By: Jim Barton, Dartmouth Men’s Basketball Legend
 
Why did you choose to attend an Ivy League institution?
 
After a long recruiting process, I decided to attend Dartmouth knowing it would provide me the opportunity to get a great education and pursue my interest in playing basketball at the Division I level. I viewed it as the perfect win-win for me, both academically and athletically.
 
How do you feel your Ivy League experience helped prepare you for your career?
 
When you are surrounded by a group of high performers, whether in the classroom or on the athletic field, you are pushed to compete and excel. Being fortunate enough to play a team sport, I learned the importance and intricacies of teamwork, leadership and organizational dynamics. Setting goals (team or individual), managing expectations, constantly seeking to improve and communicating effectively were all skills I learned and developed during my Ivy League years, which have all been directly applicable to my professional career.
 
What is your most memorable experience from your time as an Ivy League student-athlete?
 
No doubt, the lasting bond created with my teammates and coaches after all the hours spent on and off the basketball court. Specifically, all the “quality” time we spent together during the Christmas holidays on an otherwise empty campus, and enduring those seemingly endless bus rides from Dartmouth for the Friday/Saturday Ivy trips. This was especially grueling from Dartmouth, which is the furthest distance from all the others, but provided a great opportunity to sing, play cards and … study.
 
How did your Ivy League experience compare to your expectations?
 
My overall experience exceeded my expectations, because I wasn’t really sure what to expect.  Before heading up to Hanover, there were very few people close to me that had attended Ivy League schools. I idolized Bill Bradley, and of course had dreams of greatness myself, but would have never expected to become the second leading scorer in Ivy history and maintain that distinction for over 25 years post-graduation. 
 
How has the Ivy League community impacted your life or career?
 
I immediately transitioned my basketball success at Dartmouth into playing basketball professionally in the German Bundesliga. During that time, I not only had great international living experiences, but also historical ones as well, as I was literally in Berlin the night the Berlin Wall came down. My Dartmouth education also opened up another unusual employment opportunity. I had the unique experience of being offered my first “real” job through corporate on-campus recruiting and the employer offered me a position and allowed me to defer my employment until I decided to retire from basketball. The primary recruiters were Ivy League graduates. The instant credibility an Ivy League education provides is evident in the variety of my life pursuits.
 
What does it mean to you to be a Legend of Ivy League Basketball?
 
Being recognized as one of the great players in Dartmouth basketball history is an honor in and of itself. Now to be recognized in the second class of Legends of Ivy League Basketball as one of the great players in Ivy League history is one of the true thrills of my life. There have been a lot of tremendous players who have represented the League through the years and to be recognized as one of the greats is really special, especially since my wife and children will experience it with me.
 
What are you looking forward to most about the Ivy League Basketball Tournaments?
 
I look forward to seeing the best four teams vie for the NCAA Tournament berth in a one-and-done format. It undoubtedly provides excitement and attention to the League as well as a fantastic opportunity for alums to meet, reunite and support their programs. I believe future tournaments will elevate “Ivy League” pride.
 
Are you still involved with your alma mater, and if so how?
 
I have been incredibly fortunate to remain connected and engaged with the Dartmouth basketball program since graduation. Until 2004, I had direct relationships with the coaching staff, as the head coaches during that time were coaches when I attended. In 2010, I was part of the search committee led by Dave Gavitt, former Big East commissioner, to find a new men’s basketball head coach. For the past several years, I have been co-chair of the Friends of Dartmouth Basketball, a fundraising group supporting the men’s and women’s basketball programs. 

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Jim Barton was a Dartmouth men's basketball student-athlete from 1985-89. He is a member of the 2018 Class of Legends of Ivy League Basketball that will be formally honored during the 2018 Ivy League Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments on Saturday, March 10, at The Palestra in Philadelphia. Purchase tickets at IvyMadness.com. 

ABOUT AUTHENTIC IVY:
Authentic Ivy is Ivy League student-athletes, coaches and alumni, in their own words. Stay tuned to IvyLeague.com for more Authentic Ivy features throughout the 2017-18 year.