Dec. 3 marked the first game of the PacWest conference for the men’s basketball team. The Golden Eagles played a home game against Westmont, winning 72-61. Prior to the conference, the team had a record of 3-3. Blake Ballard, a junior who plays forward and guard, and Ben Krystkowiak, a junior who plays guard, discussed their expectations and thoughts after their first few games of the season.

This is Krystkowiak's first year on the team since he is a transfer. He is one of eight transfers on the team. “I think transfers are good. We have a good group of guys, and that's the main point. Everybody is bought in and like-minded, so yeah, we just want to continue playing together.”

Ballard is also a transfer, and he discussed his expectations for this season. “My expectations are that we win our conference and do well, win the conference regular season championship, and hopefully make it to the regional playoffs. That's the goal,” he said.

After starting 3-3 in non-conference play, Ballard thinks there can be some improvements before conference play. “We have struggled in various aspects of each game, but it's early in the season, so that's usually the case,” he said. Ballard added,“We have shown signs of being a good team. We haven't put a full 40 minutes together yet, but we will.”

Concordia is in a tough conference for basketball, so there are many games that the team is eagerly anticipating. Krystkowiak said, “I'm excited for all games, but I'm very excited to play Point Loma. I'm from San Diego, and it will be good for my family to come out and support, so yeah, can't wait for that.”

A game day routine is something that can help athletes prepare for their game, and Krystkowiak has one. “Pre-game shower always and put on some music, baby, doesn't matter what it is, I listen to everything, but mostly put some hype music on before the game.”

Reaching the collegiate level in basketball is challenging, but Ballard offered some advice on how to achieve this goal. “Stay consistent and work hard, always control things that you can control, you know, there are a lot of aspects in college basketball that you can't control, and make sure to focus on school and your own life during the offseason and season.”

Support the Golden Eagles and defend the nest at their second conference game against Azusa Pacific on Sat. Dec. 6 at 7:15 p.m. For more information on their schedule and their results, visit

https://cuigoldeneagles.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule

 

Tags: Alexander Carr, Men's Athletics, sports

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