Though it won’t count in the record books, Saturday’s exhibition game holds a sentimental meaning
Ultimately, the result of Ohio’s exhibition against Division III Marietta College will have no impact on the upcoming season.
Whether the Bobcats win or lose Saturday, it’ll be fans’ first look at actual competition from a team filled with hype since coach Saul Phillips was hired in April. He might be the most excited for the season to get underway.
“Saturday does mean a lot to me because it’s my first game and I don’t want to lose in this building. I’m still undefeated here,” Phillips said.
Phillips, who came to Ohio from North Dakota State, has witnessed Division III basketball before as a four-year player at Wisconsin-Platteville. Although Saturday’s competition won’t go into the official record books, the programs have met 92 times before during the regular season.
“I played Division III and I know what it’ll mean for those Marietta kids to come over here,” Phillips said. “I expect them to come at us pretty good.”
Marietta, which is less than an hour drive from Athens, was scheduled purposely in anticipation of a large crowd as it also falls during Dads Weekend for Ohio students. Wednesday night a few thousand students and other fans filed into The Convo for “Bobcat Madness” to build excitement by introducing the team, scrimmaging and holding a dunk contest.
Although the first game against Appalachian State isn’t until Nov. 15, Phillips said the core of his schemes have been instilled into his team and more will be added as the season goes on.
Phillips hasn’t yet won or even coached an official game at Ohio. He, however, has already won over Bobcats faithful with his fun, friendly coaching style.
“We can get better, we can work hard, we can try to kick people’s butts all with a smile on our face,” Phillips said. “It’s not that hard. You coach to your personality. I’m one of happiest guys you’ll ever meet. That’s not fake, that’s just who I am.”
Phillips wants basketball to be fun but realizes it’s a lot easier to have fun when a team is winning.
Not only has he won over fans, but he has also made Ohio players excited. Stevie Taylor, a senior guard, said he never knows what to expect with Phillips but he loves his energy. Taylor, set to begin his fourth season under this third coach with the Bobcats, wants to soak in every possible moment of his final year.
“I think it’s going to be packed,” Taylor said. “I think it’ll be a good test for us to get out there in play in front of a big crowd and get us tuned up for the first game the 15th.
“It may not count in the record but it’s an opportunity for us to come out and play hard.”
@chadlindskog
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