| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
One wore a preppy grey sweater, the other a tie with a white button-down shirt. Both players took their places on the sideline last Sunday against Miami, and both players could only watch as their teammates ran out of steam and fell to their arch-rival in triple overtime.
Ohio transfer students Walter Offutt and Jon Smith cannot play at all in 2011, in concordance with NCAA rules. The rules require that transferred students sit out a season before playing under a new Division I program.
But to Ohio men’s Head Coach John Groce, these benched players are still highly valuable to the Bobcats’ success in 2011.
“What we try to get them to understand is that they have an extra year that most guys don’t have,” said Groce. “And they can use that to their advantage to develop their skills and become stronger.”
Offutt and Smith attend every game, play hard every practice, and do twice as much weight lifting as those who are playing in games.
“They are expected to know the other team’s offense and defense and try to simulate that to the best of their ability in practice,” said Groce.
The benchwarmers establish roles for themselves in practice and before games, helping players stretch and boosting the team’s morale.
“On the bench, I try to be a motivator,” said Offutt. “I try to tell the younger guys what they need to look for before the game. I text them my thoughts after the game too.”
Offutt, a junior, played at Ohio State before coming to Athens. The guard played in 25 games, including three Big Ten tournaments, and averaged five minutes a game. He said he hopes to get more playing time with the Bobcats, especially coming from a Big Ten school.
“The biggest thing that Walter brings to our team is toughness, consistent effort, and just a ferocious, nasty mentality on the court,” said Groce. “And off the court, he’s always a guy you can count on.”
Coach Groce does more than “count on” Offutt. He demands that the 6’3” guard be a leader.
“I think there’s an expectation here that our guys give great effort and they play hard all the time, and they fall right in line with that,” said Groce. “Walter in particular knows no other way. He actually elevates the play of the guys with his disposition, his leadership, his voice and his intensity in practice.”
He expects no less from the former St. Louis University forward Jon Smith.
“If you don’t give 100 percent to your team, even when you’re not playing, then you’re not giving to your team,” said Smith. “Whether we win or lose, its important for me to be active.”
Coach Groce said the team nicknamed Smith “Slinky,” and he is “one of the longest players” he’s ever coached. Known for his wingspan and knack for blocking shots at St. Louis University, Smith said he tries his best to challenge his teammates in practice.
“I think the most important identity for a guy who’s sitting on the bench is being an energy guy for the team,” said Smith. “That means clapping, standing up, cheering for your teammates.”
In the Miami game on Sunday, freshman T.J. Hall nailed a three to tie the score late in the game. Smith stood up, and Offutt raised his arms as if to cue the crowd’s deafening roar.
“You can watch our bench on film,” said Coach Groce. “They do a good job getting up when we have an exciting play or a great effort play. Those guys are always up and always encouraging.”
No matter how hard he claps, however, Smith said it doesn’t take away from the perpetual desire to compete.
“Honestly, it’s rough. Playing a game is the best part about basketball,” said Smith. “But as bad as it is having to sit on the bench and having to watch these games, it’s just as great seeing your teammates compete. It’s bittersweet.”
Coach Groce called it “a great deal of sacrifice.” But he also said sacrifice has its benefits.
He mentioned college basketball legend John Wooden, a coach who won 10 NCAA Championships, most in the late 1960s to early 70s. Coach Groce said Wooden stressed player development on and off the court and suggested that all college basketball players should sit out their freshman year in order to “get academically acclimated.”
“In this sense, we look at it as a tremendous advantage for the guys who are sitting out, rather than a crutch,” said Groce.
