Kisner leads by example for men's hoops
Quality individual. Family oriented. Works hard in school. Committed to his faith. Fierce competitor. Tremendous all around guy.
These are the words that were used to describe Tim Kisner by basketball Head Coach Jay Smith.
So what does the 6-2 junior guard have to say for himself.
"I'm laid back. I like to talk and watch sports," he said with a smile.
His smile and evident love for people shine through as he talks.
It doesn't take long for Kisner's demeanor to make someone feel at home.
But on the court, he goes from laid back to high intensity.
His grin is no longer, unless he has just knocked down a key 3-pointer, but his facial expressions are still as noticeable as ever.
Whether he has his eyes narrow and focused or big coupled with an open mouth to signal his seizing an opportunity, his competitive nature is a major part of Kisner's game.
"I don't have enough talent so I have to play hard. I do not have all the natural abilities so I have to bring intensity," Kisner said.
That intensity has caused him to verbalize some disagreements with Smith, something Smith noticed as a good quality because it means Kisner cares about what's happening with the team.
"He and I have butted heads a few times, but he's a competitor and I'm a competitor. We've come to an understanding," Smith said.
Being a team player has propelled Kisner to the top of the CMU assist charts this season with 69, as well as being among the leaders in free throw percentage (77 percent), 3-point shooting (27-for-74), rebounds (59) and scoring (9.3 ppg).
"Clutch" Kisner also has a reputation for being the man with the ball at the end of ball games.
"At the end of the game, he doesn't mind taking tough shots. He accepts that challenge. He'd probably accept any challenge you threw at him," Smith said.
The most memorable of his finales is likely the buzzer-beater to defeat Bonzi Wells and Ball State in 1998.
But Kisner is quick to remind people of those he has missed.
"I've missed some too. I can think of three or four I wish I would've made. I'm fortunate to be in those situations and I have the confidence to take them," he said.
Kisner is one of those people who has the rare gift to be able to balance humility and confidence.
So where does that come from?
"I was raised in a Christian home and I live with those values everyday. I live for God and that's my life. No matter what happens, He's number one," Kisner said.
Having God number one is something that he notices a lot with his teammates as well.
He and many of his teammates are involved in the campus organization, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which Kisner sees as a real plus in his life.
"FCA's been good. I'm involved with that and it allows you to meet people on other teams with a common bond (both with sports and God) and on road trips we have accountability groups and bible study," he said.
That common bond is a factor that he thinks has played a big role in the high level of unity among him and his teammates.
"I believe that's another reason we get along so well. It's also a tribute to Coach Smith and his recruiting," he said.
Kisner was in Smith's inaugural recruiting class which seemed to have hard work and class as staples.
"It had to be there. We had to roll up our sleeves. We had a big task ahead of us. We're not there yet but we our making great strides," he said.
Two players who joined him that freshman season were Jon Borovich and Luke Johnson, now his roommates.
"I've roomed with Luke every year and Jon for two years so we obviously must like each other," he said referring to all the court and travel time spent together on top of living together.
"We all get along and we all feed off each other. It's good to have close friends on the team so we can come home and talk about things," he said.
Not only are he and his roommates close, but so is the entire team.
"It's weird because it seems every team I've been on someone doesn't like someone else. But everyone generally likes each other and everyone gets along," he said.
Despite the number of losses he has faced in his career at Central, Kisner has seen his experience here as a positive one.
"It's been a good experience. I thought we were going to win more games up till now, but I've learned a lot from Coach Smith and I feel I made the right decision.
"I've really enjoyed my time here. I love the campus and I thank God for the time to spend here," he said.
As for the future.
"Hopefully there will be more W's in the future," he said.
