Someone, somewhere once said, “Greatness isn’t just about what you do on the court”. Oso Ighodaro embodies this idea, balancing his on-court success with a quiet, private life. Though he’s known for his skills and leadership, he keeps much of his personal life hidden. His relationship with Liza Karlen is a testament to his grounded nature. So, on that note, let’s explore more about their relationship and see what we can find out. PS: Oso has competition while he trains!

Who is Oso Ighodaro’s girlfriend, Liza Karlen? Does she play in the NCAA?

Looks like Suns’ rookie Oso Ighodaro has already found his love. He and Liza Karlen share a unique bond that combines love and basketball. Ighodaro, a standout player at Marquette University, made a memorable entrance at the Barclays Center during his NBA draft. What caught the attention of many wasn’t just his sharp suit, but the woman by his side—Liza Karlen.

Although, the timeline of their relationship is not known, but looks like the two have been together for some time. However, apart from this, the couple has never appeared or shared any pictures of them together anywhere. Did you know she is a hoopster too?

Karlen’s basketball journey began at Marquette University, where she spent 4 years playing for the women’s team. She was a reliable contributor, and her stats are proof of her skills on the court. But her story is more than just numbers… Her growth as a contributor mirrored her personal evolution off the court. She not only hoops, but she even embraced the spotlight as women’s games gained more traction and visibility, and this new wave of coverage had a profound impact on her.

After four successful seasons at Marquette, she transferred to Notre Dame for her fifth year (2024-25), seeking new hopes, new challenges, and the opportunity to compete for a national championship. There, she continued to build on her strong foundation.

The below table summarizes her points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage for her NCAA career.

Liza views this period as a historic moment in women’s sports. “You’re kind of living in history,” she said, reflecting on the media attention surrounding women’s basketball. She feels privileged to be part of it. It’s this passion that led her to continue her career with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, after transferring in her fifth year. “I think that it’s too good of an opportunity to pass up,” she added. She’s determined to make the most of this opportunity—to play in a Final Four, to win a national championship.

Going back to her story with Oso Ighodaro, the couple is living in a world where sports often highlight just individual feats, but they remind us of the power of companionship and shared dreams. Their relationship isn’t just about basketball—it’s about supporting each other through the ups and downs. As she sets her sights on a potential national title, Oso’s journey to the NBA only makes their story more compelling. But, wait, their story doesn’t end here, she once commented on his basketball skills!

What did Liza Karlen have to say about Oso Ighodaro’s game?

Liza Karlen had high praise for Oso Ighodaro’s basketball skills. “A lot of people really respect Oso just based off his work ethic,” she said in an interview with Andspace. As his girlfriend for three years (approx), she has seen firsthand how dedicated he is to his craft.

Liza emphasized that Oso’s leadership extends beyond his natural talent. “He’s a very high-character person,” she added, highlighting how his influence lifts a team. His passion for basketball shines through, but it’s his ability that makes everyone around him better that truly stands out. For Karlen, it’s clear that his success isn’t just about scoring points—it’s about uplifting those around him. Isn’t that what makes a true leader on and off the court? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below.