Latest news with #MarkTatum
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
WATCH: The moment the Utah Jazz selected Wisconsin basketball star John Tonje
After being selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA draft, former Wisconsin basketball star John Tonje will officially don NBA threads during the 2025-26 season. On Thursday, the Utah Jazz selected the North Omaha, Nebraska, native with the 53rd overall pick of the draft. After six years of collegiate basketball with three different programs, Tonje becomes the first Badger to be drafted since 2022, joining lottery pick and former Big Ten Player of the Year Johnny Davis. Advertisement And, like his fellow 58 draftees, Tonje witnessed his dream materialize before his very eyes. On Thursday evening at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Deputy Commissioner of the NBA Mark Tatum uttered the words every aspiring professional hooper hopes to hear: "With the 53rd pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select John Tonje from the University of Wisconsin." The AP Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten team member certainly earned his position on the Jazz. In 37 appearances in 2024-25, Tonje averaged 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting a blistering 46.5% from the field, 39% from 3 and 91% from the free-throw line. Tonje also recorded three 30+ point performances against top-10 opponents, including a 41-tally outburst against No. 9 Arizona in November, a 32-point explosion against No. 7 Purdue in February, and another 32-point barrage vs. No. 7 Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship semifinal in March. Tonje punctuated his collegiate career with 37 points in Wisconsin's NCAA Tournament Round of 32 loss against BYU. That outing gave him the program record for the most points in an NCAA Tournament game. Advertisement "Just had a great year at Wisconsin," ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas said on the broadcast. "John Tonje has a strong frame. He's tough, he's aggressive, [a] good shooter with a high release and a good driver. He's very good on the move, but it's his physicality, he just bullied his way to the free throw line over and over again this year. He made the most free throws of any player this last year in Division I basketball." Tonje is one of three Jazz draftees alongside Rutgers forward Ace Bailey (No. 5 overall) and Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (No. 18). He will join Johnny Juzang, Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski, Keyonte George, Jordan Clarkson and Taylor Hendricks in Utah's second unit. The Jazz will look to improve off a 17-65 finish during the 2024-25 season and secure its first playoff birth since 2022. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Basketball star John Tonje Utah Jazz NBA Draft Announcement
Toronto Sun
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Who will the Toronto Raptors take ninth overall at the NBA Draft?
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum announces that the Toronto Raptors have the ninth pick in the draft during the NBA basketball draft lottery, Tuesday, May 17, 2016, in New York. Photo by Julie Jacobson / AP Photo WATCH BELOW: On the latest episode of Inside The Raptors, Postmedia's Rob Wong speaks with Toronto Sun Raptors and NBA writer Ryan Wolstat about the 2025 NBA Draft, who the Raptors may take with the ninth overall selection, and if they could make a major trade this summer. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Toronto Blue Jays Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA NHL Canada
News18
10-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
Small Market? Not A Worry Now: How The New Era Of NBA Superstars Are Redefining The League
Last Updated: The NBA Finals so far have delivered beyond expectations, with the series stands tied at 1-1 currently, with the spoils for the best among the Pacers and the Thunder to take. An unlikely NBA Finals matchup between two rivals who have never been to the promised land. But one that the game needed and deserved. For a long time, basketball, especially the NBA, was ruled by dynasties. From the Showtime Lakers to the Jordan-led Chicago Bulls to the new-age Golden State Warriors, the game witnessed multiple eras defined by clear-cut winners who were head and shoulders above the rest. But the new era of players in the NBA has redefined the game and the competition, with this year marking the seventh year in a row that a new champion shall be crowned, a first-ever in the history of the league. 'I'm really encouraged about what we're seeing here in terms of the level of competition and really the openness of the competition. Going into the playoffs, you could have picked any number of teams that could have made it to this point. And I think that balanced competition is good for fans around the world. You're getting to see different players emerge again, to see different teams emerge, and it doesn't necessarily mean the end of dynasties," stated NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum in a global media roundtable. 'At the end of the day, what we sell is competition. When you look at the parity that exists in the league, you know this is this again, the 7th NBA champion in seven different seasons. That's the first time that's ever happened. And what we're seeing is that interest in the NBA has never been greater. So the more fans, the more teams who think that their team has a chance going into the season, we think, is better for the NBA." Albeit a first-time matchup, the seeds for the rivalry this season in the NBA Finals, though, were sown years ago. Back in 2017, when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was about to enroll at Kentucky and Tyrese Haliburton was preparing for his senior year of high school in Wisconsin, the Indiana Pacers traded Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder, acquiring Domantas Sabonis in return. In 2019, the Thunder traded George to the Los Angeles Clippers for a package that included Gilgeous-Alexander. Later, in 2022, the Pacers traded Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings for a package that included Haliburton. Many a fan may have had reservations about what having two relatively small-market teams in the Finals would entail for the league and its popularity. But, in the eyes of the NBA, the level of play has spoken for itself, and in turn, has yielded historic results in all facets. 'What I would say to the two small markets is that market size is not as significant a factor as it once was in driving fan interest," Tatum stated. 'I'd also say that while traditional TV viewership, you know, certainly maybe influenced by market size, we've seen strong viewership throughout these playoffs for both big and small market teams. 'Our opening weekend was the most-viewed opening weekend of the playoffs in 25 years. Our Eastern Conference Finals was the most-viewed Eastern Conference Finals in seven years." 'Overall, our numbers from the playoffs this year are up, you know, versus last year. And on top of that, our social and digital engagement is at a record level. So, because of digital and social media, our teams, their star players, regardless of what market they play in, these players are household names and not just across the US but globally. So these players have playoffs, have delivered some incredible basketball, and I expect the Finals to drive interest from a global audience." Well, the Finals so far have surely delivered beyond expectations. With Haliburton leading the Pacers to a scintillating steal of Game 1 and OKC's Gilgeous-Alexander punching back with a dominant 34-point performance in Game 2, the series stands tied at 1-1 currently, with the spoils for the best to take. Game 3 shall take place in Indiana on June 12.
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Indiana's Surprise Finals Run Spotlights Pascal Siakam's Journey And The NBA's Growing Return On Its African Investment
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 31: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates the 125-108 win ... More against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) When the Indiana Pacers punched their ticket to the NBA Finals, it was something of a Cinderella story, few had them pegged to go that far. Against the odds, they overcame tough opponents, with Pascal Siakam standing tall at the heart of their breakthrough. Just crowned Eastern Conference Finals MVP after powering the Pacers past the New York Knicks, Siakam has become the emblem of not only Indiana's surprising run but also the broader rise of African talent in the NBA. The Cameroonian forward's journey is extraordinary. From a chance visit to a Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa, a detour from his initial path to pastoral school, to becoming a three-time NBA All-Star and 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, Siakam's rise mirrors the growing impact of the NBA's investments on the African continent. 'I've told Pascal's story so many times over the past two weeks,' NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum shared with and other media in a global call ahead of tonight's tip-off of the Playoffs, reflecting on Siakam's remarkable journey as a powerful reflection of why the league's investments in Africa are more than just developmental. 'Pascal was headed to pastoral school. He would've been the first 6'9" pastor in the world. But he went to BWB because he wanted to see his sister. And it was there that he got discovered.' 'That moment changed everything,' Tatum added. 'He's changed so many lives, going back to Cameroon, contributing his time and resources. It's a wonderful tribute to why we make the investments that we do in Africa. It literally changes lives. And Pascal is a living example of that.' NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 23: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against OG ... More Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 23, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo) Siakam's success is emblematic of a deeper transformation in the NBA's competitive landscape. With this year's Finals featuring the seventh different champion in seven seasons, the league has entered a new era, one where parity and possibility are just as important as legacy and dominance. 'I think that balanced competition is really good for fans around the world,' said Tatum. 'Going into the playoffs, you could pick any number of teams that could make a run. It doesn't mean dynasties are over, but what we've done with the CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement] That parity, symbolised by Indiana and Oklahoma City's runs, parallels the global nature of the NBA's reach today. It's no longer just the big markets or marquee franchises that dominate headlines. The league is becoming more open, more unpredictable, and more representative of the global audience it serves. Africa is no longer just producing talent, it's shaping the future of the NBA. From NBA Academy Africa to the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the league has been laying the groundwork for sustainable player development, visibility, and local infrastructure. And it's working. 'Last year, Ulrich Chomche became the first NBA Academy Africa player to be drafted,' shared Tatum. 'This year, Khaman Maluach who went to Duke and is from South Sudan will likely be a first-round pick, maybe even a lottery pick. These players aren't just reaching the NBA; they're impacting the game.' The pathway is clearer than ever: from BAL exposure and Academy coaching to NCAA success or direct draft entries. Rueben Chinyelu, a Nigerian forward who also came through the Academy and BAL, recently won a national championship with the University of Florida. This is no longer a dream pipeline, it's a reality for a growing number of players across the continent. College Basketball: NCAA Finals: Florida Rueben Chinyelu (9) in action, cuts down the net following ... More victory vs Houston at the Alamo Dome. San Antonio, TX 4/7/2025 CREDIT: Greg Nelson (Photo by Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X164706 TK1) What makes this moment even more significant is the NBA's current era of parity. With the league now wide open, talent from non-traditional pipelines, like those emerging from Africa, can not only reach the NBA but contend for titles. The right mix of development, opportunity, and team structure can now lead to playoff success, regardless of where the journey begins. Few understand this better than Kita 'Thierry' Matungulu, Director of Basketball Operations for NBA Africa, who witnessed Pascal Siakam's rise firsthand. Pascal Siakam At The Basketball Without Borders Camp Held In South Africa In 2012 'It's terrific to see Pascal Siakam's journey. I've been part of the 2012 camp which Pascal came through,' Matungulu said. 'To see the growth from grassroots to the NBA is an incredible journey and a story of hope. Through the NBA Academy, many young players are progressing to the NBA or top universities. We've made great strides in growing basketball on the continent and look forward to more young Pascal Siakams.' His words reflect not only the promise but the tangible progress being made. As the league's landscape flattens, the African pipeline is no longer on the margins, it's becoming a central part of the championship conversation. For each rising star, Siakam's path is more than a symbol, it's proof that Africa is not just a source of talent, but a stage for excellence. The shift in competition has also brought a surge in engagement. This season's playoffs are among the most-watched in recent memory, with the Eastern Conference Final, where Siakam earned MVP honours, drawing the highest viewership in seven years. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 31: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates the 125-108 win ... More against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) 'We're seeing record numbers across TV, digital, and social media,' said Tatum. 'What's exciting is that market size is no longer the barrier it used to be. Players and teams from so-called 'small markets' are building global audiences.' That evolution matters for Africa. It means that an African star doesn't need to play in New York or Los Angeles to become a household name. With today's digital platforms and international distribution, fans across the continent can follow their heroes, whether they're in Indiana, Toronto, or beyond. Even as Siakam and the Pacers battle it out with OKC, his success reverberates far beyond Indiana. Back home, he's known for his community outreach, youth programs, and ongoing engagement in Cameroon. His story, like those of the late Dikembe Mutombo, reminds us that basketball success doesn't stop with a contract, it extends to community upliftment. 'These investments literally change lives,' Tatum said. 'Pascal gives his time and resources back. He's not just a champion, he's someone whose impact is felt well beyond the court.' That's why the league is investing not only in elite talent but also in creating the ecosystem that allows for long-term success, academies, coaching clinics, media exposure, and league infrastructure. Pascal Siakam didn't come through a traditional pipeline. He wasn't groomed at an elite U.S. high school or hyped as a can't-miss prospect. His journey began with a camp visit in South Africa and was powered by talent, opportunity, and vision. Today, that vision is taking root across the continent. With the BAL in its fifth season, the Academy producing draft picks, and African-born stars leading franchises into the Finals, the NBA's investment in Africa is no longer experimental. It's essential. And as Siakam laces up for another shot at the title, millions of young Africans will see him not just as a star, but as proof that their dreams have global reach.
Arab News
04-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Thunders vs. Pacers 2025 NBA Finals highlight NBA's competitive parity
DUBAI: As the 2025 NBA Finals tip off in Oklahoma City this week, the league is celebrating this year's matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers as a landmark moment. These are finals defined by competitive parity, the rise of international stars, and a clear message: In today's NBA, success is no longer dictated by market size. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport During a pre-finals international media call, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said the Thunder-Pacers series reflects the league's evolving landscape. 'This season, we will crown the seventh different NBA champion in seven years, a first in league history. This speaks to the parity in today's NBA, where more teams have a chance to win and more players are stepping up on the global stage,' Tatum said. A new era of champions Neither Oklahoma City nor Indiana has ever won an NBA title, with the Pacers' only championships coming in the ABA. But both teams have reached the top through smart drafting, player development, and long-term vision, not through market size or heavy spending. 'It's still early, but I'm encouraged by what we're seeing in terms of parity,' Tatum said. 'Teams like OKC and Indiana prove that strong management, regardless of market size, can build championship contenders. The result is increased global interest and competitive balance.' The Thunder finished with a league-best 68 wins behind Canadian-born MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, advanced through the East with dynamic offense and relentless energy. Both squads are young, deep, and built with a clear identity. Small markets, global reach While Oklahoma City and Indiana are traditionally considered small markets, their impact in 2025 tells a different story. Through global broadcasting and social media, the finals and their stars are more accessible than ever. 'Market size doesn't have the same weight it once did. Thanks to social media, international distribution, and player-driven content, stars from any team can become global icons,' the NBA deputy commissioner added. This postseason supports that claim. The NBA recorded its most-viewed opening playoff weekend in 25 years, and the Eastern Conference Finals between Indiana and New York had the highest viewership in seven years. Across digital platforms, engagement is at an all-time high. 'The Thunder and Pacers have proven that you don't need to be from New York or Los Angeles to capture global attention. If your team plays the right way and your players connect with fans, the world will watch,' Tatum continued. Global stars, global stage The finals spotlight two international standouts: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Canada and Pascal Siakam from Cameroon. Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named both the 2025 NBA regular season MVP and Western Conference Finals MVP, and Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, have emerged as global stars on the league's biggest stage. Both are products of the NBA's global development programs, including Basketball Without Borders. Siakam participated in the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp in 2012, which played a significant role in his basketball development. Gilgeous-Alexander attended the Basketball Without Borders Global camp in 2016, showcasing his talent on an international stage. 'This is truly a breakout moment for Shai,' Tatum said. 'And Pascal's story, from attending a camp in Africa to becoming an NBA champion and now returning to the finals, is a powerful example of what international investment can achieve.' Built, not bought This year's finals also highlight the impact of the league's updated Collective Bargaining Agreement. Neither team is a luxury-tax payer, and both rosters were built through the draft, player development, and smart acquisitions. Tatum highlighted that there are multiple paths to building a championship contender, adding that what we are seeing now is a validation of the system. Drafting Chet Holmgren, trading for Alex Caruso, and signing Isaiah Hartenstein are all smart, sustainable moves. Finals for the future With Gilgeous-Alexander, Haliburton, Siakam, and Holmgren at the forefront, the 2025 NBA finals represent more than a battle for the title. It marks a generational shift in the league. 'These players aren't anointed. They earn their place. And this is where they begin to cement their status as the future faces of the NBA,' Tatum concluded. As two passionate fan bases chase their first NBA title and a global audience tunes in, the Thunder-Pacers Finals stand as a symbol of the league's evolution, driven by competitive parity and the rise of international stars who are boosting viewership around the world. Given that Oklahoma City holds home court advantage, Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off on Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET (Friday, June 6 at 4:30 a.m. GST), live from Oklahoma City.
