Kathy Logan (kalogan@ursinus.edu)
Last Thursday, The Men’s Basketball team had a close game against Haverford which they ended up unfortunately losing. However, the team still left in high spirits when one of their senior players and team captain, Ryan Hughes, scored his 1,000th point. Hughes was recruited by Ursinus in 2018 and chose it because of its great academic program, and because he had built a good relationship with the coaching staff during the recruitment process. He is the 30th player in Ursinus Men’s Basketball history to reach 1000 points. He went into the game against Haverford nine points away from the goal and reached it with some amazing three-point shots. Hughes was interviewed about his big night last Thursday after this notable achievement.
KL: Did you always intend to reach 1,000 points during your basketball career here at Ursinus or did it just happen?
RH: “I never intended on scoring 1,000 points, but my teammates trusted me in positions during games to score. I just ended up reaching that high number without really thinking much about it. I just put my focus on scoring.”
KL: How nervous were you before the game last Thursday since you were 9 shots away from 1,000 points?
RH: “I was never nervous about scoring 1,000 points. Before the game my only focus was to win the game and if it happened, it happened. Coach Small and I had lengthy conversations about just playing my game and let whatever happens happen. Basketball is a team sport; I have to put my focus on the team, not just on my own goals.”
KL: What was going through your head before you made the final shot that won you the 1000-point record? What was going through your head after?
RH: Honestly, I did not know it was the 1000th point until my teammates and everyone started to celebrate. After I went to the bench everyone congratulated me, but when we went into the huddle, I told everyone to focus on the game. It was nice of them to celebrate but we had a game to try and win.”
KL: What other goals do you have now that you have reached this milestone in your basketball career?
RH: Other goals I have at Ursinus are winning a Centennial Conference Championship. Individual accolades mean nothing to me. I want to win and be competitive. I want to leave a legacy as a leader for the younger guys on the team. I’m here to lead my team.”
KL: What plans do you have for the future after your senior year at Ursinus?
RH: Some of my future plans, as far as basketball, is to play professionally overseas. As for now, I want to win a championship as a Bear here at Ursinus. That’s my main priority now.”
Ursinus could not ask for a better team captain or more dedicated player. From all of us at The Grizzly, we are beary proud and are looking forward to seeing what you do next.