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Both Ohio State basketball programs have COTY finalists

By Ryan Stano

Mar 1, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Chris Holtmann (right) is congratulated by head football coach Ryan Day (left) following the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Chris Holtmann (right) is congratulated by head football coach Ryan Day (left) following the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Both Ohio State basketball programs should be happy with the work they’ve done this season. Both programs’ head coaches are now finalists for the Naismith Coach of the Year.

The Ohio State basketball program, both men’s and women’s, have had fantastic years. Chris Holtmann has done a tremendous job with the men’s team and has them in line for a one-seed. Kevin McGuff has kept his women together despite not having a postseason goal to look forward to.

Holtmann’s squad is 18-4 and is playing some of the best basketball of anyone in the country right now. His team just beat Penn State last night and will be taking on the third-ranked Michigan program on Sunday. No matter the result of that game, the men should still be in line for a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

McGuff has his team playing some great basketball as well. His squad is 15-3 and ranked 15th in the country. They have been able to stay incredibly focused despite not being able to play in the NCAA Tournament this season because of a postseason ban.

McGuff should be especially proud of what he has been able to do. His team has beaten three ranked teams so far this year. For him to be able to keep his team together despite all of the players knowing they aren’t playing for any postseason reward is remarkable.

Holtmann’s squad has the most Quad 1 wins in the season with 9. He has done it with a very balanced and deep team that can win in a multitude of ways. Unlike the women’s team, this team has a very real shot to win a national championship this season.

The Ohio State basketball program is one of three programs that have both the men’s and women’s coach as finalists this year, joining Michigan and West Virginia. All three universities should be extremely proud of their basketball programs and all they’ve accomplished so far.

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Both the men’s and the women’s teams will take on Michigan on Sunday. The men’s team will play in the Schottenstein Center at 1 pm on CBS, while the women’s team will play at Michigan at 2 pm on ESPN.

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