Hear From Ohio State Head Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Holtmann

Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann addressed members of the media Friday afternoon.

  • Unique with weekend off before game. Spending time cleaning up things from the Villanova game and getting ready for Stetson.
  • Andre Wesson is in the process of working his way back. Still without timetable.
  • Perspective is really important this time of year. Many teams have big wins early on. The season isn’t defined by one game. Your response is more important than wins/losses. Always looking at how to do things better.
  • Our players had a laser-focus and performed at a high level. It’s difficult to expect that with the excellent shooting and Villanova’s misses.
  • Maturity and great leadership is a requirement for handling success the right way.
  • Leadership is very important, particularly with the Wessons (Andre and Kaleb), Kyle Young and C.J. Walker.
  • After 12-1 start in 2018-19, I don’t think that team had an arrogance or a lack of maturity. Young guys were playing a lot and struggled more in Big Ten play.
  • Sleep much better after a win than after a loss, but still didn’t sleep very well.
  • Received a text from Kaleb at 1:30 a.m. about posting up and avoiding three seconds violations.
  • Probably went to bed around 2:30-3 a.m.
  • Trying to keep players focused for game against Stetson.
  • Gavitt Games is another way of getting home games.
  • Really excited about the addition of Zed Key and Eugene Brown III. Both have a unique ability to impact the way we play. Eugene’s versatility and ability to be a bigger wing that we’ve been looking for. Zed’s ability to score with his back to the basket along with his length and frame are exciting.
  • I don’t think I’ve over-signed before.
  • The possibility of losing Kaleb helped lead to bringing in Zed Key. Kaleb has a lot to consider and that was not exclusively the reason.
  • How do you approach game against Stetson when favored in the 99 percentile. “I never look at percentages.” What was the percentage for the Kentucky game against Evansville?
  • When building a team, what are you looking for? Looking for unselfish players. Looking for grit.
  • Great to see former assistant Mike Schrage get his first win as head coach of Elon.
  • We’re just looking for the right fits in recruiting. Last year was Midwest-focused, plus Ibrahima Diallo.
  • Recruiting Ohio as got to continue to be a priority for us. It’s not realistic to get every top player in the state, but I belief we’ll get our fair share.
  • You’re always aware of the talent in your state. Always.

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