Honoring a team that does it the right way
After yesterday’s news about the culture of lies that surrounds Jim Tressel and the Ohio State football program, we need to take a moment to recognize a coach and an athletic program that truly does things the right way.
Congratulations are in order for Kent State basketball coach Geno Ford, who was named the Mid-American Conference’s Coach of the Year, and Justin Greene, the Flashes’ junior center, who was named Player of the Year in the MAC.
Ford took a team with only three returning players and repeated as MAC regular season champions, the first conference team to pull off the feat since Ball State in 1988-89. And he did it without being confused about doing what is right versus doing what is easy.
Seven times since 1999, KSU has had the MAC Coach of the Year – going to four different men.
Kent State has had 11 seasons of at least 20 victories in the last 12 years, five NCAA and five NIT appearances. They have had four coaches, and the worst record since 1999 was 19-15 in 2008-09, Ford’s first season.
And they’ve done it all without cutting corners or lying to their bosses.
Greene averaged 15.6 ppg and delivered 10 double doubles, including the last three games of the season.
The Flashes open conference tournament play Thursday night against Buffalo at the Q.
The Bulls are going to be a tough out, as the two teams have split their two regular-season games for the past three seasons.
But we’re confident the Flashes are going to get it done the right way. The Kent State way.
***
Remember Subbuteo? Sure you do.
EPL Talk reports there there is a documentary about the legendary table soccer game in the works and scheduled for release this year.
Definitely going in the Netflix queue.
***
Lonnie Chisenhall keeps doing his part to make it tough on Indians manager Manny Acta during spring training.
If he keeps it up, it will be interesting to see what the Indians will do. Because of their silly signing of Orlando Cabrera to play second base, the Indians are in a situation where they are trying force Jason Donald, a natural short stop to play third base, blocking Chisenhall.
Why the Indians don’t just go with an infield of Chisenhall at third, Donald and short and Asdrubal Cabrera at second is baffling.
***
Finally, good news from Terry Pluto, who reports that Joe Tait is hoping to be back calling the Cavs game on March 21.
Red Right 88 