Indiana University Athletics
Catching Up With #IUBB: Emmitt Holt
5/29/2015 3:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - With the 2014-15 academic year complete, we sat down with rising sophomore forward Emmitt Holt to get his thoughts on his freshman season and what he's working on for next year.
What are some of the things that you are trying to improve on or trying to work on heading into the start of summer?
"I want to get stronger in the weight room. There is really just so much you need to do in improving your game. I'm really looking forward to having a summer with my teammates and pushing each other."
How different will it be to have the whole summer to work with your teammates?
"I think it is really important. I didn't have that last year and I think we have a chance to really accomplish a lot with the guys coming back and the guys coming in. You get a feel for one another and you get a chance to mix things up with who you play with and against."
What do you think are your strengths that you can bring to this team next year?
"I think my biggest strength I could bring last year was my energy. Especially coming off the bench, you have to bring a spark. I want to be relentless on the boards, defend better and be someone the team can count on down low."
What about your ability to block shots?
"It is something that just came naturally by doing what I love. It's something I have been able to do my whole life. It's really all timing, being at the rim, and following the shot."
If you had one thing that you think this team has come away with after the NCAA tournament experience what would that be?
"You can't ever be satisfied. For most of us it was the first time we experienced the post season together as a group. I think we are capable of so much more, but it will take a lot of sacrifice and extra work. I can't wait to start back up in a couple of weeks."
How about the freshman class? You guys: yourself, James, Rob, Tim, what kind of bond has been formed with that group?
"We have to look out for each other. We made sure we got each other to class on time and what not and just all the little things that come into play. We push each other to work extra and that is huge."
What's the biggest thing that you take away from Coach Crean and what he has brought to your game?
"Coach Crean will help you develop to the best of your abilities if you put in the work. He pushes you to exceed your expectations. He gets you to believe in yourself and continue to push even though you may not feel like it."
What will it be like to have someone you played against in high in Thomas Bryant with you at IU?
"It's a great feeling. I had played him all throughout my high school career so we know each other's game inside and out. We have talked a lot ever since he signed and I've just been telling him things like "It's just a different speed and we have to get you stronger in the weight room. He's definitely looking towards the challenge. We are both like that."
