Washburn University’s men’s basketball team starts the season out strong and has the potential to have an impressive season this year. 

“We’ve got a mature group, very competitive and a very tight-knit group,” said Brett Ballard, head coach. “I really like the roster that we have. Great guys on and off the court, and I feel like we’re gonna have a very successful year.”

Ballard explained that his team this year consists of several returning players and that their experience will give them an advantage. The team hopes to have a successful season as they start off with a record of 3-0. Ballard notes that he has a good group of players this year, but Andrew Orr, senior forward, Michael Keegan, senior guard, Jacob Hanna, senior guard and Jake Schadegg, senior guard really stand out.

“This is the most confident I’ve ever felt in a team since I’ve been here,” said Orr. “I think we have the right leadership. We have a lot of guys that want to compete and play, so it makes the practices and the games really fun because everyone’s playing as hard as they can.” 

Orr was named All-Conference last year and has started for three of the four years that he’s been at Washburn. While the players this year are showing remarkable talent and coachability, Orr emphasized his appreciation for his coaching staff.

“I love our coaches. I think they do a really good job of creating a player-coach relationship,” Orr said.

Keegan has played basketball at Washburn for five years, which includes a redshirt year due to a broken foot. Keegan is excited about this season and explains that the team’s maturity and competitive spirit play a big role in the anticipated success for this season.

“I’m not really worried about other teams. It’s about what we’re going to do, when we’re going to show up. So [we’re going to] worry about what we’re doing and just take on whoever wants to take us on,” Keegan said.

Keegan hopes that fans will come out and support them this season. He wants to remind students that they are more than just athletes. 

“Come out, see a game, say hi to us. We’re not just a basketball team, we’re people, too,” Keegan said. “Come out and see some games, cheer us on, have fun and say hi when you see us.” 

The men’s basketball team is expected to have a good season and wants students and fans to come out and support. Try to catch a game!

Edited by Morgan Albrecht and Jeremy Ford