Pat Nelson and Tom Howland just needed to show their coach they care.
All coach Tim Buckley wanted out of his two centers was some enthusiasm about the game and an increased efficiency on defense. The two began buying into the coach's request at the start of the Mid-American Conference season and now both have moved up in the team's rotation.
Howland picked up his first start of the season in Ball State University's win against Buffalo on Tuesday, replacing junior Charles Bass who is listed day-to-day because of a sore knee.
Bass is expected to be available for Sunday's contest at Miami (OH) but Buckley said he will rely on whoever looks the best out on the court.
"It's pretty much been who's performing the best, who has the most enthusiasm," Buckley said. "Most of the time it's about who's playing the best at that point in the game."
Buckley has commended Howland and Nelson for their vast improvements on defense. During the Cardinals' game against Buffalo, both centers kept Bulls' big man Yassin from setting up in the post by denying post passes and beating Idbihi to spots on the floor.
Nelson, who is averaging 15 minutes per game in MAC play, said learning how to defend stronger, more experienced players has been an on-going learning process.
"It's been difficult at times but I feel like I'm really improving," Nelson said. "I've learned that you can't let them get position on you or you'll end up in an awkward position and probably end up with a foul."
Howland, who started 16 games last season, isn't guaranteed to start on Sunday. Buckley said that practice on Friday and Saturday will determine who earns the starting spot. Whether Howland starts the game or comes off the bench, Buckley said he has been impressed with how well Howland has improved during the last month.
"His level of commitment and level of enthusiasm is as high as it's ever been," Buckley said. "I think it's also changed his value to the team."
Although Nelson and Howland have not been offensive threats, as neither scored against Buffalo, they still want to put themselves in position to produce on offense. Nelson said he came into this season with little to offer in terms of offensive moves in the post, but it's something he continues to progress and work on.
"The offensive things they've taught me were completely new to me at the beginning of the year," Nelson said. "I feel like I really understand how to move with the ball now and I just need to be able to put that to use in games."
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