Hailey Van Lith, a rising star in women’s basketball, was selected 11th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft. While her skills on the court are impressive, her relationship with NBA guard Jalen Suggs has also garnered attention.
Suggs, who plays for the Orlando Magic, has praised Van Lith’s competitive spirit. The couple, who have been together since 2021, went public when Suggs called her “wife” on Instagram. He showed his support at her draft night in New York, highlighting their shared dedication to basketball.
Jalen Suggs Cheers on Hailey Van Lith at 2025 WNBA Draft
Jalen Suggs, NBA star and partner of Hailey Van Lith, expressed immense pride as he cheered for her during the 2025 WNBA Draft. Speaking with Taylor Rooks, Suggs shared his joy over seeing someone close to him achieve her dreams.
“Anytime you get to see people accomplish their dreams, it brings a certain level of joy and excitement,” Suggs said, emphasizing the special bond he shares with Van Lith and her family.
“Bowling, card games, board games, puzzles, whatever. She’s talking smack to me” 😂
Jalen Suggs on his partner Hailey Van Lith’s competitive nature. He sat with @TaylorRooks to express how proud he is of Van Lith, who was selected 11th overall to the @chicagosky 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/5zXyy8nQ8g
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 15, 2025
Suggs highlighted her fierce competitive nature, noting how Van Lith challenges him in casual games.
“She’s talking smack to me. We go play bowling, card games, board games, puzzles, whatever,” he added with a smile.
He admired her competitive edge, saying,
“Watching her in her competitive state is one of my favorite things to do. I tell her all the time, I learn so much watching her be in that mode. Being able to be close to her along her journey, especially as she gets competitive and gets out on the court has been special.”
Van Lith’s journey to the WNBA was shaped by her achievements at Louisville, LSU, and TCU, where she evolved from a prolific scorer to a well-rounded playmaker. Off the court, she also excelled academically, earning both a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree.
Van Lith and Angel Reese Reunite on Chicago Sky After WNBA Draft Selections
Hailey Van Lith, who was drafted No. 11 overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft, will reunite with former LSU teammate Angel Reese. Reese, clearly excited by the reunion, celebrated on X with the message,
“We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk.”
The 23-year-old guard Van Lith opted to play for TCU during the 2024-25 season following her time at LSU.
Also Read: With Paige Bueckers Gone, Who Will Be the Next Face of Women’s College Basketball?
When she joined TCU, she brought new life to her career and guided her team through the Elite Eight competition, thus becoming the first athlete to achieve this milestone at three schools: Louisville, LSU, and TCU.
She also helped TCU secure the Big 12 title. Over her five college seasons, Van Lith averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Reese has consistently praised Van Lith, noting that although they weren’t close during their single season together at LSU, she always made an effort to support her. Reese said on her podcast,
“I wanted her to feel as comfortable as she could coming into a situation where she had a transfer… I love Hailey.”
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