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‘This
program is primed to win’
New men’s basketball coach shooting for
quick, balanced team
Interview
by George Mauzy
Talking to Tim O’Shea, you get the sense the new men’s
basketball coach already is one of Ohio University’s biggest
fans. The players, the academics, the facilities — all top-notch,
he boasts.
The feeling is mutual.
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Rick
Fatica
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| Director
of Athletics Thomas Boeh introduces Tim O’Shea as Ohio
University’s new men’s basketball coach at a March
news conference. |
“Tim O’Shea
is a perfect, perfect fit for Ohio University,” says Director
of Athletics Thomas Boeh. “He has an enormous ability to find
basketball talent. He also is a great floor coach.”
O’Shea, 39, was an assistant coach at Yale from 1986 to 1988
and Rhode Island from 1988 to 1997. When head coach Al Skinner left
Rhode Island for Boston College in 1997, he lured O’Shea to
BC to serve as associate head coach. This past season, Boston College
went 27-5, earning a No. 3 seed in the NCAA East Regional.
O’Shea succeeds Larry Hunter, who was let go after 12 seasons
with the Bobcats.
Originally from Wayland, Mass., O’Shea played guard at Boston
College, which made it to the Elite Eight once and Sweet 16 twice
during his four seasons. He has a bachelor’s in speech communication
and a master’s in counseling psychology from Boston College.
He and his wife, Elizabeth, have a daughter, Madeleine, 2.
Shortly after his March 29 appointment, the coach shared these thoughts
in an interview with Ohio Today:
Why is this a good job for Tim O’Shea?
This is a great job because it has tremendous potential. I’m
at a program that in terms of facilities alone is every bit a Big
Ten Conference program. We have a great arena, weight room and locker
room and a first-class university. Everything about Ohio University
makes it a big-time situation, and we have some serious competitive
advantages over most MAC schools. When you get a chance to come
into a situation like this, it’s a no-brainer.
Can you share some thoughts on becoming
a head coach?
Every assistant coach in America wants to be a head coach, but I
wasn’t going to take a job where I couldn’t win. This
program has been successful, is primed to win and is just looking
for a little more success.
Why was it important to you to sign a seven-year
contract?
All coaches want security. I was in a good position to negotiate
because I had a great job. The seven-year contract underscores that
I’m the right guy and they’re not just bringing me in
here because they have a good team. They want me to build a great
program.
What style of play can we expect?
In the half-court game we will play sensible, look for mismatches,
go to our strengths and play team basketball. I want five guys scoring
in double figures. This has always been a game of quickness; height
is overrated. I also like the 3-point shot, because it’s easy
to make and it’s worth 50 percent more.
How about your recruiting philosophies?
Ohio University is an easy sell, so I see no reason why our recruiting
base has to stay in Ohio. This school has big-time facilities and
a great academic center and plays in a great conference. We must
identify our recruiting niche, get the top players in that niche
and work on player development.
What is your impression of the players?
The players were great when I met them, and they have a desire to
win and do well. They seem very excited about next season. As far
as playing time, it will be a fair and open competition.
What thoughts can you share with alumni?
All that really matters is how the team represents the University
on and off the court. We will have a team that plays hard, plays
with passion and is always ready to compete.
George Mauzy is a media specialist with Ohio University Media Services.
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