Tag Archive for: ncaa basketball

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

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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.  

 

Dougherty Howard Begins Pre-Season…. Big Cliff Spreading the Word About Cancer Screening…. Curtin Preparing for 2024 MLS Season

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Meggie Dougherty Howard Begins Pre-Season Training with Angel City FC

Midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard, who recently joined Angel City FC, has begun preparations for the 2024 NWSL season.  

Dougherty Howard and Angel City FC kicked-off their NWSL preseason last week at their home training ground in Thousand Oaks, CA. Angel City FC will continue their preparations in California with a series of preseason friendly matches and training sessions over the next few weeks. Angle City’s 2024 NWSL opener is set for March 16th at home against Bay FC.  

Dougherty Howard, a NWSL Shield winner last year with San Diego Wave FC, hopes to bring her winning mentality and veteran leadership to her new club Angel City FC as it looks to build off of a strong 2023 campaign.  

Big Cliff Helps Spread the Word About Cancer Screening

Cliffor Omoruyi used his Big Ten and Rutgers’ platforms to help Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the American Cancer Society raise awareness about the importance of cancer screenings.

In four social media posts, Cliff talked about the importance of screenings during the NCAA’s “Suits & Sneakers” weekend games. In one post, Cliff put on his own suit and sneaks, saying “It’s not just the coaches who can wear suits and sneakers to spread the word.”

“We’re thrilled that Cliff is joining Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the American Cancer Society to share the importance of cancer prevention, early detection and cancer screening,” said Dr. Eric Berman, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. “He has helped many important causes, like the Salvation Army’s programs in Newark, and we are glad he is part of our team. It makes sense that one of the nation’s top defenders is helping defeat cancer.”

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union Continue Preparations for the 2024 MLS Season

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union recently wrapped up their first phase of preseason training in Clearwater, FL with a 3-1 victory over New York City FC (MLS) in a preseason friendly.  

“The first phase of preseason has gone very well,” said Curtin, “we had three really high-level games against CR Flamengo (Brazil), Austin FC (MLS), and now NYCFC (MLS). The group continued to get better through each of our three matches and were able to build up a lot of fitness and confidence going into the next phase of pre-season.”  

After a week back in Philadelphia, the Union will return to Clearwater, FL on February 5th to wrap-up the second phase of preseason with matches scheduled against FC Cincinnati on Feb. 9th and culminating with a match against New England Revolution on Feb.14th.  

Coming off a strong 2023 campaign the Union again qualified for the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC), a tournament that includes the top 27 teams in North and Central America. Philadelphia will kick-off its 2024 season and the CCC competition with an away game against Deportivo Saprissa, in Costa Rica on February, 20th at 10:00 PM EST. MLS action for the Union will begin on February 24th at their home at Subaru Park against the Chicago Fire FC with kick-off set for 7:30 PM EST.  

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

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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.  

Omoruyi on Abdul-Jabaar Watchlist…Prudius Impact Wrestling Debut…Doughetry-Howard and San Diego Capture 2023 Shield

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Cliff Omoruyi Named to the Kareem Abdul-Jabaar Watchlist

For the second season in a row, Rutgers star Center Cliff Omoruyi has been named to the Kareem Abdul-Jabaar watchlist, an award which highlights the nation’s top 20 centers in the upcoming 2023-24 NCAA Basketball Season. This award comes just weeks after Omoruyi was named to the Preseason All-Big 10 Team. 

Omoruyi and his Rutgers’ teammates open regular season play on November 6th against Princeton in the “Jersey Jam” at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton. The Scarlet Knights did play a pre-season game this past weekend, an 89-78 double overtime loss to highly-rated St. John’s at Carnesecca Arena. The game raised money for the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at the Jimmy V Foundation. 

According to NJ.com’s coverage of the game, “Big Cliff” more than held his own against Joel Soriano, who is one of the best big men in the Big East. Omoruyi finished with a team-leading 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting (4-of-7 on free throws), nine rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 36 minutes, while holding Soriano to 12 points. 

“We need Cliff to be like that,” Rutgers’ coach Steve Pikiell said. “He’s so talented and he gives us an anchor in the middle, both defensively and offensively.” 

Oleg Prudius & His Impact Wrestling Debut

Oleg Prudius, a 6′ 8″ 302 lb wrestler and resident of Miami Beach, Florida, recently made his Impact wrestling debut on October 12th. It was the first on-screen appearance for Prudius since making a brief cameo in March of this year. During the episode, Prudius aligned himself with the duo of Dirty Dango and Alpha Bravo after aiding Dango in a five-way match that had implications for the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match at Bound for Glory on October 21st.

Prudius previously wrestled in the WWE where he won a Tag Team Championship with his former partner Santino Marella. The veteran will look to repeat this success with Impact wrestling and return to his past dominance in the sport.  

Make sure to catch Prudius in action Thursday nights at 8/7c on AXS TV!  

Meggie Dougherty-Howard and the San Diego Wave Capture the 2023 NWSL Shield

Meggie Dougherty-Howard and San Diego Wave FC captured the 2023 NWSL Shield. The NWSL Shield is a trophy awarded to the team with the best regular season record in the league.  

San Diego Wave FC enter the NWSL Playoffs as the No.1 overall seed and will host OL Reign in a semifinal match-up on November 5th at Snapdragon Stadium at 9:30 PM EST. 

Dougherty-Howard and the Wave look to bring San Diego Wave FC their first NWSL Championship in franchise 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

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Ben Stitz Interview, Cavan Sullivan Called Up to U-15 camp, Quinn Sullivan reports to Union & U-20 training, Cliff Omoruyi & Rutgers upset #1 Purdue

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Rutgers Star Cliff Omoruyi Partners With 16 Handles

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