News & Views
Garrett Jones (22) stays ahead of the competition enroute to the basket on Nov. 3. (OkwuStudents Photo/Gary Smith)
One Ball + Two Words = Mission Accomplished
When the OWU Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Reese was asked what the most important thing he would teach the team was, he took a deep breath.
“You know, that is an excellent question. Honestly, the most important thing I want them to leave with is to know the Lord as their personal savior,” he said. “Professional level is just not going to happen, so I want to make sure they have the opportunity to leave as better people than when they came.”
The other key quality he wants to leave with his players is character.
“Character is more important in the long run. Wins and losses matter some, but after it is all said and done, you will remember your friends and the memories experienced here,” Reese said. “If a player can come away with discipline and character, I have succeeded.”
Yabsa Ndiaye believes that Coach Reese is doing just that.
“To be better men,” Ndiaye said. “That is what he wants for us definitely.”
Yabsa Ndiaye (52) works to maintain his offensive position. (OkwuStudents Photo/Gary Smith)
“Coach definitely emphasizes character over wins and losses,” Mark Purcell said. “Obviously, he wants to win ball games, but character is what really matters in life, not whether we won games or not.”
Although he knows what is truly important in life, Coach Reese has not forgotten about basketball. The goal of this season is to reach .500, and he thinks that this goal is obtainable. What he wants from his players is to get better each and every game. He also wants his players to learn one fact about basketball.
“Offense may win some games,” he said. “But defense and rebounding are what win championships.”
He has very strong feelings about the defensive side of the game and how the team works together.
“The key question is going to be ‘Can we defend?’” Coach Reese said. “We’ll probably be able put the ball in the hole, but we can’t have a bad game defensively. We are in one tough conference, because the defending national champs, College of the Ozarks, are in it.”
Garrett Jones (22) attemps a lay-up, while Manhattan Christian's Josh Winkler (33) works to defeat his effort. (OkwuStudents Photo/ Gary Smith)
Enthusiastic about his new recruits, Coach Reese looks forward to seeing them grow both as players and as men. He is also optimistic about this year’s team because he truly believes that they are good representatives of the OWU philosophy.
Coach Reese is also enjoying tapping into the local schools.
“The local talent is great. Because they play in smaller schools, the bigger schools tend to overlook them, which is good for us,” he said.
Garret Fanning and Jaron Anderson are two local recruits Coach Reese was glad to get.
“Garret came in with good strength. He played post in high school, but has converted to guard. I think he is making the transition well,” Reese said. “Jaron is wiry, quick up and down the court, and has a great work ethic. They will both be great players at this level.
Coach Reese believes some key issues from last season have been addressed with this recruiting class.
“Rebounding is vital to success, and we really struggled with our post presence last year, which in turn hurt us in rebounding,” Reese said. “We have really helped shore up that area with Yabsa. Now we have two people at 6-6, and a couple more at 6-5.”
Another problem spot he thinks has been taken care of is depth at the guard position.
“Garret Jones had to come in as a freshmen and play every minute of every game, and that wasn’t good,” Reese said. “If we can stay healthy, we should be able to do OK. But at least now we have hope if someone gets hurt.”
The season and home opener for the Eagles was a successful venture against Manhattan Christian University, with a final score of 74-66. The closely fought battle was decided in overtime after two OWU chances to win in the final seconds of regulation were unsuccessful.
According to Coach Reese, the Eagles were shooting poorly from everywhere on the floor. It was their defense and rebounding that won the game. MCU shot only 33% from the field and 28% from downtown for 3 points each. The Eagles nabbed 59 rebounds, and MCU could only manage to get 38.
Garrett Jones (22) drives to the basket with assistance from Isiah Peterson (3). (OkwuStudents/ Gary Smith)
During the game played against Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond the following day, Garret Jones fractured his wrist. Coach Reese is not panicking just yet, though.
“At first the doctors were saying 6-8 weeks for Garret Jones. That concerned me, but then they said 2-3 weeks. That’s better,” Reese said. “Hopefully we can get him back and ready for the start of the conference tournament. Last year this would have sunk us, because we really didn’t have another point guard. But Aaron Crowley came in and played well, so I’m not ready to give up hope.”
Do not forget what Coach Reese’s main goal for the team is.
“I want these players to realize that basketball is not what life is about,” he said. “Basketball is fun, and can teach them some good lessons. But it is still just a game. Twenty years from now, they won’t remember what the score was. What they will remember is the good times and memories they had here.”
Isiah Peterson (3) is the first to gain control of the ball during the Manhattan Christian College game Nov. 3. (OkwuStudents Photo/ Gary Smith)
“Hopefully, they will remember those two words, discipline and character. That’s what I am trying to teach to them. Character is what matters in life, not basketball,” Reese said. “If they can learn the importance of those two words, then it is mission accomplished for me. One ball and two words means mission accomplished.”
The next home game is on Tuesday November 14th at 7:30 pm. vs. Ozark Christian College.