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Friday, January 31, 2025B Sectionindianapolisrecorder.comBy NORAL PARHAM IIInoralp@indyrecorder.comThe start of the 2025 WNBA season is looming. Many fans wonder, %u2018What are the girls up to?%u2019 during the offseason. The short answer: They are still hooping.Aliyah Boston, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year, participates in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a 3x3 basketball league founded by Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart. This league offers players a unique platform, showcasing their talents during the WNBA offseason.Boston said the new league is a great way to hone multiple areas of her game, highlighting that her abilities in the post and around the rim have always been her %u201cbread and butter.%u201dAfter signing with the Indiana Fever in February 2024, Katie Lou Samuelson joined Phantom BC for the Unrivaled league%u2019s inaugural season. This opportunity allows Samuelson to maintain competitive play and refine her game during the WNBA%u2019s pause.Kelsey Mitchell, a cornerstone of the Fever%u2019s backcourt, currently plays overseas with the Shanxi Flame in China. Mitchell dropped 18 points, five rebounds and two steals in a win with the Flame on Jan. 24.Damiris Dantas took her talents to Turkey, where she plays for Bota SK. Her participation in the Turkish league allows her to hone areas of her game such as three-point shooting and post moves. The same areas greatly helped the Fever during their 2024 playoff run.Dantas tallied up 23 points, 11 rebounds and four assists on Jan. 20.Defense-centric Lexie Hull also participates in the Unrivaled league, representing Rose BC. Engaging in this 3x3 format offers her a different realm of competitiveness, enhancing her versatility and decision-making skills on the hardwood.Interestingly, 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark has chosen not to participate in any basketball leagues during the offseason. Conversely, she celebrated her 23rd birthday on Jan. 22 by showcasing her impressive three-point shooting accuracy, making 50 out of 54 attempts during a workout at the Fever%u2019s training center.In organizational news, the Fever have unveiled plans for a state-ofthe-art, $78 million sports performance complex in downtown Indianapolis. The three-story, 108,000-square-foot facility features two full-length basketball courts, a weight room, a kitchen and spalike amenities. The facility is slated to open just in time for the 2027 WNBA season.Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @3Noral.Conference starters announced for 2025 NBA All-Star GameWestern Conference starters Eastern Conference startersRekindling with the Indiana Fever amidst the WNBA offseasonAliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever smiles during the 2023 WNBA All-Star Weekend on July 14, 2023 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker)Indiana Fever rookie point guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots a three-pointer over Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) during their game on July 12, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis, IN. (Photo/Darnell Scott)By NORAL PARHAM IIInoralp@indyrecorder.comThe short answer is zero. At least, for those wondering how many members of the Indiana Pacers made the cut for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. The NBA announced the Eastern Conference starters for the 2025 All-Star Game, happening in San Francisco Feb. 16. The lineup features a combination of tenured AllStars and emerging talents, each making significant contributions to their respective teams.Jalen Brunson, representing the New York Knicks, earns his second All-Star selection. This season, Brunson averages 26.0 points 3 rebounds and 7.3 assists per contest. His performance is vital in positioning the Knicks as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference.Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell secured his sixth All-Star appearance in this year%u2019s contest in the %u2018Bay Area.%u2019 Mitchell contributes 23.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.Jayson Tatum, a cornerstone wing for the reigning champion Boston Celtics, is back for his sixth All-Star Game. Tatum%u2019s season averages include 27.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per contest, reflecting his versatility and constant impact on both ends of the hardwood.Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks earns his ninth All-Star selection. The two-time MVP and NBA champion delivers 31.5 points 12 rebounds and six assists per game this season.New York Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns makes his fifth All-Star appearance in San Francisco. In his first season with New York, Towns averages 25.1 points 13.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, significantly bolstering the team%u2019s frontcourt presence.This is the first All-Star game in 50 years where two members of the Knicks were selected, with the last two being hall of famers Walt %u201cClyde%u201d Frazier and Earl %u201cThe Pearl%u201d Monroe.Despite no member of the Indiana Pacers receiving a 2025 NBA AllStar starter nod, it is not too late for them to join the reserves.Only time will tell. See you all in the Bay.Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @3Noral.By NORAL PARHAM IIInoralp@indyrecorder.comThe NBA announced the Western Conference starters for the 2025 AllStar Game, happening Feb. 16 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.The starting lineup features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, each making significant contributions to their teams this season.Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earns his third All-Star selection. This season, he averages 32.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists per contest. As of Jan. 24, Gilgeous-Alexander leads the race to the 2024-25 Kia Most Valuable Player award, NBA reports. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors secures his 11th All-Star appearance. The two-time MVP averages 22.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists per contest this season. Curry%u2019s selection is particularly noteworthy as the All-Star Game is at the Warriors%u2019 home arena.LeBron James continues to make history with his 21st consecutive AllStar selection, extending his NBA record. At 40, the Los Angeles Lakers forward averages 23.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game, demonstrating his seemingly eternal impact on basketball.After the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, James acknowledged his longevity on the game and his multiple All-Star selections.%u201cIt [has] been an absolute honor to be able to grace the floor throughout my career and be out there with the greatest players in the world year in and year out,%u201d James told the Indianapolis Recorder. %u201cThis is very humbling. I am very blessed, and I will never forget it. It is a part of my journey.%u201dKevin Durant, another seasoned veteran, earned his 15th All-Star selection. This season, the Phoenix Suns forward averages 27.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest.Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets makes his seventh All-Star appearance. The reigning threetime MVP delivers impressive numbers, averaging 30.1 points, 13.2 rebounds and 9.9 assists per contest.The 2025 NBA All-Star Game may be the last for the tandem of Curry, Durant and James.Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @3NoraL.Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, tries to pass while under pressure from Boston Celtics guard Jaden Springer during the second half of an NBA game, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Los Angeles. 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photos/Mark J. Terrill) Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots as Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) and forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) contest during a game on Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photos/Mark J. Terrill)