YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Hard work and dedication has paid off for Eastern Michigan University men's basketball redshirt junior Derek Ballard Jr. (Southfield, Mich.-Southfield-Lathrup) as he earned a scholarship Head Coach Rob Murphy announced Aug. 6.
Murphy presented Ballard Jr. with a letter written by his daughter, Ryan, where she congratulated him on earning a full scholarship.
"God is the greatest," said Ballard Jr. "I want to thank Eastern Michigan Athletics, the men's basketball program, Rob Murphy, Matt Cline, and Kevin Mondro for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to continue to play the game I love.