Blast from the pass
By Louis Ricard Medill Reports CHARLOTTE, N.C. – No-looks, alley-oop, bounce, between the legs, over the head — there are so many ways to pass a basketball. While dunks and threes dominate the NBA highlights, most start the same way; with an assist. Though times have changed and the younger generations may not remember how […]
Ben Simmons at home among the stars
By Greg Melo Medill Reports CHARLOTTE, N.C.– Ben Simmons had no issues with fitting in when it came to the scrum of reporters around him on Friday morning. The second-year Rising Star and first-time All-Star looked like he belonged, joking with some of the reporters who threw some off-the-wall questions at him, and thoughtfully responding […]
Jarrett Allen rises to the occasion – on defense
By Max Goodman Medill Reports CHARLOTTE, N.C. – On a night full of high-flying slams, no-look passes and deep three-pointers, the two most memorable plays of Friday’s Rising Stars game came from someone who scored just two points. Jarrett Allen of the Brooklyn Nets did what he does best — blocking two dunks less than […]
Reggie Bullock’s mission is equality for LGBTQ community
By Joshua Jonah Fischman Medill Reports CHARLOTTE, N.C.– Reggie Bullock did not make an All-Star team nor is he participating in any of Saturday night’s competitions. He’s here in his native North Carolina for a greater purpose. After Bullock’s transgender sister, Mia Henderson, was murdered in 2014, the Lakers wing has become a powerful ally […]
We are the world: International stars unite
By John Alfes Medill Reports CHARLOTTE, N.C.– Members of Team World in the 25th Rising Stars game are embracing the opportunity to team up and represent their native countries, an NBA experience that only comes once a year during the All-Star weekend festivities. Coached by Wes Unseld Jr. and Dirk Nowitzki, Team World has 10 […]
Basketball Without Borders kicks off under scrutinizing eyes
By Louis Ricard Medill Reports CHARLOTTE, N.C.– While the streets of Charlotte are slowly getting more crowded during All-Star weekend, the Levine Center at Queens University is the center of attention for NBA scouts. The Basketball Without Border camp opened its door on Friday morning, gathering the most talented teenagers from all across the globe […]
Bucks-shots: Former Milwaukee greats get their Hall of Fame chance
By Casey Bannon Medill Reports CHARLOTTE, N.C.– The 2019 Basketball Hall of Fame finalists announcement felt like a 1980’s Milwaukee Bucks reunion. First-time finalists Jack Sikma and Marques Johnson joined Sidney Moncrief and coach Del Harris as part of the 13 finalists announced Friday at All-Star Weekend in Charlotte. For added measure, Moncrief’s college coach […]
Self-identification or tribal membership: Different paths to your heritage
By Lu Zhao Medill Reports It was a surprise for the 8-year-old girl when she first learned she is a Native American many years ago. Pamala Silas still remembers that day. She had transferred to a new school. Huddling in the chair, sitting beside her younger sister, Pam was introduced by the teacher as an […]
Traffic never jams at Chicago’s busiest internet intersection
By Tyler Sonnemaker Medill Reports Remember when you used to order DVDs from Netflix and discs would arrive within a week or two? When you added a movie to your queue, Netflix would locate a physical copy in one of its distribution centers, load the DVD on a truck and then ship it to your […]
Trump calls border migrants a “tremendous onslaught,” sparking concerns from mental health experts
By Carly Graf Medill Reports President Donald Trump described the U.S. and Mexican boundary as “our very dangerous southern border,” during his State of the Union address Tuesday night, reigniting concerns about punitive immigration practices and mental health impacts. His rallying cry included a call to Congress to put the “ruthless coyotes, cartels, drug dealers […]