Michael Burfeind reaches 1,000 points

By Carissa Hahn

Copy Editor

Saint Mary’s University senior men’s basketball player Michael Burfeind became the 25th player in SMU men’s basketball history to reach 1,000 career points.

On Feb. 3, 2013, Burfeind shot and made two free throws to reach the milestone with 2:20 remaining in the first half of a home game against Concordia College.

“The main goal is obviously winning games, not individual statistics. But I never thought I would have scored 1,000 points here at SMU upon my arrival,” said Burfeind.

Burfeind said this wasn’t really a goal of his, but expressed joy in the accomplishment. He humbly said he didn’t really think about it too much at the time because he needed to be focused on the game. 

Men’s Basketball Coach Todd Landrum described Burfeind’s role on the team as “a quiet leader who used his on-court production as an example for his teammates.”

Burfeind has been playing basketball competitively since the fourth grade. “Going to the gym and getting shots up doesn’t feel like work to me,” he said. “It’s something I love to do.”

Landrum said, “Mike was an offensive threat both in the post and on the perimeter.” Burfeind also earned All-Conference honors in his junior and senior seasons.

Burfeind said his favorite type of shot to take is a three-point shot. He explained that this is “partly because it’s one of the tougher shots to take in basketball, and also because the crowd seems to get a little louder and more involved with the game when you make one.”