Daric Clemens is a senior journalism news major and is a columnist for The Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
After receiving his fifth Mid-American Conference Player of the Week award, marking a new Ball State record in a single season, it’s fair to declare redshirt senior Tahjai Teague a top forward in the MAC.
In his fifth year, Teague so far has put together his best season as a Cardinal, and he has continued to get better as the season has progressed.
Teague has been an important piece for Ball State in his time on the team and has steadily gotten better throughout his college career, as his production has increased each season with his numbers growing each year.
However, this season, he has blossomed even further, taking the helm of the Cardinals and playing a key role in their 2019-20 campaign.
Teague is currently averaging career highs in both scoring and rebounding, as he scores 15.4 and snags nine boards a game. Up from his 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the 2018-19 season. He has also recorded eight double-doubles in the season.
It’s not only on the offensive end where he has displayed improvement. His play on the defensive end has impacted games throughout the season as well. Teague hasn’t ever averaged more than a block in his college career, but this season, he is averaging 1.6 blocks per contest.
Although his play has been solid for the duration of the season as a whole so far, his efforts in conference play are where he has shined the most.
Redshirt senior forward Tahjai Teague takes the ball at tip-off Feb. 1, 2020, in the John E. Worthen Arena. Ball State beat the Bobcats 65-54. Joshua Smith, DN
He has been a force all over the court and a pest to opposing teams competing against the Cardinals in MAC play. His consistent play has helped Ball State remain unbeaten at home 4-0 in conference play.
Teague’s numbers are up across the board in MAC play alone. He is averaging 18.1 points per game, which ranks him fifth on the season MAC leaders list and first among forwards. He is also averaging a double-double, collecting 10.6 rebounds per contest, ranking him third among other players.
He is scoring a lot of points while doing it efficiently, shooting 53.8 percent from the field in MAC games.
Teague’s ability to take opponents off the dribble at the forward position gives him an advantage over other teams, as he is a matchup nightmare. He can work down low but also find his shot on the perimeter, and when his shot isn’t there, he can take it to the rack.
On the defensive side of the ball, he can line up with most anyone who is put in front of him. His mobility, awareness and strength give him the ability to guard multiple positions. So, if the team needs him to bang down low with a big, he can, and he has also shown the capability to guard out on the perimeter.
Teague has emerged as one of the best forwards in the MAC with his all-around steady play. The Cardinals sit at the third spot in the MAC West Division, and Ball State needs Teague’s efficient play and a supporting cast for the Cardinals to continue to compete in the MAC going down the final stretch.
Contact Daric Clemens with comments at diclemens@bsu.edu or on Twitter @DaricClemens.
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