Marshall University’s men’s basketball player Ryan Taylor is now in his third season with the Herd.
The junior is having career numbers in points per game, assists per game and shooting percentage from the field. This season could be the most successful of Taylor’s three seasons with Marshall as the Herd sits in second place in Conference USA standings (7-2).
Taylor said in the offseason he spent a lot of time working on his shot release. In 22 games this season, Taylor has shot 55 percent from the field and 35 percent from the 3-point line.
Taylor said he also worked on conditioning and getting into better shape for the season.
With all the new faces on the team, Taylor has been the constant leader for the Herd.
“The team was playing together often and early before the first game and really became one as a team,” Taylor said.
Marshall has only two players that were on its team two years ago. Three of the five regular starters for the Herd are new to the team this year, coming from different colleges.
Taylor said he has had to become more of a vocal leader in the past two seasons with the Herd.
Junior guard Austin Loop said Taylor is the type of leader the team needs in order to be successful.
“Taylor sets a good example of what needs to be done,” Loop said. “He comes in ready to work and keeps the team focused.”
Loop said Taylor’s leadership skills have flourished over the years.
“Taylor has become a better and more vocal leader since starting at Marshall,” Loop said. “His talent was always there, but his leadership is really starting to show this season.”
After starting off losing its first six games of the season, the Herd has won 11 of its last 16 games.
Marshall’s next game is on the road against the University of Texas at El Paso 9 p.m. Thursday at the Don Haskins Center.
Christian Hisman can be contacted at [email protected].