Hoops fans, I had a great conversation with LN senior big man Stephan Van Treese after the Wildcats' impressive win over Ben Davis. He is a great young kid who is very well spoken and polite. He is having a breakout season for a loaded LN squad, the kind of season many have anticipated him having since his name appeared on the Indiana high school hoops radar as a freshman playing varsity with Greg Oden and Mike Conley. In this interview, Stephan talks about his play, the team and their goals, and his future college coach and home. He also answered questions about IU, which was long said to be his "favorite" school and hopeful destination. Here is the transcript:
P-Hoops - Stephan, thanks a lot for taking the time to talk to me. I know you want to get home, so I'll be quick.
Stephan Van Treese - It's no problem.
PH - Thanks. First question: How do you feel you are playing this season?
SVT - Personally, I think I am stepping up and playing much better. I am trying to step up, become more of a leader.
PH - What do you consider your strengths as a player?
SVT - Rebounding. I'm a good rebounder. I have good quickness and length. I also think I have good footwork.
PH - What are your goals for the team?
SVT - Same as always. Win State.
PH - How about personal goals?
SVT - I want to win Mr. Basketball and be and Indiana All-Star.
PH- I guess you can't do much more than that!
SVT - (laughing) Yeah.
PH - I saw Coach Pitino (picture below with SVT) was here. What is it like having your future college coach in the crowd?
SVT - Well, it's a little extra motivation. It's really cool for him to come down after a big win like they had. I don't know if you saw that, but it was awesome. He's real excited for me to come down. It gonna be awesome. I know he's really going to push me.
PH - You know, since I'm locally based, many of my readers....
SVT - ...are IU fans?
PH - Yeah! Many local fans kind of hoped that you would end up at IU, and it just didn't seem to work. What are your feelings about that?
SVT - I think lots of people and IU fans disliked me. But then, after I commit, they are even madder. It's like now they want me. I'll admit it, I've been inconsistent (in the past). But it's all good. I just want to do whatever it takes to win. I know I can be a game changer like Terrance Williams (Louisville).
PH - What are your spring and summer plans to get ready for college?
SVT - I'm not 100% ready yet. I've got to get stronger and bigger. I know that. I start workouts after the season. I'm doing them with Ed Schilling (Champion's Academy). He works out NBA guys, and he helped Greg (Oden) get ready, so I'll be working with him. I'll go down (to Louisville) whenever they want me to. I'm real excited.
PH - Stephan, thanks for your time, and best of luck the rest of the year. I'm sure I'll be seeing you again.
SVT - No problem. See you around.
Van Treese is a great kid with a bright future. I know my poll does not include him as a Mr. Basketball choice, but with his consistent play this season, and with so many weapons to spread the wealth with at LN, he deserves to be a top candidate.
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