It has been quite a journey from the Hoosier State to the Buckeye State for Conner TenHove. But the 6-foot-7 junior forward for the Yellow Jackets cannot see himself anywhere else right now other than at Cedarville University.

TenHove is especially thankful for the privilege to return to his Indiana roots and begin the 2019-20 season with an exhibition game against NCAA Division I Valparaiso University on Saturday.

"This is really crazy when I think of the opportunity to play in a place where I have watched hundreds of basketball games growing up," stated TenHove. " It is definitely exciting as I will have tons of family and friends coming to watch the game at the ARC (Athletics-Recreation Center)!"

Not only do Conner and his teammates have the contest with Valpo, but looming later on the schedule will be two more NCAA Division I exhibition games - at Ohio State on October 30 and at Dayton on November 2. The DI gauntlet will be a challenge for the Yellow Jackets, but one sure to help prepare them for the upcoming campaign.

TenHove, the only child of Tom and Sheri TenHove, is a life-long resident of the northwest Indiana city of Valparaiso. His parents were always involved in his life and extremely supportive of both his academic and athletic endeavors. Conner considers his Dad as a best friend!

TenHove noted, "I have been truly blessed by my parents, who have provided everything for me. My mom was faithful in transporting me to my athletic events and my dad was responsible for teaching me the sports of both basketball and baseball. I know I do not thank them enough and it's hard for me to explain how much they have done and the sacrifices they have made for me!"

TenHove, also a member of the Yellow Jacket baseball team as a pitcher, attributes his Dad with making the effort to convert his right-handed son into a left hander on the mound.

"My dad would always take the baseball out of my right hand and put it in my left," said TenHove. "As I look back, the ability to skillfully use both hands has really helped my basketball efforts as well."

Conner's hometown region is known for a rich basketball history and he attributes his hoops expertise and abilities to growing up in that kind of environment.

"I really did not understand how special basketball was in Indiana until I left the state. People everywhere know that Indiana is a basketball state and I don't think I respected and recognized that as I was growing up," said TenHove.

He is also grateful for the year he spent after high school graduation at the Don Bosco Institute in Crown Point, Indiana where he was able to play with current Yellow Jacket teammate Nick Mantis. TenHove, able to commute daily, earned more than half a semester of college credit  and gained valuable basketball experience while at Bosco.

So, how did Conner TenHove arrive in the middle of the Ohio corn fields? TenHove explained that the CU experience has been everything he could have hoped and prayed for.

"I am thankful that God directed my path to Cedarville. My parents and I spent many hours talking and praying as we worked through the college selection process. A big part was the extensive effort of my dad, who was retired, as he spent hours researching potential schools for me to look at.

"I had several NCAA I offers, but when things settled in I knew the right choice for me was to become a Yellow Jacket. I believe God puts us exactly where He wants us.

"I have been comfortable at CU since day one, I've grown so much in my faith and now I'm thankful for the opportunities to lead other guys. It has truly been a blessing!"
 

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TenHove, who begins the season as Cedarville's all-time leader in free throw percentage at .919, honed his skill at the charity stripe under the direction of high school coach Matt Thomas.

Conner learned a 16-step approach - which is affectionately called the "Valpo Free Throw" and has ties to the 1970's-80's Valparaiso Coach Virgil Sweet. As a side note, Conner has been asked by Coach Pat Estepp to consider teaching the method to some of his Yellow Jacket teammates.

The 2018-19 season included many highlights for Conner and the Yellow Jackets. Probably the most memorable event was capturing the 2019 NCCAA National Championship in Winona Lake, Indiana.

TenHove, named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player while also earning NCCAA All-America Second Team honors, expressed his gratitude for the rare opportunity to end a season with a win.

"It was cool to win a banner - especially for our seniors - who were playing their last collegiate game!" he recalled. "Overall it was just a great experience."

The 2019-20 campaign officially begins in November and TenHove is directing his thoughts to what could be another special season. A group of talented rookies join a starting lineup that ended last year with three freshmen and a sophomore (TenHove).

"Time is flying by, I can't believe it is my junior year already!" he declared. "I am really looking forward to the season - both on and off the court. I am enjoying my time here and I have been blessed to have teammate Quinton Green as a roommate for what will be our third year together in Brock Hall."

Now as an upperclassman and a captain, Conner is preparing to step into a leadership role. He currently is one of the team's small group Bible study leaders which meets weekly and then divides into the small groups for further sharing and discussion.

"The people at Cedarville - faculty, staff, students - are great and I appreciate the impact they have had on me. Coach Estepp is not only a coach but a friend who makes it a priority to build relationships with us," noted TenHove reflecting on what is so special about Cedarville University basketball.

Head Coach Pat Estepp summarized what it means for God to have led Conner TenHove to Cedarville, "Conner has been a tremendous asset to our program in every area. He represents Cedarville University well on the court, in the classroom and in the community. He is a very talented player with a bright future ahead of him."

TenHove is a Dean's List student as a political science major with National Security and Bible minors. He has hopes of continuing to play basketball overseas after graduation. If that plan does not work out, Conner will look to find a position in government intelligence.

But for now, he is focused and preparing for Valparaiso!

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