Timing was right for Matta to leave OSU

0

After 13 years on the job as the Ohio State men’s basketball coach, it was time for Thad Matta to move along.

Matta had a great run as the Buckeyes’ coach, but he was undone by the high expectations he had established early in his reign.

Ohio State struggled the last couple of seasons as the talent pool ran dry.

Four out of five players from his 2015 recruiting class transferred to other schools, and it showed on the court as the Buckeyes went 17-15 this past season and failed to even make the NIT.

On the positive side, Matta’s teams at Ohio State won 20 or more games in his first 12 seasons – although that statistic was bolstered by playing weak non-league schedules.

OSU did reach two Final Fours during Matta’s tenure, and he will leave the program as its all-time winningest coach.

Matta is also plagued by chronic back problems, so this seems to be the perfect time for him to step aside.

As OSU Athletic Director Gene Smith said on Monday: “I think it’s the right thing for our program at the right time.”

––––

Newly-hired Urbana University men’s basketball coach Nick Dials’ uncle is current Sidney High School boys basketball coach John Willoughby.

Willoughby played point guard for Miami University in the early 1980s.

––––

Trivia Time – After playing for the Cincinnati Royals, Oscar Robertson finished his NBA career as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

This week’s question – Where did Thad Matta begin his career as a college basketball head coach?

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2017/06/web1_stevestoutmug.jpg

By Steve Stout

[email protected]

Reach Steve Stout at 652-1331 (ext. 1776) or on Twitter @udcstout

No posts to display