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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Incoming Men’s Basketball Freshman KJ Torbert Selected For Ball Is Life All-American Game
April 24, 2026 | Men's Basketball
Torbert One of 20 Players In Nation Selected, Only One Committed To A Mid-Major Program
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Incoming freshman for Bowling Green State University men's basketball KJ Torbert has been selected to play in the Ball Is Life All-American game. Torbert is one of just 20 players in the nation selected to play in the game and the only one of the 20 to be committed to a mid-major program. Additionally, of the players selected, 17 are currently ranked inside the top 85 of the ESPN Top 100 players in the Class of 2026.
Since the Ball Is Life All-American game debuted in 2011, there have been over 125 NBA players and more than 50 NBA Lottery picks that have participated in the game. Notable alumni of the game include Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Anthony Edwards, Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine among others. Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes were invited in 2020, but the game was canceled due to COVID.
"We are proud of KJ and all of his accomplishments," said Bowling Green head men's basketball coach Todd Simon. "Being recognized among some of the best seniors in 2026 is another much deserved accolade in his storied high school career."
This year's game will be hosted by SeaWorld San Diego and will be played at the Nautilus Amphitheater on April 24 and 25. Friday (April 24) will feature a Skills Showcase, including a three-point contest and a dunk contest, as well as a 1v1 series. As for Saturday (April 25), both the boys and girls All-American games will be played, beginning with a 2 p.m. PT tip for the boys game.
During the 2025-26 season, Torbert was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan, averaging 25.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.5 assists per game. He is just the fourth player from the Greater Lansing area to be named Mr. Basketball and the first in over 25 years.
As for the 2024-25 season, Torbert led his team to a state championship and was named the MVP of the State Finals on top of All-State, All-City and All-Conference First Team selections. His season put him in the conversation for the best high school basketball player in the state of Michigan, a notation he solidified as a senior. During his high school career, Torbert was a four-time recipient of All-State honors as well as All-City and All-Conference. Over the last three seasons with East Lansing, Torbert led the team to a 79-6 record.
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons' men's basketball team on social media
Twitter - @BGSU_Athletics and @BGSUMBB
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsumhoops'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics'
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'
Since the Ball Is Life All-American game debuted in 2011, there have been over 125 NBA players and more than 50 NBA Lottery picks that have participated in the game. Notable alumni of the game include Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Anthony Edwards, Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine among others. Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes were invited in 2020, but the game was canceled due to COVID.
"We are proud of KJ and all of his accomplishments," said Bowling Green head men's basketball coach Todd Simon. "Being recognized among some of the best seniors in 2026 is another much deserved accolade in his storied high school career."
This year's game will be hosted by SeaWorld San Diego and will be played at the Nautilus Amphitheater on April 24 and 25. Friday (April 24) will feature a Skills Showcase, including a three-point contest and a dunk contest, as well as a 1v1 series. As for Saturday (April 25), both the boys and girls All-American games will be played, beginning with a 2 p.m. PT tip for the boys game.
During the 2025-26 season, Torbert was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan, averaging 25.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.5 assists per game. He is just the fourth player from the Greater Lansing area to be named Mr. Basketball and the first in over 25 years.
As for the 2024-25 season, Torbert led his team to a state championship and was named the MVP of the State Finals on top of All-State, All-City and All-Conference First Team selections. His season put him in the conversation for the best high school basketball player in the state of Michigan, a notation he solidified as a senior. During his high school career, Torbert was a four-time recipient of All-State honors as well as All-City and All-Conference. Over the last three seasons with East Lansing, Torbert led the team to a 79-6 record.
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons' men's basketball team on social media
Twitter - @BGSU_Athletics and @BGSUMBB
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsumhoops'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics'
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'
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