Meet Jin Soo Kim
Last month I got an e-mail from a reader named John Lee, asking for my impressions of
Maryland freshman Jin Soo Kim -- Lee’s cousin.
After some back-and-forth with Lee, he offered to relay some questions to Kim, who’s enrolled at UM but still awaiting approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse.
Lee passed the questions along to Kim, who then confirmed his answers to me via e-mail.
While this doesn’t exactly fall under the umbrella of recruiting, here’s a belated introduction to Kim.
Name: Jin Soo Kim
Birthdate: 5/11/89
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Nickname: Jin
Height: 6-8
Weight: 200 pounds
Position: Small forward
High School: South Kent (Conn.) School
Other schools considered: “Maryland was the first and only school I actually visited.”
Favorite pro basketball player: Ray Allen, Tayshaun Prince
Favorite music: “I usually listen to Korean music. I especially like hip-hop and rap.”
Favorite TV show: Prison Break
Favorite food: “I like both American and Korean foods. My favorite American foods are hamburgers and pizza.”
Favorite high school class: Math
Favorite thing about College Park: “I have made many good friends here ... and most importantly, I love the basketball team, because the coaches are great and my teammates treat me very well.”
Hobbies: Listening to music
Intended major: Physical therapy
Something that not many people know about you: “I am somewhat of an introvert, but many people think I am an extrovert because I am active and humorous.”
Best basketball moment: “When I played a high school game on an NBA court for the first time. I was a sophomore, and the game was a tournament in New York. We played at the [Knicks’] home court.
Role model: My parents
Summarize why Maryland was the best fit for you: “The school’s atmosphere and activities on the campus just fit me well.”
How is your shoulder? “My shoulder is a lot better than before. I actually think I can play this year.”
What was the most difficult part about your injury and having surgery? “The process of surgery and rehab was very long for me. The most difficult part was that I could not play basketball. I spent a lot of time doing rehab.”
When and why did you decide to enroll early at Maryland? “I really liked the school and coaching staff. ... Coach Williams and [the] other coaches seemed really enthusiastic about basketball. I felt that Maryland is where I belong.”
Are you excited to get back on the court? “Yes. I am very excited to get back on the court. I know that this season is very important for the Maryland fans and myself, so I am going to work very hard. I just can’t wait for this season.”
What has school and basketball at Maryland been like for you so far? “Both the school life and playing basketball here at Maryland have been great. I study hard at school. And I play basketball with all my energy on the court.”
Comments
Sounds like a real Terp to me. Great 'tude! His outside shot will be needed. Do you think Jin will be ready by first game?
Posted by: EdDC | October 14, 2008 10:49 AM
Matt,
What are the problems with the Clearinghouse? If he's already enrolled at UMD, then he's obviously passed all of the necessary tests right?
Posted by: Dan | October 14, 2008 11:18 AM
Hey Matt great article. I was trying to think of a good nick name for you. Uhh ... How about Matt?
Posted by: Pterp | October 14, 2008 11:30 AM
EdDC -- He said he's not 100% just yet, but he's pretty close. I think he'll be ready to go.
Dan -- Not sure of the specifics on the clearinghouse. He was originally a 2009 prospect, so fast-tracking that last year of high school might have something to do with it. He's reportedly a strong student.
Posted by: Matt Bracken | October 14, 2008 3:27 PM
You gotta love the innocence of youth. "We played at the [Knicks’] home court." Yeah, that's just Madison Square Garden. It's kinda like saying "We played a baseball game on the Yankees' home field." He seems like a great kid. I hope he enjoys his time at Maryland and contributes to a winning team each year.
Posted by: Jack | October 14, 2008 3:38 PM
Thanks for the information. My Terp basketball juices are flowing. I hope he is cleared soon.
Posted by: 67terp | October 14, 2008 5:14 PM
Welcome Jin Soo! Can't wait to see this kid on the court in Maryland red.
Posted by: Colfax | October 14, 2008 6:32 PM
Hey Dan what would happen if the Clearinghouse doesn't give him the o.k. before the 17th? Will he get to play later or will he miss the whole season?
Posted by: Willis | October 15, 2008 8:49 AM
Matt,
Assuming that Kim gets through the clearinghouse, realistically, how much playing time do you think he would get? Milbourne is the incumbent at small forward. Also, I could see GV getting some minutes at small forward when the Terps have him, Mosley and Hayes in the game at the same time. Add Tucker into the mix at a swing guard/small forward position and it gets pretty crowded. How do you think it will turn out from a playing time perspective for all of these guys?
Posted by: bob b | October 15, 2008 11:14 AM
Willis -- I'm guessing by 'Dan' you meant 'Matt.' Anyway, I'm not sure how UM would handle things in that event. Morgan State had a freshman last year who didn't pass through the Clearinghouse until about January. He was with the team the entire time and ended up redshirting. Not sure what the Terps would do in this case, but that's apparently an option.
Bob B -- I think 10 minutes per game is about the most you could expect from Kim as a freshman. I think he's got the potential to start down the road, but like you said, it's a pretty crowded situation right now.
Posted by: Matt Bracken | October 15, 2008 11:41 AM