The return of Thad Matta to the Schottenstein Center
COLUMBUS- With more then a decade worth of coaching here at Ohio State, Thad Matta will make his return during Wednesday nights game against Syracuse. The Buckeyes currently are number 1 in the NCAA NET college basketball rankings and undefeated on the season so far sitting 6–0. In a press conference held on Tuesday the head coach Chris Holtmann along with C.J. Jackson and Keyshawn Woods answered some questions regarding Wednesdays game and coach Matta’s return.
Thad Matta has one of the most impressive records during his coaching career with the buckeyes. Overall he was 337–123 (.733 win percentage) over his 13 seasons as head coach. Before coming to Ohio State, Thad also coached one season for the Butler Bulldogs and three seasons for the Xavier Musketeers where he led both teams into the NCAA tournament.
During the press conference the junior guard, C.J. Jackson, was asked how he feels about Thad Matta his old coach returning and what emotions that will bring for him.
“That’s actually news to me I didn’t know that, obviously I believe and think highly of him just wanting to come and play for him is really exciting just to see him again since the summer when we had the games earlier in the summer we saw him and just to see him again would be unbelievable and I'm excited.”
C.J. Jackson played for Thad Matta during his first season at Ohio State. It is clear that he had no idea that he was returning until that question but his response shows that Thad was and still is a respected figure in the Ohio State Basketball Program.
Coach Chris Holtmann has been the head coach for the Buckeyes for the past two seasons. He stepped in after Thad stepped down from the head coaching position. When asked why they have Thad Matta returning so soon and why this game.
“Well we asked him and it was his choice, the game was his choice. Gene had mentioned it awhile back really about wanting to bring Thad and his family back and we had talked a little bit about it last year but we thought the timing was better this year and we just can understand Thad wanted his family here and his daughters here and we said hey whatever game you want we will make it work.”
The choice of when Thad was returning was entirely up to him personally. It is clear that it is very important to him to have his family there.
Holtmann was then asked immediately after about how he feels about having the coach he replaced coming back so soon and if it would be awkward.
“No none what so ever, Thad and his family and I include his family because I feel like all of us who know coaches know that your wife and your kids go through the joys the highs and the lows as much as you do and they are deserving of being recognized as well.”
Chris Holtmann believes that it won’t be weird having Thad Matta back so soon and that he is very deserving of this due to all that he gave to the program.
This game is not only a return for Thad Matta but is also the student night game. The Ohio State Buckeyes will be hosting Syracuse on November 28th at the Schott in Columbus. It will for sure be a can’t miss game.
