Ball State University Athletics
9 Players, 9 Days: Brandon Lampley
November 07, 2007 | Men's Basketball
9 Players, 9 Days:
NOTE: The seventh in a nine-part series on each of the Ball State men's basketball players, exclusively on ballstatesports.com through Nov. 9.
Brandon Lampley
By Andrew Lentz
Athletics Communications & Marketing Student Assistant
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Every human being is born with a heart.
Figuratively speaking, however, few have as much of “it” as junior walk-on guard Brandon Lampley.
Lampley, three years removed from a stellar high school career, has been through a completely different atmosphere as a part of the Ball State basketball program.
Lettering two years at Hamilton H.S. in Ohio, Lampley's team only lost seven games -- two during his senior year.
The 6-foot guard averaged 10.3 points and 3.7 assists per game as a senior, while leading Hamilton to an Ohio State Championship and being named the Most Valuable Player of the State Tournament Final Four. He also earned several First-Team accolades around the state.
“To be able to come up big in our biggest game was a major accomplishment for me, my family, my community and school,” Lampley said. “It's something I'll remember forever.”
This past season, however, was something he hopes to put behind him.
After playing in every game except for one as a freshman, including one start, Lampley's opportunities decreased. Lampley played in just 13 games as a sophomore.
Considering that Lampley is not on scholarship and is playing for his third coach in three years, it might be hard for some to imagine what keeps him going. It would be easy to for Lampley to give up and move on, but that's what defines who he is and makes him different -- heart.
“It's been different,” said Lampley, describing his transition from high school to college. “One thing I've been taught from my past coaches and my family is that you have to be able to adjust to different situations. You have to be able to help out and do what you can do.”
Though the program has seen inconsistency in terms of coaching changes, it hasn't bothered Lampley, nor does he feel like it will continue.
“When a new guy comes in you just have to learn how they are and what they want, and be prepared to play,” Lampley said. “I'm excited to play for Coach Taylor. He has proven he can turn things around and I know he has the ability to lead us the right way.”
Not many can say they are as loyal and driven as Lampley, who plays for more than his own glory.
“I have a little sister,” Lampley said. “I don't want to quit anything and be a bad example. I owe it to my mom, grandma and aunt who have been extremely supportive throughout my life.”
With the influence of his family and his three-year experience here at Ball State, he figures to be more of a leader this season.
Lampley is one of just three players who have been through all three coaching changes. Though it's easy to tell that he is confident just from the way he talks, he doesn't feel like he needs to be a vocal leader.
“I feel like I need to lead by example so all the other guys can see I'm doing it the right way and they should follow."
Provided Lampley's teammates follow his example, the Cardinals could have an opportunity to get back to a winning level, something that is extremely important to him.
“I know Ball State is used to competing and performing at a high level and I'm confident we can get back to that,” Lampley said. “We're sticking together no matter what. All the guys here want to get over the hump and win.”
One of the biggest things about winning is reestablishing the atmosphere at Worthen Arena, home of the #1 student section in the Mid-American Conference, The Nest. Lampley is looking forward to that more than anything this season.
Speaking about his goals for the season, Lampley affirmed who he is.
“Personally, I want to help any way I can and play my hardest. I want to know at the end of the season, I gave everything I could and hopefully me giving everything I can and everyone else doing the same that will lead to us winning.”
"Opening Night at Worthen Arena"
Ball State opens the 2007-08 season with one of Indiana college basketball's most heated rivalries -- Nov. 9 vs. Butler in Worthen Arena. The Cardinals and the Bulldogs will be meeting for the 99th time in the all-time series.
"Opening Night" festivities include free men's basketball schedule posters to the first 1,500 fans courtesy of C.S. Kern, the NBA halftime act The Extreme Team (formerly the Bud Light Daredevils) will entertain fans at halftime, while the Muncie Civic Theater cast of Annie will perform the National Anthem.
Plus, opening night will mark the debut of the brand new look of the No. 1 student section in the Mid-American Conference -- "The Nest". All BSU students in "The Nest" will get a free t-shirt and other gameday items to help create an electric atmosphere.
Ball State Athletics is offering a variety of ways to get fans to the game Nov. 9. The "Opening Night Youth Penny Promotion" offers up to four youth tickets to the game for just a penny each with an adult general admission ticket. That equals one adult and four kids admission to the event for just $8.04! Information is available by calling 1.888.BSU.TICKET or get your tickets online!
Attention schools, youth groups and non-profit organizations! You may be eligible to bring your group or organization to the Nov. 9 game for FREE. For more information, contact Chris Taylor in the BSU Athletics Communications & Marketing Office at 765.285.8242.
