TSR 2/1/20 CBB Picks w/ Guest Picker David Kool

On Saturdays and Sundays for the remainder of the college basketball season, the TSR team is going to add guest pickers to our usual daily selections. They will be on the Guest Pick Standings page on the menu of our website. Our next guest picker is a former South Christian High School star, who won a pair of State Championships with the Sailors, as well as 2006 Mr. Basketball for the state of Michigan. He then went on to Western Michigan, where he scored a school record 2,122 points. The 2010 MAC Player of the Year, a 2010 Honorable Mention AP-All American before starting his coaching career that has led him to the head coaching job at Holland Christian High School, David Kool joins us today!

1. David, let's start with your high school basketball career. How was it playing in a tradition-rich program like South Christian?

 This was the time of my life. I always tell people if I could go back to South for a week, I would do it in a heartbeat. The community is amazing and the friendships and bonds I built there last a lifetime. I am still close with a lot of the players I played with and now our kids are growing up together which is pretty amazing. Not only did we win a lot of games, but more importantly Coach Hiskes taught me how to be a Christian in today's world and live out my faith through good times and bad. 

2. In your junior year, you scored a Class B record 43 points in the 2005 State Championship. What was that day like?

 It is hard to explain but I always like to say it was like I could literally throw the ball into the ocean. The hoop seemed HUGE and I couldn't even see defense that day. I don't know how that happens or how it works but it almost felt like I was just playing by myself. It is hard for me to even look back on that and explain it. 

3. The next season, you won Mr. Basketball for your stellar play in the 2005-06 season. How did it feel winning that honor?

 It was really cool! Something I will never forget. I love the story of the picture that ended up being on the cover of the newspaper. I had to go to Detroit Free Press building early one morning after winning it. I was in the bottom of the building outside and they had a pile of real ice on some paper. They told me to sit down around the ice in the uniform only (during the Winter) and pose for the picture. I was freezing! They used the caption "Kool as Ice" and it ended up being awesome but man was it cold. 

4. Transitioning a bit, what was your favorite game that you played in during your career?

 It is really hard to choose one! I will say that my two state championships at South in 2003 and 2005 were amazing. Seeing all of the hard work pay off and doing that with your best friends was simply amazing. We beat Davidson (Steph Curry) at home when I was at WMU the year they went to the Elite 8 and that was pretty cool too! 

5. Staying on a similar topic, who would you say was the toughest player you had to guard?

 The easy answer to this question would be someone like Steph Curry, Dwight Howard, JR Smith, Joakim Noah, Randolph Morris, or Javaris Crittendon because I played all those guys and more during my AAU days. When people ask me this question, my answer is always the same and it is Drew Neitzel. We played against each other probably 10 times or so when Park and South were in the same league and in Districts every year. He could score every way possible and the gyms were always packed. It was always fun. 

6. At WMU, who would you say was your best teammate?

 So many come to mind so it is hard to choose one but I would say Joe Reitz was the best teammate and leader I have ever been around. He was a center on my team at WMU for two seasons when I was a Freshman and Sophomore. We not only excelled on the court together, but we were very close off of it. He had a strong faith in God and as did I so it became a great bond and friendship that we still carry on to this day. 

7. Of all of the MAC arenas, which one was the best environment (other than WMU)?

 I think anytime we went to Central Michigan it was fun. We are obviously big rivals which made it more intense and you could just feel that from the fans. Ohio University and Akron University were always the toughest places to play in the MAC during my time. Not only were their teams good but their students and fans came out in full force. 

8. During your time at WMU, was there a non-basketball moment that was your favorite?

 My Freshman year, my niece Jordyn was born in Kalamazoo. The fact that I was at WMU was a major bonus because I could go right to the hospital and hold her. That was my first niece/nephew so that was pretty special and stands out. 

9. After your playing career at WMU ended, you were on the coaching staff. How was that transition?

 The first year was hard. I was coaching my teammates and friends so it was hard to adjust to that and simply not playing for the first time was hard. We had a great staff of coaches that I was apart of and they mentored me every step of the way and it got easier each day. 

10. How did Coach Hawkins impact you in your coaching career?

 Hawk has been and always will be one of my coaching mentors. I spent 7 years by his side both playing and coaching which was a special bond. I learned a ton from him as a player but the best thing I learned from him was that the "basketball would stop bouncing someday." He loved saying this meaning he wanted us to be productive people in the world which was mainly husbands and fathers and I so appreciated his perspective on life. Basketball is not everything and family is. 

11. As a coach, which game has been most memorable to you?

 I honestly think it was last Friday's game at Holland High School. I have been coaching a student athlete who was diagnosed with POTS about two and a half years ago. I pulled him up as a Sophomore at Holland Christian and pretty soon after that he was diagnosed with POTS. Long story short, he had not played in over two years and he suited up for the first time last week Friday. The energy, joy, love, and excitement he played with was inspiring. Knowing his journey and everything he has been through, it was very special. 

12. What are your thoughts on WMU this season?

 My boys are young but they are battling. I think they have a chance to make some noise later this season as they keep getting more and more experience. Having (Brandon) Johnson back in the middle is big and having a guy like (Michael) Flowers who can score in bunches always makes them dangerous. They will only improve. 

13. Finally, who do you think will win the Super Bowl this weekend?

 I am taking the 49ers. I think their defense will be able to make enough plays to keep the Chiefs off the scoreboard enough. I think they are more balanced on both sides and they will be able to run the ball which will make the difference. That being said, I am scared to pick them because Patty Mahomes is brilliant. 49ers will win 31-27. 

SATURDAY’S GAMES

1. Wisconsin vs Michigan State (1:00, FOX)

David: Wisconsin - They need a big resume building win so they cannot lose this one. MSU will not play with the same urgency that the Badgers do at the Kohl Center which is a tough place to play. 

Nick: Michigan State--With Kobe King and Brad Davison absent from Greg Gard’s rotation, he has some reshuffling to do. This is not a team that you can afford to work out the kinks against. Though the Kohl Center is a brutal environment, Cassius Winston makes big plays late to get the victory.

Sam: Michigan State-- I would agree with Nick here. Had the King and Davison news not came out this week, I would have picked the Badgers. I think Malik Hall continues on his rise and has a big game to propel the Spartans to a huge road win.

Zach: Michigan State- Even without all of the shenanigans that have surrounded the Badgers program the past week, I am still taking Michigan State. I know it is in the Kohl Center and this is a huge game for Wisconsin, Michigan State is just a way better team. 

2. Western Michigan vs Central Michigan (2:00, ESPN3)

David: WMU (DUH haha) - I will be in attendance as will a bunch of alumni as this is alumni day in Kalamazoo for Hawk's teams. No way that we lose on a day like that and against the rival. Broncos will win!

Nick: Western Michigan--Rivalry game? Take the home team for sure. Jacob Printy tries to harbor his inner David Kool and comes up with a big shooting day.

Sam: Western Michigan-- Broncos win at home.

Zach: Central Michigan- Sorry DK, I’m going with the Chips. Even with their abismal 1-7 record away from home, I think Central matches up really well with the Broncos. Keno Davis brought in some good transfers this year to add to his already pretty solid team of McKay, Montgomery, Burrell, and DiLeo. I will give it to WMU though that from sitting on the bench during our game, the atmosphere at University Arena is way better than McGuirk. There’s nothing worse than hearing “...for threeeeeeee” after each made three point shot at CMU.

3. Rutgers vs Michigan (at MSG) (4:30, BTN)

David: Rutgers - It pains me to pick against Michigan but there are too many unknowns. As I write this, I have not heard if Simpson is playing and Livers is probably still out too. Rutgers is playing well and will win this game unless Michigan can control the glass and the paint as they did at Nebraska. 

Nick: Rutgers--When Michigan announced they gave up a home game against Rutgers to play in the Garden against the Scarlet Knights, do you think they thought the script would have been flipped? This Rutgers team is legit, and Michigan is reeling and looking for a victory in the worst of ways. Without Livers, I see that being a tall task for the Wolverines.

Sam: Rutgers-- The Scarlet Knights are inching closer and closer to a tournament lock, which is the weirdest thing ever. This RU team is just tough as nails, and although it’s not at the RAC, they’re still good enough to win at a neutral site.

Zach: Rutgers- Simpson will be play, Livers we still don’t know. If Livers plays this will be a completely different ballgame. Michigan has been a huge roller coaster of a team this season, and I cannot pick them against a consistent Rutgers team.

4. Ohio State vs Indiana (12:00, ESPN)

David: Ohio State - They have been struggling but know they need a win as well. They cannot and will not lose this one at home. 

Nick: Indiana--The Buckeyes losing DJ Carton was huge, and this will give them a deficiency at the guard position. It will be a chance for someone like Rob Phinesse to thrive for Indiana, while Joey Brunk goes toe-to-toe with Kaleb Wesson in the post.

Sam: Indiana-- Hoosiers were able to beat OSU with DJ Carton, so shouldn’t it technically be easier to do so now that Carton is out?

Zach:Ohio State- The Buckeyes are obviously not the same team as they were in the beginning of the season, but I still think there are some great pieces there. With the DJ Carton news, that opens up more for Washington and the kid from the 616 can ball. I like the Buckeyes at home in a much needed game. 

5. Villanova vs Creighton (12:00, FS1)

David: Villanova - They are too good and Jay Wright is one of the best around. 

Nick: Villanova--The Cats have a strong team this year, and they are at home. Too big of a difference for Creighton to overcome.

Sam: Villanova-- Love the Creighton backcourt, but you can never bet against a Jay Wright team at home in the Big East.

Zach:Villanova- At home and they are playing some of their best ball of the season, currently on a seven game winning streak

6. Kansas vs Texas Tech (4:00, ESPN)

David: Kansas - Tough place to play and the gym will be rocking. 

Nick: Kansas--The Red Raiders need this game to solidify an NCAA bid, but Kansas has looked dominant as of late, winning five in a row. Tech gets “lost in the Phog”.

Sam: Kansas-- The Phog is so tough to play in...

Zach:Kansas- Dotson and Azubuike are way too much to handle for the Red Raiders. Nick- bad pun, enough of that...

7. Auburn vs Kentucky (6:00, ESPN)

David: Auburn - Bruce Pearl will have his troops ready to go and a hostile environment will help. I also think that no one is talking about Auburn and they will want to send a message. 

Nick: Auburn--I’m with David here, Auburn is an overlooked team this season. This is shocking considering that they are 18-2 and coming off of a Final Four run last year, but it really does seem that nobody considers them a legitimate contender. This home victory will deliver the statement that they are for real again.

Sam: Kentucky-- I’ve watched Auburn twice and I have been unimpressed both times. Also a side note, I hate that Kentucky is gonna win a lot of games in a terrible conference and the media will deem them “Most suitable to win a title”. What a joke. 

Zach:Auburn- The Tigers have lost to Florida and Alabama,currently sitting at number 17 with a 18-2 record. Why isn’t anyone talking about them? Well, here’s their chance to prove it

8. Nebraska vs Penn State (7:00, BTN)

David: Penn State - Nebraska is just bad

Nick: Penn State--#Nebrasketball is still growing under Fred Hoiberg. The Vault is a tough place to play, but I think Lamar Stevens will not be phased.

Sam: Penn State-- Nebraska stinks, and Penn State is on a mission to get to the tournament.

Zach:Penn State- Nebraska is getting everything they deserve for firing Tim Miles. 

9. Northwestern vs Purdue (9:00, BTN)

David: Purdue - Matt Painter's club is still playing for a bid to the dance and they cannot afford a loss like this, even on the road. 

Nick: Purdue--Once again, David is spot on. This is a must-win for Purdue as an at-large candidate, but I think that they are better than the Wildcats at every position on the floor.

Sam: Purdue-- If the Boilers lose this one, I believe, they lose their tournament chances as well.

Zach:Purdue- In what is the worst home court advantage in the Big Ten, Purdue will have no problem against the bottom feeders in the league

10. BYU vs St. Mary's (10:00, ESPN2)

David: St. Mary's - I like the Gaels and know they are always a sleeper team come March. They will get a big road win. 

Nick: BYU--Yoeli Childs is back for the Cougars, and that is bad news for the Gaels. In a tremendous game of two teams that should be playing in March Madness, the Cougars, led by TJ Haws (who seems like he was playing at BYU when David was at Western) get a big home win.

Sam: BYU-- Childs is anything but one, and he and TJ Haws will be too tough to stop.

Zach:- BYU- Yoeli Childs, Jake Toolson, and TJ Haws are averaging 50 ppg combined, add that to their home court, and I don’t see the Gaels escaping Provo with a W

Thanks to David for joining us! We are so pleased that he shared some of his time with us to analyze college basketball and answer some questions.