Life in the Fast Lane: Buckeyes off to Hot Start
COLUMBUS — His name is Joey Lane. He’s 6’1” and 180 pounds. He’s a senior and he’s never started a game. In fact, the four freshmen this season might play more minutes than he has played his whole career. He won’t lead in any statistical category, but Joey Lane is the heart and soul of this team, and quite possibly the most important player in The Ohio State Basketball Program.
Why does a walk-on, who barely plays, mean so much to a team you might ask? It’s because of the camaraderie, energy, and dedication that he brings to the program, every single day. Notorious for getting students & fans fired up, waving his towel on the bench, and coining the infamous hashtag, #TowelGang on Twitter, Joey Lane has become a student and fan favorite here in Columbus.
“Everyone on this team has a role, and I take mine seriously. Coach Holtmann sees me as a leader and a captain and knows the impact I can have on this program, even if it’s not always on the court.”
It’s worth noting that the Buckeyes have gotten off to a hot start to begin the 2018–19 campaign. Sitting at 6–0 and №16 in the AP Poll, the Buckeyes host Syracuse on Wednesday, November 28th in the Schott. It will be the second edition of the annual free student game, where Lane anticipates a rowdy atmosphere.
“I’m not sure whose idea (the free student game) was, but I absolutely love it. My freshman and sophomore year, we weren’t very good and it was understandable for people not to show up. With the way we are playing, the Nuthouse is back and it’s my role to get students and fans fired up.”
Aside from welcoming Jim Boeheim and his crew into town, there is also much anticipation during this game for the return of Thad Matta, who is being honored during halftime for his achievements at the helm of The Ohio State Basketball Program. Coach Matta has the most wins in program history with 339, including two trips to the Final Four in 2007 and 2012.
“He means the world to me,” says Lane speaking of Matta, for whom he played for two seasons. “Who else would’ve given a small, Jewish kid from Chicago a shot at a program like Ohio State?”
If there’s one word that describes Joey Lane, it’s gratitude. He is thankful for the opportunity to be here, and will never take being a Buckeye for granted.
“I could’ve gone to a Division III school and played, but that’s a four year commitment. Coming to Ohio State is a forty year commitment. This is something I will carry with me. Being a Buckeye will benefit me for the rest of my life.”
When asked what his plans are after he graduates, he said he would love a career in sports. He hopes he can go into coaching, but hasn’t thought much about it. His focus is here and now, and doing whatever it takes to help his team make a run this season. He loves his teammates and coaches, and believes the sky’s the limit for this program.
“Our goal is to win a Big Ten Championship, and get a ring. If we get it going in March, there’s no question we have the talent to make a deep run at it in the tournament.”
The future for Joey Lane and Ohio State Basketball looks promising. As for now, they have a tough test ahead on Wednesday against Syracuse, as they look to go 7–0 on the year. Syracuse, with its patented 2–3 zone defense and a team that averages 6’7” in height, should present a stern test. Tipoff will be 7:00 P.M. ET from Value City Arena, with TV coverage on ESPN2.
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