Men’s basketball has turned some heads this season, along with the help of senior guard Ryan Goral.

A Westminster, Colo. native, Goral began playing basketball at age five in the YMCA league.

“We had the little six-foot baskets and little basketballs,” said Goral.

The management major has come a long way since then. Goral was a four-year letter winner at Horizon High School, setting the Horizon freshman scoring record when he scored 28 points in a varsity game his first season. Goral continued to excel both in basketball and academics throughout high school.

Goral later went on to train at the Olympic training center in Colorado Springs as well as try out for the Olympics.

He has become a crucial member of the DU men’s basketball team as well. During his freshman year he played 15 games. The following year he started 17 of Denver’s 27 games, scoring a career-high 14 points.

Last season, Goral played in 25 games and earned Sun Belt Conference (SBC) All-Academic Honors. This year, as junior Rodney Billups’ backup at the point, Goral should have some significant playing time.

At 10-7 this season, Goral as well as the men’s team are enthusiastic and excited to see where the season takes them.

“We’ve had some tough losses, but also a lot of good wins,” said Goral. “I think how we do in conference will set our season.”

Last season, Denver made it as far as the semifinals and this season they hope to make it further into the SBC Tournament.

Off the court, Goral is a self-proclaimed movie buff. He also enjoys playing golf. Last year, he was a part of FOCUS, a Catholic ministry group on campus, aiding those in need.

Aside from this, Goral has built up somewhat of a fan following over the seasons.

“He’s an awesome guy,” said men’s basketball fan Megan Albrecht. “Everyone seems to love to be around him.”

While inspiring many fans, Goral also has many people he admires and is inspired by.

“I admire anyone who succeeds at doing what they love to do,” said Goral.

Anxious to graduate in the spring, Goral hopes to attend graduate school. He recently took the GMAT and he has applied to several graduate schools in Colorado.

After graduate school, he is still unsure of what he wishes to do, but he is anxious to see where this schooling will take him.