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As the basketball world tuned in to witness Paige Bueckers achieve her long-awaited dream of being drafted No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, the night was filled with emotion, celebration, and future promise.
Among the talented class of draftees was Hailey Van Lith, selected 11th overall by the Chicago Sky reuniting with her LSU teammate Angel Reese.
While draft night celebrations centered on these young women’s professional basketball journeys, it was an unexpected challenge from the sidelines that captured the internet’s attention. Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs, Van Lith’s boyfriend, who was in New York supporting his partner, playfully threw down the gauntlet to the draft’s top selection.
Jalen Suggs Has a Challenge for Paige Bueckers
Following the ceremony, Suggs entertained reporters with a hypothetical basketball scenario that quickly went viral. When asked about his dream 2v2 matchup, the NBA guard didn’t hesitate to name Van Lith as his partner of choice. “Oh, I gotta go with my girl. I gotta go, Hailey,” Suggs declared confidently.
After a moment’s consideration about worthy opponents, his competitive spirit emerged as he issued a challenge toward Bueckers and his own Orlando teammate Paolo Banchero after getting a suggestion from the reporter.
“P [Paolo Banchero] and Paige? Both Ps? I wouldn’t mind that… I think we will take it. I got full confidence in us,” added Suggs.
The 23-year-old also addressed the hypothetical scenario of a one-on-one matchup against Van Lith, predicting the final score.
“A 1v1 to 11? Our competitive side is coming out for sure. I would like to say that I would come home with the win, but I don’t know. It’ll be a good one… 9-11, you choose the winner,” predicted Suggs.
This season, Suggs was turning heads with the Magic, averaging 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 35 games before being sidelined due to injury.
In early March, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose fragment of trochlea cartilage in his left knee according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. He is expected to rejoin the Magic from the bench against the Atlanta Hawks in the Play-In tournament.
Now coming to the couple’s relationship, they have been seeing each other since 2021. In July of that year, things became more public when Suggs posted a photo of Van Lith rocking Lakers shorts with the caption “Hey wife,” sending fans into a frenzy.
As Van Lith starts her pro journey in Chicago and Bueckers gears up in Dallas, fans might not have to wait too long to see these two elite guards on the same court. Whether it’s WNBA matchups or a fun summer 2v2 showdown, the new era of basketball is bringing talent, personality, and a whole lot of buzz.
Hailey Van Lith Has a Message for Her Boyfriend
Suggs has been making headlines with his bold challenges but this time, it was his girlfriend Van Lith who had something to say. After being selected by the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the 23-year-old point guard had a moment that caught everyone’s attention.
Moments before stepping on stage to celebrate her new chapter with the Sky, Van Lith was seen sharing a kiss with Suggs. In a follow-up interview with “The Mirror”, she opened up about the role Suggs has played in her journey.
“Jalen means a lot to me. And to have him be here for such an important night in my career, it means everything to me as I was there for his night too when he got drafted. And to see us both support each other and show up in ways that is not always easy, it means a lot,” said Van Lith to “The Mirror US”.
In her senior year with TCU, she averaged 17.9 points, 5.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. With her skill set and mindset, Van Lith could be the spark Chicago needs this season.
