Zavier Turner Season Statistics
Games played-started - 18-12
Minutes per game - 31.0
Points per game - 10.8
Field goal percentage - .384
3-point percentage - .369
Free-throw percentage - .691
Assists per game - 3.2
Last season's Mid-American Conference Player of the Year has a new role for the Ball State men's basketball team.
What might be described as a sophomore slump for Zavier Turner, Ball State head coach James Whitford feels is a learning experience.
“I think life is about learning and growing lessons,” Whitford said. “I don’t care who you are. I’m 43 and I’m still learning lessons.”
Turner started 27 his freshman season, averaging 12.1 points and 3.7 assists, while shooting .409 from behind the arc and .880 at the foul line.
His 362 points as a first-year player ranks fourth all-time on the freshmen scoring list behind Bonzi Wells, Ray McCallum and Theron Smith; his 61 3-pointers is a freshman record.
But this season has been one of change for the electric guard.
After entering this season as the starting point guard, Turner missed three games - the first two coming from suspension and then a DNP coach’s decision.
Since returning to the lineup five games ago, Turner has come off the bench and his overall minutes are down from 32.7 last year to 30.1 this season. His scoring average has dropped from 12.1 points a game to 10.1.
“At first, I didn’t like the fact that I was coming off the bench, but I understand it’s not about me,” Turner said. “It’s about the team, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to help my team win, whether it’s starting or coming off the bench.”
Despite this season's turmoil, Turner doesn’t let it discourage him or allow it to affect his teammates.
"It'll be alright," Turner said. "I'm just taking it one day at a time. We're going to keep pushing and keep working."
With eight regular season games remaining, there is still time for Turner to return to the level of play he displayed his freshman year.
He remains committed to the program, and Whitford said as long as he shows his dedication to the team off the court he'll be able to continue leading on it.
“Making sure he’s committed to practicing the right way every day is the most important thing for our team’s future,” Whitford. “I think when Zavier does that he’s his best and we play our best.”
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