Latest news with #SummerLeague


Time of India
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
WNBA star Angel Reese sends 7-word reaction to brother Julian Reese ahead of 2025 Draft day
Angel Reese and Julian Reese. Image via: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images The Maryland Terrapins' star player, Julian Reese, was recently signed by one of the most famous teams in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers. Brother of the WNBA's icon and an A1 player of the Chicago Sky, Angel Reese shared a heartfelt reaction on her social media. Filled with overwhelming emotions, she encouraged and motivated him throughout, while also reminding him that the hard part had just begun. The Lakers rookie player is now all set to show his talent and shape a remarkable future in the world of the NBA. Chicago Sky's star player Angel Reese sends a stern reminder to brother Julian Reese The Los Angeles Lakers drafted the 6-foot-9 standout in the 2025 NBA Draft on a Friday night. Things were getting pretty intense for Julian Reese as he was waiting for his turn to get drafted earlier on Wednesday. However, life had different plans for him. On Friday, he got some news after the Los Angeles Lakers signed him up as a part of their Summer League squad. His sister, the star of the WNBA, burst into joy as he was about to become a part of the NBA, a professional basketball player. — BleacherReport (@BleacherReport) Angel Reese couldn't be more hyped for her little brother, however, reminding him simultaneously that his career had just begun and that the hard part had just come up. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sunteck Presents 2/3BHK Sea View Homes at ₹98L+* in Mumbai Sunteck Realty Learn More Undo 'Proud is an understatement. TIME TO WORK.", exclaimed Angel Reese as it was her brother's turn to get a massive contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now that he has entered the big league and is about to become a pro, Angel Reese did not hesitate to give him a stern reminder about what the actual world looks like. Julian Reese formerly played for the Maryland Terrapins while he was on the college basketball team. He had an outstanding four-year career with them. During his college life, he had averaged 13.3 points on 55.5% shooting, 9.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. He became one of the two players in the history of Maryland to have a total score at least 1000 points and 1000 rebounds. As Julian Reese entered the world of the NBA, his sister couldn't help but think about her little brother who had worked so hard to accomplish his dream-come-true moment. She had been his constant support since day 1 and had seen him come this far, brick by brick. 'OPPORTUNITY. COME ON JU,' Angel Reese commented on her social media. Former coach of the Maryland Terrapins, Kevin Willard, said, 'I really believe one day Julian's number will be hanging from the rafters, because in an era where kids showed no loyalty, kids get up and go anytime they want, money this and that, this young man didn't transfer." As everyone awaits his performance, Julian Reese feels pressure; however, he promised everyone to give his best in the next season. Also read: NBA Draft News: Los Angeles Lakers Sign Angel Reese's 6-Feet-9 Brother In Hopes To Bolster Squad Around LeBron James And Luka Doncic Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jason Kidd Makes Big Statement on Cooper Flagg Ahead of Summer League Debut vs. Lakers
Jason Kidd Makes Big Statement on Cooper Flagg Ahead of Summer League Debut vs. Lakers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There was little doubt heading into Wednesday's first round of the 2025 NBA Draft about who the Dallas Mavericks would select with the No. 1 overall pick. All signs pointed to Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg—and that's exactly who they chose. Advertisement Flagg now joins a Mavericks roster loaded with proven NBA veterans, including Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving, on a team built to win immediately under head coach Jason Kidd—someone Flagg spoke highly of. 'He has a good vision for me and what I can do and how I can impact the game,' Flagg said. 'So I'm excited to just talk to him more.' The Newport, Maine native is set to make his Summer League debut in Las Vegas on July 10, when the Mavericks take on Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Ahead of that highly anticipated matchup, Kidd shared a bold statement about what he's most excited to see Flagg do in his debut against L.A. 'I want to put him at point guard," Kidd said. "I'm excited to give him the ball against the Lakers and see what happens." The Mavericks' second game in Las Vegas was announced on Friday, setting up a likely showdown between No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and No. 2 pick Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs. Harper, a standout freshman from Rutgers, is expected to be one of Flagg's top early career rivals. Advertisement One of the key storylines to watch will be how the Mavericks choose to manage Flagg's playing time throughout the Summer League—whether they allow him to play the full schedule or take a more cautious approach to preserve his health. Feb 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images As a freshman at Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, leading the Blue Devils to 35 wins and a Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Related: Jason Kidd Admits To Sad Reality After Luka Doncic Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.


RTÉ News
10 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
CJ Fulton to play with Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA Summer League
Irish international CJ Fulton is set to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA's Summer League. After missing out on the NBA draft earlier in the week, the Belfast native will now get a chance to impress in a tournament where 30 franchises will compete in Las Vegas. The Timberwolves, who play in the western conference, begin their Summer League against New Orleans Pelicans on 10 July.


Time of India
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Draft News: Los Angeles Lakers sign Angel Reese's 6-feet-9 brother in hopes to bolster squad around LeBron James and Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic and LeBron James (Image via Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports) The Los Angeles Lakers have made another intriguing addition to their undrafted free-agent class, signing Julian Reese , the brother of WNBA star Angel Reese , to a Summer League contract. This signing follows the Lakers' earlier acquisitions of Villanova's Eric Dixon, North Carolina's RJ Davis, and Augustas Marčiulionis, the son of Hall of Famer Sarunas Marčiulionis. Julian Reese, a 6-foot-9, 230-pound power forward, now joins the mix as the team continues to bolster its roster ahead of Summer League. Julian Reese's College Career and Strengths Julian Reese spent four seasons at Maryland, emerging as a reliable frontcourt presence in his junior and senior years. Over his final two college campaigns, he posted solid numbers: - 13.5 points per game - 9.2 rebounds per game - 1.7 blocks per game - 1.3 assists per game - 1.1 steals per game He also shot an efficient 55.1% from the field, showcasing his ability to finish around the rim. His physicality and defensive presence make him an interesting prospect for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are actively seeking size and toughness. Areas for Improvement for the Los Angeles Lakers Despite his strengths, Reese has a clear weakness: his lack of outside shooting. He did not attempt a single three-pointer in his last three seasons at Maryland, which could limit his versatility in today's NBA. However, as Billy Heyen noted in the original report, "The Lakers are looking for size, though, so this will be a chance for Julian to show up at Summer League, play well, and potentially earn an invite to training camp and beyond. " (H/t: Sporting News) Reese's game contrasts with that of his sister, Angel, who was the No. 7 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and has already made a name for herself as one of the league's top rebounders. While Julian may not have the same level of hype, the Lakers are giving him an opportunity to carve out his own path. What This Means for the Los Angeles Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers ' undrafted free-agent signings indicate a strategy of adding depth and potential developmental pieces. Here's a quick look at their recent pickups: Player Position College/Background Notable Stats/Achievements Eric Dixon Forward Villanova Led NCAA in scoring (2023–24) RJ Davis Guard North Carolina 2,700+ career points Augustas Marčiulionis Guard Son of Hall of Famer Played in Lithuania Julian Reese Forward Maryland 13.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG (last 2 seasons) Reese's signing adds another big body to the Lakers' Summer League roster, giving him a chance to prove he belongs at the next level. If he impresses in Las Vegas, he could earn a training camp invite and possibly a two-way contract. Julian Reese may not have the star power of his sister, but his rebounding, defense, and efficiency inside make him a worthwhile project for the Lakers. Summer League will be his first real test against NBA-level competition, and if he can address his shooting limitations, he might just find a way to stick around. Also read: NBA Draft Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could make history by signing a third James forming a deadly trio with LeBron James and son Bronny As the Los Angeles Lakers continue assembling their Summer League squad, Reese's journey will be one to watch. Whether he makes the final roster or not, this opportunity is a crucial step in his professional career. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.


Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Ireland star CJ Fulton to play for Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA Summer League
The Belfast man may have missed out in the NBA draft on Wednesday, but he gets a chance to showcase his skills at the preseason tournament that brings together all 30 franchises for 11 days in Las Vegas. Teams typically use the annual competition as an opportunity to try out new players and youngsters who were not selected in the draft. Though the 22-year-old wasn't selected by the Timberwolves with their 17th or 45th picks, Fulton evidently made an impression on the side after being invited to their pre-draft camp earlier this month. Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly had referred to Fulton in an interview earlier this week, saying they had intended 'to get the Irish kid' for the Summer League. The point guard's place in the tournament was confirmed by a social media post from the College of Charleston, where Fulton has just completed his senior year of third-level basketball in South Carolina. The Timberwolves, who lost out in the western conference finals this past season, begin their Summer League against New Orleans Pelicans on July 10. Fulton hopes to follow in the footsteps of Pat Burke and Susan Moran who were the first Irish-born players to play at the highest level in the United States.