2008 Woodie Awards
Athletic Spotlight: Jonny Reibel
Juan Bernal
Issue date: 2/12/07 Section: Sports
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Jonny Reibel, a junior from Chicago is the point guard, leader and catalyst for the Rollins Men's Basketball was recently named Sunshine State Conference Player of the Week for the third time this season. Reibel leads the Sunshine State Conference in scoring (15.5 points per game), assists (7.8 per game) and is second in steals (1.95 per game). Reibel is one of the early candidates to receive the Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year award.
Reibel's duties and persona extend way beyond the basketball court as he is counted on to be a leader and a motivator. "My main role is being a leader on the team. Coach looks to me to get everyone involved, motivate them, be positive and make sure everyone is playing the game of basketball."
With the big expectations that included a #8 national ranking and being a heavy favorite to win the conference, sometimes those expectations can make it hard to succeed. Last season the Tars were picked to finish seventh, so many of the pre-season expectations were not there. On handling the big expectations, Jonny says "You have to go in with a level head, take one game at a time. You can't look forward to the NCAA Tournament or the Elite 8." With the Tars returning every starter and only losing one senior from last year's team, Reibel has noted a big difference. "Everyone is more mature, more relaxed, having more fun. Understanding the little things like rebounding and playing defense is going to win games. Players like Jordan Kolosey, who has been a key role player has gotten our defense to where we want it to be."
Reibel and sophomore center Craig Reichel are the only two starters who aren't seniors. Jonny says that the seniors have made a profound impact on the season and his career. "The seniors are a really good group of guys, really positive minded, they would do anything to help the young guys win and teach them the defense. Guys like Jon Smith, who has been injured, never quit and they have been really good motivators. Hopefully we can have a good ending to the year for those five."
With the Tars currently holding a #18 national ranking and an 18-3 record, Reibel says that in the end winning on the court isn't what it's all about. "Our ultimate goal is that everyone walks out of this program a good player, a good player and create{s} friendships that can last." He also talks about talks about that the profound impact that the coaching staff has had. "It shows that winning isn't everything and they want us to be the best players and best people. It's all about effort and no matter what happens they will always be behind us."
Catch Jonny Reibel in the final regular season home game on February 21 at 7:30 against Florida Tech, in which the aforementioned seniors will be honored.
Reibel's duties and persona extend way beyond the basketball court as he is counted on to be a leader and a motivator. "My main role is being a leader on the team. Coach looks to me to get everyone involved, motivate them, be positive and make sure everyone is playing the game of basketball."
With the big expectations that included a #8 national ranking and being a heavy favorite to win the conference, sometimes those expectations can make it hard to succeed. Last season the Tars were picked to finish seventh, so many of the pre-season expectations were not there. On handling the big expectations, Jonny says "You have to go in with a level head, take one game at a time. You can't look forward to the NCAA Tournament or the Elite 8." With the Tars returning every starter and only losing one senior from last year's team, Reibel has noted a big difference. "Everyone is more mature, more relaxed, having more fun. Understanding the little things like rebounding and playing defense is going to win games. Players like Jordan Kolosey, who has been a key role player has gotten our defense to where we want it to be."
Reibel and sophomore center Craig Reichel are the only two starters who aren't seniors. Jonny says that the seniors have made a profound impact on the season and his career. "The seniors are a really good group of guys, really positive minded, they would do anything to help the young guys win and teach them the defense. Guys like Jon Smith, who has been injured, never quit and they have been really good motivators. Hopefully we can have a good ending to the year for those five."
With the Tars currently holding a #18 national ranking and an 18-3 record, Reibel says that in the end winning on the court isn't what it's all about. "Our ultimate goal is that everyone walks out of this program a good player, a good player and create{s} friendships that can last." He also talks about talks about that the profound impact that the coaching staff has had. "It shows that winning isn't everything and they want us to be the best players and best people. It's all about effort and no matter what happens they will always be behind us."
Catch Jonny Reibel in the final regular season home game on February 21 at 7:30 against Florida Tech, in which the aforementioned seniors will be honored.
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