HOUSTON – Sylvester Turner, a University of Houston alumnus and former mayor of Houston who was elected to Congress last year, died Tuesday night.  He was 70 years old.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Sylvester Turner,” UH President Renu Khator said in a prepared statement. “He was a natural-born leader, humble servant and proud UH alum, who made a profound impact on our University, city and state. Most significantly, he never forgot his humble beginnings and used his platform to uplift and encourage young people to chase their dreams. He was a role model for our students, showing that no matter your zip code, race or income bracket, you can reach the highest heights. He will be sorely missed.”

Turner, who was born and raised in Houston, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at UH in 1977. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Turner returned to Houston where he started his own law firm and occasionally lectured for the UH Law Center’s continuing legal education programs.

After more than two decades of service in the Texas House of Representatives, Turner was elected mayor of Houston in 2015 and served two terms, guiding the city through several challenges, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. When his close friend and political ally U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died last July, he successfully ran to replace her and was sworn into Congress in January.

Turner was a proud and vocal supporter of the University, recognizing its symbiotic relationship with the city. For his unwavering dedication and service, Turner received UH’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the Elected Public Official of the Year award and the Pioneer of Public Service Award. And in 2023, he was awarded the President’s Medallion, the University’s highest honor. The Sylvester Turner Academic Distinction Scholarship and the Sylvester Turner Scholarship Endowment Fund in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences were established in his honor.

During a memorable commencement speech in 2018, Turner reminded CLASS graduates of the resilience and determination that define Cougar Pride.

“The road will not always be easy, sometimes it will be highly challenging. But Cougar Pride don’t turn back,” he said. “Live your life in such a way that when all is said and done, be able to say you have no regrets. Go Coogs – make your history as only you can.”

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation’s fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution with enrollment of more than 46,000 students.

MVP Arike Ogunbowale scored 21 points in the third quarter and finished the contest with 34 points all in the second half with three rebounds, six assists, and a pair of steals. Her effort led the youthful Team WNBA to a surprising victory.  It was a night of individual brilliance as incoming league sensations etched their names into the WNBA All-Star rookie record books. Cailin Clark’s 10 assists and Angel Reese’s 11 rebounds were standout performances.  

MVP, MVP, MVP!

With 34 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST Arike Ogunbowale is named the @ATT #WNBAAllstar Game MVP for the 2nd time in her career! pic.twitter.com/SfJrdzECFB

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 21, 2024

Nneka Ogwumike scored 14 points, Kelsey Mitchell scored 13, and Angel Reese added 12 points with her first WNBA All-Star double-double.  USAB Women’s National Team had guard Breanna Stewart leading the squad with 31 points and ten rebounds in the loss. A’Ja Wilson posted 22 points (6 rebounds), Brittney Griner hit 10 points (7 rebounds), and Diana Taurasi notched 13 (6 rebounds).

Team WNBA’s biggest lead was 20 points, including 16 fast-break points, with the bench players contributing 54 points on the evening.  The National Team staged a late, dramatic rally, bringing the game within eight points before the final buzzer, adding a thrilling finish to the game.

The unprecedented pairing of the James family members will etch a new chapter in the history of the National Basketball Association, sparking intrigue and appreciation among LeBron and Lakers fans.

Bronny James left USC after one season. He didn’t light up the scoreboard and highlight reels, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and .7 steals in 20 minutes of game action. James’ best performance was against Oregon State when he posted 15 points.

Though execs and scouts were shy about selecting Bronny James during the draft, he’ll have no better instructor for being a professional basketball player than his father and new head coach, J.J. Redick. Drafting James will also secure re-signing LeBron James Sr., who can agree to the option for another season by Jun. 29. If he re-ups with the Lakers for this season, he’s projected to earn $51.4 million.

Bronny James must first make the Los Angeles Lakers. However, father and son will grace the basketball courts together this preseason, which will tip off in October. The first will be against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 7. They will play the Warriors again on Oct. 13 at Crypto.com Arena, giving the Lakers fans their first glimpse of the James Duo on their home floor.

Jaylen Brown, who added 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists, was named the NBA Finals MVP. While averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and five assists per game, Brown was a key factor in the Celtics’ success in winning in front of the Celtics home crowd.

After accepting the Bill Russell Trophy, Brown graciously attributed part of his success to his teammate Jayson Tatum, who could have been named the MVP for his Finals performance.

“It was a full team effort,” Brown stated. “I share this with my brothers. My partner-in-crime, Jayson Tatum. He was with me the whole way. We share this s— together.”

The Celtics star Tatum was a pivotal player in the game. He scored a game-high 31 points, and was instrumental with 11 assists and eight rebounds. He averaged 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the NBA Finals.

Boston Celtics forward-guard Jaylen Brown received seven of the 11 votes for #NBAFinals MVP from a media panel covering the series. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum received the other four votes.

Complete voting results pic.twitter.com/i9g51gD10S

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 18, 2024

Also, Tatum became the sixth player in NBA history to win the championship while leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists throughout the playoffs. He joins Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Hakeem Olajuwon, Larry Bird, and Tim Duncan as the only men to accomplish the feat.   

Jayson Tatum becomes the 6th player in NBA history to win the championship while leading their team in PTS • REB • AST in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/9YGtPemINr

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) June 18, 2024

“Jayson, I can’t talk enough about his selflessness,” Brown said. “I can’t talk enough about his attitude. It’s just how he approached not just this series or the Finals but just the playoffs in general.”

Tatum surpassed Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant for scoring 2,695 points, the most points in the NBA Playoffs by any player before the age of 27. After all the legendary Celtics to play in the other 17 NBA championship teams, Tatum is the first to score 30+ points and 10+ assists in a Finals game.

Jason Kidd (Dallas) and Joe Mazzulla (Boston) are about to add their names to a select list. They will follow in the footsteps of the 1975 NBA Finals clash between KC Jones (Washington) and Al Attles (Golden State), and the 2017 NBA Finals where Mike Brown (interim-Golden State) and Tyronn Lue (Cleveland) met. This is a rare occurrence that underscores the historical significance of the moment.

BLACK HEAD COACHES IN THE NBA FINALS

• 2024: Jason Kidd (Dallas) vs. Joe Mazzulla (Boston)
• 2017: Mike Brown (Golden State) vs. Tyronn Lue (Cleveland)
• 1975: Al Attles (Golden State) vs. K.C. Jones (Washington)

Golden State has won two NBA titles under black head coaches.

2024 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: JASON KIDD vs. JOE MAZZULLA

The Mavericks are on the verge of their second championship, needing just four wins. In 2011, they triumphed over the Miami Heat in the Finals. Jason Kidd, currently the head coach, served as Dallas’ point guard back then, while Dirk Nowitzki, playing as power forward, was crucial in their championship quest.

The Celtics are pursuing their 18th NBA title in the storied club’s history since their last championship in 2008. Another NBA Finals victory will eclipse the Los Angeles Lakers for the most NBA world championships.

On Thursday in Boston, Mazzulla will be on the bench for his second game. Last year, he helped head coach Ime Udoka in the NBA Finals. However, they lost the series 4-2 to the Golden State Warriors.

1975 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: K.C JONES vs. AL ATTLES

Jones versus Attles was the “first championship game or series in any of the major U.S. professional sports leagues to feature two black head coaches or managers.”  Also, if my memory recalls correctly, Attles – North Carolina A&T – is the first head coach from an HBCU to win an NBA title.

Attles bested Jones as the Warriors defeated the Bullets, 4-0, as Rick Barry won the 1975 NBA Finals MVP Trophy.   The future Hall of Famers a part of the series were Jamaal Wilkes, Rick Barry, Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld, K.C. Jones (player and coach), and Al Attles (coach).

2017 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: MIKE BROWN vs. TYRONN LUE

During the NBA Finals, a pivotal moment in the Warriors’ journey, Mike Brown stepped up as the interim head coach. With Steve Kerr sidelined due to severe back pain, Brown took charge and led the team to a perfect 12-0 record in the 2016-17 NBA playoffs. His strategic decisions and ability to rally the team were instrumental in their ultimate victory, winning the NBA championship in five games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A LOOK AT THE NBA’S BLACK HEAD COACHES

In 2022, there were some unexpected dismissals of black head coaches. For example, Milwaukee let go of their first-year head coach Adrian Griffin mid-season. Despite a strong performance with a 30-13 win-loss record, which placed them second in the Eastern Conference, Griffin was released after just 43 games.

Subsequently, the Buck hired Doc Rivers but failed to reach the conference finals. Cleveland terminated J.B. Bickerstaff after he won 99 regular-season games in his final two seasons. More puzzling is that Bickerstaff had 170 wins in five seasons and guided the Cavaliers to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The 2023 Racial and Gender Report Card (RGRC), gave the NBA an A+ rating for its racial hiring practices with a score of 96.5. In the 2022-23 season, NBA officials recorded that 70.4% of the players were black and 82.5% were people of color. White players were 17.5% of the league that season. Also, only five black chief executive officers and presidents for NBA teams existed in 2022-23: Cynthia Marshall (Dallas), Fred Whitfield (Charlotte)), James Jones (Phoenix), Masai Ujiri (Toronto), and Koby Altman (Cleveland).

Hopefully, the trend of black coaches competing one-on-one for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy will continue. The two occurrences since the 1975 K.C. Jones-Al Attles meeting slightly suggest the NBA has a positive outlook for black head coaches and most men who look like them in the league.

Welcome to the WNBA, Angel Reese. No champion can say they don’t welcome the battles without having the battle scars as proof. The Sky’s rookie continues to play steadily with the Chicago Sky during their 86-82 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Saturday night. Reese had a couple of hard falls at the hands of veteran forward Alyssa Thomas. The last tumble was from a Flagrant 2 penalty, resulting in Thomas’ ejection from the contest.  

It’s like Alyssa Thomas was deliberately trying to take Angel Reese out. She’s notorious for playing like this & could’ve seriously injured Angel. Alyssa shouldn’t have even joined the #WNBA & should’ve gone into the WWE instead because this is ridiculous. It’s embarrassing… pic.twitter.com/oq8aporAQb

— Sha Hartley (@shahartley) May 26, 2024

Media and fans posted negative commentary about the level of physicality of Thomas’ play, but Reese’s postgame remarks shed a different light. “It’s not just because I’m a rookie,” Angel Reese said. “I’m a player. I’m a basketball player. They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. I mean, I want them to come at me every day. I want them to come at everybody. I mean, they’re not supposed to be nice to me. I hope you all know that.”   

Angel Reese on that hard foul by Alyssa Thomas which led to an ejection: “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. … They’re not supposed to be nice to me. … Thank you AT for sending a message to me because I got back up and I kept going.” pic.twitter.com/tZUsMjSm8g

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) May 26, 2024

Whether people agree or not, basketball is a contact sport in which hard and tough fouls occur by accident and on purpose. “They’re not supposed to be nice to me or lay down because I’m Angel Reese or because I’m a rookie. Like, thank you, AT, for sending the message to me because I got back up, and I kept going, and kept and kept pushing. Like, me and AT have been cool since we were in Maryland. So I know it’s no hard feelings, and I appreciate her for going out here every day for today.”

Angel Reese tonight

13 points
5 rebounds
44% FG

pic.twitter.com/HA4txsGgdT

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) May 26, 2024

Reese finished the highly competitive matchup against Thomas with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.   After four professional games, the rookie forward has averaged 12.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 assists.  

One aspect of her game you can admire, is her willingness to clash and extend playing time. Reese’s minutes have gone from 26, 25, 31, to 33, as head coach Teresa Weatherspoon is developing trust in her young player.

BIG3 First-Round Selections

• No. 1. – Brandon Moss  (3 Headed Monster – Rashard Lewis, coach)
• No. 2. – Larry Sanders (Ball Hogs | Rick Barry, coach)
• No. 3 – Henry Sims (Tri-State | Dr. J, coach);  Amir Johnson is a member of Tri-State
• No. 4 –  Roscoe Smith (Triology | Isaiah Briscoe, captain)
• No. 5 –  Abraham Millsap  (Aliens |  three brothers on the same team)
• No. 6 – Dominique Johnson (Killer 3s )
• No. 7 – Darnell Jackson (Ghost Ballers | George Gervin)
• No. 8 – Deshawn Stephens  (Power | Nancy Lieberman)
• No. 9 – Jeff Ayrs (The Triplets| Lisa Leslie)
• No. 10 – Nasir Cole (3’s Company | Michael Cooper)
• No. 11 – Jaylen Johnson  (Bivouac | Gerald Green)

The @thebig3 Draft, LIVE!https://t.co/Yhn8JPIHbv

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) May 24, 2024

BIG3 Second-Round Selections

• No. 12 – James “Flight” White (Trilogy)
• No. 13 – Ray Nixon (Tri-State)
• No. 14 – Austin Day (Bivouac)
• No. 15 – Mo Charl0 (Ghost Ballers)
• No. 16 –  Shakur Johnson (Three Headed Monsters)
• No. 17 –  Jamario Moon (The Triplets)
• No. 18  – Sean Williams (3’s Company | Mario Chalmers)
• No. 19  –  Hollis Thompson (Ball Hogs)
• No. 20 – Marcus Foster (Power)
• No. 21 – William Felder (Killer 3s | Charles Oakley)
• No. 22 – Dusan Bulut (Aliens)

The 2024 BIG3 Draft Picks pic.twitter.com/2iBNGwQHnI

— BIG3 (@thebig3) May 25, 2024

Season 7 Rosters Who will each team pick up in the draft? pic.twitter.com/NGoGmqZ3mU

— BIG3 (@thebig3) May 24, 2024

The BIG3 announced that the fifth BIG3 Combine will be held at Las Vegas Basketball Center on May 24, 2024, at 10 am PST, followed by the 2024 BIG3 Draft. Both events will stream live on X for the first time. Invited athletes will compete for a limited number of spots in the draft in front of current player-captains and coaches.

“We are thrilled to be returning to Las Vegas for our draft and combine,” said BIG3 Commissioner, Clyde Drexler. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen Vegas transform into a true sports hub that continues to draw more and more basketball talent. I’m looking forward to seeing what these athletes can do. You never know who will show up and where the next star will come from, that’s the beauty of the BIG3!”

Previous combines have produced league standouts and stalwarts, including 2023 BIG3 Champion Quincy Miller, 2023 4^th Man of the Year Dominique Johnson, Royce White, DaJuan Summers, Ryan “Hezi God” Carter, Jodie Meeks, and Jason Richardson.

“The combine is one the most important weekends of our season” said BIG3 CEO and co-founder, Ice Cube. “This league was founded on providing opportunity, and we want to make sure that anyone who can ball, no matter what your name is or where you are from, has a chance to show up and see if they can make it in the BIG3. This year, these athletes better be ready, because you’re not only playing for our coaches, but to the world live on X.”

This announcement follows the release of the full 2024 schedule and a number of key player signings including Nick “Swaggy P” Young, Jeff Teague, Leandro Barbosa, and Mario Chalmers. Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale March 29. Sign up for early access at BIG3.com/tickets. To learn more about the BIG3 go to BIG3.com and follow @thebig3 on X and Instagram. Full broadcast schedule, rosters, and other details will be released at a later date.

ABOUT BIG3:
On January 11, 2017, the BIG3 was born. The first-ever professional FIREBALL3 league is the brainchild of producer, actor, and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, who shared a vision of a player-centric league focused on entertainment and innovation. The BIG3 is a league with no garbage minutes, where trash talk is allowed, and where every point –whether it’s a 4-point or 3-point shot – counts. Any given BIG3 team has hall of famers, icons and trailblazers, and the next best 3-on-3 player.

The league has led the sports industry in diversity and opportunity, becoming the first Black-owned and operated professional sports league (certified by ByBlack), the first professional sports league with a Black commissioner, the first basketball league with female head coaches, and the first professional sports league to allow the use of CBD.

In 2024, Ice Cube was honored at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where he received the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award, acknowledging individuals making substantial contributions to their community, the first non-player to be recognized.

Meagan Thee Stallion kicked off her Hot Girl Summer Tour twerking on Chi-Barbie with Glorilla in front of a sold out crowd at the United Center in Chicago on Friday night.

Megan Thee Stallion. Glorilla. Latto.@Reese10Angel is becoming every woman in rap’s favorite hooper.

(via: angelreese10 TikTok, Latto777 TikTok, @thewavecheckk) pic.twitter.com/v8G01WS7Bl

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 20, 2024

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Cubs vs. Braves game held at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, marking another memorable moment in her young career.

The are in the building! pic.twitter.com/B1WuSxjkUf

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 21, 2024

 On Wednesday, it was announced that Reese has become a co-owner of the women’s pro soccer team, the DC Power Football Club.

Welcome DC Power FC Co-Owner, @Reese10Angel!

“I’m honored to be able to support Power FC and invest in women’s soccer in the DMV community to continue elevating female athletes and the women’s game across the board.” – Angel Reese pic.twitter.com/BaasN16vdk

— DC Power Football Club (@DCPowerFC) May 21, 2024

Thursday night, she assisted her teammates in defeating the New York Liberty, 90-81. She played just over 31 minutes of game action. Reese has been flirting with notching her first double-double since the season tipped off. Against the Liberty, she has 13 points, nine rebounds, an assist, and one steal. She’s creating fouls and buried 7 of 9 free throws.   

LIBERTY, BIBERTY, CEDRIC DIGGORY

WE DON’T CARE ABOUT NONE OF THAT, OR YOUR LIL UNDEFEATED STREAK

SKY WIN!#skytown pic.twitter.com/ZfTZY87Vxg

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) May 24, 2024

Angel Reese averages 12.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in her first three professional games.

Center Kamilla Cardoso projects to return from her shoulder injury on June 1. Teresa Weatherspoon will have her championship-pedigreed twin towers ready as the Sky will meet Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

As the official underwear of the @WNBA, SKIMS is as comfortable as it gets. Just in time for the season tip-off Candace Parker, Cameron Brink, Kelsey Plum, Dijonai Carrington, and Skylar Diggins-Smith sport our Fits Everybody collection. pic.twitter.com/CYj9Ab6E0P

— SKIMS (@skims) May 13, 2024

Diggins-Smith described herself as a “menace” while Plum said she is “fire” on the basketball court.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the WNBA and to excite fans and female athletes through WNBA marquee events, brand activations, media, and campaigns,” Co-Founder & Creative Director, SKIMS, Kim Kardashian, said. “We look forward to working together in amplifying our joint values of women empowerment and individual confidence.”

The WNBA and SKIMS are gearing up for exciting activations at the 2024 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix. Stay tuned for exclusive product launches, interactive experiences, and more, all designed to celebrate the spirit of the game and the power of women in sports.

WNBA IN SPORTS BUSINESS:  A’ja Wilson: New Signature Basketball Shoe From Nike

Andscape’s Sean Hurd shares on the significance of Wilson’s signature shoe from Nike:

• Wilson is the first Black WNBA player to have a signature shoe since Candace Parker (2010-11)
• Wilson is the first Black woman since Sheryl Swoopes (2002) to have a signature basketball shoe with Nike.

Excerpts from the press release:

• “It’s been incredible working with Nike toward a dream of having my collection, and it really is an honor to take this next step and become a Nike signature athlete,” says Wilson. “From my logo to the look of the shoe and the pieces throughout the collection, we’ve worked to make sure every detail is perfectly tuned to my game and style.”

• Wilson’s experience with Nike has been reflected throughout the design process, says Ben Nethongkome, the lead footwear designer for her collection. From the onset, he says, A’ja was quick to share her aesthetic and performance priorities for her signature shoe, and her collaborative spirit and infectious energy helped the design team bring her vision to life.

• “The design process with Nike was really gratifying, and I didn’t realize how much goes into designing a shoe,” says Wilson. “My biggest asks were that the shoe was light and comfortable for all the hours I spend on the court, and that it also looks really good. It’s versatile, and I hope people will wear it when they’re hooping but also just when they’re walking around every day. It’s so exciting to be sharing my signature, a piece of me, with the world.”

.@_ajawilson22 dropped some clues for her new Nike signature shoes

Here’s what to expect for now. pic.twitter.com/rUB23ZwgZm

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 11, 2024

Wilson joins Nike’s growing list of women in sports who are their signature athletes including Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka and Sabrina Ionescu.