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Cincinnati’s David Nyarsuk looks to rebound from tough junior campaign

David Nyarsuk

Cincinnati center David Nyarsuk dunks against Georgetown in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

AP

Attending a new school in an unfamiliar environment can be a struggle for many students, with the process of adjusting to new surroundings being an arduous one. That was the case for Cincinnati senior center David Nyarsuk, who arrived at the school by way of Mountain State University in West Virginia. Lacking the physical strength needed to properly deal with more physical opponents, Nyarsuk struggled in his first season as a Bearcat.

And while dealing with the on-court adjustments Nyarsuk also lost his father, who passed away after contracting malaria in their native South Sudan, before the start of the 2012-13 season. Unable to get home to bury his father or hold a memorial service with his brother in San Diego, David went through the grieving process in Cincinnati with head coach Mick Cronin and his teammates doing the best they could to help him.

Now boasting improved physical strength, Nyarsuk is approaching his senior season with a “renewed purpose” according to Bill Koch of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

According to UC strength coach Mike Rehfeldt, Nyarsuk actually has added 30 to 35 pounds, mostly in his upper body, and is now listed at 250. And although it still hurts that he missed the funeral, he takes solace knowing that he is doing what his father would have wanted him to do.

“It’s really hard but I feel like when I talked to my dad he actually told me to work hard, finish school and everything is going to be fine,” Nyarsuk said. “I remember what he said to me. I feel like if I do a good job here that will make him proud. If he was alive, he would want me to stay here and finish what I’m doing.”


Nyarsuk posted averages of 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game last season, and he won’t be expected to be a primary offensive option for the Bearcats in 2013-14. But he can help them defensively and on the boards, as the Bearcats do have to account for the departure of center Cheikh Mbodj (5.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.6 bpg). With the amount of perimeter talent at Coach Cronin’s disposal it’s likely that the Bearcats look to turn up the pressure defensively, and if that’s the case they’ll need solid players to protect the basket.

Justin Jackson (1.4 blocks per game in 2012-13) is certainly an option for that role, but it wouldn’t hurt to have Nyarsuk step up and become a factor as well.

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