Indiana University Athletics
Summer Q&A: Johnny Jager
7/21/2017 12:05:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BLOOMINGTON, Indiana – Bloomington native Johnny Jager is set to begin his second season with the Hoosiers after sitting out the 2016-17 season as a transfer from Wabash College. During his freshman season at Wabash, he started all 26 games for the NCAA Division III school and ranked second on the team in scoring at 15.0 points per game. He also added 5.5 assists and 2.4 rebounds on his way to being named All-North Coast Athletic Conference Honorable Mention.
What was the transition been like for you coming here a year ago and learning what it's like to be a part of IU Basketball?
"Coming in, it was a drastic change. The speed of the game and the athleticism of the players was far greater than anything I had ever experienced. After having a year under my belt, I feel like I can compete every day. The competition is unreal and the guys are great. For me, it's always fun to go out there and compete against them."
What is one thing that you feel like you are able to bring to the team in your role?
"I think I'm talking more. When I came in, I was very hesitant and quiet. But as I have learned more about the guys, I feel more confident out there and I know they have the confidence in me now. I think being vocal is one area that I can really help out."
You have said that you want to get into coaching after your career is over. How important is this experience in preparing them for each opponent as a member of the scout team?
"It's huge to be able to get this experience. Because I want to get into coaching, it's a huge plus for me to be able to learn every opponent's offense. The more I can learn and the more knowledge I can have, the better prepared I will be for my future."
What has been something that this team is looking to build on over the summer to carry over into the season?
"I think our common theme has been 'Work'. Everyone has been willing to come in every day and give it 110 percent. You can see with the results with all of the various testing we have done that we have all had dramatic increases. And I think that can be attributed to our work ethic and wanting to get after it every day."
How special is it for you to be able to put on the Indiana uniform and represent this school after growing up in Bloomington?
"It gives me chills just thinking about it. I was a ball boy for the Hoosiers when I was in fifth grade. And then to actually be able to put the jersey on is a dream come true."
As someone that has that experience with the program, how do you feel you can help the newcomers to the program?
"I think I can show how you have to be on your game, 110 percent, every single day. That applies to practice, weights or conditioning. When you show up to Cook Hall or Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, you have to give everything. You can't come in and take plays off or take drills off or take minutes off. You have to give your best every time so you can become the best you can be."
What are your academic goals moving forward?
"I am on track to graduate in four years. If the opportunity presents itself, I would love to do some graduate work here and possibly be a Grad Assistant with the program."
What was the transition been like for you coming here a year ago and learning what it's like to be a part of IU Basketball?
"Coming in, it was a drastic change. The speed of the game and the athleticism of the players was far greater than anything I had ever experienced. After having a year under my belt, I feel like I can compete every day. The competition is unreal and the guys are great. For me, it's always fun to go out there and compete against them."
What is one thing that you feel like you are able to bring to the team in your role?
"I think I'm talking more. When I came in, I was very hesitant and quiet. But as I have learned more about the guys, I feel more confident out there and I know they have the confidence in me now. I think being vocal is one area that I can really help out."
You have said that you want to get into coaching after your career is over. How important is this experience in preparing them for each opponent as a member of the scout team?
"It's huge to be able to get this experience. Because I want to get into coaching, it's a huge plus for me to be able to learn every opponent's offense. The more I can learn and the more knowledge I can have, the better prepared I will be for my future."
What has been something that this team is looking to build on over the summer to carry over into the season?
"I think our common theme has been 'Work'. Everyone has been willing to come in every day and give it 110 percent. You can see with the results with all of the various testing we have done that we have all had dramatic increases. And I think that can be attributed to our work ethic and wanting to get after it every day."
How special is it for you to be able to put on the Indiana uniform and represent this school after growing up in Bloomington?
"It gives me chills just thinking about it. I was a ball boy for the Hoosiers when I was in fifth grade. And then to actually be able to put the jersey on is a dream come true."
As someone that has that experience with the program, how do you feel you can help the newcomers to the program?
"I think I can show how you have to be on your game, 110 percent, every single day. That applies to practice, weights or conditioning. When you show up to Cook Hall or Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, you have to give everything. You can't come in and take plays off or take drills off or take minutes off. You have to give your best every time so you can become the best you can be."
What are your academic goals moving forward?
"I am on track to graduate in four years. If the opportunity presents itself, I would love to do some graduate work here and possibly be a Grad Assistant with the program."
Players Mentioned
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