Kohn leading Bulls by the horns

When the topic of South Florida basketball is tossed around, All-American candidates B.B. Waldon and Altron Jackson are usually the first two names linked to the Bulls.

But if you haven’t done so already, add one more name to that list: Reggie Kohn.

Although Jackson and Waldon rightfully command the majority of attention paid to the Bulls, Kohn has been the catalyst for USF’s impressive 6-0 start. The junior’s stats will never match those of his high-scoring, rebound-ripping teammates, but no one on the Bulls is more important – or understands how to run the team better – than Kohn.

Just ask Waldon.

“Reggie is the key of our offense (and) the key of our team once we step out on the court,” Waldon said. “Everything runs around him.”

Kohn and the Bulls will look to extend their unbeaten streak to seven games when they travel to face Northern Illinois tonight at 8.

Statistically speaking, Kohn is having the best year of his career. After struggling through a 2000-01 season in which his numbers dipped in every pertinent offensive category – points, assists per game and three-point percentage – Kohn is posting career-bests in all three areas. He is averaging 10.2 ppg, 6.5 apg and a blistering 47 percent from three-point territory.

“He’s seeing a huge basket and playing with tremendous confidence,” coach Seth Greenberg said.

Waldon said Kohn’s ability to dish or shoot the ball makes for a dangerous combination.

“What Reggie does is come down and run the play, (and) if a man is not (defending), he’s going to hit you,” Waldon said. “And if your not going to play him, he’s going to score.”

Although it is early in the season to compare Kohn’s current stats to his numbers from the previous two seasons, his most important contributions have come in his decision-making and leadership. Kohn has been distributing the ball when necessary, hitting shots when left open and been more vocal on the court than in previous seasons.

“The thing about Reggie is (he’s) somebody that calculates and breaks everybody down,” Waldon said. “He studies the game. The guy has eyes all over the court where you never think he’ll see you.”

It’s no wonder Kohn has such a knack for breaking down the opposition – he’s the son of a coach. Kohn played for his father, Steve, at Lake Howell High School.

“He sees (the court) so well,” Greenberg said. “He understands every set we’re running and what we’re trying to get accomplished.”

Waldon honored … again

Waldon was named Conference USA Co-Player of the Week for the period ending Dec. 2. Waldon shot 73 percent from the floor during the stretch, including a 23-point performance against Prairie View A&M and his third double-double of the season vs. California – both Bull wins.

Waldon shared the honor this week with Louisville’s Ellis Myles. This marks the fourth time in Waldon’s decorated career he has received this award.

  • Brandon Wright covers men’s basketball and can be reached at oraclebrandon@yahoo.com