Robert Nortmann: Working for the Next Level–The AUS will recieve a Rude Awakening!
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HALIFAX, NS–Robert Nortmann loves basketball, and following a career in Basketball is his dream. He is working hard this summer for next season to make that a reality. The fifth year Senior from Nassau, Bahamas will be a strong force for the Dalhousie Tigers as they make a push to make it back to the Final 8 and as he moves closer to a professional career in basketball.
“I love basketball, and I could not imagine giving it up after next season. I also set some personal goals with my basketball career and I want to see them through. Who wouldn’t want to get paid to do something they love?” said Nortmann when asked why he wanted to go pro.
Last season with the Dalhousie Tigers, Nortmann saw his role and playing time increase as the season progressed. Unfortunately, it would be bittersweet as Robert suffered a mild concussion against St. Fx midway through the season and was forced to sit out for a few games.
Nortmann is not only focused on going pro, but also on helping Dalhousie make it back to the Final 8. After a great season in 2010/11 the Tigers managed to earn one of the two spots available to the AUS in the Final 8.
The Tigers managed to win only one game at nationals, and Nortmann would like to build on that in the upcoming season.
“I felt that last season was a very solid one for our team, we had our ups and downs but we were still able to have some success. We did not however accomplish our goals as a team” said Nortmann
Moving forward to next season Nortmann is optimistic about the Tigers chances to make it back to the Final 8 at the Metro Centre in 2012.
With a crop of graduating seniors out of the mix, Nortmaan will be stepping into the Dal system as a focal point on both ends of the floor.
The Tigers graduating seniors include NPH #7 Nationally-Ranked CIS Player, Simon Farine along with Joseph Schow, Sandy Veit, Peter Leighton, and Jason Wang,
“We have a lot of guys who are talented and will be able to show their skill set this year,” explained Nortmaan.
“This past year we were a very deep team and many people who did not get a chance to shine last season will get ample opportunity this upcoming year. As long as everyone puts in the hard work this offseason we will be a top team in the country”
Nortmann will be asked to fill the inside presence for the Tigers as they lose their two big front court production tandem to graduation.
Moving forward with his individual goals, Nortmann is training to reach the next level in his development where he seeks to transition into a pro; transforming weaknesses to strengths.
“I’m athletic but I want to become stronger and more powerful, so that I can utilize my athleticism. I need to also develop my touch inside, hooks, runners and baby jumpers, If I work on those things it will make a world of difference for my game and take me to the next level.
Nortmann stands at 6’8 but has the athleticism and quickness to make it a difficult matchup for opposing defenders. His high motor and intensity will help him take on the leadership role in the Tigers locker room. He has a great vertical leap, which will allow him to be a force on both ends of the court next season. With his hard work this offseason, Nortmann will become a complete player and will be able to cause defensive problems in the tough AUS conference.
“I want to be the best player I can be. I’m a dreamer and I just want to work hard and see how far I can take it. I started playing basketball late and people have been amazed with how far I have got so, I want to keep amazing people”
Photo Credit: Gretchen Phinney & Canadian University Press
