Latest news with #Sallis
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sixers' Hunter Sallis talks handling the ball, summer league lessons
LAS VEGAS -- The Philadelphia 76ers are using the summer league as a way to evaluate their youngsters and continue helping them grow at the next level. Undrafted rookie Hunter Sallis is one of those players who needs the necessary court time to develop and prepare for his maiden voyage into the NBA in the 2025-26 season. The Sixers will be looking for Sallis to do a lot of different things on the floor. He will be looking to score and show off what made him a special player at Wake Forest, but when watching these summer league games, there have been times when the ball is in his hands and he has been asked to run the offense from the point guard spot. "I'm definitely confident having the ball in my hands," Sallis said at summer league practice on Monday. "Just making the right play. That's something that they've been preaching all of summer league, especially during our training camp. So just trying to go out there and make a read for myself or others and get the right play." Sallis is averaging 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 3.2 rebounds in his four games thus far in Las Vegas. He has shown off an athletic ability that will help him transition to the league sooner rather than later. He has NBA-level athleticism and is somebody who can put the ball in the basket when he gets on a heater. With one summer league game left on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets, Sallis is looking to continue his NBA education. He revealed the lessons he has learned about the league in the early part of the summer league. "I mean, just knowing like every possession matters," Sallis said. "Especially, in games. Like you see our last game we played, like, that came down to every single possession that mattered. That's what the NBA is all about. So it's just that's really been the biggest thing. You can't take any plays off." Sallis will look to end things on a strong note on Friday before the summer league ends.
USA Today
29-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Hunter Sallis on two-way deal with Sixers: ‘They think I'm a steal'
Shortly after the 2025 NBA Draft, 22-year-old Hunter Sallis made news when it was reported that the young guard signed a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. On Saturday, after becoming a part of the franchise, the Omaha, Nebraska native caught up with First Alert 6 news and reacted to the his becoming one of the newest members of the franchise. 'They think I'm a steal,' Sallis told First Alert 6. 'They told me like they didn't really have any second-round picks, so they were happy to see that I was available at the end – they think that was a great look for me.' Although Sallis doesn't arrive in Philadelphia with the same type of accolades and fanfare as first-round pick VJ Edgecombe, Daryl Morey and his staff probably hope that the 22-year-old can become a part of the solution in Philadelphia after the Sixers stumbled to a disappointing 24-58 finish last season. And while there are a lot of guards that will likely enter the 2025-26 season ahead of Sallis on the depth chart, if the front office proves correct — and Sallis does come anywhere near fulfilling his mighty potential — then he can potentially become a part of rebuilding a winning culture in Philadelphia and having the Sixers emerge as contenders in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
NBC Sports
27-06-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
2025 NBA Draft: Hunter Sallis, Vlad Goldin among top undrafted prospects
While hearing one's name called is the heavily preferred route to the NBA, there are only so many available slots. For the 2025 edition, there were 59 picks, and many accomplished players went undrafted. Below is a quick look at the top 10 players not selected and where they're headed as undrafted free agents. 1. G Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest After playing two seasons at Gonzaga, Sallis transferred and took on a far more significant role at Wake Forest. During his final season, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.3 three-pointers per game, shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 80.4 percent from the foul line. While Sallis did not provide much value as a three-point shooter, making 27.7 percent of his attempts in 2024-25, there's prior evidence that he can. During his first season at Wake Forest, the guard shot 40.5 percent from deep on 5.4 attempts per game. Had Sallis entered the 2024 draft, there's a strong likelihood he would have been selected. The decreased accuracy from three was likely a factor in him not being drafted on Thursday, but he agreed to a two-way deal with the 76ers shortly after the draft concluded. 2. C Vladislav Golden, Michigan Goldin enjoyed a storied collegiate run, first appearing for Texas Tech and then joining FAU, where he was part of the team's Cinderella run to the 2023 Final Four. Rather than going to the NBA, Goldin returned to college last season, following head coach Dusty May to Michigan as a grad transfer. The 7-foot, 253-pound center averaged 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.4 blocks while shooting 61/33/73 splits. His size gives him upside as an interior scorer and rebounder, but he can be even better on offense if he can further develop his three-point shot. Goldin has agreed to a two-way contract with the Heat, who already have Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware, but there may be a need for additional depth in the frontcourt. 3. G Dink Pate, Mexico City The 6-foot-8 Pate went the G League route, beginning with the 2023-24 season as part of G League Ignite. That team's disbandment led to Pate joining the Mexico City Capitanes, where he averaged 10.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 34 starts. While the Texas native boasts plus athleticism, he needs to grow as a shooter, with Pate shooting 26 percent from three and 58 percent from the foul line last season. The combination of size and athleticism makes him an attractive wing prospect, but Pate has a long way to go as a shooter. As of late Thursday night, he had not agreed to a two-way deal, but Pate may be worth the risk for a team willing to wait on his development. 4. F/C Eric Dixon, Villanova Regarding individual numbers, Dixon is one of the most productive players in Villanova program history. The 6-foot-8 forward/center led the nation in scoring as a senior, earning All-America honors and a first-team All-Big East selection. Dixon averaged 23.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.9 three-pointers per game while recording 45.1/40.7/81.3 shooting splits. While undersized for the NBA level, Dixon's improvements as a shooter may translate. He's agreed to a two-way contract with the Lakers, making for an intriguing option if Dixon can defend fours on the perimeter. 5. C Viktor Lakhin, Clemson The 6-foot-11, 245-pound center from Russia played three seasons at Cincinnati before transferring to Clemson ahead of the 2024-25 season. In 34 games, he recorded averages of 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.5 blocks and 0.7 three-pointers in 23.6 minutes, shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 69.6 percent from the foul line. Lahkin improved as a finisher and facilitator during his lone season at Clemson and was also an effective rim protector. However, he must improve his lateral mobility and strength in preparation for the NBA game. While yet to agree to a contract, it would be unsurprising if a team signed Lakhin to participate in Summer League play next month. 6. G Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga The younger brother of Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, Ryan spent two seasons at Creighton before following in Andrew's footsteps and transferring to Gonzaga. As a senior, the 6-foot point guard led the nation in assists, averaging 9.8 per game while also accounting for 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.1 three-pointers. Nembhard averaged only 2.7 three-point attempts per game this past season, but the accuracy was there, as he shot 40.4 percent from beyond the arc. While the lack of size may lead to some overlooking him, Nembhard's ability as a playmaker and improved perimeter shooter have put him on the NBA radar. He's been signed to a two-way deal by the Mavericks, which could be an interesting spot depending on how Dallas addresses the point guard position in free agency. Expecting Nembhard to crack the rotation would be unrealistic given the contract, but Kyrie Irving (knee) will miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 season. 7. G Chucky Hepburn, Louisville After spending three seasons at Wisconsin, Hepburn transferred to Louisville and was a key contributor for the Cardinals in 2024-25. He earned All-ACC honors and averaged 16.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.4 steals (tops in the ACC) and 1.9 three-pointers per game. Hepburn shot 43.2 percent from the field and 84.4 percent from the foul line. While the perimeter shot needs some work, Hepburn's foul shooting suggests he has room to develop. He's capable of impacting the two-man game and as a defender, but Hepburn will need to improve as a shooter and clean up the turnovers (3.0 per game in 2024-25). Hepburn agreed to a two-way deal with the Raptors, who were much-improved defensively during the second half of last season. While the defensive ability and playmaking opened the door for Hepburn, his chances of sticking will likely hinge on the perimeter shot. 8. F RJ Luis Jr., St. John's While St. John's coach Rick Pitino loaded up on transfers ahead of his second season with the program, his best player was among the few returnees. Luis, who played one season at UMass before transferring to St. John's, was one of the best players in college basketball in 2024-25. In 35 games, he averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.3 three-pointers, shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 74.7 percent from the foul line. In addition to being named Big East Player of the Year, the versatile Luis was a consensus All-American. Many projected him as a second-round pick, but his name was not called on Thursday. The good news for Luis is that he was able to land a two-way deal with the rebuilding Jazz. Utah did add Ace Bailey in the first round, but overall, the team has an uninspiring wing rotation. Also, the team has been willing to give two-way players and G League contributors opportunities to show what they can do during this rebuild. That may bode well for Luis. 9. G Mark Sears, Alabama After two seasons at Ohio, Sears transferred to Alabama and flourished under head coach Nate Oates. A two-time All-American, the 6-foot point guard averaged 18.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.4 three-pointers per game in 2024-25. Sears shot 40.3 percent from the field, a decrease of 10 percentage points compared to the 2023-24 season, and his effective field goal percentage dropped by 11 percentage points to 49.4. Along with his size, the decrease in efficiency is a concern. However, Sears can be a factor offensively, especially when put in positions where he can play downhill. The former Alabama point guard agreed to a two-way deal with the Bucks, who will play most of next season without Damian Lillard (Achilles). Also, Kevin Porter Jr. will be an unrestricted free agent. On paper, Sears is unlikely to be in a position to play rotation minutes. However, with the Giannis Antetokounmpo conversations from outside the organization, who knows what will happen once the dust settles after free agency? 10. F Grant Nelson, Alabama The 6-foot-10 Nelson played three seasons at North Dakota State before transferring to Alabama ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. He provided the Crimson Tide with offensive versatility in the frontcourt, but there is work to be done on the perimeter shot. In 37 games last season, Nelson averaged 11.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.2 blocks and 0.6 three-pointers. Nelson shot 52.2 percent from the field, 25.8 percent from three and 66.7 percent from the foul line. While a solid defender, there's still room for growth, especially in the two-man game. Nelson's ability to consistently knock down perimeter shots will be a key factor as he looks to establish himself as a pro. If he can do that, he can be a steal in this draft class. Nelson is joining the rebuilding Nets on a two-way deal, and while Brooklyn is rebuilding, they also have five first-round picks to work into the fold.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Volunteers, police make big difference at Spring Fest
May 29—MOSES LAKE — This year's Moses Lake Spring Fest came off better than usual, in large part because of lots of community involvement, organizers said. "We welcome everyone in our community to come and volunteer," Spring Fest Board Member Lori Valdez said. "But this year, we had a lot of people step up and volunteer that we've never had before, and that was very nice." Nearly 200 people came out to help with the various activities at the festival, according to Board President Sean Sallis. The Fun Run alone had 60 volunteers, he said. There were 30 volunteers helping with the beer garden, 45 for the 3-on-3 basketball tournament and 11 for the parade. "One little boy was helping us put tape on the basketball court," Sallis said. "He was like 4 years old, and he wanted to help lay tape. It's just a picture of our community." The 20 Moses Lake High School JROTC students were especially helpful, Valdez said. They helped set up before the festival and stuck around for teardown and cleanup, which is usually an ordeal in itself, she said. "By the time we get to Monday, to tear down, we are completely exhausted, 100% medically and physically," she said. "When you get out of bed, you can't even walk ... They helped clean the tables, they picked up garbage, they came back (Monday), until we were 100% all cleaned up at the park. They stayed until like five o'clock and helped us tear down." The JROTC students also carried the giant flag in the parade, Valdez said. Not all the assistance the festival organizers received was measurable in hours. Pro Rentals donated 18 big lights to illuminate the park and the carnival, Sallis said. "We had those all throughout the park and the carnival, (in) any spots that were dark," he said. "Every night, we were inspecting different spots that could have better lighting, and so we were working in concert with the police department and the sheriff's (office) to ... support them." The Moses Lake Police Department increased its presence at the festival as well, according to Capt. Jeff Sursely, contracting with the Grant County Sheriff's Office to provide some deputies as well. "We plussed up our manpower," Sursely said. "We averaged, between us and the Grant County Sheriff's Office, between 26 and 30 officers a day, (which included) two jail staff and a jail transport vehicle." In past years, the MLPD has only had six to eight officers a day at the festival, he added. Officers made 12 arrests. "Mostly juvenile issues, trespassing, nothing big," he said. "Mostly misdemeanor crime." The MLPD announced a zero-tolerance policy on crime during the festival, Sursely said, and the Grant County Commissioners authorized law enforcement to book juvenile offenders, which hadn't been allowed before. The additional lighting was a major factor as well, he said. The Spring Fest is Moses Lake's biggest community celebration of the year, and it takes a lot of coordination between departments and organizations. Because most of the event takes place at McCosh Park, the Parks & Recreation and Cultural Services Department bears much of the brunt of the work involved, Director Doug Coutts said, but the rest of the municipal government has a part to play as well. "Our fire department is here with paramedic services, roaming around and doing checks on people with heat-related issues," he said. "Our streets department has to close the street for the parade, move the street closures around as the event progresses. So, it is a full-on city team effort." Having so much volunteer help says a lot about Moses Lake, Valdez said. "We had people showing up at the park saying, 'What can I do to help?' she said. "It just tells you what type of community we live in, that 100% we have an amazing community."
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Draft scouting report: Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest
Hunter Sallis #23 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons reacts against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the quarterfinal round of the ACC men's basketball tournament at Spectrum Center on March 13, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by) For a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports, check out my NBA Draft Guide. Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest Height: 6-5 • Weight: 185 • Class: Senior • Age: 22 Summary: Sallis is a poised, efficient scorer with body control, defensive tenacity, and the passing feel to hint at more upside. If the jumper proves real, he could play a much larger offensive role than his current projection. Advertisement Comparisons: Donte DiVincenzo Strengths Shot creation: Slippery ball-handler who is quick but also knows how to deceive opponents with head and ball fakes. He can decelerate, stop on a dime for pull-ups in the paint, or use half-spins to get to the rim. He always looks like he's in control. At-rim finishing: Gorgeous paint scorer with soft touch from any angle off either foot. He can dunk when given space to elevate, but primarily uses his finesse to score around the rim. Even when facing lengthy defenders he's shown the ability to hang in the air and absorb contact to still score. Passing: Selfless passer who makes decisive decisions with the ball. Coming off handoffs, he'll read the floor then put velocity on the ball to a roller. He loves to throw lobs. He's also so comfortable throwing cross-court bullseye passes. Advertisement Cutting: Active off the ball, showing an awareness to fill space in transition, cut to the basket in the half court, and relocate for open 3s. Defense: Super active on-ball defender who shows good footwork fighting around screens and staying in front of opponents. His strong hand-eye coordination allows him to consistently swipe at balls and contest shots. Concerns Shooting: He made only 33.3% of his 3s in four college seasons. He lacks experience and success shooting off movement, and he has a bit of a slow release. But the flashes are impressive: He made 52.3% of midrange pull-ups this season, per Synergy. Advertisement Strength: Needs to get stronger to improve his defensive floor. As it is, he'll get overpowered by some of the heavier elite athletes in the league. For a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports, check out my NBA Draft Guide.
