Grady Gallegher | Blogger
I’ve decided to switch up this week’s blog. In honor of Beaver basketball kicking off their season this Friday and Saturday in Wisconsin, I thought I’d go through a little “Meet the Beavs” session before they take the floor this season.
In no particular order, here we go:
Kyle Hooks #42 – The only person on this year’s team who looks older than 30, but looks can be deceiving. Hooks, a senior, will play in the post this year, but his vision and passing ability makes him dangerous. Hooks is always good for a smile and a “Hey, how you doing?” in the hallway as he passes by.
Tyler Kastintin #3 – Dallas Center’s finest will take the court this year fully bearded. One of the more athletic big men, Tyler excels in running the floor. For what he lacks in gut size, he makes up in heart. A great roommate and a great teammate, even though he is a Lions fan.
Nick Clark #10 – Freshman phenom and Bills fanatic, the pesky guard with great confidence looks to add a jolt to the Beavers this season. What his shot lacks in arc is made up by his touch. Where is he on the weekends, you ask?……The world may never know.
Troy Ticknor #24 – He returns to the hardwood this season after recovering last year from an ACL injury. Will the die-hard Gators fan find his stroke? I believe so. There is no one I trust more with a three-point shot. He is determined to go out with a bang and find something better to talk about than the Chiefs. #TheReturn
Cole Darrow #30 – Competitor, fast eater, returning new-comer of the year, and intramural flag football “Go-to-Guy”, looking to get the season rolling. A confident slasher who gets to the rim. While staying busy in the Athletic Training program, he has not had much time to practice free throws but is reliable in crunch time.
Dustin Kruse #15 – The pick and pop master and Halo specialist holds versatility that will be tough for opposing post players to guard. Kruse is not afraid to make it rain and is one of the biggest Kobe fans I’ve ever met; maybe one day he will come to his senses.
Alex Savage #2 – Silky and smooth as butter, ASav is as good of a passer as there is. The huge competitor in fantasy football also likes to push the ball and get everyone involved. He isn’t afraid to speak what he is thinking and play you in FIFA, Halo, COD, or Assassins Creed (nerd).
Wes Nordquist #34 – The best player in the IIAC this year, hands down. You won’t meet a nicer guy, and another positive: he’s a Cubs fan. . Wes always tells us of the pickup games he used to play with Ernie Stevenson, Lenny Anderson, and Pablo Sanchez. Yeah Wesley. Good times.
Joe Frost #40 – One of the more knowledgeable basketball minds of this year’s team. His birth name is Jack but goes by Joe to get some room from the press. With a jump shot that reminds Coach VH of “sweet music” Joe is always getting better on the floor and with the chicks.
Tyler Pleiss #1 – One of the bigger NBA fans I’ve ever known is totally committed to the success of this, his senior, season. This crafty lefty likes to finish at the rim almost as much as he likes to tweet.
Greg Siebanaller #32 – This home grown big boy is as hard working as they come. This biology major hits the books and hits the boards. Legend says he once made two shots in a row during a game of HORSE with his sister.
Brett Heitikamp #44 – This Johnston product is a spitting image of Kevin McHale. Good touch and length make Brett noticeable on the court, but make sure never to tell him a witty joke; there is NO WAY he will understand.
Max Burgeson #4 – The only pitcher I’ve ever seen wear a pudd but can pull it off at the same time. Not to mention, he can play some pretty good D on the court as well. If he was not a Husker football and Jayhawk basketball fan, he might have a chance at growing a good-looking beard.
Connor Grupe #50 – #TeamBeachBod can shoot with the best of them. His chin strap swag and wise way with words get him all the girls, and he is our only current Minnesotan. Not even a girly tweet can kill this kid’s game, not saying he’s ever had a girly tweet, though.
Mike Kaufmann #5 – Lil Michael is the handles of this ball club. He can stroke, but his crossover is weak, and, if he ever challenges you to a game of ping pong, take it and bet big. When Norris Cole was asked to evaluate Kauf’s game, he responded, “Never heard of him.”
Jeff Stevens #33 – One of the more athletic guys on this year’s club, “Steve”, is not afraid to play above the rim. He chose the number 33 in honor of Justin Morneau, which, to me, makes perfect sense. He says no one can beat his style or his way with the girls, but no one really believes him.
Thanks for reading everyone. Hopefully you know something new about the Beavers than before you read this. Will you ever need this information? Probably not, but is it important? Clearly.
Photo by Makensie Brown
