Freshman feeling way around

After his victory over Southwest Missouri State, he joins the other players in watching another match. They congratulate him on his straight-set triumph. One player gives him a five. Then he flashes a smile as big as the Grand Canyon.\nFreshman Jakub Praibis is the one behind that smile. \nHe just joined the IU men's tennis team (5-1) and has made an immediate impact. Praibis, a journalism major, is 5-1 since joining the team at the beginning of the spring season. \nHe is from Litomerice, Czech Republic, and played prep tennis at Gymnasium Joseia Juwgranna Litomerice. He came to the U.S. for a better life and has thrived on the tennis court. \n"He has a well all-around game. He has played at No. 2 and No. 3 and won matches for us," coach Ken Hydinger said. "He has good, solid fundamentals. He has good emotional control, and he is hard to beat."\nAssistant coach Ondrej Holik, also from the Czech Republic, recruited Praibis to IU. \n"He is a very solid player," Holik said. "He never loses to a weaker guy." \nPraibis accomplished a plethora of achievements in the Czech Republic. He was fifth in the Czech Republic Championships in 2001 and was ranked No. 62 in 2001. \nNow, Praibis is beginning to enjoy himself in Bloomington, as well. \n"I'm busy at IU, and I expected that; but I'm having fun," he said. "It's difficult sometimes."\nPraibis said his strength lies in ground strokes. He's into slower matches, and Holik said that strategy has led to Praibis' success. \n"He is excellent from the baseline," Holik said. "He wins. He always finds a way to win." \nBoth Hydinger and Holik believe the younger players can learn something from Praibis.\n"He makes no unforced errors. The young players need to learn how to do this," Hydinger said. "He competes and concentrates very well. He never gets badly upset on the court." \nPraibis has encountered success in doubles, as well. He and fellow freshman Reid Strand are 4-1 in spring doubles. \n"They play well together and complement each other nicely," Hydinger said. \nPraibis isn't sure of his future tennis goals at IU, but that's because he's only been here a little more than a month. In time, he will develop those goals. \n"We need guys like Jakub," Rakvica said. "He plays all matches all the time"