Making the jump from junior college basketball to Division I is difficult enough by itself. Ball State University junior forward Rob Giles's transition was made doubly difficult because he had to completely change his role.
"It was a huge transition for me early in the season," Giles said, "going from playing [shooting guard] in junior college to playing the post."
When junior forward Anthony Newell went out with a foot injury two games into the season, Giles was thrust into the unfamiliar territory of being tied for the tallest player on the Ball State team, at 6 foot 4 inches.
"I couldn't even figure out how to check a big man," Giles said. "I kept fouling and holding them, one way or the other."
The Detroit native had his moments in the early goings of the season. When the Cardinals played Georgetown University, Giles rejected All-American candidate Roy Hibbert, who is 10 inches taller than him. The block sparked the Cardinals in a game they ended up losing 57-48.
However, Giles struggled to find consistency. He seemed to have a breakthrough in Ball State's win against Eastern Michigan University, scoring 10 points. He went on to add four in Tuesday's loss at Northern Illinois University.
His coach, Billy Taylor, said he mainly looks to Giles for defensive play.
"We talked and tried to be really clear on what we needed from him," Taylor said. "It may not be points every night, but rebounds, the hustle plays, the defense, he can give us that. He brings a toughness on the floor."
Giles said his defense has improved significantly since arriving at Ball State.
"[The coaches] have been working with me every day on it," Giles said. "I know how to position on defense. I'm a lot more comfortable now."
Taylor said simplicity is the key to success for Giles.
"Sometimes when you keep the game really simple, other things start to open up," Taylor said.
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