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Mac McClung, Castle and All Participants Revealed for 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Tim Hawk/NBAE via Getty Images

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest participants are set.

This year’s event will feature Orlando Magic G Leaguer Mac McClung, San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis and Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr.

The Dunk Contest will take place on Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. ET in San Francisco.

NBA @NBA

The 2025 <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATTSlamDunk?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#ATTSlamDunk</a> field! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateFarmSaturday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#StateFarmSaturday</a>: 2/15, 8:00pm/et on TNT <a href=”https://t.co/f3pm8b0vmS”>pic.twitter.com/f3pm8b0vmS</a>

McClung might not be a familiar name to many NBA fans as he’s played just five NBA games since 2021 and has appeared in just one game this season. But those who tuned into the last two dunk contests are well aware of who McClung is.

McClung, who first gained recognition for his ridiculous dunks in high school, has won the last two dunk contests.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

MAC MCCLUNG. <a href=”https://t.co/LOMMjxLMSn”>pic.twitter.com/LOMMjxLMSn</a>

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

MAC MCCLUNG OVER SHAQ.<br><br>50-PIECE. <a href=”https://t.co/VHvcOZdRCI”>pic.twitter.com/VHvcOZdRCI</a>

McClung is the veteran in this year’s dunk contest, as the other three players will be participating for the first time.

Castle, the No. 4 pick in the 2024 draft out of UConn, is putting together a phenomenal rookie year, averaging 12.2 points per game and making a strong case for Rookie of the Year. His first year in the league has, of course, included a handful of big dunks.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

Rookie Stephon Castle has agreed to do the Dunk Contest this season, per <a href=”https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@ShamsCharania</a> <a href=”https://t.co/1qocA2D7o3″>pic.twitter.com/1qocA2D7o3</a>

Buzelis was the No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft after cutting his teeth with G League Ignite rather than the traditional college route. His rookie year hasn’t been very notable thus far as he’s putting up just 5.4 points per game, but he’s looking to turn heads in the Dunk Contest.

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls

.<a href=”https://twitter.com/BuzelisMatas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@BuzelisMatas</a> can get <br><br>The best dunks from his rookie season so far <a href=”https://t.co/COKWEbAqtT”>pic.twitter.com/COKWEbAqtT</a>

Jackson, a second-round pick in the 2023 draft, is averaging 4 points and 3.3 boards per game this season, playing 17.5 minutes per contest. He should bring some exciting dunks to this year’s event as he clearly doesn’t lack any bounce.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

ANDRE JACKSON’S HEAD WAS ABOVE THE RIM ON THIS DUNK <a href=”https://t.co/xQ8lyBSd3H”>pic.twitter.com/xQ8lyBSd3H</a>

This year’s Dunk Contest isn’t exactly a star-studded affair, but it should, like always, have plenty of excitement.

Exciting news for basketball fans as the participants for the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest have been revealed, and it includes some big names like Mac McClung and Castle. The lineup promises to be an electrifying showcase of athleticism and creativity as these high-flying players compete for the title of the best dunker in the league.

Mac McClung, known for his explosive dunks and highlight-reel plays, is sure to bring some jaw-dropping moments to the contest. With his incredible leaping ability and flair for the dramatic, he is definitely a frontrunner to take home the trophy.

Castle, a rising star in the NBA known for his acrobatic dunks and impressive hang time, will also be a strong contender in the competition. Fans can expect to see some gravity-defying slams and innovative moves from this young phenom.

The rest of the participants have yet to be announced, but with the likes of McClung and Castle already confirmed, this year’s Slam Dunk Contest is shaping up to be one for the ages. Stay tuned for more updates on the event, including news, scores, highlights, stats, and rumors as we get closer to the big day. Get ready to witness some of the most incredible dunks you’ve ever seen as these players take flight and compete for dunking supremacy.

Tags:

Mac McClung, Castle, 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, participants, news, scores, highlights, stats, rumors

#Mac #McClung #Castle #Participants #Revealed #NBA #Slam #Dunk #Contest #News #Scores #Highlights #Stats #Rumors

February 5, 2025
Gov. JB Pritzker bans convicted Jan. 6 participants from consideration for state jobs, in memo
CBS News Chicago

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CHICAGO (CBS) — Governor JB Pritzker is calling on the Department of Central Management Services to reject those pardoned by President Trump for their involvement in the Jan. 6 attacks at the U.S. Capitol for consideration for state jobs.

In a letter addressed to director Raven DeVaughn, Pritzker says those who participated in attacks violated the State’s personnel code.

“I hereby direct CMS to apply the State Personnel Code and consider any participation in the January 6 insurrection as infamous and disgraceful conduct that is antithetical to the mission of the State,” the letter said.

Upon returning to office, Mr. Trump signed about 200 executive orders, one including pardons to defendants convicted of crimes stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Federal judges in Washington, D.C., who presided over the cases, strongly opposed the order.

View the entire letter below:

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Jeramie Bizzle

Jeramie Bizzle is a web producer for CBS Chicago. Jeramie began working with CBS Chicago as an intern in 2017 and returned as a full-time Web Producer in 2021. He has previously written for the Austin Weekly Newspaper, OakPark.com and Sportskeeda.

In a recent memo, Gov. JB Pritzker has announced that individuals who were convicted participants in the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol will be banned from consideration for state jobs. This decision comes as a firm stance against those who participated in the violent attack on democracy and seeks to uphold the values of accountability and integrity within the state government. Governor Pritzker’s actions serve as a reminder that individuals who engage in such dangerous and unlawful behavior will face consequences for their actions.

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1. Gov. JB Pritzker
2. Jan. 6 participants
3. State jobs
4. Illinois Governor
5. Convicted individuals
6. Memo
7. Government employment
8. Political news
9. Illinois state government
10. Ban on hiring
#Gov #Pritzker #bans #convicted #Jan #participants #consideration #state #jobs #memo
February 1, 2025
NBA All-Star Weekend participants tracker: Rising Stars player pool revealed
NBA All-Star Weekend will feature a host of events on Feb. 14-16 in San Francisco, beginning with the Rising Stars game on Friday and culminating with the All-Star Game on Sunday night.

Last year in addition to the 3-point contest there was also a mixed 3-point competition featuring Golden State’s Steph Curry against New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, with Ionescu falling to Curry in a close match. The NBA has not yet confirmed whether there will be a rematch or some other version of the event in this year’s festivities (though Caitlin Clark will not take part, if there is).

But what we do know is that players are beginning to commit to All-Star events, and we’re keeping track of who will be involved. This story will be updated as the field develops.

Rising Stars event

The NBA released its player pool for the Rising Stars event Tuesday, with young San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama being the clear headliner.

The 2025 Castrol Rising Stars pic.twitter.com/X1zpomdES8

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 28, 2025

This event will be a four-team mini-tournament featuring young NBA players and a collection of NBA G League standouts. NBA rookies and sophomores will be drafted onto three teams on Feb. 4, with the G Leaguers making up a fourth team. The G League team will include Reed Sheppard, who was the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft by the Houston Rockets. Sheppard is averaging 30.7 points, 8.3 assists and 2.7 steals per game for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

The four teams, each with seven-player rosters, will compete on Friday, Feb. 14, the first night of All-Star festivities.

Here are the players:

Rookies: Bub Carrington (Wizards), Stephon Castle (Spurs), Tristan Da Silva (Magic), Zach Edey (Grizzlies), Dalton Knecht (Lakers), Jared McCain (76ers), Yves Missi (Pelicans), Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks), Alex Sarr (Wizards), Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies).

Sophomores: Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards), Gradey Dick (Raptors), Keyonte George (Jazz), Scoot Henderson (Trail Blazers), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Warriors), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Heat), Dereck Lively II (Mavericks), Brandon Miller (Hornets), Amen Thompson (Rockets), Cason Wallace (Thunder), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs).

NBA G League: JD Davison (Maine Celtics), Mac McClung (Osceola Magic), Bryce McGowens (Rip City Remix), Leonard Miller (Iowa Wolves), Dink Pate (Mexico City Capitanes), Reed Sheppard (Rio Grande Valley Vipers), Pat Spencer (Santa Cruz Warriors).

Slam dunk contest

Mac McClung will return and attempt to not only defend his crown, but to become the first person to win the even three times in a row. The 6-foot-2 McClung is a unique case, as he has only played in five NBA games in four years. Last year he was allowed to compete despite spending the entire season in the G League. He is currently on a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic.

Here is the field, as reported by ESPN. It has not yet been confirmed by the NBA.
- Mac McClung (Magic)
- Stephon Castle (Spurs)
- Matas Buzelis (Bulls)
- Andre Jackson Jr. (Bucks)
3-point contest

The participants are TBD. Damian Lillard won this event last year.

Skills Challenge

Contestants have yet to be revealed. Last year, this was won by Team Pacers when Tyrese Haliburton made a half-court shot in the tie-breaker round.

Required reading

(Photo: Luke Hales / Getty Images)
The NBA All-Star Weekend is right around the corner, and basketball fans are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated event. One of the most exciting aspects of All-Star Weekend is the Rising Stars Challenge, where the league’s top young talent goes head-to-head in a showcase of their skills.

The NBA recently revealed the player pool for the Rising Stars Challenge, giving fans a sneak peek at the future stars of the league. Some of the players included in the pool are Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies, and LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets.

As the countdown to All-Star Weekend continues, be sure to keep an eye on the Rising Stars Challenge participants tracker to see which young players will be taking the court in this exciting exhibition game. Stay tuned for more updates on the NBA All-Star Weekend and get ready to witness some incredible basketball talent on display.

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1. NBA All-Star Weekend
2. Rising Stars
3. NBA All-Star Weekend participants
4. Rising Stars player pool
5. NBA Rising Stars
6. NBA All-Star Weekend tracker
7. Rising Stars player pool revealed
8. NBA All-Star Weekend updates
9. Rising Stars roster
10. NBA All-Star Weekend news
#NBA #AllStar #Weekend #participants #tracker #Rising #Stars #player #pool #revealed
January 30, 2025
Report: Mac McClung, Stephon Castle Among 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Participants | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Dylan Goodman/NBAE via Getty Images

The four-man field for the 2025 Slam Dunk Contest is set.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Orlando Magic’s Mac McClung—the two-time defending Slam Dunk Contest champion—will be joined by San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis and Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. in this year’s event.

McClung is obviously the main attraction.

He became not only the first G League player to ever appear in the Dunk Contest back in 2023, but also the first one to ever win it, dazzling fans with a series of memorable moves.

And he defended his title last year, clinching the win by dunking over NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

McClung will be looking to become the first man to ever win three Dunk Contest titles in a row. He would also tie Nate Robinson for the most Dunk Contest championships (three) with a victory.

It was unclear if he would pursue the three-peat after his comments following last year’s events.

“I don’t know. We’ll think about it,” he told reporters after his 2024 win when questioned about going for a third straight title. “I’m not sure yet.”

He’ll have some top competition this time around, however. Castle has shown off some serious hops in his rookie season.

So has Buzelis. Both Castle and Buzelis have Slam Dunk Contest experience, albeit not at the NBA level, competing at the 2023 McDonald’s High School Dunk Contest.

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula

Heading into tonight’s McDonald’s All American Game, Matas Buzelis is already receiving strong interest from several brands on a potential shoe deal.<br><br>The <a href=”https://twitter.com/DraftExpress?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@DraftExpress</a> projected #1 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft will sign with the G-League Ignite, and can sign a full shoe deal now. <a href=”https://t.co/Izveqn7D1Q”>pic.twitter.com/Izveqn7D1Q</a>

And Jackson’s dunking prowess dates back to his high school years.

So this should be a fun event. But until someone proves they can unseat McClung, he’ll remain the prohibitive favorite.

The much-anticipated 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is about to get even more exciting with the recent announcement of the participants. According to a report, rising stars Mac McClung and Stephon Castle have officially been added to the lineup, promising an electrifying display of athleticism and creativity on the court.

McClung, known for his high-flying dunks and explosive plays, has been making waves in the basketball world with his jaw-dropping performances. The young guard has quickly become a fan favorite and is sure to bring his signature style to the contest.

On the other hand, Castle, a dynamic guard with incredible leaping ability, is expected to give McClung a run for his money with his own impressive dunking skills. With both players known for their highlight-reel plays, fans can expect a thrilling showdown between these two rising stars.

As the anticipation builds for the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, basketball enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the chance to see McClung and Castle go head-to-head in what promises to be a memorable competition. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting event and be sure to catch all the action live.

Tags:

Mac McClung, Stephon Castle, 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, participants, report, news, scores, highlights, stats, rumors, basketball, sports, competition, athletes, performances, dunks, event, future stars, exciting matchup

#Report #Mac #McClung #Stephon #Castle #Among #NBA #Slam #Dunk #Contest #Participants #News #Scores #Highlights #Stats #Rumors

January 29, 2025
Report: Mac McClung, Stephon Castle Among 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Participants | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Dylan Goodman/NBAE via Getty Images

The four-man field for the 2025 Slam Dunk Contest is set.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Orlando Magic’s Mac McClung—the two-time defending Slam Dunk Contest champion—will be joined by San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis and Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. in this year’s event.

McClung is obviously the main attraction.

He became not only the first G League player to ever appear in the Dunk Contest back in 2023, but also the first one to ever win it, dazzling fans with a series of memorable moves.

And he defended his title last year, clinching the win by dunking over NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

McClung will be looking to become the first man to ever win three Dunk Contest titles in a row. He would also tie Nate Robinson for the most Dunk Contest championships (three) with a victory.

It was unclear if he would pursue the three-peat after his comments following last year’s events.

“I don’t know. We’ll think about it,” he told reporters after his 2024 win when questioned about going for a third straight title. “I’m not sure yet.”

He’ll have some top competition this time around, however. Castle has shown off some serious hops in his rookie season.

So has Buzelis. Both Castle and Buzelis have Slam Dunk Contest experience, albeit not at the NBA level, competing at the 2023 McDonald’s High School Dunk Contest.

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula

Heading into tonight’s McDonald’s All American Game, Matas Buzelis is already receiving strong interest from several brands on a potential shoe deal.<br><br>The <a href=”https://twitter.com/DraftExpress?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@DraftExpress</a> projected #1 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft will sign with the G-League Ignite, and can sign a full shoe deal now. <a href=”https://t.co/Izveqn7D1Q”>pic.twitter.com/Izveqn7D1Q</a>

And Jackson’s dunking prowess dates back to his high school years.

So this should be a fun event. But until someone proves they can unseat McClung, he’ll remain the prohibitive favorite.
Exciting news for basketball fans as reports have emerged that rising stars Mac McClung and Stephon Castle are set to participate in the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

McClung, known for his explosive athleticism and highlight-reel dunks, has been turning heads with his high-flying acrobatics on the court. The former Georgetown standout is poised to bring his aerial antics to the NBA stage and compete against the best dunkers in the league.

On the other hand, Castle, a highly-touted prospect out of high school, has been making waves with his jaw-dropping dunks that have made him a viral sensation on social media. The young guard is expected to showcase his creativity and bounce in the dunk contest, much to the delight of basketball fans around the world.

With these two dynamic players set to take part in the slam dunk contest, fans can expect an electrifying display of athleticism, creativity, and showmanship. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling event as the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest approaches.

For more news, scores, highlights, stats, and rumors, be sure to follow along with us here. #NBA #SlamDunkContest #MacMcClung #StephonCastle #Basketball #SportsNews

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1. Mac McClung NBA Slam Dunk Contest
2. Stephon Castle Dunk Contest Participant
3. 2025 NBA Dunk Contest Participants
4. NBA Dunk Contest News
5. NBA Slam Dunk Scores
6. Dunk Contest Highlights
7. NBA Slam Dunk Stats
8. NBA Dunk Contest Rumors
9. Mac McClung Dunk Contest Update
10. Stephon Castle Dunk Contest Performance
#Report #Mac #McClung #Stephon #Castle #Among #NBA #Slam #Dunk #Contest #Participants #News #Scores #Highlights #Stats #Rumors
January 27, 2025
NFL Rebels | Wild Card recap, Divisional round participants
As the NFL playoffs begin, there were eight former Ole Miss Rebels who competed during the Wild Card Weekend.

After round one of elimination games, four of the seven total Rebels in this year’s playoffs are one step closer to the Super Bowl. Tavius Robinson (Ravens), Dawson Knox (Bills), AJ Brown (Eagles) and Laremy Tunsil (Texans) will all be participants in the Divisional round of the playoffs, with another win advancing their respective teams to a conference championship game.

Two defenders had big games in losses, D.J. Jones of the Denver Broncos and Deane Leonard of the Los Angeles Chargers. Jones stuffed the stat sheet against the Buffalo Bills, finishing with seven tackles, one for a loss, one quarterback hit, and a huge sack on third and goal to hold the Bills to a field goal. Jones finished with five solo tackles, tied for the most on the team.

Leonard made the most of his opportunity this weekend, finishing with one tackle, one pass defended, and hauled in his first career interception. The cornerback picked off CJ Stroud in the second quarter of their game against the Houston Texans.

RELATED: Who are the 10 highest-graded incoming transfers for Ole Miss?

The NFL Wild Card weekend did not disappoint, with several former Ole Miss Rebels making big plays and helping their teams secure victories. Let’s take a look at how these NFL Rebels performed in the Wild Card round and which teams will be moving on to the Divisional round:

– DK Metcalf: The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver had a standout performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, catching 7 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown. Metcalf’s big plays helped the Seahawks secure a 17-9 victory and advance to the Divisional round.

– Evan Engram: The New York Giants tight end also had a solid game in the Wild Card round, catching 6 passes for 83 yards. Despite his efforts, the Giants fell short to the Green Bay Packers, losing 23-20.

– Mike Hilton: The Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback had a strong showing against the Cleveland Browns, recording 5 tackles and a key interception in the Steelers’ 48-37 loss.

With the Wild Card round in the books, several former Rebels will now be moving on to the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs. DK Metcalf and the Seattle Seahawks will take on the Green Bay Packers, while Mike Hilton and the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Kansas City Chiefs. Evan Engram and the New York Giants may be out of the playoffs, but they can hold their heads high after a hard-fought game against the Packers.

Stay tuned for more updates on how these NFL Rebels perform in the Divisional round!

Tags:
1. NFL Rebels
2. Wild Card recap
3. Divisional round participants
4. NFL playoffs
5. Football news
6. Playoff analysis
7. NFL teams
8. Wild Card weekend
9. Divisional round matchups
10. NFL standings
#NFL #Rebels #Wild #Card #recap #Divisional #participants
January 20, 2025
Palantir Stock: Market Participants Have Already Fully Priced The Potential Of AI (PLTR)
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With over 7 years of experience in the buy-side, my investment philosophy is rooted in both fundamental bottom-up analysis and quantitative modelling. My forte lies in identifying perception gaps to capitalize on over-pessimism and excessive exuberance. My objective is simple, identifying asymmetric for all of us to capitalize on. If you have specific requests on companies you’d like me to cover, feel free to drop me a DM. Selendis Research is closely associated with Seven Insights

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) has been gaining significant attention in the stock market recently, with many investors excited about the company’s potential in the artificial intelligence (AI) space. However, some analysts believe that market participants have already fully priced in this potential, making it difficult for the stock to see further significant gains in the near future.

Palantir, a data analytics company co-founded by Peter Thiel, has seen its stock price soar since its IPO in September 2020. The company’s focus on using AI and machine learning to help organizations make sense of their vast amounts of data has attracted a lot of investor interest, leading to a surge in the stock price.

However, some analysts believe that the current stock price may already reflect the company’s potential in the AI space. With a market capitalization of over $40 billion, some argue that the stock may be overvalued given the company’s relatively small revenue and profitability.

Furthermore, competition in the AI space is fierce, with tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft also investing heavily in AI technologies. This could make it challenging for Palantir to maintain its competitive edge and continue to grow at the same pace.

In conclusion, while Palantir’s potential in the AI space is undeniable, market participants may have already fully priced in this potential. Investors should carefully consider these factors before making any investment decisions in Palantir stock.

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2. Market participants
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January 2, 2025

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