When Hailey Van Lith was lighting it up during March Madness, it wasn’t just her performance turning heads. Her dad and boyfriend, NBA guard Jalen Suggs, stole the spotlight from the stands—and she had mixed feelings about it. At the 2025 WNBA Draft in New York on April 14, the 23-year-old guard opened up about that viral moment. She was slightly embarrassed at first but couldn’t help but laugh. Cameras had caught Suggs and her dad, Corey, hyping each other up after she nailed a three-pointer in the fourth quarter.
They were high-fiving fans like they’d just won the championship themselves. “I was shaking my head,” Van Lith told PEOPLE. “No I love it, it’s totally their personalities and I’m so glad that the world gets to see their joy and passion.”
And now? The Magic‘s young star has another reason to throw his hands up in the air. The Chicago Sky scooped Van Lith with the 11th overall pick in the first round.
When asked how he felt about her big moment, Suggs didn’t hold back: “Oh, the tone, it’s really dope. Anytime you get to see people accomplish their dreams, it brings a certain love of joy and excitement. But when it’s your people, I think it brings it to another level. So, my heart’s happy, so happy for her for the whole family. They’re great people, and they all deserve it.”
Mar 30, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) shoots a three point basket during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at KIA Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Van Lith’s final college run at TCU was something special. She helped lead the Horned Frogs to their first-ever Elite Eight, putting up 17.7 points and 5.5 assists a night. She also made NCAA history, becoming the first player to reach the Elite Eight with three different programs. On top of that, she already has pro-level experience after helping Team USA snag a bronze in 3-on-3 at the Paris Olympics last year.
While Van Lith was celebrating milestones on the court, Suggs was dealing with something far more frustrating off of it—a moment no athlete really wants to face.
He’d been locked in all summer, determined to rewrite last year’s first round exit. But just when the Magic were gaining momentum, Jalen Suggs hit a wall—his knee wasn’t holding up after playing only three games in 2025.
At first, doctors thought a minor arthroscopic procedure would do the trick. Maybe he’d even return for a playoff run. But after diving deeper, they found cartilage damage that needed more than a quick fix. The real issue? His trochlear joint. Suddenly, it became a choice between pushing through or shutting it down for surgery that would take him out for the season.
Tough call, right? Suggs leaned on his circle—family, teammates, coaches, even Paolo Banchero—to weigh it out. Eventually, he chose long-term health, undergoing a mosaicplasty and removing a loose cartilage fragment.
In the end, he chose the longer road to get it right—and make sure he didn’t jeopardize his future. “If we would have gone about it quickly and tried to speed it up, (I) probably would have had to get it done regardless,” Suggs explained. “(I) didn’t want to miss any of next year and hinder even more of what we have going on.”
Before his injury took him out, the 23-year-old guard was averaging over 16 points a night, logging nearly 29 minutes per game. He chipped in 4 rebounds, dished out about 4 assists, and swiped 1.5 steals each outing.
It wasn’t easy, but he knows he made the right call. And while recovery is still a grind, Suggs confirmed he’s on track to be ready for the start of next season. Still, knowing he’ll miss out on the playoffs this time around? That stings more than he expected.
Jalen Suggs made the right choice, but he still has regret
Jalen Suggs brought a whole different vibe when he popped up on the Magic bench during their game against the Hawks. It was his first time back since knee surgery, and honestly, you could tell the guys missed him. They came out after halftime, and one by one, they made sure to dap him up—some hugged him, some just gave a nod. But the energy? It shifted fast.
The team tucked him in safely, right near the tunnel and behind the bench—out of the way, just like they did with Moe Wagner after his injury. Suggs moved fine, though you could see he was still being a little careful with each step.
Jan 3, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN: Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) lays on the court after being injured against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena.. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
He’s aiming to be fully back by September, right in time for training camp. But missing the playoffs? That one’s tough to swallow.
“I think the other biggest thing is I am missing the playoffs,” Suggs said before Wednesday’s game against the Hawks. “Especially coming off the series last year… getting back to this point of the year.”
He’s been trying to soak up what he can from the sidelines, but for a guy who lives for the grind, it’s not easy.
Cole Anthony felt it too—rushing back from his toe injury just to chase that Play-In spot. And Suggs? He wanted that same shot—until his knee said no.
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