Impact Expected of Hampton’s Ntoko
Ron Bailey, Publisher
August 31, 2007 – As a present sophomore guard at Hampton University, Jon Ntoko recently reflected he didn’t have the freshman season necessarily envisioned, averaging about a point and rebound per game, in slightly more than five minutes a contest (he played in 26). That was quite a departure, for someone who in 2005-2006 as a senior at Eleanor Roosevelt High School (MD), was a key member of that school’s MD State Finalist team, averaged close to 13 points a game on a deep roster, and in the process earned consideration as one of the most improved players in the Washington, D.C. area.
“It was a little frustrating” admitted Ntoko, a 6’3”, 205 pound, athletic guard from Greenbelt, MD. “I had to sit and watch a lot. But I did learn a lot”.
“It’s a different level” continued Jon, of his adjustment to Division I ball generally, and specifically the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Hampton’s conference. “My coach, (Kevin Nickelberry) was telling me I needed to adjust to the speed of the game. A lot of (MEAC) teams like to run…it’s mostly up and down”.
Jon Ntoko, in a 2006 MD State Semifinal game. He has since become stronger - through weight training - and wiser - via natural growth and maturation. Jon plans on making an imapct at Hampton as a sophomore this season.
Off the court, living away from home and his mother, Jon (pronounced Joan), the lessons continued, as Ntoko shared “I learned basketball prepares you for life. That’s one thing Coach Nick always says, ‘Even if you are not an athlete, you grow as a person’ in college”.
In the classroom, Jon continued grinding, evidenced by the fact he with a 3.5 GPA in general studies. In terms of a major, the young guy is currently inclined to select “business-finance”.
This season, the expectations of Ntoko have increased. “Coach Nick really wants me to come in, knock down some open jumpers, defend, and rebound the ball” he revealed. “Just be energy off the bench”.
Nickelberry concurred, adding “He needs to step up his impact on the game” as a returning second year player, whether it’s in 10 minutes or 20 minutes (of playing time)…He needs to do something positive, give us some positive minutes”.
Does Hampton’s talented young coach believe Jon can rise to the occasion? Yes, as he opined Ntoko “has done everything I thing he needs to do in the summer” that will prepare him for this upcoming year’s demands.
Jon shared this off-season, weightlifting has been a real focus of his, even when visiting family members in Atlanta and New York, as well as his dad in Newark, NJ, and the results are obvious. In doing so, he continued a trend started “when I went to school”, with the hope such activity will improve his defense and “range of my jumper”. Additionally, shooting work, and time spent increasing his flexibility plus ball handling ability have also been focal points for Ntoko.