Nov. 10, 2010

By Neal Ruhl

Athletic Communications contributor

With the preseason well underway, OUgrizzlies.com will spotlight a newcomer to the Oakland University men's basketball team each week. This week, freshman center Kyle Sikora sat down with Oakland radio color analyst Neal Ruhl to talk about his experience so far at OU. Kyle Sikora likes to do the dirty work on the court. He is a guy that doesn't mind having to get a tough rebound or block a shot. I got a chance to talk with the Key Largo, Florida native about doing the little things on the court, and about having to face wind chills for the first time in his life.

Neal Ruhl - "How are you adjusting to college life at Oakland University?"

Kyle Sikora - "I like it so far. Oakland has a great coaching staff and the academics are pretty good."

NR - "What was the clincher for you in choosing to come to Oakland University?"

KS - "I came up here for my visit last year during the homecoming game vs. Oral Roberts and the place was packed. Jonathon Jones hit the game winning shot. It was so exciting. It was awesome. I love the fans."

NR - "What about your first experience in Division 1 basketball? Is there a moment that sticks out to you?"

KS - "Just how fast the game is. Playing in the summer at the open gym, the speed is what stuck out to me. Probably like everybody else finds."

NR - "Talk about your game. What can fans expect to see out of you?"

KS - "I'm more of a defensive player than offensive. Hopefully I can change that over the next couple years. I was a shot blocker in high school. I averaged a double-double in blocks and rebounds in high school. I could score a little bit."

NR - "So you are someone who likes to do the dirty work?"

KS - "Yes, like Will Hudson. He does the dirty work. I have to take Will's spot next year."

NR - "There's not a lot of glory in that role. Is that something you grew up doing?"

KS - "I was always taller than everybody else so shot blocking was easy. I just enjoy it. You get more exposure by scoring points, but when I get blocks or rebounds, I just enjoy that more."

NR - "You're from Key Largo, Florida so you might not know much about winter. How many sweat shirts, winter hats and pairs of gloves do you have the closet right now?"

KS - "You have no idea. I've never lived in snow before."

NR - "You have to remember that during the season, you go to North Dakota and South Dakota in January, as cold as it is here, it's even worse there."

KS - "I've heard it's like the Arctic."

NR - "Are you ready for that?"

KS - "I won't be outside much."