Burns find optimism during Loper’s struggling season
By: JACK MCLEAY
This season hasn’t been what the UNK men’s basketball team had hoped for.
After being defeated by Northwest Missouri State on Thursday, Jan. 24, the Lopers fell to 6-12 on the season. Carter Burns, a Senior from Iowa ,spoke words of encouragement for the future of the program as he entered his last 10 games wearing a UNK jersey.
UNK has brought on 7 new faces to this year’s roster and Burns has helped to create a new identity as well as give wisdom to the youth throughout the season.
“We have grown so much as a team,” Burns said. “We have a young team and every game is a chance to learn. Win or lose, we have improved almost every game. We learn something new about ourselves every game.”
What has stayed consistent throughout this year is the mentality of the players before they step onto the court.
“In the locker room before the game we try to focus on what we need to do to win,” Burns said. “Everyone has a different role, but we want to come out with the mentality that everyone is playing for each other.”
Burns, who has seen significant playing time since his freshman year in 2015, has seen many different outcomes while playing for UNK. From NCAA tournament runs, to losing seasons, Burns has been able to stay consistent throughout his career.
“I have learned how to handle the ups and the downs of a season,” Burns said. “That is the most impactful thing I want to leave for my teammates because it was the most important lesson I learned here in my four years.”
Regardless of the record, Burns is proud of his career at UNK and the team he has played on.
“I have played with some great players, and created even better friends,” Burns said.“I want to be able to leave this place satisfied that this team went out with a positive culture and their heads held high.”
The Lopers will next be in action at home Thursday against Pittsburg St.. On Saturday they’ll end the regular season versus Missouri Southern St. at the Health and Sports Center.
