Latest news with #DawnStaley
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Woman Who Went Viral At 2025 NBA Draft Has Been Identified
Woman Who Went Viral At 2025 NBA Draft Has Been Identified originally appeared on The Spun. One of the biggest stars in women's college basketball managed to steal the spotlight during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Advertisement With the No. 9 overall pick in this year's draft, the Toronto Raptors selected Collin Murray-Boyles from South Carolina. He boosted his stock by averaging 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this past season. After hearing his name called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, he got out of his seat and immediately hugged his girlfriend. Some fans were aware of Murray-Boyles' love life prior to Wednesday's draft. Others, however, were introduced to South Carolina women's basketball star Chloe Kitts. Kitts, an NCAA champion and SEC Tournament MVP, has been an exceptional player for Dawn Staley's program. She finished the 2024-25 season averaging 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. In honor of her boyfriend's special night, Kitts wore a stunning red dress that grabbed everyone's attention. South Carolina star Chloe Kitts supports her boyfriend, Collin Murray-Boyles, at the NBA "Chloe Kitts the woman you are," one fan wrote on X. Advertisement "You know what. I want my team to draft Collin Murray Boyles for 1 reason & it ain't his game," another fan said. "It's Chloe Kitts." "America, get ready to learn Chloe Kitts," a third fan commented. A few people were wondering if Kitts approved of her boyfriend's NBA team, but she shut down all that speculation this Thursday with a simple selfie. Murray-Boyles was asked about his relationship with Kitts during a press conference on Wednesday night. He had nothing but great things to say about their dynamic. "She's amazing for me," Murray-Boyles told reporters. "She knows the sacrifices that come with being a bball player. She fully embraces it. I never take her for granted." Advertisement Kitts should have her chance to go pro in the future. WNBA teams have to value her tenacity and consistency on the hardwood. In the meantime, Kitts will get herself ready for another year at South Carolina. Woman Who Went Viral At 2025 NBA Draft Has Been Identified first appeared on The Spun on Jun 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Aliyah Boston Sends Clear Dawn Staley Message Amid WNBA Season
Aliyah Boston Sends Clear Dawn Staley Message Amid WNBA Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's been a strong start to the 2025 season for Aliyah Boston. The 23-year-old is in her third year with the Indiana Fever and is averaging 15.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Advertisement Boston was dominant in Indiana's recent win against the Seattle Storm, scoring 31 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in 33 minutes during a 94-86 victory. Before joining the WNBA, Boston had a stellar college career under head coach Dawn Staley at South Carolina. She won a national championship in 2022 and was named the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player of the Year. On Wednesday, as her hot streak continued, Boston gave a subtle but meaningful nod to her former coach. "Next book selection for sure." Aliyah Boston, InstagramAliyah Boston, Instagram Boston was referring to Staley's new book "Uncommon Favor", which was released in May and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Advertisement Staley has been the head coach at South Carolina since 2008. After missing the NCAA Tournament her first three seasons, she's led the Gamecocks to 13 straight appearances, excluding 2020 when the tournament was canceled due to COVID-19. South Carolina has now won three NCAA titles under her, the most recent coming in 2024 against Iowa. Dawn Staley of South Carolina Gamecocks© Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Staley has taken the Gamecocks to the Final Four seven times, including five straight appearances heading into the 2025-26 season. "Uncommon Favor" details her journey from the basketball courts of North Philadelphia to national stardom at Virginia, where she led her team to three Final Four appearances. Advertisement The book shares stories of resilience, growth and leadership, highlighting the battles she faced with sexism, isolation and mental toughness that helped shape her winning mindset. Related: Lexie Hull's Mother Sends Strong Message to Caitlin Clark Before Fever-Storm Game Related: Stephanie White Sounds Alarm for Indiana Fever Ahead of Key Player's Absence This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
South Carolina women's basketball star Chloe Kitts supports boyfriend Collin Murray-Boyles at draft
Collin Murray-Boyles reacts after being selected ninth by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) NEW YORK (AP) — South Carolina women's basketball player Chloe Kitts was all smiles at the NBA draft while supporting boyfriend Collin Murray-Boyles. He was drafted by Toronto with the ninth pick on Wednesday night. Kitts wore a red dress and popped on a Raptors cap once his name was called. Advertisement She has her own draft aspirations. Kitts averaged 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Gamecocks last season, who lost in the NCAA championship game to UConn. She helped South Carolina win a championship in 2024. Her coach, Dawn Staley, offered her congratulations to Kitts and Murray-Boyles on social media. 'Now sneaking out of town means you'll be sneaking out of the country,' Staley wrote. ___ AP NBA:
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
South Carolina women's basketball star Chloe Kitts supports boyfriend Collin Murray-Boyles at draft
NEW YORK (AP) — South Carolina women's basketball player Chloe Kitts was all smiles at the NBA draft while supporting boyfriend Collin Murray-Boyles. He was drafted by Toronto with the ninth pick on Wednesday night. Kitts wore a red dress and popped on a Raptors cap once his name was called. She has her own draft aspirations. Kitts averaged 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Gamecocks last season, who lost in the NCAA championship game to UConn. She helped South Carolina win a championship in 2024. Her coach, Dawn Staley, offered her congratulations to Kitts and Murray-Boyles on social media. 'Now sneaking out of town means you'll be sneaking out of the country,' Staley wrote. ___ AP NBA:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here's What Claressa Shields Had To Say About Losing To Angel Reese At The BET Awards
Boxer Claressa Shields expressed her surprise on X after losing the Sportswoman of the Year Award to WNBA star Angel Reese at the 2025 BET Awards. According to Vibe, Shields, who was nominated alongside top athletes like Dawn Staley, A'ja Wilson, Sha'Carri Richardson, Simone Biles, Flau'jae Johnson, Coco Gauff and JuJu Watkins, shared her thoughts about the loss. Claressa Shields congratulated Reese, but says 'I just thought accolades mattered' 'Still don't know how I didn't win the Sportswoman of the Year for the @BETAwards but Congrats to Angel Reese and all the other Nominees [shrug emoji]. I just thought accolades mattered,' Shields tweeted. Advertisement During her time at Louisiana Stare University, Reese became a star player and was later drafted into the WNBA. Outside of women's basketball, Reese has grown into a superstar. With several brand deals, a podcast, and mentions by Cardi B and Latto, the 23-year-old has become something of an it girl. Here's what fans had to say Her followers quickly chimed in, with one defending Reese: 'You a got ms shields but reese has accolades too.' Shields responded, 'Yes she does but who has more accolades…. More success in their field. Please use google before responding.' Another user clarified, 'It goes year by year not an overall award please read up on the award before you complain about it.' Shields later clarified her stance, emphasizing her support for Reese: 'Ain't nobody saying Angel Reese don't have accolades or she not good…. I'm saying I thought the person with 'THE MOST' accolades and accomplishments would win the Award. I'm team Angel Reese!' Reese and her team have not responded to the series of tweets. The post Here's What Claressa Shields Had To Say About Losing To Angel Reese At The BET Awards appeared first on Blavity.
