Ten Questions With Thad Matta
Head coach Thad Matta will be entering his second season at the helm of the Ohio State Men's Basketball program.
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June 28, 2005
What surprised you the most when you got to Ohio State?
The passion and enthusiasm that our fans have for The Ohio State University. I think the commitment to athletics and well being of our student athletes is great.
What's the biggest difference between basketball in the Atlantic 10 and the Big Ten?
The arenas that you go into and the crowds and the television exposure that the Big Ten gets. You've got tremendous state universities that have a great backing and it makes it challenging to go on the road.
How long did it take you to decide you were going to shoot a three and go for the win against Illinois?
Not very long, it was a play that we had worked on in practice. It was something that I felt with 12.1 seconds left we had a chance to get an offensive rebound if the shot didn't go in. Sylvester had made the shot in practice the week before, so that was the play we went with.
If time is running down and you're down by two, out of all the players you've ever coached, who takes the shot?
Matt Sylvester or David West.
Who is the toughest player you've ever had to try to stop on an opposing team?
Sheldon Williams. His size and his skill level made him such a load to handle.
Of all the coaches you've coached against, who do you have the most respect for?
Mike Krzyzewski. Just from the fact of how he has built the Duke program into a perennial power house and he built it from the bottom up and has done a tremendous job.
Who is the hardest working player you have ever coached?
Je'Kel Foster.
What is the best part about coaching Ohio State basketball?
It's such an honor to be the coach at The Ohio State University. I think this is one of the greatest jobs in the country, and I feel like one of the most blessed people in the world.
What is the most exciting game you've ever been a part of either as a player or a coach?
The Illinois game. With what our players had to deal with this year, to have the opportunity to play the number one team in the country on our home court after the coaching change and post-season ban, on national television, it was amazing. I think we'll be able to look back on that game and say it was pivotal for our program.
What are your feelings on the 19-year-old age minimum in the NBA?
I think that in some ways it simplifies recruiting because the element of whether they are going to college or not has been decreased. College is a great training ground for life in so many areas. To get kids there for a year or two helps shape and mold them for the future.
