University Center, Mich. - Former Saginaw Valley State University men's basketball player CJ Turnage earned multiple awards playing in the NBL1 Professional League located in Australia. The Detroit, Michigan native and Milan High School graduate earned First Team All-GLIAC honors, NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) Division II All-Districts First Team honors, and D2CCA (Division II Conference Commissioners Association) All-Midwest Region Second Team during his time at SVSU.

Playing for the Norwood Flames in the NBL1 Central Conference, Turnage earned the prestigious Woollacott Medal, as well as being named the league's Most Valuable Player award. He was also named to the Men's All-Star Five. During the 2021 season, Turnage averaged 24.0 points per game, 5.2 assists per game, and grabbed 7.2 rebounds per game. Turnage shot over 49 percent from the field. The Flames are currently playing in the NBL1 Central playoffs and most recently advanced to the NBL1 Central Mens Grand Final after a victory over the Sturt Sabres in the semifinal matchup on Saturday (Aug. 28). Turnage led the Flames with 30 points on 12-24 shooting. Norwood's next game will be in two weeks.

"CJ's has been super star since the first day he walked on our campus. CJ helped lead the greatest team in school history to a historic run with the NCAA Elite 8, in Frisco, Texas! We have been so fortunate to be able to have CJ as a student athlete and now a distinguish alum of our program and University. The reputation he is giving our program internationally is one we would never have dreamed of. He has been a tireless worker from the get go, was raised by two incredible parents in Calvin and Pam Turnage"-Head Men's Basketball Coach Randy Baruth