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    Paige Bueckers: A Basketball Star is Born

    Last Sunday, the University of Connecticut basketball player Paige Bueckers achieved what she set out to do when she joined the team almost five years ago: Win an N.C.A.A. championship. After being sidelined by injuries for nearly two seasons, Ms. Bueckers, a 23-year-old point guard, led the Huskies to a blowout victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks, earning UConn its 12th N.C.A.A. women’s basketball title and becoming the school’s top point scorer in the women’s tournament in the process.For some, the win would be a star-making moment. But Ms. Bueckers (pronounced BECK-ers) — whom the Dallas Wings are expected to select first overall in the 2025 W.N.B.A. draft on Monday — was already a star by then, both on and off the court.In December, she became the first college athlete to have her own Nike player-edition shoe, the Paige Bueckers G.T. Hustle 3. She was also the first college athlete to sign a name, image and likeness deal with Gatorade. According to on3 and SponsorUnited, both of which track sponsorship and other deals for college athletes, Ms. Bueckers is the third most valuable woman in college sports, has the second largest social media following and the highest engagement from her followers.“It’s so surreal,” Ms. Bueckers said of UConn’s championship win in an interview on Wednesday. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet.” She was dressed in a lavender Nike sweatsuit, and her long vanilla-blond hair was neatly cascading down her back. Earlier that day, she had been interviewed on the “Today” show; later, Ms. Buckers would head to a taping of “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon.Ms. Bueckers finished this season with the distinction of becoming UConn’s top point scorer in the women’s N.C.A.A. tournament.Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesMs. Bueckers with her namesake Nike shoe.NikeWe are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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    What I’ve heard about Phil Foden makes he respect him and even more angry at sick chants about his mum

    THE problem with teenagers, a headteacher told me this week, is that they are trying to live in two different moral universes.He says that there is the moral universe we all know, with its rules, conventions and niceties.Pep Guardiola embraced Phil Foden after he had endured Man Utd fans chanting ghastly things about his MumCredit: GettyIncredibly, to a significant number of fans such conduct is quite acceptableCredit: GettyDeclan Rice endures similar stuff as Foden, along with his long-time partner Lauren FryerCredit: RexAnd then there’s another universe, the internet’s moral universe, where there are next to no rules and precious few niceties.OK, every day’s a school day, so I’ll take that on board and, just for good measure, I’m going to throw a third moral universe into this mix — football’s moral universe.This one, while not all bad by any means, can be a very ugly place indeed.I’ve not met Phil Foden but from what I’ve seen and heard, as well as being a prodigiously gifted footballer he’s a decent guy.READ MORE FROM ADRIAN CHILESI was talking to one of his coaches at England youth level. Listing the attributes Foden showed as a kid — speed, awareness, bravery, command of the ball etc — the coach added another, one which has stuck in my mind. “He cared what his teammates thought about him,” said the coach.Interesting that. You’d think that caring what your teammates thought of you would be common enough among footballers to not even merit mention. It would seem this isn’t the case.Most read in FootballPhil cares though, and that’s another reason I hold him in high esteem.Perhaps that’s why I was more appalled than usual at the behaviour of football fans when I saw that photo of Pep Guardiola embracing him after he’d endured Man Utd fans chanting ghastly things about his Mum.‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumAwful. But incredibly, to a significant number of fans such conduct is quite acceptable. Because, you see, this is in football’s moral universe where, for some reason, there are those who think it’s OK to behave despicably.Declan Rice, double miracle-freekick scorer and another nice guy, endures similar stuff — along with his long-time partner, the equally appealing Lauren Fryer.Lauren, you see, doesn’t conform to some football fans’ idea of what a footballer’s wife should look like. So the poor woman gets abused on social media and, for Declan’s benefit, from the stands. Dreadful.This is what happens in football’s moral universe. We seem to forget that footballers are human beings with, you know, feelings. However thick their skins have to be, they still have feelings.I’ve been as guilty of forgetting this as anyone. Many years ago, when I was presenting Match Of The Day 2, I made a joking reference to Arjen Robben’s baldness. The following week I got a letter — yes, a letter, that’s how long ago it was — from someone who said I should be ashamed of myself as Robben could well be very sensitive about his hair loss.Initially I scoffed and was minded to reply that Chelsea’s multi-millionaire Dutch superstar could probably deal with a jibe from me.But when I had thought about it, even though the man himself probably couldn’t have cared less, I concluded that I had been very wrong to mock his appearance.That was on TV. I’m afraid I’ve said a lot worse as a fan at matches.I’m not without sinSo I don’t preach this sermon from any moral high ground, because I’m not without sin. I confess, I’ve yelled and chanted stuff at football matches that I would never, and I mean never, have yelled or chanted anywhere else.I shouted some dreadful things at Jack Grealish, for example, at a play-off semi-final when he was at Villa. I’m quite sure he couldn’t care less, but I can’t say it was my finest hour.I don’t excuse myself, but these things happen in football’s moral universe, where it’s not that there’s no right or wrong, but there is a big, bad grey area.There’s a line in there somewhere and we all know where it is.Bawling abuse at a footballer, calling them terrible names, isn’t a good look. But it probably, arguably, just about falls on the right side of the line.Abusing that footballer’s family is a different matter. That’s on the wrong side of the line.It’s bang out of order, and everyone guilty knows this.BOB’S A COMEDY GREATThere was no danger of anyone else but Bob Mortimer winning Last One LaughingCredit: RexSOME comedians you look at, and think there walks a genius, with a routine to die for.Others, often by means of cruelty or crudeness, shock you into laughter despite yourself.And then there’s Bob Mortimer, who just seems to have funny bones.Really funny bones.There was no danger of anyone else winning TV’s Last One Laughing.What chance did any of them have against a man who can make “have you got a kitchen island?” sound like the funniest question ever asked.And as for, “I like sausage dogs, with those tiny legs”, I will never again see a dachshund waddling past without thinking of Bob.DON AND ON AND ON AND ..The role journalists played in Donald Trump’s rise will one day be worthy of examinationCredit: GettyWHEN the history books about Donald Trump are written, the role of us journalists in his rise will be worthy of examination.We can take a lot of the blame/credit – delete according to your view of The Orange Man. Like him or loathe him, laugh at him or with him, we have found it quite impossible not to give him all the attention he craves because he provides us with all the material we crave.He fills pages of papers and hours of television, radio and podcasts. Where would we be without him.After his first term ended in ignominious defeat, we assumed we’d seen the last of him.Back then, the brilliant political commentator, comedian and excellent Trump mimic Matt Forde captured the mood of many of us when he tweeted, “Goodnight sweet prince”. And now it’s like he never went away.IT’S BOT TO BE A BONUSTHE march of artificial intelligence will, at worst, destroy humanity or, at best, just take a lot of our jobs.One thing pleases me, though, even if it means me being replaced by a machine – I’ve heard what’s about to happen described as the first technological step-change in history that’s going to hit middle-class jobs the hardest.Writers and radio presenters will be easy meat for the machines.But it’ll be a long time before AI can do proper jobs, requiring blood, sweat and tears as well as great skill.Plumbers, chippies, sparks, gardeners, scaffolders, bricklayers – your jobs are as safe as houses.Enjoy the ride, you’ve earned it.WHY do so many people sit on public transport looking at or listening to their phones without wearing headphones?Why should we all have to hear terrible music from those who look at their phones on public transport without wearing headphones?Credit: GettyWhy should we all have to hear their terrible music, boring conversations or mindless TikTok-ery. I’m genuinely interested.But I can’t come up with a way of asking the question in a way that’s not going to end with some kind of violence visited upon me.PAIN IN THE CHIP BUTTYA chip shop owner in Gloucestershire has apologised for putting up its price to fifteen quidCredit: GettyA CHIP shop owner in Gloucestershire has apologised for putting up the price of cod and chips to 15 quid.I can’t remember the last time I left a chippy having dropped anywhere near that little. I just get too excited.After a couple of pints with some mates in Stourbridge last month, I popped into the local chip shop on the way home.Before I knew it I’d bought large cod and chips, small cod and chips, mushy peas, two battered potato slices and some cod roe.And this was only for me and my Mum. We’re still not back to full health, financially or physically.AIMEE’S PEARLY QUEENAimee Lou Wood is just brilliant in the White Lotus, despite the show being absolutely indigestibleCredit: HBOEVERYONE I know is banging on about White Lotus being the best TV ever. I’ve heard it praised so many times that it must be true.Well, I’ve found it to be absolutely indigestible, veering wildly between rather silly and terribly boring.Read More on The SunBut I’m glad I saw the bits I managed to stay awake for because that was enough to confirm for me that Stockport’s Aimee Lou Wood is just brilliant.At first you can see nothing but her proudly prominent teeth. But before long all you’re seeing is a brilliant acting talent going from strength to strength. More

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    ‘Definitely making a comeback’ – Tyson Fury, 36, sends fans into frenzy with latest retirement U-turn hint

    TYSON FURY sent fans into a frenzy by posting a training video – amid rumours of another comeback. Fury announced his fourth and perhaps most surprising retirement in January – a month after rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. Tyson Fury sent fans into a frenzy by posting a training videoCredit: Instagram @tysonfuryFans are convinced Fury is preparing for a comebackCredit: Instagram @tysonfuryAnd the Gypsy King also walked away from a mega-money fight against British rival Anthony Joshua. Fury has so far appeared content as a retired fighter enjoying time with wife Paris – but now the signs are pointing towards a comeback. And fans were convinced the former WBC champion left the biggest hint he is returning to fight yet with his training post on Instagram. Fury lets off his jab, combinations and body shots to the extra-heavy boxing bag as one fan said: “He’s definitely making a comeback.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother added: “Looking sharp.”One asked: “Is champ coming back??”Another begged: “Come back big man.”Fury, 36, lost his undefeated record and WBC title in the same 12 rounds against Usyk, 38, last May in Riyadh. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he was beaten via another controversial decision in the rematch – retiring just a month after. It also followed in the aftermath of Joshua’s knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, 27, in September. Eddie Hearn says Tyson Fury will have to personally phone up Anthony Joshua to rescue super-fight AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn still holds out for the Great British blockbuster. But he believes it will take Fury reaching out to Joshua, 35, personally to get the wheels in motion. Fury’s manager Spencer Brown also added fuel to the comeback fire after revealing the maverick superstar is growing bored in retirement. Brown Brown told iFL TV: “I spoke to him last week, he’s really happy. Really happy.”He’s getting a little bit bored but he was really happy. I think he went to a nice birthday party over the weekend and had a few beers.”Just speaking to him gives you a bit of light in your life because he makes you smile and he doesn’t anything too seriously.”Is he going to fight again? He’s retired.”Brown also revealed Fury is staying in shape, training and avoiding an unhealthy diet – the hallmarks of a boxer preparing to fight.He cryptically said with a smile: “He might be getting a little bit bored at the moment but that’s just a natural thing.Read More on The Sun”He’s just enjoying himself, he’s running everyday. He really looking good. He’s tanned, he’s fit. He looks good. I was quite surprised when I saw him.”He’s usually eating Jelly Babies and sweets but this time none of that. He’s proper on his diet.”Fury has been enjoying retirement alongside wife ParisCredit: InstagramFury retired after his rematch loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYAnthony Joshua looks set to lose out on the fight with FuryCredit: REUTERS More

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    Raphinha slammed over ‘shameless’ act in Barcelona’s win against Dortmund

    RAPHINHA has been slammed on social media after a “shameless” act in the Champions League.The Brazilian netted Barcelona’s opening goal in the Catalans’ 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.Raphinha prods home from right on the goal lineRaphinha has 12 goals in 11 Champions League games this termCredit: GettyRaphinha’s actions denied Pau Cubarsi his first ever Champions League goalCredit: GettyRobert Lewandowski haunted his former side once again with a brace, before teenage sensation Lamine Yamal completed the rout on 77 minutes. But Raphinha, the former Leeds United winger, was the big talking point as he was slated for perceived selfishness during Barca’s win.The anger comes after he bundled home to break the deadlock in the 25th minute at the Estadi OIympic Lluis Companys, Barca’s temporary home while the Nou Camp gets renovated.The Brazilian earned bucketload of backlash online for “stealing” a goal from Pau Cubarsi, the teenage centre-back who’s never scored in the Champions League.Read more FootballCurbasi, the 18-year-old Spanish defender, turned an Inigo Martinez knockdown from Fermin Lopez’s free kick goalbound, with the ball trickling towards the far corner.However, Raphinha, ghosting in unmarked at the back post, made sure that the ball went in by getting the last touch just before it crossed the line.The incident sparkled a frenzy on social media, with one fan taking to X to comment: “Raphinha having no shame in stealing what would’ve been an 18 year old’s first ever Champions League goal”, while another tweeted: “That was shameless from Raphinha”.Raphinha’s 12th goal in Europe this season really upset one fan, who tweeted: “That’s the sort of stupidity that shouldn’t be rewarded”.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOthers expressed their dismay at Raphinha’s selfishness, saying: “Goal robbed” and “I would be so mad if I was Curbasi…”.Another claimed that Raphinha had “snatched Cubarsi’s goal to boost his Ballon D’Or chances”, but perhaps the most brutal comment was that Raphinha is “a crook” and there was “no way you try stat pad when it was already going in ffs… this Ballon D’or s*** got guys acting outta character.”The result leaves Hansi Flick’s side with one foot in the last four of Europe’s premier competition, and Barca will face the winners of Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, assuming they avoid a sensational comeback in Dortmund next week.Barca are having a strong season, going under the radar of many in Flick’s first term in the hotseat, and the German has them top of LaLiga by four points, en route to taking back the league title that they lost to Real Madrid in the last campaign.Robert Lewandowski was the thorn in his former club’s side, scoring twiceLamine Yamal was also among the goalscorers More

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    ‘People talk a lot of s***’ – KSI defended by his coach for being spotted at concert a week after pulling out of fight

    KSI has been defended by his boxing coach after being spotted at an Usher concert – one week after pulling out of his fight with Dillon Danis. The YouTuber was due to face MMA star Danis on March 29 in Manchester – but he withdrew with a week to go after falling ill. KSI was spotted at an Usher concert a week after pulling out of fighting Dillon DanisAlexis Demetriades is the coach of KSIBut Danis hit out at KSI after the British social media sensation was spotted at an Usher concert at the O2. Derek Chisora posted a video on his Instagram story showing KSI in attendance and Danis said: “You can’t make this s*** up. “@KSI faked the sniffles. He’s a scared little b***h. I was told he couldn’t get out of bed, and he’s out on the night of the fight? WTF.”KSI’s trainer Alexis Demetriades has since spoken out in defence of the Misfits Boxing co-founder. READ MORE IN BOXINGDemetriades said on Fred Talks Fighting: “It’s quite a strange one for people to jump on that because let’s say I’ve hurt my hand and it’s really hurt, doesn’t mean I can’t go to a concert.”I’m not fighting anymore, I can’t train and put my heart rate at max zones and do my VO2 Max and kill myself in sparring because I can’t fight.”It doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy my life and go out. I think because he’s a high-profile kid a lot of people talk a lot of s*** online like, ‘Why’s here there? What’s he doing?'”He’s been on antibiotics and he’s ill and he can’t fight – doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy his life. It’s a very different scenario.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think people read a bit too much into it. He’s a young man that needs to let off some steam. “If he wants to go out and go to a concert, I don’ think there’s an issue with that.KSI issues worrying statement on health battle and gives major update on boxing career after latest fight collapse “He’s been ill for a month off with two sets of antibiotics and a lot of pressure for him to make this work and it didn’t work out.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since suffering defeat for the first time, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023. He was due to fight in August but pulled out with an injured hand before his most recent illness. And KSI – who founded Misfits to home to celebrity-style crossover bouts – even refused to confirm if he will fight again. But coach Demetriades does expect the Britain’s Got Talent judge to fight again and opened the door to a bout with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He said: “We’d love that fight, I think stylistically it’s a great fight.”And also, because the fight everyone wants and we want is the Jake Paul fight and obviously he doesn’t necessarily want it at the moment.”That’s a great idea for people to see JJ fight somebody that orthodox, that’s 200+lb right now that’s got 56 wins and won a world title. It’s quite a good look for JJ.”He’s been on antibiotics and he’s ill and he can’t fight – doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy his life. KSI’s trainer Alexis DemetriadesChavez – son to the legendary Mexican Julio Cesar Sr – held the WBC middleweight world title from 2011-2012. And he went 12 rounds with Canelo Alvarez in 2017 but has suffered inconsistent form of late. Chavez, 39, was beaten by UFC great Anderson Silva, 49, in 2021 but did beat MMA middleweight Uriah Hall in a crossover boxing bout last summer. He was in talks to fight KSI earlier in the year and has also been linked with facing Paul, 28, in the past. Demetriades also talked down a tune-up fight – despite KSI’s inactivity in the ring. He said: “I’m not about warm-up fights, personally. “I don’t think we need warm-up fights. I think what you do is get a fight camp and go straight into a fight.Read More on The Sun”As far as I’m concerned the sparring that we have and the pressure we put on KSI, he’s a game day kid. He performs on game day.”When he comes out to fight he comes out to fight. I’m not worried about him performing, that’s what he does. He’s very, very good at that.”Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is linked with fighting KSICredit: Esther Lin/MVP More

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    Tyson Fury’s manager left ‘surprised’ by boxer and hints he will come out of retirement with cryptic comment

    TYSON FURY is still a happily retired man for now – but boredom threatens to put an end to that. The Gypsy King hung up his gloves for the FOURTH time – announcing it with a shock video on Instagram in January. Tyson Fury with his manager Spencer BrownCredit: @spencerbrownmrgoldstarAnd despite the allure of a mega-fight against Anthony Joshua – it seems Fury is refusing to budge. The former heavyweight champion’s days are now spent personally training his wife Paris with the odd session of his own in there. And Fury’s manager Spencer Brown remained tight-lipped when asked if the British boxing legend will ever fight again. Brown told iFL TV: “I spoke to him last week, he’s really happy. Really happy.READ MORE IN boxing “He’s getting a little bit bored but he was really happy. I think he went to a nice birthday party over the weekend and had a few beers.”Just speaking to him gives you a bit of light in your life because he makes you smile and he doesn’t anything too seriously.”Is he going to fight again? He’s retired.”Fury, 36, lost for the first time in May against Oleksandr Usyk, 38, who became the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed champion. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey rematched in December and again Fury was beaten via controversial decision – announcing his retirement a month later.That appears to have ruled out the long-awaited Battle of Britain bout against Joshua, 35, who was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September. Eddie Hearn provides update on Anthony Joshua’s injury and Tyson Fury fightBut Brown revealed Fury is staying in shape, training and avoiding an unhealthy diet – the hallmarks of a boxer preparing to fight. Brown cryptically said with a smile: “He might be getting a little bit bored at the moment but that’s just a natural thing.”He’s just enjoying himself, he’s running everyday. He really looking good. He’s tanned, he’s fit. He looks good. I was quite surprised when I saw him.”He’s usually eating Jelly Babies and sweets but this time none of that. He’s proper on his diet.”Fury has been enjoying retirement alongside wife ParisCredit: InstagramFury retired after his rematch loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYAnthony Joshua looks set to lose out on the fight with FuryCredit: REUTERS More

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    Glam footballer Madelene Wright cheekily sticks out tongue in busty snap as she shows fans inside new home

    MADELENE WRIGHT took social media by storm once more with another cheeky snap.This time Madelene proudly showed her fans around her new pad on Instagram.Madelene Wright took social media by storm once moreMadelene took a cheeky selfie for her followersMadelene showed her fans around her new padThe footballer accompanied her story with two selfies, one of which showed her cheekily sticking her tongue out.Madelene also posted the following caption: “Just got the keys to my adult life.”Her 323,000 followers were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One fan posted: “Proud of you.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “Truly beautiful.”A third wrote: Looking fabulous.”This fan said: “Amazing smile.”And another gushed: “Stunning.”Most read in FootballMadelene is known for sharing a series of glam pics across her social media channels.The footballer has played for the likes of Charlton, Leyton Orient and Chesham.Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off her new glasses with smouldering video before sharing cheeky bum pic And she has been juggling her football career with her social media as well as OnlyFans activities.Inside Madelene’s glamorous life as footballer and OnlyFans star…Madelene lives a glamourous lifestyleShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe has attracted a large audienceCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has played for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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    Josh Warrington reveals how fans who called him a w***** spurred boxer to retirement U-turn

    JOSH WARRINGTON will keep fighting for the fans — even those who think he is a w****r.The 34-year-old Leeds legend laid down his gloves after a third consecutive defeat — this time against Anthony Cacace at Wembley Stadium — in September.Josh Warrington will keep fighting for the fans — even those who think he is a w****rCredit: GettyFollowing previous losses to Luis Alberto Lopez and Leigh Wood, the two-time featherweight world champ felt he had reached the end of the Elland Road.But, after a couple of strong gym sessions — and a scan of his X-rated social messages — the latest comeback starts on April 19 against Asad Khan.The Yorkshire hero said: “Something was missing in that last performance.“I told my dad, in my corner, that ten per cent or so just wasn’t there.READ MORE IN BOXING“When I laid down my gloves, I meant it.“I went back in the gym to help a mate and things started to click again.“Then I checked social media, expecting the worst, but I had nothing but support and backing.“Some people even wrote, ‘I have always thought you are a w****r but don’t retire yet, you’ve got loads left to give’.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I don’t need to retire on a win or a world title.“I need to retire after a performance I can be proud of, one that my fans deserve, after so many years of backing me”I need to retire on my terms. And I will — w* or not.”Josh Warrington’s top-flight boxing career ends after suffering his third fight on the spin More