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Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How NBA Draft prospect Ace Bailey became an ace in the court of basketball
How NBA Draft prospect Ace Bailey became an ace in the court of basketball (Image Source: Getty Images) Ace Bailey declared for the 2025 NBA Draft after making a name for himself with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. He was chosen as one of the five-star recruits and became one of the top players in the 2024 class, after a successful college campaign. But did you know that the name he goes by is not his real name? Ace Bailey was actually born Airious Bailey, but how did he get that nickname that has stuck with him, as he prepares for one of the biggest nights of his professional career? How did Ace Bailey get his ace nickname? The NBA Draft Day is upon us, and like all the others, Ace Bailey is no doubt getting ready for a night that will be the beginning of his professional career in the league. But before we get to that, let's go back in time and find out how exactly he got his nickname - Ace. Born Airious Bailey to college basketball players Ramika McGee of West Virginia University and Richard Bailey from Houston, Ace has strong ties to the game. He has been on and off the basketball court ever since he was a child, which no doubt was a big influence on him. He also had the talent for it, and mix it up with hard work and dedication, and you've got the perfect combo. He recently revealed how he became Ace from Airious, and it's all thanks to his coach. Speaking to Swish Cultures, he said: "Ace was a childhood name given to me by my league coach, shoutout to my coach. Been having that name ever since I was a kid, I just stuck with it, we just went by, Ace Ace Ace. So a lot of people don't even know my real name is Airious, so I tell people my real name is Ace, anyways. So I'll be like it's Ace." He was an Ace since childhood, and the name stuck. Now, Ace Bailey is all set to join the NBA and prove that he really is an ace player, coming to show his mettle on the court with his performance. Also Read: "I can only control what I can control" — Former Scarlet Knights player Ace Bailey breaks silence on his pre-draft approach Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Pass the Rock Season 3 takes a behind the scene peak at Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) leaves the court after Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Indiana Pacers, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) The Oklahoma City Thunders are leading the NBA Finals 3-2 against the Indiana Pacers, and right now, the title could be anyone's. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams are two of the key players of this shiny new OKC Thunder team that has everyone singing their praises. Season 3 of Pass the Rock just dropped the Jalen Williams episode, and it's easy to see why he is a fan-favorite player and the best big brother. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams' friendship and camaraderie gets a front seat at Pass the Rock Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams gave everyone a peak at what their friendship looks like. Back in January this year, they sat for a post-match press conference, where the former took a tiny dig at his teammate, while also singing the highest praise. The same was highlighted during J-Dub's episode of Pass the Rock Season 3, where the pair were seen sitting together for a press meet. 'Nobody has their print on us winning basketball games more than Jalen Williams.' And after that NBA Finals Game 5 performance by Jalen Williams against the Indiana Pacers, it is easy to see why his teammate sang such high praises of him. He is a phenomenal all-rounder player, ready to give it his all. Whatever is asked of him, he will find a way to make it possible, which makes him such an asset to the team and his teammates. Jalen Williams is the best role model for his younger brother Jalen Williams was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunders back in 2022, and since then, he has made himself an integral part of the team. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo His younger brother, Cody Williams, also followed in his footsteps, and just two years later, in 2024, got drafted by the Utah Jazz during NBA Draft Day. Both brothers share a passion for the game, and young Cody definitely looks up to his older brother for inspiration. Jalen himself is also very proud of all that Cody has been able to achieve so far, and their love for each other and their family is clearly shown during his Pass the Rock episode. The Williams family is no doubt proud of both Jalen and Cody, but no doubt, they have a long way to go and a bright future ahead of them. For now, J-Dub's is all in as the OKC Thunders prepare for Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers, which could very well be the final game of the season, and take the championship back to their home arena at Paycom Center. Also Read: "Very late Father's Day present" - Emotional Jalen Williams' dad beams with pride as forward comes out as real 'power' in Game 5
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Chris Paul believes in Spurs, Victor Wembanyama future
The post Why Chris Paul believes in Spurs, Victor Wembanyama future appeared first on ClutchPoints. The San Antonio Spurs have a bright future, and they will be led by Victor Wembanyama for years to come. Everyone was excited to see what they would look like this previous season, but injuries doomed the team, and they ended up falling out of the playoff race. Chris Paul signed with the team last offseason, and he was recently on the Pat McAfee show to talk about their future. Advertisement 'Wemby is different. Being 7'4, able to move the way that he does,' Paul said. 'He just loves the game. He loves to hoop. I think the Spurs are going to be great. You have Harrison Barnes who's a great vet, they brought in De'Aaron Fox.' With Fox in the picture for the Spurs, they now have a dynamic duo who will be the cornerstones for the team. They also have young players such as Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Stephon Castle who could play a big part in their success. To add on to them trending upwards, they have the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft, and they could go in a lot of directions on what they'd like to do with the pick. The future seems to be bright, and everyone should be watching out for them for years to come. Spurs believe the future is bright Not only does Paul believe that the Spurs' future is bright, but Barnes also had some great things to say about the team. Advertisement 'The future is bright. This young group has is one of the more talented groups that I've been a part of, and I've been a part of some pretty good teams,' Barnes said. 'Now, hopefully, I'm not retired by the time all this talent has been realized, but the future's very bright for Spurs fans, so they should be excited.' Barnes is under contract for one more season, and he can continue to be the vet that the team needs. This offseason will be crucial, as they can continue to build the young core, or they can go for a big star. The two names that have been mentioned as possible targets for the Spurs are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, and they have the pieces to pull off a trade. If they were to land either one of those players, their ceiling would immediately rise, and they could become one of the better teams in the Western Conference sooner rather than later. Related: Spurs' 10 best NBA Draft Day moves in history Related: NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracy
