In a moment that transcended basketball, TCU’s Sweet 16 game against Notre Dame delivered pure magic off the court and culminated in a decisive 71-62 victory for the Horned Frogs. As Hailey Van Lith, who dominated with a game-high 26 points, drained a critical three-pointer, extending TCU’s commanding 52-30 lead, the ESPN cameras captured something even more spectacular in the stands.
The emotional celebration between Corey Van Lith and NBA star Jalen Suggs instantly became viral gold. Overcome with pride, Hailey’s father descended the arena stairs to reach her boyfriend Suggs, culminating in a chest bump so enthusiastic that X users dubbed it “absolute cinema”, a perfect blend of paternal pride and athletic camaraderie.
A Family Built on Basketball
Corey Van Lith’s influence on Hailey’s career runs deep. The former college athlete spent countless evenings training with his daughter, developing her into the elite guard she is today. This Sweet 16 moment perfectly encapsulated their enduring bond, adding another chapter to their basketball journey.
Hailey Van Lith’s dad celebrating her 3 with bf Jalen Suggs is absolute cinema 💀😭 pic.twitter.com/uGsPKxZWbY
— Joshua Sánchez (@jnsanchez) March 29, 2025
This isn’t the first time Corey’s enthusiasm has been on display. During previous TCU games, he’s been spotted actively engaging with crowds and celebrating key plays, demonstrating the passionate support system behind Hailey’s remarkable NCAA tournament run. And on this night, Hailey gave him plenty to celebrate, leading all scorers with 26 points, while teammate Sedona Prince dominated inside with an impressive double-double of 20 points and 20 rebounds.
An Athletic Power Couple
Hailey and Jalen’s relatively private relationship represents a union of basketball excellence. Since 2021, the TCU star and Orlando Magic guard have supported each other’s careers, with Suggs frequently attending her games despite being sidelined with a knee injury in March 2025.
The chest-bumping celebration added a humorous dimension when X users noted Suggs’ “middle-aged stay-at-home Dad” appearance at the game. The contrast between his casual spectator look and professional athlete status added to the moment’s charm and relatability.
KEEP READING: Hailey Van Lith Opens Up About Her Mental Health Struggles: ‘From Suicidal Thoughts to Loving Life’
The viral celebration perfectly symbolizes the interconnected support network driving Hailey’s success. With her father, who shaped her game, and her boyfriend, who understands the pressure of elite basketball, Van Lith’s three-pointer became more than just points on the scoreboard. It became a heartwarming display of family, love, and the beautiful human side of sports.
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