Indiana University Athletics
Catching Up With Hoosier Junior Ryan Burton
9/27/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
On his decision to come to Indiana:
"The decision came really easy, coming out of Bellarmine, I wanted to come here and get a degree from the Kelley School of Business. As time went on, I kind of felt an itch to play so I contacted the coaches to try and get a walk-on tryout and that's when I came out in the spring. I got a real tryout and from then on it's really been great. I started up in June."
On his experiences at Bellarmine:
"I learned a lot in my first two years at Bellarmine. Coach Davenport and the coaching staff there were really good. I was just trying to get to IU to be a little closer to home and get a good education at the Kelley School. But, I definitely learned a lot there - it's a fast-paced game and it was good for me to learn for two years before coming here to IU. I think I can bring some experience to IU, but obviously I still need to learn a lot more from the coaching staff and Coach Crean before I can get going and help my teammates here."
On what he can contribute to the team right of the bat:
"First off, experience in college in general and helping the young guys that just came in - the freshmen. We're going to be a young team obviously. So, just getting your class work down first, I can help them out with experience there, with getting your course work down and getting off to a good start. Playing-wise experience, you just have to work hard, get in the gym and practice everyday, even more than our individual workouts - just staying after, getting that extra work in and I think the new guys are getting really good at that."
On the experience of going to Canada:
"For me, I think it was a great experience. I went up there really not knowing what to expect in playing for IU, but went up there and got some playing time, more than I expected and it was really great for me. It was a great experience to learn about the fast-paced game, especially in Canada with the 24-second shot clock. Overall as a team, I think we got 10 really good practices in during the summer, so we really know going into the season what to expect as far as practices go. We learned a lot of plays, learned each others playing styles and I think that's really going to help out heading into the season and preseason exhibition games."
On what he sees from the team that he really likes:
"The number one thing that I see that I like is the extra work, the guys working here right now, staying after everyday. I would say everybody gets in extra work everyday. I think that's really the number one thing I see, is if we can keep working the way we have been, there's no ceiling for the team."
On playing for Indiana after growing up in nearby Bedford:
"I definitely think living close brings an extra sense of pride - however you want to say it. Growing up here, coming to games all the time, I definitely have a little bit more of pride. All these guys have so much pride for IU across their chests, but definitely growing up from around here and knowing what it means to play for IU and seeing Indiana on your chest, you're definitely going to play a little bit harder."
