By David Zheng
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From 1976 to 1980, Kirk Kitzinger played college basketball at DePauw University in Greencastle, back when the Tigers were a Division I school. According to www.depauw.edu, Mr. Kitzinger played a major part of the DePauw men’s basketball team’s all-time career leaders for both free throws and rebounds.

Now, as a starting guard for this school’s men’s varsity basketball team, Robert Kitzinger, Mr. Kitzinger’s son and a junior, is trying to step into his dad’s shoes. Robert said his dad was the biggest influence on him in basketball; his dad was the reason he started playing.

Robert said, “He definitely got me interested in basketball and he helped to develop my skills when I was growing up, so he definitely ignited my passion for the game.”

Robert started playing basketball when he was five years old.

“When I was old enough to understand the game of basketball, I would always go watch all (of my dad’s basketball) games,” Robert said. “We would also just go to the gym and work on drills and fundamentals.”

“I certainly think this is Robert’s time and basketball’s something he’s enjoyed his entire life,” Mr. Kitzinger said. “Before he knew I played he’s had a basketball in his hand. It’s been his passion and it’s been a joy for me to watch him play and love the game like I did.”

Despite all this, Robert said that filling in his dad’s talented shoes isn’t always easy. “It’s kind of hard, really,” Robert said. “He did get a scholarship to play basketball, so I kind of want to do that. Also, he was an all-time leading rebounder at DePauw, so (rebounding) is one thing I’ve tried to work on.”

According to Robert, his playing style differs from how his dad used to play. “He was more of a power-forward and center, and I’m more of a guard, so he did a lot more down low while I play a lot more outside,” Robert said. “He’s just more of an inside guy, while I have shot more threes.”

“He’s a very good perimeter player, and the ironic part is that we’re the same height (at 6 feet 6 inches),” Mr. Kitzinger said. “He’s far more skilled than I ever had the ability to be.”

Also, Robert said he hopes to continue playing basketball in college, but does not yet have plans for what college he wants to attend.

“I just want to keep my options open,” he said. “I’ve been looking at some places like Harvard and some Ivy League schools, and also some schools like Miami and Ohio.”

However, Mr. Kitzinger said he does not really have any expectations for Robert. “I hope he continues to play the game the way he has and to love the game the way he has,” Mr. Kitzinger said. “It’s his time. It’s time for him to experience and enjoy and to share, and lead a team that hopefully will achieve some great things, and then continue with life whether basketball is a part of it or not.”

“The expectations for me to perform well in games are pretty high,” Robert said. “I personally look at the expectations from my dad and from my team the same way. I just want to do the best for my team, and I just hope my dad accepts what I do out there.”