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PF Evan Mahaffey (Official Thread)

CONTINUING TO CONTRIBUTE IN MYRIAD WAYS FOR OHIO STATE, EVAN MAHAFFEY POSTS HIS BEST OFFENSIVE PERFORMANCE THIS SEASON AGAINST MIAMI (OHIO)​

By Andy Anders on December 7, 2023 at 8:35 am @andyanders55
Evan Mahaffey

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network
The depth of Ohio State’s scoring against Miami (Ohio) was truly a magnificent sight, but hidden at the bottom of the six Buckeyes who scored in double figures is a player who struggled to find his offense with the team up until Wednesday.
Evan Mahaffey posted 10 points for Ohio State on 4-of-7 shooting during the Buckeyes' 84-64 win over the RedHawks, adding four rebounds, an assist, a block and two steals.
“I think with Evan, he’s just got to keep growing in some areas,” Holtmann said. “It’s good to see him finish a couple plays, for him, just to see him make a couple shots. But again, he can’t tie himself to that. The group he’s in typically has three or four scorers on the floor. He needs to be able to play off those guys and his effort needs to be a constant.”

The high 57.1% mark from the field is a welcome development from the Penn State transfer, regardless of the point producers he plays alongside.
Mahaffey was shooting just 22.6% through the Buckeyes’ first eight games, including a 0-for-5 ledger behind the arc. He shot a combined 3-for-23 across Ohio State’s last five contests.
But if he can enjoy efficient shooting nights like he had against Miami and couple it with the roles he’s been fulfilling for the team in other areas – ballhandling, passing and defense – it will be another weapon in a growing Ohio State arsenal as it enters Big Ten play.
“It felt great,” Mahaffey said. “I think not putting my head down is a big thing. Just keep working, just keep trying to contribute in other areas. I feel like those are some of the best things I do on the court, just contribute in different areas.”
It’s certainly not as though Mahaffey needs to be the go-to scorer for Ohio State.
Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Jamison Battle have all proven more than capable of racking up points when the Buckeyes’ starting lineup needs them, now averaging 18.7, 14.7 and 13.9 points per game, respectively. It’s just that when Mahaffey does get looks, it is of course better that he knocks them down.
Holtmann said that he liked Mahaffey’s shot selection against the RedHawks after stating on Tuesday that Mahaffey had been taking a few bad “walled-up” attempts in the post of late.
“He’s not strong enough right now if he goes up against a 6-7, 6-8 kid. He really needs to be able to use his quickness and length right now to get an angle and score vs. a walled-up finish,” Holtmann said. “I think overall he was pretty good with it (tonight).”

Mahaffey credited his improved shooting to a maintained belief in himself and the time he’d been putting into his craft.
“One of the biggest things within these last few games is just being constant in my faith,” Mahaffey said. “My faith in the Lord, but also within my game as well. I think sometimes I get in my head a lot. I know other players do too. But just being able to stay consistent in what I do, the work that I put in with my coaching staff, and knowing that eventually shots will fall.”

 
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A BUCKEYE NATION. Ohio State men's basketball forward Evan Mahaffey's dad, Jamie, is a revered father and coach in Cincinnati. Last week, community member Butch Carter revealed Jamie needs a heart transplant to combat advanced heart failure. Carter recently started a GoFundMe to raise money for the operation.

On his GoFundMe page, Carter asked those who know and love Jamie to donate to the campaign. Here, I'll extend Carter's request to Buckeye Nation:

Dear Community Member,
Today, I write to you not just as an organizer, but as a member of a community deeply touched by the Mahaffey family. Jamie Mahaffey, a revered father and coach, is in a crucial fight against advanced heart failure, and we are reaching out for your support through our GoFundMe campaign.
Jamie's life story is one of dedication and impact. A former basketball player at Miami University, he has been a pillar in the sports community, notably leading North College Hill to three state titles. His influence extends beyond his own achievements, with his children embodying the same spirit of excellence and determination. Danielle, his daughter, shone as an honorable mention All-American volleyball player at Tennessee, while his sons Evan and Eric continue to make waves in Ohio's basketball scene.
This campaign is more than a fundraiser; it's a testament to a family that has given so much to teaching, education and sports to our community. The financial strain due to Jamie's medical needs are serious, including the costs associated with his LVAD and ongoing heart transplant, is immense. By contributing, you are not only helping to ease this burden but also honoring a family's legacy in education, sports and community service.
We ask you to consider donating to our GoFundMe or Facebook page. Every dollar raised will directly support Jamie's medical expenses and assist the Mahaffey family during this challenging time. Your generosity can truly make a difference in their lives.
Please visit the GoFundMe link provided, contribute what you can, and share this appeal with others. For more information or to offer further assistance, feel free to reach out to me directly.
Thank you for your kindness and support. Together, we can be a formidable team in aiding Jamie and Robyn Mahaffey and their family through this journey.
As it stands, Carter's campaign has raised over $10,000 for the Mahaffey family. The goal is for the campaign to surpass $100,000 in total donations.
 
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