Nov. 27, 2006

By Matt Brendich Assistant Director of Media Relations

Often, the freshmen student-athlete experience is akin to learning how to ride a bicycle with training wheels.

Those training wheels have come off for Northern Illinois sophomore guard Quintan Lipkins and the other bikes aren't moving as quickly as they used to.

The difference between the freshman Lipkins and the sophomore Lipkins?

"Sophomore `Q' has a lot more responsibility now," Lipkins said. "I understand the game more and its not as fast."

Admittedly, Lipkins would have liked to have performed better as a freshman, as he appeared in 11 games and averaged 1.4 points-per-contest. His most impressive performance came in a 94-61 victory over Eastern Michigan, as he tallied eight points in six minutes of action.

But it was the defensive side of the ball that Lipkins knew that he had to improve on.

"There were things that we didn't do in high school that we do now, for example guarding screens," Lipkins said. "I had never guarded a screen in high school, but now I am."

Those words are music to NIU head coach Rob Judson's ears.

"He's making progress," Judson said. "What we like to say in our program is that you get a little better each day.

"Quintan in his maturity process here, moving from freshman to sophomore, is seeing that and realizing that," Judson continued. "It's hard to make a little bit of progress each day. That's not an easy task, particularly on the defensive end. [Quintan has] shown the willlingness to put that effort into that area."

Helping make the learning process easier for Lipkins was the tutelage of graduated senior Anthony Maestranzi.

"Last year I paid attention to Anthony [Maestranzi] and I learned a lot," Lipkins said.

This season and with one year under his belt, Lipkins is eager to learn even more from the rest of his teammates.

"This year I just look at everybody's game," Lipkins said. "I'm looking at the whole team."

Knowing what was in store for him, Lipkins spent the summer in Texas vigorously preparing him for the demands of a grueling 2006-07 campaign with Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai.

"This summer when I was [in Texas], I worked out in the gym every day," Lipkins said. "I had worked out with one of my friends [Joseph Addai] who plays for the Colts. He pushed me because I wanted to get a little stronger."

The every day life of a student-athlete is often difficult, but having been through this once, Lipkins expects to be more proactive as a sophomore.

"This year I have to step up and lead," Lipkins said. "Last year I was learning. This year I should know the system so I have to lead the team and be a quarterback."

Lipkins was rewarded with his most playing time ever in a Huskie uniform on Thursday (Nov. 9), as the Houston, Texas native was on the floor for 17 minutes, totaling seven points and five rebounds in a 77-47 exhibition victory over St. Francis

"It was a good experience," Lipkins said. "It was different from last year because I had not seen the court that much. I had a little nervousness going on, but I got rid of it pretty quick."

When on the court, Lipkins is charged with the duty of running an efficient offense, but the 5-8 sophomore will not shy away from the opportunity to score.

"I still have the scorers mentality, you never lose it," Lipkins said. "I know now I have to get everybody involved first and then when my time comes to score, I need to make it happen."

Judson knows that Lipkins has the ability to be a special player, it's not a matter of if it happens, but when.

"Quintan is in the process of maturation now," Judson said. "He has the athletic ability, especially the speed and quickness to be a tremendous defensive player. That's what we're trying to have him focus on. Offensively on the open court, he uses that speed and quickness to his advantage. He's getting better and better with his decisions. We like the progress `Q' is making. He has adjusted well to life here in the north and we're looking for a good contribution from `Q' this year for our team."

--NIU--