Rumors

In an interview with HoopsHype, Chris Matthews, widely known as “Lethal Shooter,” opened up about his journey, discussing how legendary coaches like Dick Bennett and Tony Bennett, as well as Craig Hodges, influenced him. He reflected on his transition into becoming a shooting coach and shared how his beliefs in patience and resilience were shaped by his own experiences as a basketball player. How do you view your current role with the NBA Creators Cup as part of the NBA family? Chris Matthews: Man, it’s a blessing. As you said, me playing at Washington State, me playing at St. Bonaventure – I always had the dream of playing in the NBA. I played overseas for about seven years, always wanting to make it to the NBA. I played in the G League for one year, and I never made it.

HoopsHype

Just​ going to​ say​ this and​ get out of​ the way:​ The​ stories about Klay Thompson’s​ three years at​​ Washington State are as delightful and on-brand — for both Thompson and the Cougars — as you could hope. But first WSU had to get Thompson to Pullman. Ben Johnson, assistant coach: I called Tony Bennett in the middle of the night. He was in Australia recruiting Aron Baynes and Brock Motum. I woke Tony up and just said, “Listen, call Mychal Thompson and get the ball rolling on this thing.” Tony was able to do that, and Klay came up on a visit. Klay is not a man of many words. … He literally said three words the entire visit.

The Athletic

Some of the same glowing praise I’ve heard about Stevens as a person/coach I’ve been hearing about Tony Bennett. Like Stevens, Bennett has impeccable character and has fashioned an amazing college coaching record, first at Washington State and now at Virginia.

Woelfel's Press Box

Some NBA executives and coaches claim Fizdale, Kidd and Villanova’s Jay Wright will all draw strong consideration for the job if Jay Triano isn’t retained. Wright, who just guided Villanova to its second NCAA championship in the last three years, and Virginia’s highly respected Tony Bennett will likely be on the short lists of several NBA teams looking for a new head coach, according to some NBA officials. Said a longtime NBA executive about Bennett, who played three seasons as a point guard for the Charlotte Hornets before playing overseas: “Everybody knows he’s an exceptional defensive coach, but he does some really nice things offensively, too. He can flat-out coach.’’

Woelfel's Press Box

The top ranked prospect on Phil Jackson's board stands just 5'1" tall and has never played a lick of professional basketball -- and she goes by the name of Lady Gaga. While other NBA execs are hammering the phones, scouring through pages of scouting reports and reviewing game tape, the Zen Master spent his Monday night at Radio City Music Hall seeing Gaga perform with Tony Bennett.

TMZ.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Two college coaches who intrigue NBA execs -- some who have openings, some who don't: Michigan's John Beilein and Virginia's Tony Bennett.

Twitter

And we have entered the Super Bowl phase of Knicks vs. Celtics - Carmelo Anthony was asked, "what type of music inspires you now? "I listen to Frank Sinatra a lot," Anthony said. "I love Frank, man. It keeps me calm. I’m already a mellow guy, but it keeps me super calm. I don’t like to get too excited. You got to expect the unexpected in situations like this." What else? Tony Bennett? "Sometimes, sometimes," Anthony said with a smile. "I listen to Tony Bennett when I’m sitting home drinking wine by the fireplace, a Christmas-time thing."

Sulia

Barbara Barker: Carmelo Anthony quote of day: “I listen to Tony Bennett when I’m sitting home drinking wine by the fire at Christmastime.” #Knicks

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