Ball State basketball has a new vibe

MUNCIE, Ind. (WISH) - Ball State basketball has a new vibe this season. Gone are inside man and top scorer Jarrod Jones and point guard Randy Davis, two main cogs that ran the offense.

Billy Taylor saw his team stumble in the second half of last season, losing seven in a row on the way to a 15-15 mark. Two Hoosiers will lead this team picked to finish in the middle of the MAC.

Muncie Central grad and senior Jauwon Scaife and junior Jesse Berry from Lafayette are the backcourt duo that have taken the leader's reins with a young group.

"Kind of inexperienced, we've got a whole load of new guys coming in, but as far as the leadership position, the experienced guys got to help them out when they get down, we've got to pick them up, tell them it's ok, we'll get them the next play," said Berry, who'll also have to pick up some of the scoring load.

Scaife is a more vocal, take charge kind of guy who is relishing the chance to take this team under his wing.

"We've got a lot of new, different talent, and we've got a lot of guys returning, so it's a good mix and a lot of good energy, so that's always good when you're trying to put a team together."

Taylor hopes health plays a role. He lost way too many games to injuries and inconsistency, but thinks the veterans learned from that experience.

The eight newcomers? Expect growing pains.

"There's certainly a lot of mistakes going around, they're learning our system, they're figuring everything out academically and athletically, but you want to see your guys come in very hungry and passionate to play. "

Ball State opens the season at Worthen Arena against Grambling on Nov. 11.