The Liberty Flames got their party started early on Monday, pulling out a 79-73 win over Vermont in the Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational in Orlando.
Cleveland’s Steady Brilliance Keeps Liberty Rolling
Sitting at 5-0, the Flames are shaping up as one of the nation’s most intriguing early-season stories and a potential 2026 NCAA Tournament sleeper.
Brett Decker Jr. led the scoring charge with 23 points and four rebounds, but the heartbeat of this Liberty team remains Zach Cleveland. The senior forward continues to play at an elite all-around level, stuffing the stat sheet again with 14 points, seven assists, and six rebounds across 35 minutes.
A Senior Season Built on Versatility and Leadership
Cleveland, a 6-foot-7 senior from Bloomington, Illinois, is on a special track. Later this week, he will appear in his 100th collegiate game, a milestone that reflects both talent and durability. Through five games this season, he's averaging 11.2 points while adding 9.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game. For head coach Ritchie McKay, Cleveland has become the central hub, the offense runs through him, and the team’s tempo seems to rise and fall with his decision-making.
He has now started 69 consecutive games for the Flames and is on pace to average double-digit scoring for the third straight season.
A High School Career Built on Winning
Before arriving at Liberty, Cleveland starred for longtime high school coach Dave Witzig at Normal Community High School. Witzig secured his 500th win in January 2024 during his 25th season, having built one of the state’s most respected programs.
Cleveland was at the center of that success, helping lead the Ironmen to 33 wins as a senior and earning second-team all-state honors. He finished third in school history in scoring and second in rebounds. His junior year alone saw him average 21 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.
Basketball Is in the Cleveland Family
His athletic roots run deep. Cleveland’s mother, Maria, played at Illinois State, while his father, Mark, competed at Hanover. His sister, Grace, continued the family tradition with a volleyball career at Purdue. For Zach, basketball isn’t just a sport, it’s a family legacy he continues to build upon.
What’s Next for the Flames
Liberty jumps right back into competition Tuesday in Kissimmee, facing Towson in the Adventure Bracket of the ESPN Events Invitational. Towson took down Rhode Island in the opening round, setting up a compelling matchup between two confident teams. A win would send Liberty into Wednesday’s title game against Temple, UC San Diego, Princeton, or Bradley.
The Flames may not be stealing national headlines yet, but behind Cleveland’s steady play, they’re becoming a team fans can’t afford to overlook.