MUNCIE, Ind. — Ishmael El-Amin didn’t know he was starting Thursday night until he came into the locker room after warm-ups and saw his name on the board. K.J. Walton tweaked his ankle in practice Wednesday, and while he could have played, James Whitford decided to hold Walton out.
The story of Ball State’s 98-71 romp of visiting Howard was the result of preparation being paired with opportunity. El-Amin has been working behind the scenes on all facets of his game, but in this role, and on this team, he hasn’t gotten a chance to showcase it quite yet.