Tokyo Bound…Blaze Crowned…and “Ooops!”

Pat Andree Heads to Tokyo

Pat Andree has signed a contract to play with Tokyo Z (a.k.a The Earthfriends:  アースフレンズ東京Z (eftokyo-z.jp)), of the Japan-B2 League. Andree will head overseas in August, with intentions of taking his new team to the championship.

Andree played his first professional season last year in Portugal, where he made a positive impact before COVID impacted the team’s season.

The former Lehigh University and NC State University student-athlete is thrilled to continue his professional career at a highly respected level, playing in one of the most exciting cities in Japan.

“We are thrilled that Pat has the opportunity to continue his basketball career in such an amazing setting,” said Robert Zito, managing partner of IPZ. “He has worked all year with Mike Rice to strengthen every component of his game and it will be evident in Tokyo. This is a young man who works every minute of the day to perfect his skills and he will make his new team – and their fans – proud.”

“I’m extremely excited to join the Tokyo Z family and I’m excited for my time in Japan,” said Andree.

 

IPZ’s Board Member, Carol Blazejowski, Named One of Greatest New Jersey Athletes of All Time

Carol “The Blaze” Blazejowski, a Board Member at IPZ, has been ranked among the 99 Greatest New Jersey Athletes of All Time.

Coming in at number 29, the New Jersey article states, “[Carol] is one of the greatest scorers in women’s basketball history…leading Montclair State to the 1978 AIAW Final Four.”

In the article, she is ranked among Laurie Hernandez, Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O’Neal, and more. Blazejowski is also a Naismith Hall of Fame inductee.

See the full article here.

 

Lou Fusz Goes Viral

Lou Fusz Athletic Mueller ‘06 won the U-15 Missouri State Championship, but went viral for breaking the trophy during their celebration. Similar to some pro teams’ celebrations, the team hoisted the trophy in the air and it shattered on the ceiling.

The team will receive a new trophy soon, and each player took home a piece of the broken trophy.

 

Thomas Gleeson Joins IPZ

Thomas Gleeson, who interned with IPZ during the past school year, is the newest member of the IPZ team, joining as Sports Sponsorship Manager.

Gleeson graduated Marist College in May 2021 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in sports communications. He will continue to work on brand outreach for sponsorships and partnerships for IPZ’s athletes.

Tom impressed the IPZ team with his work ethic and creativity during his internship. His experience includes producing two sports podcasts, writing articles for several publications, creating social media content, and connecting athletes with high schools and colleges.

“Throughout my career, I have learned that finding amazing young employees starts with a “test drive” as an internship,” said Robert Zito, IPZ managing partner.  “Whether at the NYSE, Sony or BMS, I was fortunate to welcome young interns who impressed our teams with their drive, knowledge, and willingness to learn.  Tom hit the ground running at IPZ and impressed all of us with his tenacity.  We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”