The Ball State Daily News
Saturday’s men’s basketball game marked an end of an era for Ball State basketball. We very well might have seen the last of senior basketball players Duane Clemens, Mickey Hosier and Shane Franks in University Arena. But the end of one era shines the light on a very bright future for the Cardinals.
After bringing us what many call instant offense, 6’0” guard Duane Clemens ended senior day with quite an inspirational shot for the Cardinal faithful. Clemens dribbled nearly three-fourths of the court with about seven seconds to go in overtime before sinking a simply amazing shot that brought the season biggest crowd in University Arena to their feet. Creating a frenzy of dancing and screaming and allowing the Cardinals to remain in a first place tie with Toledo for the MAC West crown with two games remaining. Yeah, that looks good on the resume. Clemens career has included many unforgettable moments and Saturday was no exception.
Clemens started his basketball career in Muncie, and gave the community one last glimpse at his ability Saturday. It was sort of a fare well party for many fans that have followed his illustrious career from the start. Clemens has quickly become the MAC’s most high profiled offensive threats, averaging 17.9 points a game this season. Clemens has also been the go to guy in crucial situations for the Cardinals. Clemens presense on the court has came in increasing volumes this season. He averages 37.3 minutes a game and has played in 23 out of 24 games this season. If other teams looked to stop Clemens on the floor, they’d have to wait until he sat down for a momentary breather. The Ball State offense will have a tough time finding another player to match his output in minutes and as well as matching his ability to create points from the offensive and defensive end.
Senior point guard Mickey Hosier has also been no stranger to the friendly confines of University Arena. Hosier owns the team’s best assist to turnover ratio, and ranks up there with the best of them in the MAC in the same category. After committing to Ball State from Alexandria High School, Hosier has shown poise and control with the Ball State offense. This year alone Hosier has tallied 96 assists in 25 games, an average of 3.8 assists a game. Hosier also reeled of a few games this season in which he contributed a flurry of points, one of which included a career high of 15 points against Western Michigan earlier this month. Hosier started every game of his junior year, and has contributed time and time again this season. His play and team leadership was and still is well respected by many in the MAC and will be missed.
After spending two seasons with Mercer University, 5”11” Shane Franks brought the squad enthusiasm and a hard working ethic. Franks, a savvy bench player, was considered a three-point specialist by many in the Ball State crowds. When Franks came in, everybody knew what his job was, to shoot the lights out in the gym. He did so with enthusiasm that has been displayed by no other in Cardinal history. His intensity and enthusiasm have made Franks a fan favorite. He has truly earned the respect from the Cardinal fans.
With the departure of this year’s seniors, four new players must take over the leadership roles for this highly talented Cardinal squad. Next year we will look to Cedric Moodie, Patrick Jackson, Lonnie Jones and Theron Smith for inspiration. The candidates are the future of Ball State basketball.
So with two more games left in the conference schedule at Central and Western Michigan, the Cardinals look to leadership of the three seniors to bring us back the MAC West championship and a number two bid in the MAC tournament. Of course this is only the beginning of their long-term goal of the season, winning the MAC tournament and a birth in the field of 64 teams in the NCAA tournament in March.
Clemens, Hosier and Franks have made us expect the unexpected the past four seasons, when we least expected it. Thanks fella’s, the memories were priceless.
Write to Scott at scottswain1@hotmail.com
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