Evan Battey Stands Tall And Ready To Help Lead The Buffs Into The Upcoming Basketball Season, Tip Off Nov. 25
Evan Battey is gearing up with the rest of the University of Colorado men’s basketball team for this upcoming season set to kick off on Nov. 25, at South Dakota State, but for Battey, who projects to be a key starter this year, he didn’t know if he would make it this far just three short years ago.
In December of 2017 as an academic redshirt, Battey suffered a career-threatening stroke, followed by two seizures.
“I wasn’t focused on basketball after that,” Battey said. “I was just focused on getting better.”
And get better he did. The following season having made a full recovery and cleared both academically and athletically, Battey made his long-awaited University of Colorado debut as a redshirt freshman. That season, Battey recorded averages of 8.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
Battey attributed his comeback to “his village.” He talked about the support he received from his teammates, his friends and his family. He also said that he kept a mindset of perseverance, never allowing himself to get too down.
Both Battey and the rest of the team improved in the 2019-20 season. Battey improved his points per game to 8.9 and rebounds per game to 5.9 while the Buffs totaled 21 regular season wins which tied the program record, and the Buffs spent 13 weeks in the AP top 25 rankings. Despite the strong season, the Buffs limped their way to the finish line losing their final four regular season games followed by a first-round exit in the Pac-12 tournament to Washington State.
Looking ahead to this upcoming season, despite losing one of their star players in Tyler Bey who declared for the 2020 NBA draft, the Buffs have high expectations for themselves. The Buffs have recruited a strong freshmen class to help fill the holes left by players like Bey, but according to coach Tad Boyle, it’ll be the veterans who determine the team’s success.
“Critical, really critical,” Boyle said when asked about the importance of his team leaders and the presence they bring. “This team is only going to be as good as our veterans are.”
For Battey, he recognizes the increased leadership role and responsibility he has this year. He also understands that with another year under his belt, expectations go up. He knows that he will likely be playing more minutes in his increased role this year and wants to focus on improving his stamina and endurance so that he can help his team achieve success.
“I just want to be a contributor for our guys,” Battey said. “They rally behind my energy.”
Battey has undoubtedly come a long way since he suffered the stroke almost three years ago that nearly stopped him from playing basketball again. He was happy to offer a bit of advice for anyone who may be struggling whether it be with a health issue like his or otherwise.
“Don’t ask ‘why did this happen to me?” Battey said. “Just keep fighting.”
