Ohio men's basketball associate head coach John Rhodes completed his second season at the position this past year and his seventh overall season on the Bobcat sideline. After a recent stint in Florida recruiting with coach Tim O'Shea, Rhodes took the time to shoot the breeze with The Post's Nick Miller.
The Post: How was recruiting in Florida?
Rhodes: It was a good trip. Coach and I were able to see another geographic area than we are used to because there are still a lot of kids out there.
The Post: Have the rumors of O'Shea leaving and his getting offers for other jobs affected you or the team in any way?
Rhodes: It speaks well of the program; we must be doing something right. Coach spoke to the team before we left and he told everyone what was happening and addressed the rumors. I mean he is still here.
The Post: Have you thought about going to the next level?
Rhodes: All the time. That is the goal, to be a head coach, but it is all about timing and an opportunity.
The Post: What are your thoughts on the NCAA Tournament this year and mid-major teams like George Mason?
Rhodes: You look at GM and teams like them, there is starting to be a lot of parity in college basketball and it makes it more exciting and more fun.
The Post: Think it could help a school like Ohio and the MAC?
Rhodes: Absolutely, and for a conference like ours there are a lot of good teams, but they get overlooked. We'd like to get a buzz going, but I think at the mid-major level things work in cycles like this year with the MVC. One conference moves up above the others but the rest don't fall that far behind.
The Post: Any new music you into?
Rhodes: For the most part I like to stay hip with what's going so I know what our guys are into and because it can help in the recruiting world. You never know, sometimes you can make a connection with a kid through music so I like to stay on top of it all.
The Post: What do you do to relax after long days or rough games?
Rhodes: If I really want to wind down and get into solitude, I'll watch my fish and spend time at my aquariums.
The Post: What all does that include?
Rhodes: I like to raise fish. I can get into my own little world and just enjoy my three aquariums ' a 90 gallon, a 55 gallon and a 30 gallon. My pride and joy are my discus fish. They are rare and hard to keep going, but I keep them going and work on my tanks and keep my plants strong and vibrant. It's a nice centerpiece to my house.
The Post: What got you into this?
Rhodes: Watching my dad and being the fat home-body kid. I'd just sit there with my Suzie Qs and watch them all day. I was one of those guys, but my dad also raised Angel fish, and I always thought it was neat.
17 Archives
Nick Miller
