John Groce knew the kid had talent.
He had the raw skills — shooting, ball handling, quickness — but his understanding of the game caught the attention of Ohio’s basketball coach. It took only a couple of quarters, but as Groce watched from the high-school bleachers of an Illinois gym, he saw something special in the smooth point guard from Seton Academy.
The sparse crowd chats during a Thursday afternoon ballgame at Ohio University’s Bob Wren Stadium. Late-afternoon sunshine and comfortable temperatures make it a great day to sit outside, and the fans put more interest into their side conversations than the actual game.
Baseball is just the backdrop.
Then, the conversations abruptly quiet and the crowd’s focus shifts toward home plate.
Nothing on Joe Carbone’s desk seems out of order. Everything has a place. The desk mirrors Carbone.
It is as tidy as he is.
Carbone relaxes in his chair with his shirt tucked tight into his pants. With his well-groomed appearance, Carbone reflects the same clean-cut image he demands of his players on the Ohio University baseball team.
Joe D’Amico was already counting his winnings.
It was the fourth quarter of a football game a few years ago, and D’Amico, a professional sports gambler, appeared to have picked another winner.
I have a background in
digital journalism and work for the new media team of the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens. I’ve worked with media outlets at the national and local levels, covering everything from professional to high school sports, all with a web-first mind. This is an intriguing time in the media world, and I’m glad to be part of it.
BaltimoreRavens.com
