Ward touts benefits of being vocal

By Jon Moffett

The freshman basketball player isn’t shy with words on the court.

YOUNGSTOWN — There are certain sounds that are commonplace during men’s basketball practice at Youngstown State.

The coach’s whistle, sneakers squeaking across the hardwood and a dribbling ball all echo throughout the gym.

So does the voice of Ashen Ward.

“I think me being vocal not only helps the team, it helps me play better,” Ward said. “I think it’s beneficial to everybody.”

Ward is only a freshman, but the Cleveland native said he feels comfortable speaking out during practices and games.

“I think my role is to just be vocal; to let everybody know that I am there to talk to anybody that needs to be talked to,” Ward said. “Just to give my input at any time that it may be needed. I just try to be that voice that you always hear in practice.”

Both Ward’s voice and skills can be heard during games. He’s played in each of YSU’s seven games (1-6) with one start. Ward said the best part of his game is his 3-point shooting, and he leads the team in field goal percentage for 3-pointers (.421). His 31 points are seventh on the team. Ward also has five rebounds, five assists, six steals and a block on the year.

The 6-foot-3 shooting guard said he’s played basketball for his whole life, and loves the team dynamic of the game.

“I love the team aspect and just being part of a team,” Ward said. “I love to win and it’s just fun for me.”

The Penguins offer an ideal team atmosphere because of the diversity of his teammates, Ward said.

“There are a lot of guys with different personalities,” Ward said. “But we all come together and can laugh about the same things and talk to each other both on and off the floor. I think that helps.”

Though the Penguins are struggling early this season, Ward thinks the team will be able to turn things around.

“I think it’s the potential we have,” he said. “We have so many new guys coming together and there is a bond that we’re forming every day.”

Ward said the goal for the team is to get better every day and to learn from previous games. He said it will ultimately show in the team’s play and win total.

When asked what his personal goals for the season were, Ward said, “My goals are just to come in here and help the team in any way possible; to do anything I can to make us a better basketball team.”

Ward said he is enjoying his first season and looks forward to helping the Penguins achieve their goal of winning the Horizon League.

“The coaches recruited me and I knew this is where I wanted to be.”

jmoffett@vindy.com