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."
