In his two seasons at Ball State University, senior forward Terrance Chapman has transformed himself from part-time starter to an indispensable player who evokes comparisons to two of the more revered players in BSU history.
After the Cardinals' exhibition win over Taylor in November, head coach Tim Buckley said Chapman's defense can influence a game much like Paris McCurdy from the 1989 and 1990 NCAA Tournament teams. His offensive skills have brought up mentions of Theron Smith, the team's leading scorer in 2001 and 2002.
One way he emulates both is his rebounding prowess. In addition to averaging 14.0 points (as of Saturday, up from 7.8 last year), the senior has raised his production on the boards from 4.8 to 9.4.
"He's a forceful player," coach Tim Buckley said after BSU's victory over Eastern Michigan on Jan. 31, "and when he does that on a consistent basis, he's one of the best players in the conference."
He's certainly one of the most improved.
Last season Chapman split starting duties at a forward spot with Robert Owens, as he struggled some to become accustomed to Division I play after two seasons at junior colleges.
"It was quicker than before. The guys are much stronger and more athletic," Chapman said. "That's why my first year I had to get adjusted. I think I'm doing pretty well.
"I just have more of a leadership role this year," he said. "I've got to go out and set an example."
His former coach at Joliet Township (Ill.) High School, Bob Koskoski, said that is just in line with his senior season there.
"He was a quiet leader on our team," Koskoski said. "He let's his play do the talking. Terrance was always the kind of guy could count on to play consistent and play hard every game."
Chapman, one of four children, was born in Mississippi, and his family later moved to Joliet. His freshman year in high school, Koskoski said, had some ups and downs.
"He had a few run-ins with me, but you have to be understanding," Koskoski said. "He could've thrown in the towel, and he didn't."
Koskoski said Chapman was the most consistent player on the Steelmen, no small feat considering two former teammates are playing Division I ball -- including Roger Powell at No. 1 Illinois and Kellen Easley at Soutwest Missouri State.
Because of preseason injures to Landon Adler and Charles Bass, Chapman is the team's lone true scoring threat inside, and subsequently his sturdy 6-foot-6, 210 pound frame takes a fairly good beating on a consistent basis.
Witness the stitches above his eye and on his chin that he received after a victory over Indiana State. He plays with a brace that protects his left shoulder, which he sprained on Jan. 22 at Western Michigan.
However, Chapman doesn't look at himself as taking on a tough-guy mentality.
"It's just natural," he said.
Besides, a nagging injury is just another hurdle to overcome. Koskoski said the glass eye in Chapman's left socket, the result of a childhood injury, was never an issue with him.
"He's never used anything as an excuse," Koskoski said. "He just sucks it up and takes it as a challenge."
While this season has been a challenge in many ways -- his free-throw shooting has fallen off to 51 percent in conference play -- it has its share of success, too.
"I knew this year I would have a pretty good year," Chapman said. "The coaches had confidence in me.
"I think I've helped out how I can, when I can. It doesn't matter as long as we win. My goals are my consistent with the team goals -- winning the MAC."
In addition, he will graduate in May with a bachelor's in criminal justice. Koskoski said that a few years ago, not many people would have thought Chapman would make it to that stage. However, underestimating him is a mistake.
"Once you get to know him, you know what he stands for," Koskoski said. "He's a very good person with a kind heart. He wants to accomplish things, not only on court but in life. He's an inspiration."
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