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New York Liberty player Natasha Cloud received a WNBA fine warning concerning her outfit choice while sitting on the bench during a game against the Las Vegas Aces last Wednesday. She was ruled out due to injury but attended the game wearing a sweater vest, cargo pants, a black baseball cap, and Doc Martins. The specific issue was her cap, which surprised Cloud as the WNBA reportedly lacks a rule banning caps, though the NBA (the WNBA's owner) does have such a rule. Cloud expressed confusion and frustration about receiving the warning for wearing a hat while unable to play, stating, "I don't understand why I receive a fine warning for wearing a hat on the bench for a game I was unable to play in?" and adding, "I just feel like I wanna be left alone lolllzzz." Cloud also recently drew attention for supporting New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. When asked about Mamdani's win in the Democratic primary last month, Cloud used the opportunity to strongly criticize former President Donald Trump. She referred to Mamdani as "my boy!" and then addressed Trump, saying, "If Donny wants to come down here, if ICE wants to try and come down here, that's fine. But [they're] going to learn the hard way… New Yorkers really don't f*** around. They don't play about one another. They don't play about this city." She characterized Trump and his administration's actions as "reckless," but also saw it as "exciting" because it signaled that "we're getting to them," "creating change that they don't want," and "dismantling a system." Cloud urged New Yorkers to "continue to be on the right path to history," protect each other, and protect Mamdani and his goals.
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Michigan basketball achieved significant success in the 2024-25 season under first-year head coach Dusty May, transforming from an 8-24 record to Big Ten Tournament champions and a Sweet 16 appearance. However, a persistent problem throughout the season was the team's high turnover rate, which frustrated fans and the coaching staff alike. Coach May and his staff implemented numerous drills and strategies to address the turnover issue during the season, but were unable to find a consistent solution. May noted the problem lacked a common theme, with different players responsible in different games. After the season, May assigned staff members to conduct a detailed analysis, categorizing turnovers into specific types (e.g., poor decision-making, defensive pressure, practice situations) to identify the root causes. He expressed frustration at the lack of definitive answers during the season, acknowledging that opponents ("the enemy") also contribute to forced errors. May revealed this offseason analysis is a deliberate mission, drawing parallels to a similar successful project he undertook at FAU where they identified concrete solutions. He emphasized that last season's turnovers often seemed random and unexplainable (e.g., dribbling off a foot), occurring even when the team played well. The staff exhausted various approaches to fix the problem, including punitive running drills inspired by Bob Knight and incentive-based systems, but none provided a lasting fix.
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The Milwaukee Bucks hold a 1-2 record in the NBA Summer League, providing significant playing time to their young players. Guard Jamaree Bouyea has performed impressively, capturing the attention of coach Doc Rivers for potential backcourt contributions. Another focus is second-round draft pick (47th overall in 2025) Bogoljub Markovic. While showcasing good performances, a former Bucks player expressed reservations. The former player, Johnson, commented that Markovic did "some OK things, some good things," but also things needing work, which is expected for a young player. Johnson acknowledged Markovic's talent and "tremendous upside" but suggested it might be better for the rookie to gain more seasoning if the Bucks don't urgently need him this season. Markovic scored 0 points in his first Summer League game but improved to 5 and 14 points in the subsequent two games. The article also notes broader team context. Despite the Bucks president addressing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, uncertainty about the star's future lingers. The team made significant roster moves by signing Myles Turner and waiving Damian Lillard, but the roster is still considered too light to be a championship contender. Bradley Beal, linked to the Bucks previously, is mentioned as a potential target as his time in Phoenix ends. The Bucks are actively trying to build a competitive roster around Antetokounmpo as he desired.
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An insider has made a bold prediction regarding the Boston Celtics' upcoming 2025-26 season, described as tumultuous with significant ongoing roster movement expected to continue throughout the offseason. Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens provided a major update on superstar Jayson Tatum, confirming the 27-year-old is likely to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming campaign. Despite this, the Celtics organization and fans are confident Tatum is doing everything possible to return. Amid the unpredictable roster changes, a major free agent acquisition discussed his decision to sign with Boston, indicating that the opportunities presented by the Celtics' new-look roster were unique and not available elsewhere. In other news, Celtics player Jaylen Brown stated that he believes he hasn't yet shown his best in the NBA. Twitter updates included: Jordan Walsh being ejected after a scuffle with Pelle Larsson; Walsh subsequently apologizing to Brad Stevens and the front office for the incident, noting it was out of character, while coach Joe Mazzulla expressed his approval; and former Celtics forward Drew Peterson agreeing to a two-way NBA deal with the Charlotte Hornets, reuniting him with coach Charles Lee.
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Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee after sustaining an injury during a workout, the team announced on Monday. ESPN's Shams Charania was the first to report the news. The Sixers confirmed the surgery in their press release, stating it was performed by Dr. Jonathan Glashow. Dr. Glashow previously performed a similar arthroscopic procedure on teammate Joel Embiid's left knee in October. This adds to George's injury struggles during his first season with the Sixers. The 35-year-old played only 41 games, hampered by two separate knee injuries (one in the preseason delaying his debut, and another shortly after he returned), as well as finger and groin issues. The team confirmed that George will be re-evaluated before the start of training camp.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder secured max contract extensions for their core trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren during the summer, aiming to build a championship dynasty. NBA Insider Zach Lowe reported on his podcast that Chet Holmgren's extension is a straightforward five-year deal taking up 25% of the salary cap, without any performance-based escalators. This contrasts with initial reports suggesting it could reach $250 million and means Jalen Williams' contract likely includes such escalators. Lowe cited sources who had seen Holmgren's contract directly. Lowe emphasized Holmgren's significant offensive potential, stating he is "just scratching the surface." He also highlighted the Thunder's exceptional positioning to manage the NBA's strict salary cap rules, specifically the second apron and repeater tax, calling them "the bar" for navigating these financial constraints. Because Holmgren's contract lacks escalators, its total value will be lower than the initially reported $250 million figure, saving the Thunder approximately $10.1 million.
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Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody has been elected to the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Board of Directors. The announcement was made in Las Vegas, confirming the fourth-year pro and starter for the Warriors will join Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama on the board. The NBPA is the union representing NBA players. According to an NBPA press release, Moody and Aldama will join a panel responsible for deciding how to distribute philanthropic resources for both current and former NBA players. In a joint statement, Moody expressed their honor in joining the NBPA Foundation's Board of Directors, stating their goal is to support players and uplift communities. He emphasized that philanthropy and social responsibility are core to players and this role allows them to elevate their involvement in the Foundation's work. Moody, who averaged 9.8 points per game and was Golden State's top perimeter defender last season, has a background in philanthropy. He founded the Motivate One Foundation and has also served as a coach at a Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa. Moody is currently recovering from thumb surgery performed on his dominant right hand in May. He is expected to be ready for the start of Warriors training camp in October.
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Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton attended an Indiana Fever game against the Atlanta Dream on July 11 and publicly called out his own team on social media. During the game, Haliburton posted a photo on X referencing a "Curds in the Third" promotion, where fans could win free medium-sized cheese curds from Culvers if the Fever outscored their opponents in any quarter, using a promo code. He tagged the Pacers with a message urging them to "lock in" and improve their promotional efforts. Haliburton, a 25-year-old guard, is a devoted Fever fan who frequently attends their games when possible. He is considered one of Indiana's biggest sports stars alongside Fever player Caitlin Clark, and the two are close friends, often seen supporting each other at events. Haliburton is currently recovering from a devastating torn Achilles injury sustained during Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He had been playing through a pre-existing calf injury in an attempt to help the Pacers win a title but collapsed in pain after starting strong with deep three-point shots. This injury will force him to miss the entire upcoming NBA season, with an expected return for the 2026-2027 season. His absence from basketball means Haliburton will have more time to attend Fever games over the next year, potentially allowing him to benefit from promotions like the free cheese curds himself.
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Despite no real rumors suggesting Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, his comment during a live stream with IShowSpeed about people wanting him to play for the New York Knicks has fueled speculation among Knicks fans. However, there is no evidence indicating he wants to leave Milwaukee, and it seems very unlikely he will play for another team soon. Despite the unlikelihood, analysis suggests the Knicks are reportedly still hoping to acquire Antetokounmpo if he becomes available. His recent noncommittal comments haven't dampened that hope. In such a scenario, Mikal Bridges could become a crucial part of trade talks because the Knicks currently lack first-round picks to offer, and the Bucks would likely prioritize players who keep them competitive post-Antetokounmpo. Signing Bridges to a new contract extension now would complicate matters, as players signing that type of extension cannot be traded for six months. The Mikal Bridges extension situation is therefore significant. While the Knicks have little reason *not* to extend him given what they traded to acquire him, if they genuinely believe they have a chance to land Antetokounmpo, there would be little reason to sign Bridges immediately. Doing so would render him untradeable for half a year, potentially hindering their ability to use him as a trade asset in an Antetokounmpo deal.
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The Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in an offseason trade, announced by President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman on June 25. The deal sent guard Cole Anthony, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and multiple future first-round draft picks to Memphis in exchange for Bane. Bane is coming off a strong season, averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game over 69 contests. He shot 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range, demonstrating his scoring efficiency. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley praised Bane's immediate impact, noting that he was already training with teammates Franz Wagner and Anthony Black. Mosley highlighted Bane's work ethic, character, care factor, and leadership as valuable additions to the team. Bane joins a roster led by All-Star forward Paolo Banchero and holds significant historical rankings with the Grizzlies. He is top 10 all-time in franchise history for points, assists, threes, playoff points, playoff rebounds, playoff assists, playoff steals, and playoff threes, where he is the franchise leader. The Magic finished the previous season as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference with a 41-41 record, securing their second consecutive playoff appearance. However, they were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics in five games.
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The Memphis Grizzlies and second-year guard Cam Spencer initially agreed to a two-year, $4.5 million fully guaranteed contract last month, following his strong performance on a two-way contract during his rookie season. This agreement was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania but was never officially announced by the franchise. The Grizzlies and Spencer later renegotiated the terms, resulting in a new four-year, $10.5 million contract. According to Charania, this deal includes three fully guaranteed seasons, granting Spencer an extra year of guaranteed money and the team an option to extend him for a fourth season. This restructuring may indicate that Spencer is expected to compete for a rotation spot off the bench in the upcoming season. Last season, in 25 games, he averaged 4.2 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 rebounds while shooting 41.5% from the field.
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The Memphis Grizzlies made significant moves during the 2024-25 NBA free agency. They unexpectedly traded star guard Desmond Bane and added multiple key pieces. Crucially, they renegotiated the contract of All-Star forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. and signed him to a multi-year contract extension, though the specific terms were not disclosed by the team. Jackson Jr.'s teammate, superstar guard Ja Morant, expressed strong support for the extension while attending Summer League. Morant stated Jackson Jr. "deserves it," calling him "the heart of Memphis" and "the heart of this team." Morant admitted he thought the deal would have been larger, citing his lack of understanding of salary cap rules. Morant also emphasized his personal focus on being healthy for the upcoming season and winning more games, declaring he is already working hard ("in the lab"). The article suggests the Grizzlies will be a significantly different team next season. With the previous "big three" of Morant, Jackson Jr., and Bane now broken up, the team will need to rely more heavily on players like Zach Edey and GG Jackson. While the team showed potential last season, starting as a top-four seed, they ultimately finished eighth and were swept in the first round of the playoffs. It remains uncertain if these changes will make them a better team overall.
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Chet Holmgren has officially signed a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, as confirmed by a public announcement. The news was shared via social media, highlighting a significant development for the team and player.
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The Los Angeles Lakers signed center Deandre Ayton on July 6th after he agreed to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton joined the Lakers on a two-year, $16.2 million contract, a significant discount compared to the $35.55 million he was scheduled to earn in the upcoming season. Prior to Ayton's availability, the Lakers were expected to sign two centers for a tag-team approach. One of the centers linked to them was veteran Brook Lopez, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks last season. However, Lopez, originally from the San Fernando Valley, signed with the Los Angeles Clippers instead. According to ESPN reporters, Lopez declined the Lakers (a team he played for in 2017-18) due to uncertainty surrounding LeBron James' future with the franchise. This uncertainty stems from LeBron James exercising his player option for the 2025-26 season on June 29th. On the same day, his agent, Rich Paul, issued a statement widely interpreted as opening the door for a potential trade request. Multiple reports suggest James and his camp have a strained relationship with the Lakers organization, with one claiming the team "would like to move on" from him. While James is likely to start the upcoming season with the Lakers, significant skepticism exists about whether he will remain with the team in the coming months.
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Beşiktaş GAİN has officially signed American guard Devon Dotson for the 2025–26 BKT EuroCup season. The 25-year-old point guard joins from Joventut Badalona, where he averaged 13.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in the Spanish Liga Endesa (ACB), and 13.7 points with 3.8 assists per game in the EuroCup last season. Dotson, a former Kansas standout who began his pro career with the Chicago Bulls and played in the NBA G League, marks a key addition to Beşiktaş's backcourt for his second season in Europe. Thomas Kennedy, 24, has signed a one-year contract with Cedevita Olimpija to play in the EuroCup. Kennedy moves after two seasons with Telekom Baskets Bonn, during which he had solid performances in the Basketball Champions League. He expressed confidence in contributing to the Ljubljana-based team. Robbie Beran, 25, has inked a one-year deal with an option for a second season with Niners Chemnitz, moving to the Euroleague Basketball second tier. The forward started his pro career in Belgium after playing college basketball for Virginia Tech and Northwestern. Additionally, Neptunas has added Jordan Tucker, Donatas Tarolis, and returning player Martynas Pacevicius to its 2025-26 roster. Panionios signed 21-year-old Sotiris Oikomopoulos, a youth product of Olympiacos. Furthermore, 26-year-old Ata Kahraman has joined Turk Telekom.
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The New York Liberty waived guard Marquesha Davis prior to their Sunday game against the Atlanta Dream, ending her tenure with the team after just over a season. Head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged Davis didn't get many playing opportunities but improved significantly and believes she will get another opportunity elsewhere. Davis, the Liberty's most recent first-round pick (11th overall in 2024 out of Mississippi), struggled to secure a consistent role. She played only 111 total minutes across 29 appearances over two seasons, though she finished on a positive note, registering a plus-14 rating in her final two games. Her release coincides with the WNBA's contract guarantee deadline, where players remaining on rosters past 5 p.m. ET on Sunday would have their 2025 salaries fully guaranteed. This move creates just over $35,000 in salary cap space for the Liberty, representing a little more than half of Davis's 2025 salary. There remains a possibility Davis could return to New York on a seven-day contract later in the season. Davis was one of several players waived across the WNBA this weekend, including fellow 2024 first-round pick Alissa Pilli (Minnesota), veterans Mercedes Russell (Los Angeles) and Stephanie Talbot (Golden State), and Connecticut's Jaelyn Brown and Haley Peters. While Coach Brondello deferred transactional details to GM Jonathan Kolb, she confirmed the Liberty is actively monitoring the waiver wire. A key prospect of interest is Emma Meesseman, the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP and former teammate of Natasha Cloud, who recently performed well for Belgium in the EuroBasket women's competition.
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Olympiacos approached Zalgiris Kaunas to negotiate the transfer of French guard Sylvain Francisco, but Zalgiris immediately rejected the request according to Eurohoops sources. Despite a history of positive relations and previous player transactions between the clubs, Zalgiris deemed this particular approach "impossible" to accommodate. The rejection stems from Francisco's vital role in Zalgiris' lineup, where he established himself as a cornerstone player during a standout season. The guard led his team in both scoring and assists throughout the campaign, demonstrating his importance to the squad. Francisco's EuroLeague performance statistics underscore his value, with averages of 12.6 points and 3.9 assists per game while logging 25 minutes and 29 seconds of playing time per contest. This consistent production solidified Zalgiris' position against any potential transfer.
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Spain defeated Finland 81-72 in the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2025 Final to win the championship. This victory completed an unbeaten tournament for Spain and secured their fifth title at this age level, their first since 2015. Despite trailing by as many as 21 points in the first half, Finland fought back to reduce the deficit to 43-31 at halftime and further closed the gap to 56-52 after three quarters. Spain maintained composure in the fourth quarter, restoring a double-digit lead and holding on for the win. Sara Okeke led Spain with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, supported by Mireya Sanz's 12 points. Ada Luukkanen scored 15 points for Finland. In the Third Place Game, France secured fifth consecutive podium finish by defeating Belgium 72-47. France took control in the second quarter, outscoring Belgium 24-8 to lead 42-25 at halftime. A strong 11-0 run to start the third quarter solidified their dominance. Belgium struggled with 24 turnovers throughout the game. Alicia Tournebize led France with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Laura Vilcinskas scored 11 points for Belgium. Greece was relegated to Division B for next year after losing the Classification 13-14 Game to Türkiye 71-48. Türkiye avoided relegation with this victory. Seyma Yilik was instrumental for Türkiye, recording 17 points, 13 rebounds (7 offensive), and 3 assists. Greece joins Portugal and Israel in Division B next season. In the Classification 7-8 Game, Serbia defeated Montenegro 75-51. Serbia's Jovana Popovic achieved the tournament's first triple-double and the highest efficiency rating (44) with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists, shooting an impressive 8-for-9 from the field, including three three-pointers.
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Cyprus defeated Armenia 65-58 in the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2025 Division C Final in Peja, Kosovo, securing their fifth Division C title, a new record. Cyprus dominated throughout, only trailing briefly early on. They built an eight-point lead in the first quarter and extended it to 38-27 by halftime after limiting Armenia to 10 points in the second quarter. Cyprus pushed their lead to 17 points early in the second half. Armenia mounted a late 6-0 run in the final period to reduce the deficit to single digits, but ran out of time for a full comeback. Angeliki Kyprianou led Cyprus with 19 points, supported by Katerina Shakalli's 18 points (including four three-pointers), 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Tournament MVP Evelina Demetriadi contributed 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals despite scoring only 4 points. Kelin Shajanian scored 22 points for Armenia. Albania retained the bronze medal, defeating Malta 61-57 in the Third Place Game. Albania overcame a 10-point deficit in the third quarter, led by Antea Filopati's all-around performance of 13 points, 10 assists, 9 steals, and 7 rebounds. In other classification games, Georgia secured fifth place by beating tournament hosts Kosovo 81-67, fueled by Ana Mestumrishvili's 24 points (matched by Kosovo's Anila Fazliu). Moldova claimed seventh place with a 55-33 victory over Gibraltar, highlighted by Eva Gorbunova's double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds. The final standings and scores were: Cyprus 65-58 Armenia (Gold), Albania 61-57 Malta (Bronze), Georgia 81-67 Kosovo (5th), Moldova 55-33 Gibraltar (7th).
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The Phoenix Mercury are positioned as strong title contenders this season, possessing the talent to challenge top teams like the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty. With a current record of 14-6, they are on pace to surpass last season's 19-win total and potentially finish as champions. The article highlights the franchise's history, noting periods of struggle where they became a lottery team, resulting in them receiving the No. 1 overall draft pick three times. The first pick in 2004 was used to select Diana Taurasi, who became the WNBA's all-time leading scorer and had an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year. Her selection marked the beginning of a legendary career and franchise success. In 2007, the Mercury again held the No. 1 pick, drafting Lindsey Harding. However, she was traded to Minnesota on draft day for Tangela Smith. Despite this trade, Phoenix won its first championship that same year. Harding later signed with the Mercury in 2016, playing 21 games. Following a poor 7-27 season in 2012, the Mercury secured another No. 1 pick, selecting Brittney Griner. Griner made a significant impact in her rookie season, and the Mercury won the championship the following year. Both Griner and Taurasi played pivotal roles in turning the franchise around. The article concludes by noting that while the Mercury may not need the top pick soon, any future player selected first overall would have substantial expectations to meet, given the legacy of previous top picks.
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The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) expressed deep disappointment over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s veto of the National Polytechnic University (NPU) Bill. PUP stated the veto threatens the future of its regional campuses and represents a setback for inclusive public higher education, calling it a rejection of efforts to expand access. PUP explained that the bill, if signed, would have formally granted it national polytechnic university status, secured P100 million in annual support for five years, and provided greater institutional autonomy. The university emphasized this was not about prestige, but about resolving long-standing structural issues hindering its growth and modernization. It warned that without national funding, several regional campuses may face closure. The university felt the veto message downplayed its achievements and dismissed its 120-year legacy, citing its consistent performance in rankings, Level III Institutional Accreditation from AACCUP, high civil service ratings, and strong compliance with transparency standards. While the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) hasn't commented, PUP clarified that seeking NPU status wasn't a challenge to CHED's regulatory authority. It argued that institutional autonomy would empower PUP to innovate and modernize while remaining accountable to national standards, asserting that autonomy and regulation can coexist. PUP operates numerous campuses across Luzon, many established via Presidential Decree No. 1341 in underserved regions. It urged the national government to reconsider the veto, stressing that every day without the legislation treats education as a privilege instead of a right. Malacañang confirmed the President's veto, with a Presidential Communications Office official stating the reason was PUP's failure to comply with a long-standing requirement for institutional assessment mandated since 2016, with no proof the evaluation was completed.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed the bill proposing the creation of the National Polytechnic University (NPU) to strengthen the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stated the primary reason for the veto was PUP's "low performance" in the 2016 State Universities and Colleges (SUC) leveling exercise, where it received only a Level II rating. The PCO explained that this Level II rating was low compared to other SUCs achieving Levels III and IV. It further noted that a previous presidential suggestion for reassessing PUP's suitability for National University status had not been carried out. The PUP expressed strong disapproval, calling the veto a rejection of the need to expand access to quality public higher education. Additional concerns cited by the PCO included the establishment of 14 PUP campuses via Board of Regents resolutions instead of through the legislative process, potentially creating expectations for National Government funding. The PCO also stated that granting PUP institutional autonomy through the NPU bill could weaken the Commission on Higher Education's (Ched) regulatory oversight over SUCs. The PCO emphasized that achieving National University status requires demonstrating exceptional quality in faculty and programs, along with maintaining high academic standards in instruction, research, and public service – criteria PUP reportedly did not meet based on the 2016 assessment.
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The Milwaukee Bucks (1-0) face the Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1) in a Summer League matchup. The Bucks aim to maintain momentum after an opening win, while the Cavaliers seek their first victory. The Bucks won their previous game against Denver on a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Jamaree Bouyea, capping a 12-4 comeback in the final three minutes. Cormac Ryan and Chris Livingston led the Bucks with 18 points each. Conversely, Andre Jackson Jr., Tyler Smith, and Bogoljub Markovic had underwhelming performances. The Cavaliers lost their opener to Indiana despite leading by ten points late. They surrendered the lead in the final moments, with Indiana winning on free throws after a foul with seconds remaining. Despite the loss, Nae'Qwan Tomlin scored 30 points efficiently, and Jaylon Tyson contributed 20 points and 12 assists. Injury concerns exist for both teams. Milwaukee's Mark Sears missed the first game with a calf strain, and Cleveland's Craig Porter Jr. left his game early with a hamstring injury. Their availability for this game is uncertain due to the lack of official Summer League injury reports. Significant pressure is on Milwaukee's Andre Jackson Jr. to improve after scoring only 6 points on 2 shots with 3 turnovers in the opener. As a third-year player with NBA experience, expectations are higher. His defensive matchup against Cleveland's productive forwards, Tomlin or Tyson, is highlighted as a key opportunity. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and NBA TV at 2:30 p.m. CDT.
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Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz predicts the Boston Celtics will sign Damian Lillard after the nine-time All-Star guard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. Swartz suggests the Celtics, not pressured to win immediately due to Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, could view signing Lillard on a team-friendly deal as a smart investment for a potential 2026-27 title run, assuming their core players remain. Swartz indicates Lillard joining Boston depends on the Celtics successfully trading guard Anfernee Simons to shed salary. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports that Celtics president Brad Stevens and the team are "actively" trying to trade Simons this summer, though the outcome is uncertain. Successfully trading Simons would allow the Celtics to use their $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception on Lillard. Swartz notes the Celtics' previous success acquiring veteran point guard Jrue Holiday from the Bucks, who helped them win the 2023 championship. Lillard responded to reported interest from the Celtics and other contenders while he recovers from injury, posting on social media: "If they call it a 'gamble' at this stage… tell ’em this [is] the jackpot. #ToBeContinued." The Bucks waived Lillard to sign center Myles Turner in free agency. According to The Athletic, the Celtics are among several contending teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, interested in signing Lillard despite his expected absence next season due to his Achilles injury. The Athletic also reported that Lillard was "elated" about being waived, as it gave him freedom to choose his next team without financial constraints after the Bucks stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract.
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Defenses have begun adjusting to Kennedy Burke's exceptional three-point shooting, a trend she noticed during the Liberty's previous game against the Atlanta Dream on June 29, where she went 1-for-6 from beyond the arc. Burke and head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged this defensive shift was inevitable given her "off the charts" shooting performance this season. Despite the recent defensive focus, Burke remains a strong contender for Sixth Player of the Year. She leads the WNBA in three-point percentage (48.6%), a significant jump from her 25.9% in 2024. Her attempts have also increased notably, from 1.5 to 3.7 per game, though her total attempts (70) are still fewer than prolific shooters like Atlanta's Rhyne Howard (185) or teammate Sabrina Ionescu (145). To counter defenses taking away her three-point shot, Burke has increasingly relied on attacking the basket off the dribble, utilizing her quick first step. She also leverages her strong defense, exemplified by six steals against Las Vegas, to generate offensive opportunities. This adaptation aims to sustain her breakout season, especially after increased minutes due to Liberty absences in the first half of the year. Burke's preparation for this defensive adjustment began in the offseason with intensive three-point practice (both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble) and specific work on driving to the basket. The effectiveness of this work became evident early this season, including a game where she made all four of her three-point attempts. This breakout contrasts with her 2024 season, her first with the Liberty, where she struggled to find a consistent role within the team's rigid rotation.
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Darius Thompson has concluded his two-year stint with Turkish club Anadolu Efes and is set to return to Spain. He previously played in Spain during the 2022-23 season. Valencia Basket has made an offer for the 30-year-old playmaker. However, his former club Baskonia, where he debuted in the EuroLeague, holds "tanteo rights," giving them five days (until July 17, 2025) to match Valencia's offer. If Baskonia does not match, Thompson will join Valencia under coach Pedro Martinez. This move would mark Thompson's third EuroLeague appearance, having previously competed in the competition with both Baskonia (where he earned All-EuroLeague Second Team honors) and Anadolu Efes. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 9.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game. Thompson began his overseas career with Leiden (2018-19), spent two years with Brindisi (2019-2021), and played in the EuroCup with Lokomotiv Kuban during the 2021-22 season before joining Efes.
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