Freshman Center Karnowski Adjusting Well at Gonzaga
SPOKANE, Wash. – When Gonzaga freshman center Przemek (SHEM-eck) Karnowski stepped onto campus, his presence was immediately known. It’s difficult to miss a 7-foot-1-inch, 305-pounder walking to class in College Hall. Karnowski has made his presence felt on the court immediately, as well, scoring 20 and 17 point in his first two games.
One of two true freshmen Zags this year, Karnowski has had to make far more transitions than the average college freshman. Hailing from Torun, Poland, Karnowski – or “The Polish Hammer” as students fondly call him – has had to adjust to an entirely different continent, culture, and style of basketball. Adjustments of this magnitude make the transitions most college freshmen face pale in significance.
Karnowski was discovered by Gonzaga assistant Coach Tommy Lloyd who was in Hamburg, Germany, watching an international under-age-17 game featuring Canadian star guard Kevin Pangos, who was entering his senior year in high school. Poland beat Canada 75-70, Karnowski scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Pangos scored 22 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out six assists; both were named to the All-Tournament team.
Through Feb. 16, Karnowski has played an average of 11.3 minutes per game this season — averaging 2.6 rebounds and 5.6 points.
One of two true freshmen Zags this year, Karnowski has had to make far more transitions than the average college freshman. Hailing from Torun, Poland, Karnowski – or “The Polish Hammer” as students fondly call him – has had to adjust to an entirely different continent, culture, and style of basketball. Adjustments of this magnitude make the transitions most college freshmen face pale in significance.
Karnowski was discovered by Gonzaga assistant Coach Tommy Lloyd who was in Hamburg, Germany, watching an international under-age-17 game featuring Canadian star guard Kevin Pangos, who was entering his senior year in high school. Poland beat Canada 75-70, Karnowski scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Pangos scored 22 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out six assists; both were named to the All-Tournament team.
Through Feb. 16, Karnowski has played an average of 11.3 minutes per game this season — averaging 2.6 rebounds and 5.6 points.
WCC Tournament Approaches
The Gonzaga men’s and women’s basketball teams will compete in the West Coast Conference Tournament in Las Vegas, March 6-11. Once again, the Gonzaga Alumni Association will lead a service project during the WCC Tournament; this year’s event will benefit the Three Square food bank. Visit ZagsOnline [www.zagsonline.org/WCC2013] for more information about helping with the service project and for information about other alumni activities at the WCC Tournament.