Oso Ighodaro, a 2024 NBA draft prospect, is not only making headlines in sports media for his NBA career; he has also sensationalized the internet after he and his girlfriend, Liza Karlen, appeared in a podcast on the YouTube channel The Dinner Table.
Ighodaro has made a remarkable history in their college career at Marquette University while studying at the University.
Despite not seeing the court in his freshman year (2020-21), his average was double digits during his senior year (2023-24): 13.4 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
He has now declared for the upcoming NBA draft, and his fans are excited about his upcoming basketball journey. But is Oso Ighodaro’s girlfriend behind his success? This article will tell you everything you need to know about Liza Karlen.
Key Takeaways:
- Oso Ighodaro and Liza Karlem started dating in 2021 and have continued their relationship.
- Liza’s mom is a graduate of Marquette University, and her siblings play basketball in her footsteps.
- Liza and Oso were born in the same year but a month apart.
- Oso’s girlfriend won awards in her senior year and has impressive stats.
Oso Ighodaro And His Girlfriend, Liza Karlem, Started Dating In 2021
The couple recently appeared on The Dinner Table’s YouTube channel, where they opened up about their relationship, courtship, and ongoing career.
Oso Ighodaro’s Girlfriend, Liza Karlem, said in the podcast released on February 6, 2024, “We have been dating for about two and half years, so getting up there a little bit.”
Since both Liza and Oso attended Marquette University, they must have first met there.
The young basketball players not only show their courtship in their relationships, but they have also been each other’s biggest cheerleaders.
In the same podcast, when the host asked Oso to speak about the University’s women’s basketball team, he said, “Yeah, it’s been a lot of fun to watch Rose and Liza. I am close to them, so being able to see them keep improving and now they are the focal point of the team.”
Oso also mentioned he texts Liza before each game. Both Liza and Oso graduated from Marquette University in 2024.
However, the couple is now moving forward with their respective careers. While Oso has declared for the upcoming NBA drafts, Notre Dame has signed Liza for the rest of her graduate season.
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Who Are In Liza Karlen’s Family? Parents And Siblings
Liza Karlen was born to Thomas G. Karlen aka Tom Karlen and Emily Karlen on August 20, 2002.
Liza’s father, Tom Karlen, is unavailable on Instagram or LinkedIn. Her mother, Emily Karlen, is a Senior Director handling operations and strategy at the University of Minnesota.
Emily worked as a physical therapist for the same university from 2001 to 2003. She then worked at the Institute for Athletic Medicine and Spinal Designs International.
Furthermore, despite stepping into motherhood, Liza’s mother has an extended career in the medical industry and managerial roles.
Emily graduated from Marquette University in 1999 with a master’s degree in Physical Therapy. Liza chose the same university for her higher studies because her mother attended it.
In an interview, the host asked why she picked Marquette, and she said, “My mom went to Marquette, so that plays a huge part, and it was close to home.”
Liza also has a younger brother and sister. Her sister, Lexi Karlen, is also a basketball player. She is in her Sophomore year and currently plays for Minnesota Duluth.
Liza’s younger brother, TY Karlen, plays basketball and baseball. His Instagram bio says, “Stilly basketball/baseball.”
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Age Gap Between Oso Ighodaro And His Girlfriend
As mentioned above, Lexi was born on August 20, 2002, while Oso was born on July 14, 2002. Both of them are 21 years old as of this article’s writing.
Nevertheless, to be accurate, Oso is almost a month older than Liza.
Summary of Liza’s Basket Career And Stats
A rising women’s basketball player, Liza Karlen, 6 feet 2 inches, started her career in basketball at a young age. She played for Stillwater Area High School and was successful in leading her to win the state championship game.
She began her freshman season at Marquette University in 2020-21. In her sophomore year (2021-22), she played in 26 games and scored her career-highest point with 26 points and 14 rebounds per game.
In the junior season (2022-23), Liza made 18 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in the Big East Tournament, and in the senior year (2023-24), she averaged 17.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
She was awarded the Katrina McClain Award, National Player of the Week, Big East Player of the Week three times, and USBWA Player of the Week award in her senior year.
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