Even before Hailey Van Lith got started with her LSU run, her focus was locked in. No distractions, just pure determination. “I’m preparing myself to mentally be able to take on whatever role I have to in the league but also pushing myself to be great in the league at a young age,” she had shared, making it clear she wouldn’t just be entering WNBA to blend in. She was coming to make noise. The big moment has been awaited ever since, and now, it is finally here. The league has officially extended an invite to Van Lith for the 2025 Draft. A huge milestone, no doubt, but something unexpected ended up catching viewers’ attention.
It all came up as the WNBA dropped multiple posts. And honestly? There’s no exaggeration when someone has had a season like HVL has. “From Fort Worth, TX to @TheShedNY Hailey Van Lith is officially invited to the 2025 #WNBADraft…” penned W.
Just minutes after, there was another lined up, listing her feats through the years. Of course, the W wants to introduce Van Lith before she even hits the court. Louisville, LSU, TCU, she remained a star, with an Elite Eight appearance in each jersey. To cap it off, after averaging 17.9 points with 5.4 assists, she took home the Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Year.
So no, the WNBA didn’t overdo it. But the last post W shared? That turned out to be the game-changer. The spotlight shifted the moment a video of her making her way to the Big Apple dropped. A crisp white tee, beige pajamas, a basketball in hand, and that signature confident smile. Yet somehow, she wasn’t the only one turning heads. It was who was walking right behind her that caught spectators’ attention.
The Big 12 Player of the Year has entered the chat
Hailey Van Lith is in NYC and ready to hear her name called on Monday!
See where she lands April 14 at 7:30pm/ET on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/9FVfRWfhCL
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 11, 2025
Do you even need a second to guess who it could be?? Well, the Orlando Magic guard was caught in the background of the WNBA’s official draft video. Backpack on, basketball in hand, casually trailing Van Lith. And just like that, fans were sent into full detective mode.
For those unfamiliar with their story, Van Lith and Suggs have been romantically linked since 2021. Though they’ve kept things relatively private, College Football Network once helped clear the air on their status—pointing out a moment from July 2021 when Suggs made things very public.
“He made his feelings known by commenting on one of Hailey’s Instagram posts, referring to her as his wife with the words, ‘Hey Wife,’” the outlet wrote.
Since that moment, the two have been seen supporting each other here and there, but never with too much noise. But now, with the WNBA Draft bringing Van Lith into the professional spotlight, it looks like Suggs is right there again—supporting her every step of the way.
And of course, fans didn’t waste a second diving into the comment section of the WNBA’s video.
Fans could stop but point out to “dat man”
Once again, the internet is buzzing with speculation around Hailey Van Lith and Jalen Suggs’ relationship—but this time, fans believe they’ve got the receipts.
“Ok @jalensuggs we peep you in the background carrying the bags for your girl, love to see it,” wrote one eagle-eyed spectator.
But for those who’ve been following the couple, this isn’t exactly shocking. In fact, if anything, it feels like a full-circle moment. When Suggs was drafted by the Orlando Magic back in 2021, Van Lith was right there with him—cheering him on at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Now, in 2025, it’s his turn to return the favor.
As one curious fan asked online, “I’m late to the show, are her and Jalen dating? B/c he keeps poppin’ up.” Another chimed in: “Um is that Jalen Suggs?” Yes, it is—and he’s been around for a while.
credit:https://gofrogs.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/hailey-van-lith/16493
The two occasionally appear in each other’s Instagram stories and posts. And back in November, Van Lith popped up in a fun video on Overtime’s YouTube channel—playing a board game with her brother, Tanner. Suggs? He was right there in the mix.
“And with her man right behind her,” a fan commented.
Even during Van Lith’s college days, Suggs showed up. Most notably, when the TCU Horned Frogs took on Notre Dame in a Sweet 16 matchup at Legacy Arena, Suggs was seen courtside. Mind you, his own team—the Magic—had a game against the Kings that day. But since he was sidelined for the season with a knee injury requiring surgery, Suggs made the trip to Alabama instead, choosing to support Van Lith in person. And he wasn’t just there—he was locked in. Cameras even caught him getting hyped alongside Van Lith’s father after she drained a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter.
“Who dat in the back,” another social media user posted, referring to the sharp-eyed sighting of Suggs. While one fan adorably noted, “awww Jalen carrying the bags while HVL serves face.” And serve, she did. We aren’t talking just looks. Van Lith enters the WNBA draft as one of the most battle-tested guards in the class—having played for three different programs in the natty along her collegiate journey.
So here we are: Jalen Suggs cheering her on, social media in detective mode, and Van Lith ready to carve her own legacy in the pros. The only question that remains—what WNBA team will take the chance to add her fire to their roster?
The post WNBA Makes Multiple Posts About NCAA Star Participating In The Draft But Fans Only Have Eyes For Her NBA Boyfriend appeared first on EssentiallySports.
