Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Kyle Smithpeters Feature
12/08/2004 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 8, 2004
By Shalae Schulte
www.SIUSalukis.com
When Kyle Smithpeters puts on a Saluki uniform for the first time this winter, he will have a large cheering section in the crowd -- his immediate family.
Smithpeters, a walk-on transfer from Harrisburg, Ill., attributes his competitive edge to growing up in a family of six children, and with that, he has owned up to many additional responsibilities.
"I have a role to fill as far as making sure my image is proper in front of the younger kids," explained Smithpeters, whose youngest sibling is in third grade. "They really look up to me and how I carry myself. I need to make sure my actions are good actions."
So far, Smithpeters actions in the classroom and on the court have been positive. He is no stranger to winning. "Kyle is going to be a guy that helps make other people better," said assistant coach Rodney Watson. "He's very strong. He gives us a realistic look in preparing for games."
Prior to his transfer to SIU, Smithpeters enjoyed a decorated junior college career at Southeastern Community College (Ill.), where he played with fellow Saluki LaMar Owen.
As a sophomore at Southeastern, he averaged 10.3 points per game and 4.9 rebounds, while earning all-conference recognition. He helped lead the Falcons to a 31-5 record and a fourth place finish at the JUCO national tournament.
Prior to Southeastern, Smithpeters was an all-state selection and a three-time all-conference performer at Harrisburg High School. As a senior, his team made it to the Sweet 16 of the state tournament, and in 2000, he was a member of the 14-0 football state championship team.
Winning seems to be a tradition for Smithpeters and that is what drew him to SIU.
"I want to be a part of something special," Smithpeters said.
As for the coaching staff, Smithpeters thinks highly of his new coach. He can't compare him to former coaches, one of which was his dad, but he realizes that each coach brings something new to the game and has their own way of teaching the game.
"Coach Lowery is more the get-it-done coach, he doesn't need to boast about it," Smithpeters said. "Have a goal; get it done no matter what. Lowery is a great coach, and I enjoy playing for him."
According to the Saluki coaching staff, Smithpeters seems to be adjusting well to the Division I level.
"He's very smart," Watson said. "He understands what we're doing, despite having been here a short time. He really understands basketball, and he understands more than just one possession. He can think three-dimensionally."
Smithpeters, after getting through the first month of conditioning, is adapting well. The change in the level of play is not drastic, but took a little while to get used to.
"I think the speed and precision of players is a lot more refined at this level," Smithpeters said. "Players are built better, and they bring a physicalness to the game you don't see in junior college."
Overall, Smithpeters believes the transition has been smooth, although he admits he's had to refine his time management skills.
"There's a lot more expectations (at this level)," Smithpeters said. "School is challenging and basketball is constant throughout the day. That is the big transition."
As far as his family goes, Smithpeters actions have been positive across the board for the junior guard. Younger brother Kolby has already followed in his footsteps, a freshman at Southeastern this fall.
