By Will Frasure
For most of the post-game conference, coach John Groce and Tommy Freeman sat and answered questions. Reggie Keely quietly sat on the side, a timid look on his face.
“Anybody got any questions for Reggie?” Groce laughingly said. “He’s just sitting up here. Anyone got anything for him?”
Keely then talked about rebounding and the game not being as much of a grinder at it appeared. He thoughtfully went through each answer and talked in a quiet tone.
Throughout the 2010 season, that’s how Keely has played. On the court, he’s looked a little nervous while his production has been limited while Ivo Baltic and DeVaughn Washington have grown into offensive forces.
On Wednesday, Keely stepped in for Baltic, who found himself in foul trouble early, and he looked like a different player. He banged for rebounds, banked home layups and took advantage of a weak Bowling Green post defense for nine points and 12 rebounds.
“As post players, we didn’t have it that first time against (Bowling Green),” Keely said. “We definitely picked it up a little bit here tonight.”
As a vaunted recruit out of University Heights, Keely started his freshman year in and out of the starting lineup and even played more than current starter Baltic. As time has gone on, however, Keely’s progress has stalled somewhat while Baltic has thrived.
Wednesday showed that Keely still possesses that potential that made him highly sought by many of the Mid-American Conference teams like Miami and Ohio.
He showed initiative and finesses with his post moves. Although he doesn’t possess the aggressiveness of Washington, he still showed a knack for coming down with the ball that hasn’t really been seen lately.
When talking about his contribution, Keely differed to his teammates doing well rather than his individual contributions.
For the timid guy at the end of the table, it was an expected response from the unexpected star.
“I’m pretty happy with my contribution,” Keely said. “But if I only got four points and two rebounds, I’d still be happy as long as we get that win.”