Ball State Cardinals Men's Basketball Preview

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The Ball State men's basketball program, under the guidance of third-year head coach Billy Taylor, has its sights set high for the 2009-10 season. The Cardinals look to build off of last season's Mid-American Conference West Division championship and the 23rd best season turnaround in NCAA Division I. Taylor has built a strong foundation for the BSU basketball program, a foundation rooted in four traits - character, commitment, mental toughness and dedication.

"Last year, we took a significant step forward in winning the MAC West championship," Taylor said. "I was very proud of our guys for our effort and that accomplishment. A phrase we are using with our guys is ‘you have to live with your backs to the past.' We have to understand and appreciate what we did and accomplished last year, but we have to get ready and move forward with this season. We certainly want to compete for another MAC West Championship, but ultimately our goal is to compete for a MAC championship in both the regular season and postseason. We have a lot of growth to get to that point, but we want to continue to take steps forward to that overall championship."

The 2009-10 Cardinals will once again focus on their defensive play, as they turned in one of the top defenses in the MAC last season, limiting opponents to just 59.7 points per game. Ball State held 16 opponent under 60 points last year, including four teams under the 50-point mark.

The Cardinals return a strong front court this season as it has five players in the mix up front. Leading the way is sophomore forward Jarrod Jones, who turned one of the top freshmen seasons in Ball State history as he was named the MAC Freshman of the Year. Jones led the Cardinals in scoring at 11.2 points per game and on the glass at 7.3 rebounds per contest.

"Our front court play will be a strength this year as we have not only talent but depth," Taylor said. "Leading the way is Jarrod Jones who has worked extremely hard this off season to get ready for the year. He was really thrown into the fire last year, especially when Anthony Newell was injured. He became the focal point of every team's defense and saw a lot of different looks which helped him develop as a player."

Ball State also returns junior forward Malik Perry and sophomore forward Mo Hubbard on the front line. Perry has made 57 starts for the Cardinals the past two seasons and averaged 4.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season. Hubbard played all 30 games as a true freshman last season, including six starts, while chipping in 3.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

"Malik Perry is back in the front court for his third straight season and he has been tough, tenacious and a key member on our defense with his play and rebounding ability," Taylor said. "Mo Hubbard returns after playing a lot for us last year. He can make the 15-foot jump shot, is a good passer and has good basketball skills. He is another tough physical interior player for us."

The Cardinals will receive a boost in the front court from two players who sat out last season. Senior forward Terrence Watson missed last season after transferring from Mississippi, while redshirt freshman center Zach Fields brings his 6-10 frame into the fold this year.

"The addition of Terrence Watson adds a lot to our front court," Taylor said. "He is a very versatile player that can rebound, block shots, score in the low post and attack the rim. He brings a different versatility to our forward position that we really haven't had on our team. Zach Fields redshirted last year and has really trimmed down during the off season. He is moving better and has a chance to be able to play and contribute for us this year."

Ball State will have to replace four senior guards from last year's MAC West Division championship team in Brandon Lampley, Rob Giles, Laron Frazier and Anthony Newell.
"We have a mix of experienced players and new players at the guard position this year," Taylor said. "Our returning guards were able to learn from some great senior guards last year in Brandon Lampley, Laron Frazier and Rob Giles, and that tutelage will help us this year."
The Cardinals return three letterwinners in the backcourt in senior Brawley Chisholm and sophomores Randy Davis and Pierre Sneed. The three guards combined to play 69 games last year for BSU, including 14 starts between Davis and Sneed.

"Randy Davis has worked extremely hard and has really put the time in this offseason getting extra shots and working on his game to prepare himself this year," Taylor said. "Brawley Chisholm really saw what it takes to be successful playing behind those guards last season. He worked and trained in the offseason to be ready and we are looking forward to his play improving to a higher level. Pierre Sneed brings experience to our back court. He is a tall, physical guard that has the ability to run in transition. He is one of our better perimeter defenders and brings toughness and athleticism to our team."

The Cardinals also welcome in three freshmen guards in Jauwan Scaife, Myron Green Jr. and Zach Harrison. Scaife, a Muncie native, averaged 17.3 points per game last season at Muncie Central High School while earning Second Team All-State honors. Green Jr. comes to BSU from California where he helped his Dominguez High School team to a 104-24 overall record in his career. Harrison finished third in the state in three-pointers made (75) as a senior at Terre Haute North High School.

"Jauwan Scaife should be an impact freshman for us," Taylor said. "He has the ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter, has a strong body and is a terrific athlete. Myron Green Jr. is a wing player who has a strong body. He is very good getting to the basket, is a strong finisher, is improving his jump shooting and getting more confidence."

The Cardinals' non-conference schedule includes games against four NCAA Tournament teams and has eight of 13 non-league games at home in the friendly confines of Worthen Arena. Ball State's schedule will test the Cardinals as they look to repeat as MAC West champions and vie for their eighth NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

"We have some significant challenges in the non-conference portion," Taylor said. "Each year, we tried to step up our scheduling efforts and challenge our guy prior to MAC play. Taking on Big Ten opponent Purdue, travelling to two Atlantic 10 and NCAA Tournament opponents in Temple and Dayton as well as playing instate rivals such as Butler, Indiana State and Valparaiso will be great challenges for our guys. All of our non-conference games will be tough, hard-nosed affairs that will prepare us for our MAC schedule."

Ball State opens MAC play Jan. 9 when it hosts Northern Illinois at Worthen Arena in the first of 16 league contests. The Cardinals will look to repeat as MAC West Division champions after sharing the title last season with Central Michigan and Western Michigan.

"The MAC will be very balanced again this season," Taylor said. "We saw last year the regular season went down to the final game, seeding wise, and that will be much of the same this year. The West Division's biggest challenge this year will be to stay healthy. The past couple of years there have been significant injuries in the West, but I think this year the West will continue to get better and will be a challenge each and every night on the court."

Preview courtesy of Ball State Sports Information