ATHLETICS

Q&A with Paulding and Kroenke

Q: Can you talk about what your family life was like growing up in the area and what helped you and [teammate Arthur] Dock [Johnson] get where you are now at Mizzou?

A: “It was really tough. It made us stronger because there were a lot of things going on as far as crime, and a lot of our friends got caught up in that kind of stuff. My mom is the main person that got me into basketball and who made sure I stayed out of trouble. There were a lot of ways that A.J. and I could have slipped up and gotten into trouble and other things, but I think my mom and my high school coach just made sure I was always involved in basketball and other stuff, and that’s how I stayed out of it and got here.”

Q: You and A.J. didn’t go to the same high school, but you both came here from Detroit. Now you guys are roommates and really close. How has that relationship developed?

A: “A.J. and my relationship has really gotten stronger from just being around each other all time and experiencing the same things together from when we first came here as freshman. We’ve kind of been through a lot, and we know what Coach expects. It’s good to look at him and know that A.J. has been through the same stuff that I’ve been through.”

Q: You talked about “knowing what Coach expects.” Can you tell me what it’s been like being a part of Coach Snyder’s first full recruiting class, and how your relationship with his has developed over the past three years?

A: “All I can say is I was privileged to be able to come here and play for him and be a part of building a program. Coach Q [Snyder] has always talked to us and been honest about what he wants us to do and about us progressing as a player. So, my relationship with Coach Q has really grown. He’s taught me about being a leader, and he told me about anything I’ve ever asked about.”

Q: Your perimeter game has improved tremendously in the time you’ve been at Mizzou. To what do you attribute the improvement of your range and the development of your outside shot?

A: “I think a lot of it was just getting comfortable with the offense. When I started to play here, I was kind of star-struck playing with Kareem [Rush], Clarence [Gilbert] and Brian [Grawer], so I just found my way in the offense and got a lot of shots up in practice.”

Q: Have the changes in the offensive set this year helped or hurt your style of play?

A: “I think it’s definitely helped it. It makes it easier for me to handle the ball and get it inside to A.J. He’s getting more attention, and when teams double him, he does a good job of passing it out, which gives me a lot of open looks and a lot of lanes to the basket.”

Q: Doing a lot without the ball has become something you’re known for. In what area of the game do you think you make the biggest impact besides scoring?

A: “I draw a lot of defensive assignments as far as guarding some tough players. I guess Coach has confidence in me to be a leader on defense and get stops. My “D” [defense] is the biggest thing.”

Q: How does it make you feel personally to be known as the human highlight reel, especially when it pertains to your dunking ability?

A: “I feel good about it. It’s like, they’re watching now. As far as getting a dunk, I know it’s a big energy boost for the team. I don’t really look at it as a highlight or anything. It’s definitely a big energy boost for us … especially for me when I’m struggling.

Q: Is there a side of you behind the life-sized poster of Rickey Paulding that the fans don’t see and you want them to know is there?

A: “I think people’s perceptions of me are that I’m quiet and reserved and serious, and I am, but there’s also a side of me that likes to joke around and talk a lot to people I know. People think I’m quiet, but I am really just an easygoing person that likes to joke around.”

Josh Kroenke. Photo courtesy of Intercollegiate Athletics

Junior Josh Kroenke
Some of junior Josh Kroenke’s teammates say that having Josh on the court with them is like having a coach with them when they go to battle. The veteran member of the Tiger squad has been a Tiger through the entire Quin Snyder era over the past four years. The Columbia native has become a vital cog in the Mizzou wheel and his hustle and passion for the game make him one of the valued leaders this season. Kroenke took a minute to talk about music, memories and March Madness with Samantha Kilgore.

Q: What type of music do you listen to, or what types of things do you do pre-game to get pumped up and focused?

A: “I don’t listen to music before a game. I’m kind of off thinking about my own things and different stuff Coach talked about. A lot of the guys have their music turned up pretty loud, and I obviously listen to it, but it’s nothing that plays a major part of my pre-game.”

Q: Besides basketball, what other interests do you have? Are there any hobbies or past times that you really enjoy?

A: “Honestly, I love music even though it sounds strange that I don’t listen to it before games. I listen to all types of music. I listen to rap, country, folk, whatever you can think of, I can relate to it someway. It’s kind of one of those things where I can just plug in my stereo and relax a little bit. I love listening to music.”

Q: Who would you say your greatest influences are both personally and athletically?

A: “My parents. My dad always pushed me into athletics very hard because he knew I had an opportunity to succeed in different areas. He saw that I was talented a little bit, and he wanted me to go after it. My mom, on the other hand, she was always there to provide support. If I had a rough day playing basketball, she’d always there. They’ve both been great for me growing up. They provided me with a good perspective on life, and looking back, I think I really enjoyed my childhood.”

Q: Is there a favorite quote or line that you ever think about or that sticks out in your head?

A: “The reason most people fail instead of succeed is that they trade what they want most for what they want at the moment.” I learned that when I was at prep school. My favorite teacher when I was there, Mr. Tilton, had it on the wall. It’s one of those things that right when I read it, I knew it was a great saying I can live by. Once I read it, I realized that it’s something I should remember. If I see something I want, but I know it might have a bad effect on me, I don’t need it.”

Q: How difficult has the adjustment this year been for you? You came in last year averaging around 8 minutes a game and now you’re averaging over 20.

A: “It’s a huge difference. It’s a lot more fun obviously, but at the same time my focus has always been in the same place. I know that when I’m in there now, I’m still playing the same role, I’m just playing it more. I get the ball to the guys that need it where they can score.”

Q: Being a member of last year’s squad, you know the team came together kind of late defensively and how that made a big difference in the tournament run. This year’s team seems to be coming together a lot earlier and a lot stronger. How important is that going into Big 12 play?

A: “It’s huge. It’s interesting I think because you could even see it happening in pre-season. The guys have a whole different outlook on everything. Everyone is looking out for the team instead of looking for their own interests.”

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Last Update: November 15, 2007