Ohio's season will start in an exhibition game against Indiana Tech.
In The Convo, boisterous drilling echoes throughout as Ohio Athletics adds new seating to the 47-year-old structure.
Screeeeeech, the sound from drilling generates near the top.
Scccreeeeech. It continues as Ohio coach Saul Phillips keeps his cool during an early season practice.
"It's been going on all offseason," redshirt sophomore Khari Harley said with a sigh.
With new renovations, The Convo will host Ohio's exhibition matchup against Indiana Tech this Saturday.
And with new seating comes a new set of attitudes and beliefs for the Bobcats in 2015.
"I see a group this year that's really come to work," Phillips said. "You got a lot more people on the ground for loose balls. You really look forward every day to getting in with this group."
After going 10-20 last year before, Phillips has brought in six new freshmen along with transfers Jaaron Simmons and Kenny Kaminski.
Phillips said practices are structured differently compared to last season and that there was "transition" and communication problems in 2014.
"They have more questions than answers," Phillips said about this year's unit. "They're a lot of fun. This group is a bunch of fun."
The only starter returning from last season will be forward Antonio Campbell, who averaged 10 points and close to eight rebounds in 2014.
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After Ryan Taylor left the program earlier in the year, Ohio will rebuild with an array of youth and length.
"We have a lot of freshmen who all want to play," Campbell said. "Getting them through that first stage. ... I think we'll be alright."
And with that youth, Ohio will look to stay calm under the screeches the Mid-American Conference may give.
@Lukeoroark
Lr514812@ohio.edu
