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Taylor compiled a record of 81-69 in five seasons at Lehigh and has twice been named the Patriot League's Coach of the Year, most recently following the 2003-2004 season when the Taylor-led Mountain Hawks earned their first-ever Patriot League title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

In introducing Taylor, Ball State athletic director Tom Collins stated, contrary to other reports, that "this job was offered to only one person and that was yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon to Billy Taylor." Previous reports have indicated that IUPUI head coach Ron Hunter had declined an offer from Ball State. 

"I look at myself as a teacher and instructor," Taylor stated. "I want my team to remain calm and in control whether it’s the first two minutes or the last ten seconds of a game. I don't storm up and down the sidelines yelling at officials." 

Taylor also comes to Ball State with a reputation of a strong defensive philosophy, something that he plans to continue while at Ball State. "We will be heavily committed to the defensive end of the floor. We are going to hold our opponents to around 60 points. Offensively, we will push the ball down the floor and be aggressive in transition but will really lockdown on defense. In order to win the MAC and win in late March, you have to play good solid half-court defense." 

"We had tremendous guard play at Lehigh and the same thing can work here," Taylor added when discussing the ingredients to a successful team, noting "Guard play is where it all starts."  

The Ball State program has experienced rocky times recently, but Taylor was quick to note the recent accomplishments of the Cardinals program indicating that Ball State "Has a great history within the coaching ranks such as Rick Majerus, Steve Yoder & Ray McCallum who did tremendous things here," noted Taylor. 

Addressing future recruiting efforts, Taylor acknowledged that the Cardinals must recruit in their home territory and beyond. "There is so much talent in the State of Indiana. We want to have local talent but I also have experience recruiting in the MAC geographical footprint in the Chicagoland area, Ohio and Michigan," noted the Aurora, IL native. "It will be important to engage the Muncie community and the alumni and get people excited about our program again."

Taylor indicated that he has not had a chance yet to speak with most of the players on the Ball State team other than senior Peyton Stovall, who attended the press conference, but plans to contact all of the current players, including players recently recruited by departed former head coach Ronny Thompson.  

"We only have a short period of time and have to build relationships with the coaching staff and the players. We will get on the phone and meet face-to-face with the players and figure out what is best for their futures to accomplish their goals and dreams," Taylor stated. "I will provide them (the players) with a first class experience. Not all will stay, some may choose other opportunities but my goal is to keep the team together and develop the program." 

To do that Taylor indicated that he will rely heavily on his seniors. For the program to succeed, according to Taylor, he will expect the seniors to lead by example both on the floor and academically. "The seniors set the tone and define the structure of the program," stated Taylor. 

"I am very happy to be in the MAC where there is a high level of play and great coaches that know how to scheme defensively to shut down opponents," Taylor added when asked about his impressions of the level of play in the Mid-American Conference. 

Taylor also acknowledged that he was aware of recent allegations and a request for an internal investigation by the NCAA into alleged wrongdoings under the previous head coach. "I am aware and certainly have concerns," noted Taylor. "But I am confident in the process that has been set forth to resolve the NCAA issues and move forward with a clean slate."