Joliet West High School basketball season is arriving! What would be better than to have an interview with head Coach Kreiger. Basketball is a sport that people love and enjoy all over the world. Most people don’t know what it takes to be a coach or a player. I took it upon myself to set up an interview with Coach Kreiger to help everyone get a better understanding of what it takes to be a coach and what it takes to be a player.

A one on one conversation with Coach Kreiger offers his insight on his thoughts, passions and experience about his athletes and his overall time being a coach. He tells us that basketball is more than just a sport to him and the player. He loves being able to hear about each player’s morals, goals and future plan.

Coach Kreiger isn’t just a coach, he’s someone that you can talk to and get advice from. He is very passionate about what he does and from the boys point of view they love him and understand that he is preparing them for the best things in life. His style and method is very effective in basketball and busy life. 

When asking Kreiger  if he’d be willing to share some of his best tips, he gave us even more. Kreiger says that no matter how hard or bad your day has been, always give it your best because even if you fail, trying your best is better than not trying at all. He states even though practice and games may be mentally and physically challenging , every player is to be accountable. 

What do you look for in players? 

The proper approach to wanting to be a basketball player, understanding the work ethic, the dedication, the consistency to continuously improve.

What do you try to teach your athletes other than basketball? 

Everything! Goal as the leader of the basketball program, We always talk about the skills if you can be successful doing everyday life tasks that by product makes you a better basketball player. 

Teaching them all the things that matter so open communication, handling of their feelings, being open and transparent. understanding work ethic, valuing time so being on time and valuing time that you have with others, your teammates and coaches.

How would you describe your style of training? 

Demanding, our goal is to set a clear expectation standard that we demand and hold them accountable.

How do you handle the try-out and rejection process?

Every player gets a post try out meeting, if we have 70 kids try out there is 70 individual meetings, it’s very important for the coaches to clearly communicate what went well and what didn’t go well, how they could improve if they’re underclassmen and will have another opportunity to try out later in life.

 If seniors we express to them our sincere gratitude for wanting to try out and if they were able to attend pre season workouts and how to embrace failure in life as a learning moment.

What are some team goals?

We like to live through the days we just stack the days, so our goal is to become better? Are we becoming better young men, are we becoming better coaches, are they becoming better players, are we executing the necessary things that we are trying to coach and teach? If you do those things the winning and the championships will handle themselves.

Who are some returning players? 

Seniors- Zion Gross with 14 division one offers. Tristan Saunders one of the best shooters in the state with 6 college offers. Juniors- Aamir Shannon, Luke Grevengoed, Ethan Hillsman, Kendall Bosby and M. Johnson. Underclassmen- Josh Calvert, Deven Triplett and Brockton Goehrke.

As I was wrapping things up with Coach Kreiger I thanked him for all his time, tips and thoughts. I am so appreciative that he spent the time telling all of us about the importance of basketball but what it takes to be a team leader and coach. As you are reading this I hope you gain a better understanding about what it takes to be a coach or a player when it comes to the sport of basketball.

To all of those reading, do you think you have what it takes to be a coach or a player in such a high demand competitive sport?