Teams: Men's Basketball: Press Releases

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

MEET 1,000 POINT BASKETBALL SCORER JAKE WEITZEN

Jake Weitzen (New York, NY/Bronx HS of Science) scored 23 points in the second game of his Tufts University basketball career against Whittier College at the Lopata Classic in St. Louis. Now a junior on the Jumbos, he hasn't slowed down since and recently scored the 1,000th point of his career in a Tufts win at Wesleyan.

Out of New York City, Weitzen is currently averaging 14.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game for a Tufts team that will play at Williams in the first round of the NESCAC Tournament on Saturday (Feb. 17). 

In Focus got in touch with Jake recently to get to know one of the men's basketball program's top all-time scorers a little better:

Last year was one of the best seasons in the history of the team with a trip to the "Sweet 16". This season has been up and down, so how are things shaping up as the conference tournament approaches?

JW - Last year was a very special year, and it is always hard to follow up on the best season in school history. I think we struggled to find our identity at first this season, which caused us to be a little inconsistent. We've had a few tough losses, but as everyone knows it is key to play your best basketball at the end of the season. I think we know what it takes to be successful in the NESCAC Tournament.

New York City is obviously a "hot spot" for basketball. How has growing up in the city helped to make you the player that you are today? What else has helped shape your game?

JW - In New York City there really is no other sport. Basketball is it. Partly due to the lack of fields, and partly due to the culture of basketball, it is the sport that every kid plays. The thing that made me the player I am is the amount of basketball I played. I regret this, but I didn't have a gym that I could shoot jump shots or work on skills in. So going down to the park and playing games was how I developed my skills. Also if I didn't mention my father's impact on me, I would be seriously mistaken. He is the reason I am the player I am, because he pushed me constantly to improve and never let me settle.

What attracted you to Tufts coming out of NYC?

JW - I was attracted to Tufts for its academic reputation, and its distance to a major city. Growing up in New York, I knew I wouldn't feel comfortable in a rural setting, and Tufts gave me the campus feel, with the convenience of Boston at my disposal.

Besides basketball, what other activities do you participate in at Tufts?

JW - For better or for worse, basketball is really my main focus. I am sure many athletes can agree playing one sport plus being a student keeps most people extremely busy. I have to give a lot of credit and respect to multi-sport athletes, or other athletes that have heavy course loads or do other activities including their sport.

As a economics major, what are your career aspirations at this time?

JW - As an economics major I know I don't want to be on wall street. (Teammate) Brian Kumf easily convinced me that Wall Street wasn't for me. By studying economics, I am hoping to get a view into the business world and take it from there. I have no specific aspirations right now. I know I am young and have plenty of time to work later.

Tufts is the sixth seed in the 2007 NESCAC Tournament and will play at third seed Williams on Saturday at 2:00. The Jumbos defeated the Ephs, 82-65, in Williamstown during the regular season. A victory will send Tufts to the NESCAC "final four" for the third straight year.

#

Previous Jumbo Athletes In Focus:

Khalilah Ummah - Women's Basketball

Cat Beck - Women's Track & Field

Greg Bettencourt - Men's Swimming