Latest from USA Today
USA Today
18 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Watch: Cooper Flagg attends Dallas Wings WNBA game, praises Caitlin Clark
Cooper Flagg is a fan of hoops. Just two days after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday, June 25, Flagg has already made himself part of the Dallas community. The former Duke Blue Devil star was in attendance for the WNBA matchup between the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever at American Airlines Center on June 27. FEVER VS. WINGS: Indiana battles Paige Bueckers, Dallas without Caitlin Clark "Honestly, it means a lot to me, seeing how far they have come, and I am going to continue to watch," Flagg said in an interview during the game. "I am a big fan, so it's really cool to just be here and be in this environment and get to watch a great game." Cooper Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 overall @NBA Draft pick, is in the building supporting the home team in Dallas 👏IND-DAL | ION Cooper Flagg praised Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson The matchup had plenty of star power with Wings star Paige Bueckers set to go up against Fever star Caitlin Clark. However, Clark missed the matchup due to a left groin injury. But when asked about Clark during an interview, Flagg had high praise for the defending Rookie of the Year and No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, placing her in the Mt. Rushmore for the WNBA. "She's changed the game so much, and it's heading in the right direction," Flagg said of Clark. "And I just love what she's been able to do. Caitlin Clark is not playing today, but earlier today Cooper Flagg said she is in his WNBA Mt. Rushmore.'She's changed the game so much, and it's heading in the right direction. And I just love what she's been able to do.' Despite praising Clark, Flagg said his favorite WNBA player is A'ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces star and three-time and reigning WNBA MVP
USA Today
20 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Rocket Classic shaping up for underdogs vs favorites battle at Detroit Golf Club
DETROIT — Low scores have always ruled at the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club, and it's clear the PGA Tour's 2025 tournament is no different. Three players are tied for the lead at 14-under-par 130 after two rounds: Chris Kirk, Philip Knowles and Andrew Putnam. One stroke behind them sits Jackson Suber, who birdied five straight holes on the front nine. Aldrich Potgieter, a big-hitting 20-year-old South African rookie, is tied for fifth at 12-under one day after shooting a then-course record 62 along with Kevin Roy, who squeaked out a 1-under round, tied for eighth at 11-under. Major winners Collin Morikawa, Hideki Matsuyama and Gary Woodland also lurk at 11 under par, along with two-time winner on Tour this season Ben Griffin. This tournament is often a battle of the underdogs, and especially given a number of prominent golfers failed to make the 6 under cut, this year will likely be no different. Here's who stood out in Round 2 on Friday entering a hot weekend in Detroit. Philip Knowles makes Rocket Classic history Knowles had the day's most improbable performance when he carded three eagles in his round, with all three coming from off the green. The three eagles had never been accomplished in any round in seven years of the Rocket, and is only the second time it has occurred this season on Tour. Chandler Phillips had three eagles during a round at the Players Championship in March. Knowles recorded the first eagle on 17, his eighth hole of the day, after bogeying 15 and 16. After a 300-yard drive and a 250-yard iron shot, Knowles chipped the ball in from the rough to the left of the hole. Chipping proved to be Knowles' superpower as the day went on. His second eagle, on the par-5 fourth, looked similar — a long drive and a wedge shot followed by an accurate chip-in from 38 yards out. By No. 7, where he recorded his third eagle, it seemed almost comical that a 20-yard wedge shot over a bunker would go in. Knowles wasn't even able to see the ball rolling into the cup because he was below the surface of the green, but no problem. 'All we were trying to do is get it up on the green somewhere and it should trickle out towards the hole, and I didn't see it go in,' Knowles said. 'I was walking up and you see my playing partners just start laughing and the crowd go crazy. That was surreal.' Knowles is still technically a rookie on the Tour despite graduating from the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023 due to a series of medical exemptions. He has suffered a severed nerve in thumb, a bout of mono and a recurring case of shingles that began in his right eye. He has only played in 16 events over two years, and has never played the Rocket. But this trip has been one to remember, particularly since his wife and two daughters are in Detroit to support him. 'Last night we get off the golf course and it's late and it's like, 'OK, where can we find food and get home and do bath and bedtime and get them down first?'' Knowles said. 'I walked in the house, it was an hour and a half before I even changed out of my golf clothes, and you don't think about it. But I love it and I wouldn't change it for the world. I'm always grateful to have them around. I would never not want them to be here.' Jake Knapp shoots Detroit Golf Club course record Knapp broke the course record early Friday, a mark that stood for less than 24 hours. Knapp shot 11-under 61 after shooting an even-par 72 on Thursday, moving from tied for No. 120 to tied for eighth. He had three birdies and eagled No. 17 on his front nine, then birdied six holes on his back nine to finish bogey free. Andrew Putnam gets on a roll Putnam's run of success continued as he shot 66 to tie for the lead. His rise began Thursday with an 8-under 64, but he continued it with another an eagle on No. 7 and four birdies, though he had to struggle for it through windy conditions late in his afternoon round, shooting 1-under on the back nine. 'It didn't feel bogey free,' Putnam said. 'It felt like I was kind of all over the place on the back nine, but the front nine was pretty simple golf. The wind came up, got a couple tricky holes out there, so glad I could grind it out. Another good scoring day.' Min Woo Lee 'The Chef' does not cook 'Let him cook!' rang out across the golf course when teed off Friday after an inspiring first round of 9-under 63. Unfortunately, 'The Chef,' a name his fans have given him, did not cook. Instead, Lee shot 1-over-par 73, dropping him thirty-two spots to tied for 35th by Friday's end. A bogey on 18 ultimately did him in as he missed a short putt wide right. Lee still made the cut, but leaves him six shots back, an uninspiring second-round performance after he led for much of the first round.
USA Today
22 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Tyler Shough showed Archie Manning something he'd never seen from an NFL quarterback
Shough working alongside counselors like Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier It takes a lot to surprise Archie Manning, but the legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback saw something from his rookie counterpart that he'd never seen from a pro QB before. Tyler Shough returned to the Manning Passing Academy to work as a counselor again this weekend, having done so previously when he was in college. Many famed NFL quarterbacks have worked the event as counselors (including 25 of this year's 32 projected starters, and Shough's teammate Spencer Rattler). But they don't tend to run it back after turning pro. "Most Saints players have gone back home now with this month off, he said he's staying right here. He said, 'I want to come work the camp.' I've never had one of our college quarterbacks, when he turns pro, to say he'll come back and want to work the camp," Manning told WWL TV's Doug Mouton. That's a really cool gesture from Shough. It says a lot about him that he's willing to take time out of his offseason to try and help the next generation of quarterbacks, even if he may be counseling alongside some of his future coworkers. College quarterbacks like Arch Manning (Texas), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), and LaNoris Sellers (South Carolina) have all been popular picks for the Saints in too-soon 2026 mock drafts, and they were all at the event working as counselors, too. Dozens more help run the four-day clinic in Thibodeaux, La., working with more than 1,400 high school quarterbacks. "It's an hour away, why wouldn't I come back? Help out, and be around everybody. Talk to some of the college guys about my experience with the whole draft," Shough said to Mouton, "I want to help out as much people as I can, because with my own college experience and what I wish I knew, and how I can to continue to get better and learn from those guys. I want to continue to grow that for sure." Good on him. Shough is making all of the right moves to show Saints fans who they're rooting for (or at least convincing them to root for) by throwing his support behind popular events like the Manning Passing Academy and opening up in interviews. He's obviously learned a lot from his tough college experience, having dealt with multiple injuries and transfers between schools, and that he's willing to share those lessons with others speaks to the strength of his character. But all the positive PR in June doesn't matter if he can't perform once training camp starts in July. Shough has done everything right so far. Let's see if he can keep it up once the Saints QB competition really kicks off next month.
USA Today
26 minutes ago
- Business
- USA Today
Limited-edition HexClad cookware sets are up to 44% off for 4th of July 💥
Shop the hottest summer discounts on exclusive hybrid cookware sets, pizza bundles and more at HexClad's 4th of July sale. HexClad is turning up the heat this Independence Day with its 4th of July cookware sale, offering up to 44% off top-rated kitchen essentials. Shoppers can score major savings on best-selling hybrid cookware sets, nonstick pots and pans, pizza bundles and even the brand new 4th of July cooking and entertaining sets designed for the ultimate kitchen upgrade. Whether you're upgrading your own kitchen or shopping for the home chef in your life, this is the perfect time to invest in HexClad's hybrid stainless steel cookware, known for its durability, nonstick performance, and sleek design. Shop the best 4th of July cookware deals at HexClad Shop HexClad's 4th of July sale 💰 All HexClad purchases come with free shipping, 30-day return guarantee and lifetime warranty. With up to $1,456 off chef Gordon Ramsay-backed cookware, these discounts are perfect for upgrading your kitchen cabinets for summer 2025. Don't miss our favorite summer deals on a set of sharp Japanese Demascus knives or the new limited-edition HexClad Stars, Stripes + Sauté Set for the ultimate kitchen upgrade. HexClad Summer Sizzler Bundle Get nearly half off this insane kitchen set, complete with meal prep tools, cookware and serving essentials. On sale for $1,399. Save 44% at HexClad HexClad Stars, Stripes + Sauté Set Get this incredible, limited-time bundle on sale for $999 (save $725) at HexClad's 4th of July sale. Save 42% at HexClad American Pie Bundle Take a bite out of this summer cookware bundle with the Hybrid Pizza Steel, accessories and more. On sale for $215. Save 20% at HexClad The Grand Finale Bundle Get this oven-safe, metal utensil-safe, nonstick and induction-ready cookware bundle on sale for $864 off at HexClad's summer sale. Save 17% at HexClad More: Get 46% off the viral Fullstar veggie chopper with 120,000 Amazon reviews HexClad Hybrid 6-Piece Fry Pan Set with Lids Save 30% on this premium set of Gordon Ramsay-backed HexClad fry pans and lids. $375 at HexClad (Save $157) HexClad 12-Piece Hybrid Perfect Pots and Pans Set Get one of the best nonstick cookware sets out there for 32% off right now. $679.99 at HexClad (Save $319.01) HexClad Everything But the Kitchen Sink Bundle Save 33% on literally everything you could ever need to cook with. Includes pots, pans, woks, griddles, knives, BBQ pans, mixing bowls and more. $2,999.99 at HexClad (Save $1,456.01) HexClad BBQ Grill Pan + Meat Cleaver Bundle Save 36% on this sweet bundle for BBQ season! Includes the HexClad grill pan and meat cleaver. $229.99 at HexClad (Save $128.01) More: Your ultimate 4th of July 2025 shopping guide: Epic sales, deals and where to shop now 🎆 HexClad Hybrid 6-Piece Pot Set with Lids Save 19% on this gorgeous set of HexClad pots with this popular cookware deal. $379.99 at HexClad (Save $87.01) HexClad Starter Bundle This set includes all the essentials: a fry pan, hybrid pot and lids. Save 33% today! $179.99 at HexClad (Save $88.01) HexClad 7-Piece Damascus Steel Knife Set Get this luxurious set of HexClad knives made with 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel. $489 at HexClad (Save $294.99) HexClad 22-Piece All-in Bundle Seriously upgrade your cookware with this bundle of pots, pans, a wok, mixing bowls, griddle and more! $1,199.99 at HexClad (Save $643.01) HexClad The HexMill Collection Bundle Save 13% on a top-tier HexClad Salt and Pepper Grinder Set and Tabletop Grinder Set. $329 at HexClad (Save $48) Shop HexClad cookware deals When is the Fourth of July 2025? The Fourth of July in 2025 falls on Friday, July 4, 2025. Perfect timing for a long holiday weekend! More: Shop early Prime Day deals on summer essentials: Splash pads, griddles, fans What is HexClad's lifetime warranty? HexClad cookware is designed to last a lifetime. Warranty terms vary by product and do not cover damage resulting from failing to follow care and use guidelines. To activate your lifetime warranty, simply submit this form. The warranty is limited to the original customer or recipient with proof of purchase and is non-transferable. It covers only products bought new from HexClad or authorized sellers, excluding commercial/restaurant use. Each warranty is subject to the disclaimers and general terms at the bottom of this page. HexClad will replace any damaged products under the lifetime warranty, but the customer may be responsible for return shipping fees. What makes HexClad cookware unique? HexClad cookware features a patented hexagonal design and cutting-edge technology that combines the best of stainless steel and non-stick surfaces to offer top-notch cooking performance. With even heat distribution, durable designs built to last a lifetime and versatile features like being oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, HexClad cookware is unmatched. Shop HexClad cookware
USA Today
27 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Oregon Basketball guard TJ Bamba set to join Brooklyn Nets for 2025 NBA Summer League
Though Oregon Ducks men's basketball guard TJ Bamba didn't hear his name called during the 2025 NBA Draft, he'll still get a chance to prove himself at the next level. Following the draft, Jon Chepkevich of Draft Express announced that Bamba would be joining the Brooklyn Nets for the 2025 NBA Summer League, a majority of which will take place in Las Vegas, NV. Bamba's college career began at Washington State for three seasons before transferring to Villanova for one season and finally Oregon for his final year of eligibility. He provided an immediate impact, starting all 35 games and recording 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 38.9% from the field and 25.3% from three-point range. Bamba's slashing ability boded well alongside the long range shooting of point guard Jackson Shelstad in the backcourt. But where he made the biggest difference was on the defensive end, as he averaged 1.8 steals per game and routinely took on the toughest guard matchup for the Ducks, showing competitiveness and anticipatory skills as an on-ball defender. He was rewarded for his efforts with a Big Ten All-Defensive team honor as well as being named a finalist for the Lefty Driesell award, given to the top defensive player in Division I. He'll enter a crowded backcourt on the Nets' summer league team, which will presumably feature four of their 2025 first-round picks in guards Egor Demin (No. 8 overall), Nolan Traoré (No. 19), Drake Powell (No. 22) and Ben Saraf (No. 26). Though there may not be too many shots to go around, Bamba's calling card is his defensive ability and competitiveness -- two things that will suit him well during summer league and as he navigates a pro basketball career. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
