Perhaps nothing brings the sporting brotherhood together quite like an Ohio State vs. Michigan contest. If the Wolverines were playing the Buckeyes in Backgammon, it would still be hotly contested, but the emotions are the highest in football and basketball.
So, it’s no wonder Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day showed up at the Schott to watch the Buckeyes down the Wolverines in hoops Sunday. He had to be proud of the effort OSU put together against a ranked team, but he didn’t stop there. Day reportedly found his way to the locker room after the game to congratulate the team.
And according to Chris Holtmann, Day had a special message to freshman power forward E.J. Liddell.
“I told you Ryan Day came back in the locker room after the game (against Michigan), and I think he had a great way — he actually looked at E.J. and said ‘hey listen, I see you getting better.’ I think Ryan watches a lot of our games, just like I watch all of his games.”
Ryan Day celebrated in the victorious Ohio State locker room Sunday after the Michigan game. Chris Holtmann said Day singled out E.J. Liddell, complimented the freshman on his season-long improvement.
"I see you getting better," Day said.
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) March 6, 2020
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So what did Lidell do the following game out? How about throwing down a double-double of seventeen points and eleven rebounds. It was by far his best game since coming to Ohio State, and surely most of it has to do with him being coached up by Holtmann and the staff, and the growing and development that has to occur in big-time college basketball.
But then again, maybe it was a little bit of the reassurance and push Lidell needs from someone outside of the program. Especially someone that recognizes and cultivates greatness. I mean, it sure looks like whatever Day touches turns to gold, and this is another example.
Now, there’s sure to still be some up and down moments for a freshman figuring it all out in the big, bad Big Ten, but if you look at the beginning of the conference season until now, there’s no denying that Lidell is starting to figure it out. You can bet we’ll see performances like this more consistently moving forward.
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