Alonso's Ball stays close to home

By KEITH NIEBUHR, SCOTT PURKS
Published April 21, 2005

TAMPA - Alonso's Johnathan Ball, a first-team Times' all-county basketball selection, signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Tampa.

"He is a really, really good prospect," UT coach Richard Schmidt said. "He can play two or three positions for us. He'll play the point and two-guard, and with his jumping ability and long arms he can play the three if he has to - there are a lot of possibilities for him in our lineup."

Ball (6-6) played center and point guard at Alonso. His specialty was following up on missed shots, but he also was an excellent ball handler. An outstanding athlete, Ball could hit as well from the outside as when he was driving to the basket.

He averaged 14.6 points and six rebounds, and is UT's first commitment for next season. Ball will learn from one of the best point guards in NCAA Division II, Mark Borders, who led the Spartans in assists, steals and scoring.

"Our main focus was to find someone to develop at the point guard position," Schmidt said. "With Mark going into his senior year, we'll need a point guard the following season and wanted someone to get some experience for a year. Johnathan can play on the floor with Mark, play behind Mark and also give him a rest at the point."

[Last modified April 21, 2005, 01:06:12]