by Kevin McFarland
Daily Lobo
One freshman for the UNM men's basketball team has put up solid numbers this season.
But none of Ryan Kersten's statistics have been as impressive as minutes played.
After all, Kersten has been averaging almost 23 minutes per contest, and he has started the last 12 games under head coach Ritchie McKay who, while not being completely opposed to starting freshmen, has made it the exception rather than the rule during his tenure.
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In fact, the only Lobos to start as many games during their freshman season under McKay are current senior leaders David Chiotti and Mark Walters. Chiotti and Walters both started 20 games in McKay's first year, and if their careers as Lobos are any indication, Kersten could be something special.
Judging by playing time alone, those are some high expectations, but McKay insists Kersten is proving he is up to the challenge.
"Since his insertion into the lineup we're 7-5, and his confidence has really helped us," McKay said. "He's fearless driving to the basket."
That confidence is something McKay said is rare for a freshman. And some of it may be a product of Kersten's experience at the Australian Institute of Sport in his hometown of Modbury, Australia. The Institute is composed of professional athletes and adults rather than high school boys, and it is where Kersten played basketball for the last two years.
Kersten said playing in Australia helped create the fearless player he has become, but the battles he faces in Lobo practices have helped too.
"Of course I got used to that sort of competition back home," Kersten said. "But I also get it in practice. Playing against guys like Kris Collins, Mark Walters and Jeff Hart has made it that much easier to transition."
Kersten said his numbers need to continue to improve if the Lobos plan to win a road game this season. They are 0-8 away from the friendly confines of The Pit where UNM had won 21 straight before losing to Brigham Young University on Wednesday.
Kersten said the Lobos are itching to get back on the road and pick up a win.
"We're looking forward to that a little bit," he said. "We were really just a few big defensive stops away from winning the last couple. It does get harder with every game we lose, but that win will be nice when we get it."
The way Kersten talks about the Lobos' struggles on the road, a victory is only a matter of time.
That kind of confidence is what has convinced McKay to put trust in his Australian freshman.
"He's very aggressive," McKay said. "His confidence just spreads to the rest of the group."
