Cleveland, OH
University of Akron star, NE Ohio native drafted into NBA
![University of Akron star, NE Ohio native drafted into NBA](https://fox8.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/03/GettyImages-2082128134.jpg?w=1280)
*Above video: Fun fast facts about Cavs*
CLEVELAND (WJW) – A Northeast Ohio native and University of Akron alum is officially joining the NBA.
Enrique Freeman was picked by the Indiana Pacers during Round 2 of the NBA Draft Thursday evening. He was the 50th pick overall.
Freeman, who previously played for Cleveland’s St. Martin De Porres High School, is a 6′ 7″ power forward whose draft stock kept rising since the draft combine.
While playing for the Zips, according to the NBA, Freeman became a four-time MAC All-Defensive team member, two-time First-Team All-MAC member and two-time MAC Tournament MVP (2022, 2024). He also won 2022 MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
During his last season in college, Freeman averaged 18.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 blocks and 0.8 steals.
Learn more about over NBA Draft picks here.
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Cleveland, OH
Ohio Legislature investing $20 million toward North Coast Connector
CLEVELAND — The Ohio Legislature is investing $20 million into the North Coast Connector that, according to a City of Cleveland press release, is going to support a land bridge between downtown and the lakefront.
“The North Coast Connector is a game-changer for Cleveland and will have a lasting impact on our city’s economic growth and development,” Mayor Justin Bibb said in the release. “This land bridge will not only enhance connectivity between downtown and the lakefront but also create new opportunities for businesses, residents and visitors alike. We are incredibly grateful for the support and dedication of our state partners who championed this project, as well as the residents, business and civic leaders who advocated tirelessly for its realization.”
This connector will conjoin the Cleveland Convention Center and “future hotel and entertainment development on the lakefront.” It will also, according to the release, allow for 20 acres of “underutilized surface parking for future economic development.”
The city expects this connector to increase growth and attract investments to the city in addition to increasing pedestrian traffic and local tourism.
“The City of Cleveland looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels to bring this transformative project to fruition,” the release reads. “Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for our city and region.”
The release states that the funding comes via the spending package in House Bill 2, which was passed by the assembly and is now just waiting on a signature from Gov. Mike DeWine.
Cleveland, OH
Randall Cobb and family 'lucky to be alive' after fire causes serious damage to Nashville home
NFL wide receiver Randall Cobb and his wife, Aiyda, posted on Instagram Wednesday that “we are lucky to be alive” after the family escaped a fire at their home in Nashville, Tennessee.
According to Aiyda Cobb’s Instagram story, a Tesla charger caught on fire in their garage and spread quickly.
“We are lucky to be alive. … We got out of the house with nothing but the clothes on our back and no shoes on our feet,” Aiyda Cobb wrote.
In the joint statement posted by the Cobbs, they thanked the Nashville Fire Department “for their swift action” and for helping rescue the family dog, Louie.
“I can’t get the image of the brave firefighter getting into position out of my head; he didn’t even have water to shoot yet. I truly thought the cars were going to explode and that we would lose him to this tragedy. He is a true hero,” the Cobbs wrote. “Unfortunately we don’t know how much, if anything, will be salvageable, but this has been a reminder that nothing is more important than the health of our family.
“We are grateful for our incredible community in Nashville, and the support from our close friends that have given us a temporary roof over our heads and shoulders to lean on.”
The Cobbs have three children.
The joint Instagram post by the Cobbs included videos of burned cars and the level of damage to their garage.
Randall Cobb, 33, is a free agent. He spent the 2023 NFL season with the New York Jets. He played 10 years with the Green Bay Packers and one season each with the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys.
Cleveland, OH
Kevin Love Reportedly Makes Decision On Miami Heat Contract
![Kevin Love Reportedly Makes Decision On Miami Heat Contract](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4398,h_2473,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/fastbreak/01j1jsncjwqnpbdk19t9.jpg)
Kevin Love is coming off his second year playing for the Miami Heat.
The former UCLA star finished the season with averages of 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest while shooting 44.0% from the field and 34.4% from the three-point range in 55 games.
On Saturday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Love will decline the player option in his contract and become a free agent.
Via Wojnarowski: “ESPN Sources: Miami Heat F/C Kevin Love is declining his $4M player option, but both sides are enthusiastic about negotiating a new deal in the opening days of free agency. The five-time All-Star has played the past two seasons with the Heat.”
ESPN Sources: Miami Heat F/C Kevin Love is declining his $4M player option, but both sides are enthusiastic about negotiating a new deal in the opening days of free agency. The five-time All-Star has played the past two seasons with the Heat. pic.twitter.com/uXU3bR8xPP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Based on Wojnarowski’s reporting, it sounds like Love will likely end up back in Miami.
Love was initially the fifth pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and has played 16 seasons for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves (in addition to Miami).
He has career averages of 16.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest while shooting 43.9% from the field and 36.9% from the three-point range in 929 regular season games.
Kevin Love is declining his $4M player option with the Miami Heat
Both sides are enthusiastic about negotiating a new deal in the opening days of free agency, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/cyX7EXjePP — NBA TV (@NBATV) June 29, 2024
The 2016 NBA Champion has also appeared in 88 playoff games (80 starts).
He has been to the Finals five times in his career.
As for the Heat, they finished the 2023-24 season as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record.
They lost to Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs (in five games).
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