The Ohio University men’s basketball team will begin their 2011 Mid-American Conference play  in familiar territory, at home against arch-rival Miami in the 188th Battle of the Bricks.

Conference play will open at home on Jan. 9 as the 2010 MAC Tournament champion Bobcats look to defend their title as well as add a regular-season crown to their possession.

“We are very excited about this upcoming season,” third-year head coach John Groce said in a statement released by the team. “The MAC is one of the toughest leagues in America and it’s going to be another extremely competitive season. Our team is looking forward to the opportunity of playing for a regular-season title and having a chance to repeat as conference-tournament champions.”

The game against Miami is the first of eight home games that will be played at the Convo in 2011.

The Bobcats will also face Kent State (Jan. 15), Buffalo (Jan. 22), Eastern Michigan (Jan. 26), Northern Illinois (Feb. 5), Toledo (Feb. 9), Bowling Green (Feb. 23) and Akron on Senior Night (March 1), at home in 2011.

“The Convo is an outstanding venue and we are truly fortunate to have the best fans in the nation supporting us at every home game,” Groce said. “To be able to play in front of our home crowd 18 times during the regular season, counting our non-conference schedule, will be extremely beneficial to us during the 2010-11 season.”

Ohio will finish the 2010-2011 MAC campaign the same way it began, against conference-foe Miami, only this time in Oxford.

Groce’s squad will also face tough road tests at Akron, Bowling Green, Ball State, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Buffalo and Kent State.

The Bobcats finished 2009-2010 MAC play at 7-9 before catching fire and winning the MAC Tournament.

For the Bobcat’s complete schedule for the 2010-2011 season, visit ohiobobcats.com.

RO137807@ohio.edu – Twitter: @Rob_Ogden

Former Ohio State guard Walter Offutt chose Ohio over Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

By Rob Ogden

According to multiple sources, former Ohio State guard Walter Offutt has decided to transfer to Ohio University and will reunite with the man that helped recruit him to Ohio State, John Groce.

Offutt, a four-star guard coming out of high school, chose Ohio over Indiana, where he would not have been eligible to receive a scholarship since Big Ten transfer regulations do not allow a player to receive a scholarship from two different Big Ten schools.

Offutt was however offered a scholarship by Ohio. An extra scholarship opened up after junior guard Armon Bassett decided to keep his name in the NBA draft last week.

Offutt played sparingly in his only full season at Ohio State before transferring to Wright State where we sat out the remainder of the season.

It remains to be seen when Offutt will become eligible to play for the Bobcats.

RO137807@ohio.edu – Twitter: @Rob_Ogden

By Rob Ogden

Former Ohio State guard Walter Offutt will transfer to either Ohio or Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Former Ohio State guard Walter Offutt is on the move again, and this time Ohio University could be his destination.

After playing sparingly in the first two games of last season with Ohio State, Offutt transferred to Wright State where he sat out the remainder of the season due to NCAA transfer regulations.

The 6’3’’ guard out of Indianapolis was beginning his sophomore year at Ohio State before a lack a playing time caused him to leave the program.

After Wright State head coach Brad Brownell took the job at Clemson, Offutt again decided to transfer schools. This time he is deciding between Ohio and Indiana.

Since Big Ten transfer rules do not allow a player to receive a scholarship from two different Big Ten schools, Offutt would be forced to walk on to the Indiana program should that be where he decides to go.

However, Offutt would be able to receive a scholarship from Ohio, and the coaching staff has reportedly offered one.

An extra scholarship became available for the Bobcats last week when Armon Bassett announced he would keep his name in the NBA Draft.

Coming out of high school, Offutt was ranked as a four-star player by Rivals.com and the number 24 player at his position nationally.

In his only full season at Ohio State, Offutt was limited to just under five minutes and less than one point per game.

“Ohio State has some pretty good two guards in Buford, Lighty and Diebler so it’s not easy to find playing time,” said Brain Snow, recruiting analyst for Scout.com.

Offutt also may have been limited by knee injuries he suffered in high school, although Offutt has said the knees no longer ail him.

“He says he’s fine, so I guess we have to take him at his word,” Snow said. “His last knee injury took place during his senior year, and he hasn’t had any problems since.”

If Offutt does decide to come to Ohio, he will be reunited with the man that helped recruit him to Ohio State, John Groce.

Offutt could also bring a lot to a team that will be looking to replace its leading scorer from a year ago.

He’s athletic, a good defender, and he can score going to the rim,” Snow said. “He would most likely play at the two position, but he could spell D.J. Cooper at times. He can pass and make plays.”

The biggest question surrounding Offutt wherever he decides to play will be his eligibility.

According to Tricia Turley, Ohio University Associate Athletic Director for Compliance & Student Services, anytime a Division I athlete transfers from one four-year school to another, the student must sit out a full academic year at that institution before becoming eligible to play.

“If a student-athlete transfers in for Fall Quarter, they become eligible for competition after the last day of exams of next Spring Quarter,” she said.

In the case of Offutt, he would technically not be eligible to play until the fall of 2011. However, these situations are often determined on a case-by-case basis.

Offutt is scheduled to visit Ohio on Saturday and will make his decision by next Monday.

RO137807@ohio.edu – Twitter: @Rob_Ogden

By Rob Ogden

Ohio's Armon Bassett will not withdrawal his name from the NBA Draft (Image: Brian Snyder / Reuters)

Despite the wide belief that another year in school could greatly benefit Ohio’s Armon Bassett, the junior guard has officially decided to forgo his senior season and will not withdrawal his name from the NBA Draft.

Bassett was the Bobcats leading point scorer this past season and made a national name for himself in the NCAA Tournament when he dropped 32 points on Georgetown in a 14 point drubbing of a team many experts picked to reach the final four.

Bassett was also named the Mid-American Conference Tournament MVP after averaging 29 points in Ohio’s four games. His 116 points in the tournament set a MAC record.

However, a bevy of off-the-court issues as well as strength concerns have led many to believe another year in Athens could only help the Terre Haute Ind. native.

ESPN.com ranked Bassett as the 106th best prospect in a draft that has only 60 picks. According to the site, Bassett is projected as a second round to undrafted player.

In Chad Ford’s evaluation of the underclassmen that declared for the draft, he listed Bassett under the category “Run back to school.”

Another factor working against Bassett is his age. After transferring twice during his college career, the 6-2 combo guard is already 23 years old. Bassett began his career at Indiana but left the program after head coach Kelvin Sampson was fired for NCAA violations. He then transferred to UAB but left for Ohio before ever suiting up for the Blazers.

There’s no doubt Bassett has some pure talent. As a sophomore at Indiana, Bassett was named third-team All-Big Ten after leading the conference in three-point field goal percentage (45.4). He’s quick, has deep range on his jumper and is widely considered as a very tough competitor.

As unlikely as I think it is that Bassett gets drafted, I will definitely be rooting for him. If he does get picked, it will be late. If he goes unselected, Bassett could try to sign as an undrafted free agent or look to play professionally in a differnt league.

“I feel like after the run we had and the exposure we received, I’m ready to take this next step in my professional career,” Bassett said. “After speaking with Coach Groce and my family, this is the best thing for me. I’ve enjoyed representing Ohio and I will always have great memories of what we were able to accomplish.”

Bassett entered his name into the draft last month but did not hire an agent, leaving his options open should he have decided to come back to school.

The NBA Draft is set to take place June 24 at Madison Square Garden.

RO137807@ohio.edu – Twitter: @Rob_Ogden

Ethan Jacobs will join the Bobcats next fall and will look to add size to the lineup. - Image: Scout.com

By Rob Ogden

In his time at Tipton High School in Tipton, Ind., Ethan Jacobs was known for his aggressive defense and his ability to attack the boards.

The 6-10 center is versatile for someone of his size and was a good pickup for coach John Groce and his staff. In an exclusive interview, the future Bobcat talks about why he decided to commit to Ohio and what he expects his role to be next year.

RO: What were the deciding factors in your decision to commit to Ohio?

EJ: My deciding factors were the coaches made me feel at home (I thought they really cared about my self development) the players were talented and friendly, and the campus is really beautiful.

RO: What do you expect to bring to the team next fall?

EJ: I just want to help Ohio win games.

RO: With the departure of big-man Kenneth Van Kempen, Ohio has a large hole to fill at the post position. Do you expect to step into that position and what do you expect your role to be with the team?

EJ: Yes, I would like to fill the hole of Kenneth. If I get stronger, I believe that I can easily do that. I think my role would be defense and rebounding because there are a lot of scorers on the team already.

RO: What’s the biggest part of your game you want to improve on heading into your college career?

EJ: The biggest part of my game I want to improve is strength and speed.

RO: Did you get to see much of the Bobcats during their tournament run and if so, did that get you excited about next season?

EJ: Yes, I watched them everytime they were on TV and I followed them a lot during the season through the internet. Them beating Georgetown made me really excited for the upcoming season because the team is very well coached.

Look for the third and fianl interview in the series with  Covington, Ky. guard Ricardo Johnson in the coming days.

For the complete interview with incoming point guard Nick Kellogg, click here: http://www.collegesportsfeed.com/question-and-answer-with-future-bobcat-nick-kellogg/

RO137807@ohio.edu – Twitter: @Rob_Ogden

Nick Kellogg will look to help Ohio make another tournament run next season - JJHuddle

By Rob Ogden

In an exclusive interview with the son of former Ohio State great and current CBS analyst Clark Kellogg, Nick Kellogg talked about why he committed to the Bobcats and what he will bring to the Ohio team next year.

A three-star point guard according to Rivals.com, Kellogg led his St. Francis DeSales team to back-to-back state Final Fours and averaged just under 20 points per game as a senior. Nick’s brother Alex will also become eligible to play for Ohio next season after transferring from Providence.

RO: What were the deciding factors in your decision to commit to Ohio?

NK: First and foremost, it was primarily coach Groce. They were the first to offer me and they showed strong interest. I liked his character and I liked his approach. I felt like he really wanted me.

RO: Did the opportunity to play with your brother make signing with Ohio an easier decision?

NK: Yeah it made it easier. The coaches came to our house and made us feel really comfortable. When they offered me, they mentioned they had an open scholarship and were looking for a transfer.

RO: So you were offerd before Alex decided to transfer?

NK: Yeah, they offered me first.

RO: What attributes do you expect to bring to the team next fall?

NK: I talked to my high school coach and he wants me to be a leader. They’ve got some good guards so I’m not looking for a huge role yet but I want to be a leader and bring energy.

RO: With D.J. Cooper solidifying himself at the point guard position last year, where do you expect to fit in with the team and what do you expect to be your role?

NK: I’ve been playing point guard all through high school expect for my freshman year. I’m comfortabe with the position and I perfer the one, but I can also play the two. Maybe I could play some at both like I did this past year with Adam Griffin (the son of two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin) or I could play a combo guard. I can bring it up or play off the ball.

RO: What’s the biggest part of your game you want to improve on heading into your college career?

NK: I want to be a knock-down shooter. And I want to work on being a more consistent three-point shooter. Instead of shooting in the low-thiry percents from three, maybe I can shoot in the high-thirties to low-forties. I think that would add a lot to my game.

RO: Did you get to see much of the Bobcats during their tournament run, and if so, did that get you excited about the potential for next season?

NK: Absolutely. I didnt get to see the Georgetown game because I was playing in the tournament.

RO: That game was here at OU, correct?

NK: Yeah it was at the Convo against Logan Elm. So I didn’t get to see the game but I saw all the highlights. It really gets me excited. They’ve got a lot of talent coming back with the only senior being Kenneth Van Kempen. Maybe we can win another (Mid-American Conference) championship and make another tounrament run next year.

For more on a star-studded class of Ohio basketball recruits look for interviews with future Bobcats Ricardo Johnson and Ethan Jacobs in the coming days.

RO137807@ohio.edu – Twitter: @Rob_Ogden