The first round of the 2025 NBA draft delivered surprises, memorable moments and some great looks.

The night was centered around the top talent selected and the next generation of players geared up to take over the league — and rightfully so. But the first round also delivered viral moments on social media and celebrations that will stick with fans for a long time.

From eye-catching outfits and sneakers to blinding chains, here are our favorite nonstatistical superlatives from the NBA draft.

Most likely to go No. 1 (and did)

Cooper Flagg

This was expected long before theDallas Mavericks drew the No. 1 overall spot in the NBA draft lottery in May. Flagg arrives in Dallas with lofty expectations after a standout lone season at Duke and becoming the Mavericks’ first No. 1 overall pick since 1981.

Most likely to make a premature congratulations post

The Duke men’s basketball X account

Again, Flagg being selected No. 1 overall wasn’t a surprise to anyone. So why not go ahead and post congratulations early and get it out of the way five hours early? That’s exactly what Duke basketball’s X account did.

Best hype man

Dylan Harper

When Dylan Harper first saw Ace Bailey’s draft fit, he had no choice but to pause. In a sea full of photographers and media members, Harper hyped up his former Rutgers teammate’s look, scoping out the jacket details and the jewelry. On a stage as big and nerve-wracking as draft night, the two friends brought the best vibes with them.

Most likely to not leave Barclays Center

Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf

While all of the other draft picks are booking their flights out of New York and preparing for tours of their new arenas, Denim, Traore, Powell, Saraf and Wolf will already know their way around. Barclays doubles as the home for the Brooklyn Nets and the NBA draft, so the rookies can just make themselves right at home.

Most blinding chains

Jeremiah Fears

Fears showed up and showed out with his fit for the draft, but the most eye-catching pieces were around his neck. He donned two iced-out chains, one with an “O” for Oklahoma, his alma mater, and “Fears.” On his big night, Fears made sure to bring out his best drip.

Most likely to follow the ‘sandwich method’

Nique Clifford

The “sandwich method” in fashion is when someone balances their look by matching their top with the shoes (the pieces of bread) and contrasting the look with a different-colored bottoms (the filling). Clifford did just that but in the most creative way. To pair with his pink, purple and white ombre jacket, he rocked custom pink and purple Nike Air Force 1s.

Best twinning moment

Ace Bailey and family

Bailey’s family stunted on everyone, rocking matching “red bottom” Christian Louboutin shoes to the draft. Everyone also donned all black looks with pops of red to match Bailey. The family that slays together, stays together.

Most likely to block shots and serves in South Beach

Kasparas Jakucionis

Jakucionis, who said his dream job would be playing beach volleyball if not basketball, will join the Miami Heat — which happens to be the perfect place for both.

Most likely to follow in his father’s flight path

Jase Richardson

Not only did Jase Richardson follow in his father’s footsteps by playing for the Michigan State Spartans, but he was also drafted by the Orlando Magic — one of the teams Jason Richardson once suited up for. With flashes of the same explosiveness that made his dad a two-time dunk contest champion, the younger Richardson is ready to carry the family’s high-flying legacy in the NBA.

Most likely to turn high school chemistry into NBA history

MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State officials have announced today they have reached an agreement on a contract extension with volleyball head coach Corey Phelps effective July 1.
 
“We look forward to furthering Corey’s leadership of the Maverick volleyball program,” said Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman. “As NSIC members, we play in one of the country’s premier volleyball conferences and are steadily making progress in our goal to compete alongside the best teams in our league. I have confidence in Corey’s ability to continue guiding us in that direction.”
 
“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to continue building the Maverick Volleyball program,” Phelps said. “I want to thank Kevin Buisman and President Inch for believing in the direction the team is headed. Leading this program is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. There is no place I’d rather be. Go Mavs!”
 
Phelps has guided the Minnesota State volleyball program for four seasons. Since 2021, Phelps has won 42 matches, including 33 wins over NSIC opponents. He has coached 32 NSIC All-Academic Team members, seven Myles Brand Award winners, eight CSC Academic All-District players and three All-Conference athletes.
 
Phelps has overseen marked improvement on the court over the past two campaigns. In 2023, the Mavericks more than doubled their win total from the previous year to go 14-12 overall. Last season, the Mavericks finished 18-9 overall and qualified for the NSIC Tournament for the first time since 2018.
 
The season was highlighted by wins against No. 20 Minnesota Duluth on the road and No. 10 Southwest Minnesota State at home. The team fell to perennial power Concordia-St. Paul in the NSIC quarterfinals 3-1.
 

Minnesota State volleyball opens its 2025 regular season schedule with four matches at the Missouri S&T Tournament Sept. 4-6.
 
 

CONWAY, Ark. – On Thursday the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) announced an alliance with the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) to create an all-sports conference beginning next year.

According to a press release, the WAC announced that Southern Utah and Utah Tech will be leaving for the Big Sky Conference beginning July 1, 2026. The moves left University of Texas at Arlington, Abilene Christian and Tarleton State as the only three full members of the WAC.

Thursday’s announcement said that the consortium will bring together those three schools along with the ASUN’s five football-playing schools to create an all-sports United Athletic Conference (UAC) that also begins on July 1.

UCA Director of Athletics Matt Whiting said that he is excited about what this new conference means for the university and its athletics department.

“The landscape of collegiate athletics has changed rapidly in recent years, and this strategic alliance creates innovative opportunities for collaboration and increased efficiencies for all of the institutions involved,” Whiting said. “I am excited for what this means for the University of Central Arkansas and our Athletics Department as we enter a new era of college athletics.”

The school’s President Dr. Houston Davis said that this alliance will create a greater experience for both student athletes and fans.

“As we navigate the changing world of collegiate athletics, I am excited about the opportunities presented in this strategic alliance and further strengthening our partnership and future with our current United Athletic Conference peers,” Davis said. “This alliance positions the University of Central Arkansas well geographically, creating greater experiences for our student-athletes and fans.”

According to the release, remaining ASUN membership will include Bellarmine University; Florida Gulf Coast University; Jacksonville University; Lipscomb University; the University of North Florida; Queens University of Charlotte, and Stetson University.

The ASUN and UAC will remain independent conferences that each have their own automatic qualifiers for NCAA postseason play.

Officials with the ASUN said in a statement that this is not a merger, but a forward-thinking alliance.

“We are proactively building a modern structure for intercollegiate athletics that benefits everyone involved. This alliance provides great leverage for two conferences and long-term stability amongst like-minded and similarly situated institutions.”

Volleyball World’s new CEO, Ugo Valensi

Volleyball World has appointed Ugo Valensi as its new chief executive officer, effective from 4 August 2025. Valensi brings with him a wealth of global experience in sports leadership, media innovation, and commercial strategy.

His arrival comes at a pivotal moment as Volleyball World builds on the momentum provided by the sport’s exposure at last year’s Summer Olympics in Paris. 800 million people worldwide now engage with volleyball in some form, and last year Volleyball World content had a combined 1.8 billion views across television and digital platforms, underscoring the sport’s growing global appeal.

VBTV, Volleyball World’s successful OTT platform, has experienced 55% year-on-year growth in paid subscribers. Over the course of the first three weeks of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, watch time was 166% higher than in 2024.

Volleyball World’s award-winning social media platforms also continue to grow. Over 20 million people follow Volleyball World’s social channels, a 14% year-on-year growth. With China channels set to be relaunched, 2025 is expected to become the highest growth year for social media reach.

Valensi joins from Grand Slam Tennis, where as CEO he managed the partnership between the Grand Slams, overseeing strategic collaboration across the sport’s most iconic tournaments — the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

During his tenure, he helped elevate Grand Slam Tennis’s global footprint, enhancing fan-centric storytelling, and unlocking new value for rights holders and partners. This included leading negotiations between the four Grand Slams, ATP and WTA Tours with Netflix for the groundbreaking Break Point documentary series – the first significant commercial project across the Grand Slams, ATP and WTA Tours. He also led the development of a unified governance framework, spearheaded cross-tournament commercial initiatives, and laid the groundwork for a shared digital and media strategy.

Prior to this, Valensi led the Sportfive agency, where he oversaw a successful turnaround and its sale to private equity. His experience managing global sports organisations and driving strategic transformation will be central to Volleyball World’s next phase of growth.

Valensi will start in his role just after the Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Nations League Finals and shortly before the Women’s Volleyball World Championship in Thailand (22 August to 7 September) and Men’s Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines (12 to 28 September) – the first time both championships have been held in Asia. The Beach Volleyball World Championships will take place in Adelaide, Australia, in November.

As Volleyball World looks to elevate the sport’s global appeal up to and beyond the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Valensi’s leadership will play a key role in expanding its reach and deepening fan engagement.

Valensi said: “I’m honoured to join Volleyball World at such an exciting moment in its journey. Since its launch in 2021, the organisation has redefined what’s possible for professional volleyball — blending sporting excellence with global entertainment appeal. With 800 million people engaging with volleyball worldwide, there is immense untapped potential. I look forward to working with Michael Payne, the team at Volleyball World, the FIVB, CVC Capital Partners and all our partners to expand our reach, deepen fan connections, and unlock the next wave of growth for this extraordinary sport.”

Michael Payne, chair of Volleyball World said: “We are very lucky to have secured Ugo as our new CEO. He brings a wealth of expertise in the sports business, from both the rights holder and agency side. Through his time at Grand Slam Tennis and as CEO of Sportfive, he has shown his undoubted commercial acumen. Having listened to him outline his vision for Volleyball World, I look forward to working with him at this exciting time for the organization and the sport of volleyball.”

Fabio Azevedo, president of FIVB said: “We are very excited to welcome Ugo Valensi to Volleyball World and the Global Volleyball Movement. His impressive leadership experience in the international sports industry make him the perfect person to lead Volleyball World in this next chapter. We are confident that Ugo, together with the strong team of professionals at Volleyball World and the FIVB, will help us take volleyball to new heights.”

Indian swimmer Benediction Rohit is a top prospect ahead of the 2025 Asian Swimming Championships
| Photo Credit: BISWARANJAN ROUT

The Blue Devils will spotlight each of the six newcomers ahead of preseason practice starting in late July.

Our second rookie is Kaylee Kim, a 5-4 forward from Belmont, Calif.  Kim is listed as the No. 5 player from the Northern California and Hawaii regions.  A 2024 NorCal All-League First Team (2023) and Second Team (2024, 2022) selection, Kim tallied 32 goals and nine assists as a freshman and sophomore at Carlmont High School.  She also competes for Bay Area Surf club team.

 

To stay up to date with Blue Devils women’s soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching “DukeWSOC”.

#GoDuke

 

GoDuke.com: What made you choose Duke?

Kaylee Kim: I chose Duke because of the strong sense of family and community that surrounded me from the start. The team demonstrated incredible support and loyalty to one another and the school as a whole made every student feel welcomed and valued. The coaches made me feel at home while also showing me that they’re committed to pushing me to reach my full potential.

 

GD: Tell us about your soccer game and what you hope to bring to Duke?

KK:  I’m a hard worker who is always determined to chase after every ball, sacrifice for every tackle and leave everything on the field. I aim to bring that contagious energy to every practice and game!

 

GD: Favorite Duke player you grew up liking to watch?

KK:  Michelle cooper

 

GD: Most excited for at Duke (soccer and not soccer)?

KK:  I am most excited to be supported and guided by our amazing coaching staff and upperclassmen that I know will help me grow so much. 

 

GD: What is a fun fact/skill/talent people may not know about you?

KK:  Fun Fact: I don’t like kimchi! 

 

GD: Who are your biggest inspirations on and off the pitch?

KK:  My biggest inspiration on the pitch are my Bay Area surf teammates who never fail to support me and always want the best for me. They’ve taught me how a passionate and intense environment can truly feel like home. Off the field, my biggest inspiration is my parents, who have always demonstrated that hard work leads to success and that giving your best effort means living without regrets.

GD: What is your proudest moment on the soccer field so far?

KK:  My proudest moment on the soccer field so far came during the final game of the season, which would decide the league champion. It had been a challenging season adjusting to a new team and environment. With the score tied 1-1 late in the second half, I managed to chase down the ball and score the winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Bay Area Surf and clinching the league title.

 

GD: At what age did you start playing soccer?

KK:  I started playing at seven years old

 

GD: Did you play other sports growing up?

KK:  Track, tennis, swimming, skiing and snowboarding

 

GD: I know it is early, but do you have any idea yet what you think you might want to major in?

KK:  I am still working on discovering my major!

 

Quick Hitters:

Favorite Athlete?  Kevin De Bruyne 

Hobbies? Ceramics, snowboarding, running, thrifting 

Favorite TV Show? The Good Place and Gilmore Girls

Favorite Movie? Truman Show and Big Hero 6

Favorite Emoji? ??

Latest show you watched on television/Netflix? How I Met Your Mother

If you were to play another sport, what would it be? Beach Volleyball

Mountains or Beach? Beach

Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream? Brownie Batter 

Any Pregame Rituals? None!