COLUMBUS- Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann met with the media on Friday to preview the Buckeyes’ upcoming game against Stetson on Monday night. Holtmann provided an update on Andre Wesson, talked about the response to the win against Villanova, and his recruiting class.
Freshman forward E.J. Liddell and redshirt senior guard Danny Hummer also answered questions from reporters. The players talked about the impact of the Villanova win and their approach for the upcoming games.
Here’s a summary of what was said at interviews.
Chris Holtmann
+ They have a couple of days of practice including a day off which is unique at this time of the year. They will clean up things from Villanova and dive into film. They have to balance taking the time to get better and preparing for their opponent. They will continue to find that balance and move forward.
+ Andre Wesson is in the process of working his way back. They will be cautious about when is the right time for him. He has not practiced yet.
+ They will spend some time talking about not taking one win too far. Perspective is really important at this time of the year. “Your season is never defined by one particular game, unless it’s in March or April really. At this time of the year, whether you win or lose it’s about your response.”
+ The Villanova game was unique in that his players had a laser focus. It’s hard to expect that when you factor in the shooting success Ohio State had and the struggles Villanova had.
+ Maturity and great leadership is a requirement for handling success the right way.
+ He did not sleep very well after the Villanova win. He said he sleeps much better after a game like that than after a loss, it’s hard to sleep after a loss if it’s a late tip. But after Villanova, he got a text from Kaleb Wesson asking a question at 1:30 AM and Coach Holtmann was up watching film. Wesson was also up watching film. They both probably went to bed around 2:30 AM or 3:00 AM.
+ This was the hardest scheduling season he had.
+ He never looks at expected win percentages in today’s college basketball. He never assumes he will be able to play everyone on the bench. It’s a different day in college basketball.
+ They did get two letters of intent this week. They are really excited about the addition of the two young men. He thinks both guys have a unique ability to impact the way they want to play and they both fit a need.
+ Eugene Brown II with his versatility and his ability to play multiple positions on the perimeter will be important and Zed Key with his physicality and length and frame and his ability to score with his back to the basket which is unique.
+ They just love these two kids and their families. They are terrific fits and terrific people.
+ Even though these two additions puts them over their scholarship limit, they felt these two guys were worth it and Holtmann said he has no concerns about everything working out.
+ Kaleb Wesson’s interest in the NBA last year was definitely a factor. Wesson will have options at the end of the year and they will discuss that later. They didn’t offer and over-sign just for that reason though. But they always try to prepare and look ahead.
+ They are just looking for the right fits. Last years class was midwest centered but this was a it unique and more national. They just fell in love with these two guys and felt really strongly about them.
+ The consistent part of recruiting will still be in Ohio and the surrounding areas. Recruiting Ohio will continue to be a priority for them. “You’re always aware of the talent in your state.”
Danny Hummer
+ The team has a good mix of young and older guys. They know they have to have the same approach every day. Two No. 1 teams have already lost and it’s only the middle of November. They know they have to come every day with the same approach because anything can happen.
+ Buckeye Nation came out to support and having that environment back in The Schott was great.
+ CJ Walker has had a long road but it’s great for a guy like that to do well. He thinks Walker is going to have a great year.
+ D.J. Carton is really explosive. “That top 10 play was really impressive.”
+ Coach Holtmann comes in every day with the same mindset. They focus on the day to day more and not looking at the big picture.
E.J. Liddell
+ That was a great win and the team having that win was big for their season.
+ Everybody was very excited from the tip. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
+ He feels like he’s worked for this his whole life and being a part of these last three games is just a step.
+ Learning the details has been the biggest things he has had to adjust to.
+ His conditioning needs to get better. But it is improving day by day. He was in a boot for a couple of weeks and that set him behind but when he got back on his feet he had to work slowly and not push it.
+ He was nervous the first few games especially the first few minutes of his playing career. Everything was moving so fast and he had so much adrenaline helping. Going forward he needs to take a deep breath and take everything in.
+ He sees himself as a player who works hard and tries to make everybody better in practice. He can score when needed and helps a lot on defense.
+ Coach Holtmann is consistent. He doesn’t get more amped up for any one game.
You can watch the full videos below.
Chris Holtmann
Posted by The Ozone on Friday, November 15, 2019
E.J. Liddell and Danny Hummer
Posted by The Ozone on Friday, November 15, 2019
