The Basketball Interview with Joshua Kihle
Burke County big Joshua Kihle talked with PHD today about his basketball interests in The Basketball Interview
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
JK: At my school my favorite part about game days leading up the game are the gearing up all day in school, we all are ready to go from the time we wake up all through to the game. We are always talking about it in school and getting mentally prepared. The bus rides are great too. Just getting with the guys and talking the plan is the best.
What makes your crowd unique?
JK: What makes our crowd unique is the fact that they show up. Our program has never been good, since the co-op. But every game our crowd is there to cheer. Through the good and bad. And now that we are good it’s still there with that same enthusiasm they brought every night.
Who is the toughest player you can recall playing against in South Dakota basketball and why?
JK: The toughest player in ND that I’ve ever had to play against has to be Wyatt Hanson. He’s a crazy athlete and he is just a strong all around player. He does everything and everything well. He is by far the toughest.
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable?
JK: My biggest rival just player to player is probably Hart Andes. We are both bigs going out and carrying our teams just going at it. Every time we meet it’s just back and forth from start to finish. The ball is always in our hands and the teams knows it needs to be. But if your talking rival as a team it’s Kenmare. Just because we play football with them and have beef and we have been beaten bad by them but we are coming for them.
Who is your favorite basketball player in the world and why?
JK: My favorite player in the world right now is Carmelo Anthony, because he’s just so underrated. He does things so well but has a horrible time finding the right team. Best jump shooter in the game and I look up to him.
All basketball players love gear. What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
JK: My favorite brand is Nike. My first pair of shoes were Nike, my basketball shoes are Nike, and most of my sports clothes are Nike.
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
JK: My favorite venue has to be Ray. The pregame warm-ups and the announcer gets you going. The energy in that place is amazing and I always have great games there.
What court that you haven’t played on would you dream of playing on?
JK: One court I haven’t played on and dream of playing on is the event center in Bismarck. State basketball has always been a dream, and this year my dream will come true. You heard it here first.
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players?
JK: The relationships between our varsity players and youth players are surprisingly strong. We have all been there before and we help them out as much as we can. They look up to us and they listen. The relationship is great which is a plus for years to come.
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
JK: The best coaching advice I’ve ever gotten, was from a coach we had for a year. He had played basketball all over the world and new every aspect of the game. It may not be the best coaching advice but it was just what he told me that has stuck to me from then on. He told me to play my game, and never change it. “Don’t let people over look your talent and that I was the heart and soul to the team and when I don’t show up to play no one does. Keep doing what your doing”.He told me this at the end of a hard season ending loss in districts my sophomore year.
Who is your basketball influence?
JK: My basketball influence is my father. From day one he has taught me everything I know about the game. He’s pushed me to be better. He taught me the love of my life practically and I can’t thank him enough