Michael Bennett didn't know what to expect during his first off-season as Ball State University's director of basketball operations. He expected to spend most of his time scouting, watching videotapes and preparing for next year's men's basketball season.
But after Athletics Director Tom Collins announced that six-year coach Tim Buckley would be reassigned to another position within the university and that all three assistant coaches would be let go from the team, suddenly Bennett's responsibilities increased drastically.
Collins placed the basketball program in Bennett's hands until a new coach can be hired. With no timetable in place, Bennett said his job is to do whatever he can to make the transition from the Buckley era a smooth one.
"I'm going to do it to the best of my abilities but I'll need some help and a lot of people have offered support," Bennett said. "I'll just be making sure the [players] are going to classes and working out in the meantime."
During Collins' press conference about the coaching changes, he said Bennett will help keep relations between the athletic department and players.
"We want to make sure that the kids who are here do what they need to do," Collins said. "Michael Bennett will remain with the program, and the players will check in with Michael."
Bennett's future with the team is still uncertain and it won't be decided until a new coach is brought in.
"That's up to [the new coach] if he wants to keep me along or bring in a whole new staff," Bennett said.
Bennett signed on with the team last year after graduating from Ball State with a degree in general studies. He played in 111 games during a four-year span with the Cardinals and he averaged nearly four points and three rebounds his senior season.
Bennett's job throughout this season didn't involve much coaching and he focused mainly on completing behind-the-scenes work for the team such as scheduling practices and helping players with academics. During the next few weeks, Bennett's duties will double in comparison to his in-season duties but he said he welcomes the challenge.
"During the season I'm doing the little things so this will be a different experience," Bennett said. "Coaching is definitely something I'm looking at going into, so this is a good step in the right direction."
Although Bennett doesn't have a certain future with the team, he plans on giving all his focus to Ball State basketball during the next few weeks. But just in case this was his first and last season as a member of the coaching staff, Bennett said he's thinking ahead.
"My ultimate goal is to coach so I'll keep an eye on that," Bennett said. "I'm keeping all my options open."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
