the SEC in assists with 6.9 per game last season in his first year with Kentucky after two seasons as Georgia's point guard.

2002 uk basketball roster free#

Now that college basketball's version of free agency has died down, it's time to look at Kentucky's roster and assess how it shapes up as we start flipping the page to a new season. But with productive veterans in key positions and a pair of five-star freshmen arriving on campus, there is enough talent at Kentucky for the Wildcats to regain the championship trajectory it has enjoyed for much of Calipari's tenure. Around them will be a mixture of fresh faces and returning role players as the Wildcats set out on the redemption trail.īy the time the 2023 rendition of March Madness rolls around, it will have been nearly four calendar years since UK's last NCAA Tournament victory. With the pain of that loss as a backdrop, Kentucky is returning two anchors from last season's lineup in point guard Sahvir Wheeler and center Oscar Tshiebwe for the 2022-23 season. With a roster formula that skewed far older than normal, coach John Calipari fielded a team that spent much of the season ranked in the top 10 before its campaign came to a stunning end against the Peacocks. 15 seed Saint Peter's in the first round of the NCAA Tournament cast a pall over an otherwise solid season for the Wildcats, who bounced back from an abysmal 2020-21 campaign to reclaim their place among the SEC and national elite. The ending of Kentucky's 2021-22 season at the hands of No.

[prettyhennytea]

In the world of women's basketball, there are few individuals who have made as significant an impact as Adia Barnes. As the head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team, Barnes has not only led her team to new heights but has also become a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. Let's take a look at her inspiring journey from her childhood years to her remarkable career in the league.

Childhood Years and High School:

Adia Barnes was born on February 3, 1977, in San Diego, California. Growing up in a sports-loving family, she developed a passion for basketball at an early age. Her father played college football at Fresno State University and instilled in her a strong work ethic and determination. Barnes attended Mission by High School where she excelled both academically and athletically. She quickly became known for her exceptional skills on the basketball court and was named California Player of the Year during her senior year. Her outstanding performance caught the attention of college recruiters across the nation.

Entering the League:

After completing high school, Adia Barnes received numerous scholarship offers from top-tier universities but ultimately chose to attend the University of Arizona. During her time as a Wildcat from 1995 to 1998, she left an indelible mark on both the program and women's college basketball as a whole.

Barnes' collegiate career was nothing short of extraordinary. She became one of Arizona's all-time leading scorers with over 2,000 points throughout four seasons while also setting records for rebounds and steals. Her exceptional talent earned her multiple accolades including All-Pac-10 honors and recognition as an All-American player.

Career in the League

Following an illustrious college career, Adia Barnes set out to make waves at professional level by entering the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft in 1998. She was selected as the second overall pick by the Sacramento Monarchs, marking a significant milestone in her career.

During her time in the WNBA, Barnes played for several teams including the Seattle Storm, Cleveland Rockers, and Minnesota Lynx. Although she faced challenges along the way, she remained resilient and continued to showcase her skills on both ends of the court. Her tenacity and determination made her a respected figure among her peers.

Transitioning to Coaching

After retiring from professional basketball in 2004, Adia Barnes decided to channel her passion for the game into coaching. She began honing her coaching skills as an assistant coach at various universities before returning to Arizona as an associate head coach under Niya Butts.

In 2016, Barnes took on one of her most significant roles yet when she was named head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team. Under her leadership, the program experienced a remarkable resurgence. In just a few years, Barnes transformed Arizona into a formidable force within their conference and led them to their first-ever NCAA Tournament Final Four appearance in 2021.

Adia Barnes' journey from childhood dreams to becoming an influential figure in women's basketball is nothing short of inspiring. From excelling on high school courts to leaving an indelible mark at college level and making waves in professional leagues, she has consistently demonstrated resilience and dedication throughout every stage of her career.

As head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team today, Adia Barnes continues to inspire young athletes with not only her coaching prowess but also with unwavering determination that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. Her impact extends far beyond wins and losses, it serves as a testament that barriers can be broken down through passion and commitment.

[brooksscoutingreport]

Washington state Basketball recruits

Washington State 2021 Basketball Commits(Recruits & Prospect), Brooks Scouting Report is the premier scouting service in Washington State. Providing a platform for players, coaches, and scouts to garner exposure in the basketball world. High School & Junior College players are given the platform to garner scholarship opportunities at all levels of college basketball. Washington top recruits for basketball | Washington scouts Basketball

Click here - Scouting Service | Recruitment Boost 

[bongaboi]

Saint Peter's: 2021-22 Metro Atlantic Men's Basketball Champions

ATLANTIC CITY — Shaheen Holloway's New Jersey basketball success story continued Saturday afternoon.

The Saint Peter's men's basketball coach watched as the third-seeded Peacocks earned their first NCAA Tournament bid since 2011 with a 60-54 win over fourth-seeded Monmouth in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament title game at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Junior guard Doug Edert scored 10 of his game-high 20 points in the final six minutes to propel the Peacocks to the win. Umar Shannon, a Saint Peter's assistant coach, is an Atlantic City High School alumnus.

Holloway took over the Peacocks in 2018. He first rose to prominence as a standout guard at St. Patrick's of Elizabeth in the 1990s, where he was named a McDonald's All-American. Holloway excelled at Seton Hall, leading the Pirates to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2000. As an assistant at Iona and Seton Hall, Holloway proved to be a standout recruiter and top-notch talent developer.

Saint Peter's led the entire second half Saturday, although Monmouth did cut the lead to one point three times in the final six minutes.

During that stretch, Edert made a jumper in the lane, two foul shots and then made a 3-pointer from the left wing with 46 seconds left to put Saint Peter's up five and clinch the win.

KC Ndefo, a 6-foot-7 senior forward, set the defensive tone for Saint Peter's with four blocks and seven rebounds before fouling out with 3 minutes, 31 seconds left. Ndefo was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. The Peacocks also survived 6-7 junior forward Drame Fousseyni (10 rebounds) fouling out with 1 minute, 42 seconds left.

Graduate senior center Walker Miller led Monmouth with 15.

Saturday's game capped the five-day MAAC tournaments. The event is scheduled to return to Boardwalk Hall next year. This was the first year the MAAC tourneys — the women's title game was was held earlier in the day — had a chance to show what they could do in Atlantic City. The pandemic canceled the 2020 tournament shortly after it began. The 2021 tournament was held before few fans because of COVID-19.

"It went," MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor said of the tournament, "so it's a great step forward. It's nice to be in full operation mode again."

There was plenty of energy in Boardwalk Hall on Saturday. For the first time all week, the arena unveiled its famous pipe organ for the national anthem.

The crowd was decidedly pro-Monmouth. Fans of both schools stood for the opening tip. The Hawks fans chanted "Defense! Defense!" in the second half.

Ensor spoke positively about the logistics of Boardwalk Hall, the building's acoustics and Atlantic City's abundance of hotel rooms.

"There will be good word of mouth coming out of this week," Ensor said. "We'll continue to grow the event."

As for Saturday's title game, what made it so compelling is the MAAC is a one-bid league. Only Saturday's winner is headed to the NCAA Tournament.

Both Monmouth ( 21-13) and Saint Peter's (19-11) played with desperation. Who knows when either school will be this close to an NCAA Tournament bid again?

Monmouth is leaving the MAAC at the end of the school year for the Colonial Athletic Association, a higher-level league. Holloway's success at Saint Peter's could lead him to a job at a bigger school.

Points were tough to come by as both teams played physical, tenacious defense. Monmouth shot 12 of 51 from the floor. The Peacocks did only slightly better at 19 for 46.

Edert has a Jersey story of his own. The Nutley resident graduated from Bergen Catholic Hugh School. He was 5 of 10 from the floor and 8 off 9 from the foul line, and that was the difference.

Each team needed one player to get hot. Edert was that man.

[famedbase]

limitations: open to all

points available: up to 17 points per muse.

tag: #famedbasemagazine

deadline: october 16, 2021, at 11:59pm edt / october 17, 2021, at 12:59pm kst.

news outlet exclusive and joint idol multi-media project base are collaborating to release a special one-issue magazine that will highlight idols under bc, dimensions, and gold star. the magazine will not only feature photos and content of all of the idols under all three companies, but they’ll get to stretch their legs creatively as well as some take on the role of fashion editors and creative directors for their own content.

the more cynical have said this is an attempt by the three companies to get on exclusive’s good side, but, for the most part, fans are buzzing with excitement at the news of more content from their favorite idols.

throughout the month of september into early october, idols under all three companies will be participating in schedules for the special magazine.

in-’verse info

idols under the three companies have been scheduled for various gigs as a part of the special magazine release. these activities will be scheduled over the course of six weeks from the beginning of september to mid-october.

opportunity one: group pictorial

for the special magazine, the team has recruited top photographers and creative directors that have worked with several of the top fashion magazines in korea to craft pictorial concepts for each group under the three companies. each company will shoot a pictorial for the magazine.

note: for the purposes of this, concept references should not be taken as exact mirrors of the photo shoot. they may be solo or pair shoots while the ones in-’verse are group shoots, but they’re meant to symbolize the wardrobe, feeling, and setting of the photo shoots more than exact photos taken during the shoots.

titan: concept reference: “giorgio armani’s power”

lily: concept reference: “perfect day”

cloud: concept reference: “landscape”

candy: concept reference: “blue blue blue”

calypso: concept reference: “aerobic rhythm of the 90s”

polaris: concept reference: “basketball fashion”

quantum: concept reference: “amidst passing time”

andromeda: concept reference: “traveling to starland”

selene: concept reference: “back to the 99s”

platinum: concept reference: “from dusk till dawn”

equinox: concept reference: “night crawlers”

catalyst: concept reference: “one of a kind”

ultraviolet: concept reference: “chanel autumn night”

points:

- 1a. a solo of 400+ words about some element of the pictorial shoot: 2 points - 1b. a thread of at least six posts with a member of the same group during the pictorial shoot: 2 points

opportunity two: solo interview

there will be a series of individual interviews with idols. for those who also do a solo pictorial, this will accompany that spread. for those who don’t, the interview will be included in alongside their group spread. each idol will be asked ten questions, with seven being standard interview questions across all idols being interviewed and three being original questions created by the mun uniquely related to the muse:

- what one word or phrase would you use to describe your 2021? - how have you and your group grown this year? - what has been your muse-have fashion item recently? - how would you describe the concept of your solo pictorial and how you came up with it? / (if you do not plan on muse doing a solo pictorial:) how was your group photo shoot? what were your thoughts about it and during it? - talk about your exclusive x base stage performance. / (if you do not plan on muse doing an exclusive x base stage performance) in your opinion, what are your strengths and weaknesses as a person and as a celebrity? - what are you most interested in these days? - what is something you want to do in the future?

- three individualized interview questions created by mun. avoid controversial, confrontational, or private questions. these may be on topics such as their solo work, things related to their image, general questions on interests and hobbies, or expansions on the six standard questions.

points:

- 2a: complete the ten-question interview: 3 points.

opportunity three: solo pictorial

idols will also be given the opportunity to help serve as fashion editors and stylists for their own solo pictorial. while the main team of professionals hired for the magazine will get final say, this is the most creative controls idols have probably had over a pictorial in their careers up to this point. not all idols will have a solo pictorial in the magazine; muses/muns who do not complete both steps of this opportunity will not canonically have one.

please keep in mind the pictorial cannot be controversial, crude/vulgar, image-damaging, etc. and content such as nudity, smoking, etc. would not be allowed. this is meant to “show their creativity”, but idol image is always a limiting factor. the group pictorial references are a good reference for acceptable tone and content.

the budget will allow travel within 2,500 kilometers of seoul for each solo pictorial if the idol desires to shoot on-location somewhere.

points:

- 3a. post an aesthetic showcasing the solo pictorial and include a description of the concept: 1 point. - 3b. a solo of 400+ words about some element of the pictorial shoot: 2 points

opportunity four: exclusive x base stage

exclusive will be releasing a series of ‘exclusive x base stage’ videos to their youtube channel. this will involve performances videos by idols under the companies. examples: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

idols will get to have a hand in the creative direction for the stage set up, location, and styling for their stage if they wish, but this is optional. travel for an on-location shoot is possible, but the budget will only allow travel within south korea.

muses who have solo original music claims released already may perform an original song if they choose to do this. it does not have to be a single and also may be an ost they sang. otherwise, muses may do a cover of a song.

for covers, please remember to try to avoid songs that are claimable but have not been claimed yet, though there’s more flexibility with songs that are able to be claimed but are less likely to (ex. more recent releases by veteran ballad artists). some suggestions for covers of non-claimable songs are songs by non-korean industry artists, songs originally by bands or with more than three main artists, songs released prior to december 2009, and canonically released / claimed and released songs.

not all idols will have an exclusive x base stage video; muses/muns who do not complete both steps will not canonically have one.

points:

- 4a. post an aesthetic showcasing the stage concept and include a description of the concept: 1 point. - 4b. write a solo of 400+ words about some element of the exclusive x base stage shoot.: 2 points

opportunity five: online exclusive

there will also be another online exclusive video related to the creation of the special magazine.

idols will be paired up and will spend the better part of the day together in a typical photo shoot studio setup. one idol will be asked to direct the styling and the hair and make-up of the other idol to their taste from what’s available to them, and they’ll be able to play around with the studio backdrop, props, lighting, etc. as well. they will then serve as the photographer and take a few pictures of the idol they styled. this is meant to be a light-hearted video series and the concepts aren’t expected to be as serious or professional as the actual solo pictorials. the focus is instead on feeding fans more content and giving unexpected interactions between idols. a video of the process as well as a few of the final photos will be uploaded to exclusive’s website.

idols will be randomly paired, so though anyone can get paired up, for the sake of branching out, this must be completed between two muses who haven’t yet threaded since the restructuring. it’s encouraged this be muses who haven’t interacted much in general before, but that part won’t be enforced.

points:

- 5a. a thread of at least six posts taking place during this filming. (may be completed twice, once as the muse being styled and once as the muse doing the styling, though each must be partnered with a different muse).

points roundup

total available points: 17 points (none of the prompts count toward monthly limits.)

+2 points: 1a. group pictorial solo

+2 points: 1b. group pictorial thread

+3 points: 2a. solo interview

+1 points: 3a. solo pictorial aesthetic

+2 points: 3b. solo pictorial solo

+1 points: 4a. exclusive x base stage aesthetic

+2 points: 4b. exclusive x base stage solo

+2 points (up to 2x for a total of 4 points): 5a. online exclusive thread

as always, please don’t feel pressured to do everything. you may pick and choose what you have muse for!

please remember to tag with #famedbasemagazine.

[thehofw]

Behind The Scenes of James Wiseman explosive career.

The How of  the Wow exhibits stand out athletes well known individuals whose skills and attributes are out of the ordinary separating themselves from other professional athletes around different leagues. These stand out athletes have a knack that excels them in their sport which radiates attention from fans of all levels. Throughout the years, we have seen dominant talents from Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt, Cristiano Ronaldo to recently Lamar Jackson and many other young phenoms. An athlete that has caught everyone's eyes is rising superstar James Wiseman, a professional basketball player who plays center for the Golden State Warriors. 

James Wiseman is a prototype modern center from Nashville, Tennessee. Wiseman is 7’1 with an outrageous wingspan of 7’6 and only 20 years old. His skill set that has no ceiling, along with his team-oriented personality made every GM in the NBA have a keen eye on him for the 2020 draft. Wiseman’s great rebound awareness and explosiveness allows him to catch offensive and defensive rebounds with ease. Wiseman’s crazy athleticism is enough to make him a monstrosity in the paint with an average of 77% FG. Furthermore, his great shooting capacity gives him the ability to shoot inside and outside with a solid 70% FT. His highschool stats speak for themselves, averaging 25.8 points per game, 14.8 rebounds per game, 5.5 blocks per game and 1.3 steals per game resulting in his selection for the High School All-American team in 2018-2019. 

The news of having the #1 player in the country committed to Memphis University brought a lot of attention and marketing opportunity to the University. Living up to the speculation, in just three games of college James Wiseman averaged 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds at Memphis making him into a top prospect for the league as many scouts saw him as a predominant threat in the NBA. After Wisemans’ third game at Memphis, his collegiate career came to an abrupt halt. News broke out that James Wiseman would be ineligible to play the rest of the 2019-2020 season because coach Penny Hardaway gave his mother 11,500 in moving expenses to relocate High school.

Wiseman comes from an inner-city modest home in Memphis living with his mother. Socioeconomic factors started to be seen early in Wiseman's life. Wiseman’s mother Donzaleigh Artis, had a common saying. “Just make it to Friday, to payday,” Wiseman’s mother would say. She was a school bus driver, and would collect a check that would sustain them for another week. His parents separated, but his father, Stefan, worked two jobs to help the family make ends meet. Living paycheck to paycheck, where food could be scarce and on a good week the lights stayed on. While enduring these socioeconomic factors, basketball would be the safe haven and would ultimately one day give his family an opportunity to live comfortably. Wiseman also knew that he wasn’t just going to stop at being a great basketball player, but also have strategic goals to give back to his community knowing that the talent in Nashville is in need of resources. Receiving the 11,500 was the best resource at the time for his strategic plan, which gave him a spark to his basketball career. This would help better his game and achieve one of his “big rocks''; the NBA. Being in Penny Hardaway’s presence allowed media and attention to shine a spotlight on ultimately helped him become the number one recruit for his class. After having a standout highschool season, Hardaway signed a contract with Memphis to be the head coach and quickly directed his attention to Wiseman. Wiseman would then commit and play three games before becoming suspended for the scandal. Enduring the scandal reshaped Wiseman's objectives and allowed him to focus on one of his main goals, the NBA. Wiseman had an exceptional rookie year with Warriors averaging 11.5 points and 6 rebounds a game. 

Wiseman’s unique college basketball career had many socio economic hardships, but these hardships did not stop him raising the ceiling for a modern big in the NBA. Although Wiseman was unable to live out his college dream, he was able to reach a big rock as he has taken on a starting role for the Warriors. Socioeconomic status is an apparent issue in inner city communities where a lot of talent brews. Showcasing James Wiseman's young life and basketball career shows that he was able to overcome socioeconomic factors through setting objectives, accomplishing goals with strategic planning, using resources to reach the goals, and having a growth mindset as he becomes a rising star in the league. 

Citations:

 Bost, L. (2020, November 19). 5 things to know about James Wiseman, the no. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft by Golden State. Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/basketball/2020/11/18/james-wiseman-things-to-know-second-pick-2020-nba-draft-golden-state-warriors/6306991002/

Mannix, C. (2020, November 9). James Wiseman just wants to play. Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://wkky.com/2020/11/09/james-wiseman-just-wants-to-play/

Spears, M. J. (2019, April 12). Move over, zion! no. 1 NBA prospect James Wiseman is taking center stage. Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://theundefeated.com/features/no-1-nba-prospect-memphis-recruit-james-wiseman-is-taking-center-stage/

[satoshi-mochida]

Zockrates Laboratories will release hand-drawn open-world action adventure game Ruffy and the Riverside for Switch and PC via Steam in 2021, the developer announced.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

Join Ruffy and his buddy Snokko in this open-world action adventure and save the Riverside Kingdom!

The Riverside Kingdom is home of Ruffy and his buddies. It’s a magic place of fantasy and peace—but things changed when a strange object appeared near the castle. All over the countryside cubes appear and promise endless entertainment, but whoever entered them never returned.

Now go and do something about it! Explore the world, enter dungeons, solve quests and riddles, and build your team to strike back! Use your strength, use your imagination, and above all, use your awesome talent—The Swapping!

Unique Gameplay

First of all: Yes, Ruffy can do what every hero is supposed to do, he can run, jump, climb, and fight. He can drive vehicles, plays basketball, and he throws his bee like a major league fastball. He is a powerhouse, and yes, of course: he can talk too.

But folks, the best is yet to come: Ruffy swaps materials!

Swapping? Well, it’s basically copy-and-paste! Want to cross a river? Just copy that ice nearby and paste it on the river—whoops!—it turns to ice and you walk over. Easy. Want to get on top of that waterfall? Maybe there is a tendril nearby? Ruffy can change it all! The sun can be a moon, day turns into night. A rock can be a truck—lets go for a drive. Use your imagination and give it all a try. You will make your way!

Swapping feels magic, it’s easy and it looks supercool. It makes the world the way only you can see it!

Open-World Action

Riverside is an open-world ready to be explored. Unlock new areas, master dungeons, solve quests, talk to townspeople, drive vehicles, jump, run, crash, and climb—what ever it takes. Most of all: This world can change and it’s you who does the trick. Just swap it baby!

Art Style

It’s all hand-painted. Yes really—on paper. Not those photoshop or iPad drawings. This is real, pen on paper and then put into the game. Wow—you can feel it: we are BIT proud of that. It’s just unique. Take a look.

What else? Well not much. Except when you change the whole world—those graphics are all hand-painted too.

Friends and Company

Every child knows it’s dangerous to go alone. So you just shouldn’t, right? But HEY LISTEN, here it comes: You got some company. It’s only a bee, but it’s yours and you can throw it. Smash away enemies, crash boxes and more. Swapping? Yes—use your bee for swapping too. Very handy when that lava is just too hot to pick it up yourself (or if you are just too lazy to walk there). Then there is your homie Snokko. He’s a hell of a buddy and always helps you out. There is advice and training, but there is also basketball and Snokko is pro on the court. Sounds pretty helpful when facing an invasion, right?

What more? Well, explore the world and see. You’ll meet those animals, creatures and ghosts on your way. No spoilers here.

Build Your Army, Build Your Base!

Stopping an invasion never was a job for just a bear and a bee, so you need an army. SPOILER: You wont get one. But you can build up your Bear Force. Rescue bears, recruit them, equip them and see how much support they can give. Never give up and just bring it all to your base camp.

Vehicles

Why walk when you can drive? Simply hop in and off you go. Some might look ancient, some from the future, some fly some, some swim, some drive. Go out find them and don’t forget to drop them in your base camp. Those lazy bears want some vehicles too!

View a set of screenshots at the gallery.