BIRMINGHAM – On March 24, UAB guard Michael Ertel took to his Twitter account and made this announcement:
In talking with my family and @CoachAK13 we all believe the opportunity to come back for an extra year is truly a blessing. I’m ready to truly experience Birmingham and a packed Bartow Arena! See you all next year! #supersenior #notdoneyet
When the NCAA ruled on Oct. 14, 2020 that all winter athletes in NCAA Division I sports would be given an additional year of eligibility, Ertel had not even had his first official practice in a UAB uniform. Fast forward five months, the Blazers racked up 22 victories and Ertel was coming off a tremendous Conference USA Championship where he was named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 19 points per game and making half of his three point attempts.
Opportunities to play overseas were there, but Ertel wanted to stay for another season.
“I decided to come back because I didn’t really get the full experience with the Covid pandemic,” Ertel said. “Plus, we didn’t get to pack out Bartow like we wanted to. I knew we have a really good team coming back and that we could do a lot of special things.”
Always having a team-first mentality, Ertel’s goal is to help the Blazers win the Conference USA title and go to the NCAA Tournament. As with any season, there are roster changes. Head coach Andy Kennedy has signed five new players to the 2021-22 roster and Ertel looks forward to playing with the newest Blazers.
“I’m really excited about the new guys. They are really good players and I’m looking forward to meshing with them and getting to know them. I think we’re going to be a really good team next year and they are going to be a big part of it.”
What can we expect from Michael Ertel in 2021-22?
Looking to build on the momentum of his last four games where he made 13 3-pointers and shooting at a 48% clip from behind the arc, Ertel is constantly in the gym working to improve his outside game.
“I’m working really hard at getting a more consistent 3-point shot. I’ve struggled this year, where in the past years, I have been really good. I know the offense better and I’m more comfortable in the system. I’m working every day to get it better. And I think it will be a lot better coming up.”
Coming back for another year, there will be a difference in Michael Ertel.
MEN’S BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
Men’s basketball season tickets for the 2021-22 season are on sale now. Current basketball season ticket holders can click here to renew their original 2020-21 seat locations prior to social distancing adjustments. Click here to purchase new 2021-22 season which start as low as $100 with the Blaze’s Corner season ticket.
Fans interested in season tickets can fill out the season ticket request form or contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 to receive additional information.
For more information on the UAB men’s basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
