What you can learn from Niko Ruffin…

Hard work and determination are traits that are hard to teach.

They are what define Niko Ruffin.

Niko is a freshman on the Syracuse Men’s Basketball Team. His path to college basketball, ‘Cuse nonetheless, was not easy. Niko faced adversity throughout his high school career. Having transferred from one school to another, COVID broke out, and he missed out on the majority of his senior year of basketball.

Niko almost gave up on sports altogether to focus on his education and future.

But his gut kept telling him that the game meant too much to give it up.

He spent countless hours and time both on the court and at Varsity House to put himself in the best position possible to succeed in college. Awarding him the opportunity to be a preferred walk-on for the Orangemen.

He increased his bench press by 30% over 6 months, back squat by 20% and he gained 7.5lbs in lean muscle mass.

He did this without any guarantees of a Senior year of basketball or that he would be a recruited athlete. Keeping the regimented schedule, and working hard in the face of adversity is what has awarded him the chance of a lifetime.

I am a coach that holds no restraint when it comes to emotion. I am extremely proud of where you were and where you are at now Niko. The determination that you have is one of the factors keeps me going everyday to continue to coach