OSU basketball notebook: Boosting the home crowd
BY KELLY HINES World Sports Writer
Thursday, December 06, 2012
12/06/12 at 2:38 AM
OSU put together a mini-campaign to increase student attendance Wednesday, the first of six straight home games. Stars Marcus Smart and Le'Bryan Nash passed out fliers in the student union Wednesday, and coach Travis Ford was there Monday and Tuesday encouraging students to buy tickets.
The student sections behind each goal were filled in the lower level. After the game, Ford went over to the students, high-fived several and thanked them for coming. Several players did the same.
Ford said a raucous crowd at Virginia Tech on Saturday prompted him to start the campaign to get more students at the game.
"(OSU's students) were here early and they were loud," Ford said. " ... Hopefully they enjoyed watching us win and hopefully we can continue to get some fans at the games."
Injury update: Swingman Brian Williams hurt the wrist on his non-shooting hand less than two weeks before the season opener and was expected to be out for the year. On Wednesday night, Ford said Williams is a month ahead of schedule with his recovery.
"I think Brian Williams will play this year," Ford said. "The trainer, I hope he isn't listening.
" ... He's going to be getting out of his cast and the screws out any day and then it's a matter of strengthening it."
Celeb sightings: Among those present at Gallagher-Iba Arena were Thunder general manager Sam Presti, former Cowboy basketball player Desmond Mason and legendary former coach Eddie Sutton. Mason signed autographs for at least a dozen fans after the game.
Tall foe: At 7 feet, 3 inches, Bulls center Jordan Omogbehin is likely the tallest player OSU will face this season. He played eight minutes and finished with no points, a rebound and a foul.
Familiar face: In 2002, USF coach Stan Heath was coach of the Kent State team that knocked the Cowboys out of the NCAA Tournament.
