Mark Bortz uses the words intense and hardworking to describe himself.
If you were to ask UB head coach Reggie Witherspoon, he would add the terms assertive and aggressive. Teammate Turner Battle inserts reliable to the mix.
With just five words, one can begin to understand the kind of person, as well as the kind of player, Bortz is.
Bortz, a 6-10 forward from Commerce Township, Mich., has participated in 95 games as a member of the Bulls, including every game the team has played since his sophomore year.
Bortz led the Bulls in blocked shots in both the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons and continues to do so this season, averaging 1.4 blocks per game. His average also earns him the number two spot for blocks in the Mid-American Conference. Bortz's career blocking total ranks him at number two since UB's inception as a Division I program.
"I am not the most skilled player in the world. I can't jump the highest. I can't shoot the best," said Bortz. "But I can definitely say I want to go out there and work the hardest every single game. You're not going to make every shot but you can do the little things every single game."
Not only is Bortz able to hit the court with intensity and drive, he also hits the books with the same level of excellence. Bortz, a senior management major, has earned a 3.416 GPA, according to BuffaloBulls.com.
Bortz was named to the 2003-2004 Academic All-MAC team and was also named MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week for the week of Dec. 14.
In addition to his academic accolades, Bortz also earned the 2003-2004 Coach's Award for his ability to put the team before himself.
"Last season Mark took on a role and embraced whatever was important for our team," said Witherspoon. "That meant we needed him to come off the bench. A lot of guys won't do that. A lot of guys will put themselves before the team and when we asked Mark to come off the bench, he without hesitation said 'I'll do it if it's going to help the team.'"
Bortz's starting lineup sacrifice is not his only contribution to the team. In addition to the enormous amount of energy and encouragement Bortz contributes from the bench, his presence on the court is often felt.
"When Bortz comes in the game, he demands the ball," said Battle, the Bulls' senior point guard. "He's 6-10. To me, he's the best post player in the MAC. Him, Yassin (Idbihi) and our other guys are the best post players. When he comes in the game, I just feel comfortable and confident."
Confidence is a key element to the way in which Bortz has been playing this season. According to Bortz, however, confidence was not always a notable part of his game.
"I go out there knowing that I can perform with the top players in the country," said Bortz. "I am confident in myself, in my ability and my ability to work hard."
Bortz has undoubtedly worked hard this season, leading the team in seven categories. He leads the team in both offensive and defensive rebounds, and stands tall at tenth in the conference in rebounds per game.
The UB record books will most likely need to be revised by the time Bortz leaves the school. To crack the top five in career rebounding, Bortz needs just 41 more to replace Rob Middlebrooks' 541 career rebounds. Currently, Bortz sits at 501 rebounds for his career, and is averaging 5.8 boards per game.
Remaining consistent on the boards throughout the Bulls' final 12 games of the season, he will move easily into fifth place all-time in rebounds and may challenge Jim Horne's 580 rebounds for fourth place.
UB's senior forward has improved on his career highs this season, thanks in part to a stellar performance during the nail-biter that was Buffalo's double overtime victory over Niagara University. During the 50 minutes of regulation, Bortz racked up 32 points, making 11 of 19 field goals, both career highs.
That doesn't come as a surprise to Bortz; however, as he thrives on close games and looks forward to competing for the entire 40 minutes, or more.
"When the game is close, that's what basketball is all about," said Bortz. "When the game is on the line, what are you going to do, how are you going to react? We've had so many close games. It's a true testament to the heart of our team. No matter what the situation, we're going out there and we're playing hard and we're not going to give up."
Bortz hasn't given up at all this season, whether it was during the contest against Niagara or Buffalo's season opener at UConn, the defending NCAA National Champions.
Managing to obtain 10 rebounds and add 10 points, Bortz became the first of only four players to post a double-double against the reigning champions so far this season.
According to Bortz, the most memorable moment in his career so far comes from a game involving different a breed of Huskies.
"The most memorable game would probably be our playoff game against Northern Illinois," said Bortz. "We came in and it was a real tight game in the first half and we came out in the second half, we just exploded."
Bortz also has fond memories of the "Sea of Blue" from the Northern Illinois game last season.
"We had fans running into the game," said Bortz. "I heard doors open upstairs, the arena was empty and then all of a sudden, the fans just started rushing in. When the game was over, the fans obviously rushed the court. The atmosphere was just the craziest thing that I've ever seen in my time here. It was a great feeling to see all the support."
Not only does the fan support energize Bortz and his teammates but it also shows Bortz that the Bulls may be in the process of building a tradition, something he hoped to achieve during his time at UB.
"To walk out onto the court for our warm-ups and see so many fans out there just getting excited for the game, excited for the university, is something I didn't really see my first two and a half years here," said Bortz. "The reason I came here was to really start building tradition and when I see them up in the stands, it lets me know that we're really starting to build tradition, letting me know that one of my original goals is finally being accomplished."
While Bortz is realizing one of his goals, he is also aware of the fact that his tenure at UB is coming to an end.
"You have to realize that every game is the last time you are going to play at Akron, the last time you are going to have a chance to win at Kent State, and things like that," said Bortz. "You really have to keep that in the back of your mind and hope it drives you to another level and reminds you it's almost over. You don't have many chances left."
While there are not that many chances left for Bortz, he will be beside his basketball family during this Tuesday's upcoming home game against Northern Illinois.
"We're in the locker room, we're a family. We're on the court, we're a family. You can't separate us," said Bortz. "That's the thing that I think is the greatest thing about this team. I always say that this is probably the best and most fun team I've ever been on and I truly believe it."
Five Random Questions
What 3 CDs do you always bring with you on long bus rides?
"Shawn McDonald (he's a Christian artist), Matchbox 20, and John Mayer."
2. What color is your toothbrush?
"My toothbrush is blue."
3. Your height: embrace it or hate it?
"Embrace it, absolutely. You have to love it. You always hear so many people saying, 'I wish I were taller' or 'If I was 6-10...' so I love my height. That's why I'm where I'm at today."
4. Name something better than peanut butter.
"Reese's Peanut Butter Cups."
5. What is your dream car?
"One that I can fit into comfortably."
