Missouri Valley Conference report

A Glance at 2001

SportsLine.com report
April 4, 2000

Replacing Duane Clemens and Mickey Hosier will be tremendously difficult in terms of athletic ability and leadership skills. Patrick Jackson, though, shows promise and could be the point man.

Rob Robbins and Mark Farris can help at the off guard spots, where an incoming hot shot could find himself playing considerably. Unless the guard situation is resolved, Ball State's considerable big men could go underused offensively.

Defensively, the Cardinals figure to be one of the league's top teams, particularly inside.

The Coach

McCallum has become a hot commodity and no doubt will attract attention from larger schools. McCallum, though, played at Ball State, so there is a loyalty factor to consider. The university might have to ante up more money to keep him.

Who'll Be Back

Ball State will be one of the better teams in the MAC under the basket, where Theron Smith, Lonnie Jones and Josh Murray all return. (None will be a senior, so really watch out in 2002.)

Smith was outstanding as a freshman and has the potential to become a dominant power forward. Jones might be the MAC's most underrated player. While he doesn't score much, his defense is worth 15 points per game.

Jackson will have first dibs on the point guard spot. He and Cedric Moodie have the potential to form a solid backcourt.

Who's Gone

Clemens and Hosier are the heart of the team, and replacing their leadership and clutch play will be difficult. Their departure takes 28 points out of the lineup. Guard Shane Franks, who averages about five minutes per game, is also done.

Key Newcomers

McCallum signed four high school players early, including a pair of forwards and two off-guards. Never shy about playing youngsters, McCallum will expect on-the-job production, especially from the guards.

• G Michael Bennett (6-5, 200): Bennett averaged 15.0 points, 6 assists and 2.5 steals last season at Indianapolis Brebeuf High. He shot 58 percent from the field, 39 percent from 3-point range and 65 percent from the free-throw line. Bennett will be counted on immediately to contend for a starting job.
• G Robert Owens (6-7, 190): Averaged 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game at Columbus (Ohio) Brookhaven High School and shot 58.5 percent from the field, 35 percent from 3-point range and 72 percent from the free-throw line. He should challenge Bennett for playing time, but also can play forward.
• F Ronald Dokes (6-8, 220): A defensive specialist, Dokes can play forward or center. He averaged 12 points and nine rebounds as a senior at South Bend (Ind.) Riley High School and could be eased into the system.
• F Rawle Marshall (6-6, 190): He averaged 12 points, nine assists and four steals at Detroit McKenzie High School, and can also play guard.