All articles tagged with #professional basketball
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Yahoo Sports
Tiana Mangakahia, a former Syracuse basketball star and professional player in Russia, France, and Australia, passed away at age 30 after a prolonged battle with cancer, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience throughout her illness.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Denver Post
Drew Gordon, former professional basketball player and older brother of Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, died in a car crash at age 33 in Clackamas County, Oregon. The crash involved Gordon's three-wheeled vehicle and a GMC pickup truck, with no arrests made and no signs of impairment. Drew Gordon had a diverse basketball career, playing in the U.S. and internationally, and was living in Ukraine before moving to Japan and retiring in 2023. The Denver Nuggets expressed their condolences to the Gordon family.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Yahoo Sports
Former professional basketball player Drew Gordon, older brother of Denver Nuggets starter Aaron Gordon, died in a car accident at the age of 33. Drew had a diverse career, playing in various leagues across Europe and briefly in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Nuggets expressed their support for Aaron and Drew's three children.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Daily Beast
President Joe Biden indirectly criticized the WNBA for rookie player Caitlin Clark's low salary, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities and fair pay for women in sports. Clark's $76,535 first-year salary pales in comparison to the millions earned by top male athletes, highlighting the ongoing issue of salary inequality in professional basketball. Despite potential earnings from endorsements and other opportunities, most WNBA players still face significantly lower salaries and less favorable conditions compared to their male counterparts, reflecting the broader revenue gap between women's and men's sports leagues.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Fox News
WNBA legend Diana Taurasi warns Iowa star Caitlin Clark about the transition to professional basketball, emphasizing the challenge of playing against experienced athletes. Clark, expected to be the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, will need to adjust to the higher level of competition as she leaves Iowa, where she is the all-time scorer in NCAA basketball history, and joins the Indiana Fever.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Page Six
LSU basketball star Angel Reese announced her decision to enter the WNBA draft through a high-fashion photoshoot with Vogue, showcasing her unique style and bold personality. Inspired by Serena Williams, Reese plans to go pro before completing her senior year at LSU, expressing readiness to compete at the next level and face the challenges of being a rookie again. Despite a heartbreaking Elite Eight loss, Reese remains resilient and determined to pursue her dream of becoming one of the greatest basketball players. The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 15, and Reese is expected to be among the 36 players selected.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Yahoo Sports
Caitlin Clark is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and is likely to join the Indiana Fever, where she will need to adjust to the higher level of competition and improve defensively. Angel Reese faces uncertainty due to limited roster spots in the WNBA, despite her elite rebounding and defensive skills. The article highlights the challenges both players may encounter as they transition to the professional level.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Athletic
Iowa's standout guard Caitlin Clark has received a $5 million offer from the Big3 basketball league, co-founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz, making her the first woman player in the 12-team three-on-three league if she joins. The offer wouldn't interfere with her WNBA career, and it's seen as an opportunity for American women to earn income without playing overseas. The offer comes as an alternative to the WNBA's salary structure, which has a team salary cap of $1,463,200 this season. Clark's potential move to the Big3 could significantly increase the league's visibility, as she's set numerous records and is a huge ratings draw.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Athletic
The NBA's decision to hold regular-season games in Las Vegas for the first time has sparked speculation about the league's potential expansion to the city. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has previously referred to Vegas as "our 31st franchise," and the success of events like NBA Summer League and the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces has demonstrated the strong appetite for professional basketball in the city. The construction of a privately funded arena in Las Vegas by Oak View Group further fuels speculation about a future NBA team. While there is no definitive answer, the NBA's In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas could serve as a testing ground and provide insight into the market's sustainability for a permanent NBA franchise.