Latest news with #Phoenix
USA Today
35 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Tennessee guard to play for Phoenix in NBA Summer League
Former Tennessee basketball guard Jordan Gainey will play in the 2025 NBA Summer League. He signed to play for Phoenix in the NBA Summer League, taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gainey, a native of Tucson, Arizona, played for the Vols from 2023-25 for head coach Rick Barnes after transferring from USC Upstate. He is the son of Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey. During his collegiate career, Jordan Gainey played in 138 games, averaging 11.7 points per game and recording a .358 three-point field goal percentage. During his senior season, he averaged 11.6 points per contest and totaled a .304 three-point percentage. The former Vol helped Tennessee advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament in each of the past two seasons, scoring at least 15 points in six of his final 10 games. He was a member of the Midwest Region All-Tournament Team and was named to the SEC All-Tournament Team. Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Hans India
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Atlee unveils trailer of ‘Phoenix', hails Vijay Sethupathi's son Surya's action debut
Renowned Indian filmmaker Atlee has unveiled the trailer of the upcoming action drama 'Phoenix', which marks the lead debut of Surya Sethupathi, son of acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi. Atlee, praising the team's dedication, described the film as 'a product of pure hard work.' Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Atlee wrote, 'Phoenix is a product of pure hardwork. @ActionAnlarasu master's long-awaited directorial debut—and what a stunning one! Can't wait to finally share the trailer with you all.' The film is directed by noted stunt choreographer Anal Arasu, making his directorial debut. The trailer introduces an intense crime-thriller setting. It opens with a police officer recounting the murder of a powerful man's son-in-law, who suffered 36 stab wounds. The attacker, a young boy, is now lodged in a juvenile home in Chengalpattu, prompting an investigation into possible motives and family rivalries. Surya Sethupathi plays a fierce and determined young fighter, portrayed as a kickboxer who is relentlessly pursued by enemies. A voiceover likens him to a phoenix—a symbol of resilience and rebirth. One powerful dialogue underlines the theme of resistance: 'Why should they always win? Shouldn't we ever taste victory?' The film features a strong ensemble cast including Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, Sampath, Devadarshini, Ajay Ghosh, and others. 'Phoenix' is produced by Rajalakshmy ANL Arasu under AK Braveman Picturess, with music by Sam CS, cinematography by Velraj R, and editing by National Award-winner Praveen K.L. Stunt choreography, a major highlight, is by Anal Arasu himself. The film promises a gripping action narrative with emotional depth and is set to mark an impactful entry for Surya Sethupathi into Tamil cinema.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Kahleah Copper is comparing Mercury to Sky championship team
The post Why Kahleah Copper is comparing Mercury to Sky championship team appeared first on ClutchPoints. An 11-4 start for the Phoenix Mercury has plenty within the organization excited. One of those is returning Mercury star Kahleah Copper. Advertisement After Copper returned to the Mercury at the beginning of the team's road trip, she made a pivotal impact. Her athleticism, scoring prowess, and leadership were evident from the jump. As the team secured three road wins, she hoped to sweep the road trip against her former team, the Chicago Sky. They did just that, and did so convincingly, 107-86. Not to mention, the Mercury made franchise history by making 17 three-pointers. While the bench shouted in jubilation, Copper was asked if she had fun like this any other time in her career. Her response circled back to her time with Chicago. (There was) Another moment, I definitely have to say in 2021,' Copper said. 'We had a good time against the Phoenix Mercury. But it was just so much joy. Like, I always say, that Finals MVP could have went any way. Candace, Sloot, Ali (all) came up big. Advertisement 'So yeah, we were playing with so much joy, and we were competing for the big thing. So that was probably one of the other times in my career that I was having so much joy and winning.' Kahleah Copper sees parallels between Mercury and 2021 Sky team The players and the dynamics might be different, but the success has been nearly the same. Even with starting a handful of rookies, Phoenix has made it work. A defensive philosophy, mixed with elite scoring and shooting creates a recipe for instant success. Despite Copper and Natasha Mack being the only two returning players, it feels like everyone has been on the team for a substantial amount of time. Advertisement Superstars like Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally certainly make things easier. However, you can't teach chemistry overnight, and the Mercury have just that. In Saturday's game, six players scored double-figures for points. That alone is an impressive mark, considering the star power that's on the roster. Going back to the rookies, however, they aren't technically rookies. Majority of them have played overseas, but this is their first season in the WNBA. For instance, Thomas has talked about how she's faced rookie Kitija Laksa frequently in Turkey during the WNBA's offseason. That story is only a microcosm of the experience that the rookies have. Advertisement Either way, a gritty win against the New York Liberty earlier in the week might've launched those championship conversations for the team. There's plenty of work to do, but Copper sees the joy with the Mercury, much like four years prior. Related: Kahleah Copper gives Mercury teammates their flowers after breaking 3-point record Related: Sami Whitcomb's off-the-bench record powers Mercury past Sky
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Megan McConnell, TJ McConnell's sister, goes down 2 days after joining Mercury
The post Megan McConnell, TJ McConnell's sister, goes down 2 days after joining Mercury appeared first on ClutchPoints. Just days after making her WNBA rookie debut, Phoenix Mercury guard Megan McConnell received devastating news. The younger sister of NBA guard TJ McConnell suffered a right knee injury in her first game that will keep her sidelined for at least three to four weeks. Advertisement The Mercury signed McConnell to make up for the hits the team's roster took due to injury. Major offseason signee Alyssa Thomas joined fellow stars Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack on the injury report due to a calf issue, creating a need for Phoenix to utilize the hardship contract option. The organization turned to McConnell, who went undrafted in 2025. McConnell appeared in two preseason games for the Mercury at around ten minutes per game. She averaged 3.0 points while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from the 3-point line. In the 88-65 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, McConnell put up three points, three assists, and one rebound in 13 minutes. Before joining the Mercury, the 23-year-old made a name for herself in five standout years at Duquesne, averaging 12.5 points, 7.5 boards, and 4.6 assists per contest. Related: Why Lexi Held feels 'lucky' with Mercury Related: Pacers' TJ McConnell wears sister's WNBA jersey before NBA Finals
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
How Sami Whitcomb's career is the ‘blueprint' for Mercury rookies
The post How Sami Whitcomb's career is the 'blueprint' for Mercury rookies appeared first on ClutchPoints. PHOENIX– On a team full of All-WNBA players and MVP contenders, longtime veteran Sami Whitcomb is one of the main cogs of the Phoenix Mercury's leadership engine amid an 11-4 start. Advertisement Her leadership extends beyond the court. The current Australian Women's National Team captain has had quite the unconventional journey to basketball, much like the Mercury's rookies. 'It's very similar in that they went away and played overseas,' Whitcomb told ClutchPoints on Thursday. 'They've done the hard work overseas. They've improved, they've grown their game, stayed ready, and waited for the right opportunity, and sometimes that's all it takes. Sometimes it does take longer than you expect or longer than it does for other people.' 'There's not a blueprint. It's just work hard, stay ready, and when that opportunity comes, you seize it, and I feel like they did such a great job of that in camp. They came in, they were so ready, so prepared, and did a great job. I just wanted to make sure that they felt confident in what they were doing, that they could ask questions, make mistakes.' After she played for the University of Washington, Whitcomb struggled to find an opportunity. Eventually, she returned to her alma mater as a video coordinator. Advertisement Slowly but surely, opportunity after opportunity surfaced, and she soon headed overseas. Once she left the country, her 3-point became the focal point of her game. Years went by, and then once 2017 hit, Whitcomb sought after her rookie season in the WNBA. She also happened to join the Seattle Storm, one of the most storied franchises in league history. In her second season, she secured the WNBA championship. That sparked the beginning of an already impactful career. Coming off the bench and being the team's sniper from deep proved to be pivotal. Sami Whitcomb's leadership has Mercury rookies gushing © John Jones-Imagn Images As mentioned earlier, the Mercury's rookie unit of Monique Akoa Makani, Lexi Held, Kathryn Westbeld, and Kitija Laksa have been Whitcomb's pupils. Advertisement They've seen the Australian guard put up shot after shot in the practice facility. She currently leads the team in most shots attempted by a wide margin. It's something that Akoa Makani doesn't take lightly, as she explained on Wednesday. 'Sami is really that leader… she is always going to give 100% that she has,' Akoa Makani said. Throughout the season, the other three rookies have detailed Whitcomb's relentless work ethic and how inspiring it is. For someone like themselves, having some to relate to is an automatic win. Not to mention, she's succeeded in the WNBA, playing a pivotal role. Even if it's not how she performed in the WNBL in Australia, her skill set serves a valuable purpose and is one that every team aspires to have. Advertisement An elite career in two leagues isn't common to come by. As Whitcomb has always said, trusting the hard work and being committed is a lasting recipe for success. Who else values Sami Whitcomb's leadership on the Mercury? © John Jones-Imagn Images While head coach Nate Tibbetts receives the majority of the coaching headlines, his crew of assistants, such as Michael Joiner, help piece the Mercury's puzzle together. When he analyzed her film in the WNBL before the Mercury signed Whitcomb in free agency, Joiner was immediately in awe of her defense. Although she's a veteran, the defensive tenacity has been yet another blueprint the team has leaned on. Advertisement During training camp, Alyssa Thomas echoed that sentiment of Phoenix being a defensive-minded team. Safe to say it's worked well for them. Still, setting the tone as one of the most seasoned players on the team is something to be noted. From getting over on pick-and-rolls and being intelligently aggressive on that side, Joiner saw all he needed to see. However, he saw one thing more when the Mercury's rookies all joined forces with Whitcomb as the leader. 'Oh, she's been a leader since day one. I mean since day one,' Joiner said. 'She's been a great leader since day one. Taking Megan McConnell under her arms. Like you say, Kit, Kat… I think she's taking the most 3-point shot attempts for anybody just in practice. Advertisement 'She's a veteran who leads by example, leads with a voice, and I'm glad to coach her.' Sami Whitcomb's WNBA path inspires the Mercury and others © Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images All of the praise she's received from teammates, coaches, and executives stems back to trusting the process. It may not always be pretty, but consistency matters. After all, Laksa made her WNBA debut at 29 years old, after spending quality time overseas. Now, she leads the Mercury in 3-pointers made so far this season. The stories of Akoa Makani, Westbeld, and Held this season have echoed more of the same. At the end of the day, everyone's story is different, and that's something Whitcomb is all too familiar with. Advertisement When asked her advice to players who might be on a similar trajectory, she broke down how it all circles back to how much you love basketball. 'I think people get so hyper-focused on the WNBA being the ultimate goal. They see it as a failure if you aren't making it there,' Whitcomb said. 'I think I took that sort of completely out of the equation. Not making the WNBA wasn't the end-all be-all for my career. If you love playing basketball, getting to play professionally anywhere is a dream. 'For me, it was that I just wanted to keep getting better. I wanted to keep improving. Overseas, it was like, can I play in a better league next year? Can I average more points? Can I get better defense… It wasn't about comparing myself to other people in the WNBA or whatever. Can I just become the best version of myself? Ultimately, that led to being in the WNBA. Focus on you. Keep enjoying the process of just getting better at basketball, getting to hoop. We all want to make it to the league, but at this point, it's 156 (players). There are just not that many spots. Sometimes it might take longer, but don't be discouraged by that. If you love it, just keep playing, and trust that it's going to work out for you.' Related: Mercury waives TJ McConnell's sister Megan after injury
