Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion with the Detroit Shock and former University of Georgia star, has died at the age of 43.
The league confirmed the news on Sunday, though no cause of death was immediately announced.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the WNBA said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.”
A standout college and pro career
The 6ft 6in forward-center first rose to prominence playing collegiately for the Georgia Lady Bulldogs between 2001 and 2004.
Her impact on the court was immediate, earning her the title of SEC Freshman of the Year in 2002.
Following her college success, she was selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2005 WNBA draft by the Detroit Shock.
She wasted little time adapting to the professional game, securing a spot on the league’s all-rookie team that same season.
Her tenure in Michigan proved to be the most successful period of her career.
She played a pivotal role in the franchise’s golden era, helping the team lift the WNBA championship trophy in both 2006 and 2008.
Later years and sporting legacy
The 2007 All-Star remained with the franchise when it relocated to Tulsa for the 2010 campaign.
However, she was traded partway through that season to the Phoenix Mercury.
During the 2011 season, the veteran post player moved to the New York Liberty, where she eventually concluded her professional career in 2014.
Over the course of a decade in the WNBA, she averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Her sporting legacy continues through her son, Jelani Thurman.
Thurman, a college football tight end, recently transferred to North Carolina in January after spending the previous three years at Ohio State.
LeBron James has endorsed Jaylen Brown as a serious contender for the NBA Most Valuable Player award following a masterclass performance by the Celtics star.
Brown posted 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists to lead Boston to a 111-89 victory over their historic rivals in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Following the defeat, the Lakers talisman insisted that Brown’s contributions this season have been severely overlooked.
“This whole MVP thing, I don’t understand why his name is not getting talked about some as well,” said James.
“Nobody gave them a shot to start the season. And he’s averaging what, 30? Just under 30? It’s a popularity contest sometimes, I tell you.”
Leading against the odds
The victory improved Boston’s record to 37-19, cementing their place as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
This success comes despite the absence of Jayson Tatum, who has missed the entire campaign recovering from a torn Achilles.
Furthermore, the roster saw significant changes following their 2024 championship, with Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis no longer with the franchise.
James believes Brown has thrived under the pressure of leading a depleted squad.
“The whole championship team pretty much is kind of revamped and he used it as motivation to keep them afloat,” the four-time NBA champion added.
“They’re playing great basketball, and it’s because of him and the rest of those guys. He’s taken that next step.”
‘Best two-way player’
Brown, who is averaging career highs in points (29.2), rebounds (7.0), and assists (4.8), believes his impact extends beyond offensive statistics.
“I feel like I’m the best two-way player in the world,” Brown stated.
“I play both ends on the court. Night-to-night, I’m available, which is hard to do. I’m a leader.”
The Celtics forward expressed his gratitude for the high praise coming from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
“It’s an honour to play the Celtics-Lakers rivalry,” Brown said.
“It’s an honour for LeBron, who’s arguably the best player to ever play the game, giving me some high praise. So, I’m just grateful.”
Mutual respect
The pair were recently team-mates during the All-Star festivities, allowing them to reminisce about Brown’s rookie season.
Brown revealed that James had predicted his rise to stardom nearly a decade ago.
“When I first got into the league, my first start was against the Cleveland Cavaliers and after the game he came up to me and he told me in my ear, ‘You’re going to be an All-Star one day, you’re going to be a great player,'” Brown recalled.
“He smiles like, ‘Of course, I’m not surprised at anything you’re doing right now.'”
Cameron Boozer scored 18 points as number three Duke defeated top-ranked Michigan 68-63 in a heavyweight college basketball clash in Washington D.C.
Boozer delivers on the big stage
The Blue Devils ended the Wolverines’ 11-game winning streak in a raucous atmosphere at the Capital One Arena.
It marked a significant night of upsets in the AP Top 25.
With number two Houston losing earlier in the day, Saturday marked the first time since February 2025 that the nation’s top two ranked teams lost on the same date.
Boozer, watched from the stands by his father and former NBA star Carlos, proved decisive in the closing stages.
The talented forward drained a crucial three-pointer with just under two minutes remaining to give Jon Scheyer’s side a 64-58 lead.
Isaiah Evans provided strong support, adding 14 points for the Blue Devils as they improved their season record to 25-2.
Wolverines struggle from deep
Yaxel Lendeborg led the scoring for Michigan with 21 points.
However, Dusty May’s side struggled to find their usual offensive rhythm against a versatile Duke defence.
The Wolverines were uncharacteristically wasteful from the perimeter, converting just six of their 25 attempts from three-point range.
Duke also controlled the physical battle under the baskets.
The ACC powerhouse won the rebounding count 41-28, exposing soft spots in Michigan’s top-rated defence.
Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II added 12 and 11 points respectively for the victors.
A potential tournament preview
The matchup in the nation’s capital was widely billed as a possible Final Four rehearsal.
Ticket prices on the secondary market soared to $600 for upper-level seats ahead of tip-off.
Duke took a narrow 35-33 lead into half-time after Ngongba converted two free throws with less than a second on the clock.
Surprisingly, the Blue Devils never trailed again in the second half.
The result extends Duke’s unbeaten record against Michigan on neutral courts to 7-0.
The Wolverines have not recorded a victory over the Blue Devils since December 2009.
No. 4 Arizona have moved into sole possession of first place in the Big 12 Conference after defeating second-ranked Houston 73-66 on Saturday.
Senior guard Anthony Dell’Orso equalled a season high with 22 points to lead the Wildcats to their 25th victory of the campaign.
The result sees Arizona improve to 25-2 overall and 12-2 in conference play, recovering their form after recently losing the number one ranking.
Wildcats capitalise on scoring drought
The visitors found themselves trailing by two points in the second half before launching a decisive 12-0 scoring run to lead 60-50 with five minutes remaining.
Houston’s offence collapsed during this critical stretch, as the hosts missed eight consecutive shots and committed three turnovers.
The Cougars went more than 10 minutes without a field goal until Kingston Flemings ended the dry spell with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 61-57.
Jaden Bradley responded immediately for the Wildcats, scoring four straight points to re-establish control with just over a minute left on the clock.
Houston suffer rare back-to-back losses
Flemings led the Cougars with 17 points, while Emanuel Sharp added 14 in a losing effort.
It marks the first time this season that Kelvin Sampson’s side has lost consecutive games, following a narrow defeat at Iowa State on Monday.
Ball security proved to be a deciding factor, with Houston committing 12 turnovers which Arizona converted into 16 points.
The Wildcats had led by as many as 10 in the first half, though Houston briefly rallied to take a 44-42 lead with 14 minutes remaining before their offence stalled.
Michigan have been named the overall number one seed in the NCAA tournament selection committee’s initial bracket preview, leading a consensus top three alongside Duke and Arizona.
Wolverines lead the pack
The Wolverines rank first in six of the seven metrics used on NCAA teamsheets and lead the nation in combined Quadrant 1 and 2 victories.
Despite suffering two defeats last week, the Arizona Wildcats remained in the top tier, with all three leading programmes boasting 10 Quadrant 1 wins.
Committee chair Keith Gill revealed that significant debate surrounded the final number one seed position.
UConn dropped to the two-line following a midweek loss to Creighton, allowing Iowa State to claim the remaining top-tier spot.
Gill confirmed that Iowa State, UConn and Houston were all strong contenders for the final headline slot.
“Iowa State’s win over Houston on Monday was one of the determining factors.”Keith Gill, NCAA selection committee chair
Huskies and Cougars slip down
UConn settled for the highest number two seed, edging out Houston based on the quality of their best victories.
“UConn’s three best wins are better than Houston’s three best wins. [The committee] weighted those wins a little higher.”Gill added
The landscape at the top could shift rapidly with Houston hosting Arizona and Michigan facing Duke in Washington D.C. on Saturday.
Illinois and Purdue completed the set of number two seeds in the mock reveal.
Injury impact and bubble teams
The third tier features reigning champion Florida alongside Kansas, Nebraska and Gonzaga.
Texas Tech fell from a projected three-seed to a four-seed after All-American forward JT Toppin was ruled out for the season with a torn ACL.
“When we scrubbed on Thursday morning, they ended up dropping to the 4-line.”Gill explained regarding Texas Tech
Michigan State, Vanderbilt and Virginia rounded out the four-seeds.
Alabama and Arkansas were the final two teams omitted from the top 16 following their double-overtime thriller on Wednesday.
Gill noted the committee discussed the Crimson Tide’s usage of Charles Bediako but determined his absence was not a material factor for seeding adjustments.
Road to Selection Sunday
History suggests this preview is highly predictive, with at least three projected top seeds maintaining their status on Selection Sunday in seven of the last eight years.
With over 800 regular-season games remaining, the final field will be confirmed on 15 March.
Victor Wembanyama has the San Antonio Spurs on course for the playoffs just one year after a blood clot ended the French star’s season.
The Spurs resumed their campaign on Thursday with a dominant 121-94 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Austin.
It marks a significant shift in fortunes for a franchise seeking its first postseason berth since 2019.
Wembanyama, now in his third NBA season, has been the catalyst for a culture change following a turbulent 12 months for the organisation.
Overcoming medical adversity
The team’s current success stands in stark contrast to the distress of the 2024-25 campaign.
Progress stalled last February when doctors diagnosed Wembanyama with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
The diagnosis forced San Antonio to shut down their 7ft 5in centre for the remainder of the season.
That medical emergency was just one part of a difficult year that began with head coach Gregg Popovich suffering a stroke.
Mitch Johnson was required to step into the lead role abruptly amid the uncertainty.
Further compounding the roster issues, trade acquisition De’Aaron Fox underwent season-ending surgery to repair tendon damage in his finger.
San Antonio ultimately finished that season with a 34-48 record, missing the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year.
Setting a new tone
Wembanyama has returned with a determination that has permeated the entire roster.
His influence was evident during the recent All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards noted that the two-time All-Star “set the tone” for the most competitive exhibition game in years.
This intensity seemingly trickled down to Spurs rookies Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle during the Rising Stars event.
Wembanyama was vocal about his competitive approach prior to the festivities.
“I’ve always thought to myself that if I was in [the All-Star Game], I’m never stepping onto the court to lose or not [play hard].”
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Centre
“I’m thinking it’s [not] OK to lose. I’m going to be out there. I might as well win.”
The Spurs are now looking to carry that mentality into the final 27 games of the regular season.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has strengthened his position as the favourite for the NBA Most Valuable Player award in the latest media straw poll.
The Canadian received 78 first-place votes in the survey of 100 media members conducted by ESPN.
He was the only player to appear on every single ballot cast this week.
The reigning MVP is enjoying another prolific campaign, averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists per game.
His efficiency remains elite, shooting 55.4% from the field for the Western Conference leaders.
Injury issues threaten contenders
Despite their leader’s individual brilliance, the Thunder have cooled off recently following a blistering 24-1 start to the season.
Injuries have seen the team go 17-13 in their last 30 games, with Gilgeous-Alexander currently sidelined by an abdominal issue.
While the Thunder guard remains the frontrunner, the league’s mandatory 65-game eligibility rule is beginning to impact his closest rivals.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic retained second place in the voting with 18 first-place selections.
However, a bone bruise sustained in December kept the Serbian out of action for nearly a month.
The three-time winner is now perilously close to falling foul of the NBA’s award criteria.
If Jokic misses two more games, he will fail to reach the threshold required for end-of-season honours.
Disqualification would end his streak of five consecutive top-two finishes in MVP voting.
Wembanyama rises in rankings
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has surged from eighth to fourth in the poll.
The French phenom picked up three first-place votes and appeared on 75 ballots.
Now in his third season, Wembanyama is averaging 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and a league-leading 2.7 blocks per game.
Like Jokic, the 21-year-old is walking a tightrope regarding availability.
Having missed 13 games already, Wembanyama can afford only four more absences to remain eligible for the award.
If he stays fit, the Spurs could look to replicate the late charge made by Joel Embiid to win the trophy in 2023.
Kristaps Porzingis scored 12 points in his debut for the Golden State Warriors as they fell to a 121-110 defeat against the Boston Celtics.
The Latvian forward came off the bench to feature for 17 minutes in San Francisco, marking his first appearance since playing for the Atlanta Hawks on 7 January.
Despite a late rally sparked by the new arrival, Steve Kerr’s side were comprehensively beaten at home.
A rusty start for Porzingis
Having been acquired before the trade deadline, the Warriors took a cautious approach with the 7ft 2in centre.
Porzingis initially struggled with the pace of the game, missing his opening two attempts as the visitors surged ahead.
Boston produced a dominant second quarter, outscoring their hosts 38-19 to build a commanding lead that reached 32 points.
Finding rhythm in the second half
The former New York Knicks draft pick found his range later in the contest, converting two long-range three-pointers and succeeding in the post.
While Jaylen Brown starred for the Celtics with a triple-double of 23 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists, the Warriors outscored Boston by 15 with Porzingis on the court after the interval.
“He just looked more comfortable and settled in,” said head coach Kerr.
“Boston was incredible. They’re having an amazing season. They’re a machine right now.”
Injury woes continue for Golden State
Porzingis admitted he is keen to increase his playing time “as quickly as possible” despite accepting he is far from perfect shape.
“Even if I’m exhausted out there, I still want to push myself,” he said.
The result leaves the reeling Warriors with a 29-27 record as they prepare to face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
They remain without key talisman Stephen Curry, who is sidelined with a knee issue, while Jimmy Butler has been ruled out for the season with a torn ACL.