Connect with us

Sports

Why Wizards Acquired Russell Westbrook

Published

on

Why Wizards Acquired Russell Westbrook
Of a Truth, former MVP, nine-time All-Star, Russell Westbrook has come to Washington in exchange for John Wall.
Why Wizards Acquired Russell Westbrook

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a play during the second half of the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 30, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The Washington Wizards have acquired former NBA MVP and nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook from the Houston Rockets in exchange for John Wall and a future lottery-protected first round pick.

 

 

“Having the opportunity to acquire a player of Russell’s caliber and character was something that we could not pass up when looking at both the immediate and long-term future of our team,” said Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard. “With that said, the decision to part ways with John, one of the greatest players in franchise history, was extremely difficult. What he has meant to our organization and our community is immeasurable and will not be forgotten.”

 

 

Westbrook holds career averages of 23.2 points, 8.3 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 878 career games with Oklahoma City (where he played under Wizards Head Coach Scott Brooks from 2008-15) and Houston. Named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2016-17, he has been one of the league’s most decorated players over the last decade. He has been named to the All-NBA Team nine times (twice to the First Team, five times to the Second Team and twice to the Third Team) and earned All-Star honors nine times (taking MVP honors twice). Westbrook is also one of only two players in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season (joining Oscar Robertson and doing so for three straight seasons from 2016-19). He averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.6 steals in 57 games last season with Houston to earn All-NBA Third Team recognition. In addition to his on-court honors, Westbrook was named the 2014-15 NBA Cares Community Assist Award winner for his philanthropic work.

 

 

“Russell’s accomplishments and honors on the court speak for themselves, but his drive and will to win are what separate him as a truly unique player,” said Brooks. “As much as I’m looking forward to reuniting with him, I’m equally sad to say good-bye to John. He is one of the toughest and most gifted players I’ve ever been around and we all wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

 

 

Westbrook’s 146 career-triple doubles ranks first among active players, and second in NBA history. His 23.2 points per game rank eighth among all active players while his 20,412 points rank seventh among all active players. His 8.3 assists per game rank third among all active players and 11th all-time while his 7,298 total assists rank third among all active players and 14th all-time. He led the NBA in scoring in 2016-17 (31.6 ppg) and 2014-15 (28.2 ppg) and led the league in assists per game in 2017-18 (10.3 apg) and 2018-19 (10.7 apg) while leading the league in triple-doubles five consecutive seasons from 2014-15 to 2018-19, recording 130 total in that timeframe.

 

 

Wall was originally drafted by the Wizards with the first overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. He compiled averages of 18.9 points, 9.2 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 541 games. The five-time All-Star was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2016-17 and won the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2016. He leaves Washington as the franchise’s all-time leader in assists and steals.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Sports

Taekwondo Unity Cup 2025: A Resounding Success In Abuja

Published

on

Taekwondo Unity Cup 2025: A Resounding Success In Abuja

 

 

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

 

The 4th edition of the FCT Unity Taekwondo Cup has come to a close, leaving behind a trail of excitement, sportsmanship, and unity. Held from June 12 to 14, 2025, at the NAF Valley Estate Multipurpose Hall in Asokoro, Abuja, the tournament brought together over 300 athletes from 21 clubs and institutions.

 

Taekwondo Unity Cup 2025: A Resounding Success In Abuja

 

The three-day event was a masterclass in martial arts, with participants showcasing their skills in poomsae and electronic sparring contests.

 

The Nigeria Army emerged as the overall winner in the adults sparring category, followed closely by Astric (FCT Police Command), the Korean Cultural Centre, and the Nigerian Air Force.

 

The tournament also provided a platform for kids from different taekwondo clubs to compete and showcase their talents. The event was graced by senior military and law enforcement officers, including board members of the FCT chapter of the Taekwondo Supporters Club of Nigeria.

 

The Nigeria Army was recognized as the most consistent team, while Master Marcus S. Musa from the Air Force was awarded the Best Coach in the adult team category. BeeGee TKD Club emerged as the overall best team, and Master Raymond Tiamiyu was recognized as the Best Coach in the kid’s category. Kalu Chijioke Jnr and Ogugua Mmaduabuchi were awarded the Most Valuable Adult Fighter and Most Valuable Kid Fighter, respectively. Oyebamiji Richard was recognized as the Most Valuable Poomsae Athlete.

 

The tournament served as a window for civil-military relations, providing a stage for positive youth expression. Group Captain AO Adeyeye, Director of Sports at HQ NAF, representing the Chief of Air Staff, noted that the annual Taekwondo Unity Cup has been instrumental in fostering unity and promoting sportsmanship among participants.

 

The Chairman of the Taekwondo Unity Cup, Master Gbolahan Ogunmuyiwa, encouraged parents to incorporate physical fitness training into their children’s education. He emphasized that taekwondo is one of the safest combat sports that can help kids become more physically active, improve flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular health.

 

The event concluded with the presentation of merit awards to dignitaries and winners. The 4th edition of the FCT Unity Taekwondo Cup was a resounding success, promoting unity, sportsmanship, and physical fitness among participants. As the tournament comes to a close, the organizers and participants alike are already looking forward to the next edition, eager to continue the momentum and growth of taekwondo in the region.

 

The success of the tournament is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and promote positive values. As the participants and winners celebrated their achievements, it was clear that the Taekwondo Unity Cup has become a significant event in the region’s sports calendar. With its emphasis on unity, sportsmanship, and physical fitness, the tournament is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of young athletes in the region.

Continue Reading

Sports

The Queen Returns: Ogundele Rasheedat’s Golden Comeback Story

Published

on

The Queen Returns: Ogundele Rasheedat's Golden Comeback Story

The Queen Returns: Ogundele Rasheedat’s Golden Comeback Story

She conquered Port Harcourt in 2011. Dominated Lagos in 2012. Nearly reclaimed her throne in Delta in 2022. Now, Nigerian table tennis veteran, international umpire, ( Ogundele Rasheedat ) is back and she’s aiming for gold at the ongoing OGUN National Sports Festival Games 2025.
Representing Delta State, Rasheedat returns to the table with a bold mission: to reclaim her crown in the Women’s Singles category and complete her Sports Festival Games legacy with yet another gold medal.

The Queen Returns: Ogundele Rasheedat's Golden Comeback Story

“I’ve stood at the top before and I’m here for the gold again,” said Rasheedat confidently in an interview. “This is more than a competition. This is legacy, redemption, and proof that champions don’t fade, they evolve.”

Rasheedat is not your everyday athlete. She wears two hats like a boss, a decorated table tennis player and a certified international umpire. She’s been repping Nigeria not just as a competitor but also as an official on global stages. That’s rare.

Check out her record:

Gold Medal – Women’s Singles, Port Harcourt Festival Games (2011)

🥇 Gold Medal – Women’s Singles, Lagos Festival Games (2012)

🥈 Silver Medal – Women’s Singles, Delta Festival Games (2022)

This year in Abeokuta, she’s not just coming to participate, she’s writing the next chapter of her legacy. And fans are rooting for her all the way. She’s a living proof that you can be versatile, consistent, and elite. Her journey inspires not just players, but officials, fans, and the next generation.

So as the Festival Games heat up in Ogun 2025, all eyes are on the Queen of the Table. Watch out for her because she’s not done yet.

Follow her journey. Let’s show love, share her story, and support our own.

Follow her on socials:
Instagram: @its.rasheedah
TikTok: @its.rasheedah24

Hashtags:
#RasheedatReturns #GoldenComeback #OGUN2025Queen

Media Contact:
Feezyking Cr8 – PR Desk
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +234 703 853 1294

Continue Reading

Sports

Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman

Published

on

Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman*

_as NSC Affirms State’s Readiness Ahead of Gateway Games 2024_

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially confirmed that Ogun State is fully prepared to host the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, following a comprehensive inspection tour of competition venues, logistics hubs, and athlete accommodations across the state.

Led by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Commission’s delegation visited key facilities including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Alake Sports Centre, Remo Stars Sports Complex, and Babcock University, which will serve as the athletes’ village for the Festival.

The Gateway Games 2024, scheduled to run from May 16 to 30, will bring together thousands of athletes and officials from across Nigeria, competing in more than 32 disciplines, making it one of the largest and most inclusive editions in the Festival’s history.

Speaking after the tour, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko expressed deep confidence in Ogun’s capacity to deliver a landmark event. According to him, “What I have seen here in Ogun is more than infrastructure. It is intent readiness, and ambition. Ogun is set to deliver a brilliant National Sports Festival that will raise the bar and define the standard for future games across Nigeria.”

Reaffirming the state’s commitment, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured the Commission and the Nigerian people of Ogun’s readiness to deliver a historic Games. “We consider it an honour and a responsibility to host this historic Festival. Every facility, every logistic, every detail has been prepared to showcase the best of Ogun and the promise of Nigeria. The Gateway Games will be a model of what’s possible when states align with national vision,” the Governor said.

As the lead agency for sports governance in Nigeria, the National Sports Commission continues to play a central role in coordinating nationwide sports development delivery, enforcing standards, and deepening synergy across all tiers of government. The success of the Gateway Games will serve as a blueprint for future sports development initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman*

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending