The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Former Big Red on his way to Big Dance
Eaddy a contributor for susprising NCAA-bound Drake
By Brian Cox, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: March 20, 2008
Former Milan basketball big man Bill Eaddy III is going to the Big Dance.
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As a reserve forward for Drake University, Eaddy is set to make an appearance on the big stage of the NCAA Basketball National Championship Tournament Friday in Tampa, Fla., when the Bulldogs take on Western Kentucky in the first round of the West Regional.
No one is looking forward more to the game than Eaddy's father, former Milan High School basketball coach Bill Eaddy Jr.
"It's going to be a challenging match-up," said Eaddy Jr. "It should be a game that comes down to the wire."
Drake (28-4) won the Missouri Valley Conference championship for an automatic bid to the Final Four tournament, where the Bulldogs will make their first appearance since 1971.
Eaddy Jr. admitted he was surprised by the Bulldogs' remarkable championship run, including a 21-game winning streak earlier in the season.
"You always hope for the best," he said, "but to be honest with you, I hoped they might make the NIT."
The Bulldogs exceeded his expectations.
"They had a fantastic season," Eaddy said. "They put in a lot of hard work."
As a sophomore, Eaddy III has played in 14 games this season for the Bulldogs, averaging 1.6 points a game. The highlight of his season, so far, was when he tied his career high with six points in a six-minute stretch midway through the second half against Indiana State, triggering a 17-6 run in a comeback victory. He saw his most extensive action against North Carolina Central, collecting six points and two rebounds in nine minutes.
"He really felt positive going into the season," Eaddy Jr. said of his son. "He worked hard. You can tell the team has put a lot of time in on their shooting."
During his senior year as a Big Red in the difficult 2003-04 season, Eaddy III averaged 16.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists a game and earned third team Michigan Class A all-state honors.
He was a fourth team Class A all-state choice as a junior when he averaged 15.9 points and 9.6 rebounds a game. He was a first-team All Huron League selection and earned first-team All-Area and All-County honors as a junior and senior.
Belying his 6-foot-5 frame, Eaddy had one of the best shots in the Huron League, proving particularly adept at nailing three-pointers. He currently leads the Bulldogs in three-pointers this year, hitting six of eight.
After graduating from Milan in 2004, Eaddy III spent a season at Massanutten Military Academy, a prep school in Virginia. There he honed his game, averaging 14.4 points and 7.5 rebounds for a team that finished 20-9.
His performance that year caught the attention of several schools, including longtime Drake coach Tom Davis.
"Bill just fell in love with Dr. Tom," his father said. "He was comfortable with the fit. Davis told the kids if they were going to turn the program around, they would have to work hard."
Work hard they did.
When Tom Davis' son, Keno Davis, took over the head coaching job this year, he promptly led the Bulldogs to their first MVC championship and NCAA appearance in 37 years. He was named the National Coach of the Year.
The Bulldogs are ranked No. 5 in the West Region and will face No. 12 Western Kentucky in the first round.
Eaddy III, who is studying finance at Drake, is enjoying the ride.
His father, who is making the trip to Tampa along with his grandparents to catch the first-round game, is enjoying it almost as much.
"We just hope the ride goes on a little longer," he said.
Staff Writer Brian Cox can be reached at 429-7380 or bcox@heritage.com.
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