There has been so much coverage of the Ronny Thompson fiasco that no one is really talking too much about the new basketball coach at Ball State. I'm still a little disappointed that Ball State was unable to steal IUPUI's Ron Hunter, but I think they hired a pretty good guy to take over the basketball program. It is being reported that Ron Hunter did express some interest in the Ball State job, but that he withdrew his name from consideration after finding out about the possibility of some new NCAA sanctions that might be coming Ball State's way. That's right, I said possible NCAA sanctions!
Anyway, Billy Taylor is the new coach's name. He grew up in the Chicago suburb of West Aurora. He is 34 years old and a 1995 graduate of the University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!). Taylor started 79 games for the Notre Dame men's basketball team while he was in college. He has spent the last 5 years at Lehigh University where he compiled a 81-69 record as the head coach. In 2004-05, Taylor led Lehigh to its first-ever Patriot League regular season and tournament championships. This past season, the Mountain Hawks posted a 19-12 mark, including a school-record 11 Patriot League wins. Taylor was also voted the "Patriot League Coach of the Year" his first two seasons at Lehigh.
I remember Billy Taylor playing at Notre Dame but that's about all I know about him. Everything I read about the man seems to indicate that Billy Taylor is a pretty good guy. And, his coaching resume seems to be pretty impressive. So if Taylor is a good guy and a good coach, then I think it would be safe to say that Billy Taylor seems to be the exact opposite of Ronny Thompson. The opposite of Ronny Thompson is exactly what Ball State needed.
Mr. Taylor, I wish you the best of luck. Go Cardinals!
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