There’s a reason Wes Book has looked so comfortable this year as Emporia State’s go-to guy on offense.
It’s because he’s already been in that role before.
“He did it for three years in high school, so he’s used to it,” ESU forward Jordan Fithian said. “He might have even missed it the last couple of years.”
One thing Book hasn’t missed is the chance to put up points this season.
The senior from Emporia is averaging 21.8 points per game, which is good for second in the MIAA.
He’s also second in the league in three-point field goal percentage (54.5 percent), second in 3-pointers made per game (3.0/game) and first in free-throw percentage (89.5 percent).
“I feel good,” Book said. “My shot’s there. Any time your shot’s falling, it definitely helps everything else.”
Book’s increased points — he averaged 13.6 points per game last year — have helped the Hornets make up for the loss of MIAA first-team selection Donta Watson, who was second in the conference with 19.1 points last season.
So far, Book has looked comfortable with a more aggressive offensive approach.
“He passed on some shots last year because we had so many kids that can score,” Fithian said. “He’s just taking it upon himself to do anything the team needs, and that’s going to be scoring.”
Book also has been helped by the play of point guard DeAndre Townsend.
The senior has seemed to target Book more often this year, and consequently, his assist numbers have gone sky-high.
Townsend’s eight assists per game lead the MIAA, and it’s not even close. Southwest Baptist’s Brandon Burgette is in a distant second place, averaging 4.8 assists per game.
“I think (DeAndre) and I have gotten a lot better chemistry in the preseason this year,” Book said. “He looks for me and finds me more.”
Book’s increased offense also has led to improved production elsewhere.
So far, the 6-foot-4 senior is leading the Hornets in rebounding with eight boards per game. That puts him at fourth in the MIAA.
Book said the improvement had come with hard work. He hadn’t put much emphasis on rebounding in his first two years at ESU but said he had spent the last two trying to improve that part of his game.
It also has helped that he is in good playing shape. With the help of his continued diet, Book is down to 190 pounds and is able to run and jump as well as he ever has.