Tag Archive for: Eurobasket

Whitney Accepts Offer….Curtin’s Union Advance in CONCACAF….Omoruyi and Olivers Tight Bond

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Kahlil Whitney Accepts Offer with Klub Skrljevo

Kahlil Whitney, who signed last week with IPZ, has accepted an offer from Klub Skrljevo (Klub Skrljevo Team Website) in the Croation Premier League, the club announced early Monday. IPZ worked with Players Group Italia to secure the offer for Kahlil.  

Whitney spent the last three seasons in the G-Leauge, appearing in 24 games for his hometown team, the Windy City Bulls as well as the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.  

“The teams at Players Group and IPZ feel this is an excellent opportunity for Kahlil to showcase his talents,” said IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito. “Our hope is he can be a vital cog to lead Skrljevo to a great run in the playoffs.”  

Curtin’s Philadelphia Union Advance in CONCACAF Champions Cup

In a thrilling 120-minute showdown, Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union showcased resilience and determination, ultimately clinching victory with a dramatic 94th-minute winner by Mikael Uhre, securing a 6-5 aggregate series win over Deportivo Saprissa. Tuesday night’s Concacaf Champions Cup clash was a spectacle, featuring six goals, intense VAR reviews, and the Union enduring extra time playing down a man. Yet, echoing the spirit of their city and Curtin, the Union fought relentlessly, advancing to face one of the oldest and most prominent clubs in Mexico, C.F. Pachuca, in the next round.

Curtin, following a lackluster performance, was brief in his post-game comments, simply stating, “Survive and advance.”

Set to kick off the Round of 16 in front of their passionate home crowd, the Philadelphia Union will take the field for leg 1 of a 2 leg aggregate series at Subaru Park on Tuesday, March 5th, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.

The Tight Bond between Big Cliff and Muhammad Oliver

Our newsletter has been filled with numerous stories about the way Rutgers star Clifford Omoruyi has given back to the community during his college career.  

But where did Cliff learn about the right things to do?  

Check out his story, from the Salvation Army, about Cliff’s mentor and guardian – Muhammad Oliver. 

 

Tyrell Nelson Named Player of the Week

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IPZ athlete Tyrell Nelson was honored as the Georgian Superleague’s Player of the Week in the league’s opening week. Nelson poured in 24 points and pulled down 9 rebounds leading his team, BC Rustavi, to victory in its first game of the season on October 14.

View the full story online: http://www.eurobasket.com/Georgia/news/510176/Tyrell-Nelson-claims-Georgian-Superleague-weekly-honour

FEYONDA FITZGERALD CHOOSES IPZ

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WNBA Draft Pick Signs with IPZ

WARREN, NJ, October 9, 2017 – Feyonda Fitzgerald, a 2017 WNBA draft pick and leading scorer for a top team in Poland, has signed with IPZ, the company announced today.

The 5-foot-7 point guard played collegiately for Temple University from 2013 to 2017. Fitzgerald made an immediate impact for the Owls as she started all 30 games as a freshman and was Temple’s top scorer averaging 12.9 points per contest. She was a unanimous All-Freshman Team selection and was named to American’s All-Conference Second Team.

As a sophomore, Fitzgerald appeared in all 37 contests and put up 11.1 points per game. The following season, she became an All-Conference Second Team selection once more after averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per contest.

In her senior year, Fitzgerald became the Owls’ single-season assist record holder dishing out 232 dimes, and she took ownership of the school’s all-time assist record with 635. Fitzgerald averaged 17.3 points, 7.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, while knocking down 82.7 percent of her free throw attempts and was named to American’s All-Conference First Team. This high-caliber season catapulted Temple to a 24-8 record as well as the Owls’ first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011. Fitzgerald also earned All-American honors and became the first Owl to do so since 2007.

Fitzgerald was selected in the second round of the 2017 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. After stints with the Fever and the Connecticut Sun (WNBA) during training camp, the All-American point guard went on to compete overseas. Fitzgerald currently plays for AZS UMCS Lublin (Basket Liga Kobiet – the highest-tier league in Poland) and is averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per contest through three games.

“Feyonda is a fierce competitor and a proven winner,” said IPZ’s Managing Director of Basketball Shawn Farmer. “She was a star for Temple and there’s no doubt in my mind that she will continue to have the same success – if not more – in her professional career.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com. 

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

MIAH SPENCER SIGNS WITH TOP TEAM IN POLAND

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IPZ Athlete Will Play for AZS AJP Gorzów

WARREN, NJ, June 19, 2017 – Miah Spencer has signed a professional contract with AZS AJP Gorzów (Basket Liga Kobiet – the highest-tier league in Poland) for the 2017-2018 season.

“Playing professional basketball is something I’ve always dreamed of,” said Spencer. “I’m just thankful for those who have helped me get to this point in my career. This is a great opportunity and a new start to my career. I’m excited.”

Spencer – a First Team All-ACC selection – averaged 12.8 points, 4.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game for the North Carolina State Wolfpack this past season.

“It’s always amazing seeing an athlete’s hard work pay off and Miah is no exception,” said IPZ’s Managing Director of Basketball Shawn Farmer. “She is such a talented player and we are excited to see her compete for a top-tier program like Gorzów.”

View Eurobasket’s announcement of Spencer’s signing here.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

TYRELL NELSON CHOOSES IPZ

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All-Big South Honoree Signs with InterperformancesUSA

WARREN, NJ, April 13, 2017 – Tyrell Nelson, a forward who was a double-double machine for Gardner-Webb University, has chosen to be represented by InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

The 6-foot-7 Charlotte, NC native has received honors since his freshman campaign when he was named to the Big South All-Freshman Team in the 2013-14 season. The following year, Nelson was recognized on the NCCSIA All-State Second Team. Nelson earned Second Team All-Big South Honors in both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.

In the forward’s senior campaign, he averaged 12.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Over his collegiate career, Nelson posted 25 double-doubles and broke into the top 10 of Gardner-Webb’s record books. He ranks #5 in rebounding with 870 boards, and #8 in scoring with 1,651 points.

“I chose IPZ because of the complete team they have,” said Nelson. “They have people who are good at their job and know the right people to make my dreams of becoming a professional basketball player, a reality. I put my complete trust in them.”

“Tyrell is a solid and dependable forward,” said IPZ Managing Director of Basketball Shawn Farmer. “His size allows him to overpower defenders in the paint and get to the basket, as well as position himself in order to secure rebounds. Tyrell has a bright future ahead of him and IPZ is thrilled to have him.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

ALEXUS COOPER SIGNS WITH IPZ

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InterperformancesUSA Grows with Addition of Eastern Kentucky Guard

WARREN, NJ, April 4, 2017 – Alexus Cooper, a standout guard for the Eastern Kentucky Colonels has chosen InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) for representation, the company announced today.

Hailing from Rocky Mount, NC, the 5’8 guard was named to the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2015-16 as a junior. In her senior season, Cooper was named to the 2016-17 CoSIDA All-District Team.

On her senior night, Cooper tied her career-high of 26 points connecting on eight of 12 three-pointers against Tennessee Tech. Cooper put together an impressive senior campaign, as she ranked in the top 15 of five categories among OVC leaders. Cooper ranked #4 in minutes played averaging 34.3 per game, #5 in three-point field goals made per game with 2.4, #8 in steals per game with 1.6, #9 in three-point percentage shooting 36%, and #13 in scoring, averaging 12.7 points per game.

“I’m so excited to be working with IPZ,” said Cooper. “With such promising success, I couldn’t imagine being elsewhere to begin my professional career. I know they only want the best for their athletes; I’m fortunate to be a part of the IPZ family.”

“I’ve had the luxury of working with a lot of basketball players over the past 15 years, but Alexus is one of – if not the – most hard-working and intelligent athletes I’ve worked with,” said Shawn Farmer, IPZ’s managing director of basketball. “Alexus has outstanding character and I look forward to seeing what her future holds.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

KELILA ATKINSON JOINS THE IPZ FAMILY

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InterperformancesUSA Represents Wake Forest Guard

WARREN, NJ, March 31, 2017 – Kelila “KayKay” Atkinson, a 5-foot-10 guard out of Wake Forest University has chosen to be represented by InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

Atkinson is a native of Woodbridge, VA, and began competing with the Deacons in the 2013-14 season. In her collegiate debut on November 22, 2013, Atkinson tallied 20 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and two assists.

Unfortunately, Atkinson suffered setbacks due to injuries and was unable to compete during the 2015-16 season and was subjected to limited playing time in her senior campaign.

During Atkinson’s senior night on February 26, 2017, “KayKay” put up 15 points, brought down six rebounds, and had two blocks against the Louisville Cardinals. Over Atkinson’s career at Wake Forest, she shot 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from beyond the arc.

“As I leave the chapter of college and enter into the workforce, I aspire to do my best,” said Atkinson. “I want to be the best competitor, team player, friend and advocate that I can possibly become. I want to inspire youth in any capacity that I am capable. I want to enjoy every moment of being a member of IPZ. Their motto embodies what I value…Family. Integrity. For Life.”

“Kelila is the whole package, not only is she an outstanding athlete, but an amazing person as well,” said IPZ’s Managing Director of Basketball Shawn Farmer. “I watched Kelila play prior to her injuries, and WNBA scouts were raving about her. She is an exceptionally talented player whose college career was interrupted by injuries, but is now healthy and will be a productive player in the pros.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

How To Make It Overseas

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Randy Reed Shares His Story on Becoming a Professional Basketball Player

Prior to signing with IPZ, Randy Reed was persistent in his pursuit of making his dream come true – to become a professional basketball player.

Reed finished out his collegiate career at the University of Omaha in March 2016, but knew he wasn’t ready for his time on the hardwood to come to a close.

One year later, his dream is a reality.

Reed signed a professional contract with Jeunesse Sportive d’El Menzah in September 2016. Since arriving in Tunisia in early October, Reed has put together an impressive rookie season, averaging more than 20 points per game. In February, he was selected to the all-star game in which the best foreign players squared off against the Tunisian National Team.

He shared his formula on “How to Make it Overseas.”

  1. Immediately after finishing college career, get a highlight tape and full game film.
  1. Get in contact with agents, owners, consultants, and players, gathering as much information as possible.
  1. Go to an exposure camp. If you perform well at your first, only play in that one and be sure to get film from it. It’s not recommended to participate in more than two.
  1. After finding an agent, wait patiently and grind. Grind every single day. Do a ton of research on the different styles and rules of FIBA basketball.

As a rookie without the biggest college or the greatest stats, it can be very frustrating, but you have to trust God and trust the process. Stay humble and stay hungry. Remember the dream and learn from the people before you that seeing another country for an extended period of time is incredible. A lot of people never leave their state – let alone the country – and even less people are able to play the sport they love professionally.