RYAN EVANS »» MEN'S BASKETBALL Badgering...
A redshirt junior from Phoenix, Ariz., Ryan Evans has started every game for the Badgers this season, reaching double-digit scoring in eight games. He is averaging 9.9 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game, which is the fourth-best mark in the Big Ten.
You were redshirted on the 2008-09 team that lost six in a row during the season. How was that team able to turn the losing streak into a five-game winning streak and ultimately an NCAA tournament appearance? "Just staying positive — much like we're doing now — and coming into practice still smiling and having a good time and looking forward to the next game. You have to put stuff behind you and keep on moving. You can't keep looking down and having your head down. You have to put in the work."
Are you seeing the guys on the team staying positive?
"Yeah, most definitely. We've been having fun during practice. We don't have our heads down. We know we have something here and we really believe that."
What are they keys to coming out of this three-game losing streak?
"Just coming into the game and jumping on the other team. We haven't been successful in doing that. We have to get our confidence going early so we can feed off that. That said, I think we need to warm up more properly. That will have a big influence on what we do at the beginning of the game."
You're next game is on the road at Purdue. Do you embrace playing away from home?
"I don't want to jinx myself, but I've played well there in the past. I don't mind playing on the road. I think it's fun. You need to bring a little more energy. Every game is a different challenge. I'm just looking to go in there and have a good time."
16 » VARSITY JANUARY 12, 2012
