Catching Up With Kristof!

In just two years of action, Kristof Ongenaet endeared himself to Syracuse basketball fans with his all-out hustle. Since completing his collegiate career, he has turned professional and competed in Europe.

Ongenaet is back in Syracuse to rehabilitate and strengthen his back. He's taking advantage of something that wasn't available when he wore Orange -- the new Carmelo Anthony Basketball Center. Ongenaet has been working with Brad Pike, head athletic trainer, and Ryan Cabiles, director of strength and conditioning.

Here's what's been going on with Kristof:

What have you been doing for the last year?

KO: I've been playing in Italy, I've been playing in Ancona for about six months and then the last couple months I transferred to a team in Bologna.That's where my season was. I had a lot of fun. It's beautiful out there and a really good experience.

What's next? Back to the same league?

KO: No, I just finished my contract over there in Italy. So now I'm a free agent and now it's pretty much all up to my agent. Hopefully he can find me a good team for next year.

Anywhere in particular that you're looking?

KO: Pretty much all over Europe but if I have to choose right now I think I want to be closer to my family. I also think I would have more playing time in Belgium as well because they know me out there. So I think it would be good to be close to my family and play in Belgium for next year.

What brought you back to the Cuse?

KO: The last couple months I've been struggling with my back and Brad Pike is helping me a lot with that as well as Ryan Cabiles who is helping me strengthen up my back. So that is my main goal of why I'm here and obviously seeing the guys from when I use to play here is also a plus.

What plans do you have for the rest of the summer?

KO: I'm going back to Belgium probably for three or four weeks and then there's Belgium National Team tryouts. I'm hoping I can play in the European championships.

What do you miss the most about SU?

KO: I think the people around me. They were very supportive and they helped me make life easier. For my education obviously was easier and then for basketball wise just to motivate myself and to get motivated from everyone else is always a good thing. The people around here and a very good support cast around me I think was the most motivational.

How about the Dome crowd?

KO: Yeah of course! It all went too fast; I was only here for two years. I enjoyed it to the fullest but obviously I'd never forget the amazing crowds and atmosphere here in the Cuse.

Syracuse University Athletics

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