Summer Q&A: Josh Newkirk
6/17/2017 1:21:00 PM | Men's Basketball
| Read Previous Summer Q&A's: Johnson | Davis | Jones | Morgan |
What are you studying at Indiana?
"I'm a liberal studies major and I'm on pace to graduate this year."
What are some things you are working on this summer to improve upon?
"I'm just trying to take care of my body. On the court, I'm working on my ball handling, shooting with consistency and being a leader."
How much confidence did you gain the second half of last year with the success you had on the court?
"It really gave me confidence. I was able to come in and make plays and did a little more in the second half. So the confidence that I took from that is something I need to bring into this year right from the start."
Having played in both, what are some differences between the ACC and the Big Ten?
"They are both great leagues. The Big Ten has a lot of skilled players and a lot of players that can score and play at the next level."
On being a senior and coming together to help reach the goals set out for next year:
"We have been working together and trying to lead by example. We are just trying to do the right things so that the younger guys can follow our lead and know what is expected of them."
What kind of things do you try to impart upon the underclassmen about being ready to step up in situations when needed?
"We just try to give them the confidence they need to be ready to step in. We talk with them and try to give them examples of what they need to do. When they see us doing it, then it will encourage them to do it as well."
Did you take a minute to go back to the end of overtime against Penn State and look at the layup you made to force another overtime and realize how close that shot was?
"I looked at it a couple times. It was really, really close. But I still think I got it off."
What are some of your individual goals for this season?
"I just want to win. That's what is most important for me. I just want to lead my team and win."
What are your thoughts on coming to Indiana and being part of this program?
"I think I made the best decision for me. The guys welcomed me in and I think I fit in well with these guys. I just wanted to be part of something special. That's the biggest reason that I came here."
