The Gustavus Men’s Basketball team finished second in the MIAC this year with a season record of 16-11-0. With all the success the men have had this season, the approach they took at the beginning of the season was unlike any other year.

“Our approach at the beginning of the season was to put emphasis on the team aspects of the game.  We knew we weren’t the most athletic or talented individuals in the league, but as a whole we knew we could be one of the best.  We didn’t have one star player this season but instead had 10 players that could contribute day-in and day-out,” Senior Captain Ryan McPartland said.

Junior guard Dan Schmidtknecht also reflected on the approach the Gusties took at the beginning of the season. “At the beginning of the year we came into this season with the mindset that we’re an unbeatable team,” Schmidtknecht said.

Sophomore guard Seth Anderson agreed with Schmidtknecht. “Gustavus has expectations for a good basketball team, and this year we definitely came in with confidence like we were looking for something to prove,” Anderson said.

With such high expectations, the Gusties faced a lot of adversity from game to game. Overcoming these adversities can be difficult; however, the team has proved itself time and time again. Senior post Sam Paulson elaborated on the team’s strengths. “We have a strong team chemistry and tend not to rely on one another too much. Everyone plays their own role, and we rebound as a team,” Paulson said.
Schmidntknecht agreed with Paulson but also feels there is room for improvement on the team for next season. “Sometimes we are a little lax in preparation for games. We started our season 8-0. It would be nice to keep that consistency throughout the season and not go back and forth,” Schmidntknecht said.

While the men are busy overcoming challenges from game to game, they were able to achieve some of their goals. At the beginning of the year, the team set a couple of goals, including winning the MIAC and hosting a MIAC playoff game. “At the start of the season we set out goals to win the Conference and host our MIAC game at home. Since we didn’t win the Conference we at least got to have our game at home,” Schmidntknecht said.

While the men did get to host both the MIAC Semifinal and Championship games at home, they unfortunately lost in the Championship game to Carleton 78-71 in overtime. The game against Carleton was well matched, and neither team was going to lose without a fight. Paulson elaborated on his strategy going into Saturday’s game. “For me specifically, I’m going to play like it’s the last game I’ll ever play. Whether I get my chance on the court or if I’m cheering from the sidelines, I’m going to do my very best to support my teammates,” Paulson said.

Looking back on Saturday’s game, Anderson felt both teams were evenly matched, which is the way it should have been. “Saturday was tough. Both teams were so evenly matched [that] the game came down to one possession and it was between who wanted it more. The team effort was always there, and we played smart throughout the entire game,” Anderson said.

McPartland agreed with Anderson and felt the team played well on Saturday. “I thought we played well on Saturday, but [we] had a few defensive lapses at the most crucial times. Both teams played evenly throughout the course of the game, and we gave ourselves a good chance to win on a last second shot at the end of regulation.  It is hard to ask for more than that,” McPartland said.

However, not everyone felt that way right after the game. Anderson’s reaction to Saturday’s game was somewhat different. “Everyone was very emotional after the game. It seemed like we should’ve won it. There was also a lot of disappointment. It felt like we could have won; it just didn’t feel right,” Anderson said.

With their season behind them now, most teams would  regret that last game, or the way the season went. However, the Gusties are optimistic for next season.

Schmidntknecht feels it is important to look ahead toward next season and not dwell on what has happened in the past. “Next year is going to be fun. We’re going to perfect the little things and come back with more confidence,” Schmidntknecht said.

Paulson also feels the team next year will be successful. “They’ll be ready next year. They’re ready now. We have a strong team,” Paulson said.

“Sure we’re going to look back on that game and ask ourselves what if? But we play with no regrets, and now we’re looking forward to next season,” Anderson said.