Latest news with #OGs
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
What Georges Niang is willing to do to help the Celtics in Jayson Tatum's absence
Boston Celtics power forward Georges Niang is very familiar with the winning tradition of the Green Team. The Massachusetts native grew up less than an hour away from TD Garden and knows Celtics fans always have high expectations, even when their star player, Jayson Tatum, is out indefinitely with an Achilles injury. Niang wants to honor that fact by preparing to help out in any way he can this summer. The NBA journeyman arrived in Boston earlier this offseason following a massive trade that moved former Celtics starter Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. Since Niang was traded for a fan favorite, he realizes that his homecoming isn't exactly a cause for celebration among Celtics fans. To impress the Boston faithful, and atone for grabbing the knee of Celtics star Jaylen Brown back in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Niang is committed to immediately contributing to winning. He said as much on the "OGs" podcast with former NBA vets Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem, emphasizing that being a part of a losing squad is a death sentence in Boston. "You don't want to be in Boston losing, that's for sure," he stressed. "What can I do this summer? Can I come in, in the best shape that I'm in, and also mentor, and kind of teach, and also learn — because (the Celtics) have won championships. And dial all that into one, and focus every day on how can I win the day, and then win games." While Niang's role with the Celtics wouldn't be that significant in prior seasons, it is for the 2025-26 campaign. Tatum is down, multiple starters from last season are gone, and Boston is no longer one of the deepest teams in the league. If Niang can hit his 3-pointers and hustle like he has along every other stop in his NBA career, perhaps Celtics fans will warm up to the New Englander. But, to earn that respect, winning is the ultimate key, and Niang understands that. Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Spotify: iTunes: YouTube:
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Georges Niang on his lack of embrace by Boston Celtics fans since being dealt to the team
Massachusetts native and now Boston Celtics backup forward Georges Niang was not exactly welcomed into his new team with open arms by the fans of the storied ball club, with many remember a play where he grabbed star Celtics forward Jaylen Brown in a high-stakes game before Niang had been dealt to Boston. But the former Atlanta Hawk swingman has taken it in stride, and recently took some time to open up about landing with the Celtics in an appearance on the "OGs" podcast. "I then get traded for Kristaps Porzingis—which, you know how tough Boston fans are. They don't give a (expletive) if I'm from Boston or not," he offered of his arrival as a player for his home state's NBA squad. "They're like, 'You just took our unicorn and replaced it with a minivan.'" "They're like, 'Get the (expletive) out of here!' You know what I'm saying?," he added. "They want superstars." Niang may not a superstar be, but he is a reliable 3-and-D forward who will help Boston this coming season, should he stick with the team as a name oft mentioned in rumored trade efforts by the Celtics front office. And we think here at the Celtics Wire that his play and persona will grow on fans once they have a chance to see him in action. Thankfully, Niang seems to get why he hasn't exactly been given the key to the city since arriving, though. Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Spotify: iTunes: YouTube:
Tom's Guide
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I bought a PS5 just to play the new Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 remake — and I have no regrets
Platforms: PC, PS5 (reviewed), PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo SwitchPrice: $49Release Date: June 11, 2025Genre: Sports The Bird Man is back, with a single-game remake of the classic Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 games, originally released in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Having put away thousands of hours playing those games in my youth (with no regrets), my expectations for the new THPS 3+4 were sky-high. Thankfully, 2025's Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 largely follows the same formula as the 2020 remake of THPS 1+2, despite being worked on by a different developer. Long story short, if you loved the original THPS games or the COVID-19-era remake, you'll likely find this new version deeply satisfying. The latest installment is available for a wide range of systems and PC, and features the same general game dynamics, objectives, and controls as most THPS games before it. Reworked levels look highly detailed while still feeling deeply nostalgic, new skaters join the OGs crew, the updated soundtrack is a mix of classic tunes and modern bops, and the gameplay is just as addictive as I remember. The first time I played Tony Hawk's Pro Skater was probably in 2001. I was in the seventh grade and got my initial taste for the now quintessential high-energy skateboarding game at a friend's house — shout out to Jon Mindas — because my parents weren't big on gaming at the time. The epic soundtrack, mind-melting trick combos, and objective-oriented single-player 'Career Mode' had me hooked. Some months later, I conspired with my brother to pool our money and buy a secondhand PlayStation 1 off of a friend — shout out to Ryan Monahan — something we kept secret from our parents for a comically long time. This was all to get my THPS fix (though the PS1 game, 2Xtreme, was another favorite). I played countless hours of THPS 2 on that system. However, when the third iteration of the game dropped in late 2001/early 2002, I knew I wanted to play it on the latest/greatest. While I settled for the PS1 version upon the game's launch, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 was a major reason I ultimately upgraded to a PS2 (my folks were thankfully cool with gaming by this point). Fast-forward roughly twenty years. We're in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis. Life is boring/terrifying, but wait… a shred of good news: A remastered version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, approved by the Bird Man himself, was set to launch. And so, I bought a used PS4 from a homie and beat the game in a few nights. I've been playing it on and off ever since. Are you noticing a theme here? Well, with this year's release of the latest THPS remaster, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, I figured it was high time to jump to a PS5... I'm now the proud owner of a Sony-certified model (much to my girlfriend's vexation). In the week since its release, I've logged just over eight hours of gameplay. While I still have a small handful of levels to unlock and objectives to check off, my mind is 100% made up about this game. With that, here's everything you need to know about the new 2025 version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4. For better or for worse — I can't decide — the gameplay in the new THPS 3+4 is essentially unchanged from the original series launched all the way back when. While there are updates to the graphics and refinements to the dynamics, the objective of the latest release remains essentially the same, i.e., rather arcade-y. At the start of each level, you're presented with a list of challenges to check off: A mix of trick and point-based objectives, along with sillier task-based goals. While the developer could've easily expanded on the complexity of tasks like 'tear down the posters,' or 'save the painter,' or 'fix the satellite dish,' — all of which require little more than exploring the level and knocking/grinding over things — they kept these non-trick-based objectives especially simple. That's a good thing for younger gamers who might just be getting into the series. But as an old-fart gamer fueled largely by nostalgia, I'm yearning for a fresh challenge. After all, if I were able to 'find the lost packages' with ease as a 13-year-old, completing essentially the same task 25 years later feels rather uneventful. As always, runs in Career Mode are two minutes long. Need more time to explore the level uninterrupted? Head to the main menu and choose a 'Free Skate.' Of course, you'll need to knock out some of the objectives on each level to unlock additional ones. To improve your skaters' skills, scattered throughout each level are 'Stat Points.' You'll need to collect these, just like in the original game, to upgrade your character's various skill specs like speed, hang time, rail balance, and air. While checking off the various objectives on the level list and unlocking new areas to skate is part of the fun, the real appeal of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater is stringing together impossibly long lines (trick combos) for big, big points. And the newest installment gives you all the tools to do that, including manuals (duh), reverts-to-manual when landing air tricks, wall plants, customizable 'Special Trick' button combos, and more. So far, my highest trick combo in THPS 3+4 — roughly ~200,000 points — was achieved at the Movie Studio, one of several entirely new levels added to the game. Another new level, the Waterpark, is worth mentioning as one of the most visually stunning and enjoyable maps to explore (kudos to Iron Galaxy). That said, my highest-scoring two-minute session to date, ~690,000 points, occurred in the Shipyard level, where the rail tracks are perfectly greased for epic combos. While you'll need to manually select a 'Special Trick' button combination from the menus to perform a 540-flip, each and every trick looks immersive and gorgeous in 4K, even a simple acid drop. Moreover, the gameplay is smooth yet responsive, and load times on PS5 are lightning fast (not the case on PS4). The levels are mostly the same in the new version of the game as they were in the originals, with a few exceptions, but everything has been thoroughly overhauled from its pixelated, spartan state to something much more detailed and immersive with dynamic shadows and realistic textures. Some of the levels, like San Francisco in THPS 4, feel like revisiting a long-lost, yet joy-filled location from my youth. Other levels that similarly felt like stepping into a time machine include the Airport and the College. You never forget how to ride a bike, and you never forget how to do a 360-flip to Rowley Darkslide to nose manual to hardflip crooked grind… You get the point. Having mostly only played Tony Hawk's Pro Skater on the PlayStation system my entire life, I love the fact that the buttons and trick combos remain exactly the same decades later. Of course, to get the most out of THPS 3+4 in Career Mode, you'll want to customize your Special Tricks as noted above — these are the ones you can only perform when your 'Special Bar' hits the max and glows orange — to post the biggest point combinations. The new Tony Hawk game offers no fewer than 31 skaters to choose from. That may sound like a lot, but the reasoning behind the overwhelming selection is sound. In addition to all the OG pros — most of whom are now in their late forties or fifties and long retired — you can also select from a contemporary cast of world-class skaters. From Bam Margera to Rayssa Leal, it's awesome to have such a wide range of shredders to choose from. Of course, my favorite THPS skater always has and always will be Andrew Reynolds. Not only did I own countless pairs of his official Emerica sneakers back in my teenage years, but I still love his oh-so-clean style on the board, both in the game and IRL. The soundtracks from the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games have risen to near-mythological levels with folks (including myself) citing them as the springboard to their modern taste in music. (Thank you, Tony, for introducing me to punk rock). Unfortunately, the developers were only able to secure the rights to ten songs from the original games out of roughly 55. Sorry, no Ramones 'Blitzkrieg Bop' for you, though Motorhead's 'Ace of Spades' did make the cut. Still, I commend those behind the updated soundtrack for substituting in songs from a wide range of awesome modern musicians, all of which fit the vibe of the game beautifully. While there are a handful of 'skips' which I'll keep to myself, some of my favorite new tunes featured in the remake include 'yankee and the brave (ep. 4)' from Run the Jewels, Turnstile's 'Realthing,' and 'Gift Horse' by Idols. The 2025 remake of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is a faithful update to a classic Millennial video game franchise: The graphics are impressive, the original levels have been recreated with stunning detail, the controls are familiar, smooth and responsive, the music slaps, and the gameplay is just as addictive as I remember. However, there's a notable absence of new features and objectives. This is to say, the developers played it safe and kept this remake as true to the original as possible. That's better than botching the whole thing. Ultimately, I can't wait to beat the game — something I anticipate happening within a week or so — and have no doubt that THPS 3+4 will keep me mentally stimulated for months, if not years to come. That said, as I continue playing the latest THPS release, I can't help but think to myself, 'This is nice, but a remake of Tony Hawk's Underground is what I really want.' Less arcade-y and more storyline-based than the four THPS games before it, 2003's 'Underground' was ultimately the most engaging installment in the original series, IMHO. (The first level is also set in suburban New Jersey, something I find all too relatable.) Given past timelines, I reckon I can expect a Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Underground remake to drop sometime around 2030. Notably, this is also when I plan on upgrading to the PS6.
Black America Web
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Forever I Love Atlanta Set: Birthday Bash ATL Honors Young Dro, Yung LA & More
Source: ATL Pics / other Birthday Bash ATL 2025 was an unforgettable celebration of Atlanta's legendary Hip-Hop culture. The biggest moment of the night? No doubt the 'Forever I Love Atlanta' set. It was a full-on tribute to the OGs who laid the foundation for the city's rap game. When Young Dro, Yung LA, Roscoe Dash, and Shop Boyz hit the stage, the whole arena went crazy. ATL showed love, and the legends gave it right back. Roscoe Dash came out first, getting the crowd lit with his classics, followed by Shop Boyz who brought the house down with 'Party Like a Rockstar.' The real turning point was when Yung LA stepped up and dropped his verse on 'Ain't I.' The second that beat dropped, State Farm Arena sang Phones were in the air, people rapping every line, the energy was too lit. Then came Young Dro, cool as ever, with that signature polo on, and rocked the stage. Dro kept the momentum rolling, reminding everybody why he's still one of ATL's finest. The whole set was a salute to all the legends that put a stamp in southern Hip-Hop. The 'Forever I Love Atlanta' wasn't just a set name; it really is a lifestyle for those from the Peach State. Birthday Bash ATL 2025 embodied that slogan loud and clear. ATL pulled up for its legends, and the city stood tall. Being the 29th Birthday Bash, this year was a serious preview of what's to come. With the 30th anniversary on deck in 2026, fans are expecting even more surprises, epic reunions, and historic moments. If this year was fire, next year's gonna be legendary.
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Love Island 2025 UPDATES: TV fans ‘unimpressed' with new cast ahead of brutal launch twist TONIGHT
LOVE Island fans have been left "unimpressed" with the new cast ahead of tonight's launch show. One fan wrote on X: "Is it REALLY that hard to find attractive men for this show??????????????????? Like REALLY?" Advertisement Another posted: ""Every single one of them looks like someone who's been in it before," with another weighing in with this damning verdict: "Y'all can keep this cast." This season also looks like being the most savage ever. One girl has already been Love Island host Advertisement You can follow our live blog, below, for all the latest updates and best fan reaction ... By Meet the contestants – Helena Ford Blonde beauty Helena Ford hopes to find herself a match in the Love Island villa. The gorgeous influencer is already mates with Love Island alumni Zara McDermott and loves travelling the world as a member of cabin crew. Credit: Instagram / helenaforddd Copy link Copied By 'More drama, more bombshells' In a trailer for the latest series, "This year I want more drama, more bombshells, more break-ups, more makeups. "I want more twists, I want more twists than ever." The presenter shared a snap of six suitcases and three bags before heading to the airport to fly to Mallorca last month. Posting on Instagram once she had landed, Maya shared videos of herself dancing along with the caption: 'On holiday until I start Love Island.' Credit: BackGrid Copy link Copied By Love Island 2025 start date You can follow us here for all the latest updates and coverage of tonight's opening episode. Credit: Rex Copy link Copied By And the winners are .. With Love Island kicking off in just over nine hours, boffins at have been crunching the data. Their supercomputer claims to have worked out who's most likely to couple up with the prize money. Based on data from every series – including the OGs, the celeb spin-off, and the recent all-stars drama – the supercomputer claims to have cracked the code. It says two names come out on top: Dejon Noel-Williams, 26, and Shakira Khan. While Dejon is slightly off-age (the ideal winning lad is 24), he nails the rest with a brunette barnet and a job in sport, say the boffins. With previous winners like Greg O'Shea and Josh Oyinsan flexing their way to the final, it's no surprise sporty guys come out on top – four times, in fact. Over on the girls' side, Manchester's own Shakira Khan is serving main Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Credit: Instagram Copy link Copied By What you need to know about Shakira Khan Shakira is one of the most talked about contestants on this year's show. The 22-year-old's Instagram page is filled with gorgeous travel snaps from Haiti, Dubai and New York. Shakira's posts blend high-fashion imagery with candid glimpses of her travels and everyday life. A source said: 'Shakira is jaw-droppingly gorgeous and will land a place in Love Island's history books as a real beauty. 'Execs are finalising who will be in the OG line-up and who will be a bombshell, but Shakira is in the mix. 'And viewers will be hoping she's there to stay.' Credit: YouTube / Chloe Khan Credit: Instagram Copy link Copied By 'The ick' – How Love Island changed the way we talk With Love Island celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, here is a great video from my colleague Sian Angel, Senior News Video Editor, discussing the cultural impact of the show. Ten Years of Love Island Copy link Copied By 'Gonna be lovely' – Fans react to Love Island contestants Here's just some fan reaction to the new season's intake to the villa. Copy link Copied By Tommy Bradley Tommy - who works as a landscape gardener - documented his prep for the ITV2 dating show on Instagram by posting a stream of videos of his gym sessions. He was helped by his brother Jamie Bradley, who is a boxer, and the pair love a night out together with the lads. Credit: instagram/_tommybradley_/ Copy link Copied By Megan Moore Megan was last snapped in Spain just two weeks ago as she topped up her tan ahead of her big villa entrance. She is a payroll specialist from Southampton and said of her dream man: "I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. "He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with." Credit: Instagram Copy link Copied By Meet the contestants – Sophie Lee She almost died in a The dancer and model, from Manchester, was left with horror burns when an air conditioning unit blew flames back in her face. Sophie has written a book about her experience and has worked with The Katie Piper Foundation, helping fellow burns victims. Credit: Instagram Copy link Copied By Meet the contestants – Dejon Noel-Williams Personal trainer Dejon is He said of dad Gifton Noel-Williams, 45, who has played for Stoke City, Waford and Burnley to name a few: "I've met all kinds of famous people through him. "When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos." Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Copy link Copied By First bombshell announced The island's first bombshell can be revealed by The Sun after Maya Jama teased it was a American girl - and she's already in the villa. The sexy Yank is Antonia Laites, pictured below, a pool party waitress from Las Vegas. Credit: Linkedin Copy link Copied By Full cast list Here's the full list of those taking part this season. We'll bring you more on each contestant throughout the day. Love Island 2025 cast : A 29-year-old footballer with charm to spare. : A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident. : A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. Blu Chegini : A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa. : A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. : International business graduate with brains and ambition. : A gym enthusiast with a big heart. : A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. Ben Hullbra : A model ready to make waves. : An Irish actress already drawing comparisons to Maura Higgins. : A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. : A towering 6'5' personal trainer. : A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro Departures : : Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing. Copy link Copied By Welcome to The Sun's Love Island 2025 live blog Thanks for following us. We'll keep you updated here with all the latest news and fan reaction ahead of the launch at 9pm. Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Copy link Copied
