EMU Media Guide • 2005-06 Table Of Contents EMU Basketball Reunion ...... 2 President John A. Fallon, III ...... 66 Eagles Reach Out to Help ...... 3 Executive Officers/Regents...... 67 Quick Facts/Convo. Diagram...... 4 Interim Athletics Director Bob England ... 68 EMU Media Guidelines ...... 5 Athletics Department Head Coaches ..... 68 EMU Sports Information ...... 6 Athletics Department Staff ...... 69-74 EMU Athletics’ Mission Statement ...... 7 EMU Identity ...... 75 EMU Primary Media Outlets...... 8 Convocation Center...... 76 The 2005-06 Basketball Outlook ...... 9-11 City of Ypsilanti ...... 77 The 2005-06 Schedule ...... 12 Sports Medicine ...... 78-79 The 2005-06 Team Picture/Roster ...... 13 Strength and Conditioning...... 80 TV/Radio Pictures ...... 14 Student-Athlete Support Services ...... 81 NCAA Compliance ...... 82 The 2005-06 Eagles EMU Athletic Club ...... 83 John Bowler ...... 16-18 Athletic Hall of Fame...... 84 Craig Cashen ...... 19-20 Nick Freer ...... 21 The Mid-American Conference James Matthews ...... 22 The MAC Story...... 86 Danny McElhinny ...... 23-24 MAC Statistics • 2004-05 ...... 87-91 Derek Van Solkema...... 25 MAC 2005-06 Composite Schedule ..92-93 Kyle Dodd...... 26 MAC School Directions ...... 94 B.J. Ford ...... 26 Zane Gay...... 27 The Opponents Chris Knaub ...... 27 Akron and Ball State...... 96 Carlos Medlock ...... 28 Bowling Green and Buffalo...... 97 Gino Smith ...... 28 California and Central Michigan ...... 98 Desmond Young ...... 29 Detroit and Indiana ...... 99 A Look Back at 2004-05 ...... 30 Kent State and Miami ...... 100 Senior big man John Bowler (42) returns North Dakota State and Northern Col... 101 to lead the Eagles in 2005-06. The Coaching Staff Northern Illinois and Ohio ...... 102 Head Coach Charles E. Ramsey...... 32-33 Toledo and Tulsa ...... 103 Three-Point Shots ...... 127 Associate Coach Derek McDowell .....34-35 Western Michigan and Wisc. Green Bay 104 Blocked Shots ...... 128 Assistant Coach Dusty May ...... 36 Youngstown State and MAC Tourn...... 105 Assists ...... 129 Assistant Coach Carl Thomas ...... 37 Bracket Busters ...... 106 Team Records ...... 130 Dir. of Basketball Oper. Rich Marion ...... 38 NCAA First Dance ...... 131 A History of Coaching Excellence ...... 39 The Records NCAA Sweet 16...... 132-133 Adidas – Official Outfitter ...... 40 Through the Years ...... 108-117 The NIT: Double OT Thriller ...... 134 Letterwinners ...... 118-120 NCAA Dome Dance...... 135-136 The 2004-05 Season in Review Coaches’ Records ...... 121 NCAA Team of Destiny ...... 137 Exhibition-Game 1 ...... 42 Leading Scorers by Season...... 122 107 Years of Hoops History...... 138-140 Games 2-3 ...... 43 Top Scorers...... 123 Convocation Center Records ...... 141-146 Games 4-5 ...... 44 Leading Rebounders by Season...... 124 All-Americans ...... 147 Games 6-7 ...... 45 Top Rebounders...... 125 All-MAC Selections...... 148 Games 8-9 ...... 46 Individual Records ...... 126 2006 NCAA Tournament Bracket...... 149 Games 10-11 ...... 47 Coke Ad ...... 151 Games 12-13 ...... 48 Credits Games 14-15 ...... 49 The 2005-06 EMU Men’s Basketball Media World Wide Web Games 16-17 ...... 50 Guide is a publication of the EMU Sports Infor- You can find out the latest in EMU men’s Games 18-19 ...... 51 mation Office. The guide was written and ed- Games 20-21 ...... 52 ited by SID Jim Streeter with design, layout and basketball by logging onto the athletics Games 22-23 ...... 53 writing assistance from assistant Greg Steiner. website: The information is current as of Oct. 10, 2005. Games 24-25 ...... 54 www.emueagles.com Editors include Tim Moore, Dan Murphy, Games 26-27 ...... 55 Mekye Phelps, Jay Sofen, Andrew Streeter, and --About the Cover - Games 28-29 ...... 56 Bud Schimmelpfennig. Photography is by Dick The 2005-06 Eastern Michigan Univer- Game 30 ...... 57 Schwarze, Amir Gamzu, and Randy Mascharka. sity men’s basketball team will be led by a Final 2004-05 Statistics ...... 58 The 2005-06 EMU Men’s Basketball Media new head coach and two senior co-captains. Guide is provided as a service to accredited me- Final 2004-05 Game-by-Game Results ... 59 Head Coach Charles E. Ramsey (middle) All-Time Series Records ...... 60 dia and opponents. There is a charge of $15 plus shipping and handling for the general public. joins senior John Bowler (42) and senior Copyright 2005-06 Danny McElhinny (13) in front of EMU’s The University EMU Sports Information EMU Story ...... 62-65 University House. 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALLL1 Eagles Go Back in Time 2005 EMU Basketball Alumni Tailgate

Earle Higgins, Jack Brusewitz & Gary Tyson First-year Head Coach Charles E. Ramsey initiated the first annual Eastern Michigan Basketball Alumni Tailgate prior to the Eagles football home opener, Sept. 10, versus Louisi- ana-Lafayette. Several former EMU basketball players joined current coaches, players and families for barbeque, fun and football.

Three members of the 1991 squad that reached the Sweet Sixteen, Carl Thomas, Charles Thomas and Lorenzo Neely, attended the reunion as did former EMU and Detroit Piston Head Coach Ray Scott. Scott is shown below with current EMU Head Coach Charles E. Ramsey and former Eastern Michigan Head Coach Al Freund.

One of the day’s highlights included an open gym session Three Generations of Point Guards - L-R: Earl Boykins, that afforded current Eagles the opportunity to play against Gary Tyson, Lorenzo Neely. current and former NBA players such as EMU alums Earl Boykins (Denver Nuggets) and Charles Thomas. James Head, a member of the 1998 MAC championship team, also laced up the shoes to play against the current Eagles.

NOTABLE A LUMS IN ATTENDANCE Earl Boykins (1994-98) Walter Jones (1972-76) Jack Brusewitz (1979-82) Roy McNeely (1966-68) David Clum (1986-88) Lorenzo Neely (1987-91) Al Freund (1972-76, coach) Doug Reynolds (1975-78) James Head (1994-98) Michael Ross (2001-05) Three Generations of Head Coaches - L-R; Ray Scott, Earle Higgins (1967-70) Ray Scott (1976-79, coach) Charles E. Ramsey, Al Freund. Dan Hoff (1972-76) Charles Thomas (1987-91) Mark Hughes (1988-90) Gary Tyson (1971-74) Boo Jackson (2001-05) 2 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALL Eagles Reach Out to Help

Former Eastern Michigan All-MAC performer and current Denver Nugget Earl Boykins returned for the Alumni Tailgate Hoops with Earl and laced ‘em up to run with the current Eagles in an open gym session. Boykins is shown below feeding current EMU freshman Gino Smith on the break.

Move-In Day Before classes for the 2005-06 school year even began Eastern Michigan basketball was making its presence felt on the EMU campus. Players and coaches participated in campus-wide move-in day, Saturday, Sept. 3. Beginning at 8 a.m. the Eagles met fellow EMU students and their families in the parking lot outside Best Hall where they helped carry luggage and directed first-year students to their dorms. EMU basketball players carried anything from books and fans to refrigerators and TVs.

2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALLL3 EMU Media Information EMU Quick Facts Location ...... Ypsilanti, Michigan Founded ...... 1849 Enrollment ...... 24,800 Nickname ...... Eagles Colors ...... Dark Green and White Conference ...... Mid-American (MAC) Home Court ...... Convocation Center (8,824-1998) Affliation ...... NCAA Division I

Administration President ...... Dr. John A. Fallon,III Athletics Director (Interim) ...... Bob England Associate Athletics Director...... Mike Malach Associate Athletics Director...... Steve Watson Assistant Athletics Director/Marketing and Prom...... TBA Academics Advisor ...... Erin Burdis Assistant AD-Compliance...... Melody Reifel Werner Senior Women’s Administrator (Interim) ...... Suzy Merchant Ticket Operations Manager ...... Ron Reid

Head Coach ...... Charles E. Ramsey Alma Mater, Year ...... Eastern Michigan, '92 Record at EMU (Years) ...... First season MAC Record (Years) ...... First season Career Record (Years) ...... First season Office Phone Number ...... 734.487.0214 Best time to reach Ramsey...... 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., daily Associate Coach...... Derrick McDowell Assistant Coaches...... Dusty May, Carl Thomas Director of Basketball Operations ...... Rich Marion E-TV Director John Rice and EMU Photographer Dick Schwarze Graduate Manager ...... David Good document all EMU home and selected away athletic events. Home Arena ...... Convocation Center Capacity ...... 8,824 2004-05 Overall Record ...... 12-18 2004-05 MAC Record/West Division finish ...... 5-13/6th CONVOCATION CENTER DIAGRAM Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 7/7 Starters Returning/Lost ...... 3/2

Sports Information Sports Information Director ...... Jim Streeter Assistant Sports Information Director ...... Greg Steiner Graduate Assistant ...... Mekye Phelps Graduate Assistant ...... Dan Murphy Men’s Basketball Contact...... Jim Streeter E-mail...... [email protected] Office Phone...... 734.487.0317 Office Fax ...... 734.485.3840 Streeter's Home Phone...... 734.485.3221 Streeter’s Cell Phone ...... 734.260.1004 SID Staff ...... Tim Moore, Chris Puzzuoli, Jay Sofen Mailing Address ...... 799 Hewitt Road, Convocation Center, Room 307 Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Web Site ...... www.emueagles.com

4 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALL EMU Media Guidelines The 2005-06 Eastern Michigan University men’s basketball media Entering The Convocation Center guide is designed to the media with its coverage of EMU Press credentials can be picked up in the EMU Sports Information basketball. Additional information, statistics and photographs Office during the week of a home contest. If credentials are may be acquired by contacting Jim Streeter in the EMU Sports requested and approved, they will only be mailed if the request Information Office, Room 307, Convocation Center, Ypsilanti, MI is granted at least two weeks prior to game. Any credentials not 48197. picked up will be left at the will call window in the atrium of the Convocation Center. Press Credentials Requests for working press space should be made in writing at Interview Policy (Mid-Week) least one week before the date of the home contest to the EMU Head Coach Charles E. Ramsey is available to speak to the media Sports Information Office. The request should be made by the via phone Monday-Friday mornings. Coach Ramsey will also be sports director of the newspaper, magazine, radio or television available on the Mid-American Conference weekly conference outlet wishing to send a reporter(s) to the game. Outlets that have call on Monday mornings. The schedule of all MAC coaches is made proper credential requests are entitled to receive copies available below. of the final game statistics, and play-by-play as well as any press information provided by the competing institutions. Confirmation Individual players are available for interviews Monday-Thursday. of the request will be made by EMU Sports Information person- Please contact the EMU Sports Information Office to set up nel. Press credentials WILL NOT be issued to spouses, friends or interviews. One note to the media: Home phone numbers for children. The press area is a working area. Please make your players and coaches will not be given out by the EMU Sports credential requests to: Information Office. Jim Streeter, SID 307 Convocation Center Interview Policy (Game Day) Eastern Michigan University All postgame interviews will be conducted in Media Room A in the Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Convocation Center. Both head coaches will be available to the Office: 734.487.0317 media after a 10-minute cooling-off period with the visiting head Home: 734.485.3221 coach scheduled first in Media Room A. Individual players may Fax: 734.485.3840 be available for interviews at the conclusion of the game. Please E-mail: [email protected] see a member of the sports information staff from either EMU or the visiting institution about player interviews. Parking Credentials Eastern Michigan University does not issue single-game parking Telephone/FAX Service credentials for basketball. There is no charge for parking and Two telephones and a fax machine are available to the media and spots are available on the west side of the Convocation Center. opponents’ sports information personnel in the main press room on the first floor of the pressbox. Photographers Photographers are issued similar credentials to press row Press Box Phone Numbers media. Photographers are allowed to shoot from both ends of the 734.484.0612 court. 734.484.0637

Radio EMU Men’s Basketball can be heard live on WEMU, 89.1 FM and on the Internet at www.emueagles.com and www.wemu.org.

Visiting Radio Visiting radio stations receive one reciprocal phone line for their game broadcasts. The visiting radio table is located on the southeast side of the court. An ISDN line will be installed as well as a regular line. Should more lines be needed, please contact Jim Streeter for arrangements.

Media Information The EMU Sports Information staff will provide game programs, All of EMU’s 2005-06 basketball games are scheduled game notes and cumulative statistics for both teams to creden- to be broadcast on WEMU-FM (89.1) with John Foun- tialed media prior to all games. Statistical summaries and play- tain (right) serving as the play-by-play man and Brian by-play sheets will be distributed throughout the game and will be Nemerovski (left) handling the analyst duties. available at the conclusion of the contest. Two telephones are available to the media on a first-come, first-served basis.

2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALLL5 EMU Sports Information Eastern Michigan University Men’s Basketball Contact...... Jim Streeter Sports Information Staff Sports Information Director ...... Jim Streeter Office Phone...... 734.487.0317 Home Phone ...... 734.485.3221 E-mail ...... [email protected]

Assistant Sports Information Director...... Greg Steiner Jim Streeter Office Phone...... 734.487.0317 Cell Phone ...... 419.303.5005 E-mail ...... [email protected]

Sports Information Graduate Assistant ...... Mekye Phelps Office Phone...... 734.487.0317 Cell Phone ...... 734.678.3023 Greg Steiner E-mail ...... [email protected]

Sports Information Graduate Assistant ...... Dan Murphy Office Phone...... 734.487.0317 Cell Phone ...... 440.223.0109 E-mail ...... [email protected]

Mekye Phelps Office Fax ...... 734.485.3840 Office E-mail ...... [email protected] Address: ...... EMU Sports Information Room 307, Convocation Center, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Dan Murphy How to get Men’’’ s Basketball Information • The Eastern Michigan University Sports Information office: Basketball Contact: Jim Streeter...... 734.487.0317 Office Fax ...... 734.485.3840 • The FAX-ON-DEMAND system: (Note: you must have an access code to enter system) 1) Call 770.563.1131 from the handset of your fax machine 2) Punch in your access code 3) Enter the MAC code (622) and then follow prompts Men’s Basketball Release...... 2230 Statistics ...... 2232 Latest Box Scores...... 2233 Notes...... 2234 Schedule/Roster ...... 2235 • The Internet: Dial up the World Wide Web to get all of the latest EMU Athletics information: www.emueagles.com

6 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALL Eastern Michigan University Athletics Directions to Eastern Michigan University EMU Athletics Mission Statement and the Convocation Center The mission of the Department of Inter- collegiate Athletics at Eastern Michigan Uni- versity is to complement and supplement the overall mission of the institution. The inter- collegiate program is committed to enriching the intellectual and physical growth and de- velopment of all student-athletes. The program will strive to provide competitve opportunities to a wide range of student-ath- letes at the conference, regional and national levels, and will engender support for the insti- tution among many constituents, including stu- dents, faculty, alumni, friends and local com- munities. The Department of Intercollegiate Ath- letics is committed to building the program based on the following principles: • Commitment to Compliance. In order to The Convocation Center develop the character and ethical values of student-athletes, and by continuation, all of those associated with the intercollegiate By Air: program, the program must be operated Arriving at Detroit Metro Airport, take I-94 west to the Michigan Avenue exit (exit 181B). with strict respect for, and adherence to, all Get in the far left lane and turn left on Hewitt. Head north on Hewitt for 2.5 miles, past rules and regulations of governing agen- Washtenaw. The Convocation is on the east side of the road. cies. • Commitment to Equity. The Department From the North: of Athletics shall remain committed, in spirit U.S. 23 south to Washtenaw Avenue east (exit 37A); take Washtenaw to Hewitt Road; and action, to the principle of gender and turn left on Hewitt and proceed to the Convocation Center. ethnic diversity. Competitive opportuni- ties, fiscal resources and support services From the South: shall be distributed equitably. U.S. 23 north to Washtenaw Avenue east (exit 37A); take Washtenaw to Hewitt Road; turn • Commitment to Education. The primary left on Hewitt and proceed to the Convocation Center. objective of all Eastern Michigan Univer- sity student-athletes is to graduate. Inter- From the East: collegiate participation and achievement is (A) Take I-94 west to Michigan Avenue exit (exit 181B). Get in the far left lane and turn secondary. All staff and coaches must en- left on Hewitt Road. Head north on Hewitt for 2.5 miles, past Washtenaw Avenue. The deavor to assist the student-athlete in Convocation Center is on the east side of the street. meeting their academic goals. (B) Take I-96 west to M-14 west. Follow M-14 to U.S. 23 south. Go south to Washtenaw • Commitment to Service. The intercollegiate Avenue east (exit 37A); take Washtenaw to Hewitt Road; turn left on Hewitt and proceed program, and all participants and staff, must to the Convocation Center. represent the University with distinction. All actions and conduct are a reflection on From the West: the University, and must be consistent with Take I-94 east to Michigan Avenue exit (exit 181B). Turn left and get in the far left lane. the University’s mission. Turn left on Hewitt and head north on Hewitt approximately 2.5 miles, past Washtenaw. • Commitment to Sportsmanship. The De- The Convocation Center is on the east side of the road. partment of Intercollegiate Athletics will provide an environment characterized by the highest level of sportsmanship. All staff, coaches and student-athletes will compete with dignity and honor.

2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALLL7 Primary Media Outlets NEWSPAPERS AND WIRE SERVICES RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS ADRIAN TELEGRAM LIVONIA OBSERVER \YPSILANTI COURIER WXYT-1270 AM Sports Desk Brad Emons Sports Desk Sports Desk 133 North St. 36251 Schoolcraft 19 North Washington 26495 American Dr. Adrian, MI 49221 Livonia, MI 48150 Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Southfield, MI 48034 Phone: 517.265.5111 Phone: 734.591.2300 Phone:734.482.3385 Phone: 248.455.7350 Fax: 517.263.4152 Fax: 734.591.7279 Fax: 734.482.2972 Fax: 248.455.7369

ANN ARBOR NEWS MACOMB DAILY OAKLAND PRESS WJBK-TV 2 (FOX) Mark Heller George Pohly 48 W. Huron St. Sports Desk 340 E. Huron St. 100 Macomb Daily Dr. Pontaic, MI 48342 16550 W. 9 Mile Ann Arbor, MI 48106 P.O. Box 929 Phone: 248.745.4775 Southfield, MI 48075 Phone: 734.994.6812 Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 Fax: 248.253.9948 Phone: 248.557.2000 Fax: 734.994.6879 Phone: 586.469.4771 Fax: 248.557.1199 Fax: 586.469.2892 WEMU-89.1 FM ASSOCIATED PRESS Sports Desk WDIV-TV 4 (NBC) Sports Desk MICHIGAN CHRONICLE King Hall, EMU Sports Desk 300 River Place Rebekah Brown Ypsilanti, MI 48197 550 W. Lafayette Detroit, MI 48207 479 Ledyard Phone: 734.487.2229 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: 313.259.0650 Detroit, MI 48201 Fax: 734.487.1015 Phone: 313.222.0504 Fax: 313.259.4966 Phone: 313.963.5522 Fax: 313.222.0592 Fax: 313.963.8788 WTKA-1050 AM DETROIT FREE PRESS Sports Desk WXYZ-TV 7 (ABC) Perry Farrell MONROE EVENING NEWS 1100 Victors Way, Suite 100 Sports Desk 600 W. Lafayette Ron Montri Ann Arbor, MI 48108 20777 W. Ten Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48226 20-22 W. First Phone: 734.302.8100 Southfield, MI 48037 Phone: 313.222.6661 Monroe, MI 48161 Fax: 734.213.7508 Phone: 248.827.9420 Fax: 313.222.5983 Phone: 734.242.1100 Fax: 248.827.9444 Fax: 734.242.0937 WDFN-1130 AM THE DETROIT NEWS Sports Desk E-TV Jim Spadafore NEWS HERALD 27675 Halsted Road John Rice 615 W. Lafayette Sports Desk Farmington Hills, MI 48331 308 McKenny Union, EMU Detroit, MI 48226 One Heritage Place Phone: 248.324.5800 Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Phone: 313.222.2230 Southgate, MI 48195 Fax: 248.848.0313 Phone: 734.487.1240 Fax: 313.222.6019 Phone: 734.246.0841 Fax: 734.487.3073 Fax: 734.246.2726 WJR-760 AM EASTERN ECHO Sports Desk WQBR Sports Editor OAKLAND PRESS 3011 W. Grand Blvd. Ste. 800 Sports Desk 18 B Goddard Hall, EMU Sports Desk Detroit, MI 48202 129 Quirk, EMU Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Box 9 Phone: 313.873.9830 Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Phone: 734.487.1010 Pontiac, MI 48056 Fax: 313.873.9834 Phone: 734.487.2228 Fax: 734.487.1241 Phone: 248.332.8181 Fax: 248.332.8885 WWJ-950 AM ROLCO SPORTS NETWORK FLINT JOURNAL Sports Desk Raymond Rolak Dean Howe ROYAL OAK TRIBUNE 26495 American Dr. 18280 Sunderland 200 E. First Sports Desk Southfield, MI 48034 Detroit, MI 48219 Flint, MI 48502 210 E. Third Phone: 248.455.7301 Phone: 313.535.1819 Phone: 810.767.0660 Royal Oak, MI 48068 Fax: 248.304.4970 Fax: 810.767.7518 Phone: 248.541.3000 FOX SPORTS DETROIT Fax: 248.541.7903 WSDS-1480 AM 3100 Telegraph Rd. Ste. 200 JACKSON CITIZEN PATRIOT Sports Desk Bingham Farms, MI 48025 Sports Desk USA TODAY 580 W. Clark Phone: 248.723.2000 214 S. Jackson Sports Desk Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Fax: 248.723.2040 Jackson, MI 49204 PO Box 7855 Phone: 734.484.1480 Phone: 517.787.2300 Washington, D.C. 20044 Fax: 734.484.5313 COMCAST LOCAL TV Fax: 517.787.9711 Phone: 703.276.3400 29777 Telegraph Road-Suite 1170 Fax: 703.558.3988 WAAM-1600 AM Southfield, Mich. 48834 LANSING STATE JOURNAL Sports Desk 248.233.4714 Sports Desk WAYNE EAGLE 4230 Packard Rd 120 E. Lenawee Sports Desk Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Lansing, MI 48919 35540 Michigan Phone: 734.971.1600 Phone: 517.377.1068 Wayne, MI 48184 Fax: 734.973.2916 Fax: 517.377.1298 Phone: 734.729.4000 Fax: 734.729.6088

8 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALL Eagles Eager to Enter 2005-06 Season YPSILANTI, Mich.--Charles E. Bowler enters his senior season Ramsey has been waiting a life- as a preseason All-Mid-American time for the 2005-06 basketball Conference candidate as one of season to open. the top big men in the league. After being born and raised Bowler has enjoyed a great EMU in Ypsilanti, graduating from East- career, playing in 84 games and ern Michigan University, and work- starting 55 times over the past ing as an assistant coach from three seasons. He enters this California to Tennessee, Ramsey year’s campaign tied for 32nd on is back home as the man in charge the Eagles all-time scoring list of directing the Eastern Michigan (864), is 21st in rebounding (500) University basketball team. and his 50 blocks ranks 11th on Ramsey was named EMU’s the EMU career list. He has head men’s basketball coach, scored in double figures 49 times March 30, 2005, a day that was and has recorded five or more re- special for a lot of reasons. bounds 53 times and has had 10 “This is a tremendous oppor- double-figure games. tunity for me to be the head coach Bowler ranks 83rd in scoring in at Eastern Michigan University,” EMU with 486 points, and has Ramsey said. “I don’t know if you turned in 15 double-double scor- could plan or wish to have an ex- ing-rebounding games. perience like this happen. To be Last season Bowler was second born, raised and educated here on the squad in scoring at 13.1 and then to have my first intercol- and in rebounding at 6.3, marks legiate head coach job here — which ranked 15th and eighth in I’m not sure you could plan it any the league respectively. better.” “Our leadership heading into the While the return home means season has been excellent,” a lot to the first-year head coach, Ramsey said. “John (Bowler) and Ramsey knows that the hard work Danny (McElhinny) have really is just beginning. First-year Head Coach Charles E. Ramsey speaks at the taken this as a personal challenge “We are inheriting a program press conference naming him Eastern Michigan University’s to bring the young guys along and that hasn’t had much success the men’s head basketball coach, March 30, 2005. that has been a positive experi- last few years,” Ramsey said. “The ence for them and our entire team. upside of that, however, is that we “I fully expect John Bowler to be know there has been success here in the With a roster that totals just seven one of the top players in the MAC,” Ramsey past and in time we can recapture that letterwinners, some with little playing ex- added. “I refer to him as 20 and 10. I think winning experience.” perience, along with seven newcomers, he has all of the physical attributes to be While Ramsey has only been on the the Eagles will need to develop some team a guy that scores 20 points and grabs 10 job for several months, he has been busy chemistry before taking the court for the rebounds. If he does that it will bode well building a staff as well as a basketball team first time. for our team. that expects to be competitive in the 2005- “We definitely have some expecta- “Danny McElhinny brings a special skill 06 season. tions, program wise, that will not neces- to the game,” Ramsey added. “He can “Initially we’ve had some losses be- sarily be measurable in wins or losses,” really shoot the basketball, and he will get cause of academic reasons so that set us Ramsey explained. “There are certain an opportunity to do just that. He also back a little,” Ramsey explained. things we will want to do, day in and day brings a knowledge to the game and is a “I don’t think we are as talented as out, that might not always manifest itself tremendous defender as well. we would like to be, but our entire staff in a win, but will let us know where we McElhinny has also seen plenty of ac- has been impressed with the character of need to be for the long-team success of tion in his first three seasons of competi- the players and their work ethic,” Ramsey the program.” tion, playing in 82 games, 21 as a starter. added. “The kids have done a tremendous Ramsey and his staff are counting on He has scored 359 career points, and job on and off the court, in the classroom the two senior co-captains, John Bowler ranks 10th in three-point field goals with and in the weight room, and they have done (6-9, 260, Sr.) and Danny McElhinny (6- 99. He led the 2004--05 Eagles in triple a lot of things together to build cohesive- 0, 175, Sr.), to be the team leaders both tries, making 54-of-124 for 43.5 percent, ness. I think you can squeeze a few wins on and off the court to make the transition good for the 13th ranking in the MAC. out of that camaraderie.” an easy one for a relatively young squad. McElhinny also paced the team in free- 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALLL9 Eagles Eager to Enter 2005-06 Season

(Texas) Junior College where son as a redshirt and went on to play in 19 he averaged 3.5 points and games last year as a backup guard. He is 4.0 rebounds while earning a talented three-point shooter who aver- All-Region Academic Team aged 2.4 points and 0.7 rebounds. selection. “Derek (Van Solkema) should be a The sophomore class will good combo guy for us. He is someone provide both muscle, that can give us some good backup min- athleticism and ball handling utes at both guard spots,” Ramsey added. to the mix as big man Perhaps the largest question mark on James Matthews (6-8, EMU’s horizon is the addition of a talented 240, Jr.-So.), will join group of six freshmen who have unlimited swingman Nick Freer (6-6, potential to give the Eagles a great base 195, So.-So.) and guard for the future. Derek Van Solkema (6-1, The six frosh: Carlos Medlock (6-0, 175, Jr.-So.) in the battle for 170, Fr.-Fr.), Zane Gay (6-4, 195, Fr.- playing time. Fr.), Gino Smith (6-7, 215, Fr.-Fr.), Kyle Matthews transferred to Dodd (6-11, 210, Fr.-Fr.), Desmond EMU from Marquette Univer- Young (6-1, 180, Fr.-Fr.), and B.J. Ford sity and played his first sea- (6-1, 170, Fr.-Fr.) will provide depth at son of competition for the every position on the court. Eagles last year after be- Point guard Medlock will be the lone coming eligible in the sec- newcomer to move immediately into a ond semester while sitting starting role. out his transfer year. He “We all know that we needed a point played sparingly, averaging guard and Carlos Medlock will get the ball 0.6 points and 0.6 rebounds. right off the bat,” Ramsey explained. “If I Matthews was awarded an had to compare him with someone it would extra year of competition be a player like Lorenzo Neely, who was from the NCAA after playing a four-year starter at the point in the late Senior John Bowler (42) enters his final year as a just one game at Marquette 80’s. Carlos is a consummate team guy preseason All-Mid-American Conference selection. and he will be considered a who knows how to make his teammates Bowler finished eighth in the league in rebounding sophomore eligible in 2005- better and goes out of his way to do that. (6.3) and 15th in scoring (13.1) in 2004-05. He is 06. We’ll give him the ball and go with it.” tied for 32nd on the all-time EMU scoring list with “James (Matthews) has Gay was an all-stater in both basket- 864 points and his 500 career rebounds is good for been a pleasant surprise ball and football at Olivet H.S. as a senior 11th in the school record book. since I took the job,” and like, Freer, brings an extra dose of Ramsey said. “He has been athleticism to the squad in his first inter- throw percentage at 94.1 percent. tremendous in the weight room as well as collegiate season. The junior class will be counted on to in conditioning and he is doing everything “Zane (Gay) is a tremendous competi- provide some inside help to Bowler, in the we ask of him. James is definitely going to tor who was runner-up for the Mr. Basket- presence of Craig Cashen (6-8, 210, Jr.- bring us some muscle and toughness.” ball honor in the state, he played on a state Jr.) and junior-college transfer Chris Another player that has caught championship basketball team that went Knaub (6-10, 225, Jr.-Jr.). Ramsey’s eye because of his athleticism 33-0 and he was also an All-State football “Both Craig Cashen and Chris Knaub is Freer. player so you know that he will be a strong give us stability at the four spot,” Ramsey “The most pleasant surprise in the addition to our team,” Ramsey said. said of his junior class. “Both players have sophomore group is Nick Freer,” Ramsey Smith gives the Eagles a player that good range on their shots and can knock explained. “He is the best athlete on the can go up front to help on the boards or down some outside jumpers to take the team and is tremendously talented. Nick move into a swing spot to add depth in the inside pressure off John Bowler. Craig is a can do a lot of things and the most chal- backcourt. real energy guy, and Chris gives us stabil- lenging thing to him will be developing con- “Gino (Smith) may get the nod at one ity. We look for those two guys to do well.” fidence. We’re going to let Nick go out and of the wing spots because he can shoot Cashen played in all 30 games last make plays.” the 17-18 foot jumper and he can also put year and averaged 2.5 points and 1.9 re- Freer averaged just five minutes a the ball on the floor,” Ramsey explained. bounds. He made 84.4 percent of his foul game as a freshman last year while aver- “We’ll get him into the fray right away.” shots and hauled down 58 rebounds. aging 0.8 points and 0.4 rebounds. Another big man that Ramsey and his Knaub played last year at Jacksonville Van Solkema sat out the 2003-04 sea- staff will be working on to prepare for the 10 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALL Eagles Eager to Enter 2005-06 Season college game will be the 6- seasons. foot-10 Kyle Dodd. “First and foremost, my “Kyle (Dodd) is very professional career has been skilled for a big fella and he impacted solely by Ben can also shoot it,” Ramsey Braun,” Ramsey said of his said. “We’re undecided at former boss and mentor. “The this point if he’ll be ready reasons why I am here at EMU to contribute right away and today are because of Ben we certainly don’t want to Braun and not only is it an rush him into things.” honor to bring him back home, Young is a walk-on point but I think it is something that guard who Ramsey is count- is long overdue. He is very ing on to push for playing deserving to play in a building time in his young backcourt. that he had a lot to do in get- “Desmond is a true ting constructed.” combo,” Ramsey added. In addition to the non- “He is strong and very con- league slate, the Eagles will fident in everything he does. play an 18-game Mid-Ameri- Desmond is a great student can Conference schedule and brings a certain amount which includes home-and- of confidence to the floor home matchups with Akron, which will bode well for his Ball State, Bowling Green, chances at getting some Central Michigan, Northern Il- playing time.” linois, Toledo and Western Ford is another player Michigan. that came to EMU as a Eastern is scheduled to walk-on, but has proven to play Buffalo, Kent State, Mi- be a player that could see ami and Ohio in single games some action in 2005-06. during 2005-06. “B.J. (Ford) will add The MAC Tournament is depth at the point-guard once again scheduled for first- position and he will be a round games at campus sights tremendous addition to followed by the four bye teams our roster.” and the eight first-game win- While the mix of seven ners advancing to Cleveland, newcomers with seven Ohio to play in the Cleveland veterans gives the Cavaliers’ Quicken Loans coaching staff a chal- Arena, March 9-11. lenge, a harder than usual schedule also presents a tough task for the near future. Senior guard Danny McElhinny (13) shoots a jumper during the “I think our non-league Bowling Green game last year in the Convocation Center. McElhinny schedule is very ambitious,” and John Bowler will serve as the team captains for 2005-06. Ramsey said. “We need a shot in the arm for our program. We need return of former EMU Head Coach Ben people coming through the turnstiles. The Braun’s University of California-Berkeley best way to get them here is to give them team to the Convocation Center for a Fri- a winning product, but we also need to day night, Nov. 18, date with the Eagles. give them a schedule that they will want to Braun was the Eagles’ head man from come out and watch. With Cal-Berkeley, 1986-1996 and left as the winningest coach Detroit, Tulsa and Youngstown State, you in school history with 185 victories, includ- have the types of opponents that will get ing a spot in two NCAA post-season tour- the campus and community to come out naments, including a “Sweet 16” appear- and take a peek at this season.” ance in 1990-91. He has been the head Highlighting the non-league dates is the coach at Cal-Berkeley for the past nine 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALLL11 EMU 2005-06 Basketball Schedule Day Date Opponent Time Tuesday Nov. 8 SAGINAW VALLEY (EXHIBITION) 7 p.m. Friday Nov. 18 CALIFORNIA (DH) 8:30 p.m. Saturday Nov. 26 at North Dakota State 1 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 29 UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT 7 p.m. Saturday Dec. 3 at Indiana 8 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 7 YOUNGSTOWN STATE (DH) 8:30 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 14 at Wisconsin-Green Bay 7 p.m. Thursday Dec. 22 TULSA 6 p.m. Friday Dec. 30 at Northern Colorado 1 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 4 at Buffalo* 7 p.m. Saturday Jan. 7 at Miami* 4 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 11 OHIO* 7 p.m. Saturday Jan. 14 KENT STATE* (DH) 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 18 BOWLING GREEN* 7 p.m. Saturday Jan. 21 at Akron* 7 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 24 WESTERN MICHIGAN* 7 p.m. Thursday Jan. 26 at Toledo* 7 p.m. Sunday Jan. 29 NORTHERN ILLINOIS* 2 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 1 CENTRAL MICHIGAN* 7 p.m. Saturday Feb. 4 at Ball State* 4 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 7 at Bowling Green* 7 p.m. Saturday Feb. 11 AKRON* (DH) 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 15 at Western Michigan* 7 p.m. Saturday Feb. 18 at ESPN Bracket Buster TBA Wednesday Feb. 22 TOLEDO* 7 p.m. Sunday Feb. 26 at Northern Illinois* 3:05 p.m. Wednesday March 1 at Central Michigan* 7 p.m. Saurday March 4 BALL STATE* 2 p.m. Monday Mar. 6 MAC Tournament-First round (Campus Sites) TBA Thursday Mar. 9 MAC Tournament-Quarterfinals$ TBA Friday Mar. 10 MAC Tournament-Semifinals$ TBA Saturday Mar. 11 MAC Tournament-Final$ TBA Home games in BOLD CAPS (Convocation Center) * Mid-American Conference game $ at Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland, Ohio) (DH)-doubleheader

12 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALL EMU 2005-06 Roster

The 2005-06 Eastern Michigan University Men’s Basketball Team: Front row, l-r: Director of Basketball Operations Rich Marion, Graduate Manager Dave Good, Desmond Young, B.J. Ford, Co-captain Danny McElhinny, Head Coach Charles E. Ramsey, Co-captain John Bowler, Carlos Medlock, Derek Van Solkema, Assistant Coach Dusty May, Associate Coach Derrick McDowell. Back row, l-r: Trainer Masa Takaiwa, Jared Redell, Academic Counselor Tyrone Wilson, Zane Gay, Gino Smith, Craig Cashen, Kyle Dodd, Chris Knaub, James Matthews, Assistant Coach Carl Thomas, Equipment Manager Brian Cornn.

Eastern Michigan University 2005-06 Men’s Basketball Team Alphabetical Roster No. Name Pos Ht. Wt. Class Hometown-High School (Previous) 42 John Bowler*** F 6-9 260 Sr.-Sr. Chicago, Ill.-Notre Dame 21 Craig Cashen** F/C 6-8 210 Jr.-Jr. Cincinnati, Ohio-St. Xavier 34 Kyle Dodd C 6-11 210 Fr.-Fr. Rockwood, Ontario, Canada-John F. Ross Collegiate and Vocational Institute 2 B.J. Ford G 6-1 170 Fr.-Fr. Caledonia, Mich.-East Kentwood 5 Nick Freer* F/G 6-6 195 So.-So. Stevensville, Mich.-Lakeshore 31 Zane Gay G 6-4 195 Fr.-Fr. Olivet, Mich.-Olivet 44 Chris Knaub C 6-10 225 Jr.-Jr. South Bend, Ind.-St. Joseph’s-Jacksonville (TX)J.C. 4 James Matthews* C 6-8 240 Jr.-Jr. Detroit, Mich.-Denby-Marquette U. 13 Danny McElhinny*** G 6-0 175 Sr.-Sr. Hermitage, Penn.-Kennedy Catholic 3 Carlos Medlock G 6-0 170 Fr.-Fr. Detroit, Mich.-Murray Wright 23 Gino Smith F 6-7 215 Fr.-Fr. Milwaukee, WI-Riverside-Virginia Beach, VA- Coastal Christian;Cincinnati (Ohio)-Christian Center Academy Prep; Harmony Comm. School 33 Derek VanSolkema** G 6-1 175 Jr.-So. Grand Rapids, Mich.-South Christian 12 Desmond Young G 6-1 180 Fr.-Fr. Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc *Letters won Head Coach: Charles E. Ramsey (Eastern Michigan, '92) - First year Assistant Coaches Associate Coach: Derrick McDowell (Stetson, '83) - First year Assistant Coach: Dusty May (Indiana, 2000) - First year Assistant Coach: Carl Thomas (Eastern Michigan, '92) - First year Director of Basketball Operations: Rich Marion (Eastern Michigan, '96) - First year Graduate Manager: Dave Good (Central Michigan, 2004)

Pronunciation Guide Bowler BOWL-er McElhinny MAC-ill-haney Knaub NOB VanSolkema van-SALK-uh-muh 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALLL13 Players/Coaches/Managers

3 Carlos Medlock4 James Matthews 5 Nick Freer 10 B.J. Ford 12 Desmond Young

13 Danny McElhinny 21 Craig Cashen23 Gino Smith 31 Zane Gay 33 Derek VanSolkema

34 Kyle Dodd 44 Chris Knaub 42 John Bowler

Charles E. Ramsey Derrick McDowell Dusty May Carl Thomas Rich Marion Head Coach Associate Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Dir. of BB Oper.

Dave Good Trent Orginski Graduate Manager Manager

14 2005-06 EMU BASKE TBALL