Chat Reel: Andy Kowske

Wisconsin forward talks with users about the Final Four

Posted: Wednesday March 29, 2000 07:43 PM

Before flying off to Indy for the Final Four, Andy Kowske took time to chat with CNNSI.com users. Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport

Wisconsin second-leading scorer and leading rebounder Andy Kowske chatted with CNNSI.com users from his home in Madison just hours before jumping on a plane for Indianapolis to participate in the school's first Final Four in 59 years. A transcript of the chat follows:

CNNSI Host: Hello and welcome to today's Final Four chat with Wisconsin's Andy Kowske. Hi Andy. Thanks for joining us!
Andy Kowske: Thanks for having me!

CNNSI Host: We have a lot of questions from our users. Let's get started...

From Guest: In your wildest dreams did you really believe you would be here? Honestly.
Andy Kowske: Honestly, no. We had 13 losses and to think that we'd be in the Final Four is unbelievable,

From Guest: What is it that makes Wisconsin's "D" so tough?
Andy Kowske: It's the pack philosophy. Everyone basically keeps their man in front of them and helps each other out.

From Guest: Andy, how do you plan to attack the Spartans offensively. Their defense is so strong, like yours, so is the plan to work the ball inside or look for the open jumper outside?
Andy Kowske: We plan on taking whatever open shots we get. Basically, we're just going to try to break them down with screens and putting the ball on the floor.

From Guest: Michigan State is saying that they are going to change things around? Do you think that's just hype or will they really try to mix things up?
Andy Kowske: Well, being in the Final Four, they're going to change some things. They're the same team we played before, whatever changes they make won't make much of a difference.

From Guest: Andy, what do you see as the key to beating the Spartans on Saturday? ON WISCONSIN!
Andy Kowske: I think if we can beat hem on the boards and run good offenses. It seems like a couple of times this year they forced us into bad shots. If we're patient, we'll be OK.

From Chris Nietupski: A lot of people are saying that Wisconsin basketball is boring to watch. What do you have to say to them?
Andy Kowske: It is a more boring style in the sense that we slow the game down, but it's still basketball. It's how we win our games. It doesn't matter to me what people say.

From Guest: Would you prefer facing North Carolina or Florida on Sat., rather that Michigan State?
Andy Kowske: Good Question. Right now I haven't even thought about it. It doesn't really matter.

From Paul Ibach: Will your team's defense be able to prevent Peterson from getting some easy lay-up shots at the basket?
Andy Kowske: I think if we play it they way we are supposed to play it, he'll have a hard time. If we play the defense we have been, it'll be tough for him.

From Guest: Hey Andy, what did you think of the reception you guys got at Camp Randle Saturday Night?
Andy Kowske: It was awesome. We only expected a few thousand people. And to get 20-30,000 was incredible.

From Sara Craig: Do you and the other members of the team find it especially hard to concentrate and study your schoolwork this week with all the extra media attention? What do you do to keep focused?
Andy Kowske: It is very hard. Missing class and not having a lot of time to get things done. You tend to get behind. What we try to do is do our best. It is hard.

From Guest: Good luck, Andy. There are a lot of us Badgers here in Southern California who are very proud of you guys. I know you and your teammates have heard a lot of criticism of Dick Bennett's system throughout the season. Was that difficult to block that out during the season and still have faith in your coach?
Andy Kowske: First of all, thank you. The criticism we received during the year, we got used to. We received it ever since I got her as a freshman. It's not a big deal at all.

From Chris Maurer: Andy, could you comment on the fact that no Badger even made honorable mention All-Big Ten? Either the voters have no ability to judge talent or Dick Bennett must be a giant of a coach.
Andy Kowske: Well, I think there isn't a lot of talent on this team. When each guy does one or two things well and when you put us together, we make a great team. It shows that Coach Bennett is a great coach.

From Michael Maguire: As your former high school principal, there are a few things I know about your formula for success. How much a part of your game would you say is using your head (a.k.a. "court sense," "savvy," etc.)?
Andy Kowske: Hello! That's what I think I've improved this year. I've become better mentally, I think. I try to stay relaxed on the court and mentally prepare for each game.

From Andrew Johnson: You just beat Purdue and now face Michigan State, do you think that playing familiar conference teams has helped you focus more on your opponent rather than the hype and distractions that go along with a trip to the Final Four?
Andy Kowske: I can say that it's easier in a sense that, in practice, you can focus in what you're doing because you know your opponent so well. You don't need the time in practice to figure out your opponent's offense.

From Guest: Has Dick Bennett been emphasizing strengthening the offense since that seems to be a little weaker than the defense?
Andy Kowske: Yeah, he stressed that the defense is there to keep us in the games -- but the offense is what's going to push over the edge and win the games.

From DB: Have you altered your offense at all to get better looks at the basket in the tournament, or are you just shooting better as a team?
Andy Kowske: We tinker with it just about every game. We had been shooting the ball well. Every game we do change little things to get ready for our opponent.

From Elliot Wert: Being a kid from Wisconsin, how surreal is this to be in the Final Four? It is unbelievable you guys made it? The team has upped it's play so much -- to what do you attribute this?
Andy Kowske: I definitely would attribute it to plain hard work. There isn't much talent on this team. But hard work has made the difference. As for how I feel, its unbelievable right now. It is great.

From Stephen Randall: How did the early non-conference schedule influence the team's performance in the NCAA tournament?
Andy Kowske: I think it's helped out. Earlier this year we gained valuable experience playing teams out of the Big Ten. That can only help you in the postseason.

From Guest: Tell us about your dunk over Bill Walton's kid.
Andy Kowske: I set a ball screen for Mike. My guy helped on Mike. I rolled to the basket and Mike dished it to me. I just went up and dunked it. He tried to block it. It was one of the better dunks of my career.

From Guest: What's the team chemistry like right now? Seems like you all genuinely like each other, and that contributes to your success on the court. Are you close off the court as well?
Andy Kowske: Yeah. Obviously we don't all hang out with each other all the time. But we all like each other and we all get along.

From Guest: Do you enjoy being an underdog, is it easier?
Andy Kowske: Yes, definitely. Being the underdog, you go into the game with no pressure, nothing to lose. Everyone expects MSU to win the national championship. We'll just go in there with no pressure and play hard.

From Jay Bartsch: Wisconsin is a very disciplined team with great attitudes and work ethic. Do you feel that the players on the team do not get enough credit for being very good basketball players and athletes?
Andy Kowske: I think we don't get enough credit for a lot of people say we're not athletic. I don't think it's true. We're probably not as athletic as other teams, but it's really not worth worrying about.

From Shane Morast: In a recent Michigan State press conference, coach Izzo said that he had recruited you. Had you joined the green and white, where do you think you would fit in the mix?
Andy Kowske: I don't know. I'm sure I'd be like Andre Hutson. He is more talented, and I'd probably be sitting behind him on the bench. So I guess I made the right decision. It doesn't affect me at all. That's a long time ago, him recruiting me. I don't even worry about it.

From Guest: What have you learned from your previous three losses to Michigan State?
Andy Kowske: I think the biggest thing we learned that we can't let them sucker you into taking bad shots. Their defense is so good, you just have to be real patient.

From Guest: Do you think Michigan State might overlook Wisconsin having already won three games this year against you guys.
Andy Kowske: No way. The last three games we played them real tough. If we get some lucky breaks, we can sneak up on them. They'll prepare for us just like we're a No. 1 seed.

From Jim Kremer: Has Coach Bennett emphasized free throw shooting at all in practice this week since the team's troubles at the line in the Purdue game? I would think with points at a premium in the defensive battle that the MSU-Wisconsin game promises to be, that the winner may be the team that converts more opportunities from the line.
Andy Kowske: I think there's truth in that. When you're in a low-scoring game, points are at a premium. You'll have to convert your free throw attempts.

From Jerry Glissendorf: Why did you decide on Wisconsin to go to school at and play basketball? And what advice would you give to kid who wanted to realize his/her dreams as athlete?
Andy Kowske: I chose UW because it was close to home, yet far enough where I could get away. With that, I like the players and coaching staff a lot. As far as being a kid and realizing your break, the piece of advice I give out is to work hard and do your best.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have for today. Thanks for taking time to chat with us, Andy. Good luck in the Final Four and have a safe trip to Indy!
Andy Kowske: Thanks for having me and hopefully we'll get two W's.

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