Northwestern University Athletics
Catching Up With Kevin Coble
7/22/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
July 22, 2007
NUsports.com caught up with Kevin Coble to see what the sophomore-to-be has been up to this summer, his reflections on last season and his goals for the Wildcats this year as the 2007-08 school year approaches.
Tell us what you've been up to this offseason and what you have in store for the rest of the summer?
"I have always viewed summer as the perfect time to get better as a player and a person. I have been lifting three times a week with agilities and conditioning filling in the off days. I have also been trying to play everyday which has helped me implement in games the skills I have been working on. I'm excited to see all the workouts pay off come next season. On a less basketball note, I will spend some time with my family in California which is a nice break from normal days. It helps me clear my head and really reflect on things I need to focus on basketball wise, but also more importantly my life. A change of pace helps me come back stronger and more determined which is incredibly helpful in maintaining a high level of intensity. I've worked at coach Carmody's basketball camp, as well as my former high school, Scottsdale Christian's camp. I've also been playing a lot of golf."
What is your main focus as you go through summer workouts and conditioning drills?
"The workouts and conditioning have been going really well. As mentioned above, I have been lifting and have gotten stronger and put on some weight all while increasing my agility and quickness. Those are my main goals and I think I am definitely on the right track."
What are some of the things you think both yourself and the team need to do to take the program to the next level?
"This seems to be a question I have been getting a lot. I want to take more of an accretive leadership role beyond scoring and rebounding. We are working hard to get to the postseason, which will be a big step in the right direction. Honestly, I think we are on the right track as a team. Since the season ended we have really been working hard on lifting as well as our skills. We definitely need to improve on our shooting. For us to beat teams we need to be able to score more efficiently. In addition to that, we struggled to rebound. I think those are our two biggest areas of improvement and can be addressed with continued hard work which everyone has been doing."
Was your freshman year everything you expected?
"It was everything and more. I was fortunate to step in and play with a great group of guys who were really fun to play with on the court night in and night out. Everyone was so helpful by giving me pointers and advice on how to play better. My goal is to come back and build upon what we did last season and be able to offer some of the help I received last year."
What was your favorite moment about last season?
"If I had to choose one I would say the Michigan State game during the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center. After getting behind, we came back and almost pulled the upset. We continued to fight and people began to see a glimpse of how good we can be when we are playing well. I think as we work to sustain that high level we will be very hard to beat."
You were the first Wildcat freshman to lead the team in both scoring (13.4 ppg) and rebounding (5.2 rpg) in the same season and now will now be looked upon to be that leader and consistent scoring threat. Is that kind of responsibility something you embrace?
"It is something I am looking forward to. I think it will help me stay focused during the season while at the same time increasing my leadership role. I know I have the support of my teammates which makes me feel more secure every night we go out to play."
What are some of your goals for both yourself and the team next season?
"Personally, I want to improve on last season. I don't want to let down at all. As a team goal, the ultimate goal will be getting to the postseason next year. I remember having to watch the other teams play after we lost to MSU and I knew we needed to be playing deeper into March."
You have two more talented freshmen from Chicago joining the mix this season. What advice do you have for them as they begin their careers this fall?
"I would say to just play within yourself. Don't try to do too much. Stick with your game and play confidently. The rest will fall into place as I have learned."
