Real Madrid has produced several good NBA players over the years, and the Boston Celtics are hoping Hugo Gonzalez will eventually join that list. The Celtics selected Gonzalez with the No. 28 pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. There were rumors earlier in the day that Boston had […]
Real Madrid has produced several good NBA players over the years, and the Boston Celtics are hoping Hugo Gonzalez will eventually join that list.
The Celtics selected Gonzalez with the No. 28 pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. There were rumors earlier in the day that Boston had interest in trading up, but the C’s ultimately remained at No. 28 and made the pick. Judging by the trades that did happen, the price to move up was pretty high.
Gonzalez needs to work on his 3-point shooting, but the 19-year-old wing should be a good fit for the Celtics defensively given his athleticism, length and competitiveness.
“Just a big fan of how he plays,” Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told reporters Wednesday night. “He’s tough. He’s hard playing. He cuts. He goes after the ball. He competes. He has all the intangibles of a winning basketball player.”
What do the experts think of the Gonzalez pick for the Celtics? Here’s a roundup of draft grades:
Grade: B
“A Real Madrid product, Gonzalez has good size and feel for the game as a center, and shows real promise as a defender, but the question is his shot. He hit just 29% from 3 last season (which is less than ideal in a Joe Mazzulla system). Gonzalez is seen as a bit of a project, and if he can develop a steady shot the rest of his game would fit well with the Celtics.”
Grade: A
“He fits nicely in the Celtics’ culture. He plays hard, but is more than a hustler and strong defender. He’s a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. If his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter, though he didn’t get a lot of playing time overseas.”
Grade: B
“Gonzalez has a nice combo of frame and athleticism for an NBA wing. He made a name for himself playing with a high motor on Spain’s youth squads, and he should have translatable tools defensively. He couldn’t earn many minutes for Real Madrid last year, and that won’t change going to the Celtics even in a rebuilding year. Still, this is a fine pick as a long-term play.”
Grade: C+
“While this originally seemed like a potential draft-and-stash candidate for the Celtics, it’s possible that Spain’s González could come to the United States and play in the NBA as soon as next season. With the longest hands of anyone measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and a wingspan nearly 6-foot-11, he has good physical skills, even if his play on the court is indeed somewhat inconsistent.”
Grade: A-
“Gonzalez saw his stock fall throughout the year after failing to secure consistent playing time at Real Madrid, but a year ago at this time he was considered perhaps the best international player in this class. His motor is elite, as is his versatility on the defensive end. This is a strong buy-low bet for a Celtics team looking for value on affordable contracts.”
Grade: B-
“Gonzalez had a big early reputation in the Real Madrid system. He’s a big wing with solid size and a high motor and defensive upside, especially on the ball. The defense is the intrigue here as his best offense is in transition. The shooting is the swing skill — he shot just 29% last year. Boston shoots a lot of threes, so he’ll need to show improvement there to really stick with the Celtics.”
Grade: B
“It’s a transitional offseason for the Celtics, who have made several trades in the lead-up to the draft. They now add a pro with an NBA-ready game and frame.
“Gonzalez, 19, measures at 6-6 and 205 pounds and is coming off a championship season with Real Madrid. There is an opportunity for him to play right away in Boston with available minutes on the perimeter and he has similar strengths to another recent Celtics draft pick in Jordan Walsh.”
Raffael Craig Named as Head Track & Field/Cross Country Coach
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Rock Hill, S.C. – Winthrop University Athletic Director Chuck Rey announced the hiring of Raffael Craig as the head track & field/cross country coach on Thursday afternoon, to see Craig become the third head coach in the history of the track & field program “We are excited to […]
Rock Hill, S.C. – Winthrop University Athletic Director Chuck Rey announced the hiring of Raffael Craig as the head track & field/cross country coach on Thursday afternoon, to see Craig become the third head coach in the history of the track & field program
“We are excited to welcome Raffael Craig as the next Head Coach for Track & Field and Cross Country, a leader whose integrity, vision, character, and energy sets the tone for a bold new era in our program’s history,” stated Rey. “His commitment to developing culture, character, and well-rounded student-athletes, while striving for championships, aligns perfectly with Winthrop Eagles values and mission.”
He spent the last two years as an assistant coach at Purdue, coaching the jumpers and combined athlete events. Under his guidance, he saw 17 All-Big Ten athlete honors, including a First-Team All-American in the pentathlon, with a Second-Team All-American honor in the triple jump. Rounding out his time in West Lafayette, he helped lead thirteen athletes to Purdue All-Time Top-Ten honors, adding on three school records in the women’s pentathlon in 2025.
“I’m incredibly honored to be named the head track & field and cross country coach at Winthrop University,” said Craig. “This program has tremendous potential, and I’m excited to build a culture focused on development, discipline, and long-term success. I look forward to working with our support staff to give our student-athletes the best experience while they help me Rock the Hill.”
Prior to Purdue, Craig served as an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech University, coaching the Conference USA Champion in the heptathlon event, along with three additional top-six finishes in long jump and triple jump. Before his time with the Bulldogs, he tipped his toes into the collegiate sphere with a volunteer position at Texas Tech University, helping to lead six Red Raiders to earn All-American accolades, being highlighted by the 2021 NCAA Indoor triple jump champion, Ruth Urso.
Ahead of his time in the college ranks, Craig spent 15 years at Millville High School in Millville, New Jersey. At Millville, he led the team to #1 Ranked Public School spot in New Jersey, following that up with a 2020 Preseason New Jersey #1 Public School ranking. Under his tutelage, Craig guided 18 athletes to colleges on scholarships, coaching the 2019 New Balance Outdoor National Champion, Bryanna Craig, in the heptathlon.
Craig, a 2000 Big East pentathlon champion at the University of Connecticut, earned All-Big East honors four times during his collegiate career. He was inducted into the South Jersey Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013 and went on to become an eight-time USATF Masters Indoor Track & Field national champion in 2018 and 2019.
Huge new volleyball facility opening at the Dulles Town Center
Another major new tenant has signed on for one of the large vacant spaces at the Dulles Town Center shopping mall. This time it’s a volleyball training facility. Libero Virginia – which already has another location just up Route 7 in Ashburn – has announced it is opening a second location at the mall. “We’re […]
Another major new tenant has signed on for one of the large vacant spaces at the Dulles Town Center shopping mall. This time it’s a volleyball training facility.
Libero Virginia – which already has another location just up Route 7 in Ashburn – has announced it is opening a second location at the mall.
“We’re growing and bringing more volleyball fun your way,” the Libero team wrote on social media. “Our second location is coming soon – featuring four brand new volleyball courts for all your game-day needs. Whether you’re a pro or just looking for some casual play, we’ve got space for everyone.”
Libero will reportedly be taking over the space left empty when the LA Fitness gym moved out last fall.
The venue offers volleyball clinics, travel leagues, private coaching, and more.
Japan Routs Great Britain in Water Polo at World Championships
World Championships: Japan Routs Great Britain, Italy Squeaks Through Women’s Water Polo Crossover Japan made the quarterfinals of the World Aquatics Championships for the first time, and Italy just squeaked by China Thursday in the women’s water polo tournament in Singapore. Japan was the lone third-place team to win in the crossover matches, the last […]
World Championships: Japan Routs Great Britain, Italy Squeaks Through Women’s Water Polo Crossover
Japan made the quarterfinals of the World Aquatics Championships for the first time, and Italy just squeaked by China Thursday in the women’s water polo tournament in Singapore.
Japan was the lone third-place team to win in the crossover matches, the last chance to reach the quarters, with a 23-10 win over Great Britain. The other matches when to second-place sides, but not always easily. Italy got the biggest scare, a 13-11 win over China. The Netherlands handled New Zealand, 14-9, while Greece is in the quarters for the 12th straight edition of the tournament via a 23-9 romp past France.
Japan scored 11 times in the first half and never looked back. Shoka Fukuda and Eruna Ura each paired three goals with four assists. Maho Kobayashi had four and two. Kako Kawaguchi, Ai Sunabe and Fuka Nishiyama each tallied hat tricks for Japan, which shot 66 percent (23-for-35).
“This is a big, big success for Japan,” Sunabe said. “It’s the first time we’re in the top eight of the world championships and it’s a really good experience for us.”
Japan books a quarterfinal date with the U.S. on Saturday. The eight-time World Champion qualified directly winning Group B.
Italy never trailed but could never unlatch itself from China in a game that was just 11-10 with six minutes left. Seven steals as a team and nine saves from Aurora Condorelli helped Italy survive the scare.
Dafne Bettini led the offense with three goals and four assists. Roberta Bianconi scored three goals (albeit on eight shots), and Chiara Ranalli paired two goals on two shots with two assists. Italy gets a date with Hungary in the quarterfinals.
Siya Yan led China with two goals and two assists, Shiyun Wang scored twice and Yineng Shen made eight saves.
The Dutch eased past New Zealand thanks to five goals and two assists from Simone van de Kraats. Maartje Keuning (two goals) was the only other Dutch player with multiple goals. Millie Quin had a hat trick for the Kiwis.
Foteini Tricha was 5-for-5 shooting to move into the tournament lead with 20 goals and pace Greece. Eleftheria Plevritou scored four times, and Vasiliki Plevritou added three goals. Greece’s defense limited France’s Ema Vernoux to 1-for-7 shooting.
The Netherlands plays Spain in Saturday’s quarterfinal, a rematch of the 2023 gold-medal match, won by the Dutch. That’s the nightcap. Australia and Greece play in the first game of the day.
Crossover round losers head to the 9-12 placement round.
A beginner’s guide to sportsbook promos in Arizona: What you need to know
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Arizona’s sports betting scene is booming, attracting both seasoned bettors and curious newcomers. With a variety of sportsbooks vying for attention, understanding the promotional offers available can be a game-changer. These promotions not only enhance the betting experience but also provide opportunities to maximize potential winnings.
Navigating the world of sportsbook promos might seem overwhelming at first. However, knowing the ins and outs of these offers can help bettors make informed decisions. From welcome bonuses to risk-free bets, this guide breaks down everything beginners need to know to take advantage of Arizona’s exciting sportsbook landscape.
501 LIFE Magazine | Harding Track’s Blankinship named Academic All-American
16 Jul 2025 Harding Track’s Blankinship named Academic All-American Posted at 7:00 PMh in Sports by 501 LIFE SEARCY – Harding University women’s track and field high jumper Kiera Blankinship has been named to the College Sports Communicators Second Team Academic All-America, recognizing her exceptional achievements both on the track and in the classroom. It was her […]
16 Jul 2025 Harding Track’s Blankinship named Academic All-American
Posted at 7:00 PMh in Sports by 501 LIFE
SEARCY – Harding University women’s track and field high jumper Kiera Blankinship has been named to the College Sports Communicators Second Team Academic All-America, recognizing her exceptional achievements both on the track and in the classroom. It was her second career Academic All-America honor.
Blankinship, a senior athletically and a graduate student academically, maintained a perfect 4.00 undergraduate grade-point average as a psychology major and is now seeking a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.
In the 2025 outdoor season, Blankinship, a native of Chickasha, Oklahoma, and 2021 graduate of Amber-Pocasset High School, placed second at the Great American Conference Championships with a season-best height of 1.72m (5-7.75). She advanced to the national meet, where she earned Second Team All-America honors with a 10th-place finish, clearing 1.68m (5-6).
Blankinship’s honor is the 16th for the Harding women’s track and field program since Dawn Mason became the first Lady Bison to earn the award in 1987. She is one of eight women’s athletes at Harding to earn All-America and Academic All-America honors in her career.
Byron Days came in hot with yet another popular volleyball tournament Saturday. With activities packed into the two-day celebration, the volleyball tournament didn’t miss. The tournament, like the Byron Days celebration overall, continues to draw in a mix of competitors and spectator, ranging from lifelong residents to first time visitors of Byron. Natalie Collins, organizer […]
Byron Days came in hot with yet another popular volleyball tournament Saturday. With activities packed into the two-day celebration, the volleyball tournament didn’t miss.
The tournament, like the Byron Days celebration overall, continues to draw in a mix of competitors and spectator, ranging from lifelong residents to first time visitors of Byron.
Natalie Collins, organizer of the volleyball tournament, shared about the tournament from last weekend, noting, “We had a great tournament this year, and everything ran very smoothly. It was a beautiful day for volleyball.”
The tournament had 17 teams, and all showed up ready to play. Having 17 teams allowed everyone to be competitive and put on a good show. The tournament started with pool play, allowing everyone to play each team in their pool. Then it moved to bracket play.
The day was hot, but the teams brought the heat. The overall tournament winner was team “The Force Awakens” with members Kira Collins, Kindle Collins, Jace Nicholls, Jett Hessenthaler, Mason Moss and Landon Walker.
“Byron Days is always a great tournament because of all the different vendors that come to the park.” Collins said. “They also have lots of entertainment for the little kids.”
There is one last volleyball tournament to be held for town celebrations this Saturday, July 19, for Cowley Pioneer Day. Text or call Natalie Collins at 307-760-1557 to sign up.
