Helmigk Already Impressing Badger Teammates

By: Ron Whitworth

Date: June, 24, 2001

I caught up with Kirk Penney Saturday evening, and he had some interesting things to say about the upcoming season. He said the first round loss to Georgia State this past season was one of the most upsetting things he's ever experienced, especially after the Final Four appearance the previous season. He felt the team ran up against a tough matchup in the first game, but had the potential to go very far in the tournament.

Penney is positive that this year's team is going to take everyone by surprise. He said while the team is inexperienced, some of the young additions to the team are much better than anyone thinks. The 6-9, 21-year old freshman Andreas Helmigk arrived Friday night, and Penney and Helmigk hit the court Saturday (before a round of golf and a trip to the Terrace) for an impromptu 1-on-1 contest. Penney said he's glad nobody else was there, because Helmigk absolutely took him to school. He said Helmigk blew him away with his all-around skills and talent.

I also spoke to Helmigk Saturday night, and he said he loves Madison already, and he can't wait to get the season started to show everyone what he can do. Not only did Helmigk wow his new teammates on the floor Saturday night, but he baffled them with his golf swing on Saturday. Despite being right-handed, Helmigk used an uncanny grip in which his left hand was below the right. Yet somehow, Helmigk took his friends to school on the golf course as well. They were all shaking their heads at that one…

Penney said all of the incoming true freshmen have looked incredible in workouts, but he's been most impressed with Latrell Fleming. The attitude of the freshmen have rejuvenated his own enthusiasm for the game. Going through the grind of two Big Ten seasons, Penney said sometimes it's easy to forget just how fortunate they are to be Division I basketball players, and how exciting it is just to step on the floor. He said the enthusiasm and excitement shown already by the freshmen have given the entire team a breath of fresh air.

Coach Bo Ryan is in the finishing stages of moving his family to Madison. The entire team really likes Ryan as a person, and they are anxious to see how they will like him as a coach. They are hopeful for a solid season, and are excited to enter the season as a major underdog, a 180 from last year, when the Final Four created unrealistic expectations.