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Illinois State the 'best situation' for Kinziger


De Pere's John Kinziger committed to Illinois State. (WLUK)
De Pere's John Kinziger committed to Illinois State. (WLUK)
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DE PERE (WLUK) -- Since his freshman season De Pere's John Kinziger had the look of someone who would play Division I college basketball and last week it was confirmed, when he committed to Illinois State.

From one team called the Redbirds to another, Kinziger had a good feeling when he made his visit.

"I went down to that visit and that's when they offered me," said Kinziger, who averaged 21 points per game last season. "I got the whole tour, and I thought this is a great atmosphere, a great place. A great place I can see myself playing.

"I love the coaches, the facilities are great, and it was just a great overall experience that swayed me their way."

Kinziger has put in a lot of work to get to this level, but he knows he didn't do it on his own. While, he is the one making shots and playing defense, he know he had support.

"It's a dream come true," Kinziger said. "I've been working my whole life for this opportunity and I'm very grateful for (Illinois State) coach (Ryan) Pedon for giving me this opportunity. I'm thankful that my parents have been there the whole way.

"My teammates have been encouraging and helpful in games and in practice. (De Pere) Coach (Brian) Winchester has done a great job of preparing me for high school and the next level as well, so I'm very grateful and excited."

Kinziger had offers from Toledo, Illinois State and Green Bay, which offered the day before Kinziger committed to Illinois State. While Green Bay offered late in the process, there was consideration for the Phoenix.

"They were very tempting," he said. "I grew up watching Green Bay all the time, and they're very close and it would be great for my parents and for me. But in the end, after thinking a lot about it, ISU is the better situation for me."

While Kinziger now knows where he will play college basketball, he is not looking ahead. After losing in a sectional final last season, one game short of the state tournament, he is determined to lead the Redbirds to the ultimate stage in high school basketball.

"It's very exciting, knowing that I'm going somewhere to play basketball at a place I love," he said. "I'm super-excited and grateful. A lot of pressure's off my shoulders know.

"I was dealing with wanting to win a state championship, but also where's my future going to be in college, so with this off my shoulders I can focus on one thing and that is winning a state title, and I can't wait to get after it with these guys because I love this group."

Seems like Kinziger has his priorities in place.

Follow Doug Ritchay on Twitter @dougritchay


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