Hailey Van Lith picks Jalen Brunson and sparks a social storm: Superfan or strategy?
“She must be Brunson’s #1 fan,” joked one user. Others were far less forgiving: “She probably doesn’t even watch the games,” some criticized, pointing out that statistically, many of the players Van Lith passed over had significantly stronger seasons.
Still, the clip spread like wildfire, catapulting Hailey Van Lith back into viral territory, regardless of her current WNBA stats.
Hailey Van Lith knows ball pic.twitter.com/OjKZny6ihd
— June (@HoodieBrunson) July 31, 2025
Popularity over performance? A veteran speaks out
Amid the buzz, veteran voices began questioning the real reason behind Van Lith’s visibility in the league.
Former WNBA star Angel McCoughtry raised eyebrows at the media frenzy surrounding Van Lith. Suggesting her social media following may have weighed more heavily than her performance on the court.
She asked during an episode of Let Her Shoot!: “Would Hailey even be in the league if she only had 10,000 followers?” podcast.
A viral game, a controversial choice
Van Lith has had a quiet start in the league, averaging 4.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. However, just before her injury, she showed signs of improvement, upping her numbers in the two most recent games.
The question remains: are we witnessing the rise of a social media-built star. Or an athlete with true potential on the rise?
The debate is on, and Hailey Van Lith name continues to echo, both on and off the hardwood.
