Ball State University Athletics
Men's Basketball Signs Two Indiana High School Standouts
May 06, 2010 | Men's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State men's basketball head coach Billy Taylor announced the signing of Tyrae Robinson (Gary, Ind./Bowman Academy) and Chris Bond (Gary, Ind./Bowman Academy) to national letters of intent Thursday. Robinson and Bond will begin their Ball State careers in the 2010-11 season. The Bowman Academy is a charter school located in Gary, Ind., and is sponsored by Ball State University.
"I am really excited to welcome Tyrae and Chris into our Ball State basketball program," Taylor said. "They are coming off a tremendous senior campaign at Bowman Academy, culminating in an Indiana Class A State Championship. Both of these young men played impactful roles in leading their school to its first state championship."
Robinson, a 6-2 guard, was a two-year letterwinner at Bowman Academy for coach Marvin Rea. He was named an Indiana All-Star as a senior as he led Bowman to a Class A State Championship and a 24-1 overall record. He averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game for the Eagles.
"Tyrae is a strong, fast and athletic scoring guard," Taylor said. "He can break down defenses for scoring opportunities for himself or create chances for his teammates. He can change the tempo of a game with his speed and athleticism. He is a tough and aggressive on-the-ball defender with quick hands."
As a senior, Robinson earned Class A All-State accolades and participated in the Indiana Basketball News (IBN) All-Star Game. He scored in double figures 20 times as a senior with four games of 20-plus points, including a season-high 29 points against Chicago Bogan. He is the son of Lalita and Tyrone Robinson.
Bond, a 6-4 forward, was also a two-year letterwinner at Bowman Academy. He averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds per game as a senior while guiding the Eagles to the state championship. He scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the state championship game against Barr-Reeve, while posting a 23-point, 12-rebound effort against Monroe Central in the semifinals.
"Chris is a long and athletic forward that plays above the rim," Taylor said. "He is a terrific finisher on the fast break, attacks the offensive boards and has a great nose for the ball. He is a hard-nosed perimeter defender with the length and ability to guard multiple positions."
Bond scored in double figures 24 times as a senior with nine games of at least 20 points. He scored a season-high 30 points against Elkhart Memorial. He was named to the Post-Tribune First Team All-Area, earned Class A All-State honors and played in the IBN All-Star Game. He is the son of Kristen Lee.
"Their work ethic, commitment and dedication to winning will be welcome in our program," Taylor said. "We have continued to make the state of Indiana a priority for our recruitment efforts and I am thrilled we will have another Indiana All-Star in Tyrae joining us here in Muncie."
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