'Unsung hero' hard at work for Metro men
By Nic Tacinas
tacinas@mscd.edu

Greg Muth is an unsung hero that embodies Metro basketball. He has fought through screens and picks for the last four years, overcoming adversity with every bounce of the ball.

The guard is one of many unheralded stories at the school. Coming from a strong family that instilled fierce determination, Muth earned the position of captain of the 2005-2006 Roadrunners, and he did it without a scholarship through his first two seasons.

He became one of the best players Metro has seen in recent memory.

When Muth first came to Metro, the basketball team had just captured the 2002 national championship. Not highly recruited, his love for basketball never waned. A two-sport athlete in high school, he was also a member of Eldorado High School's state championship team.

Visiting his aunt, who lives in Denver, Muth agreed to try out for the 'Runners. After the tryout, head coach Mike Dunlap told him that if he were to walk on, he'd have a spot on the team.

"Coach D was nice enough to give me the opportunity and he saw something in me and he decided to push me to see how much he could get out of me," Muth said.

Muth played sparingly his freshman year and averaged about one point and one rebound per game.

"Dunlap brings an intensity second to none and it was a little overwhelming my first year," Muth said.

The transition from high school to college was tough for Muth. He went from being a star at Eldorado, to an anonymous number on the team.

"Greg has been particularly good at not ruining yesterday and not looking too far ahead and taking advantage of the day," Dunlap said.

Through all his trials, Muth was discouraged, but never complacent with his role on the team. At times, he doubted his athletic ability at the more competitive national level.

"I got more comfortable with the system and from that point on, I kind of let go of that doubt and knew I could do it," Muth said.

He saw how hard players like Patrick Mutombo and Clayton Smith worked, and what was expected of starters. Muth knew  he wanted to be a part of that work ethic. Muth admired Smith's unselfish play, saying he did what he needed to get the team a win.

By his junior year, Muth started 23 games and averaged 7.2 points per game and 3.6 assists.

Being an introvert when he came to Metro, Dunlap didn't know how Muth would cope with getting little playing time his first two years. He appreciated that Muth never complained.

"The greatest surprise was not his diligence but how much he has improved since he's been here," Dunlap said.

With confidence comes ability, and Muth was well on his way to refining his ability as a guard. He is a gym rat, preferring to work out with other members of the team.

"That really carries over to the young guys, shows the young guys what it takes to succeed," forward Michael Bahl said. "Doing the extra things, the extra work to make himself better and it's really shown in the way he's played this year."

Muth has been motivated and his family has been with him the entire way. His parents moved to Denver to be closer to their son and keep their bond strong. They never miss a game.

"When we look into the stands on a road trip, it's always nice to see someone's face, and you could always count on Greg's parents being there," Bahl said.