Freshman players are making an impact on both basketball teams
Seniors Richard Roby and Jackie McFarland are regulars to the basketball stat sheets, but this season, the names of several freshmen are making some surprise appearances.
Freshmen Brittany Spears from the women’s team and Cory Higgins and Levi Knutson from the men’s team are all drawing attention from the college basketball world with their first-year prowess on the court. All three players have seen action against some of the top-ranked teams in the nation- an opportunity most players experience later in their careers.
Both Spears and Higgins have started every game this season, something Higgins does not take lightly.
“It’s an honor,” Higgins said. “It was such a great opportunity to earn a spot like that on the team this year.”
A passion for basketball runs in Higgins’ family, whose father Rod played in the NBA for 13 years and is currently the general manager for the Charlotte Bobcats.
Being around the NBA for so many years prepared him for playing at the college level, especially as a starter, Higgins said.
“I got to have a lot of experience right there,” Higgins said. “You see who makes it and what it takes to get to that level.”
Higgins currently averages about 31 minutes and eight points per game. His teammate Knutson also sees a lot of action with 20 minutes of a 40-minute game and averaging six points.
Knutson was able to start in one game for the Buffs, which was a great moment for him, he said.
“Every time you start a game in that kind of college atmosphere it’s pretty exciting,” Knutson said. “Hopefully I’ll get to start more in the future.”
Spears has had her share of experiences in the fast-paced atmosphere of college basketball on the women’s side. She averages 15 points a game, second only to McFarland.
With the 21 points she scored in Sunday’s game against Iowa State, Spears has consistently impressed head coach Kathy McConnell-Miller.
“We see that every day in practice, and that’s what we saw when we were recruiting her,” McConnell-Miller said.
Spears is also a reserved player, something coach McConnell-Miller said is beginning to change as she gains more experience with the team.
“She’s pretty even-keeled on the court as far as when she makes a great play,” McConnell-Miller said. “I just don’t see much emotion from her on the floor – good bad or indifferent.
“(Sunday) I actually saw her for the first time really lift up her hands and clap when somebody made a shot.”
College basketball is a learning process for many young players, and McConnell-Miller said Spears is starting to adapt her talents from high school and use her strengths.
“I think she’s evolving into a real offensive threat on every possession,” McConnell-Miller said. “She used to settle for the three, but now she’s getting to the rim. Once she really gets it and understands it, she’s going to be an incredible player.”
On the men’s team, Knutson said his teammates have been an incredible help as the new players learn the ropes.
“It’s always challenging to step into a new style of play,” Knutson said. “College is a lot faster compared to high school, but I think my teammates are doing a great job of helping the new guys adapt to the new game and fit right in.”
Although they found success early, all three players still have plenty of time to grow and make an impact for their teams.
“I just want to see us keep getting better,” Higgins said. “So we have something to build on the next three years I’m here.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Amanda Walck at walck@thecampuspress.com
