A late November trip to Butler and a New Year's Eve date with Indiana University are among the games Ball State basketball fans are looking forward to this season. Coach Tim Buckley, however, has one date in his mind.
November 4.
That is the date the Cardinals will take the court for their first exhibition game of the season. Marathon Oil will be their opponent and Buckley said they will get Ball State's full attention.
"We are taking everything one game at a time," said the third-year head coach.
The Cardinals will start off the regular season with a trip to Alaska. Ball State will compete in the Top of the World Classic, an eight-team tournament hosted by University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
Last year the Cardinals began the season in Hawaii at the Maui Invitational. They finished as runner-up after upsetting UCLA and Kansas. Buckley said even though Ball State may be a favorite at this year's opening tournament, they will not prepare any differently.
Another non-conference date on the schedule is the inaugural ESPN Bracket Buster Saturday. This eighteen-team, nine-game event will take place on February 22. The tournament is designed to give mid-major teams like Ball State, Butler, and Gonzaga a chance to be recognized nationally.
Ball State will also play IU, last year's NCAA runner-up. The Hoosiers come to Muncie on December 31. Buckley said this and other games will give his seniors some memorable experiences.
Fans will be watching one senior in particular this year. Buckley said senior forward Theron Smith will get an opportunity to showcase his skills to NBA scouts.
"With Theron having a chance at the NBA," Buckley said, "this will be good for him to be able to compete against some talented teams."
Buckley said that overall, he is pleased with the schedule.
"It's going to be challenging for us and it will give the seniors a chance to play against quality teams," Buckley said.
But for now, Buckley will focus on November 4.
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