Ohio men’s basketball players Maurice Ndour and Bean Willis don’t have any personal goals, they just want to win games.
Although they didn’t begin their collegiate careers at Ohio, Javarez “Bean” Willis and Maurice Ndour want to go out on top.
The senior duo doesn’t have many personal goals, all they want to do is win.
“My goal for this year is to take the team to the NCAA Tournament,” Ndour said. “That’s been my goal since I got here.”
Ndour, a 6-foot-9-inch forward, is set to begin his second season with the Bobcats after transferring from Monroe College. From competing against junior college players two years ago to NBA talent this summer, Ndour’s confidence level has reached new highs.
In August, Ndour represented his birth country, Senegal, in the FIBA World Cup and averaged almost six points and three rebounds in six games. He hopes to bring that experience to the Bobcats after playing against Spain’s Pau and Marc Gasol, who played on the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies, respectively.
“It was a hell of an experience playing against those guys and I definitely learned a lot from it,” Ndour said. “The game is going to be much easier this year than it was last year for me.”
He wants to be more poised, which he hopes will happen with more confidence. Coach Saul Phillips said Saturday after the Bobcats’ first practice he’s trying to meet players halfway while implementing them into his new system.
He wants Ndour to take open shots and be able to step behind the three-point arc at times. Last year, he made 33 percent of his 3-pointers and averaged almost 14 points per game.
“I’ve been around some players that have played in the NBA, his skillset is extremely unique,” Phillips said. “I’m having a blast trying to figure out how we can use him.”
Willis, a redshirt senior guard, is also set to play his second season as a Bobcat, after transferring from Texas Tech. Although he’s been a guy who typically sets up other players through the pass game, Willis said Phillips wants him to be more of a scorer this season.
“I’m trying to set an example and play hard every play,” Willis said. “I try to let my actions lead by example as opposed to being vocal.”
Saturday, senior guard Stevie Taylor said this year’s squad has more team chemistry than last year, which could help them win a few more games.
Willis agreed with his teammates’ sentiments and said from the players to coaches to team managers, everyone gets along.
“It’s got a lot to do with the coach,” Willis said. “We know being together is the only way we are going to have a chance to go where we wanna go.
“It’s the best chemistry I’ve ever been around.”
Similar to Ndour, all Willis wants is to make the NCAA Tournament; he’s not focused on himself.
“I never set a goal, I just let it flow and play basketball,” Willis said. “I just want to get to the NCAA Tournament.”
@Chadlindskog
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