Sports
Julius Randle is settling in with the Minnesota Timberwolves
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kyden Randle could have been the hottest kid in New York, especially amongst New York Knicks fans. The son of New York Knicks forward Julius Randle was beloved for his passion and humorousness during his father’s home games. But just two days before Knicks training camp, Randle learned he was not a Knick and broke the news to his son, who had already began school.
“The biggest impact it had was on my family,” Randle told Andscape after the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 117-115 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 24. “My oldest son went to high school. He will likely be 8 years old in December. He’s been going to high school with all his best friends for two.5 years they usually began school. It was difficult for him. This was really the hardest part…
“I gave him the news, just being honest, telling him I used to be traded to Minnesota. I told him it was best for him, our family and me personally. I attempted doing little things to excite him. He’s a giant fan of (Minnesota Vikings wide receiver) Justin Jefferson. Then he was enthusiastic about Ant (Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards) and being on the team. New house. You just need to seek out a option to trick him a bit.
Randle himself was “a little shocked by the moment” when he was traded from the Knicks to the Timberwolves on Oct. 3 for four-time All-Star forward Karl Anthony-Towns and guard Donte DiVincenzo. It wasn’t like Randle was unaware of this. trade rumors, but it surely’s rare for a trade to occur this near training camp. Although the Timberwolves have made plenty of changes over the past yr, Randle told Andscape that he thinks he’ll fit in well this season.
Randle averaged 22.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists for the Knicks during the 2019-2024 season. All three of his NBA All-Star appearances got here in New York. The 2021 NBA Most Improved Player led the Knicks to the 2020 playoffs for the first time after an eight-year hiatus. Just days before the deal, Randle also established a basketball court in New York City, named in his honor, at the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School, after raising greater than $1.3 million for the institution.
“What really unnerved me was that it was so close to training camp,” Randle said of the trade. “We had a training camp in two or three days. My mind was able to go to Charleston (South Carolina) for training camp. It took me an evening or two (to simply accept it). The next morning. I used to be very completely happy because I forgot about all the things else and considered basketball…
“It wasn’t that I assumed I could not be traded. I form of thought (trade talks) would occur, but I feel it’s going to be more during the season or closer to the trade deadline since the summer has already passed. I used to be a bit shocked by the timing. I used to be definitely completely happy with where I used to be going. “
When the dust settled, Randle was enthusiastic about what was to return in Minnesota for several reasons.
Randle worked with Edwards, certainly one of the NBA’s most enjoyable young superstars, and the Timberwolves advanced to the 2024 Western Conference Finals. To make things easier, Randle reunited with Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, who was an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans when Randle played there during the 2018-19 season.
“It’s crazy because he makes the game so easy,” Randle, 29, said. “His understanding of space, on-ball and off-the-ball motion, sets and things like that, what an excellent and bad shot is. He really simplifies the game. I felt it once I was in New Orleans and I feel it here now. I do not have to force anything…
“Who apart from Finch would I wish to play for? He knows my game so well. When I began eager about this site, I got really excited.
Finch said working with Randle has “helped him a lot” as a coach. Finch added that he had at all times been a “huge fan of Julius” and that Edwards and the remainder of the players would have loved Randle’s durability, passing ability and impact on games.
“I loved Julius when we had him in New Orleans,” Finch told Andscape. “I felt like he was completely happy to return to (Minnesota). I just told him when he was traded, “You’ll like it.” You will love our boys. You will love this technique. We’re going to get the ball in your hands quickly. You can have the opportunity to play your game.
“I even have a reasonably good feeling about it. He told me he liked the freedom and fluidity we showed during the game. He liked it in New Orleans. I just told him repeatedly that we were completely happy to have him.
Randle averaged 24 points and 9.2 rebounds in 46 games during New York’s injury-plagued 2023-24 NBA season. He has the shooting, rebounding and playmaking skills to match Towns’, but in Randle’s debut with the Timberwolves, he scored only 16 points and made only 10 field goal attempts in a 110-103 season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on October 22.
During the Oct. 24 shooting in Sacramento, Finch was very blunt with Randle, telling him he needed to be aggressive on offense and stop attempting to fit in.
“He neglects too much,” Finch said before the Kings game. “In the previous few days we told him, ‘You should be more aggressive. You should try harder to do your job. We like the incontrovertible fact that you actually attempt to fit in and find yourself just causing plenty of damage to your teammates. But I also imagine that he’ll make the right play and he must proceed to impose himself in the game, be a bit more aggressive.
“This is the best option to do it. Get on the market, be yourself. We will discover about it during the trip. But when you’re talented enough to delay the decision, we now have to do what you do best… So he seems to get this and that message.
Randle proved he understood by dominating against Sacramento: 33 points on 13-of-17 shooting and 5-of-6 three-pointers, along with adding five assists and 4 rebounds in 35 minutes. Tonight, Randle and Edwards also showed they’re a formidable duo.
“Finchy told him (Thursday) morning: ‘Don’t fit in with us. We adapt to you. You’re a star, Ju. Be who you are. And (against Sacramento) that (expletive) was amazing. This is what we need,” Edwards told Andscape.
Randle and Edwards each scored 24 points in the Timberwolves’ 112-101 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Edwards told Andscape he is very enthusiastic about what Randle adds to Minnesota.
“It means we can give him the ball, get out of his way and tell him to bring us the bucket. And that’s what we need. Sometimes we go a little overboard with it. Swing. Swing. We are stagnant across the board. We need someone other than me who can go get the bucket. And he showed us that,” Edwards said against Sacramento.
“He does really well on and off the court. He is very happy to be here. The guys really liked him,” Finch said.
Beginning his NBA profession with the Los Angeles Lakers, Randle played with Kobe Bryant, certainly one of the NBA’s biggest players and the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer. Edwards is an Olympic gold medalist and two-time NBA All-Star known for his scoring, high-flying dunks and electric moves.
Is Edwards as intimidating offensively, skillfully and athletically as Bryant?
“I didn’t play with Bean in his prime,” Randle said. “But the mentality is very similar. Without hesitation. Ant gets right to it. He is special. Physically he is talented. In terms of skills, he is talented. Dude is different. There aren’t many players like him.
“Now I see his leadership, charisma and energy. He makes everyone believe. It’s unique.”
After the Timberwolves’ first road trip, Randle joined his wife and two young sons at their recent home outside Minneapolis on Friday. The considered his boys graduating from highschool in New York by early 2025 was out of the query for Randle because “they have to be with me.” He is currently in the third yr of a four-year, $117 million contract with a player option through the 2025-26 season and is open to a contract extension. The Dallas native added that he’s “in a great place” mentally.
Although Randle said he is preparing for the cold winters, he is optimistic about life with the Timberwolves. He believes the changes will likely be good for Minnesota.
“I’m extremely excited from top to bottom,” Randle said. “From life, to organization, to coaching, to the way things are done here. It’s really a breath of fresh air for me… We can be really good. We have to take it one day at a time. But as a group we can be special. If we compete, we can be really good. As good as we want.”
Sports
Meet Zoe Matthews, the youngest Black American in the NWSL
Houston Dash midfielder Zoe Matthews, who turned 17 in May, is making her mark in skilled soccer.
On October 11, Matthews made history as the youngest player to ever sign with the Houston Dash and the youngest Black American to hitch the National Women’s Soccer League. Per week later, on October 18, she wore the number 27 jersey for her debut against Seattle Reign FC.
Matthews began her soccer profession by kicking flat basketballs against the wall of her family’s garage. As she progressed through youth soccer leagues, she took her talents to the international arena.
At the age of 15, she was called as much as play for the Jamaica senior national team. She was also a member of the United States Women’s Under-16 National Team that won the 2023 Mondial Montaigu soccer tournament in France and currently plays for the United States Under-19 National Team preparing for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Her achievements at such a young age attracted the attention of scouts across the country. She eventually committed to LSU before deciding to show skilled and signing with the Houston Dash.
“At this age, not everyone can say they’re a professional athlete and I think that’s really amazing, you know, for the Black community and the soccer community in general,” Matthews said. “I think it’s a big deal for women’s sports… I think it’s really special and really important.”
Matthews grew up in a family deeply rooted in sports. Her uncle, Odell James, played as a degree guard and free safety at Baylor University, and her great-grandfather, a member of the Jamaica national team, played with reggae artist Bob Marley.
Matthews attributes much of his success to his family’s unwavering support. She said that love is the driving force behind her achievements.
“They have been here my entire journey and have sacrificed so much,” Matthews said. “I think what’s really important is that they’re still there and they love me and care about me every day.”
Matthews tries to keep up a balance between youth and life as an expert athlete. To stay grounded, he prioritizes family and faith, counting on family members for support and guidance as he transitions into his skilled profession.
“You can go wherever you wish. You just should have dreams,” Matthews said. “He (God) has given me every little thing, so I give Him this glory. And you understand, I just hope that I can encourage younger generations on my platform.
Matthews draws inspiration from legendary athletes who’ve shaped the game, corresponding to her favorite player and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr FC. Matthews said athletes like him motivate her to never quit.
“The person I admire the most, especially in women’s soccer, is (former U.S. women’s national team member) Carli Lloyd,” Matthews said. “I think she’s an incredible player, especially off the field. “Her work goes unnoticed, but I think the things she has done are exceptional.”
“I just want to be someone that people can look up to and see that hey, she works hard. She doesn’t come from much, but she’s made a name for herself and I want to make my family proud,” Matthews said. “I think it’s really important to be one of the first young African-Americans to go pro and just show other generations that it’s possible.”
Hoping to depart a legacy that reaches far beyond this field, he aspires to pursue a profession in business law or criminal justice. Matthews hopes to create a positive environment with access to resources for all young athletes.
“Zoe has the opportunity to be a pioneer in this regard… but at the same time show the next generation, hey, you can do this too,” Jason Matthews said. “It’s not nearly your speed and athleticism. You are technical, you’re smart, you’re capable. ”
Holding dual citizenship in Jamaica and the United States, Matthews is eligible to represent the United States or Jamaica at the senior national team level. Although she has not yet decided which national team she is going to represent, one thing is for certain – her goal is to develop into one among the best players in the world.
“That’s what I strive for. This is everything I have worked for my whole life,” Matthews said.
Edvaldo Pedro, Matthews’ former coach at Allegiance Academy, where he’s athletic director, has seen Matthews’ growth and commitment firsthand. She believes that her relentless determination has led her to a pivotal moment in her profession.
“Coaching Zoe was a fantastic experience. She has a fantastic personality, is disciplined, responsible and has an incredible work ethic. If he keeps the right people around him, he can develop into one among the best players ever,” said Pedro.
The Matthews family is greater than willing to support her in this endeavor.
“The expectation is that hey, we will exhaust everything to support you and your dreams… I don’t care what it is, whatever it is, just work to be the best at it,” Jason Matthews said. “You put in all your effort and all your time, and we will support you as much as we can.”
“I’m just excited to see what the Lord allows to happen next and I know that without a doubt, whatever it is, I will be in the stands or from the sidelines cheering her on as her biggest fan,” said Angie Matthews.
Sports
NBC Sports will debut “Growing Up: The JuJu Watkins Documentary Series” later this month.
College basketball phenom JuJu Watkins will appear in a six-episode docuseries debuting on NBC and the Peacock network. NBC Sports announced.
The first two episodes of On will air on Saturday, November 23 at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT on NBC and Peacock. Watkins became the all-time leading freshman in Division I scoring with 920 points.
Additionally, during her rookie season on the University of Southern California, she took the Trojans to the Elite Eight for the primary time in 30 years.
More stories for JuJu Watkins, who becomes the primary female college hockey player to star in and executive produce her own show.
“On the Rise: JuJu Watkins” premieres November 23 and explores how @USCWBB The star’s strong ties to her Watts family and community fuel her tenacious… pic.twitter.com/0iX9Kibsln
— Conference room (@conferenceroom) November 11, 2024
The series is created with UNIINTERRUPTED, 4.4. Forty Media and PGR. The documentary will deal with the basketball player’s life on and off the court, in addition to her family and friends.
“JuJu has the potential to set the standard for excellence on and off the field, and it is amazing to see her begin to maximize the opportunities in front of her with strategy and expertise, even at such a young age,” KLUTCH Sports Group founder and CEO Rich Paweł said in a written statement. “This docuseries chronicles her incredible journey to this point, highlighting her extraordinary talent, unwavering work ethic and the vital role her community plays in her success.”
The series will debut before No. 3 USC’s game against No. 6 Notre Dame on Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. Documentaries and games will be available on NBC and Peacock.
The remaining episodes will be released exclusively on Peacock for the rest of the season and might be viewed on the NBC Sports FAST channel, which is out there on Peacock and all major FAST channel distributors.
Recently, Watkins reportedly signed “the richest footwear endorsement deals in women’s basketball.”
Sports
Fear of God Athletics enters the amateur basketball portal thanks to cooperation with Overtime Elite
In collaboration with Adidas, dressmaker and founder of Fear of God Athletics Jerry Lorenzo has officially entered recent territory. Fear of God Athletics might be represented as the eighth team in the Atlanta Overtime Elite (OTE) youth basketball league.
According to a press release, Team Athletics might be equipped with performance uniforms and footwear designed by Fear of God Athletics throughout the 2024-25 season, representing, as the label puts it, “a commitment to the next generation of athletes.” It all began off victorious when the team defeated consecutive champions OTE City Reapers 97-90 at the OTE Arena, debuting on November 8 in recent uniforms and shoes.
“Giving back and being an example of what is possible for young men and women in the next generation is fueled by the fear of God,” said Lorenzo, son of former MLB player, coach and manager Jerry Manuel, during a fireplace chat with the former NBA player Matt Barnes at the partnership announcement event on November 7. “I grew up in a sports family. My dad did well in the big leagues. Now he works with Major League Baseball to bring top (African-American) talent back to baseball. It’s simply in our family to give back to the youth.”
“Jerry’s values and morals and what he stands for are consistent with what we are about in our program,” says Fear of God Athletics coach Cilk McSweeney, who joins the team after coaching Calvary Christian Academy in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for 12 years, he said.
The collaboration comes just weeks before the December release of the Adidas x Fear of God II Basketball, Fear of God’s first true performance sneaker. The shoe has already appeared in NBA games, as has Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent I wore it in lots of games this season.
The recent model is a continuation of the Adidas x Fear of God I model, which premiered in December 2023. Similarly, the Fear of God I model, worn by the players, was presented basketball teams from the University of Indiana and the University of Miamibut just for one game. Fear of God and Overtime Elite’s partnership is meant to be long-term and construct on the latter’s mission to equip basketball players ages 16-20 with the resources they need to take their talents to the next level through non-traditional pathways that emphasize academic acceleration and economic strengthening.
“Connecting with (Fear of God) provides greater exposure to our league and it is a common cause for them,” said Damien Wilkins, general manager and head of basketball at OTE. His role includes connecting the league with brands and providing players with exposure. “I also think it’s great for our players as well, as Fear of God is certainly popular with this age group. All our boys wear it anyway, so it made sense.
“I am very excited about the possibilities that can come from being a part of this relationship” – Shon Abaev, Fear of God Athletics senior point guard, currently ranked No. 29 on the ESPN 100 2025 highschool recruits listhe said. “I’ve already worn Fear of God and Essentials. I’m grateful to be able to wear the (Fear Of God Athletics) shoes on the court.”
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