Steve Ford is in his fourth season covering the Aces for the Courier & Press.
Q: How popular is former Evansville star Marty Simmons, now the Aces coach, and how much does that connection help with fans during a tough season?
A: The fans have been very supportive. They understand he found the cupboard bare, just one senior is here, and they didn’t expect more more than the conference coaches who picked UE to finish 10th. But Simmons, and the community, both believe he will turn things around and end seven seasons of losing.
Q: What accounts for Shy Ely’s improvement from last season to his junior year?
A: Ely is he Aces’ most-athletic player and surprisingly strong despite his skinny 6-foot-4 frame. His dual strengths are posing up and getting to the basket off the dribble. The Aces have continued to turn to him more and more as teams have ganged up on Jason Holsinger and he has delivered.
Q: Sleeves or no sleeves?
A: Personally, I think it makes them look like dorks. But they didn’t ask me and the public really seems to like them. They’re a big favorite with Simmons, too, who wore them himself.