Fourth in the league in scoring. The leader in assists, and second in both free-throw percentage and steals.

        More importantly, he’s the undeniable leader of the LSC’s No. 1 seed in this week’s tournament in Allen.

        So it was no real surprise when Chuck Guy accepted the honor of LSC Player of the Year this week. While he was certainly proud of the achievement, the one he’s eyeing even more is repeating as tournament champions here in Allen.

        “We know we’ve always got a target on our back at Tarleton,” Guy said. “Everyone wants to beat Tarleton and we’re ready for it. That makes us better.”

        Whether it’s that motivation or the fact they have two All-LSC first-team players and the LSC Coach of the Year in Lonn Reisman, the Tarleton State Texans have been one of the best teams in the entire country from start to finish. Currently, TSU ranks second in the South Central Region and No. 5 in the latest Division II Top 20 poll.

        And one of the main reasons for Tarleton’s success is the play of Guy, who seems to do whatever the Texans need, whether it’s scoring, passing, defense or leadership.

        “I just get my teammates involved. That helps me get going at the same time,” Guy said. “I’m just trying to be a leader. I trust my teammates. They trust me. And we know we count on each other.”

        Guy will be the first to admit Tarleton is a deep squad. He was joined on the All-LSC first-team by De’Andre Upchurch and TaShawn Mabry was an honorable mention selection. But as Reisman says, Guy should get some credit with that as well.

        “When you have a player of his caliber, he raises the level of play on everybody on your team, defensively and offensively,” Reisman said. “They look for him. When he plays the way he plays all year long, he does raise the talent-level.”

        Reisman said Guy is far from your average point guard because of his ability to sense whatever is needed the most.

        “What’s special about Chuck is that some point guards are scoring point guards or just passing point guards. But he can do both,” Reisman said. “He knows when to score but he knows when to get the ball to the right people. That is basketball IQ. I wish I could say that I’ve taught him to do all of that but that’s just something he’s got inside of him. He just has a basketball brain and an IQ brain. He knows when to take shots. He knows when to take it to the hole. He knows where to find people. There’s a sixth sense.”

        Reisman even compared him to one of the NBA’s best rebounders in Dennis Rodman, who played for Reisman at Southeastern Oklahoma in the early 80’s.

        “I remember when I had Dennis Rodman and people said ‘he seems like he’s on the boards constantly.’” Reisman recalled. “I wish I could say I took that credit. But he has a sense to where the ball is going to be and he was always in the right position. Chuck is the same way. He just knows where his guys are going to be.”

        Guy joined the Texans family last season when he transferred from Arkansas-Little Rock to be closer to his family in Fort Worth.

        “I had a couple of other options. When I came to my visit, me and coach had a connection,” Guy said of Reisman. “He told me he was going to do everything to get me seen. That’s what he’s done. I bought in to everything we do here and he’s made me a great player.”

        More than just his success on the court, Reisman said he’s most proud of the person Guy has become.

        “Yeah, I’m so happy for Chuck because when he came to us a couple of years ago from UALR, one thing I wanted to do was help his life and make sure he’s making good decisions,” Reisman said. “It’s not just about basketball. It’s about him and how he’s really become an outstanding young man. His game has improved. He’s got more confidence in himself. That award meant a lot to him because he’s worked so hard to get to that point.”