“It’s so hard”: TCU’s Hailey Van Lith heaps praise for Klay Thompson’s impressive fadeaway

Hailey Van Lith enjoyed the Dallas Mavericks start the 2024-25 season with a convincing win over the San Antonio Spurs. One of the best moments for Van Lith, who was sitting courtside, was watching Mavs debutant Klay Thompson hit a fadeaway three-pointer just a few feet away from him.

The TCU Horned Frogs star's immediate reaction to his incredible shot in the first quarter was captured by Bleacher Report's 'Courtside Cam', and has already garnered over a million views. Seated alongside her brother, Tanner, Van Lith was impressed by his technique, believing it was extremely difficult to master.

"The thing is, regular people don't understand how tough of a shot that is," said Van Lith. "And it's a fadeaway, shooting a fadeaway from the 3. It's so hard. He's right-handed. So, like, left actually, moving to my left, because I'm left-handed, is a lot harder."

Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks in July, calling curtains on a storied 13-year stint with the Golden State Warriors, during which he won four NBA championships.

Thompson dazzled on his debut for the Mavs, finishing the game against Spurs with 22 points. His fadeaway three-pointer was one of six made in the game, setting a franchise record for the most three-pointers on debut.

Hailey Van Lith rated the top transfer by ESPN this season

After three seasons with the Louisville Cardinals, Hailey Van Lith entered the transfer portal ahead of the 2023-24 season, with ESPN ranking her the top player in the portal. The LSU Tigers signed her with the intent of strengthening the backcourt to defend their 2023 national championship, and she did not disappoint.

Van Lith averaged 11.6 points, 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 33 starts for the Tigers, helping the Tigers make the Elite Eight. Following the end of last season, she entered the transfer portal yet again, with ESPN rating her the top player in the portal for the second season in a row.

Hailey Van Lith enjoyed a strong season with the LSU Tigers. (IMAGN)

The TCU Horned Frogs made the most of the opportunity, signing Van Lith for her final season of eligibility. Van Lith also impressed at the Paris Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 3x3 women's basketball event alongside Cierra Burdick and Rhyne Howard.

Van Lith and the Horned Frogs will begin the 2024-25 season with a home game against the Houston Christian Huskies on November 5.