A look at the careers of several former Cardinals now playing overseas
By ANDY THORPE

     Muncie, IN -- Six former Ball State players are currenlty playing for teams in Europe and South America. Here is a short account of each players career as a professional player:
 
     PARIS MCCURDY Class of 1990 — There was never a more fan-favorite Cardinal player than McCurdy, in his two seasons after transfering from Arkansas-Little Rock, McCurdy left a lasting impression on all Ball State fans and on all MAC foes. McCurdy was known as an enforcer both on defense and on the glass. McCurdy left opponets shaking in their boots with his ability to talk anyone and I mean anyone out of their game (i.e. Gary Payton).
 
     McCurdy nearly made the Sacramento Kings roster directly out of BSU even though he was not drafted. If it were not for a last minute trade that brought two players to the Kings roster, McCurdy would have been part of their opening day roster.      Over the next few seasons McCurdy bounced around several leagues playing for several teams in hopes of making it back to te NBA. McCurdy spent 1990-94 playing for teams in the CBA, USBL and several foreign contries. In 1995 and 96, McCurdy played for the Quad City Thunder in the CBA for former BSU coach Dick Hunsacker.
 
     In 1997-98, McCurdy was signed by Ourense of te Spanish League. McCurdy played the final 10 games of the season averaging 4 points and 3.3 rebounds a game.
 
     The next season, he signed with Strabourg of the French League were he has played the past two years. In 1998-99, McCurdy averaged 8.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists. McCurdy then averaged 9 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists this past seson.

     MACUS NORRIS Class of 1996 — Marcus Norris had a good career or the Cardinals. He played a major role in the Cardinals run into the 1995 NCAA Tournament. After graduation, Norris has had a stellar career overseas.
 
     Norris signed with Pyrbasket in Finland. His rookie season he averaged a league-leading 32.3 points a game. Norris also averaged 6.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game while garnering Rookie of the Year honors.      In his second season, Norris was named MVP while averaging 28.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3 assists a game.
 
     In 1998, Norris signed with Slavonski Brod of the Croatian League. His first season in the Croatian League, Norris, now playing the point guard position, scored 19.2 points with 3.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 steals a game.
 
     This past season, Norris averaged 21.6 points, 2 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals a game.

     STEVE PAYNE Class of 1995 — Steve "House of" Payne had a great three year run with the Cardinals. He was a major factor in the Cardinals 1995 NCAA Tournament run. He was one of the nation's top rebounders during his final two season with the Cardinals.
 
     Payne spent his first season in Turkey In his second season, Payne played for Dijon in France. In his first year in France, he averaged 16 points and a league leading 10.4 rebounds a game.      The next season, Payne moved to Ourense of Spain. That year Payne averaged 16.8 points and 10.5 rebounds a game.
 
     In 1998, Payne signed with Telekom Ankera in Turkey. In just half a season, Payne averaged 9.3 points and 8.4 rebounds a game.
 
     This past season, Payne played for Nancy in France. He averaged 12.7 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.1 asssts a game.

     STEVE TURNER Class of 1992 — Steve Turner wasn't one of the most rememberable names in Cardinal lore, but the 6-9 forward almost made the Phoenix Suns after college and has had a great career overseas.
 
     Turner played from 1992-1996 in South America, including averaging an amazing 38 poins, 14 rebounds and 3 assists a game in Chile.      In 1997, he played in Spain and averaged 15.5 points and 7.7 rebounds..
 
     After a season in Belgium, Turner signed wth Spain in 1998. That season Turner averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds for Menorca.
 
     This past season, Turner played for Rosalia in Spain, Turner averaged 11.8 points and 7 rebounds.

     CHANDLER THOMPSON Class of 1992 — Chandler Thompson made a name for himself during the 1990 Sweet 16 run. Thompson was named to the all-West Regional first team. After his three years at BSU, Hi-C was the last player cut by the Milwaukee Bucks.
 
     Chandler has had a story-book career in Spain. Thompson has spent most of his career playing for Estudiantes Madrid were he has been a MVP and sixth-man award winner.      In 1996-97, Chandler averaged 17 points and 4 rebounds in the regular season. Hi-C's team made it to the Euro League Cup Finals before losing. Thompson averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in the playoffs.
 
     In 1997-98, Chandler averaged 18.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2 assits a game. Madrid again made the Euro League finals. Thompson this time, averaged 14 points and 3 rebounds in the playoffs.
 
     In 1998-99, Chandler averaged 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.4 steals a game. Chandler then averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2.2 assits in the Korac Cup.
 
     This past season, Chandler averaged 11.4 points and 3 rebounds in an injury plagued season. Chandler picked up his play in the Korac Cup as he averaged 13 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists a game.

     AMOS GREGORY Class of 1995 — Not much is known about Gregory's pro career.
 
     But this past season, the former Cardinal averaged 14.8 points ans 8 rebounds for Torpan Pojat Helsinki of Finalnd.

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