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USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Nets' Egor Demin explains one area he's trying to improve upon
Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin is heading into a 2025-26 NBA season in which he'll have to prove that he was worth the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Demin had some concerns surrounding his shooting coming into the Las Vegas Summer League, but he has quelled those doubts for now. He has other matters that he's trying to address. "I think I might spend more time in the lifting room than on the court. Being honest, this is exactly where I'm focusing right now," Demin said in an interview during Friday's 87-83 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the summer league. Demin did not participate in the game as the Nets were looking to evaluate other players on the roster, giving him the chance to address the many topics related to him. "I'm super aware of myself, I'll say that and what I need to get better at," Demin continued. " So, I'm living in the lifting room. I'm not getting upset because I know how much work I put into this. So, it's just a question of time." Demin, listed at 6-foot-8 and 200 pounds, is on the lighter side when it comes to his build, especially at his height compared to most players in the NBA. Demin came into the Draft regarded as the best passer in the class and while he did less playmaking than many Nets fans were expecting after averaging just 1.3 assists per game, the former BYU Cougar showed his improved to shoot the basketball. In three games during the summer league, Demin averaged 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 40.7% from the field and 43.5% from three-point land. Not only did Demin shoot the ball well from deep, he did that on 7.7 three-point attempts per game, significantly more than the 4.7 three-point attempts per game he averaged during his freshman season at BYU. Demin seems determined to work on his weaknesses.
USA Today
06-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where does John Mateer rank among SEC Quarterbacks?
Less than two months remain until the start of the 2025 college football season. With most of the roster movement portion of the offseason behind us and media days around the corner, fans and analysts alike are trying to figure out where their favorite teams and players rank within their conference or college football as a whole. In the case of the Southeastern Conference, there are plenty of unknowns when it comes to the quarterback position this season. As always, there are returning stars. However, there are also some players with very high ceilings who can shake things up. Chris Phillips, founder of SEC Unfiltered, outlined his hierarchy of projected SEC starting quarterbacks this week. New Oklahoma Sooners starting quarterback John Mateer was ranked a bit lower than expected, coming in at No. 10. Mateer fell in line behind the usual suspects on these types of lists, but it's the name right above him that will raise some eyebrows. Auburn's Jackson Arnold was ranked ninth, as Mateer's predecessor is looking to revive his career on The Plains after just 10 starts as a Sooner. While Arnold's arm talent and athletic ability certainly give him a high ceiling, he's nowhere near the proven commodity that Mateer is at this stage of the game. Arnold was the primary starting quarterback for the worst Oklahoma offense since 1998, and he played so poorly at times that the Sooners could barely move the ball at all. Arnold's turnover issues were a significant problem for OU in 2024, and he hasn't come close to living up to the hype he gained as a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He's very talented and could improve mightily in Auburn, but Mateer is easily the better player heading into the season after the former Washington State Cougar led the nation in total touchdowns last year. Sooners Wire's John Williams released his SEC QB rankings last month, but I figured I'd take a crack at it as well. Here are all 16 projected SEC quarterbacks for 2025 ranked from worst to first. More: SEC quarterback rankings for the 2025 season 16. Zach Calzada, Kentucky Wildcats Kentucky's Zach Calzada is playing for his fourth different college football program in 2025. He's played in the SEC before, suiting up for Texas A&M and Auburn before a couple of seasons at FCS Incarnate Word. The Wildcats hope he can run the offense better than last year's starter, Brock Vandagriff, did. Calzada isn't a bad player, and he put up good numbers last year, but someone's gotta be last on this list. 15. Beau Pribula, Missouri Tigers Missouri needed a replacement for Brady Cook, so they turned to Beau Pribula, who should be able to beat out Sam Horn for the starting job. Pribula has spent the past few seasons at Penn State and saw some action as Drew Allar's backup last season. He has mostly played in a wildcat QB role or been on the field for gadget plays. Pribula will get a real chance to start for the Tigers. He's got some upside, and he adds a dual-threat element to his skillset. 14. Blake Shapen, Mississippi State Bulldogs While Calzada and Pribula are entering their first seasons on their respective teams, Mississippi State's Blake Shapen is a returning player. Following a long stint at Baylor, Shapen won the starting job for the Bulldogs last season, but he was lost for the season with a shoulder injury early last season. With Michael Van Buren Jr., who replaced him, transferring out, Shapen is back in the saddle in 2025. He's a veteran who has started plenty of games over the years, which should help Jeff Lebby in Year 2. If Shapen falters, Lebby has Luke Kromenhoek and KaMario Taylor waiting in the wings. 13. Jackson Arnold, Auburn Tigers Auburn's Jackson Arnold transferred this winter after a rough stint at Oklahoma. Sure, the problems that OU had weren't all his fault, but he didn't live up to the lofty expectations that were placed on his shoulders. He's got a remarkably high upside, but his turnovers were a killer. He'll be an upgrade over Payton Thorne and Hank Brown, but until his potential is realized, it's hard to put him much higher on this list. If Arnold struggles again, Ashton Daniels and/or Deuce Knight could get a look under center as well. It'll be interesting to see what Arnold, Hugh Freeze, and the Tigers can cook up in 2025. 12. Gunner Stockton, Georgia Bulldogs Gunner Stockton is entering his fourth year with the Bulldogs, but this will be his first season as the starter. He was the primary backup behind Carson Beck for the past couple of seasons, and when Beck was lost for the year in the 2024 SEC Championship Game, Stockton came on in relief for the win over Texas and the Sugar Bowl loss against Notre Dame. In 2025, Stockton takes the reins for Georgia, and he could climb higher on this list by season's end. 11. Ty Simpson, Alabama Crimson Tide Alabama needs to replace Jalen Milroe, and it looks like Ty Simpson, who has played for the Crimson Tide since 2022, will get the first crack at it. Austin Mack and Keelon Russell might have something to say about that, but Simpson looks like he's in line to finally be the Tide's starter. Kalen DeBoer has had some really good QB play as a head coach, so Simpson could be in line for a big year. 10. Austin Simmons, Ole Miss Rebels Austin Simmons has played for the Rebels since 2023, but he'll get his first shot to be a starter this season. He backed up Jaxson Dart last year, and the lefty hopes to keep the QB party rolling at Ole Miss. Head coach Lane Kiffin has consistently had good players under center since taking his current gig, and he has a player in Simmons who already knows his system in place for 2025. 9. Joey Aguilar, Tennessee Volunteers Tennessee needed to replace Nico Iamaleava this spring after Josh Heupel called Nico's hold-out bluff. They ended up getting Joey Aguilar to run the offense, as the veteran was originally committed to UCLA, but joined the Volunteers after Iamaleava decided to leave for the Bruins. Aguilar played for Appalachian State from 2023 to 2024, but before that, he was a JUCO player at Diablo Valley College. The Vols have a gunslinger who has the opportunity to shine in Josh Heupel's lightspeed offense. 8. Taylen Green, Arkansas Razorbacks Formerly of Boise State, Taylen Green enters his second season as Arkansas' starter. He's an excellent athlete and still has plenty of upside, even as a senior. His arm strength and speed were on display last season, and the Razorbacks might have one of the SEC's best-kept secrets under center. Improving on his consistency will be key for Green as he enters his final go-around in college football. 7. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M Aggies Texas A&M turned to Marcel Reed under center midway through last season, and he was good enough to send last year's Week 1 starter, Conner Weigman, to the transfer portal. Now, it's all Reed's job for the Aggies, as he'll continue to burn defenses with his speed and running ability. He'll need to get better as a passer, but just ask LSU how much of a game-changer Reed can be. 6. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores Diego Pavia has had a long ride in college football. After two seasons at the JUCO level with New Mexico Military Institute, he transferred to New Mexico State for two more seasons before ending up at Vanderbilt last year. He gained an extra year of eligibility and will return to start for the Commodores this year. Pavia provided Vandy with an all-time moment last season when he spearheaded an upset over top-ranked Alabama. He gives his team a chance to make more memories in 2025. 5. Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns Archie's grandson, Cooper's son, and Peyton and Eli's nephew steps into the spotlight for Texas in 2025. Arch Manning takes the reins from Quinn Ewers and will be one of the most talked-about players in college football this year, regardless of how he plays. The hype surrounding Manning is palpable, but he still has to prove he can make it happen in the SEC. Fortunately, Steve Sarkisian's offense is very QB-friendly, and the Longhorns look like they're loaded again. 4. DJ Lagway, Florida Gators DJ Lagway could end the season at the top of this list, and it wouldn't be the biggest of surprises. The future came early for Lagway and the Gators last year, after Graham Mertz was knocked out for the season in October. Lagway showed off his big-play ability and was a big part of Florida's late-season resurgence in 2024. If he can stay healthy in 2025, his dual-threat ability could have him among the best QBs in the country. 3. John Mateer, Oklahoma Sooners John Mateer transferred to Oklahoma from Washington State, where he had a breakout campaign in 2024. He totaled 44 touchdowns and had almost 4,000 total yards in his first season as a starter. Mateer replaces Jackson Arnold under center for the Sooners, and expectations are high that he can help get the OU offense back on track. He's got a blend of confidence, upside, and proven production that is hard to find these days. 2. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers Garrett Nussmeier has played for LSU since 2021, but he finally became a starter last year. His patience paid off with a solid season in 2024 that has led to some Heisman Trophy-level hype coming into 2025. Nussmeier is a talented passer who will have plenty of weapons to work with, but he was ineffective in big games against Texas A&M, Alabama and Florida last year. That can't happen this season, because the Tigers have big goals after adding a bevy of talented transfers around Nussmeier this offseason. 1. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers is one of the biggest game-changers in all of college football. It's his second year as the starter for the Gamecocks, and expectations are high after he ended last year on an absolute tear. He's a dual threat player who can destroy even the best-laid defensive plans, as he did against Texas A&M, Missouri and Clemson in the back half of 2024. He is capable of winning the Heisman this year and he was the SEC Freshman of the Year last season. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @Aaron_Gelvin.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
Missing Hunter Found Dead Months After He Got Swept Away While Trying to Cross River in an Inner Tube
Washington state authorities said David Brinkmeyer, 72, tried to cross the Muddy River in an inner tube in November when it overturned and he was swept away An extensive search at the time did not yield his location Months later, his body was found in the Swift ReservoirThe remains of a 72-year-old man who went missing last November while hunting near a river in Washington state have been recovered. The Skamania County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that authorities received a call on Sunday, June 22, about a body that was found in the Swift Reservoir, 15 miles east of Cougar. Deputies and a coroner traveled to the location by boat and recovered the remains, which were identified as belonging to David Brinkmeyer. On Nov. 13, Brinkmeyer tried to cross the Muddy River in an inner tube through a rope system to access his hunting camp, according to authorities. 'The tube overturned and Brinkmeyer was swept away in the fast-moving water,' authorities continued. Despite an extensive search by the sheriff's office using air assets, ground searchers and rope teams, Brinkmeyer was not found and a decision was made to end search efforts. Brinkmeyer's remains were eventually recovered about 12.5 miles away from where he was last seen. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In an interview last November with Fox affiliate KPTV, Jennifer Ellis, Brinkmeyer's daughter, called her father a 'hero' and a 'good man.' 'He was really excited to go up elk hunting again he didn't think he'd be able to do that at 72,' added Shelby Fry, Brinkmeyer's granddaughter. 'He prepared for months — I have so many voicemails from him gearing up.' Brinkmeyer's voicemail message to the family, which was later shared with KPTV, detailed his experiences in the outdoors before his disappearance. 'I'm having a good time and I'm actually thinking about you every time I put this Shelby Lynn jacket on. Alright, hope to bring you home some elk meat,' Brinkmeyer could be heard saying in the recording. After his body was found, Ells told the outlet that she felt "relief that we don't have to have nightmares about dad anymore." She added, "Now we can grieve." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kansas City Chiefs 90-man roster by jersey number: No. 21, DB Jaden Hicks
The Kansas City Chiefs selected defensive back Jaden Hicks with the No. 133 pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. It took some time for Hicks to earn playing time as a rookie last season, he eventually worked himself into a key role in Steve Spagnuolo's defense. Advertisement Though he only started in one game during the 2024 regular season, Hicks managed to intercept three passes and tallied 23 solo tackles. The former Washington State Cougar should be expected to help fill the void in Kansas City's depth chart left by the departure of veteran safety Justin Reid, who signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency. What jersey number does Jaden Hicks wear? KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 21: Jaden Hicks #21 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after his interception in the first quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by) Jaden Hicks currently wears the No. 21 jersey for the Kansas City Chiefs. How much money will Jaden Hicks make in 2025? Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images According to Hicks will receive a base salary of $960,000 in addition to a prorated signing bonus of $132,177 in 2025. Top Jaden Hicks highlight This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs 90-man roster by jersey number: No. 21, DB Jaden Hicks
USA Today
25-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs 90-man roster by jersey number: No. 21, DB Jaden Hicks
The Kansas City Chiefs selected defensive back Jaden Hicks with the No. 133 pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. It took some time for Hicks to earn playing time as a rookie last season, he eventually worked himself into a key role in Steve Spagnuolo's defense. Though he only started in one game during the 2024 regular season, Hicks managed to intercept three passes and tallied 23 solo tackles. The former Washington State Cougar should be expected to help fill the void in Kansas City's depth chart left by the departure of veteran safety Justin Reid, who signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency. What jersey number does Jaden Hicks wear? Jaden Hicks currently wears the No. 21 jersey for the Kansas City Chiefs. How much money will Jaden Hicks make in 2025? According to Hicks will receive a base salary of $960,000 in addition to a prorated signing bonus of $132,177 in 2025. Top Jaden Hicks highlight
