U of Miami recruits 9-year-old basketball phenom: Report

A few months ago, a young girl who played on her high school varsity team made national headlines for her skills on the basketball court.

Oh yeah. Jaden Newman was nine years-old and still in the fourth grade.

Now, the tiny court wizard is getting more attention that's sure to spark just as much controversy as congratulations: She's being formally recruited by a major collegiate program.

The University of Miami basketball program is the school to recruit Newman — a full five years before she even enters high school.

On June 10, the phenom took an unofficial recruiting visit to Miami, where she toured the program's facilities and got to pose inside the Miami "U", among other experiences. And Newman just might now be the youngest athlete to ever be formally recruited by a major college program.

There are no doubts that Jaden Newman can compete on the high school level — she averaged 14.8 points and 7.5 assists per game — but she's probably looking at nine years before she could don a college jersey.

UConn's Stefanie Dolson takes near-tumble while meeting President Obama (VIDEO)

It was a two-for-one celebration at the White House as the University of Connecticut men's and women's basketball teams met with President Obama marking both squads NCAA Championships last season.

Obama welcomed the two basketball teams Monday and all of the excitement — or more likely a pair of stiletto heels — almost knocked Stefanie Dolson off her feet.

As the players stood on risers while the President spoke and congratulated the coaches, the 6'5"  Dolson lost her footing and fell off.

Thanks to some quick steps with her arms out, the now nearly seven-foot Huskies center was able to avoid a total wipeout in her five-inch heels.

And no, she wasn't taking a selfie. 

It was a proud day otherwise for UConn as this is only the second time a school has won both titles in the same year.

Louisville basketball coach Jeff Walz says he's buying the first 2,500 beers before WNIT game

What's one way to lure fans in and raise awareness for a women's basketball game? Well if you're Jeff Walz — it's free beer.

The head coach of the Louisville Cardinals said he will buy a round of beers for the house Thursday night — for at least for the first 2,500 beer drinkers.

Nothing helps a fan watch fundamentally sound basketball — with a good personality — like good old beer goggles.

Walz will buy the lucky fans their first beer purchased on $2 beer night at 7 p.m. Thursday at the KFC Yum! Center for the Preseason WNIT semifinal game against LSU. He called it a sign of gratitude to U of L's loyal 21-and-over fans and an invitation for others to see the Cardinals.

"We're just trying to have a little bit of a good time here at the ballgame," Walz said after Monday's 100-82 win over Quinnipiac. "Make sure you have a designated driver if you want to come and have a few of them."

Walz said it'll easily be his greatest one-time beer purchase.

"I tried that once in college, but I only got up to about 400," Walz joked, "but no, no, no, I've never done that."

Walz will be able to pull off the stunt because the KFC Yum! Center — the Cardinals' homecourt — is off campus, and beer is allowed to be sold there.

Amy Morgan, Louisville's assistant athletic director for marketing said it was Walz's idea to pay out of his own pocket and entice some new fans.

"It shows his commitment to the program and his desire to grow the program and expose as many fans as possible to their play on the court," she said.

Kansas State gained some national publicity last week when it provided about 300 pounds of free bacon to students who attended its women's team's season opener.

"We don't need any bacon," Walz joked. "… We're more hummus around here, health food. Fried asparagus for the next game, a tofu burger."

Or a healthy round of brewskis.