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Boston Globe
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Five things to know about Dallas Cowboys-bound Boston College star Donovan Ezeiruaku
He's a proud first-generation Nigerian-American. Ezeiruaku inherited a strong work ethic from his parents, Cindy and Sonyx. He couldn't go to football practice unless he finished his homework and brought home good grades. 'They were pretty hard on us,' Cindy has worked at a behavior health organization for 27 years and often takes overnight shifts to support the family. Sonyx is from Nigeria, moved to the United States in the early 1990s, and became an entrepreneur. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Ezeiruaku grew up going to Nigerian church with his family, and they regularly eat Nigerian food and listen to Nigerian music. Advertisement He was fiercely competitive at a young age, and not just in sports. Whether it was liturgical dancing at church, singing with his 'raspy voice,' or getting better grades than his siblings, he did everything in his power to win. 'He always made sure he put his best foot forward,' Cindy said. A surprising junior year paved the way for a monster senior season. Without a humbling junior year — in which he registered just two sacks after compiling 8½ the year prior — Ezeiruaku may have never emerged as the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year his senior season. Advertisement 'It was really frustrating, obviously,' Ezeiruaku said. 'I talked about it going into this year, about me going back to doing what got me here, just playing football, having fun. Flying around and making plays.' Ezeiruaku was projected as a middle-round pick, but as he dominated this past year, his draft stock soared. He led the nation in regular-season sacks with 16.5, which tied the BC single-season record. His 20.5 tackles for loss placed him second in the Football Bowl Subdivision. 'Last year, having a season like that, with all the expectations, that can be very demoralizing for a person,' Ezeiruaku said. 'Being able to bounce back definitely speaks volumes.' He worked closely with Doug Marrone. Doug Marrone, who was Boston College's senior analyst for football strategy last year, mentored Ezeiruaku and played a behind-the-scenes role in his tremendous season. Marrone, now the Patriots' offensive line coach, helped him develop his pass-rush skills and develop a pass-rush plan every game. 'Donovan did a great job of putting that plan into action,' Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien said. 'He did an unbelievable job. He never quit, he never gave up. He actually won us a couple games single-handedly.' The moment Donovan Ezeiruaku found out he was headed to the Dallas Cowboys. Priceless reaction from his mother, Cindy. — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Ezeiruaku impressed at the Combine and sat out Pro Day. Ezeiruaku shined at the NFL Scouting Combine, securing the top times in the three-cone drill (6.94) and 20-yard shuttle (4.19) among all defensive ends. He posted a 9-foot-11-inch broad jump and 35.5-inch vertical as well. Ezeiruaku dazzled scouts so much that he was confident he had done enough and elected to skip Pro Day as a result. It wasn't easy to stand on the sideline. 'My guys are out here doing their thing,' Ezeiruaku said. 'I definitely got that competitive itch.' Advertisement He should pair well with Micah Parsons. The Cowboys have one of the most dynamic edge rushers in the game in Micah Parsons. Ezeiruaku will have a chance to learn from Parsons and could mesh nicely with him in Dallas. The Cowboys had the third-most sacks in the NFL last year with 52, and Ezeiruaku will try to help take the operation to the next level. Micah Parsons + Donovan Ezeiruaku The Cowboys' new pass rush duo ⭐ — PFF (@PFF) Trevor Hass can be reached at
The South African
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
South Africa's Rising Golf Stars on the Global Stage
However, a new generation of talented golfers is emerging from this nation, ready to make their mark on the global stage. Leading this exciting wave is Christo Lamprecht, whose remarkable skills and achievements have already turned heads worldwide. Standing at an impressive 6'8″, Christo Lamprecht is not just making a big physical impression on the golf course – his talent is equally towering. At just 24 years old, Lamprecht has already achieved what many golfers dream of accomplishing in a lifetime. His journey began with a historic win at the South African Amateur Championship at the remarkably young age of 16, making him the youngest champion in the tournament's storied history. Lamprecht's collegiate career at Georgia Tech was nothing short of spectacular. He earned All-American honours three times, was named the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, and claimed three collegiate titles. His dedication and skill eventually earned him the top ranking in world amateur golf before he decided to turn professional in 2024. Dean Burmester has established himself as one of South Africa's most exciting players. Known for his powerful drives and aggressive playing style, Burmester has accumulated an impressive 12 professional wins, including four European Tour titles and ten Sunshine Tour victories. His breakthrough came with his win at the 2017 Tshwane Open, followed by the 2021 Tenerife Open. Burmester's success has continued with his transition to LIV Golf, where he claimed the 2024 LIV Golf Miami title. With a career-high world ranking of 55, Burmester's consistent performances in major tournaments showcase his resilience and elite skill level. For fans tracking live odds and performance analytics, platforms like FanDuel Sportsbook provide an engaging way to stay connected to Burmester's journey. Justin Harding has made his mark through strategic play and a precise short game. Two European Tour triumphs—the 2019 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and the 2021 Magical Kenya Open—that showcase his ability to compete at the greatest levels are among his career highlights. Harding's adaptable playing style has brought him success across multiple continents, with seven Sunshine Tour wins and two Asian Tour titles. His impressive 12th-place finish at the 2019 Masters confirmed his ability to perform on golf's biggest stages. Like many South African players, Harding has also expanded his horizons by participating in LIV Golf. South African golf stands at an exciting crossroads. The established legends continue to inspire while a new generation of talented players emerges. Christo Lamprecht leads this new wave, but he's far from alone. The nation's rich golfing tradition, combined with excellent development programs, ensures that South Africa will remain a formidable force in global golf for years to come. With players like Lamprecht carrying forward the legacy established by Player, Els, and others, South African golf's future looks exceptionally bright. The blend of power, precision, and mental toughness that characterises South African players continues to translate into success on the world stage, writing new chapters in the nation's proud golfing story.
Miami Herald
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Titans select QB Cam Ward No. 1 overall in NFL draft
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Cam Ward's unlikely climb from unheralded high school quarterback through the college football ranks culminated in being selected by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday. At Miami last season, Ward passed for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, both single-season school records, en route to being selected the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year. Ward began his collegiate career with two seasons at FCS Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State, where he played two more seasons ahead of his final season at Miami. In his second year at Incarnate Word, he passed for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns. In 25 games at Washington State, he threw for 6,963 yards and 48 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. He completed 65.5 percent of his passes (644-for-983) with the Cougars. Last season for the Hurricanes, he connected on 67.2 percent of his passes and was intercepted just seven times. Will Levis started 12 games for the Titans last season, throwing for 2,091 yards and completing 63.1 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and 12 picks. The Titans provided Ward with another target, signing former Seattle Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year deal on Wednesday. --Jim Hoehn, Field Level Media Field Level Media 2025 - All Rights Reserved
Reuters
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Duke star Cooper Flagg wins Naismith Trophy
April 6 - Duke star Cooper Flagg won his second major award in two days when he received the Naismith Trophy as the national player of the year on Sunday. One day earlier, Flagg won the Wooden Award. Flagg became just the fourth freshman to win the Naismith Trophy, which is presented by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. The others are Texas' Kevin Durant (2007), Kentucky's Anthony Davis (2012) and Duke's Zion Williamson (2019). The same quartet are the only freshmen to win the Wooden Award. Flagg's latest award was announced in San Antonio, one day after the Blue Devils lost 70-67 to Houston in the Final Four. "This is an incredible honor and I am truly grateful for the recognition," Flagg said. "This whole year, this (NCAA) tournament, has gone by so fast. It's been a blur and an incredible year. I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates, Coach (Jon) Scheyer, the rest of the staff and everyone who had me ready to go every single night. They believed in me and let me be me out there on the court." Flagg emerged as the favorite for the award over the second half of the season. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 37 games. The other finalists were Auburn's Johni Broome, Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. and Purdue's Braden Smith. Among Flagg's other accolades are being named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year as well as being a consensus first-team All-American. Flagg is expected to be the No. 1 choice in the NBA draft if he chooses to enter his name. Rick Pitino was named the Werner Ladder Coach of the Year award after leading St. John's to a 31-5 record in his second season at the school. The 31 wins matched the school mark reached twice in the mid-1980s. The Red Storm received a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament before exiting in the second round with a loss to Arkansas. The first-round victory over Omaha was the school's first NCAA tourney win since 2000. "I'm truly honored to be the recipient of the Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year award, especially with the incredible coaching of the other finalists this past season," the 72-year-old Pitino said. "I want to thank my players and coaches for making this possible after a historic season for St. John's Basketball. I am also grateful to the Atlanta Tipoff Club and the Naismith Awards selection committee for this prestigious honor." The other finalists were Auburn's Bruce Pearl, Houston's Kelvin Sampson and Scheyer. Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner won Naismith Defensive Player of the Year honors. The senior blocked 93 shots this season while winning Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors for the fourth straight season. Kalkbrenner also averaged 19.2 points and 8.7 rebounds and shot 65.3 percent from the field this season. "It is a huge honor to be named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and I am most appreciative to my teammates, coaches and the Atlanta Tipoff Club for recognizing our success," Kalkbrenner said. Houston's Joseph Tugler and two Tennessee players -- Jahmai Mashack and Zakai Zeigler -- were the other finalists.
Miami Herald
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Duke's Cooper Flagg becomes rare freshman to win Wooden Award
Duke star Cooper Flagg was named winner of the Wooden Award on Saturday, joining a strong cast of freshmen to be named the nation's top player. The 18-year-old Flagg joins Texas' Kevin Durant (2007), Kentucky's Anthony Davis (2012) and Duke's Zion Williamson (2019) as the only freshmen to win the coveted honor. Flagg emerged as the favorite for the award over the second half of the season. He's averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists entering Saturday night's Final Four contest against Houston. The other finalists were Auburn's Johni Broome, Florida's Walter Clayton Jr., Alabama's Mark Sears and Purdue's Braden Smith. Among Flagg's other accolades are being named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year as well as being a consensus first-team All-American. Flagg is expected to be the No. 1 choice in the NBA draft if he chooses to enter his name. --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
