Changing of the Guard

There have been some great heirs to the throne in history. Prince Henry to Prince Charles, Kobe Bryant to Michael Jordan, Bart Simpson to Mr. Burns, Saved by the Bell the new cast.

Now there is Jessica Kochendorfer, who has been leading the Bulls in the 2003-04 season.

Replacing Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe as the Bulls' prime scoring threat, Kochendorfer has wasted no time stepping up to the plate, being named to the 2003-04 Preseason All-MAC team for the second straight year. Mixing an offensive artillery that includes a menacing inside game and a 3-point shot, the sky is the limit on how good her season can be.

Athletically she is one of the more intimidating presences in the defensive paint for opponents, racking up 107 blocks for her careers, tying her for third place all-time in Bulls' history.

Playing center probably wouldn't be a problem for Kochendorfer, but being the center of attention from UB, along with the women's roster at the time, influenced her decision to play for the Bulls despite being courted by the likes of Detroit, Indiana, Kent State and Eastern Michigan.

"I chose UB because of the coaching staff. The girls on the team were great and I wanted to play in the MAC," said Kochendorfer. "Some of the other schools, like Eastern, said they were only recruiting one person and Kent State called me but never actually offered me."

When not practicing Kochendorfer likes to wind down by watching some television. She enjoys Paradise Hotel, ESPN, and the performances of Dolphins' running back Ricky Williams.

"This summer I watched Paradise Hotel and basketball games," said Kochendorfer. "I like Ricky Williams and for basketball it's always been Michael Jordan."

Being confident in her abilities has helped to make Jessica's path from high school to college a little bit easier.

"Being confident in yourself, when you get to college there are a lot of better players around you and the coaches are on you a lot more, for any little mistake," she said.

5 Random Questions

1) How would you rather see a game end: game winning dunk or game ending block?

Game ending dunk, it just looks better.

2) How did you eat your fruit roll-up?

I peeled out the things and just ate it.

3) Cooler name: Dylan McKay or Donny Jeffcoat?

What was the second one? I guess Dylan. I never watched (Wild and Crazy kids).

4) Do you own a WNBA jersey?

No. I have a Grant Hill Pistons one, red. I don't have it here though.

5) If Zach Morris and A.C. Slater both asked you to the prom, who do you go with?

Neither, I don't like to dance.