Move over, Confucius—Hailey Van Lith just brought a philosophical vibe to women’s basketball, and it’s catching on like wildfire. After logging her first career double-double, the TCU star turned the court into a TED Talk platform with her Instagram post, featuring the cryptic yet oddly motivating mantra, “chop wood carry water.” Naturally, her basketball besties Angel Reese and Cameron Brink couldn’t resist chiming in.
Let’s rewind to Sunday: Van Lith was on fire as she led the TCU Horned Frogs to a nail-biting 76-73 victory over the NC State Wolfpack. Not only did she rack up 18 points, but she also served up 10 assists—a stat line that had even the stat nerds gasping. This was a big deal, considering HVL’s reputation as a bucket-getter, not a passer. It’s as if Van Lith woke up one day and said, “Why not become a playmaking wizard too?”
On Monday, Van Lith took to Instagram to share her zen-fueled triumph, leaving followers scratching their heads and nodding in agreement all at once. Enter Reese and Brink, who slid into the comment section with the kind of enthusiasm that only happens when your friends make you proud.
“EXACTLY,” Reese wrote in all caps, because subtlety isn’t her thing.
“Proud of youuuu,” Brink chimed in, stretching that you just enough to make you feel the love.
Van Lith’s journey to becoming the ultimate Swiss Army knife of basketball hasn’t been easy. Standing at just 5-foot-7 (fun-sized by basketball standards), she’s embraced the playmaker role with gusto in her final year of college ball. Her transformation was on full display in the dying moments of Sunday’s thriller. With the score tied at 73, Van Lith dished a clutch pass to Taylor Bigsby, who drained the go-ahead bucket. NC State’s Aziaha James tried to play hero, but her three-pointer clanked off the rim, sealing the win for TCU.
Tears, Triumph, and Tankathon Predictions
Post-game, the emotions hit harder than a half-court heave. Cameras caught Van Lith in the locker room, crying on coach Mark Campbell’s shoulder after learning about her milestone. “I’ve really enjoyed this process,” Van Lith told reporters, her voice a mix of pride and relief. “I’m transforming into a new player. Before, I was Hailey the scorer. Now, I’m the playmaker. Who knew I had assists in me?”
Of course, not everyone’s convinced this reinvention will skyrocket her draft stock. Van Lith, once a top prospect, has seen her ranking slide like a poorly executed crossover. Current predictions have her going No. 22 in the second round to the Las Vegas Aces, according to Tankathon. But hey, if chopping wood and carrying water can get her to double-doubles, maybe she’ll surprise us all.
As for Reese and Brink, their support is a reminder that basketball isn’t just about the points or the wins—it’s about the friendships forged through sweat, tears, and a shared love of game-day Instagram captions.
One thing’s for sure: Hailey Van Lith is proof that you can be a scorer, a playmaker, and a part-time philosopher. Who’s chopping wood and carrying water next?
