The average student looking to play pick-up games at Ping Recreation Center expects to face similar opponents.
Sometimes, however, the opponent is much taller, a much better shooter and much more athletic than the average student.
Instead of dealing with someone who played junior varsity on their high school team, they have to face Ohio basketball players Steven Coleman, DeVaughn Washington and walk-on Adetunji Adedipe among others.
With their first tip off being months away, the Bobcat players don't just play for fun.
Our pick-up games
whether it's at Ping or open gym at The Convo are definitely intense Adedipe said. During the games
we have that killer instinct
but also respect each other as we play.
Adedipe credits pick-up games for taking his game to the next level.
There's always some good competition
he said. Guys don't hone in on your weaknesses
so I'm able to work on what I want without them knowing everything about my game.
The Bobcat players are able to play looser than normal. They also try to get better at aspects they wouldn't normally work on in practice.
Guys who don't normally handle the ball will bring the ball up
sophomore Tommy Freeman said. It definitely helps on that stuff we feel we need to work on.
On top of the skills gained from the pick-up games, the players also try to build camaraderie. They fix each other's mistakes, work through arguments and give praise. It's a way for them to build chemistry outside of a normal practice.
The games aren't what one might expect either. The players might try some moves they wouldn't normally pull, but it isn't done in excess. They said that they mostly use the games to become better for the upcoming season.
But bad habits can still form because they aren't under the observation of their coaches.
We might not play defense or run back like we normally would
Washington said. If they turn into bad habits
they're usually corrected fast when we get back into the swing of actual practice.
On top of bad habits, injury is always a concern.
Adedipe said he believes coach John Groce would understand if someone got hurt in a pick-up game.
I think coach would be a little upset if one of us got dinged up
he said. But probably not too bad since it would happen when we are hoping and getting better for next season.
