Coming off a national championship last season the Kirkwood Community College men’s basketball team has high expectations for this upcoming season. A product of the hometown Xavier Saints, Tyler Netolicky is looking to have a big season to continue the Eagles success.
When did you realize that you wanted to play college basketball?
I would say, it started out my junior year. We had like a really good state run and made it to the championship game and that kind of got me some traction and terms of recruiting and coaches’ attention, and then that was followed up by a productive senior year.
What made you choose Kirkwood over D-III and D-II schools?
On my visit, I was told to bet on myself and that a junior college gives you the opportunity to maybe reach a final destination. My ultimate goal is D-I, and Kirkwood made me feel like they were the gateway to get there.
How do you balance being a student with basketball?
I would say just staying on top of your work, and I’m prioritizing time and setting aside time to sit down and actually do it.
Who is a player that has inspired you or that you want to model your game after?
I would say probably Luka Garza, just in terms of how high his motor is and how hard he plays the entire game.
Last year you had a successful season. How do you plan to continue that this season?
We’re only returning four guys from the group last year, so I feel like the most important thing is getting everyone up to speed.
How are you preparing to take on a bigger role both on the court and as a leader this year on a team with lots of new players?
I think we were blessed with an extremely sophomore-dominant group last year whose leadership just kind of came naturally for them.
So I tried to pick up bits and pieces from them in terms of leadership and how I can find ways to connect with guys, especially the younger guys.
Are there any areas of your game that you would like to improve?
Yeah, it’s been kind of a struggle since high school just trying to stretch out my jump shot and be able to make 15-footers to eventually get up to three pointers.
Who are some people who have motivated you and pushed you to be a better player?
I would say losing the state championship my junior season, that feeling of letdown, like an incomplete story. It really motivated me to start giving it my all to basketball, and then as I progressed into college one of my assistant coaches really poured himself into me and made a plan to work every day.
What are your plans to continue your basketball career after Kirkwood?
My goal is to play at D-I level. I’m talking to a couple schools right now, but obviously I have to back that up with a big season.
Do you have any advice for younger players who want to play college basketball?
It’s not always about scoring in the big highlight play. Instead, it’s important to do all the little things that nobody else wants to do.
Categories: Basketball, Sports
