Growing up, Michael Bables was attracted to basketball at an
early age and followed the game religiously. During this time, the
lone true freshman on the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi men's
basketball was drawn to many teams one being the Miami teams of
current Islander head coach Perry Clark.
"I always wanted to play for one of coach Clark's teams," said
Bables. "I remember watching a lot of games and really liked how he
coached and the way his teams played. I looked into his background
and saw the success he had at Tulane and knew someday I would like
to play for him if given the chance."
The 6-1 guard from Garland got the chance when he signed with
the Islanders just before the start of the 2009-10 academic year.
Bables was recruited heavily early in his high school career but
then an injury his junior season lessened the interest from
colleges.
"Recruiting was a long process," said the freshman, who suffered
an ankle injury in high school. "Early on I was being recruited by
multiple teams, but then I got injured and most backed off. It
allowed me to see who was committed to me not only as a player but
as a person."
The Islanders came into the picture late as a suitor for the
guard.
"They came late into the picture, but when I realized I would
get a chance to play for coach Clark I knew that's what I wanted to
do," said Bables. "I wanted to go somewhere I would get the chance
to play and be comfortable."
When Bables signed over the summer, he became the lone addition
to the Islander roster this season. He joined Terence Jones as
freshmen. However, Jones redshirted the 2008-09 season practicing
with the team in the process easing his transition.
While confident in his ability to play, Bables also knew he had
a lot of work to do. Fortunately with four seniors - Kevin Palmer,
LaMarr Drake, Shamar Coombs and Marcus Hammonds - returning in the
backcourt along with Jones, the newcomer has had help in adjusting
to the college game.
"It has been really shocking going from high school to the
college game," said the Bables. "I knew it would be a lot of hard
work, but my teammates have been a lot of help. I have a lot of
good guys to look up to. The tremendous coaching has also
helped.
"I knew I was capable of playing at this level when I came here,
but I also knew I would have a chance to learn because of the
seniors. It will be beneficial because I still have a lot of time
left."
Thus far Bables has seen limited action playing in just seven of
the team's first 19 games, but that doesn't mean he hasn't had an
impact this season.
"I know my time will come on the court, but right now I just
want to do whatever I can to help this team get better," he
said.
In practice, that means spending a lot of time running the point
on the scout team. Bables prides himself on readying his teammates
- primarily fellow point guards Drake and Jones - for what they
will face.
"Being the scout team point guard I like to see how well I
prepare them," he said. "This past week I was (Lamar's Anthony)
Miles in practice. When I see them be able to slow him down it
makes me feel good. Offensively, I try to use my quickness and
shooting ability to take it right at them. On defense, I try to
really press them. I try to be a pest in practice on both ends of
the court.
As evidenced by the 4-0 start in Southland Conference play,
Bables has been successful in helping his team get prepared and no
doubt his teammates appreciate it. That being said the rookie still
receives his fair share of grief.
"It is all outta fun," said Bables. "They give me a lot of
teasing and when we travel, I have to carry extra bags. There is a
lot of joking around, but I expect it. I look forward to doing it
next year to the new guys."
That being said, Bables speaks like a veteran when discussing
his future.
"I am doing whatever I can to make the team better in whatever
role I am asked to play. I am going take each year one at a time. I
like the situation I am in," concluded the rookie.
