Kevin Rice (2020) – An Interview
It’s about to be a wild five days for Grand Blanc and junior Kevin Rice (2020). With a brutal non-conference schedule, the Bobcats have notched 13 wins thus far and finished second in the Saginaw Valley League’s South Division with…
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Continue ReadingIt’s about to be a wild five days for Grand Blanc and junior Kevin Rice (2020).
With a brutal non-conference schedule, the Bobcats have notched 13 wins thus far and finished second in the Saginaw Valley League’s South Division with a mark of 9-1. Thursday (tonight), Grand Blanc will cap off its regular season by squaring off with Saginaw High, runners up of the SVL’s North Division who are currently 16-3 overall.
And if that’s not enough, the Bobcats will then have three days to prepare for their first-round district draw of Flint Carman-Ainsworth. In their two regular season meetings, the two rivals swapped victories, handing each other their only loss in conference play. But on Monday, the two programs will go head-to-head once again with their seasons on the line.
Before Grand Blanc’s tough stretch of games we caught up with Rice to discuss this season and what motivates him to get better.
What steps did you take in the offseason to prepare for this junior season?
KR: I worked a lot on my jump shot and ball handling. But my main focus was to get a lot stronger, so I lifted weights through the entire offseason.
What are some of the goals your team has for this season?
(Photo courtesy of @GrandBlancHoops) Grand Blanc’s Kevin Rice (2020).KR: Our team goal is to win a state title.
Individually, what are some of your goals for this season?
KR: My individual goals are to improve my rebounding and just do whatever is needed to help us win.
What would you say is the biggest strength in your game?
KR: I would say my biggest strength is my ability to lead.
I see you’ve gotten an offer from DePaul. What other offers have you received?
KR: My only other offer right now is from the University of Detroit Mercy.
What do you need to improve on the most in order to take your game to the next level?
KR: I need to continue to get stronger and improve in every aspect of my game.
When chatting it up with a college-level coach, what would you say you can bring to his program?
KR: I ‘ll bring a hard work ethic, leadership and the will to make whatever sacrifices I need to in order to win.
Who, or what, motivates you to work harder, both on and off the court?
KR: My family motivates me because they make so many sacrifices for me.
Who is the toughest player you’ve ever had to match up against?
KR: I’ve played against a lot of good players. But the most dominant player I’ve played against is definitely Malik Ellison (Eastern Michigan University).
What is it that sets Grand Blanc’s program apart from the rest in the state?
KR: Our coach demands the most out of every player on the team. As players – we have a brotherhood. We know we have each others back every time we step on the floor.
If you had to compare your game to one player in college or the NBA, who would it be?
KR: I try not to compare my game to anyone else’s. I just try to be the best that I can be.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
KR: My favorite school subject is history. I find it interesting to read about people from the past and how we can learn from what they’ve done.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
KR: I never wear the same two socks in a game. It’s just something I’ve been doing as long as I can remember.
What’s one song or artist that can get you pumped up before a game?
KR: A song that gets me pumped up for a game is “No Effort” by Tee Grizzly.
Do your teammates have a nickname for you? If so, what is it and why?
KR: My only nickname is KD. Short for Kevin-David.