Tag: Ohio State vs. Maryland basketball

Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann defends Kaleb Wesson in response to Mark Turgeon’s “bully” comments

Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann responded to Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon’s comments about Kaleb Wesson being a bully on the court.

The Ohio State basketball team got a huge win against No. 7 Maryland on Sunday, one that will further cement its standing towards the Big Dance in March. It played composed, assertive, and with purpose in controlling the game throughout.

But there was a certain sound bite by Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon that got everyone’s attention after the game. When being asked about Ohio State big-man Kaleb Wesson’s play after the game, Turgeon compared him to a bully on the court — alluding to Wesson getting preferential treatment by the officials.

Head coach Chris Holtmann was asked about his thoughts on the comments made by Turgeon and had a tempered, yet pointed response to his Big Ten coaching colleague.

“He (Wesson) was described as being a bully,” asked Holtmann. “Mark said that? To each his own. His opinion can be his opinion. I thought Kaleb was physical and well within the rules, and played hard, played tough and played physical.”

Holtmann then dialed it up a bit, raising his voice a little in defense of his team’s best player. A guy that’s had to play through a lot of contact in a rough and tumble Big Ten.

“Listen, that kid (Wesson) has gotten pushed and shoved, and the number of times people have flopped on him throughout this year — he played well within the rules as he should have today. Kudos to him for that, because that can be frustrating.”

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There you have it. Of course coaches are going to have differing views based on what they see in defending their team, but both guys know what the Big Ten is about. You take it and dish it out in most cases.

Ohio State simply got the better of Maryland today, but it’s certainly something to watch if these two match up again in the postseason.

 

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Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon compares Kaleb Wesson to a bully postgame

Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon compared Kaleb Wesson to a bully when asked about his play after the Terps’ loss to the Buckeyes.

Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon was not happy after his team’s loss to Ohio State on the road, and he wasn’t pulling any punches after the game. Turgeon’s team was controlled through most of the contest, but got back into it late. Still the Buckeyes were able to hold on for a big 79-72 win, giving the Terrapins just their fourth loss in conference play.

Turgeon met with the media after the game and took offense to the way Ohio State big man Kaleb Wesson was able to operate down low in the post.

“Tonight he (Wesson) made his shots,” said Turgeon postgame. “His pick and pop. And I just thought he was allowed to be the bully offensively today. I mean, he stuck a forearm right into Stix’s chest twice. I guess you’re allowed to do that here in this building. He was allowed to be the bully — if he’s allowed to be the bully, he’s a heck of a player.”

Turgeon did walk those comment back just a bit, praising Wesson, but the comments will not play well to Ohio State fans and coaches.

“He (Wesson) was terrific. He scored around the basket. His defense was great, his ball-screen defense and recovery was really good.”

Someone might want to tell Turgeon that the officials are not employed by Ohio State, nor is this something that is only happening to Maryland. The calls went both ways, and Kaleb Wesson has had to deal with getting his fair share of bullying against him.

It all sounds a bit like sour grapes and the head coach of Maryland should know better. In his defense, Turgeon was quick to credit Ohio State for its play right when he sat down at the postgame press conference, but that will be overshadowed by what will be perceived as poor sportsmanship. This is the Big Ten, and it requires teams to put on the big boy pants.

It’s not fun to watch a lot of times, and Maryland has had a fantastic season being tough and playing through a lot of what this conference offers. However, it didn’t do it tonight, and that’s the real story here.

You can bet Chris Holtmann didn’t agree with these comments either.

 

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