Ball State ready for a new era

by Jeff Goodman

Updated: November 14, 2007, 1:55 PM EST 3 comments

Stovall and the rest of the Ball State men's basketball program had to endure the saga involving their former coach, Ronny Thompson, who resigned on July 12 amid allegations of racism at the Muncie, Ind., school.

"It shocked me," Stovall said of Thompson's allegations that there was a racist note slid under his office door. "It really did."

Ball State went 9-22 in the Cardinals' lone season with Thompson, the son of former Georgetown coach John Thompson and the brother of current Hoyas head man John Thompson III, at the helm.

There were multiple charges that Thompson and his staff were in the gym and the weight room in the spring and summer. Coaches are forbidden by the NCAA to watch off-season workouts. That prompted an NCAA investigation.

Then came Thompson's resignation in July. Some believe the racist note was real. Others feel it may have been planted in an effort for Thompson to get out of Muncie.

Whatever the case, Stovall and his teammates are just glad it's over.

The school went with another minority, former Lehigh coach Billy Taylor, as Thompson's replacement. He's been on the job for nearly three months and hasn't seen any signs of racism yet.

"The reception I've had so far has been unbelievable," Taylor said. "Probably because of my background being from the Midwest and going to school at Notre Dame, I feel like there is racism everywhere. Certainly those were horrific acts and unfortunately, they haven't found out who did it."

Ball State dropped its season opener to Butler this past weekend and the Bulldogs will be fortunate to match their win total of nine from a year ago. That's because just five players remain from last year's squad. Taylor booted four players off the team, including a pair of projected starters, and is down to nine overall players.

Stovall, the team's leader and the guy that sports information director Chris Taylor said is the best kid he's ever dealt with, can't say enough about the new regime.

"We have great leadership now and good guys that we can look up to," Stovall said. "They have great character and really help the younger guys along.

"Some of the guys got along with Coach Thompson well, but for me personally and a few others, well, it was hard for me," Stovall added. "It was a tough year and I'm definitely looking forward to moving on.

"It was hard for me to adapt to Coach Thompson," he continued. "I was real close to (former coach) Tim Buckley and I'd always been able to talk to him. I didn't feel like I could ever talk to Coach Thompson. It just wasn't a good situation."

Stovall said there is more discipline with Taylor leading the program. He said Thompson would give players multiple chances.

"Guys knew they could mess up and come back," Stovall said.

"I wouldn't say I have a no-tolerance policy," Taylor added. "I know kids are going to make their mistakes, but I want to have a system of accountability."

Taylor was the Patriot League Coach of the Year twice in his five seasons at Lehigh, but he wanted to return to his roots in the Midwest. The Illinois native played at Notre Dame and the majority of his family resides just a few hours away.

"I felt like it was important for me to get all the information and make an informed decision," Taylor said. "But the most important thing for me is my family. It's an opportunity for my kids to be close to their family."

It's also a chance for Stovall and the few kids that stuck around to get a fresh start.