Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Christopher Kirkpatrick, New Trier basketball

Christopher Kirkpatrick is in his third varsity season as a starting guard with the Trevians. The Princeton-bound senior was named tournament MVP in Sagouro, Arizona, after leading New Trier to a title.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I always make sure I get through warmup every time, just a body warmup to make sure I get a sweat going. That’s just like lunges and getting through my ball-handling and form shooting. And my mom packs me some snacks, so I’ll always snack before a game — her world-famous PB&J’s, amazing, the best.

2. Why is Princeton a good fit for you?

Out of all the colleges that wanted me, I think I had the best relationship with their head coach (Mitch Henderson). He was the most consistent in recruiting me. I also feel like I have a good chance to play there as a freshman and that’s what I want to do, I want to play right away. Offensively, they run the same offense as us, and obviously it’s one of the best schools.

3. How have you approached improvement with New Trier basketball?

I’ve just tried to keep my head down and work. Anything people have tried to knock me for, instead of taking it personal, I’ve tried to get better at. So people saying I was skinny, so I put on 15 pounds. People saying I’m not athletic, I’ve been in the weight room working on athleticism. People saying I’m not a good finisher, working on driving and getting downhill. So receiving criticism and being coachable, and applying it.

4. What part of your game at this point are you most proud of?

I’d probably say my ability to create my shot, like stepbacks. I’ve worked really hard on my stepbacks, my float(ers) and all those things just so people have to guard me wherever I am and that opens up different parts of my game.

5. You used that stepback to hit a game-winner on Dec. 20 in Arizona. Can you walk us through that shot?

They were good at defense, so I knew I had to set them up. I drove hard left. I was going to try to get to the rim, but (the defender) cut me off, so then comes the stepback part. If you cut me off, I’m going to go to my stepback. (Max) Vogel came to set me a screen. I went to the stepback, the guy’s hand was there so I double-pumped it and just barbecue chicken from there.

6. You’ve taken plenty of late shots. In those moments, what is most important?

It’s honestly just the work. People see the shot and it’s just one shot, but what they don’t see is the tens of thousands of shots I’ve gotten up before that. Waking up early before school to get shots up, lifting (weights), all those things. It’s just the work and trusting it. You’ve put in the work, don’t second-guess yourself, don’t think about the what-if. Just shoot it.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the court?

I definitely like hanging out with my friends. I recently picked up some magic, card magic. I’ve become a pretty good magician.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Definitely some water, gotta stay hydrated, and then a protein bar, just want to make sure to be healthy in-season. Just probably a Clif bar. I just pick the one with the most protein and least amount of sugar typically.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

My favorite genre of music is contemporary jazz. I just really like the beat of it and it calms me down.

10. What will it take for this team to reach its goals this year?

I think we just have to play defense, hold each other accountable and just be together. If we make the extra pass, play for each other and play defense, the sky is the limit for us.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.