Phoenix freshmen making an impact

GREEN BAY, Wis. - They are each averaging a little more than 15 minutes per game. It's a contribution Matt Smith, Seth Evans, and Rian Pearson take seriously.

"I just think we're all 3 tough freshman," said freshman forward Rian Pearson.

Toughness is something the trio has in common. After that their games are just like their personalities.

"I'm the shiest one of everyone," said freshman forward Matt Smith.

"I'm a tough nosed guy," said freshman guard Seth Evans.

"Funny, outgoing," added Pearson.

"All three bring something different," said Phoenix head coach Tod Kowalczyk. "Matt has unbelievable length and athleticism, very much untapped potential. Seth Evans is a coaches son who is unbelievably tough and can make shots. Rian is kind of an X-factor. A high energy guy and somebody that has the ability to be a great defender in our league."

Despite seeing their fair share of minutes, the trio still has a lot of growing to do. Coach Tod Kowalczyk told me he's never seen a player that can adapt to the college game right away."

"We talk about until we're blue in the face with all of our recruits," added Kowalczyk. "Until they get here they think they understand, and I've never coached someone who did understand it."

With 5 games remaining on Green Bay's Horizon League schedule, Kowalczyk will continue to help bring this trio along. But, he'll also continue to keep asking them to contribute.