Latest news with #WillHardy
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Watch 76ers' VJ Edgecombe put on a show in his Summer League debut with 28 points
This is why the majority of teams had VJ Edgecombe third on their draft boards, and why Philadelphia took him at No. 3. Edgecombe put on a show in his Summer League debut, scoring 28 points, showing his explosiveness (particularly in transition), the fluidity of his game, his pull-up jumper, his playmaking, and he played good defense (for Summer League). Edgecombe's game is well-suited for the glorified pick-up game that is Summer League, and he showcased his skills. Edgecombe outdueled the Utah Jazz's No. 5 pick Ace Bailey, who scored 8 points in 3-of-13 shooting. Bailey struggled when he had to create his own shot, but that's not a surprise, given that it was known he had to work on his handle, and he's not the athlete Edgecombe is to create space. However, Bailey looked good working off the ball, something Jazz coach Will Hardy could take advantage of during the season. Advertisement What matters most, especially for Bailey, is not this game, but how much he improves. Does he look better by Game 3 of Summer League? Is he learning?
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Bourbon Butlers Are Ready To Welcome Guests To Bardstown's Newest Hotel
The lobby at The Trail Hotel. Kriech-Higdon Photography At the end of last month, Kentucky welcomed its newest accommodation and first bourbon-infused hotel. The Trail Hotel opened in Bardstown, monikered as "Bourbon Capital of the World,' in a former Holiday Inn but guests would never know it thanks to a complete overhaul of the 95 guest rooms and five swanky bourbon-stocked bars. Dan Sirrine, general manager of The Trail Hotel explained to Forbes that in Bardstown, 'bourbon is not just a spirit, but a way of life,' which is why it was so important to create a new accommodation for both travelers looking to experience that way of life, as well as a social hub for locals. 'It's been incredible to hear what the revival of this property means to the community,' he shared, explaining that in its former life as a Holiday Inn, Bardstown locals used it as a gathering place to celebrate life's milestones. The Trail Hotel revives a central and social hospitality nucleus — all with bourbon-infused programming from Bourbon Butlers to a hidden speakeasy called the Bourbon Vault. 'Bourbon has traditionally been celebrated in tasting rooms, distillery tours, and bars throughout the area, but not in the broader lifestyle sense that a hotel can offer,' said Sirrine about the positioning of The Trail Hotel as the 'world's first bourbon-infused hotel.' That's part of what inspired the vision of owners Will Hardy and Ejo Edmonds when creating the hotel. 'Bourbon is such an integral part of Kentucky's identity,' furthered Sirrine. 'Will and Ejo saw an opportunity to fill that gap, not just by building a hotel with bourbon-themed decor, but by creating a truly infused experience that pays tribute to the spirit while reimagining how people connect with it.' The Trail Hotel offers two private labels, one bourbon and one rye, crafted in partnership with two local distilleries. Kriech-Higdon Photography In addition to the onsite bourbon experiences, The Trail Hotel features two private labels — a six year bourbon created in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company and a six-year rye in partnership by Green River Whiskey. 'Our team worked side-by-side with master distillers at each distillery to craft flavor profiles that reflect both the spirit of our property and the region's bourbon heritage,' explained Sirrine. Below, Sirrine shares more about what guests can expect in terms of bourbon-infused experiences from check-in to check-out, whether they're sipping The Trail Hotel's custom rye at the Bourbon Vault or on a VIP tour at one of Bardstown's historic distilleries thanks to their Bourbon Butlers' connections. Jillian Dara: What are the exclusive bourbon experiences offered on property? Dan Sirrine: For discerning bourbon enthusiasts, rare pours are available to enjoy at our hidden speakeasy, the Bourbon Vault. The Trail Hotel also offers a variety of tour options exclusive to hotel guests through our Bourbon Butler, each designed to immerse guests in the art, history, and craftsmanship of bourbon-making. We have five bars on property, each with their own vibe, allowing guests to get a taste of incredible bourbons around every corner. JD: How did the concept of a Bourbon Butler come about? DS: The concept of a Bourbon Butler was born out of our desire to offer guests a truly personalized and elevated bourbon experience beyond the typical tasting or flight. We looked at the level of service you might find with a sommelier in a fine dining setting and thought: why shouldn't bourbon lovers have that same tailored experience? Whether a guest is a seasoned enthusiast or brand new to the spirit, our Bourbon Butlers are there to curate recommendations, share stories behind the bottles, arrange private tastings and tours throughout Bardstown, and even pair bourbons with meals or in-room amenities. It's a service rooted in education, storytelling, and personal connection. The Bourbon Vault at The Trail Hotel. Kriech-Higdon Photography JD: Can you share some of the exclusive bourbon tastings or experiences that the Bourbon Butlers can arrange? DS: Our Bourbon Butlers tailor each guest's experience based on their taste and curiosity. They can arrange private tastings of rare and allocated bourbons, behind-the-scenes tours with partner distilleries, and more. Offered three times daily, our signature tours include a morning escape (one distillery tour), an intimate afternoon affair (two tours plus a gourmet lunch), or an all-day rendezvous (three exclusive tours with time in between to unwind at the hotel). For those seeking an ultra-personalized encounter, our private tours for 2-28 guests include a Three Distillery Odyssey through some of Bardstown's premium distilleries, complete with lunch, or a Two Distillery Escape, a leisurely adventure with time to shoot a round of golf or horseback riding. Available upgrades include a meet and greet with a distiller and a tasting of exclusive, limited release whiskeys. JD: Why do you think it's so important to offer this type of amenity for your guests? DS: Travelers come to Kentucky looking for an authentic connection to bourbon culture. With so many distilleries nearby, it can be a bit overwhelming choosing which to visit. The Bourbon Butlers offer our guests a turnkey way to engage with all Bardstown has to offer, without having to lift a finger. JD: How do you aim to add to the culture and heritage of the spirit with your new hotel? DS: I aim to honor Bardstown's legacy in the bourbon space through creating new opportunities for people to engage with it in meaningful, modern ways. Every detail of the property, from the decor, to the amenities and our service, reflects the craftsmanship and warmth that defines the spirit, from our locally sourced materials to the unique bourbon experiences woven throughout the property. By partnering with local distilleries, showcasing regional makers, and offering immersive programming, we aim to create a space where guests can connect with the history, people, and passion behind bourbon. We want to spark curiosity and deep appreciation for this spirit that makes Bardstown a must-visit for foodies, culture aficionados, bourbon lovers, and beyond.
Boston Globe
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
North Carolina players embrace new world with Bill Belichick as coach
North Carolina players hadn't spoken to reporters since last year's team ended its season with a Fenway Bowl loss to UConn three days after Christmas, all of which came after Belichick had been hired as coach for the 2025 season. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up So Tuesday marked the first time UNC had made players available to reporters since then to discuss Belichick's arrival. That has meant being coached by someone with a long track record of success at the sport's highest level, along with getting a peek behind the terse and grumpy persona he was known for with the Patriots. Advertisement Defensive back Will Hardy said the players are used to curiosity that comes with being coached by the NFL lifer now giving college a try. 'There's a lot of that, you get a lot of 'How is Coach Belichick? What's new? What's different?'' Hardy said. 'So I've rehearsed these questions a lot with family and friends.' Advertisement The school hired Belichick in December to elevate the program at a time when football's role as the revenue driver in college sports has never been bigger. He and general manager Michael Lombardi have described their goal as building a pro-style model at the college level. It's been a key pitch as the 73-year-old Belichick made his first foray onto the recruiting trail, as well as the volume of players transferring in and out of the program. Belichick's first on-field work in Chapel Hill came during spring workouts, lodged between portal windows in December and April. 'Look, these are great kids to work with, they really are,' Belichick said Tuesday. 'We've had great buy-in. There have really been no problems at all. These guys are on time, they're early, they work hard, they put in the work in the weight room, out on the field. They spend time on their own, whether it's doing extra training or coming over and watching film and that type of thing. 'They've made a ton of improvement and these guys are a lot better than they were when we started in January, on every level. So it's exciting to see where that's going to take us.' For the players, part of the adjustment had been the reality that their coach was winning Super Bowls with quarterback Tom Brady while they were growing up and watching on TV. 'I mean, maybe at first when you see him, all you see is the Super Bowls that he's won,' said offensive lineman Christo Kelly, a Holy Cross transfer and Belichick's first portal commitment. 'But when you get here and you see the way he cares, you see the way that he approaches the game, you see how hard he works, there's no question why he has the success that he has. Advertisement 'The attention to detail, the emphasis on fundamentals, and really just kind of creating competition for the guys, that's what's getting built here. Guys are embracing it. He treats everybody with tremendous respect and it's been great.' Defensive back Thad Dixon had met Belichick before when he was at Washington, playing under Belichick's son Steve — now the Tar Heels' defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. The two shared a few conversations then, and he jumped at the chance to head east. 'I really just wanted the opportunity just to learn from somebody like that, that had did it in the league for so long,' Dixon said. Yet not every surprise has been about X's and O's. Sometimes it's simply when Belichick has dropped the all-business facade to expose an unexpectedly humorous side. 'I feel like that's the biggest curveball, you're coming to the first meeting and you're expecting it to be serious, 100 percent locked in,' said Shipp, who played 12 games for UNC last season. 'He comes in and he introduces himself and then he busts a joke. That's the second thing he said.' Hardy pointed that vibe, too. 'There are times when he'll just crack a joke out of nowhere,' he said. 'And just him being kind of monotone sometimes will make those jokes so funny.' Still, Hardy noted it's mingled amid the work, such as film sessions when 'there's no hiding' when Belichick highlights a mistake. UNC opens the season on Labor Day against TCU in a college version of Monday Night Football. Advertisement 'I've loved having 1-on-1 conversations with him,' Hardy said. 'It's cool to see and meet him personally, because you grow up and see him on TV and everything. And he's just a completely different coach and guy when you get to be around him all day. It's cool.'
Associated Press
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Tar Heels players embrace new world as part of coach Bill Belichick's first college team
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Jordan Shipp remembers the conversation with his roommates after learning Bill Belichick was North Carolina's new coach. 'It was just like, 'That's the greatest coach of all time,'' the receiver recalled, ''and he's about to be a coaching us.'' Belichick's arrival has triggered plenty of change for the Tar Heels, who are making a big bet on the man who won six Super Bowls as an NFL head coach to spark their football program. No one knows that better than the players — both the holdovers and the transfer-portal arrivals — after months of Belichick overhauling the roster and building the foundation on his first college team. North Carolina players hadn't spoken to reporters since last year's team ended its season with a Fenway Bowl loss to UConn three days after Christmas, all of which came after Belichick had been hired as coach for the 2025 season. So Tuesday marked the first time UNC had made players available to reporters since then to discuss Belichick's arrival. That has meant being coached by someone with a long track record of success at the sport's highest level, along with getting a peek behind the terse and grumpy persona he was known for with the New England Patriots. Defensive back Will Hardy said the players are used to curiosity that comes with being coached by the NFL lifer now giving college a try. 'There's a lot of that, you get a lot of 'How is Coach Belichick? What's new? What's different?'' Hardy said. 'So I've rehearsed these questions a lot with family and friends.' Formative stages The school hired Belichick in December to elevate the program at a time when football's role as the revenue driver in college sports has never been bigger. He and general manager Michael Lombardi have described their goal as building a pro-style model at the college level. It's been a key pitch as the 73-year-old Belichick made his first foray onto the recruiting trail, as well as the volume of players transferring in and out of the program. Belichick's first on-field work in Chapel Hill came during spring workouts, lodged between portal windows in December and April. 'Look, these are great kids to work with, they really are,' Belichick said Tuesday. 'We've had great buy-in. There have really been no problems at all. These guys are on time, they're early, they work hard, they put in the work in the weight room, out on the field. They spend time on their own, whether it's doing extra training or coming over and watching film and that type of thing. 'They've made a ton of improvement and these guys are a lot better than they were when we started in January, on every level. So it's exciting to see where that's going to take us.' Enticing opportunity For the players, part of the adjustment had been the reality that their coach was winning Super Bowls with quarterback Tom Brady while they were growing up and watching on TV. Intimidating much? 'I mean, maybe at first when you see him, all you see is the Super Bowls that he's won,' said offensive lineman Christo Kelly, a Holy Cross transfer and Belichick's first portal commitment. 'But when you get here and you see the way he cares, you see the way that he approaches the game, you see how hard he works, there's no question why he has the success that he has. 'The attention to detail, the emphasis on fundamentals, and really just kind of creating competition for the guys, that's what's getting built here. Guys are embracing it. He treats everybody with tremendous respect and it's been great.' Defensive back Thad Dixon had met Belichick before when he was at Washington, playing under Belichick's son Steve — now the Tar Heels' defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. The two shared a few conversations then, and he jumped at the chance to head east. 'I really just wanted the opportunity just to learn from somebody like that, that had did it in the league for so long,' Dixon said. Behind the curtain Yet not every surprise has been about X's and O's. Sometimes it's simply when Belichick has dropped the all-business facade to expose an unexpectedly humorous side. 'I feel like that's the biggest curveball, you're coming to the first meeting and you're expecting it to be serious, 100% locked in,' said Shipp, who played 12 games for UNC last season. 'He comes in and he introduces himself and then he busts a joke. That's the second thing he said.' Hardy pointed that vibe, too. 'There are times when he'll just crack a joke out of nowhere,' he said. 'And just him being kind of monotone sometimes will make those jokes so funny.' Still, Hardy noted it's mingled amid the work, such as film sessions when 'there's no hiding' when Belichick highlights a mistake. UNC opens the season on Labor Day against TCU in a college version of Monday Night Football. 'I've loved having 1-on-1 conversations with him,' Hardy said. 'It's cool to see and meet him personally, because you grow up and see him on TV and everything. And he's just a completely different coach and guy when you get to be around him all day. It's cool.' ___ AP college football: and
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Utah Jazz extend Will Hardy through 2031, showing rare faith in a coach coming off a 17-win season
(Image Source - Getty Images) Making a bold choice that emphasizes a long-term strategy, the Utah Jazz have extended head coach Will Hardy 's contract all the way to the 2030–31 NBA season. Despite finishing the 2024–25 season with a league-low 17–65 record—the worst ever for the franchise—the Jazz's leadership is firm in their belief that Hardy is the right fit to guide the team's rebuilding phase. This extension reflects the organization's commitment to consistency and progress, even in difficult circumstances. Jazz double down on Will Hardy's leadership despite historic low in 2024–25 season Since taking over in 2022, Hardy has led the team to an 85-161 record across three seasons, and they haven't reached the playoffs yet. The 2024-25 season was especially rough, ending with a 17-65 record, which is even worse than their previous worst of 23-59 from 1974-75. However, the franchise's leaders are optimistic about Hardy's strategy and philosophy. "Will is an incredible leader, great communicator—especially with our younger players—and a strong ambassador for this franchise," said team owner Ryan Smith. "There is no one we would rather have leading us to our ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship here in Utah." Jazz CEO Danny Ainge echoed this sentiment, highlighting Hardy's influence on the team's culture. "He has established a vision for our players and a strong foundation of core values, competitive habits, and growth mindset," Ainge stated. "He is one of the brightest young coaches in our league, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him." Hardy has a solid coaching background, having been the top assistant for the Boston Celtics during their 2021–22 NBA Finals journey and spending 11 years with the San Antonio Spurs, where he helped them clinch the championship in 2014. He also contributed to USA Basketball's gold medal victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Hardy showed his appreciation for the extension and highlighted his dedication to the team's future."I love Utah and the Jazz organization and am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to help guide our team," he said. "We have a talented group of coaches and people all working to build a championship program for this incredible fan base." Also Read: 'He always felt rich because he had us' — Giannis Antetokounmpo recalls how Charles Antetokounmpo rose above poverty without a dollar Will Hardy secured a prolonged contract running through 2031 as the Utah Jazz chose to prioritize their development and maintain stability beyond pursuing immediate team success. The Jazz maintain a strong level of trust in Will Hardy to lead their team creation through a sustained development path that surpasses current challenges.
