Article published January 30, 2011
10 Questions: Doug McDonald
Doug McDonald is a native of Fostoria who starred in basketball for the Redmen and went on to play at Ohio State during one of the greatest eras of Buckeyes basketball ? 1960-63. The 6-5 McDonald and the Buckeyes went 27-1 in the 1960-61 season, losing the national title game to Cincinnati. The next season Ohio State went 26-2, advancing to the championship game for the third straight year, but again fell to Cincinnati. Ohio State went 20-4 in his senior year, but dropped its final game of the season to Indiana.
How did you end up at Ohio State?
"I didn't go to Ohio State to begin with. I had a full ride to the University of Georgia, but I only lasted a week down there. I called Fred Taylor, the coach at Ohio State, and asked if I could still have a scholarship, and he said yes. I had been offered one before, but I guess I didn't go to Ohio State at first because I didn't know if I could play with John Havlicek and Jerry Lucas and that group of great players who were there.
Was that quick transfer problematic?
"I came back to Ohio on a Saturday, moved into the dorm on Sunday, and started class at Ohio State on Monday. It all worked out for the best, I guess. Lucas and Havlicek were a year older than me and freshmen weren't eligible then, so when they won the national championship in 1960, I was at home watching it on TV.
Besides Havlicek and Lucas, who else did you play with?
"Bob Knight and Larry Siegfried were part of that group of players too. It was pretty brutal practicing with them. You'd take your lumps, but you tried to learn as much as you could and the experience had to make you better.
When did you move into the starting lineup?
"My junior year I became a starter and we ended up winning the Big Ten again. We had a lot of wins in a row, but got beaten by Cincinnati in the NCAA finals. Recently, a gentleman sitting across the aisle from me on a flight back from California recognized me and talked about those seasons, and it reminded me what a big disappointment it was losing those championship games.
How did the team do during your final season at Ohio State?
"My senior year I was a starter again and elected captain of the team. We won the Big Ten again, but since we got beaten by Indiana in the last game of the season, we went home. Big Ten rules back then allowed only one team to go to the tournament.
Are you still close to the OSU guys from those days?
"My closest friend from my playing days is probably John Havlicek. I roomed with him his senior year, and I remember Paul Brown coming to our door when the Browns drafted him. He's the one person from my playing days that I still see on a regular basis, but those friendships you built with your teammates ? those last a lifetime.
Did playing at Ohio State open doors for you?
"Being a former Buckeye ? I don't think anybody ever came out and said they were giving me the job because I was from Ohio State ? but it certainly worked to my benefit. I am sure that Ohio State connection helped me.
When did you decide to go into coaching?
"I had thought all along that I wanted to coach when I was done playing, and I found it quite enjoyable. There's nothing like being surrounded by good kids and watching them play hard and improve. It gives you a great deal of satisfaction.
Where all did you coach in your career?
I had a number of coaching jobs ? starting as head coach at Marysville right out of college, then I coached at Upper Arlington, and then Ashland before moving on to Tiffin, where I was head coach, guidance counselor, and ended up as assistant principal before I retired in 1990.
How often do you get to see the Buckeyes play?
"Now that I'm retired and still living in Tiffin, I manage to see Ohio State play as much as possible. They are a very athletic group, and that part of the game has really changed. The players are bigger, stronger, faster, and more skilled. If you enjoy basketball, you have to enjoy what they have accomplished. I also think the freshman Aaron Craft is one of the best defensive players I've seen at Ohio State in a very long time. I think he's changed the whole complexion of some games."
