Rick Stansbury Looking to Lead WKU to Victory in First Season on the Hill

READYWESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY IS TO WIN

Rick Stansbury looking to lead WKU to victory in first season on the Hill

3 Graduate transfer trio part of Tops’ new backcourt

4 Junior Brown key to Lady Tops’ plans

5 Seniors Noble, Johnson help lead WKU back to top

8 Talented Wildcats have title hopes

9 Cards aim for postseason return

BGDAILYNEWS.COM NOVEMBER 11, 2016 Basketball 2 Friday, November 11, 2016 Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Western KentucKy men’s basKetball 2016-17 Stansbury: ‘I’m too old to rebuild’

By BRAD STEPHENS [email protected] Rick Stansbury has repeated a series of statements ever since taking the Western Kentucky coaching job in late March. Stansbury’s preached about how his program will be built around defense and rebounding. He’s talk- ed about how “it’ll take all of us” to get Hilltopper basketball back on the map, and how fans need to get their tickets now, because one day they’ll all be sold out. He’s said he wants to compete against the best of the best, whether that’s in recruiting or scheduling. But Stansbury’s most oft-used mantra may be one he repeated last month during a speech to the Bowling Green Noon Rotary Club. Stansbury told that crowd, as he’s told the media numerous times since taking the job, that he doesn’t want the 2016-17 WKU basketball season considered part of a rebuild. He instead wants to win right out of the gates. “I’m too old to rebuild,” Stansbury said. “I didn’t come here to rebuild. I’m too old for it. My goals are the same every year, and that’s to try to win championships.” Stansbury’s vision for championships in his first year certainly Bac ToTrong/[email protected] raised eyebrows when he took the Western KentucKy men’s basketball coach rick stansbury talks to players saturday during the Hilltoppers’ exhibition win over Kentucky Wesleyan at job after the last two years spent as e.A. Diddle Arena. a Texas A&M assistant. for their senior seasons. led the Hilltoppers in both scoring 25. Other nonconference games of Bearden, a transfer from Buffalo, The Battletown native came “I went from having no guards and rebounding one season ago. note for WKU include Nov. 19 at is also set to take the floor for the to his home state in March and to having probably the most expe- Lawson and Waters were both role Belmont and Dec. 3 at Missouri Toppers next season after sitting inherited a roster that, at the time, rienced backcourt in the country, players in Harper’s final season. and a Nov. 25 matchup with out this one due to NCAA transfer included seven returning scholar- probably, with three fifth-year “Here I am trying to put a Washington at a tournament in Las rules. ship players. guys,” Stansbury said. team together with basically one Vegas. But Stansbury doesn’t want the WKU was supposed to have Stansbury added four fresh- player back and that’s Johnson,” Then it’ll be on to Conference 2016-17 season to be a bridge to three returning guards in Fredrick men – Tobias Howard, Marty Stansbury said. “... Anton and Big USA play for the Tops, who future years. He’s set a goal of win- Edmond, Marlon Hunter and Chris Leahy, Damari Parris and Marko Ben were the only other guys who were picked third in the league’s ning now. McNeal. But all three were sus- Stajkovski – to that backcourt. have played.” preseason poll behind top pick “If anyone had an opportunity pended indefinitely March 17 – the Those seven guards join with a Carmichael and McGhee are UAB and second choice Middle to come in here and say, ‘Hey, it’s same night the school announced frontcourt made up of returning both set to play for the first time Tennessee. going to take us two or three years former coach Ray Harper’s resig- players Willie Carmichael, Justin in WKU uniforms after transfer- A mix-and-match roster of to get this thing back,’ I had that nation – and left the school over Johnson, Ben Lawson, Jabari ring last season from Tennessee. incoming veterans, incoming rook- opportunity to do it,” Stansbury the following weeks. McGhee and Anton Waters. Carmichael is eligible right away, ies, returners with experience and said. “Again, that’s not who I am, Stansbury went about rebuild- The other two scholarship for- while McGhee must wait until after returners with no experience will that’s not what I believe in and ing his backcourt with graduate wards from last season that had eli- the fall semester ends before he take on that slate for WKU. that’s not what you all want to transfers. He recruited Washington gibility remaining, Phabian Glasco can play in a game for the Toppers. The future looks bright for the hear. ... State’s Que Johnson, Providence’s and Nathan Smith, are both “medi- Those Hilltoppers will have a program, with Stansbury and his “Well I’m telling you, we have a Junior Lomomba and Hartford’s cally exempt” from participating road-heavy nonconference sched- staff having secured commitments fighter’s chance now.” Pancake Thomas to join his pro- with the program this year and ule highlighted by a Dec. 14 date from highly touted Class of 2017 — Follow sports reporter Brad gram after they all announced they aren’t on the Hilltopper roster. at Saint Mary’s, which was ranked players. Stephens on Twitter @BradBGDN were leaving their former schools Justin Johnson, now a junior, No. 17 in the preseason AP Top Talented point guard Lamonte or visit bgdailynews.com. G Goodoooodd LuLL uu cckckk TTh Thhiisiss SSeSeeaasassonoonn HiHHiillllllttotoopppepppeerrsrss & & LaLL aadyddyy TToToopppepppeerrsrss!!

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Western KentucKy men’s basKetball 2016-17 Grad transfers join forces in Toppers’ backcourt Johnson, Lomomba, Thomas headline program’s all-new guard rotation

By BRAD STEPHENS [email protected] Three Western Kentucky players are in a unique position this year. In one respect, Que Johnson, Junior Lomomba and Pancake Thomas are the new faces at WKU. They’ve all joined the program in recent months and have yet to play their first regular-season games for the Hilltoppers. On the other hand, those three guards have been asked to be some of the main leaders for a WKU team that returns only three players who saw game action last year for the Toppers. Johnson, Lomomba and Thomas would each be addi- tional pieces to most teams. But on this one, they’re helping form the foundation. “We all sacrificed some- thing by coming here for our fifth year,” Lomomba said. “We came with a common goal of winning. I think that brought us closer and that helps us bond even better.” Johnson, Lomomba and Thomas all transferred to Miranda Pederson/[email protected] WKU from Washington PAncAKe tHomAs (from left), Junior Lomomba and Que Johnson sit oct. 25 at e.A. Diddle Arena. Johnson, Lomomba and State, Providence and thomas all transferred to WKu from Washington state, Providence and Hartford, respectively. As graduate students, the three are Hartford, respectively. As eligible to play right away rather than sitting out the ncAA-mandated season required of regular transfers. graduate students, the three are eligible to play right Johnson was a produc- career spent playing on the pound guard then visited a Thomas made a splash in away rather than sitting out tive player on a Cougars wing, he wanted to switch to handful of other programs the 103-97 victory Saturday the NCAA-mandated season team that stumbled to a 9-22 point guard, and Stansbury before coming back around against KWC, hitting a falla- required of regular transfers. record. He left the Pacific and WKU offered him that and committing to the way, buzzer-beating 3-point- That rule has proved a 12 Conference school in opportunity. Hilltoppers. er to send the game to dou- Having so many new blessing this season for Pullman, Wash., looking for “Obviously, I want to “I was looking for some- ble overtime. players carry so much of the WKU and new coach a “fresh start” in his senior make it to the pros,” the where where I could come He, Johnson and load for their new team is a Rick Stansbury. He inher- season. 6-5, 205-pound Lomomba in and play my game but Lomomba combined to unique situation, but Thomas ited a roster that included Stansbury was a primary said. “For me personally, in also have a shot at making it score 67 points that night, said he and his fellow grad zero scholarship guards reason Johnson chose WKU order to make it to the pros I to the NCAA Tournament,” saving the Tops from an transfers are embracing the who returned from former as his senior-year destina- would have to change some- the Baton Rouge, La., native exhibition defeat against the challenge. coach Ray Harper’s final tion, he said. thing in my game. Thomas said. “When I saw Division II Panthers. “Being with two other Hilltopper team in 2015-16. “I never played the role of “A transition to the point these guys and what they Based on Stansbury’s fifth-year seniors, that’s a By adding Johnson, a leader at Washington State guard position is the best had with other players from playing time patterns in the lot of experience,” Thomas Lomomba and Thomas, so it’s a new role for me try- thing for me to do in order last year, I thought they’d two exhibitions, Johnson, said. “If we all have the WKU has gone from having ing to be a leader vocally to transition myself into my have a shot.” Lomomba and Thomas form same goal, then it’ll all work no backcourt to having one and setting an example as future.” Johnson, Lomomba and half of a top-six rotation out.” of the nation’s most experi- one of the oldest people on The additions of Johnson Thomas each started WKU’s for WKU that also includes — Follow sports reporter enced groups of guards. the team,” Johnson said. and Lomomba, both of two exhibition wins last returning forwards Willie Brad Stephens on Twitter “We bring that experience “So I try to think about that whom committed in May week against Campbellsville Carmichael, Justin Johnson @BradBGDN or visit together on the court at the day in and day out. Coach and arrived in July, gave and Kentucky Wesleyan. and Ben Lawson. bgdailynews.com. same time,” Johnson said. Stansbury, he also reminds WKU a shooter and a new “Junior, he’s won where me to be a leader on and off point guard. But Stansbury he’s been, and Pancake, he the court.” wasn’t done putting together brings leadership and experi- While Johnson toiled his new backcourt. ence. ... I guess we feed off away last year on a strug- Thomas came on to the each other even though we gling Washington State transfer market in August haven’t played in a game.” Gillie Hyde Auto Group team, Lomomba was a start- when he announced he was Johnson and Lomomba er on an NCAA Tournament leaving Hartford. He’d been were the first two grad team at Providence. an all-conference player transfers to join the fold for The Montreal native with the Hawks, leading the WKU. Lomomba started 34 of 36 team with 18.9 points, 6.4 The Pontiac, Mich., native games last season for the rebounds, and 2.8 assists. wants to wish th e Johnson played in 93 games Friars, helping them to the But like Johnson, Thomas with 42 starts over three sea- second round of the NCAA was a standout player on a sons at Washington State. Tournament. He was a bad team. Hartford went The 6-foot-6, 205-pound role player for Providence 10-23 overall and 4-12 in the guard averaged 11.3 points known more for his defense America East Conference. WKU Hilltoppers and 2.5 rebounds per game (32 steals) than offense (5.3 Thomas, who began his as a junior last season. He points per game). career with two seasons 40.9 percent from 3-point But Lomomba said he at New Mexico, took his range and 75.9 percent from wanted a new challenge first official visit this fall and the free-throw line. for his senior year. After a to WKU. The 6-4, 195-

“We bring that experience together on the court at Lady Toppers the same time. Junior, he’s won where he’s been, and Pancake, he brings leadership and experience. ... I guess we feed off each other even though we haven’t played in a game.” Que Johnson WKU graduate senior guard, G OOD LUCK on fellow grad transfer guards Junior Lomomba and Pancake Thomas During th e 2016-2017 Basketball Season! Wishing the Hilltoppers and And remember, Lady Toppers a you w ill ALW AYS score a great deal SLAM DUNK SEASON! when shopping fo r your next vehicle Ginger Cleary, Agent at … 1114 Lovers Lane Bowling Green, KY 270-782-7276

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Western KentucKy Women’s basKetball 2016-17 Brown’s inside presence still an evolving strength By ELLIOTT PRATT [email protected] Michelle Clark-Heard is quick to point out that the Western Kentucky women’s basketball team’s WNIT postseason run last season wouldn’t have happened without a breakout sophomore year from Ivy Brown. The Lady Toppers’ coach saw tremendous growth in Brown then and sees it continuing into her junior campaign. Brown started all 34 games last year as WKU’s mainstay in the post. The 6-foot-1 forward from Hodgenville provided a consistent presence down low for a team that thinned out to eight active players by season’s end. With the Lady Toppers’ lack of size, Heard needed Brown to become a reliable rebounder. Brown responded to the challenge by leading WKU with 8.6 rebounds per game. The same expectations hold true again this season. “She’s grown tremendously,” Heard said. “I think the most important thing she’s done is do whatever the coaching staff asks her to do. I think that’s a big reason we were so successful last year because she just decided that she was going to be a great rebounder.” The former Miss Kentucky Basketball from LaRue County High School also scored consis- tently as a secondary objective to bringing in rebounds. She was the team’s third-leading scorer at 11.5 points per game and led WKU with 10 double-doubles to become just the 15th player in the program to record 10 or more in a single ausTin anThony/[email protected] season. Western KentucKy forward Ivy Brown (right) shoots March 17 while guarded by Dayton forward Maddy Dennis during WKU’s 89-72 win in the irst round Brown was the leading rebound- of the WnIt at e.A. Diddle Arena. er in 18 games last year and recorded a season-high 14 boards Lady Topper Chastity Gooch while ing 65 3-point shot attempts her out is that Brown wasn’t a tradi- ward if needed, Heard said, and on three occasions. learning the ways of maneuvering freshman year to just 69 as a soph- tional back-to-the-basket forward it shows the flexibility and intel- This season’s outlook has Brown in the paint as an undersized for- omore but increased her success coming into WKU. A bit of coach- ligence Brown has added to her in that exact same role with anoth- ward. rate from 18 percent to 36 percent. ing and watching Gooch play the skill set. er roster lacking in size. At 6 feet, Gooch earned the She also increased her field-goal position allowed Brown to expand “It makes her a great player “I’m just doing what the team C-USA Player of the Year honor percentage from 29 to 48 percent her role. because great players will do what needs me to do,” Brown said. while finishing fourth in career while shooting more than twice as “It was hard at first, but I’ve they’re asked to do to make the “We’re small again, so rebounding scoring and third in career many attempts. learned to like it,” Brown said. “I’d team successful,” Heard said. “I has been one of my main focuses rebounds. She scored a career-high 26 much rather be in the post now. love coaching Ivy. She works on and that’s what I want to do every Brown and Gooch are similar points in February against Marshall (Assistant coach Greg) Collins and her game and her IQ is very high. night is focus on rebounding and in their ability to make perim- while becoming the second player coach Heard have both worked That really helps this team.” running the floor.” eter shots. Brown showed solid in WKU history to hit five 3-point- with me on different things, so I’ve — Follow sports reporter Elliott During her freshman year, improvement in that category last ers without missing. really enjoyed it.” Pratt on Twitter @EPrattBGDN or Brown was able to back up former year, too. She went from attempt- What makes those numbers pop Brown can still be a face-up for- visit bgdailynews.com.

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Western KentucKy Women’s basKetball 2016-17 Jones, Noble help return Lady Tops to prominence By ELLIOTT PRATT [email protected] Kendall Noble and Micah Jones walked into hard times when they committed to the Western Kentucky women’s basketball program. The Lady Toppers had just finished 9-21 following the 2011-12 season, marking a new record for most losses in a season and the fewest wins in over 30 years. A 15-17 mark the year before signaled the begin- ning of back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1974-75. That down- fall brought the end of a 10-year head coaching run for former player and coach Mary Taylor Cowles, who was fired in March 2012. Jones had already signed early in the fall of 2011 out of Green County High School and Noble had been a big target on WKU’s radar out of Perry County Central. But their commitments never wavered and WKU was ready to turn its program around. Said then-athletic director Ross Bjork after announcing Cowles’ firing: “We have to compete for and win championships, and we must provide a great home-court atmosphere for our student- athletes. ... It’s a must that we get our program back to the level that we all expect and restore the confidence that was here when we first on the court and in the com- got here as a staff,” Heard munity.” said at a news conference in Fast forward four years October. “I’m really proud later. Jones and Noble are of them both because they entering their final seasons have definitely handled a as a part of the biggest turn- lot of adversity through around in program history. their careers. Every single The two redshirt seniors day, they do everything they have played vital roles in the can to try to help this team rapid rise of Lady Topper get better. They’re a joy to basketball under coach coach. I’m very lucky.” Michelle Clark-Heard. Jones and Noble begin WKU is 103-32 in four years their last year leading a with Heard at the helm with squad coming off its deepest two conference tournament postseason tournament run championships and two since 2007 with its appear- NCAA Tournament berths. ance in the WNIT quarter- “For me, it’s kind of a sad finals last year and a 27-7 ausTin anThony/[email protected] feeling because that will be Western KentucKy guards Kendall noble (left) and micah Jones talk oct. 14 before a scrimmage during Hilltopper Hysteria a group that will leave out See DUO, PAGE 10 at e.A. Diddle Arena. Basketball 6 Friday, November 11, 2016 Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky Good Good LuckLuck Hilltoppers Hilltoppers & & LadyLady Toppers Toppers

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KentucKy men’s basKetball 2016-17 Talented Wildcats have high expectations By GARY B. GRAVES The Associated Press LEXINGTON (AP) — Kentucky coach John Calipari once again must figure out how to use his lat- est talented freshman class, which this year is big and fills voids at many positions. All of which means another season of high expectations at a school where a national championship is always the standard. After finishing 27-9 and losing in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 32 last spring, Kentucky appears capable of contend- ing for a ninth NCAA title. This despite losing six players including several regu- lars such as Associated Press All-American guards Tyler Ulis and Jamal Murray, who combined to aver- age 37 points per game last season, and 6-foot-11 Skal Labissiere. Kentucky landed guards De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, both 6-foot-3 high school All-Americans who join sophomore Isaiah Briscoe (9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds per game) in the backcourt. All can handle the ball and shoot, giving JaMes crisP/AP Calipari some options, com- KentucKy’s De’AAron Fox goes up for a dunk sunday during the second half of an exhibition game against Asbury in Lex- pared with last year’s squad ington. Fox is one of ive of the nation’s top 24 prospects, according to composite rankings of recruiting websites compiled by run by Ulis. 247Sports. The new Wildcats include Fox, Malik Monk, Bam Adebayo, Wenyen Gabriel and Sacha Killeya-Jones. “This team will probably have three guys having size with 7-footer Isaac with NBA teams last spring both of whom could play son, Brad, on the floor. The the ball, and we’ll play off Humphries and 6-10 redshirt to gauge his pro prospects bigger roles. Forward Derek 6-foot freshman is a walk-on them,” Calipari said. “One freshman Tai Wynyard, giv- before returning for his Willis is working to add with an eye toward coach- may have it more, but the ing Kentucky its tallest front- sophomore season. He’s defense to his game after ing one day but figures to other two are going to have it court since the 38-1 team more seasoned by the expe- averaging career bests of become a fan favorite for experience. a significant amount of time. that reached the Final Four rience, and more muscular. 7.7 points and 4.4 rebounds obvious reasons. So that makes it different.” two years ago. Nobody’s The biggest benefits might last season and becoming KEY GAMES making that grand compari- be his improved shooting – part of the rotation. Guard RENOVATED RUPP But this recruiting class is Kentucky’s always-tough all about the bigs with the son yet as the team works to which Kentucky needs from Dominique Hawkins just The Wildcats’ home form chemistry. him after an inconsistent aims to stay healthy after begins its 40th anniversa- nonconference schedule additions of Edrice “Bam” includes matchups against Adebayo and Sacha Killeya- “We all want the same freshman season – and his his junior year was limited ry season with a new floor Jones – a pair of 6-foot-10 dream, so we just try to eagerness to lead. “It forced by injuries. He’s a physical and center-hung scoreboard Michigan State on Nov. 15 All-Americans – and 6-9 accomplish it together,” me to grow up,” Briscoe said defensive specialist being and video screen that has in the Champions Classic; a Wenyen Gabriel. Monk said. “It’s easy to sac- of the process. “Being one of encouraged to shoot more replaced the “Big Bertha” home game against UCLA Adebayo has an NBA rifice if you have great play- the few guys to come back this season. bank of loudspeakers, (Dec. 3); consecutive con- body and is fierce around ers around you.” (under Calipari), I’ll be able which resembled an over- tests against North Carolina the basket on both ends of Other things to watch in to lead these guys.” COACH’S KID sized pine cone. The arena (Dec. 17) and at archrival the floor. Killeya-Jones and Kentucky this season: If things get loud in Rupp has already added high-def- Louisville (Dec. 21); and a Gabriel are long and guard BLUEGRASS GRAYBEARDS near the end of a Kentucky inition video boards in the Jan. 28 home game against the rim as well. MATURE BRISCOE Kentucky has seniors for rout, it might be fans clam- corners and other electronic Kansas in the SEC/Big 12 The Wildcats also return Isaiah Briscoe worked out the second straight season, oring for Calipari to put his features to enhance the game Challenge. J.C. Kirby Funeral Chapel, Inc. GARY FORCE and Crematory, Bowling Green Gardens BODY and Bowling Green Monuments Proud to Support the WKU SHOP Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers Over 30 years GOOD LUCK of repairin g your in your Toyota, Honda 2016-2017 and other fine makes Season! and models. GO We are your lo cal and TOPPERS! trusted body sh op, recommended by most Celebrating over in su rance companie s. 53 Years ...of serving you and your family with compassion and expert professionalism K aitlynn Kirby Clark during difficult times. K evin & Lynn Kirby GARY FORCE BODY SHOP

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louisville men’s basKetball 2016-17 Cards aim for postseason ater 1-year ban By GARY B. GRAVES The Associated Press LOUISVILLE — Louisville is eager to play in the postseason again after sitting out last spring, and the Cardinals hope to make it a long stay once they get there. Though the escort scan- dal that resulted in a self- imposed postseason ban and other penalties last season is still not resolved, coach Rick Pitino long ago shifted focus toward getting the Cardinals back into this year’s NCAA Tournament. The NCAA last week accused the program of committing four Level 1 violations and the govern- ing body criticized Pitino for failing to monitor former Cardinals staffer Andre McGee, who the NCAA says provided improper benefits to recruits and players by hiring strippers. The case now proceeds to a spring resolution. For his part, Pitino is more than happy to talk hoops. And on the court, he believes if the Cardinals execute his trademark man- to-man defense, a deep tournament run is possible. “It isn’t a new style,” TiMoThy d. easley/AP Pitino said of his philoso- LouIsvILLe men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino argues a call with a game oficial Nov. 3 during an exhibition game against Ken- phy, “it’s just that we’ve tucky Wesleyan in Louisville. confused a lot of people with our defense and playing our points and 8.5 rebounds per to score from all over the weight that Pitino believes op but must step up their matchup zone. contest. floor and eagerly looks for- was slowing him down. Both games to man the inside “We have probably On the bright side, Pitino ward to creating easy chanc- players appear faster and until 6-10 senior Mangok scrapped that and are play- believes many players have es by pressing ball handlers. more agile and are eager to Mathiang returns from a foot scoring potential with sever- The Cardinals believe if see what opportunities arise injury. He will sit out this sea- ing 95 percent man-to-man. son per NCAA transfer rules ... The tempo is much more al poised to take charge. they succeed on defense, from being lighter. “I don’t Junior guard Quentin scoring opportunities will get tired as easily and feel MORE TRANSFERS but has three seasons of up-tempo, even though we eligibility remaining. have always been an up- Snider is the Cardinals’ come naturally. more energetic,” Mitchell Last season’s success with tempo team.” top returning scorer and Said Adel, “With our play- said. “It might seem small, graduate transfers Lewis and Louisville’s initial chal- playmaker (9.4 points, 3.5 ing style of pressing and but that makes a big differ- Lee led Louisville to choose KEY GAMES lenge is finding offense assists), but the question focusing on turning teams ence playing in this up-and- that route again. This year’s The Cardinals’ noncon- with the departures of lead- might be whether sophomore over, we all have the chance down system.” “one-and-done” is 6-1 guard ference schedule presents ing scorers Damion Lee and guard Donovan Mitchell to get points.” Tony Hicks, who averaged plenty of challenges in prep- Trey Lewis, graduate trans- or second-year wing Deng Some other things to look MIDDLE MANAGEMENT 12.8 points, 2.9 rebounds aration for the tough ACC fers who combined to aver- Adel – or both – have break- for in Louisville’s season: Onuaku’s departure for the and 2.5 assists per game over docket. Besides their annual age more than 27 points out seasons. NBA draft caught Pitino off three years at Pennsylvania. Bluegrass showdown against per game last season for a Mitchell, who became LEANER, QUICKER guard, and filling the void The Cardinals also added 6-5 rival Kentucky (Dec. 21), team that finished 23-8. The known last season for a Mitchell has dropped 18 he left in the pivot could be sophomore Dwayne Sutton, they face Purdue in the ACC/ Cardinals also lost 6-foot- series of high-flying dunks, pounds and weighs around a concern. Junior 7-footers who averaged 12 points per Big Ten Challenge (Nov. 30) 11 post player Chinanu is focused on improving his 195, while junior forward Anas Mahmoud and Matz contest last season at UNC and Indiana on New Year’s Onuaku, who averaged 9.9 perimeter game. Adel is able Jaylen Johnson has shed Stockman continue to devel- Asheville. Eve in Indianapolis.

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From Page 5 DUO final record. That success has garnered atten- tion of the league’s coaches to vote WKU as the preseason favorite to win Conference USA, the first time the Lady Toppers have attained a No. 1 preseason conference rank- ing in four years under Heard. Noble, the defending C-USA Player and Defensive Player of the year, is tabbed to win the honor again. “(Coach Heard) keeps saying we have a target on our back and it’s true, everyone is gunning for us,” Noble said. “We’re just trying to come to practice every single day and live up to the expectations.” WKU won the Sun Belt Conference Tournament title in Heard’s second season and the C-USA title in the school’s first year in the league two seasons ago. Over the last two seasons, WKU’s 57 victories are the second-most in a two-year span in program history. “It’s been a great ride, honest- ly,” Jones told the Daily News this week. “Definitely a roller coaster. There’s been a lot of ups and downs. Coach Heard and all the assistants know what they’re doing. They put us in a position to be successful. We’ve had good seasons every year, but to know that we’re at the top now and know we’re expected to win another championship, or be in the running for it, is a good spot to be in.” Through all the successes and consistency WKU has built, Jones and Noble have had their share of Bac ToTrong/[email protected] individual highs and lows. Western KentucKy’s Kendall noble (left) breaks a double-team of tennessee martin’s shy copney (center) and Katie schubert on march 21 during the Noble missed the first seven Lady toppers’ 64-57 win in the second round of the WnIt at e.A. Diddle Arena. games of her freshman season with a quadricep injury. She returned to points per game over the next three after suffering the same injury to many conversations with the coach. Known for her quiet personal- play two games before tearing her years, respectively. her right knee as a junior at Green Sitting on the bench between assis- ity, Noble took just one shot and anterior cruciate ligament in her She earned the 2014 Sun Belt County. tant coaches for a year also gave dished out three assists, brought in right knee. Conference Freshman of the Year Bouncing back from that level of the Greensburg native a new per- three rebounds and had two steals. Meanwhile, Jones was thrust into honor, the 2015 and 2016 C-USA injury was much tougher to deal spective as a leader. The two redshirt senior contribu- the starting point guard duties that Defensive Player of the Year award with late in her career, Jones said. “They were very heart-to-heart,” tions will come on a team touting same season due to lack of depth. while making the All-Conference “It was tough,” Jones said. “I Jones said of the conversations with depth unlike any other team they’ve Jones stepped in to hand out 68 Team the last three seasons. didn’t know really what I was Heard. “She could be honest and been a part of. WKU graduated assists while starting 32 of the 33 She recorded WKU’s first two going to do. I had already gotten say, ‘You do have a long way to go.’ just one senior last year, welcomes games. triple-doubles last season. accepted into (physical therapy) But she had faith that I would get three transfers and three freshmen During this time, Noble was While the Hazard native filled school and I was up in the air, but I there ... . I learned how important who can contribute immediately. working on her comeback with her the stat sheets in a record season, wasn’t ready to give basketball up. it was that we need a leader on the It’s a much different landscape second ACL tear of her career and Jones saw her senior year take an “It was just not knowing if team. I may not be the most athletic than when Noble, Jones and Heard received a medical redshirt. abrupt turn. you’re ever going to be the same or any more, but I do know we need arrived at WKU four years ago. “But the great thing is that I’ll After starting every game her if you’re going to be back to what somebody that can talk. That’s what “It’s changed so much,” Noble have her for four more years, and sophomore and junior year as you were. The first couple of prac- coach Heard is looking for me to do said. “Coach Heard says to leave a we’ll get the opportunity for every- WKU’s point guard, Jones sus- tices, I thought I would be out there as a point guard.” place better than you found it and one to see how special she is,” said tained a season-ending left ACL and be fine, but I got out there and Heard commended Jones’ lead- I think we’ve done that ... . We’ve Heard in 2012 at the time Noble tear in the second game of the year it was totally different.” ership in the team’s exhibition come a very long way.” was injured. against Louisville on Nov. 21. The trusted relationship between against Young Harris last week, — Follow sports reporter Elliott Noble bounced back to aver- Just like Noble, it was the sec- Jones and Heard helped the for- saying Jones “really stepped up” Pratt on Twitter @EPrattBGDN or age 11, 10.9 and a team-high 18.1 ond ACL tear for Jones’ career mer and her recovery process after that night. visit bgdailynews.com.

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