I requested Oren Basse of The Solely Colours (our sister weblog for Michigan State) in regards to the Spartans and at the moment’s soccer recreation, and he was very variety to indulge me with the next responses:

ATQ: Let’s get this out of the way in which, as a result of the overwhelming majority of Oregon followers haven’t the slightest clue of what has been transpiring within the Spartans program. Kindly indulge me, and stroll us by means of how Michigan State followers processed the retirement of Mark Dantonio, and the (rise and) fall of Mel Tucker. I imply, to followers that should have been the final word intestine punch…am I proper about this?

TOC: Beginning with Mark Dantonio, we knew he wasn’t going to educate that for much longer, possibly a yr or two, as there was a transparent decline in his success in teaching and recruiting in the previous few years of his reign. However the timing of his announcement to retire, in early February after the teaching carousel was just about over, caught us all off guard and put MSU in a nasty spot; so MSU went on a mad sprint to discover a alternative they usually lured Mel Tucker from Colorado after he was there for only one yr. That first yr was the Covid yr, in order that, together with the truth that he had no time to recruit anybody (and the switch portal wasn’t a lot of a factor simply but), led to a predictably dangerous first yr. However no less than we defeated um (BW: Michigan. Identical as me calling the workforce up north washinton). Tucker’s second yr is what Spartans name “The Kenneth Walker Yr”. We had an excellent season, went 10-2, beat um once more, and have been cheated out of a NY6 bowl recreation. And Walker was cheated out of the Heisman; he ought to have no less than been a finalist. So at this level, Spartan Nation is amped up, considering Mel Tucker is the true deal, and consuming up the catchphrases “Tuck Coming” and “Preserve Chopping”. However then Walker went professional, the QB play shortly deteriorated (regardless of having the identical man below middle because the yr earlier than and having a pair of WRs who now play on Sundays), and MSU had a nasty season that ended with out even making a bowl. Cue 2023, MSU wins their first two video games, however the night after the second recreation is when the information breaks in regards to the Tucker scandal and, predictably, the remainder of the season goes down the drain. The interim coach misplaced the workforce and MSU received blown out by all of the respectable groups on their schedule. And yeah, Tucker obtained all of the blame for what occurred even after he was placed on depart and finally fired, deservedly so. We really feel he didn’t recruit properly and he didn’t develop the gamers he did get, and that led to an terrible product on the sphere. It’s an period of MSU soccer we need to overlook about.

Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photographs

ATQ: Jonathan Smith is a savvy dude. We in Oregon are fairly conversant in him as a participant and a coach. What was the overall consensus of Smith in East Lansing when his predecessor was fired? How did the fanbase react to Smith’s managing of the roster and recruitment?

TOC: The hiring of Smith was welcomed, although on the time, coming off the Tucker saga, there was a fairly low bar round right here. I don’t know that he was anybody’s best choice among the many Spartan followers, however he was no less than on a number of top-5 lists. Shortly after he was employed, the information of the PAC-12 eruption got here out, so we had a good suggestion that he would be capable of carry an excellent quantity of his Oregon State guys with him, and that’s what performed out. That was one of the best a part of his first recruiting class, as he didn’t actually have the possibility to make to many inroads within the Midwest in that first offseason. To date it looks as if his 2025 class can be a bit higher, however we nonetheless are ready to see him get some 4-star recruits. Hopefully he can have one other nice yr within the portal. Recruiting apart, Smith has been doing an excellent job teaching. He’s getting nice play out of those guys and is conserving everybody engaged. Living proof – though we received destroyed by Ohio State this previous weekend, it was clear that everybody was nonetheless taking part in till the ultimate whistle. That isn’t one thing we noticed final yr.

Picture by Rey Del Rio/Getty Photographs

ATQ: Roster administration is so crucial these days. What are the positives in regards to the gamers that Smith introduced in with him and thru the switch portal? I do know that within the first yr it’s tough to cowl all of the bases, however are there any obtrusive deficiencies you can determine?

TOC: The large identify that got here with Smith was Aidan Chiles, who was the backup quarterback at Oregon State, although he did get a good quantity of taking part in time in his freshman yr. Outcomes have been combined on Chiles to date. He’s a turnover machine with 8 interceptions already this yr, together with a couple of fumbles. However he additionally has proven a capability to hit absolute dimes to his receivers, though his accuracy will not be at all times nice. We’re telling ourselves to be affected person as that is his first yr as a starter and he’s simply 18 years previous, so hopefully some enchancment comes with time. Except for Chiles, we additionally received Jack Velling, the TE from Oregon State who has been nice to date. And Smith actually appears to have completed his greatest work in recruiting defensive linemen as there are a variety of recent names contributing on that unit this yr. We have to see him usher in some extra beef for the O-Line subsequent yr, as that’s most likely the weak spot of this roster.

Picture by Rey Del Rio/Getty Photographs

ATQ: Who’re the gamers on offense we should always learn about? Who on protection goes to make life tough for the Geese?

TOC: On offense, look out for freshman WR Nick Marsh. He might be cold and hot, however the man is a spotlight ready to occur. He has pace, strikes, and nice fingers. Only a matter of Chiles getting him the ball. On protection, I’ll offer you a reputation at each degree. On the DL, Kris Bogle has actually taken a leap this yr. him purely from a physique perspective, he’s the final man on this workforce I’d need to get in a combat with. Dude should dwell within the weight room. Among the many LBs, Cal Haladay has been a stud for MSU for years now. He’s at all times at or close to the highest of the tackles listing. And on the again finish, Charles Brantley is having an enormous yr. He already has 5 passes damaged up, 2 picks, and one choose six which he returned all the way in which from 5 yards deep in his personal endzone (and that was proper after he had one other pick-six earlier in that drive negated by a penalty).

Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photographs

ATQ: How do you assume this recreation will play out…what’s your greatest and worst case situation for Michigan State?

TOC: I’ve been maintaining a tally of Oregon they usually have been trying a bit overrated within the first two video games, although they’ve appeared significantly better these previous two weeks. I’m not thrilled about going cross nation on a brief week for this opponent. I’d have preferred yet another day to arrange. MSU wants to chop down on the turnovers and private foul penalties which were a problem all season. The Spartans are inflicting an excessive amount of injury on themselves. I feel that can present up once more this week. So worst case situation is we make this straightforward for Oregon and the sport resembles what simply occurred towards Ohio State. Greatest case situation is the errors get cleaned up, MSU makes the sport attention-grabbing, and by some means steals it ultimately. I feel what’s going to occur can be someplace within the center, Oregon profitable by 10 or 14. Let’s name it Geese 34, Spartans 24.

Thanks so very a lot to Oren Basse for his enter on at the moment’s recreation. You’ll be able to learn his contributions at The Solely Colours, and he’s additionally a contributor to Off Sort out Empire, a B1G web site that follows the entire groups within the Large Ten.

You’ll be able to learn my solutions to TOC’s query right here.

The Michigan State soccer staff heads west to play Oregon at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

The sport is scheduled to begin at 9:05 p.m. ET.

The Spartans (3-2, 1-1 Huge Ten) misplaced at dwelling to Ohio State of their most up-to-date recreation, 38-7, on Sept. 28. No. 6 Oregon (4-0, 1-0 Huge Ten) defeated UCLA, 34-14, in its most up-to-date recreation on Sept. 28.

Oregon leads the all-time collection between the groups, 4-3. The Geese defeated MSU, 7-6, within the groups’ final assembly within the 2018 Redbox Bowl.

RELATED:Sofa: Michigan State vs. Oregon has been a significant and vital collection in MSU soccer historical past

The best way to watch Michigan State vs. Oregon soccer

Recreation time: 9:05 p.m. ET, Friday, Oct. 4.

TV: Fox

Fox announcers are Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Brock Huard (analyst) and Allison Williams (sidelines)

On-line dwell stream: Fox Sports activities app

Radio: Lansing: WMMQ (94.9-FM)/WJIM (1240-AM); Detroit: WJR (760-AM); Grand Rapids: WBFX (101.3-FM)

Satellite tv for pc radio: Sirius channel 372

Michigan State vs. Oregon soccer playing odds

Oregon is a 24-point favourite over Michigan State

The over/beneath whole for the sport is 52.5 factors.

Halle Bailey and DDG have damaged up. The budding rapper himself introduced the information on October 3, 2024, posting a prolonged assertion posted to his Instagram Tales.

DDG started his assertion by addressing his “mates and supporters.” He said that he and Bailey had determined to finish their relationship “after a lot reflection and heartfelt conversations.”

“This resolution was not simple, however we consider it is the perfect path ahead for each of us. I cherish the time we have spent collectively and the love we have shared,” DDG continued. “Regardless of the modifications in our relationship, our love for one another stays deep and true. We’re nonetheless greatest mates and adore one another.”

DDG ended his assertion saying the duo had been planning to “give attention to [their] particular person journeys” whereas actively working collectively as co-parents. “We cherish the bond we have constructed and the attractive moments we have shared. As we navigate this transition, we ask on your understanding and help,” he added. On the time of writing, Bailey has but to handle the cut up publicly.

Courtesy of DDg/Instagram

Halle Bailey and DDG had been first romantically linked in January of 2022 after being posted attending a live performance collectively. It wasn’t till March 2022 that DDG confirmed their relationship on Instagram with a birthday tribute to Hailey, during which he known as her “the beautifulest, the flyest, the sweetest.” A number of months later, in June, the duo made their crimson carpet debut on the BET Awards.

Momodu Mansaray

Halle Bailey and DDG will not be a part of one another’s worlds — no less than not romantically.

The “Little Mermaid” star and the “I’m Geekin” rapper have referred to as it quits after two years of relationship and just lately welcoming a child boy. “After a lot reflection and heartfelt conversations, Halle and I’ve determined to go our separate methods,” DDG (born Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr.) introduced Thursday.

“This resolution was not straightforward, however we consider it’s the very best path ahead for each of us,” DDG stated in a Thursday Instagram story. “I cherish the time we’ve spent collectively and the love we’ve shared.”

A consultant for Bailey, who’s half of “Do It” duo Chloë x Halle, didn’t instantly reply to The Occasions’ request for remark.

“The Colour Purple” star Bailey, 24, and DDG, 26, first sparked romance rumors in January 2022, then made issues pink carpet official on the 2022 BET Awards that June. Chatting with Essence in August 2022, Bailey stated she knew of DDG from his YouTube channel and shared that their relationship started with personal messages on social media.

When the journal requested Bailey whether or not she was in love with DDG, she replied, “Sure. For certain I’m.”

After some on-line drama and breakup rumors, the duo took their relationship to the subsequent stage. In fall 2023, Bailey sparked being pregnant rumors after Web page Six reported she had stayed away from photographers on the MTV Video Music Awards and “was very aware in the best way she gave hugs, and who she gave them to.”

Regardless of fan hypothesis, Bailey saved mum on Instagram. DDG additionally performed coy, denying on Snapchat that they have been anticipating. Days after the rapper’s denial, Bailey introduced the arrival of child boy Halo.

She stated on Instagram that “despite the fact that we’re just a few days into the brand new 12 months, the best factor that 2023 may have finished for me, was deliver me my son.. welcome to the world my Halo.”

She added: “The world is determined to know you.”

Within the months after Halo’s start, Bailey and DDG broke their silence about their personal being pregnant. Receiving an award on the Essence Black Ladies in Hollywood ceremony in March, Bailey stated her son was the “best blessing, I had no obligation to show him.”

Since Halo’s arrival, the musicians have additionally shared snippets of their life with their son on social media — together with video of the infant on a kiddie journey that turned meme materials final month.

DDG stated in his Thursday missive that he and Bailey will co-parent as they give attention to their “particular person journeys.” He additionally clarified that there was no dangerous blood on this breakup.

“Regardless of the modifications in our relationship, our love for one another stays deep and true,” he wrote. “We’re nonetheless greatest pals and adore one another.”

Ohio Senator JD Vance advised reporters on Friday that former first girl Melania Trump’s stance on abortion “does not change” the Trump-Vance marketing campaign’s message on reproductive rights.

An excerpt from the previous first girl’s upcoming e book, Melania, surprised anti-abortion activists and others earlier this week after it revealed that she unequivocally stands for a lady’s proper to an abortion—a break up from her husband, former President Donald Trump, on a key situation forward of the November election.

On Friday, Vance, the previous president’s working mate, was requested at a marketing campaign cease in Lindale, Georgia, if Melania Trump’s opinion “impacts” how his marketing campaign sees the difficulty of reproductive rights.

“Look, I really like Melania,” Vance advised reporters. “I believe she’s—she’s a terrific spouse to the president. She’s been, I believe, a terrific instance of grace underneath an unimaginable quantity of strain. However Melania is entitled to her personal views.”

Vance added that he does not “consider I’ve to assault or disagree or criticize anyone on this situation as a result of our marketing campaign is targeted, once more, on inflation, on securing the border, on making life extra inexpensive, on bringing good jobs to the state of Georgia and the entire nation.”

“Look, I imply, I believe she’s a sensible individual,” the senator mentioned. “I believe she’s going to precise her views. She’s entitled to do it, however it does not change how I discuss this situation or how the marketing campaign talks in regards to the situation.”

Newsweek reached out to Melania Trump’s workplace through e-mail on Friday afternoon for remark.

The previous first girl has been noticeably absent on the marketing campaign path as her husband vies for a second time period within the White Home and is commonly quiet about her political opinions. However in her memoir, which might be printed on October 8, she wrote that it “is crucial to ensure that girls have autonomy in deciding their choice of getting youngsters, primarily based on their convictions, free from any intervention or strain from the federal government.”

“Proscribing a girl’s proper to decide on whether or not to terminate an undesirable being pregnant is similar as denying her management over her personal physique,” she wrote within the part reviewed by The Guardian forward of the e book’s publication. “I’ve carried this perception with me all through my complete grownup life.”

In distinction, the previous president has taken credit score for the Supreme Courtroom’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, which ended federal protections for abortion in June 2022. The affect has sparked authorized battles throughout the nation on the state degree. A number of key battleground states will vote on abortion referendums within the 2024 basic election as nicely, together with Arizona and Nevada.

Democrats have sought to capitalize on the difficulty forward of November, provided that reproductive rights contributed to shock losses for Republicans within the 2022 midterms. Whereas Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has vowed to work to reinstate abortion legal guidelines underneath Roe, Trump’s stance has shifted all through his 2024 marketing campaign, and lots of Republicans have differing messages on how the federal authorities ought to deal with the difficulty.

Earlier this week, throughout the vice presidential debate between Vance and Harris’ working mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Trump mentioned on social media that he would “veto” a federal abortion ban “as a result of it’s as much as the states to resolve primarily based on the desire of their voters.”

It was the primary time the previous president made a stance on a federal time period restrict for abortion. Prior to now, Republicans, together with Vance, have expressed assist for a “minimal nationwide customary” for the process at 15 weeks of being pregnant.

Replace 10/4/24, 4:44 p.m. ET: This text was up to date with extra data.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak attended his first NBA sport as a youngster in Boston, going to see his beloved Los Angeles Lakers play their bitter rivals on the enviornment then generally known as the FleetCenter.

He and his brother, Khaldoon, then a scholar at Tufts College, reached their seats and located themselves subsequent to an older couple.

“They should have been each over 80. And I checked out them, I mentioned, ‘Wow, it is wonderful how these guys are simply so in love with the game,'” Mubarak mentioned. “I gave a little bit smile and I anticipated a smile again. They usually checked out my Laker shirt and flicked me off. And I mentioned, ‘Effectively, that is my welcome to Boston second.'”

It did not flip off Mubarak’s love for the NBA. He later attended Northeastern College in Boston, rooting towards the Celtics the complete time.

He’s now formally generally known as “His Excellency” and has been the chairman of the highly effective Abu Dhabi Division of Tradition and Tourism since 2016. And he’s a driving power behind this week’s high-profile preseason video games in United Arab Emirates involving the Celtics and Denver Nuggets, the previous two NBA champions.

The video games signify a centerpiece of the league’s deepening relationship with energy brokers within the Center East. Because the NBA returned to regular operations after the interruption attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, the expansion within the Arabian Peninsula has largely changed China because the NBA’s front-facing worldwide focus.

A sequence of things, a lot of them exterior the NBA’s management, has seen the league’s decades-long push to have interaction the Chinese language market sluggish. The fallout from the 2019 Hong Kong tweet by then-Houston Rockets common supervisor Daryl Morey led to NBA video games being taken off broadcast tv in China for 18 months. The NBA had greater than 10 Chinese language sponsors pause or cancel their offers. The NBA additionally closed the three academies it had in China.

Whereas excessive profile, the Morey incident was solely a small a part of a a lot bigger set of challenges between China and the USA, which included a development of China considerably turning away from its long-running embrace of Western tradition — a ballot by considered one of China’s official media retailers earlier this yr discovered that 54.6% of younger individuals within the nation look down upon Western nations. The NBA hasn’t been immune. The league hasn’t performed preseason video games in China, as soon as a cornerstone of its worldwide technique, since 2019. In 2022, NBA commissioner Adam Silver mentioned the monetary losses to the league stemming from the China rift had value “tons of of hundreds of thousands” in income.

Brooklyn Nets proprietor Joe Tsai, who’s a co-founder of Chinese language e-commerce large Alibaba, mentioned earlier this yr relations between China and the NBA had improved and he was hopeful the video games would resume quickly. However for now the preseason video games stay in Abu Dhabi and main sponsorship {dollars} maintain flowing from the UAE.

The inhabitants of the Center East market is a tiny fraction of that of China, the place the NBA maintains an enormous fanbase, however it’s outsized by way of its potential as a enterprise associate. Abu Dhabi’s inhabitants is roughly equal to the state of New Jersey, however three of the biggest sovereign wealth funds on the planet are primarily based there, together with the behemoth Abu Dhabi Funding Authority, which has almost $1 trillion beneath administration. That has contributed to Silver embracing the area, regardless of it not presently being seen as a attainable producer of NBA expertise, as China had as soon as been considered.

This weekend’s Celtics-Nuggets video games are the most important but the NBA has staged at Etihad Enviornment on Yas Island, a part of a glowing sports activities and leisure complicated that has amusement parks, a golf course that hosts a DP World Tour golf playoff occasion and a racetrack the place the Method 1 season culminates every year.

Over the previous three years, six NBA preseason video games and 4 Crew USA exhibition video games have been performed in Abu Dhabi. The crowds are giant and numerous, made up largely of expats and vacationers. In July, a document crowd of greater than 12,000 followers attended a Crew USA exhibition sport towards Australia, 1000’s lining up within the midsummer warmth simply to look at the Individuals heat up. The NBA has extra preseason video games in Abu Dhabi on the best way sooner or later as a part of a long-term contract signed in 2021.

Earlier this yr, the NBA signed a large sponsorship cope with Emirates Airline, primarily based lower than 100 miles down freeway E11 in Dubai. The NBA Cup, the in-season match, will carry the model’s title. It is a part of a broader funding in professional basketball from the ruling household of Dubai, together with the latest buy of a EuroLeague workforce that might ultimately play its house video games within the UAE.

Final yr, the Qatar Funding Authority grew to become the primary sovereign wealth fund to purchase into an NBA workforce when it bought roughly 5% of the Washington Wizards’ mother or father firm.

Expertise Abu Dhabi, the Division of Tradition and Tourism’s advertising and marketing wing, already has a multiyear sponsorship deal in place with the Celtics and has been in discussions to turn out to be the jersey patch sponsor for the New York Knicks, sources mentioned.

Because the league expands its relationship with Abu Dhabi, Human Rights Watch — an unbiased nongovernmental advocacy group — has accused the UAE of utilizing sports activities to distract from its human rights document, particularly citing the nation’s zero-tolerance coverage towards dissent and its failure to guard migrant employees in a critique of the NBA’s determination to play preseason video games in Abu Dhabi. The NBA beforehand confronted comparable criticism over its relationship with China, and has been referred to as out by two U.S. senators for partnering with Rwandan president Paul Kagame with its Basketball Africa League.

“I hear the feedback about sportswashing,” Silver mentioned in reference to Center East funding in American sports activities in an interview final yr on “The Dan Patrick Present.” “Then again, you are speaking about it, others are speaking about it. In the identical means the soccer World Cup introduced huge consideration to Qatar, I believe individuals find out about these nations, find out about what’s occurring on the planet in methods they in any other case would not. So I believe the media does its job.

“Speaking particularly concerning the NBA, we’re such a world sport,” Silver continued. “I believe individuals are a little bit too dismissive nowadays about the advantages that come from the commonality round sports activities. That with a sport like basketball, our Finals are distributed nearly in every single place on the planet, the game is performed, in every single place on the planet. It is a chance to convey individuals collectively.”

Along with premier golf, racing and tennis occasions, Mubarak has struck a sequence of offers with the UFC over the previous decade and there at the moment are two occasions held there every year. Jiujitsu is the nationwide sport of the UAE, all faculty youngsters are taught it by mandate, and blended martial arts combating has turn out to be very fashionable. Mubarak desires basketball to comply with in these footsteps. Since placing the cope with the NBA in 2021, basketball participation within the nation is up 60%.

Not getting flicked off at Celtics video games along with his brother, Khaldoon Al Mubarak is now the founding chairman of the government-backed Metropolis Soccer Group, which owns 13 soccer groups, together with Premier League powerhouse Manchester Metropolis and MLS workforce New York Metropolis FC. Khaldoon is on the board of the Mubadala Funding Firm, a separate sovereign fund with greater than $300 billion in belongings.

Mohammed Al Mubarak makes no secret he’d wish to ultimately add a controlling share in an NBA workforce to the Emirati’s portfolio.

“Completely. Why not? I believe we’ve showcased once we spend money on sport, what meaning to us: a long-term strategy that’s constructing capabilities inside that metropolis,” Mubarak mentioned.

“I believe what the Metropolis Group has executed, not simply in Manchester itself, however all through their vary of investments, they’ve executed a improbable job in creating infrastructure each arduous and delicate in making a expertise pool with their academies. So is that this [with the] NBA one thing that we might like to look into? Completely, however I believe it is a matter of discovering the precise alternative and the precise framework for us to work with the NBA in that regard.”

That might even embrace curiosity in Mubarak’s rival Celtics, who’re presently on the market and anticipated to fetch a document value. However the Abu Dhabi Funding Authority won’t be shopping for a controlling share of the Celtics or another NBA workforce within the close to future. The league presently restricts sovereign wealth funds to passive stakes in groups no greater than 20%, and there aren’t any present discussions or plans to change that rule, league officers mentioned.

“I do not wish to say what may ever occur, however there isn’t any contemplation proper now,” Silver mentioned final yr, a place that has not modified.

Within the interim, Abu Dhabi will proceed its funding in basketball whereas bringing main occasions to the nation. The NBA will proceed to be part of that and profit from the nation’s funding as extra {dollars} stream into the league from partnerships and sponsorships in addition to sending groups over every fall.

“We’ve got a long-term view on this” Mubarak mentioned. “I am not pondering that there is going to be an Emirati basketball participant who’s going to play within the NBA tomorrow, however the reality of the matter is seeing the sunshine within the youth’s eyes right now … possibly not this group, possibly the group after them or the group after them, however ultimately there’s going to be a participant or two which might be going to make it to the NCAA after which possibly take it a step additional. So as soon as that occurs, the dream turns into a actuality.”

The wait is over … the NBA is again!

After 109 days, the 2024-25 preseason ideas off immediately in Abu Dhabi with a star-studded matchup between the previous two NBA champions (12 ET, NBA TV).

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THE LINEUP 🏀

What’s inside immediately’s version?

Title Groups Collide: A preseason opener brimming with star energy and championship DNA

Abu Dhabi All-Entry: How Boston & Denver spent the day earlier than Day 1

Starry Evening: The Lakers & Wolves headline two must-see primetime matchups

W Semifinals: A pair of pivotal Sport 3s get underway tonight

The Clark Spark: Contained in the Rookie of the Yr’s historic season

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BUT FIRST … ⏰

What’s in retailer immediately?

The 2024-25 preseason begins immediately with a loaded three-game slate, led by the long-awaited NBA Abu Dhabi Video games 2024

Plus, the WNBA Playoffs boast two essential Sport 3s in its best-of-five semifinals.

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1. CHAMPIONSHIP CULTURES COLLIDE IN ABU DHABI

Did somebody say appointment TV? Effectively, sit again, loosen up and benefit from the present as a result of the 2024-25 NBA preseason is simply hours away, with the Nuggets and Celtics set to sq. off in Abu Dhabi (12 ET, NBA TV).

Friday’s opening matchup doesn’t simply function the previous two title winners, the reigning Kia NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, 2023-24 All-NBA First-Crew member Jayson Tatum and eight whole All-Stars — it spotlights two franchises which have laid the blueprint for constant success.

Over the previous three seasons, no person within the NBA has extra regular-season wins than the Nuggets (158) and Celtics (172), who every used the identical successful system to summit the mountain high in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

• Homegrown Stars: Each groups discovered superstars within the Draft, with Boston deciding on Jaylen Brown (2016) and Jayson Tatum (2017) in consecutive years, whereas Denver landed Nikola Jokic (2014) and Jamal Murray (2016)
• Proper Function Gamers: The Nuggets then constructed on their basis by drafting Michael Porter Jr. in 2018 and buying Aaron Gordon in 2021. One 12 months later, the C’s added key contributors in Derrick White and Al Horford
• Lacking Items: After 4 straight Playoff exits, Denver strengthened its rotation by including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Bruce Brown and Christian Braun for the 2022-23 season
• One 12 months later, Boston, having reached 5 ECF in seven seasons, bolstered its lineup with Jrue Vacation and Kristaps Porzingis
• Persistence Pays Off: In 2023, the Nuggets claimed their first-ever title. One season later, the Celtics hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the primary time since 2008

Though the 2 groups adopted the identical championship recipe, they utilized totally different offseason methods, with Boston operating it again whereas including two younger shooters and Denver retooling to exchange two core vets.

• C’s To See: Along with retaining 15 gamers from its title staff — which led the NBA in made 3s final season — Boston added Lonnie Walker IV (38.4 3P% in 2023-24) in free company and drafted Baylor Scheierman (39.0 3P% in NCAA) out of Creighton
• New Nuggets To Watch: However, Denver misplaced Caldwell-Pope (10.1 ppg in 2024-25) and Reggie Jackson (10.2 ppg in 2024-25) in free company this summer season earlier than signing Russell Westbrook (11.1 ppg in 2023-24) and Dario Saric (8.0 ppg in 23-24)

Regardless of the totally different offseason approaches, each Boston and Denver enter 2024-25 with the identical objective, and every of their coaches count on to perform it.

• Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla: “We need to win a championship each single 12 months … That’s the usual. That’s the expectation.”
• Nuggets Coach Michael Malone: “I look ahead to constructing on what we’ve achieved the final six seasons and successful a championship.”

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2. ABU DHABI ALL-ACCESS: THE DAY BEFORE DAY 1

In the future earlier than starting their 2024-25 title quest, each the Celtics and Nuggets took time to present again to the neighborhood in Abu Dhabi.

After Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook and Denver galvanized the subsequent technology of hoopers at Tuesday’s NBA Cares clinic, the Celtics handed alongside their hoops information on Wednesday.

• X’s & O’s With JT: Jayson Tatum helps a younger group of ballers work on their handles earlier than breaking down the huddle
• “It’s nice being on the opposite aspect of the world and seeing how the sport has grown,” mentioned Tatum. “They’re excited that we’re right here and we’re excited to be right here.”

Exterior the sector, the Nuggets teamed up with pupil volunteers for a ‘Nurdle Hunt’ at Jumeirah Seaside, serving to to assemble and take away ‘nurdles’ — small plastic pellets used within the manufacturing of plastic that may discover their approach into the ocean.

• Can’t Cease Coach Malone: Michael Malone won’t ever flip off his aggressive aspect, even when main ‘Crew 2’ in a pleasant competitors of Nurdle looking

Then, Denver locked in for a ultimate follow and media session, the place veteran massive man DeAndre Jordan took on a enjoyable problem — making an attempt to unscramble his 17 Media Day headshots.

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3. STARRY NIGHT: MORE PRESEASON HOOPS AWAIT

The motion doesn’t cease after the preseason opener in Abu Dhabi. Friday options two extra matchups to get the preseason going because the New Zealand Breakers tackle the Jazz earlier than the T-Wolves face the Lakers.

New Zealand Breakers at Jazz (9 ET, NBA League Go): How will among the best groups in Australia’s Nationwide Basketball League (NBL) fare towards Lauri Markkanen and the Jazz?

• The Latest Historical past: 2024-25 marks the third straight preseason that includes at the very least one NBL vs. NBA sport, with the NBA main the sequence 5-1
• Spherical 2: Tonight’s assembly will probably be a rematch from final preseason when Utah defeated New Zealand 114-94 behind Markkanen’s 15 factors and 7 boards
• Gamers To Watch: Three notable 2024 Draft picks are anticipated to go well with up for Utah: Cody Williams (No. 10 choose), the youthful brother of OKC star Jalen Williams; Isaiah Collier (No. 29), a standout guard from USC; and former Duke All-American Kyle Filipowski (No. 32)

Timberwolves at Lakers (10:30 ET, NBA TV): What can we count on when Anthony Edwards and the new-look Wolves face LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers, with Bronny James anticipated to make his preseason debut?

• Setting The Stage: The Lakers chosen Bronny with the No. 55 choose within the 2024 Draft, making the NBA’s first energetic father-son duo. No father and son pairing has ever performed collectively in an NBA sport
• Measuring Stick: Now coming into his twenty second NBA season, LeBron will look to assist the Lakers bounce again from final 12 months’s first-round Playoff exit and can get an early check tonight towards final 12 months’s Western Convention Finalists
• New To The Pack: On the opposite aspect, the Wolves will probably be making their first look since buying and selling Karl-Anthony Cities to the Knicks for fellow All-Star Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, whose availability for tonight are unknown

Preseason hoops continues tomorrow in Honolulu, as Stephen Curry and the Warriors make their first outing of the 2024-25 season towards James Harden and the Clippers in a standalone Saturday sport.

• Warriors vs. Clippers (7 ET, NBA TV | Honolulu, HI)

Then, Sunday delivers a five-game slate to wrap up the weekend, headlined by the second and ultimate sport from Abu Dhabi and the tenth version of the Canada Collection.

• Nuggets vs. Celtics (10 a.m. ET, NBA TV | NBA Abu Dhabi Video games 2024)
• Knicks at Hornets (5 ET, NBA TV)
• Wizards vs. Raptors (7:30 ET, NBA League Go | NBA Canada Collection)
• Bucks at Pistons (8 ET, ESPN)
• Suns at Lakers (9:30 ET, NBA League Go)

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4. W SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: A PAIR OF PIVOTAL GAME 3s

Lynx at Solar, 7:30 ET, ESPN2 (Collection Tied 1-1): After splitting the primary two video games in Minnesota, the best-of-five semifinals has shifted to Connecticut for the subsequent two video games.

• How Essential Is Sport 3? When a sequence is tied 1-1, the winner of Sport 3 has gone on to win the sequence 58.8% of the time (10-7) with 11 of the 17 sequence going the complete 5 video games
• Lynx Gamers To Watch: Napheesa Collier is averaging a double-double (14 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.5 bpg) however her scoring effectivity is down (33.3% FG, 16.7% 3P). Former Solar Courtney Williams got here up massive in Minnesota’s Sport 2 win; can she repeat that effort in Sport 3?
• Solar Gamers To Watch: Alyssa Thomas (17.5 ppg, 10 rpg, 8 apg, 2.5 spg) and Marina Mabrey (17.5 ppg, 4 3pg) have shared the majority of the scoring load. DeWanna Bonner (13.5 ppg on 28.1% taking pictures) wants seven factors to go Candace Parker for 2nd on the all-time Playoff scoring record

Liberty at Aces, 9:30 ET, ESPN2 (NY Leads 2-0): Can the Liberty avenge their 2023 Finals loss by finishing a sweep of the Aces in 2024? Or will the Aces take step one towards a doubtlessly historic comeback and hold their three-peat hopes alive?

• Playoff Historical past: The WNBA has used a best-of-five format within the Finals since 2005 and the Semifinals since 2016. In that point, 18 groups have gone up 2-0 in a sequence – and all 18 have gone on to win the sequence, together with 13 ending in sweeps
• Tables Turned: The final staff to win Sport 3 after being down 2-0 was the Liberty within the 2023 Finals towards the Aces, however Las Vegas gained the sequence in 4 video games
• Solely One: Within the 2018 Semifinals towards Seattle, Phoenix grew to become the one staff to power a winner-take-all Sport 5 after dropping the primary two video games of the sequence. Can the Aces defend their residence courtroom on Friday and Sunday to affix them?
• Gamers To Watch: Breanna Stewart (24.5 ppg) and Sabrina Ionescu (22.5 ppg) have mixed for 47 ppg (or 58% of New York’s offense). A’ja Wilson (22.5 ppg, 58.8% taking pictures) is the one Ace taking pictures at the very least 44% within the sequence

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5. CLARK NAMED ROY AFTER HISTORIC SEASON

Few gamers have entered the WNBA with extra hype than Caitlin Clark. She was the highest choose within the 2024 WNBA Draft by Indiana following a school profession that noticed her rating extra factors than any participant – males’s or ladies’s – in NCAA Division I basketball historical past.

Not solely did Clark dwell as much as the hype, she exceeded expectations by placing collectively a historic debut WNBA season that culminated with a Kia WNBA Rookie of the Yr Award on Thursday.

• Clark appeared in all 40 video games, fueling a seven-win enchancment as Indiana posted its finest document – and made its first Playoff look – in eight seasons
• Elite Firm: Clark joined Candace Parker (the one rookie to win MVP in 2008), Elena Delle Donne (third, 2013), Diana Taurasi (third, 2004) and Tamika Catchings (third, 2002) as the one rookies to complete within the high 5 in MVP voting

The stats are solely a part of the story. Clark, together with ROY runner-up Angel Reese of the Sky, helped spark the WNBA to its most-watched common season in 24 years, highest attendance in 22 years and record-setting digital consumption and merchandise gross sales.

• Field Workplace: The Fever noticed a 319% improve in attendance in 2024 and had been a part of three video games to attract at the very least 20,000 followers, together with a single-game document crowd of 20,711 on Sept. 19 towards the Mystics

Clark obtained 66 ROY votes from a nationwide panel of 67 sportswriters and broadcasters. Reese obtained the opposite vote after a record-breaking rookie season of her personal.

• Reese posted the highest-ever rebound common (13.1 rpg) and had the longest double-double streak (15 video games) of any participant in league historical past
• Clark and Reese led the All-Rookie Crew that additionally included L.A.’s Rickea Jackson, Chicago’s Kamilla Cardoso and New York’s Leonie Fiebich

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A manhunt is underway for the suspect concerned within the capturing of Memphis, Texas Police Chief Rex Plant.

A number of legislation enforcement businesses, together with Texas Rangers, are searching for 33-year-old Seth Altman.

Simply after 11 p.m. Thursday, investigators say Plant and one other officer had been serving an arrest warrant for housebreaking when Altman opened fireplace and ran away.

Investigators report Altman ran out the again door, shot Chief Plant and fled the scene. Chief Plant was transported to a hospital right here in Lubbock, the place he’s steady.

A Blue Alert has been issued, together with an arrest warrant for Tried Capital Homicide.

Altman was final seen sporting a blue shirt and denims. Regulation enforcement says anybody who comes into contact with Altman shouldn’t method him and name 911.

Memphis is roughly 130 miles northeast of Lubbock, in northern Corridor County. It has a inhabitants of about 2,000 folks.

Gov. Greg Abbott launched the next assertion, providing a $10,000 reward:

Governor Greg Abbott in the present day introduced a $10,000 reward for data resulting in the arrest and seize of the felony concerned within the capturing of Memphis Police Chief Rex Plant. The Texas Division of Public Security (DPS) has added the suspect to their 10 Most Needed Fugitive Listing.

“Texas is at the start a law-and-order state,” mentioned Governor Abbott. “Regulation enforcement officers selflessly put their lives on the road every day they placed on their badge, and so they should know that they’ve the complete help of the State of Texas. I encourage anybody with data referring to this crime to name the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an nameless tip on-line to assist legislation enforcement deliver this harmful felony to justice. Cecilia and I are praying for the swift restoration of Chief Rex Plant and for his family members throughout this tough time.”

Final night time, Chief Rex Plant and one other officer had been serving an arrest warrant for housebreaking of a habitation when the suspect pulled out a handgun, firing a number of rounds and capturing Chief Plant. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. The Chief was airlifted to a Lubbock hospital.

The suspect, Seth Altman, 33, is described as a white male, roughly 6 ft 2 inches tall and weighing 220 kilos. He has blue eyes and purple or auburn hair. The suspect needs to be thought-about armed and harmful.

To be eligible for money rewards, tipsters should present data utilizing one of many following strategies:

• Name the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
• Submit an internet tip by way of the Texas 10 Most Needed web site
• Submit a tip on-line.

All suggestions are nameless no matter how they’re submitted, and tipsters will likely be offered a tip quantity as a substitute of utilizing a reputation. Callers’ anonymity is assured by legislation. Fugitives needs to be thought-about armed and harmful. Texans ought to by no means attempt to apprehend a fugitive themselves.

The FBI Dallas Discipline Workplace can be providing a money reward:

The FBI is providing a reward of as much as $5,000 for data resulting in the arrest of Seth Michael Altman. The FBI’s Dallas Discipline Workplace is helping the Memphis, Texas Police Division with their seek for Seth Michael Altman. Altman is needed for allegedly capturing a legislation enforcement officer in Memphis, Texas, on October 3, 2024. He was final seen at 11:04 p.m., on October 3, 2024, within the 200 block of South 4th Road in Memphis, Texas. He needs to be thought-about armed and harmful.

The general public can submit suggestions on-line at suggestions.fbi.gov or can name 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Copyright 2024 KCBD. All rights reserved.

For 3 many years, Howie Rose has been the voice of some nice Mets moments, however now he can add Thursday night time’s Sport 3 Wild Card win towards the Brewers as one in every of them.

When Pete Alonso got here as much as bat together with his Mets down 2-0, Rose was getting amped. New York had simply put runners on the corners with one out, and Alonso had an opportunity to do some injury. Even higher, the slugging first baseman labored the rely to 3-1 on Brewers nearer Devin Williams.

To stop loading the bases, Williams must get one thing over the plate, and did he. Alonso launched an 86 mph changeup the opposite manner, over the right-field wall to present the Mets a lead they would not relinquish.

And Rose, on ESPN New York 880 radio, had the proper name.

“Swing and a fly ball to proper subject. Fairly properly hit. [Sal] Frelick again, on the wall. He jumps, it is gone! He did it! He did it!” Rose mentioned. “Pete Alonso with probably the most memorable house run of his profession.”

As radio followers know, there are normally two sides to each name. Legendary Brewers announcer Bob Uecker was on the decision and his recounting of occasions was, understandably, not as enthusiastic.

“And the pitch, hit within the air to proper. Deep, warning monitor and gone,” Uecker mentioned. “Peter Alonso simply put New York on high on this one with a three-run house run to proper subject. And identical to that, a 2-0 lead is now a 3-2 deficit. That shortly. Wow.”

The 90-year-old broadcaster has seen his fair proportion of nice moments, however even he was left nearly speechless by Alonso’s blast, which despatched the Mets to the NLDS and the Brewers — the NL Central champions — to start out their offseason.