The Magic Insider

Orlando Magic's Jalen Suggs Shows Love For Hailey Van Lith

Don Strouble|
Dec 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic shooting guard Jalen Suggs has evolved into a key piece of an ascending young roster. Despite being limited to 35 games due to a season-ending knee injury, Suggs managed to post career-high numbers in 2024-25. A driving inspiration for Suggs and his growth has been his girlfriend, Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith.

Recently appearing on Sports Center, Suggs commented on Van Lith's rookie season in the WNBA.

"It's been really cool, it's made me become very reflective on my rookie year and my journey throughout my own path in the league," Suggs said. "Watching her take it on has been motivating as well, honestly. She's, I think, one of the purest competitors that I've ever met, I've ever been around."

"She pushes me to embrace that side of myself as well," Suggs added. "But seeing her maneuver just being a rookie, seeing a new situation, new team, different pace of basketball, and being a pro in all her moments has been really cool and us bouncing off of each other,I think, has been great for both of our growth."

After being a five-year staple at TCU, Chicago selected Van Lith with the 11th pick in the NBA draft. In eight games, Van Lith is averaging 5.3 points while shooting 42.4 percent from the field. On Sunday, she scored a career-high 16 points in a win over the Connecticut Sun.

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Don Strouble
DON STROUBLE

Don Strouble is a sports journalist who covers UCF athletics and the Orlando Magic. Strouble is a contributing member of the Black and Gold Banneret, the home for UCF athletics on SB Nation, as well as Fans First Sports Network. He hails from Northeast Ohio, where his love for Cleveland’s teams served as inspiration to work in the world of sports media.

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