Kenneth van Kempen finally is showing Ohio fans what coach John Groce has preached all along.
Van Kempen is playing his best basketball of the season, coming off the two best games of his career.
But Groce isn't surprised about van Kempen's improved play, having seen this side of him all season in practice.
I'm happy for him that others get to see the by-product of that
Groce said.
I want him to have the confidence to take and make open shots and that's been a big part of our success the past two games.
Over those games, van Kempen averaged nine points and three rebounds. He was especially impressive against Northern Illinois, when he dropped a season-high 12 points.
I'm happy to finally show it in games van Kempen said. It's always good for your confidence when you are making more shots than you're missing.
Van Kempen has made many more shots than he's missed lately. Over his last two games, he's shot 8-of-9 from the field. In Mid-American Conference play, he's shooting 53.1 percent from the field - up from 42.3 percent in Ohio's non-conference schedule.
The shots have fallen as van Kempen has become more comfortable with his post moves inside. He's perfected a baby hook shot, difficult to defend with his 6 -foot-10 frame.
I like hook shots
van Kempen said.
It's one go-to move I have. It feels comfortable.
When he first came to Ohio from the Netherlands, van Kempen was actually more comfortable shooting from the perimeter. He said as an underclassman he tried to play the way he had in Europe.
When I came here
I knew I'd be able to shoot around the perimeter
he said.
Then in games
it didn't really show.
Now it is. Van Kempen has developed a consistent outside shot, specializing in long shots from the corner.
He's made those shots consistently
Groce said. He takes good shots.
Van Kempen is also working on staying out of foul trouble. Over his career, he has been prone to picking up quick fouls, limiting his minutes on the floor. He only had two against the Huskies, but got into trouble against Eastern Michigan. He committed four fouls and was limited to 16 minutes.
A way for me to help out the team is to foul less
van Kempen said. Every foul adds up to seven
which gives them extra free throw shots.
The Bobcats will need van Kempen on the floor tonight against Western Michigan. Ohio is looking for its first win on the road against a MAC West opponent this season.
I'm anxious to see where our guys are from a toughness perspective
Groce said. We've had some different seasons in our season.
