Tag Archive for: big ten hoops

Whitney Signs with IPZ…. Okert Traded to Minnesota…. Cliff Second in the Nation in Blocks Per Game

/in /by

Kahlil Whitney Signs with IPZ

Kahlil Whitney, a former Roselle Catholic star and five-star recruit, 2019 McDonald’s All-American and co-MVP of the Iverson Classic after scoring 39 points, has signed with IPZ.  

After his Roselle Catholic career and a multi-year stint in the G-League, Kahlil has his sights set on a productive career overseas. IPZ is working with Players Group Italia to assist Kahlil in fulfilling his goals.  

“I met Kahlil when he was a senior in high school,” said Robert Zito, Managing Partner of IPZ. “A mutual friend introduced us and I was immediately impressed with his presence, not to mention his athletic ability. Given the right opportunity to showcase his talents, Kahlil will be a force.”  

Steven Okert Traded to the Minnesota Twins

Last week, Steven Okert was traded to the Minnesota Twins from the Miami Marlins in exchange for infielder/outfielder Nick Gordon.

Now entering his seventh year in the league, Okert posted a 4.45 ERA out of the bullpen for the Marlins during the 2023 season. He also posted the highest strikeout rate (29.6%) and lowest walk rate (9.7%) of his career.

He’ll join the Twins bullpen as one of the top left-handed options for next season.

Cliff Omoruyi Second in the Nation in Blocks Per Game

Cliff Omoruyi has been dominating the defensive glass all season. Currently, he is second in the nation in blocks per game, averaging 3.3 in 24 games played. In recent action, Cliff has amassed 20 blocks in his last 5 games, and 30 in his last 10 games.  

The senior has helped lead Rutgers to an overall record of 14-11, and turned the Scarlet Knights into a defensive powerhouse, as they hold a 91.1 Adjusted Defensive rating, which lands them second in the KenPom defensive rankings currently.  

Omoruyi and Rutgers face their toughest opponent for the second time this season as they hit the road to square off against #3 ranked Purdue on Thursday in Indiana.  

 

Omoruyi’s Big Game Vs. Seton Hall + Omoruyi Eclipses 1000 Points + Oleynik in MMA Action Tonight

/in /by

Omoruyi’s Big Game Vs. Seton Hall

The in-state rivalry game between Rutgers and Seton Hall was a highlight reel for Cliff Omoruyi, as the Scarlet Knights defeated the Pirates, 70-63. Big Cliff was dominant, registering 13 rebounds and 7 blocks, while also adding 11 points. Omoruyi is currently leading the Big Ten in blocks, averaging 3.8 per game. He also became the first Rutgers player since 2019 to receive the Joe Calabrese Game MVP award as the best player in the Garden State Hardwood Classic. Aided by the return of Cliff’s roommate, senior forward Mawot Mag who grabbed 8 rebounds, Cliff and the Rutgers defense held the Pirates to 36.1 percent shooting from the floor. Rutgers will look to build on the win when it hosts LIU Saturday at 1 PM. 

Omoruyi Eclipses 1000 Points

It was a memorable night for another reason for Rutgers Senior Cliff Omoruyi. With about 12 minutes left in the first half, Omoruyi received the ball in the post, made a nice spin move and finished on a mid-range jump hook which marked his 1,000th point for Rutgers Men’s Basketball. Cliff became the 46th player in the program’s history to accomplish that feat, joining recent former teammates Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr.

Oleynik in MMA Action Tonight

MMA legend Alexey Oleynik (a.k.a. “The Boa Constrictor”) will step into the cage tonight to take on experienced Brazilian fighter Fernando Rodrigues Jr. (13-8-0) at RCC 17. Oleynik, known for his variety of submissions, is looking to secure his 61st MMA victory tonight which would rank him #10 all-time in victories in MMA history.  

Quinn Sullivan Shines In U-20 World Cup Training, Cliff Omoruyi To Be Featured In DirecTV Advertisement, Ithiel Horton Scores 1,000th Career Point

/in /by