UNI's Koch talks about season-ending loss

Northern Iowa senior forward Adam Koch's college playing career didn't end last week in St. Louis. He had one last chance to play as a collegian Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium as part of the NABC college all-star game.

Koch played 15 minutes, grabbed five rebounds and one block but didn't score for his team. Also competing in the game were Wisconsin's Trevon Hughes, Purdue's Chris Kramer, Villanova's Scottie Reynolds and Marquette's Lazar Hayward.

"It's kind of fun being part of the festivities," Koch said.

Koch, who stands 6-foot-8, saw UNI's season end in whirlwind fashion in the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers beat top-ranked Kansas in the second round and were the nation's darlings. But one game later, the Panthers were out of the tournament with a 59-52 loss to Michigan State.

"How quickly it's all over," Koch said. "For the whole season it's probably the most fun we had playing basketball, and it's pretty much over. It's funny how that happens. But we had a good run and a great year.

"It's a pretty big high and then all of the sudden it's a pretty big low when you get done with all of it. But I had four good years, and the program is in a good spot."