Out Of Bounds
Out of Bounds: The Next Level Has Arrived
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff HawkinsUpdated15 Oct 2021
The Funny, Stupid Thing of the Day
The new celebrity in Milwaukee is Bucks draftee Jabari Parker and that means he has to honor his duties of throwing out the first pitch of a Brewers game. Poor Jabari showed why he didn’t choose a career on the diamond as he bounced it in. No worries Jabari, Milwaukee Bucks fans know you’ll lead them to the promised land on the basketball court.
Ball Up Highlights
With basketball taking a back seat until Summer League kicks off, check out some of the highlights from the Ball Up Street Ball Tournament try-outs, judged by Rockets guard James Harden and former NBA star Gilbert Arenas in their hometown of Los Angeles. These guys may not be NBA-caliber, but boy, they’re talented.
Instagram of the Day
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When the Celtics’ marketing team heard that they drafted James Young and Marcus Smart, they must have said to themselves, “Where’s my check?” In all seriousness, the Celtics made out like bandits getting the best talent available in the draft. Fans should be excited to see this talent take the floor and see how it all fits next season.
Cheerleaders of the Day
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You got to love those Cali cheerleaders. Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Warriors fans are a lucky bunch getting to see these ladies every game.
Bruno Caboclo Highlights
Since we all collectively said, “Who?” when the Raptors selected Bruno Caboclo with the 20th pick in the draft, check out some of the highlights that had to have influenced the Raptors into taking this young man. ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla’s label of “Brazilian Kevin Durant” may be a huge exaggeration, but the kid definitely is an young athlete who the Raptors hope to mold to someday come close to Durant’s greatness.
Vine of the Night
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Kings draft pick Nik Stauskas may not be the most hyped prospect for fans to get excited about, but he does have a very cool handshake routine with his old man to go along with his deadly jumper.
Kicks of the Day
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As Nuggets draft pick Gary Harris leaves Michigan State behind, he’s still wanting to rep his colors as much possible. You don’t need to be an MSU fan to appreciated these awesome Jordan’s.
Next Man Up? Meet Devin Robinson
Gator fans may have lost some key pieces to their team from graduation and the draft, but Florida will reload as always. The next baller coming to campus next year is forward Devin Robinson. The 6’8 prospect may need to add some meat to his frame, but his jumper, athleticism and ball-handling ability is ready to go from the jump next year.
Swag of the Night
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Magic draftee Aaron Gordon was definitely swagged out for his big draft night. Sources can’t confirm his sweet outfit influenced the Magic’s decision.
