Orem Owlz: Plefka's experiences like Knight and day

OREM — You've seen him hurl chairs across the basketball court. You've seen him curse and shout at referees and players. You've heard him say things most people refuse to even think.

For many, playing for legendary NCAA basketball coach Bobby Knight would have been a nightmare.

But for Jonathan Plefka, it was one of the greatest blessings he could ever receive.

Plefka, a 6-foot-8, 245-pound relief pitcher for the Orem Owlz, spent 2 1/2 years playing basketball for Knight at Texas Tech University. In 56 games, he averaged 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

"It was just a great experience," Plefka said. "It's something I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. If I could do it again, I'd do it every single time. It was probably the hardest 2 1/2 years of my life, but I think I've become a better person and just a better player through his work ethic." Plefka can recall numerous lessons Knight taught him, but one that really stands out is the importance of staying disciplined in all situations.

"Every game counts," Plefka said. "You've got to play every game 100 percent. You never know what will happen at the end of the year, and if you struggle one game you might not make the tournament. You've got to take every game seriously."

Plefka says it's because of discipline that his Red Raiders were able to enter the NCAA tournament at the end of his senior year in 2006-07. The Red Raiders finished the regular season 20-11 before losing to Kansas State in the second round of the Big XII tournament. The NCAA tournament hadn't started yet, and Plefka wasn't sure if his team would even be invited.

"That was probably the most nervous I've ever been watching the selection show on TV because we didn't know if we were in or not," he said. "We were a bubble team and at that time, there's so many bubble teams. We had to sit there about twenty minutes before the last region came up. Luckily, we got picked."

The Red Raiders lost 84-75 to Boston College in the first round, but Plefka was grateful for the experience anyway. Plefka, who played on the baseball team as well, was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 47th round of the 2006 MLB draft. For Plefka, choosing to continue his baseball career was practically a no-brainer.

"I had opportunities to play basketball overseas, but playing baseball has always been my dream," Plefka said. "I thought I'd probably never get this opportunity again, so I might as well take advantage of it."

Plefka spent last season in the team's instructional league in Arizona and was given a spot on the Owlz' roster for 2008.