It's something Davidson coach Bob McKillop often mentions to his players and staff and something that's representative of the basketball program he has built as his 23rd season opens. To him, that pursuit translates on the team and personal level, on the court, in the classroom and in the community.
For junior standout Jake Cohen, that pursuit led directly to the weight room and the dining room this offseason.
The 6-foot-10 forward has played a significant role each of his first two years at Davidson, playing an inside-outside style that has caused matchup problems for many defenders. But at times, the tall and skinny Cohen has had trouble matching up, too, and made it a goal to bulk up before retaking the court.
He set his sights on adding muscle, not because he now wants to camp out in the paint and do his Shaquille O'Neal impersonation, but so he can further his versatility.
Cohen's summer was a success. He weighed in at 217 pounds in June and weighed 235 when he returned to Davidson this fall after working out at Villanova University, near his Berwyn, Pa., home.
"It's so big because it's going to help all parts of my game," says Cohen. "It will certainly help playing inside against big strong guys, but it will also help with my stamina and being able to play more minutes, being able to get strength on my shot when I'm tired. I think it's going to help in every aspect."
Cohen had tried previously to add pounds with little success. But after talking with the Davidson coaching staff and linking up with the Villanova strength and conditioning staff, he made a commitment to give it another shot. He lifted four days a week and ate large meals at lunch and dinner, supplemented by small meals throughout the day.
Cohen was also guided on what to take in.
"A lot of juice because it's good for you, and it's calories," he says. "And I love snacking on roast beef and turkey, stuff like that. That's stuff that my mom and dad made available, so that's what I ate."
McKillop says he's pleased with how Cohen has looked this preseason.
"His energy level, endurance and physical strength, and response to contact is significantly improved," says McKillop, noting that the most significant aspect of Cohen's offseason may be a renewed confidence stemming from his improved body.
Cohen, who has continued his strength training with first-year Davidson strength coach Jon Rowan, is hopeful the work off the court will translate into production on it. He started all 33 games last season, scored in double figures 21 times and averaged 12.2 points per game, second only to teammate J.P. Kuhlman (12.8), a year after leading Davidson with a 13.3 scoring average and being named Southern Conference Freshman of the Year by the SoCon media. Cohen led Davidson with 6.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game and shot 48.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from behind the arc. He enters the 2011-12 campaign 186 points shy of 1,000 for his career and 136 rebounds from 500.
