Ball State hires ex-Arizona asst. Whitford as coach

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) -- Ball State has hired James Whitford as its new basketball coach.

He spent the past four seasons as an assistant at Arizona working under Sean Miller. The 41-year-old coach replaces Billy Taylor, who was fired March 14 after six seasons.

Whitford takes over a Ball State team that went 15-15 this season. The school said Saturday the new coach will be introduced Wednesday.

Before coming to Arizona, Whitford spent four seasons on Miller's staff at Xavier, which became a regular in the NCAA tournament. He also worked for 11 seasons at Miami (Ohio) before joining Miller at Xavier.

- Associated Press