Kittleson has been a ‘warrior’ for Blue Hawks
Ryan Kittleson could have easily walked away.
Many athletes in his position have.
Instead, he persevered and has reaped the benefits.
“He is one loyal kid,” DSU men’s basketball coach Ty Orton said. “He wasn’t going to walk away from the program. He wasn’t going to walk away from the kids.”
As Kittleson comes nears the end of his five-year career with the Blue Hawks, the senior from Billings, Mont., known as one of his team’s hardest workers said he has relished every opportunity he received.
“He loves being on the team,” DSU junior guard John Hanstad said. “He takes pride in doing the little stuff every day. His first few years on scout team, it was his job to make the team better. Now it’s definitely paid off because he’s really showing these guys how to work hard.”
Off the bench, Kittleson averages about 16 minutes a game while contributing 1.7 points, 1.3 assists and quite a bit of defensive hustle. However, he has been a valuable asset to the team for several years as either a vocal leader or a practice contributor.
“He’s the ultimate warrior,” DSU assistant coach Cory Fehringer said.
Kittleson, a 6-foot point guard, said there were times he thought about hanging it up.
After redshirting in 2007-08, Kittleson played in just one game the following season. He appeared in 16 games as a sophomore, scoring six points.
“There was definitely times when it was hard and you kind of thought maybe this isn’t going to work,” Kittleson said. “That’s the times you leaned on your teammates and it kind of helps you through things.”
Last season as a junior, while not contributing much statistically, the Blue Hawks entrusted Kittleson with backup point guard duties and he played in most of the Blue Hawks’ games.
This season, he has appeared in all 23 of DSU’s games and has started 10. Lately, he has been coming off the bench as Orton has gone with a taller lineup and either Hanstad or 6-7 senior Tevin Hurd starting at the point.
Kittleson, who Orton said eyes a future as a college basketball coach, said he has learned to have ultimate trust in his coaching staffs through his career at DSU.
He is the only player left on DSU’s roster from Orton’s first season as head coach.
“One thing is just learning from coach and him teaching me all the hard work and dedication that really goes into playing college sports,” Kittleson said. “I wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for him teaching me that I have to put in all the time and effort that I have to get better, not only for myself but to make others better as well.”