By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

The Falcon men's basketball team's success over the past years can be directly linked to the stellar play of junior guard Hans Hoeg.

Hoeg first learned for his love of basketball in fourth grade.

"My Dad got me started out and I got the opportunity to play on the fifth grade team," said Hoeg.

Hoeg seemed to have basketball knowledge beyond his years, which may be directly linked to his playing a level up in fourth grade.

Hoeg was able to shine in high school. He attended Litchfield, Minn., High School and won two state championships in his junior and senior seasons.   Hoeg averaged 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists throughout his career.

He was also named to the All-Area team twice and the All-Conference team three times.

Following his storybook high school career, Hoeg made his decision to come to UW- River Falls.

The wins kept on coming for Hoeg as he played a huge role in the Falcons run to a conference championship in his freshman season. That year Hoeg averaged 5.3 points and three rebounds per contest.

Hoeg became a main contributor on the Falcons in his sophomore season.   He made appearances in all 25 games and started 20. Hoeg increased his scoring average to 12.4 along with his rebounds to 4.4. He was also ice from the free throw line where he went 113-121 (.934). He finished as the leader in all of the NCAA Div. III in free throw percentage.

This season, Hoeg is first on the team in average points with 16.9, first on the team in average rebounds with 4.9, and second on the team in average assists with 1.8. Looking at the numbers, the Falcons have gained a great dependence on the play of Hoeg.

"Hans is one of the two players, Eric Kossoris being the other, who is held over from our championship team two years ago," said Falcon Head

Coach Rick Bowen. "His ability is through the roof and he continues to be a solid player and leader for us."

For goals, Hoeg said for the team they are trying to get into the playoffs. Individually he just wants to do whatever he has to do to help out the team.

"Coach has taught me that really no matter how the season is going, we can't look back - we have to keep moving forward," said Hoeg.

In his spare time Hoeg enjoys fly fishing and playing guitar.

Hoeg is majoring in business management and plans on graduating in spring of 2007.

After college, Hoeg plans on starting his own business.

Hans Hoeg