Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Mike Daum looking to shoot during play in the Cancun Challenge in Cancun, Mexico.
A happy reunion with his family in between game action. Left to right, dad Mitch, sister Danika, Mike and mom Michele.
All doubt has vanished in regards to questioning if Kimball's Mike Daum could play Division One Men's Basketball. The big guy is getting the job done, and done quite well, for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
In my column last week I reported on SDS wins over TCU and Illinois State. Following those wins the Jacks travelled to Cancun, Mexico to finish out the Cancun Challenge that actually started in the United States and finished out in Mexico. Happy to report that Mike and team mates captured the championship with two more wins south of the border. In a November 24 game they won over Houston Baptist 92-68 with Big Mike getting 20 minutes of court time scoring 13 points, pulling 3 rebounds, and charting 1 block. In the championship game they won over Cleveland State 77-66 with Mike getting 16 minutes of court time, scoring 12 points and pulling 1 board.
The Jackrabbits flew back to the States on Thanksgiving Day getting into Kansas City late that night and turned right around and played the University of Missouri-Kansas City on Saturday but unfortunately came up short this time losing 64-57. In this game Mike had 16 minutes of playing time, had 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal and had an off night for the young man who is usually an awesome free throw shooter as he went 4 for 8 at the line.
Mike has been getting lots of complimentary press releases from national news sources for his play. The 6'9" red-shirt freshman has grown not only in size and stature, but also in how he plays the game at the next level. He still has the touch on the long balls, but also can handle the rough stuff inside after sitting out his first year at SDS and working hard in the weight room.
The Cancun tournament was very special to Mike as his family flew down to watch him play and mom Michele said "This was the first time we've gotten to watch him play live since the state tournament in March of 2014, so it was very exciting and fun for us, and Mike. He is still the same crazy and funny personality, but man has he grown up!" Of course the family watches his play on the Jackrabbits Sports Network and all of you fans that have the knowledge can do the same. If you need more info on how to do this, check with Michele. In looking at the SDS schedule, I can tell you that the closest game to Kimball the entire season will be January 30 in Denver.
Next action for Mike and the Jacks is a home game with Wayne State on December 2. They are at Minnesota on December 8.