USA - Conley to test his wits on the gridiron

COLUMBUS (NCAA) - As Ohio State's point guard, Mike Conley Jr is used to directing one of the best offences in college sports.

But on Saturday there will be a twist as the freshman star calls the plays not on the basketball court but on the gridiron.

Conley, who helped the Buckeyes reach the Final Four this past season, is to be an honorary head coach in Ohio State's annual Scarlet vs. Grey intrasquad spring football game this Saturday.

"I play my share of video games," Conley said when asked about his coaching experience to date.

"I like to get up and down the field with the passing game. I'll mix in some run plays here and there as well."

Conley's high school and Buckeyes team-mate Greg Oden - who like Conley is contemplating an early jump to the NBA - was also offered the chance to coach, but had to decline due to a family wedding.

That's a disappointment to Buckeyes football coach Jim Tressel, who has admitted he asked the hoops stars to get on board in an effort to convince them to shun the NBA and stay in school.

"I certainly want them around here. If we have to put them on the staff to do that, then we'll do it," Tressel said.

Conley will get assistance from hoops team-mates Daequan Cook, Mark Titus, Othello Hunter and Kyle Madsen in coaching the Scarlet team.

Conley's fellow starting guard, Jamar Butler will get help from Ivan Harris, David Lighty, Danny Peters and Matt Terwilliger in looking after the Grey team.

Both sets of players will get help from the Buckeyes regular football coaches, but Conley has a few ideas of his own.

"I am going to have to think about some trick plays," Conley said. "I don't have anything in mind right now but I'll have to work on something for the weekend."

Ian Parker
FIBA