Ballard begins career with Columbus Crush
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Former USC Aiken men's basketball player Cody Ballard signed a professional contract with the Columbus Crush of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
Ballard, a native of Westerville, Ohio played at USCA during his junior and senior seasons from 2007-2009 after transferring from Morehead State.
"The pro experience I can get with the Crush this season will help me reach my ultimate goal to earn a pro contract overseas," said Ballard, who mentioned Germany as a possible destination to further his professional career.
He noted the physicality and speed of the ABA will allow him to further develop as a professional; "the guys in the ABA are much bigger, the league is guard oriented, and we (the Crush) are a run and gun team," continued Ballard.
The run and gun offense of the Crush was on display in their 166-103 victory over the Indiana Rollers on November 28. Ballard finished the win with 17 points, five assists, five steals and two rebounds in the win.
Ballard was a member of the 2008-09 Pacers that advanced to the "Sweet Sixteen" of the NCAA Division II Tournament, further than any previous USCA basketball team in school history.
The trip to the Sweet 16 capped off a tremendous two-year run for the USCA under head coach Vince Alexander, which saw the Pacers amass a school-record 52 wins from 2007-2009, coinciding with Ballard's two years as a captain for the Pacers.
Ballard was the only player on a star-studded Pacer squad to start all 33 games in the 2008-09 season, averaging nine points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 28.7 minutes per game.
His successful career at USCA as a team captain under coach Alexander helped Ballard develop into the player he is today.
"We learned how to win in difficult situations and handle ourselves not just as good basketball players, but also as men," remarked Ballard.
Playing back in his hometown state of Ohio is another benefit for Ballard, saying "my family gets to come to the games and watch, which is great for me."