Tag: Kelsey Plum

Report: Giants’ Darren Waller, Kelsey Plum divorcing after one year

New York Giants TE Darren Waller, who is contemplating retirement, and his wife, Kelsey Plum, have reportedly jointly filed for divorce.

New York Giants star tight end Darren Waller, who has been away from the team while he contemplates retirement, is getting divorced after just one year of marriage from his wife, WNBA Star Kelsey Plum.

From People Magazine:

On April 23, Plum, 29, and Waller, 31, filed a joint petition for divorce in Clark County, Nevada, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

Just after the filing, Plum shared a heartbreaking message on social media. “I’m devastated. I walked through fire for that man, but now I see it’s time to go,” she wrote on Instagram Stories.

“God has given me an incredible life, and I’m truly so grateful for the profound love from my family and friends,” the Las Vegas Aces star continued.

“One day I’ll share my story, today is not that day. Thank you for the grace to process my pain, to forgive and move forward. Today and everyday I will continue to choose joy. Much love KP.”

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The Giants traded a third-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders last March in exchange for the former, oft-injured Pro Bowler. He played in 12 games, missing five due to a hamstring injury. Waller finished second on the team last season with 52 receptions for 552 yards but only managed one touchdown.

This offseason, Waller has been cagey about his football future and the Giants have been giving him enough room to make his decision.

“We’re giving Darren his space,” Giants general manager Joe Schoen told the media last week while stating there was ‘no deadline’ for a decision.

“We’ve had conversations with Drew Rosenhaus, his agent. He’s kept us in the loop on Darren. We’re giving him his space. Hopefully, he’s going to make a de in the short term, but we’re giving him time and space to make a decision on what he wants to do.”

The Giants would ideally like to know Waller’s fate before this week’s NFL draft so they can possibly use one of their six draft picks on a tight end. Schoen has added two veteran tight ends to the roster in Chris Manhertz and Jack Stoll as insurance if Waller decides to pack it in.

In a recent interview with Forbes, Waller gave some insight into his current thought process.

“I’m at the point now where I’m like, ‘OK, how much am I willing to give to the process,'” said Waller. “If it’s not 100%, it’s a disservice to the teammates and the organization that I have. I’m still trying to make a decision on that and it’s tough to make one or the other out of emotion.”

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WNBA draft pick Nika Mühl headlines 2024 Kelsey Plum Dawg Class

Plum’s initiative with Under Armour was started in 2023 and helps ease the transition from college basketball to the pros.

Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum announced her 2024 Dawg Class, an initiative with Under Armour started in 2023 to “help ease the transition from college basketball to the pros.”

The second cohort of athletes includes players Plum believes have a tough mentality on the court and deserve a shot to be mentored by her. Some of the players were drafted in the 2024 WNBA draft and some are still in college and not yet eligible to declare for the draft. Plum believes this mix provides a great atmosphere for all players to grow in their journeys.

The players selected to the 2024 Dawg Class:

  1. MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina
  2. Raven Johnson, South Carolina
  3. Deja Kelly, North Carolina
  4. Saniya Rivers, NC State
  5. Dyaisha Fair, Aces
  6. Aziaha James, NC State
  7. KK Arnold, UConn
  8. Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State
  9. Nika Mühl, Seattle Storm
  10. Georgia Amoore, Kentucky
  11. Aneesah Morrow, LSU
  12. Shyanne Sellers, Maryland

“The Dawg Class with Under Armour will bridge the gap between college and the professional game,” Plum said when she launched the program last spring. “It’s difficult to jump to the next level and I didn’t have anyone helping me navigate the unknown. I want to pass on the knowledge that I’ve gained and the resources available to me now to young women who are about to take that next step.”

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The inaugural 2023 class included Azzi Fudd, Deja Kelly, Diamond Miller, Georgia Amoore, Gianna Kneepkens, Hailey Van Lith, KK Bransford, Raven Johnson and Rori Harmon.

A few players were invited to attend again this season, with Amoore, Johnson and Kelly being repeat dawgs.

The three-day camp will take place at the IMG Academy in Florida in April.

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Caitlin Clark finally broke the single-season scoring record in D-1 NCAA women’s basketball

Caitlin Clark is a legend.

Iowa women’s basketball superstar Caitlin Clark has achieved yet another major milestone in her career.

With a free throw late in her team’s second-round game with West Virginia in the 2024 women’s NCAA tournament, Clark notched 1,113 points and passed WNBA star Kelsey Plum for the most points scored in a single women’s Division 1 basketball season.

It’s yet another stunning accomplishment for one of the best college basketball players of all time, as her team also survived a late push from West Virginia to win on Tuesday night and advance to the Sweet 16.

What’s even more impressive is that she’s going to continue to that season-long total and make this record even harder for someone to break.

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Best Twitter reactions to Caitlin Clark breaking NCAA scoring record

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA women’s basketball scoring record Thursday night.

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA women’s basketball scoring record Thursday night while also setting the Hawkeyes’ single-game scoring record (49) in a 106-89 victory over the Wolverines.

The record was previously held by Washington’s Kelsey Plum.

“Honestly, warming up, my shot just felt good,” Clark said. “So I knew it was going to be one of those nights, and I kind of played with a little bit more pep in my step. I knew that’s what this team needed coming off a loss.”

Clark is also on her way to breaking the NCAA men’s record of 3,667 set by LSU’s Pete Maravich from 1967 to 1970. After Thursday’s game, Clark had 3,569 points and four regular-season games remaining.

“Caitlin’s special,” said NBA star Stephen Curry. “The record speaks for itself, and it’s cool. From a scoring perspective, from a shooting perspective, just doing what she’s doing — she could pick anybody that she talks about in terms of being an inspiration. If she models something of her game after me, I don’t take that for granted.”

These are the best reactions to Clark breaking the record:

Kelsey Plum had a good laugh over her clearly way-too-soon Caitlin Clark scoring record tweet

That pre-schedule setting will get you every time.

Everyone, including Kelsey Plum, is anxious about Caitlin Clark breaking the NCAA scoring record. Plum is so excited for Caitlin that she accidentally tweeted her congratulations too soon.

On Sunday, Caitlin Clark was only 39 points away from breaking Kelsey Plum’s NCAA Division I women’s basketball scoring record. Naturally, many people thought Clark might break the record against Nebraska. She was 8-0 in her career against the Cornhuskers and had never finished with less than 30 points when playing against them. That all changed Sunday with some stellar defense from Nebraska (Clark finished with 31 points but was held scoreless in the fourth) and a colossal shot by Jaz Shelley to upset Iowa and steal the show away from Clark.

However, Kelsey Plum might not have gotten the memo that Clark didn’t break her record because a scheduled congratulatory tweet went out anyway.

Plum later realized the error and apologized for it while seemingly laughing at the flub.

Kelsey Plum prematurely congratulates Caitlin Clark on setting all-time scoring mark

Oops. Kelsey Plum prematurely congratulated Caitlin Clark on breaking the women’s college basketball all-time scoring record at Nebraska.

For three quarters, it looked like No. 2 Iowa was headed for another nice road win over Nebraska.

It also looked like Hawkeye superstar Caitlin Clark was sprinting toward breaking the all-time women’s college basketball scoring record.

Entering the fourth quarter, Iowa led Nebraska comfortably, 69-55. Clark already had 31 points and was eight points away from setting the all-time mark.

Then, Clark and Iowa went cold and Nebraska got red-hot. Clark shot 0-for-6 in the fourth quarter and was held scoreless as the Hawkeyes were outscored 27-10 by the Huskers in the game’s final frame in a shocking 82-79 road loss.

At times, it definitely felt like Iowa and Clark were intentionally looking for other Hawkeyes to score so Clark could set the record at home this coming Thursday versus Michigan.

If there’s anything to that, Iowa definitely paid the price.

Before all of that madness went down, the current all-time women’s college basketball record holder, former Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum, took to social media to congratulate Clark on setting the new record mark.

Oops. Talk about a jinx, Kelsey.

Honestly, though, who can really blame Plum? It certainly looked and felt like Clark was on cruise control to the record if she wanted it and that Iowa was headed toward another key road win. Plus, it was a heartfelt, kind message that Plum shared.

But, obviously it aged poorly for Hawkeye fans.

Give Plum credit, though. She quickly owned the mistake.

Just like she was entering the fourth quarter at Nebraska, Clark is eight points away from setting the new all-time mark. It shouldn’t take long versus Michigan on Thursday for Clark to officially grab the all-time scoring crown.

After what unfolded on Sunday, there’s plenty of Hawkeye fans that will be happy to have Clark enjoy her moment and then to focus on just winning basketball games again.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Josh on X: @JoshOnREF

Kelsey Plum has a warning for Caitlin Clark ahead of breaking the NCAA scoring record

Kelsey Plum has a poignant message for Caitlin Clark supporters.

Kelsey Plum wants greatness for Caitlin Clark, but she says she needs to be prepared for what comes after the records fall.

Caitlin Clark is college basketball royalty personified. She is the heartbeat of Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball, and after a mind-blowing run during the 2023 NCAA Tournament, she’s a household name. Hoops fans are all in on whatever Clark does, including ridiculous shots and State Farm commercials. But, heavy is the head that wears the crown, something Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum knows all too well.

While Plum is a two-time WNBA champion, she says transitioning from college to the pros was difficult. With her all-time NCAA scoring record (3,527) on pace to be broken by Clark this season, she’s warning her of what comes next.

Per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Plum expressed concern about who Caitlin Clark is as a person getting lost in the shuffle of earning the scoring title:

“I feel like people started caring less about the game and more about just the individual points,” Plum said. “You can play really well and score 15, 20 points and have a great game and people will be like, ‘Aw, it was only a 20-point game.’ It was tough for me because I felt like I lost a little bit of my identity and it ultimately led to a tough transition into the (WNBA) because the expectations were so high. So, if anything, I’d try to send her as much compassion and love as I can and I hope the people around her are checking in with her … because it’s going to be tough to feel like you’re just playing basketball.”

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark holds top-spot for most 30 point games, surpassing Kelsey Plum

The last player to hold the record is current WNBA Las Vegas Aces player Kelsey Plum.

Iowa pushed past Drake on Sunday night, 113-90, to walk away with a win at home. Iowa’s Caitlin Clark had 35 points and tallied a career-high seven steals to lead the team, along with 10 assists and six rebounds.

This was Clark’s 39th career 30-point game, which put her in the top spot for most 30-point games by a D-I player over the last 25 seasons. The last player to hold the record is current WNBA Las Vegas Aces player Kelsey Plum.

“We came out playing Iowa basketball — high assists, low turnovers,” said Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder. “I thought our energy level was a lot better out there tonight. We were more focused. We scored the most points in program history in the first half, that was pretty fun. Obviously, we shot the ball pretty well, but I was happy with our 3-point defense.

“Drake averages almost 12 3s a game, and we held them to 26% 3-point shooting average, and they were averaging over 40%. I thought that was big for us. Kate Martin had a special game for us and played tonight like she was playing in the summer, and I love to see that. Caitlin had a double-double in 30 minutes of play, and also broke the NCAA record for most 30-point games. I love the fact we forced 22 turnovers tonight as well.”

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Kelsey Plum explained why she wants other WNBA teams to be sick of her

Kelsey Plum said she wants all the smoke.

Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum is a cigar-smoking WNBA champion, and she likes it that way.

The former Washington Husky and California native has spent six seasons in the WNBA, making a lane for herself that was built from sweat, hustle, and grind. Since 2021, Plum has added Sixth Player of the Year, All-WNBA First Team, WNBA All-Star, and two-time champ to her impressive accolades.

Ahead of the holiday season, Plum is now taking her elite game to shopping lanes by partnering with DICK’S Sporting Goods for their Holiday Sprint contest. The promo gives one lucky fan a chance to be Plum’s teammate as they grab up to $5,000 worth of gear.

“I’m hyped about it. I am taking this very seriously. I’ll be wearing the proper attire. I’m going to be hydrated,” Plum told For The Win. “I will leave no food on the table. We are going HAM in the store.”

Ahead of USA Basketball’s training camp in Atlanta that starts on November 7, Plum spoke with For The Win about what makes the Aces’ championship team so unique, why the WNBA expanding matters, and why it’s her mission to make sure other teams are absolutely sick of her.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb responds to Aces’ Kelsey Plum’s superteam dig: ‘This is a team personified’

Don’t tell the New York Liberty they’re not a team.

New York Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb says he respects Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum but took her recent comments personally.

Kelsey Plum will speak her mind if you haven’t figured it out. You could be Tom Brady, part of the group that signs her checks, and Plum will still give you hell.

On October 6th, two days before the WNBA Finals started, she was asked her thoughts on the recent conversations about the Aces and the Liberty being superteams. Both teams have been mentioned because of the talent their rosters have.

Plum didn’t think the narrative fit her team.

The star guard rejected the superteam label, saying, “Those of us who are homegrown players, every year, we’ve seen growth.”

Yet, Plum wasn’t done. She had more to say after the Aces won their recent title over the Liberty: “You can’t build a superteam in a couple of months. It takes years.”

Then, Plum doubled down again. Per Alex Smith of Yahoo Sports, Plum drove a message home:

“We also knew that, as much as they’re a team, they’re not a team, if that makes sense. They’re really good individual players, but they don’t care about each other. And you can tell in those moments. They revert back to individual basketball.”

Whew.

During the Liberty’s exit interviews Friday, Kolb was asked about Plum’s comments. He delivered a subtly fiery but ultimately measured response.

“The fact of the matter is that this is a team,” Kolb said. “If you’re around these players day in and day out, they truly care about one another.”

He continued but clarified his point: “This is absolutely a team. It’s a team personified.”

The Liberty are fighting hard to defend their reputation, but with a Finals loss and a new fine from the WNBA, the off-season might not be moving fast enough for them to get to the healing they need.