2010 ORU Preview: Replacing Kevin Ford

The powerful post player did so many things for the Golden Eagles as a senior. Filling his shoes is more than a one-man job.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:59 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Oct 16, 2010 4:11 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Reporter

TULSA, Oklahoma – Oral Roberts only had one star player in 2009-10. That was sophomore sharp-shooter Dominique Morrison. But, Oral Roberts will still miss the role players that helped lead the Golden Eagles to a 13-5 conference record.

Chief among them, is powerful forward Kevin Ford. The Golden Eagles’ go-to inside presence led ORU on the stat sheet many nights last season. Ford scored 15 or more points in a dozen games as a senior and usually was asked to guard the opponent’s most talented inside player. His 7.5 rebounds per game were the most on the team.

His ability to draw defenders to the paint really helped Oral Roberts’ outside shooting as well. While Ford was busy working to get position inside the lane, shooters were lining up for open jumpers. When the double team came to Ford down near the basket, he’d kick the ball out for an open look.

Ford’s biggest impact may have been in practices. Going head-to-head against his 6-foot-9, 250 pound frame every day really helped the development of some of the Golden Eagles’ younger post players like Michael Craion and Damen Bell-Holter.

Ford’s 12 points per game will be relatively easy to replace. His experience will be much harder to substitute.

For more on Oral Roberts’ 2010 outlook:

Best player:
Dominique Morrison