Head Coach Michael Lewis and the Ball State men's basketball team announced the additions of Jalin Anderson, Davion Bailey, and Ethan Brittain-Watts to the 2023 recruiting class.
"With these three signees and as we continue to move forward in our recruiting, we're excited for the opportunity to get bigger, longer, and more athletic on the perimeter as we continue to build this program into a championship program." said Coach Lewis.
Jalin Anderson
Jackson, Tennessee | Dream City Christian | Loyola Marymount | Guard
Anderson is a transfer from Loyola Marymount and will have two years of eligibility remaining. Last season, Anderson scored 15 points and was a key factor in LMU's win at Gonzaga that snapped a 76-game home winning streak. He produced a career-high 20 points twice, once at Pacific and the other at Colorado State. He drained a career-high five 3-pointers at BYU, where he finished with 19 points. He brought down a career-high seven rebounds and dished out a season-high eight assists against Life Pacific. For the season, he finished second on the squad with 2.2 assists per game. He ended the season averaging 10 points per game.
In his first season at LMU, he earned a spot on the WCC All-Freshman team. During his freshman campaign, he was second on the team with 3.4 steals per contest. He scored a season-best 16 points at Pepperdine. He scored in double digits in seven games during his freshman campaign. He finished ninth in the conference with 3.53 assists per game and was eighth in the league with an assist to turnover ratio of 1.48.
Head Coach Michael Lewis on Jalin
"Jalin has had a good three years at Loyola Marymount in the West Coast Conference. The way that he played in high-level games and his production at that level equates to someone that can make a big impact on our program. He's a stronger athletic guard that can facilitate not only for himself, but for his teammates around him."
Jalin on why he chose Ball State
"I truly believe in the entire coaching staff and their ability in developing me on and off the court. They have all the resources I need to elevate my game on the court and elevate me as a person off the court. I believe I will be able to have an immediate impact for our team, our fans, and our community. This is my opportunity to show I am something special."
Davion Bailey
Indianapolis, Indiana | Pike High School | Southeastern Community College | Guard
Bailey is a junior college transfer with two years of eligibility remaining. He was named a NJCAA All-Region First Team selection after last season. He led Southeastern Community College to its first Juco National Tournament appearance since 2011. He led the Blackhawks with 14.7 points per game. He produced a team-best 2.9 assists per contest. He notched seven games with 20 or more points, including a season-high 27 points against Northwest Florida State College. He finished the season shooting 41.1 percent from 3-point range.
As a freshman, he averaged 11.4 points per game, which was second on the team. He shot 42.1 percent from 3-point range. He recorded a career-high 34 points against Highland CC, made a career-high seven 3-pointers, and shot 12-of-16 from the field. He added a 24-point performance against Sauk Valley CC while shooting 61.5 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from behind the arc. He finished his career at Southeastern averaging 13.2 points per game and shot 41.6 percent from 3-point range.
Head Coach Michael Lewis on Davion
"Davion had an outstanding junior college career. He led his team to the national tournament. He's a career 41.6 percent 3-point shooter. He adds the ability to stretch the floor on the offensive end. He provides athleticism and length on the defensive end. We're really excited about what he adds to our program. He's another Indiana kid coming back home."
Davion on why he chose Ball State
"There's no place like home and being able to play 45 minutes to an hour away from home is almost a dream come true. I believe in Coach Lewis and what he wants to do with this program. He wants to win now, not later, and that's something I want to be a part of, and I can't wait to fill the seats of Worthen Arena."
Ethan Brittain-Watts
Indianapolis, Indiana | Culver Academies | Boston | Guard
Brittain-Watts is graduate transfer from Boston and will have one year of eligibility. Last season for the Terriers, he recorded a career-best 19 points at Notre Dame and finished with a career-high five 3-pointers made. He tied his career high in points with 19 at Lafayette and recorded a game-high five assists. He shot 37.3 percent from 3-point range and led the team. He dished out a team-best 58 assists. He finished the season with 12 games in double figures. He shot 93.3 percent from the free-throw line and led the team.
During his freshman season at Boston, he earned a spot on the Patriot League All-Rookie Team. He played in 31 games and helped the Terriers win their first ever Patriot League Tournament title as BU earned their first NCAA berth since 2011. He produced eight points off the bench, including two 3-pointers, as he helped the Terriers earn their first win over an SEC opponent as the defeated South Carolina, 78-70. Brittain-Watts excelled off the court as well. He was a two-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll honoree.
Head Coach Michael Lewis on Ethan
"We're really excited about Ethan joining our program. He brings as ton of college experience as a grad transfer. He's a combo guard that can create for himself as well as others. He's a three-level scorer and he's got an opportunity to finish up his college career back home."
Ethan on why he chose Ball State
"It felt like home. There's nothing like playing in Indiana, at home in front of family and friends, with all its history and how much basketball means to people here. I'm excited to play for Coach Lewis and be a part of the new era of Ball State basketball!"