Thomas Sorber: Trenton Makes and the Big East Takes!

Thomas Sorber is a highly skilled and versatile center playing in the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) for Archbishop Ryan HS and Team Final on the Nike EYBL Circuit. Known for his exceptional passing ability, basketball IQ, and all-around offensive skills, Sorber has emerged as one of the most unique and impactful bigs in the nation. Off the court, he is a mature, thoughtful and humble young man with an unflappable disposition. His mother, Tennah Sorber, his HS coach, Joe Zeglinski, and Rob Brown, Director of the Team Final Basketball Club can rest assured knowing that he represents them in a highly dignified manner at all times.

Recently committed to Head Coach Ed Cooley and the Georgetown Hoyas, Sorber possesses a wide range of offensive skills that make him a threat from various positions on the court. Over the past two years, he has developed exceptional passing skills that stand out among high school bigs. Sorber displays incredible court vision and an innate ability to find open teammates. His passing repertoire includes crisp bounce passes, accurate outlet passes, and pinpoint long-range assists. Sorber’s underrated court vision allows him to manipulate defenses and make accurate reads, resulting in open looks for his teammates.

Georgetown commit, Thomas Sorber ’24

Furthermore, Sorber’s scoring ability is highly efficient and versatile. He possesses a soft shooting touch with increasing range that he has extended beyond the three-point line, making him a threat from mid-range and beyond. Sorber can knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers, fadeaway shots, and jump hooks with both hands with consistency. He also possesses a vast array of post moves, utilizing his size and footwork to create scoring opportunities close to the basket. Sorber is an excellent finisher around the rim and has a crafty arsenal of shots, including scoop layups and hard dunks.

Additionally, Sorber is an exceptional rebounder. Despite lacking elite athleticism, he utilizes his basketball IQ, positioning, and timing to secure rebounds on both ends of the court. Sorber is particularly adept at offensive rebounding, using his instincts to anticipate missed shots and gain extra possessions for his team.

Sorber’s Trenton background has had a significant impact on his development as a player. Growing up in Mercer County, Sorber played in highly competitive youth basketball programs known for its emphasis on skill development, teamwork, and basketball fundamentals. This system has helped shape Sorber’s unique skill set and well-rounded game.

The Trenton style of play places a heavy emphasis on passing and team-oriented basketball. Bryan Caver (Seton Hall), Mark Bass (St. Joseph’s), Charle Cooke (JMU/Dayton), Myles Powell (Seton Hall), Malachi Richardson (Syracuse), Davon Reed (Miami) and Jamir Watkins (VCU/Florida State) are just a few notable Trenton ballers. Sorber’s exceptional passing ability and court vision are direct products of this Trenton influence. Playing in Mercer County, he honed his passing skills through extensive practice and a focus on fundamental play. Sorber’s ability to read and react to defenses, as well as his understanding of spacing and timing, are hallmarks of his Trenton upbringing.

Delgreco Wilson, Black Cager Sports and Thomas Sorber after he committed to Georgetown.

Moreover, Trenton basketball has traditionally prioritized developing players with a broad skill set, capable of playing multiple positions. This versatility is evident in Sorber’s game, as he can initiate the offense as a point-center, play in the high post, or operate in the low post as a scoring threat. Sorber’s ability to initiate the offense, shoot from the perimeter, and make decisions on the fly are all influenced by the Trenton style of play.

Furthermore, Trenton players are often known for their basketball IQ, and Sorber is no exception. His understanding of the game, ability to make the right reads, and high basketball IQ are traits that have been fostered through his Mercer County basketball upbringing.

In summary, Thomas Sorber is a highly skilled and versatile center in the PCL. His exceptional passing ability, offensive versatility, and high basketball IQ make him a unique and impactful player. The Trenton influence on his development is evident in his emphasis on passing, skill development, versatility, and basketball IQ, which have all contributed to his rise as one of the premier players in the nation. In the Big East, he’ll be able to work seamlessly with his teammates when it comes to executing the offense. Whether he’s on the low post, high post or wing, he’ll catch and quickly make a play.

Georgetown fans need to buckle up and get the popcorn ready. Big Thomas is headed their way.

Jalil Bethea: He’s on Some Other Shit These Days

In the annals of Philadelphia high school basketball, there have been rare individuals who possessed an extraordinary combination of skills, work ethic, and sheer determination. Among these exceptional talents are electrifying shooting guards that command attention on and off the court. In 1991, my homie Bruiser Flint was in the early stages of his coaching career and working with John Calipari at UMass. They were in town and Flint was extolling the virtues of kid he described as a relentless threat not only capable of scoring from all three levels with NBA 3-point range and a refined mid-range game, but also embodying the epitome of versatility, strength, and explosiveness. They wanted him BAD!

I met Flint and Coach Cal at 2101 S Broad St that afternoon, we entered the South Philly HS gym and witnessed a performance that my memory has etched in stone since that day. Kareem “Rab” Townes’ bag was a different kind of deep. With an incredibly varied arsenal of offensive tools and a flair for entertainment, he set the benchmark. Townes established himself as the most prolific scorer and exciting high school player of his era.

Jalil Bethea ’24, Archbishop Wood (Photo: Gavin Bethell)

No one had reminded me of Townes until the evening of February 6, 2023. At precisely 7:00 pm, the ref tossed the ball in the air and an important game between the visiting Archbishop Wood Vikings and the surprising St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks was underway. Over the course of the next hour and a half, Jalil Bethea evoked memories of Rab Townes, circa 1991-22. With about 20-30 SJ Prep football players, about 5-7 feet from the floor, relentlessly taunting and baiting him every trip down the floor… Bethea BUSSED DEY ASS! The magnitude of the game should not be understated. There was a lot on the line, the regular season championship remained undecided and playoff seedings had yet to be determined.

“Overrated… Overrated… Overrated!”

The rhythmic chant reverberated throughout the gym.

Jab step… swish!

Crossover, stepback… swish!

In and out, hesi… layup… good!

And one…

Bethea BUSSED DEY ASS!

A 40 piece spicy… fried HARD! Plus the win…

He has yet to take his foot off the gas pedal. Indeed, he gave Camden High a similar order last week at Philly Live.

When it comes to scoring, Bethea stands head and shoulders above his peers. His shooting range extends well beyond the 3-point line, mirroring the accuracy and consistency of NBA sharpshooters like Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson and FUCK IT… imma say it… Steph Curry. His remarkable range not only stretches opposing defenses but also instills fear in the hearts of defenders who must constantly guard against his deadly outside shot. His mid-range game is equally impressive, showcasing a refined touch and a keen understanding of angles and positioning. With an arsenal of scoring weapons at his disposal, he creates constant matchup nightmares for opponents.

Bethea is a BAD MUHAFUCKA.

It is obvious that he has invested countless hours in the gym with his mentor John Huggins, relentlessly working to enhance his physical attributes. Recognizing the importance of strength and explosiveness, he dedicated himself to a rigorous training regimen over the past 24 months. Through disciplined weightlifting, conditioning drills, and plyometric exercises, he transformed his body, developing the power and agility necessary to dominate on the court. He is routinely bangin’ on dudes and catching alley oops these days. This physical transformation has not only improved his ability to drive to the basket with authority but has also fortified his defensive skills, making him an all-around force to be reckoned with.

Photo: Gavin Bethell

With his expanded skill set and refined physique, Bethea has emerged as one of the most prolific scorers in the class of 2024. He is consensus top 20 prospect according to all of the national scouting services. His ability to create space and separate from defenders is unparalleled, thanks to his vast repertoire of offensive moves. Employing old-school jab steps, he baits defenders into committing, only to explode past them with a burst of speed or unleash a silky-smooth pull-up jumper. He seamlessly combines these moves with crossovers, in-and-out dribbles, and step-backs, leaving defenders in his wake and onlookers in awe.

It is not only his scoring prowess that captivates audiences but also his ability to entertain and excite with every possession. Each time he steps onto the court, fans anticipate something special. His deep bag of offensive tools, coupled with his creativity and flair, results in a dazzling display of basketball artistry. Whether it’s a mesmerizing crossover that sends his defender sprawling or a gravity-defying acrobatic finish at the rim, he leaves spectators on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting his next move. He has breathed new life into Philadelphia high school basketball, rekindling the excitement and passion that the game evokes.

It feels just like it did when Rab dropped 40 sumthin every time he enters the gym in 1991. In the annals of Philadelphia high school basketball, certain players have risen above the rest through their relentless drive and exceptional skills. Jalil Bethea, with his ability to score from all three levels, unrivaled range, and refined mid-range game, stands tall as one of the most formidable and prolific players of his era.

Bethea is a SUPAHIGHMAJAH prospect.

Through tireless dedication and a commitment to physical transformation, he has elevated his game to new heights. Not only does he amass points with ease, but he also captivates audiences with his entertaining and awe-inspiring style of play. As he continues to evolve and leave an indelible mark on the sport, he serves as a constant reminder that passion matters. He wants it… I believe he’s gonna get it!

U Want Da High? U sure… They Got Billy Richmond

Over the past 4 years, Camden High has produced numerous Division 1 basketball players. Lance Ware (Kentucky/Villanova), Taquan Woodley (South Carolina/UMass), Jerome Brewer (Texas A&M Commerce), Cornelius Robinson (Monmouth), Cian Medley (St. Louis), Dasear Haskins (St. Joseph’s), Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph’s), Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky) and DJ Wagner (Kentucky) all played scholastic hoops at THE HIGH. They are all very good and highly capable athletes. Wagner and Bradshaw were universally ranked among the top 5 players in the nation. With these players on the roster and patrolling the hardwood, Camden has been incredibly dominant in South Jersey and highly competitive nationally for the past 4 years. Fifty, sixty point ass whuppins have become the norm.

All of those guys are gone… The current Panther squad is led by the most explosive and athletic Camden player since DeJuan Wagner. Meet Billy Richmond ‘24, the epitome of explosive athleticism, agility, and a fierce competitive spirit at the high school level. As a high school basketball wing, Richmond possesses an exceptional set of athletic gifts and skills that set him apart from his peers. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches tall, he dominates the court with his sheer physical prowess and an insatiable hunger for victory.

Billy Richmond ’24, The HIGH (Photo: Gavin Bethell)

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Richmond is a different kind of athlete. He ain’t from ’round here!

Richmond’s most captivating feature is his extraordinary leaping ability. He jumps higher and remains airborne significantly longer than his peers in the mid-Atlantic region. He’s on some SEC shit… Dudes playing at Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas move and leap like Richmond. He defies gravity with every jump, effortlessly soaring through the air with remarkable hang time. His ability to elevate above defenders and throw down thunderous dunks is a spectacle that leaves audiences in awe and opponents demoralized.

One hand dunks… Check.
Left hand dunks… Check.
Right hand dunks… Check.
Two hand dunks… Check.
Alley Oop dunks… Check.
Off one foot… Check.
Off two feet… Check.
However the fuck you want it… Real rap.

In addition to his extraordinary leaping skills, Richmond possesses a lightning-fast agility that allows him to swiftly maneuver through the court. His full speed eurosteps easily cover 15-20 feet. He possesses exceptional footwork, enabling him to blow past defenders and slash to the basket with remarkable speed. This combination of agility and athleticism makes him nearly an unstoppable force at the high school level.

Being highly competitive by nature, Richmond thrives on the intensity of the game. After serving as one of the “other” guys on a star-studded powerhouse Camden team last season, Richmond has fully accepted the leading actor role. He now has top billing in the show at THE HIGH. It is obvious that he relentlessly pushes himself to achieve greatness, constantly seeking ways to improve his skills and elevate his team’s performance. He has an unyielding desire to win, and this mindset fuels his boundless energy and determination during every game.

Richmond is a pleasure to watch. Just ask the scores of SUPAHIGHMAJAH Head Coaches that crowded the perimeter of the court every time Camden laced ‘em up at Philly Live. Richmond was directly responsible for a couple hundred thousand dollars of private jet spending the past two weekend.

Offensively, Richmond’s main weapon is his ability to dunk the ball with breathtaking authority. He takes immense pleasure in posterizing opponents, rising above them and throwing down thunderous slams that reverberate throughout the gym. His dunks are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a psychological advantage, demoralizing opponents and igniting his teammates’ spirits.

Defensively, Richmond is a formidable presence. His leaping ability allows him to block shots with ease, swatting away opponents’ attempts at the rim. He possesses quick reflexes and excellent anticipation, enabling him to disrupt passing lanes and generate turnovers. His relentless defensive efforts inspire his teammates to match his intensity and elevate their own defensive performances.

Off the court, Richmond’s dedication to basketball is evident in the results his disciplined training regimen have produced. He migrated from Memphis, Tennessee to Camden, New Jersey for a reason. He spends countless hours in the gym, honing his skills, improving his strength, and perfecting his craft. Despite his athletic prowess, like the aforementioned Panther athletes that came before him, Richmond remains humble and approachable, serving as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes in Camden and beyond.

Billy Richmond is a super athletic, bouncy, and fiercely competitive high school basketball wing. His jaw-dropping dunks, remarkable leaping ability, relentless drive to win make him a formidable force on the court. He the unquestioned STAR of the show playing this winter at Camden High. With his exceptional skills and unyielding work ethic, he’s destined to leave an indelible mark on the high school game this year and inspire a new generation of basketball players.

Ahmad Nowell: Evolution of THE “Philly Guard”

We are witnessing the evolution of the highly desired and widely respected “Philly Guard.” As Philadelphia Black Basketball Hall of Famer, Kyle Lowry, begins to wind down his magnificent career, a potential successor to his Philly Guard throne has emerged. Allow me to nominate Ahmad Nowell ’24 (Imhotep/Team Final), a highly skilled and tenacious point guard who commands the basketball court with his exceptional skills and unwavering intensity. Standing 6’1” and built like a hard hitting SEC/Big 10 safety, Nowell possesses a rare combination of talent, toughness, and a relentless competitive spirit that sets him apart from his peers.

Ahmad Nowell, ’24, Imhotep Charter High School (Photo: Gavin Bethell)

Nowell is a certified and bonafide winner. As a freshman in Memphis, his team won a state championship. His Imhotep Panther squads have won 99.9999999% of their matchups and he leads the current number 1 seed, Team Final 17U, on the prestigious EYBL Circuit. No matter what setting or context, Nowell exhibits exceptional ball-handling skills and an ability to orchestrate an offense with precision. His mastery over the basketball is evident as he effortlessly weaves through defenders, utilizing a wide array of dribble moves and crossovers. His quickness and agility allow him to create separation and penetrate the defense, opening up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

With a strong mid-range offensive game, Nowell excels at the lost art of stopping suddenly and pulling up for accurate jump shots from the outside or driving to the basket for acrobatic finishes. He possesses exceptional court vision, reading the defense and making smart decisions to find open teammates for scoring opportunities. His ability to control the tempo of the game and make split-second decisions makes him an invaluable asset on the court.

He has caught the attention of the BIG BOYS. Nowell is a SUPAHIGHMAJAH prospect… Kentucky (SEC), Tennessee (SEC), UConn (Big East) and Georgia Tech (ACC) are currently engaged in a fierce battle for his services.

Offensively, Nowell’s craftiness extends beyond his scoring abilities. He possesses excellent passing skills and a high basketball IQ, allowing him to make precise and creative assists. Whether it’s threading the needle with a pinpoint bounce pass or delivering a well-timed alley-oop, Nowell consistently finds ways to make his teammates better and elevate the overall performance of his team’s offense.Nowell’s competitiveness and intensity shine through on the defensive end as well. He NEVER, EVER backs down… He seeks out the challenge of defending the best players on the opposing teams. He possesses quick hands and exceptional lateral quickness, enabling him to stay in front of his opponents and disrupt their offensive flow. His defensive tenacity and disciplined approach frustrate opposing guards, forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities in transition.

Nowell and his Imhotep teammates (Photo: Gavin Bethell)

Known for his toughness, Nowell epitomizes the Imhotep basketball culture developed by Andre Noble over the past 2 decades. He thrives in high-pressure situations, always stepping up when his team needs him the most. His leadership qualities and vocal presence on the court inspire his teammates to give their all and elevate their own performances.

Ahmad Nowell and Tasheed Carr after State Championship win

Off the court, he has benefitted immensely from Tasheed Carr’s guidance and nurturing. Nowell’s work ethic is unmatched. He is always in the gym. He is conscious of his diet and conditioning. His weight never fluctuates. His coaches consistently state that his often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave, relentlessly honing his skills and pushing himself to improve. His dedication to the game and his teammates serves as a motivating force for everyone around him.

Ahmad Nowell is the quintessential “Philly Guard” in 2023-2024. Highly skilled, tough, and intensely competitive, he is ranked among the top 30 in the nation by ESPN. With his exceptional ball-handling, strong mid-range offensive game, and outstanding defensive abilities, he dominates the court on both ends. Nowell’s leadership, tenacity, and relentless pursuit of excellence make him an invaluable asset to any team. Whenever you get an opportunity to watch him play with his Panther teammates, please take advantage of it. Nowell is setting the new standard for what it means to be a true Philly point guard.

John Hardnett asked me to look out for Samme Givens, DJ Newbill and Jamal Nichols – Mission Accomplished!

The late, great John Hardnett was a nationally renowned basketball trainer based in Philadelphia. His work as a coach and mentor to scores of Philly high school, college and professional basketball standouts has been widely acknowledged. He coached and trained young men for more than 25 years in the Sonny Hill League until he passed away in May 2010.

Hardnett’s work continues long after his untimely passing.

Whenever I had a young player like Jarred “G” Denard (Freiere Charter/Polk St/Claflin) that needed basketball “seasoning” I could deliver him to Hardnett. Within minutes of meeting Hardnett, Denard found himself in drills and playing 5 on 5 with Michael Beasley (Kansas St/NBA), Nolan Smith (Duke/NBA) and DeAndre Jordan (Texas A&M/NBA).

In return, John would ask that I provide academic guidance and counsel to some of his guys. He specifically asked me to look out for Samme Givens (ANC/Drexel), DJ Newbill (Strawberry Mansion/Penn State) and Jamal Nichols (Ben Franklin/DePaul). Eventually, Givens graduated from Drexel University, Newbill earned his degree from Penn State and this weekend Nichols will walk across the stage and receive his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Jamal Nichols and his family prepare to board a flight to Chicago so he can participate in the DePaul University commencement ceremonies this weekend.

Hardnett would be especially proud of Nichols today. It’s always a cause for celebration when someone achieves their educational goals. Hardnett truly appreciated the value of education and understood that graduating from college is a significant accomplishment that requires dedication, perseverance, and hard work. Nichols, overcoming obstacles and completing a college education after 20 years is especially commendable.

It’s important to acknowledge the challenges that young Black men from marginalized communities may face in pursuing higher education. Structural barriers, financial constraints, systemic racism, and other societal factors can make the journey to graduation more arduous. Graduating after such a long period demonstrates not only academic resilience but also a strong commitment to personal growth and learning.

This achievement is a testament to Nichols’ determination, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of his goals. It also serves as an inspiration to others who may face similar challenges on their educational journeys. By sharing this accomplishment, we can celebrate the diversity of experiences and highlight the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and advancement.

Congratulations once again to the Jamal Nichols who graduated from college more than two decades after he left Ben Franklin High School. May this milestone be the beginning of a fulfilling and rewarding future.

#Respeck

#BlackCagerSports

Combating The EVIL That Killed Temple Police Officer Chris Fitzgerald: The Role of Faith-Based Institutions

It’s about 8:10 pm on Saturday, February 18th… I’m in my car headed to the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University. My Big Bro Perry Clark is in town. He does color commentary for ESPN broadcasts of American Athletic Conference (AAC) basketball games. Tulsa is in town and they are scheduled to face Temple the following day at 2:00 pm in one of few remaining AAC matchups. Tulsa has a shoot around scheduled for 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm.

Temple Police Officer Chris Fitzgerald

Clark likes to attend the shoot arounds to talk to the coaches and key players to get a feel for the team’s emotional state. He leans heavily upon his 4 decades as a college coach to deftly probe the coaches and gain some keen insights he will share with ESPN viewers during the broadcast. I usually meet him when he comes to town and we talk a LOT of Temple basketball and end up at one Philadelphia’s finest dining establishments. Expense accounts come in handy from time to time…

Perry Clark and Tulsa Head Coach Eric Konkol

I am eager to get to Temple for this particular shoot around because one of my favorite college coaching buddies, Yaphett King, is on the Tulsa staff. This will give me an opportunity to pop up on King and welcome him to the City of Brotherly Love.

Delgreco Wilson and Yaphett King, Tulsa Asst. Coach

Then my cell phone rings…

It’s Kamal Yard, Founder and Director of the Philly Pride Basketball Club. I talk to Yard several times and week and frequently multiple times in one day. So, I think nothing of it and answer the call…

“What up Mal?”

“Mannnn… How you think Blue and ‘em gonna deal with this?”

Those that have known Temple Head Coach Aaron McKie since his schoolboy days at Gratz know that his nickname is “Blue.”

My mind starts to race… What da fuck is Mal talking bout now?

“I’m on my way to Temple as we speak, I’ll be there in a few minutes… What happened?”

“Youngbuls shot a Temple cop in the head at 18th and Montgomery… They said it was high caliber weapon… Really bad Bro.”

“Whooooooaaaa…”

Now I understood exactly what Yard was asking me… For the past ten years or so, he has been one of the few people that I have engaged in ongoing conversations about the dramatic rise in rampant indiscriminate violent crime, degenerating cultural values, declining academic performances and how they impact and ultimately circumscribe the ability of area college sports programs to recruit elite athletes.

Yard gets it… His Philly Pride colleague, Amauro Austin, gets it… K-Low Elite’s Lonnie Lowry gets it… WeRone’s Terrell Myers gets it…

Sometimes, it seems that Temple’s diehard football and basketball fans don’t get it…

Earlier this season, there were loud rumblings on Temple’s message boards about moving on from McKie. There’s been a constant drumbeat of complaints focused on his “recruiting” and his supposed inability to land the top area prospects.

When Yard asked, “How you think Blue and ‘em gonna deal with this” he was posing a very specific set of highly relevant questions all at once.

Allow me to deconstruct his query… Yard was asking, “With a Temple cop bleeding out on a street adjacent to campus, how is Coach McKie supposed to get kids to choose Temple over Rutgers, Maryland and Penn State?”

He was questioning, “With a seemingly endless string of savagely barbaric murders on or proximate to the Temple campus, how is Coach McKie supposed to get kids to choose Temple over Seton Hall, Villanova, St. John’s and Georgetown?”

As a father, a Temple supporter and basketball lifer, Yard was searching for a perspective that provided a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

I had no answers for him…

I’ll be the first to acknowledge that Temple has worked tirelessly to quell fears among current and prospective students and student-athletes since the brutal murder of Samuel Collington, a 21-year-old senior at the university, over a year ago. Yard, Austin, Lowry and I know through first hand interactions and conversations that students and student-athletes are afraid and parents are afraid for their children’s safety.

Temple sophomore Zack Hicks

Through it all, we have encouraged top local players to seriously consider the Owls when selecting a college destination. Indeed, Yard, Austin and Philly Pride have sent Scootie Randall, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, Ramone Moore, Ryan Brooks and current sophomore star Zack Hicks to play on North Broad Street. Lowry’s best player, West Catholic’s Zion Stanford, is already in the fold for next year. I worked hard in conjunction with Carl Arrigale, Pat Sorrentino and the rest of the Neumann-Goretti staff to help Hysier Miller understand the benefits of playing for the sixth winningest program in the history of college basketball.

Temple sophomore Hysier Miller

We all love and respect Temple basketball… We all want to see the Owls return to the heights they experienced under Harry Litwack and John Chaney.

Nonetheless, with his pointed query, Yard was asking if and how it can be done under the existential conditions prevailing on and around North Broad Street.

He was asking an important, damn good and very fair question.

It’s safe to assume that this question has been consistently and carefully pondered by Temple Trustees, Senior Administrators and Department Heads over the past few years.

One can see that Temple clearly understands that they have a serious problem with the way campus safety is perceived. In an attempt to assuage the prevailing perception, Temple President Jason Wingard and his family will relocate to a Temple-owned property on North Carlisle Street between Norris and Diamond streets in spring 2023. The Wingard family will relocate from Chestnut Hill, one of the toniest Philadelphia neighborhoods, to a row home is located in the middle of a North Philadelphia street just a block from campus.
 
It’s a very strong symbolic move. “As a leader, it is crucial to take action that supports strategic priorities,” Wingard said. “For my family and me, this is a move that we have thought about carefully.  It is aligned with institutional and personal values, and we are excited!”
 
But… It’s not enough… It’s no close to sufficient…

Since talking with Yard, his question has consumed my thoughts. I still have no answers. A least none that make any sense…

Five, ten, fifteen or twenty years ago, I would have delved into crime, employment, education and income data in search of a plausible hypothesis. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that we are dealing with profound immorality and wickedness, in many instances like the murder of the Temple police officer one can only conclude that the killer was a manifestation of pure evil.

This young man, raised in an affluent suburb, is truly evil. He woke up yesterday and explicitly sought to do harm by planning to commit some morally wrong action with no prompting from others. This evil young man tried to carry out this plan with the hope of causing considerable harm to others. This type of evil reigns far too often in far too many circumstances in Philadelphia and many other American urban centers.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to counter the argument that we are witnessing a clear division between good and evil. More and more it seems that evil is winning.

While it may not provide an immediate solution to the conundrums faced by Temple’s leadership, I want to pose a strategy that may stem the tide a bit and certainly will not make matters worse.

Faith-based institutions must become much more involved.

Congregating for an hour or two one a week to worship God is a positive thing that urban communities should not forgo. Even if you are cynical about church, one has to acknowledge that gathering every week to consider higher purposes in life is better than not doing it at all.

We are well past time to admit a simple fact… By any reasonable measure we have lost the ethical cores or centers that held our communities together. The consequences of that include almost daily assaults with high caliber assault weapons resulting in 50, 60 even 80 shell casings strewn across Philadelphia streets and sidewalks. The consequences include an honorable and peaceful senior citizen beaten to death with with traffic cones by seven teenagers. The consequences include five teenagers, one just 13 years old, carjacking a congresswoman in Philadelphia.

The consequences include two gunmen firing 64 shots with four different weapons at five Roxborough high school football players walking off the field killing a 14 year old. The consequences include over 500 homicides in each of the past two years in Philadelphia. The consequences include well over 1,000 carjackings in Philadelphia in 2022.

I have no desire to position myself as some sort of sanctimonious fraud. I don’t know how to lay out a convincing case for gathering at the church, mosque, synagogue, etc. I do want you use whatever time I have left to tell young men and women, especially young Black and Brown people how to avoid the road to hell. I don’t want to do it because I view myself as a moral authority. Indeed, for most of the past half-century I have been a sinner of the highest order.

I do it because I don’t want young Black and Brown boys and girls to burn in hell.

Pastor Dan Jackson, New Kingdom Baptist Church

With Yard’s questions still on my mind, I attended an inspirational and uplifting service today New Kingdom Baptist Church in North Philadelphia. Pastor Daniel Jackson led a prayer for slain Temple Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald. I then drove a mile or so to the Liacouras Center, where there was a somber moment of silence for Officer Fitzgerald. During the post-game press conference, two Temple players and Coach McKie were asked to comment on the murder.

Plainly stated, the specter of Officer Fitzgerald’s murder hung over today’s activities like an exceedingly heavy and dark rain cloud.

I came home and discovered that Officer Fitzgerald was my cousin’s cousin. He was my cousin by marriage.

New Kingdom Baptist Church, 2445 N Mascher St, Philadelphia, PA 19133

I don’t know how Blue and President Winguard are going to deal with this… Nor do I know what they they should do…

I will, however, be in church somewhere next Sunday. It couldn’t possibly hurt if more and more young people joined me every week. Seriously… I don’t want them to burn in hell like the young man that took Ofc. Fitzgerald’s life last night.

St. Joe’s vs Temple: A BIG Big 5 game… Can You Still Say That?

I am a fan of Big 5 basketball. Subconsciously, I approach every matchup looking for streamers to rain from heavens after the first made basket for each team. For young readers unfamiliar with the tradition, once upon a time, during Big 5 games after each team’s first made basket, fans would throw streamers of their team’s colors onto the playing surface.

The NCAA banned this traditional practice in 1985. Ostensibly, because they thought it was dangerous. I actually think they banned it because they couldn’t figure out a way to monetize it.

The NCAA can always be counted on to do some nut shit…

For 67 years, Philadelphia’s Big 5 — LaSalle, Pennsylvania, St. Joseph’s, Temple and Villanova — have waged a unique Philly college basketball round robin. Nowhere else in America will you find five Division 1 basketball programs in on metropolitan area competing so intensely for a “made up” title. The Big 5 is not a league or conference. Winning the Big 5 doesn’t lead to an NCAA appearance… It doesn’t improve your national rankings.

For nearly 7 decades, the reward has been the winners ability to talk shit to the losers for the next 12 months… In other words, it meant a lot!

Like so many things from my childhood era, the Big 5 is different these days. They don’t play all the games at the Palestra on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. The programs have abandoned college basketball’s cathedral in favor of campus arenas… Better chance to win at home.

On Tuesday, yet another interesting and dare I say it… BIG… Big 5 matchup will take place at the Liacouras on North Broad Street.

Why? Why, one might ask would you categorize this as a BIG game? After all, both programs are several years removed from national prominence.

The game is BIG because somethings gotta give… To varying degrees, Aaron McKie and Billy Lange are lurching toward the point where they have to shit or get off the toilet.

Aaron McKie

McKie is now in his 4th season after taking the reigns from one of his mentors, Fran Dunphy. His record, 41-44 (.482) overall and 20-29 (.408) in the AAC, has been lackluster by Temple standards. Two Temple coaches, Harry Litwack and John Chaney, are in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Temple currently sits 5th in all-time victories trailing only certified blue bloods Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina and Duke. Viewed from a historical perspective, McKie is off to a rather inauspicious beginning.

Nonetheless, there has been steady improvement in the Owl program under McKie. He has finished 10th, t-8th and 4th the past three seasons… Gotta keep moving up… He has some talented young players in the fold. The Owls have also demonstrated a willingness to fight for some of the top talent in the Greater Philadelphia region. Hysier Miller is from South Philly. Zach Hicks is from Camden. Jalil White and Taj Thweatt played for Wildwood Catholic. Khalif Battle is a Trenton native. McKie and his staff are beating the local bushes. West Catholic’s Zion Stanford joins the fold next season.

Billy Lange

Lange is also in his 4th season leading the Hawks. He succeeded Phil Martelli who coached at St. Joseph’s for 24 seasons. Lange’s record, 25-64 (.284) overall and 10-38 (.208) in the A10 has been atrocious. Hawk faithful had become accustomed to, more or less, regular post-season appearances. Martelli led Saint Joseph’s to seven NCAA Tournaments and 6 NIT (13 total post-season) appearances in 24 seasons as head coach.

Up to this point, Lange has made very zero progress toward returning the Hawks to contention for post-season tournament appearances. St. Joseph’s has finished t-13th, 13th and t-12th past three seasons. Like McKie, Lange has had some success in local recruiting. Neumman-Goretti’s Jordan Hall has moved onto the NBA after just 2 seasons on Hawk Hill. Roman Catholic alum Lynn Greer III has taken over the point guard position. Camden High graduate Rasheer Fleming is one of the more intriguing freshman in the mid-Atlantic region. Substitute guard, Quin Berger played scholastically at Westtown.

Lange also successfully recruited Philadelphia natives, Rahmir Moore, Chereef Knox and Dahmir Bishop each of whom has transferred to other programs. Next year, three more highly regarded Philly prospects are scheduled to arrive at 54th and City Ave. as Shawn Simmons, Anthony Finkley and Xzayvier Brown begin their collegiate careers.

Both teams need a win in the worst way.

Tuesday’s contest is a rubber match for Lange and McKie. In their first meeting on December 10, 2019 at the Liacouras Center, McKie’s Owls literally beat the shit down the legs of the Hawks by 47 points (108-61). It was one of the most lopsided Big 5 games I have ever witnessed over the past 40 years.

Hard dunk after strong dunk after powerful dunk… As Buddy Ryan would say, The Hawks “lifted their skirts” early…

With Covid-19 wreaking havoc on schedules, they Owls and the Hawks would not play each other in 2020.

Lange would exact revenge on December 11. 2021 in the cozy confines of Hagan Arena. Jordan Hall, 26 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals put on a magnificent performance as the Hawks smacked the shit out of the Owls by a final score of 68-49.

The McKie-Lange scorecard stands at 1-1.

Erik Reynolds

So what should we expect on Tuesday? St. Joseph’s is gonna rely heavily on Erik Reynolds, II to generate some offense. I would anticipate Temple’s defensive stopper, Jalil White, to be nose to nose with Reynolds for much of the evening. White is a strong, long, athletic wing with exceptional lateral quickness. For this years Temple squad, he basically has one job… Stop the best muthafucka on the other team from scoring. White does it rather well.

Lynn Greer III has provided a steady hand at the point guard spot for the Hawks. He is a big, strong point guard with solid ball-handling and passing skills. In this, his first real season of collegiate competition he has struggled mightily with his shooting. He is shooting just 36.4 from the floor and a paltry 13.3% from behind the 3-point line. He also needs to cut down on the turnovers. Greer had 6 last game and is averaging over 4 per contest. He will square off against another Catholic League point guard. Hysier Miller is a throwback pass-first point guard for the Owls. Still finding his way, Miller has a stranglehold on the point guard spot for the Owls. While scoring over 7 ppg, he is dishing 4.8 apg while limiting his turnovers to just 2.1 per game.

Khalif Battle and Damian Dunn

Temple’s dynamic scoring duo of Battle and Damian Dunn contribute anywhere from 35 to 45 points almost every game. They will be a tough matchup for Cam Brown and Reynolds on the defensive end of the floor. Kacper Klaczek and Rasheer Fleming will have to chase Temple marksman Zach Hicks off screens all night. Hicks has shown hat he is capable of hitting 3’s in bunches.

Transfer center Jamile Reynolds has been very good at times for the Owls. He has provided them with a legitimate low-post offensive presence as well as solid rebounding. St. Joseph’s center Ejike Obinna, on the other hand, has struggled and his production is down considerably across the board when compared to last that of last season.

So who wins?

Well… I don’t foresee another blowout either way. St. Joseph’s should be motivated coming off a dreadful 17 point loss in a buy game to visiting Fairleigh Dickinson. Temple bounced back from an opening night loss to Wagner in a buy game to knock off Villanova. Can the Hawks duplicate such a feat? Naaaaah… Temple’s will try mightily to limit Reynolds’ offensive production. I just don’t think the Hawks have enough firepower to win at Liacouras this year.

I like Temple by 8.

It’s Early… Why Give a Fuck?

All hoop heads face the same dilemmas in a world of limitless viewing options. Which college teams to follow? Which college games to watch? Which college players to track?

Jack Clark, NC State transfer

Here I make explicit the teams I try to monitor and why… Every day, I look for boxscores and check the standing for these programs.

The Black Cager give a fuck list…

ProgramLeagueRecordWhy it matters to Black Cager Sports
AuburnSEC6-0, 0-0Bruce Pearl is a friend of Black Cager Sports. Asst. Coach Ira Bowman is a Penn alum. Super talented freshman Chance Westry is on the roster.
Maryland Big 106-0, 0-0Kevin Willard is in his 1st year with Donta Scott, Hakim Hart and Julian Reese headlining. Big 10 basketball in the DMV.
Miss. StateSEC6-0, 0-0Darryl Scholfield disciple David Anwar is 1st year Asst. Coach with the Bulldogs. Philadelphia native is one of the nation’s elite recruiters.
St. John’sBig East6-0,0-0Mike Anderson is clearly influenced by Nolan Richardson… St. John’s gets on your ass… They pick you up when you arrive at the hotel… Shoes Vetrone is a top assistant. Big East basketball in NYC.
Kansas StateBig 126-0, 0-0Jareem Dowling is an asst. coach
Penn StateBig 106-1,0-0Micah Shrewsberry has something brewing… Seth Lundy, Andrew Funk, Jameel Brown and Demetrius Lilly are on the roster. Mike Green, Adam Fisher and Mike Farrelly are on staff. Big 10 basketball in central Pennsylvania.
NC StateACC6-1, 0-0Jack Clark starts for the Wolfpack.
Virginia TechACC6-1, 0-0Christian Webster is an asst.coach.
KansasBig 126-1, 0-0Joe Dooley is on staff.
MichiganBig 105-1,0-0 Juwan Howard is head coach. Phil Martelli is asst. coach.
FordhamA105-1, 0-0Keith Urgo is head coach.
MiamiACC5-1, 0-0Isaiah Wong and Wooga play for the Hurricanes. DJ Irving is an asst. coach.
TowsonCAA5-1, 0-0Rahdir Hicks ia a PG.
FGCUASUN5-2, 0-0Pat Chambers is my guy. Dahmir Bishop and Blaise Vespe are my youngbuls. Shep Garner is on staff.
RutgersBig 104-1, 0-0Freshman Derek Simpson is currently starting PG. Paul Mulcahy and Caleb McConnell are close to coming back. Big 10 basketball in central New Jersey.
UMassA104-1, 0-0Frank Martin is my guy… Sool Diggins is my youngbul. My guy, Taquan Woodley, is away from the team for personal reasons.
BryantAmerica East4-1, 0-0Phil Martelli Jr. is an asst. coach
Kentucky SEC4-2, 0-0Began involvement in college basketball with Bruiser Flint at Coppin State and UMass with John Calipari. Lance Ware is on the roster. DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw and Justin Edwards will be on the roster next year.
HofstraCAA4-2,0-0Aaron Estrada is a muthafucka… Currently averaging 22.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 4.2 apg… Christian Tomasco, Khalil Farmer and Griffin Barrouk are on the roster. 
ColgatePatriot4-2, 0-0Matt Langel has emerged has one of the finest basketball coaches in the nation. Colgate has finished 1st in each of the past 4 years and 2nd five years ago. A likely target for high major programs going forward. 
St. BonaventureA104-2, 0-0Anquan Hill is on the roster. Sean Neal is an asst. coach.
MarquetteBig East4-2, 0-0Stevie Mitchell starts for the Golden Eagles. 
ProvidenceBig East4-2, 0-0Ed Cooley is had coach. Ed Croswell, Cliff Moore and Jared Bynum play for the Friars.
Seton HallBig East4-2, 0-0Shaheen Halloway is head coach. Corey Lowery is an asst. coach.
LongwoodBig South4-3, 0-0Graham Bousley is on staff.
WagnerNEC3-2, 0-0Donald Copeland is in his 1st season as Head Coach. Scott Rogers and Pete Lappas are asst. coaches. Wagner beat Temple at Temple.
American Patriot3-2,0-0 Mike Brennan is Head Coach. Matt Delaney is on the roster. American beat Georgetown at Georgetown.
PrincetonPatriot3-2, 0-0It’s Princeton
George WashingtonA103-2,0-0 Chris Caputo is head coach. Dwayne Lee is an asst. coach.
VCUA103-2, 0-0Ace Baldwin is PG. Jimmy Martelli is on staff.
DePaulBig East3-3, 0-0Tony Stubblefield is head coach. Bino Ranson is an asst. coach.
Drexel CAA3-3, 0-0Zach Spiker is in his 7th year at the helm. His record at Drexel stands at 79-106 (.427) overall and 36-63 (.364) in the CAA. He led the Dragons to the NCAA tournament in 2021. Will Chavis is a top assistant. Justin Moore, Kobe Magee, and Luke House are on the roster.
GeorgetownBig East3-3, 0-0Now in his 6th year, Patrick Ewing’s record is 71-87 (.449) and 26-63 (.292) in Big East play. Abysmal performance for a once mighty Georgetown program.
Cal St BakersfieldBig West3-3, 0-0Mike Scott is an asst. coach. Kaseem and Kareem Watson are on the roster
Penn IVY3-4, 0-0Seventh year head coach, Steve Donahue is 95-80 (.540) and 44-34 (.564) in the Ivy League. 
AlbanyAmerica East3-4, 0-0Dwayne Killings is head coach. Bob Jordan and Ryan Daly are on staff. Da’kquan Davis, Tairi Ketner, NyMire Little and Aaron Reddish are on roster. 
HowardMEAC3-5, 0-0Kenny Blakeney is Head Coach. It’s Howard.
Coppin StateMEAC3-5, 0-0Sam Sessoms is the PG. Justin Steers in on the roster.
La SalleA102-3, 0-0Fran Dunphy in Head Coach. Donnie Carr is an Asst. Coach. Jig Brickus and Khalil Brantley are in the backcourt.
St. Joseph’sA102-3, 0-0Billy Lange is in his 4th season as had coach. His record is 24-63 (.274) and 10-38 (.208) in the A10. Lynn Greer III, Rasheer Fleming, Quin Berger and Christian Winborne ar on the roster. Xzayvier Brown, Anthony Finkley and Shawn Simmons arrive on Hawk Hill next season. 
TempleAmerican2-4, 0-0Fourth year coach Aaron McKie’s record is 38-44 (.470) and 20-29 (.408) in the AAC. Hysier Miller and Zack Hicks are starters. Zion Stanford arrives next season.
VillanovaBig East2-4, 0-0Kyle Neptune is following the greatest coach in Big 5 history. He’s hit potholes Wildcat fans didn’t know existed. The ‘adjustment period’ for NovaNation. Eric Dixon, Chris Arcidiacono, Jordan Longino and Nnanna Njoku are on the roster. It’s Nova…
St Francis (PA)NEC2-4, 0-0Zahree Harrison is a Philly PG. Myles Thompson, Gestin Liberis and Wisler Sanon II are on the roster.
TulsaAmerican2-4, 0-0Yaphett King is an asst. coach
Morgan StateMEAC2-5, 0-0Kevin Broadus is head coach. Khalil Turner is a starter.
RiderMAAC1-4, 0-0Kevin Baggett is head coach. Geoff Arnold is asst. coach. Allen Powell, Ajiri Ogemudo-Johnson, Tariq Ingraham, Allen Betrand and Anthony McCall are on the roster
Delaware StMEAC1-4, 0-0Stan Waterman is head coach. Horace Owens is asst. coach. Aaron Lemon-Warren, Ray Somerville, Kareem Ewell, Jevin Muniz, are on the roster
MerrimackNEC1-5, 0-0Jaylen Stinson is the PG.
Florida StateACC1-6, 0-0Jalen Warley, Naheem McLeod and Jeremiah Bembry are on the roster.

Black Cager Sports Providing NIL & Financial Education to 2022 Fall Classic Participants

The road to the college basketball in the mid-Atlantic region goes through Black Cager. In addition to counseling and advising top players like Zack Hicks (Temple) and Anquan Hill (St. Bonaventure). A substantial number of the mid-Atlantic region’s players participating in NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 basketball have taken part in at least one Black Cager Fall Classic, a premier showcase for elite high school basketball talent held this year in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Current NBA rookies Jalen Duren (Pistons), Jordan Hall (Spurs), Collin Gillespie (Nuggets) and Izaiah Brockington (Pelicans) are Fall Classic alums. College Stars Ace Baldwin (VCU), Jamir Watkins (VCU), Donta Scott (Maryland), Hakim Hart (Maryland), Eric Dixon (Villanova), Nnanna Njoku (Villanova), Taquan Woodley (UMass), Rahsool Diggins (UMass), Hysier Miller (Temple), Jay Heath (Arizona State), Ricky Lindo (George Washington), Justin Moore (Drexel), Lucas Monroe (Penn), Aaron Lemon-Warren (Delaware State), Christian Tomasco (Hofstra), Lynn Greer III (St. Joseph’s), Naheem McLeod (Florida State), Jermiah Bembry (Florida State), Dahmir Bishop (FGCU), Blaise Vespe (FGCU), Jaylen Stinson (Merrimack) and Jalen Carey (Rhode Island) are just a few of the scholarship recipients the tournament has produced.

With advent of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) legislation and policy changes, student-athletes are in position to earn levels of compensation their predecessors could only dream about. Black Cager Sports recognizes the need to help high school participants better understand the NIL marketplace. Black Cager Sports wants to help high school athletes navigate “the new normal”.

Toward that end, EVERY one of the more than 700 student-athletes participating in the 2022 Fall Classic will be eligible to participate in the Black Cager NIL Cyber-Symposium on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 7:00 pm.

This panel will discuss the current state of name, image and likeness (NIL) a year into the “new normal.” This panel will examine the challenges faced by athletes, athletic departments and conferences as they navigate the continually changing landscape. The panel will discuss financial opportunities, legal and regulatory landscape of NIL, and the changes that have occurred since the NIL marketplace opened last year. 

Additonally, EVERY one of the more than 700 student-athletes participating in the 2022 Fall Classic will be eligible to participate in the eight (8) week Black Cager Fall Classic First Generation Investors (FGI) Program.

Through the FGI Program student-athletes will learn about finance & investing. Topics include:
a. Personal finance (banking, credit, etc.)
b. The stock market
c. Portfolio management
d. The Power of Compounding

Black Cager participants completing the 8 week program will make investments using real funds ($100) provided by generous FGI donors.

The Black Cager Fall Classic, in addition to being a premier scholastic basketball event, has evolved into an immersive multi-week educational, professional development experience and gathering place for college bound high school athletes and some of college sports’ most important stakeholders to share cutting-edge ideas, discover new interests, and learn how to maximize NIL opportunities to build their brands and amplify their voices.

Whether it’s hearing from the some of the foremost college athlete endorsers, being inspired by their favorite pro-athlete turned business mogul, or having the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals who want to shape the future of college athletics, high school student-athletes participating in all aspects of the Fall Classic will be equipped with the knowledge and relationships necessary to leverage their influence to create a better future for themselves and their communities.

Contact:

Delgreco Wilson, Founder

Black Cager Fall Classic

blackcager@gmail.com

Temple Alumni launch The TUFF Fund, a charitably-focused organization to promote and support Owl student-athletes

PHILADELPHIA – A group of passionate Temple University alumni and donors have announced the formation of The TUFF Fund, a 501(c)(3) charitable fund intent on deepening the connection between Temple student-athletes and the Greater Philadelphia community using Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Prioritizing community-focused initiatives and partnerships in the Greater Philadelphia area, the TUFF Fund will maximize NIL opportunities for Temple student-athletes.

In accordance with NCAA guidelines, the Fund is not affiliated with Temple University.

The TUFF Fund will enhance Temple University as a nationally premier atmosphere of growth for student-athletes on the playing field, in the classroom, and throughout the community. With the Fund established, it will allow any and all Temple alumni, fans, and supporters to donate to a centralized fund to be dispersed directly to student-athletes in exchange for their involvement in charitable activities utilizing NIL agreements.

“Positioned in the 4th largest media market in the United States, with over 350,000 loyal and passionate alumni and a sprawling network of strategic corporate partners and philanthropic leaders, we felt it was necessary to spearhead an effort that will maximize the Temple student-athlete’s brand and marketing opportunities,” explained Andy Carl, a two-time graduate of Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management (STHM) and executive director of The TUFF Fund. “As Philadelphia’s flagship university, Temple’s DNA is woven throughout this great sports region and we’re excited to harness those relationships.”

Rounding out the Fund’s executive leadership are Seth Goldblum, a 1993 graduate of Temple’s Fox School of Business and Chris Squeri, a 1996 STHM graduate. “I’m excited to be a part of something as truly transformational as the TUFF Fund can be for Temple. With the ever-changing college sports landscape, I feel it’s vitally important to be aggressive and progressive in the NIL space,” said Goldblum, senior managing director at CBIZ Private Equity Advisory.

Squeri, who was a student manager under legendary coach John Chaney notes, “This isn’t your grandparents’ Temple. We have a vibrant student and alumni population in the heart of a world-class city. It’s time to act boldly and be dynamic in our actions as a fan base and university. We’ve already seen significant private interest in The TUFF Fund and expect a tremendous impact moving forward.”

The Fund will identify and partner with Temple student-athletes, utilizing their expertise and passions to maximize the charitable impact their involvement will have in the North Philadelphia and surrounding communities. The TUFF Fund expects to activate community service initiatives in excess of 1,000 hours from the Fund’s NIL partnerships. To achieve these goals, the TUFF Fund will not only leverage relationships with regional and national brands, but will also enlist the help of passionate alumni and fans through fiscal support of the fund.Donors to the fund will have the opportunity to attend exclusive events, including in-person and virtual meet-and-greets with student-athletes, watch parties, camps, clinics, and other community initiatives.

The TUFF Fund was created under the legal guidance of Blank Rome LLP, a leading Am Law 100 law firm founded in Philadelphia that provides comprehensive sports law legal counsel on NIL legislature matters, to ensure compliance with all state, federal, and NCAA guidelines.

“Blank Rome is excited to work with the TUFF Fund on its mission to connect student-athletes to our Philadelphia community through the use of compliant NIL deals,” said Cody Wilcoxson, an attorney in Blank Rome’s sports law group. “Andy and his team are going to make a difference for the local community and provide unique opportunities to Temple student athletes.”

For more information on The TUFF Fund or to make an immediate impact as a founding member, please visit http://www.TUFF-Fund.com.

Contact: Andy Carl
Phone: 610-334-5428
Email: info@tuff-fund.com
Tuesday, August 30th, 2022