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Most publications have the Ball State Cardinals finishing in the top 4 in the MAC this season. They’re a loaded squad with talent up and down the roster. They also return coach James Whitford, who has done an amazing job turning around the program. One of the key pieces to this team is Northern Kentucky transfer Tayler Persons.
The 6’3, 213 pound guard from Kokomo, Indiana, can do everything, from dishing dimes to rebound. One of his strongest suits, however, is shooting. He hit 48% of his shots from the floor, and 42% of his shots beyond the arch for a 15.5 points per game average. He also averaged 3.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists in his first season in Muncie.
After a stellar high school career, Persons spent his freshman year at Northern Kentucky, where he was named the Atlantic Sun Freshman of the Year. He was also named Second Team All-Atlantic Sun. After sitting out a his transfer year, he was named to the Second Team All-MAC squad last season.
This season, we expect big things from Persons. Only a sophomore last season, he was part of a trio of impressive sophomores on the Cardinals, along with Tahjai Teague and Trey Moses. Moses is a center that does a good job controlling the lane, while Teague is a slashing forward with a tremendously high ceiling. It’s the perfect combination for savvy guard with a deft shooting touch outside and good mid range game. Look for Persons to load up the stat sheet while the Cardinals rack up the wins.