Freshman gets his chance

Eventually, every player gets a chance, either by improved play, injuries, or if just simply given the chance. For freshman Efriam Kandinov that chance is now. \nHe played in both singles and doubles at No. 2 Illinois last Sunday. He lost in singles 6-4, 6-4 and paired with freshman Reid Strand to lose in doubles 8-4. He also played doubles at Purdue last Thursday, pairing with freshman Tom Bagnato. Prior to the match against the Boilermakers, Kandinov only played in one other singles match this spring. He has a 4-5 overall singles record this year, including a 4-3 mark in fall singles. \nThis spring, Kandinov and the younger players have progressed possessing a combined record of 21-27 in singles. Coach Ken Hydinger said the Big Ten is very tough and that is not bad considering the level of competition they play against. Kandinov has been granted a chance to play because of injuries to key players. \n"He (Kandinov) has gotten stronger," Hydinger said. "He is in better shape. He is playing better, not necessarily bigger. He has real good balance. He makes too many mistakes though. He goes for too much sometimes."\nKandinov hails from Jamaica Estates, N.Y. and attends IU with his brother Michael. They have a close relationship and decided they would attend college together. \nIn their sophomore years in high school they teamed to win the Mayor's Cup in doubles. \n"I feel comfortable with my brother (Michael)," Kandinov said. "It was really fun to play in the Mayor's Cup. It was nice that we won the same thing." \nIn addition to success with his brother, Kandinov has experienced singles success as well.\nAt the conclusion of his prep career, he advanced to the fifth round of the National Open singles tournament in Florida this past summer before losing to the second seed. \nThis year, Kandinov has been limited by a wrist injury and he said it is frustrating not to be able to play up to his ability. Senior Ari Widlansky likes what he sees in Kandinov, a finance major. \n"He is a hard worker. He comes to work everyday," Widlansky said. "He backs down from no one." \nOne day Widlansky said he sees Kandinov becoming a leader for this team. \nHydinger said Kandinov's injury has slowed him a bit, but said his determination and wise play are more than going to make up for that.\n"He is thinking well on the court," Hydinger said. "He has to learn through good defense guys create offensive opportunities"