Exactly how much Walt Chavis meant to the Vikings wasn't really known until he was out of the lineup last year and CSU missed his leadership, ball handling skills and most importantly, his defense. Chavis possesses excellent court vision which enhances his ability to distribute the ball, especially in transition. He is a good decision maker, which is evident by his high assist-to-turnover ratio. His quickness and tenacity have helped to make him the squad's best perimeter defender, shutting down opposing guards.

2003-04 SEASON:
• Shared the team lead with 74 assists (3.7 apg) and a .788 free throw percentage (26-33) despite missing eight games late in the year with a broken right hand suffered vs. UW-Milwaukee (Jan. 22).
• Had three or more assists in all but four games, raising his career total to 271 assists, the 11th highest total in school history.
• Handed out a season-high nine assists vs. Loyola (Jan. 5).
• Tallied 12 points, on four-of-four shooting from three-point, vs. Georgia Southern (Dec. 29).
• Opened season with a career-high 17 points, making 7-of-8 free throws, in 38 minutes vs. Central State (Nov. 22).
• Totalled 16 points, 18 assists, 12 rebounds and 8 steals in CSU's two exhibition wins.

CLEVELAND STATE CAREER:
• Ranked third in the Horizon League in 2002-03 in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.63) and steals (47) and was fourth in assists (137).
• Started 21 of the 28 games he played, owning a positive assist-to-turnover margin in all but five contests.
• Had three or more assists in a game 23 times including 11 efforts of six assists or more. CSU was 6-3 when he had seven or more assists.
• Keyed the win over UW-Green Bay (1/21/03), handing out a career-high 12 assists, the seventh-highest single game total in CSU annals.
• Made six steals against IUPUI (12/18/02), the most by a Viking all season and 14th best all-time.
• Became eligible at the end of 2001 fall semester and played in the final 23 games, starting six.
• Finished second on the team with 60 assists, handing out five or more assists six times.

PRE-CLEVELAND STATE CAREER:
• All-state honoree as a senior at Steelton-Highspire High, playing for coach Rick Binder.
• Played on teams that won Pennsylvania High School state titles as both a junior and senior.
• Helped team to a 32-2 record and the Class 3A state title as a junior, averaging 7.2 points, 4.5 assists and 3.8 steals a game.

PERSONAL: Born May 29, 1982 in Harrisburg, Pa. . . son of Walter Chavis and Cheryl Hawkins. . . is the oldest of two children, having one younger brother. . . communications major.