By Chad Courrier
Free Press Staff Writer
MANKATO — Curt Greeley came to Minnesota State as a prolific scorer, holding the record for career points at his high school in Newton, Iowa. That was his role.
When he got to Minnesota State four years ago, there were plenty of scorers already on the team so he concentrated on rebounding and defense. That was his role.
“I just try to be a leader and rebound and defend,” Greeley said. “I want to make hustle plays and keep us positive and keep the intensity up.”
Greeley will be playing in his fourth national tournament when the Mavericks (24-4) open play in the Central Region tournament at 6 p.m. against Colorado School of Mines at Bresnan Arena. While his stat line will rarely impress, he’s become an invaluable member of the Mavericks, providing depth and energy as a backup post player.
“He’s absolutely a great kid,” Minnesota State coach Matt Margenthaler said. “If my two sons grew up to be like Curt, I’d be a proud dad. He has the right perspective, and he understands that it’s about the team. He’s been in and out of the starting lineup, but he’s worked very hard and he wants to win. He’ll do whatever it takes.”
The 6-foot-7 Greeley decided against redshirting his freshman season, seeing about 15 minutes per game as a reserve. His playing time has remained steady, as have his numbers. He averaged 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds as a freshman, 3.2 points and 3.4 rebounds as a sophomore and 2.1 points and 3.2 rebounds as a junior.
This season, Greeley is averaging 2.7 points and 3.8 rebounds, but it’s not like he can’t score. He is shooting 49.4 percent from the field, 33.8 percent from 3-point range and 66.7 percent at the free-throw line. He scored 15 points in a game as a junior, but that’s not his role.
“I remember (former teammate) Terrence Wynder, who didn’t get to play much,” Greeley said. “But he always said that when he got in, he was going to make one impact play so that’s what I try to do.”
In 124 career games, Greeley has started 23 times, sporadically, which might have been tough had he not kept his team goals ahead of personal ones. Margenthaler said communication with players is important in those situations because the player might not agree with that decision, but he must accept it.
“I’ve always felt comfortable starting or coming off the bench,” Greeley said. “My high-school team was terrible; I won more games midway through my freshman season here than I did in my high-school career. It’s great to be part of a team that wins, and hopefully we go as far as we can.”
You rarely hear Greeley speak, allowing his actions to speak for him. Whether it’s offseason practices or in the weight room, Greeley has blossomed into a leader without having to say it.
“He could be our X factor this weekend,” Margenthaler said. “Offensively, sometimes the ball moves better when he’s in there, and he’s a good passer. Defensively, his ability to be physical in the paint is something he takes pride in.”
The Mavericks record in Greeley’s career is 100-25, but each season has ended in the region tournament. Playing at home, he thinks this might be the season to advance.
“It would mean so much to win this year,” said Greeley, who is studying to become an optometrist. “That’s been our goal every year, and we just haven’t gotten over that hump. It would be great to do something that’s never been done here.
“It’s been a really fun time here. We’ve won a lot of games, and I love the town and the school. I’ve really enjoyed the ride.”
