BLOG 11: Ferris faces tall task going against national power Northern Kentucky

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State point guard Darien Gay drives the baseline during a home men's basketball exhibition against Calvin College on Tuesday (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University knew its 2008-09 men’s basketball schedule was going to be a challenging one, and it is tough right from the start.

The Bulldogs are on the road in Highland Heights, Ky., this weekend where they face Northern Kentucky University, the fourth-ranked team in the nation according to the Division II Bulletin Preseason National Poll. Adding to the Bulldogs challenge will be the fact that NKU will be feeling pretty good as they are in a brand-new and spectacular 10,000-seat arena, Bank of Kentucky Center for this Saturday afternoon 1 p.m. contest.

How tough is this game expected to be? Well, Ferris head coach Bill Sall had a chance to watch NKU put a little bit of a scare as it hosted – yes, HOSTED – one of the best NCAA Division I teams in the nation, national power Louisville (coached by the legendary Rick Pitino). Not many teams could have what it takes to draw a team the caliber of Louisville coached by a coach the caliber of Pitino to play in the home of a Division II team (even if it is a spectacular arena).

“It’s going to be a big challenge for us to go down there in that environment and play them,” said Sall, whose Bulldogs finished 10-19 last season with a roster full of freshmen. “They are a team that can create a lot of match-up problems for you and that’s something we’re going to have to be ready for and we’re going to have to adjust to. It will be a challenge, but we’re looking forward to getting the season started and we know it’s going to be tough going against a great team.”

Northern Kentucky is a team with a lot of talented guards. They like to spread teams out and shoot the 3-pointer in addition to dribble driving. The trouble is they are strong in the paint as well and can hurt you there if you push up too close on the perimeter. This game will, indeed, be a big test. Ferris’ point guards, sophomore Darien Gay and freshman Dontae Molden will need to play composed basketball against the NKU pressure. Justin Keenan figures to get a lot of attention from the Norse so shooters like Austin Randel and slashers like Lou Williams and Josh Young could be factors.

The Bulldogs dropped a 67-45 decision last season in Big Rapids to Northern Kentucky as Keenan finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com