Sports
Meet the Freshmen: Jason Carter
By: Mitchell Lyons
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The only player that did not return for the Ohio Men’s basketball team from last year is Treg Setty. That spot will be filled by freshman Jason Carter.
Carter, like Setty, can play on the wing and hit threes but can also play down low at the four position.
For now, head coach Saul Phillips said Carter is a big.
Carter, a 6’8’’ 224-pound forward out of Johnstown, Ohio averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks per game, as a senior. Carter also earned AP Division II First Team All-Ohio for the second time. Carter is known for his toughness and physicality, something Phillips has already noticed.
“Jason doesn’t need to be told his role,” Phillips said. “Be physical. Make it hurt to play against you, for Jason I guess is the best way I can put it and he does that on a daily basis.”
While Carter will see minutes on the wing, at the three position, right now he is the backup to senior Kenny Kaminski. Playing down low, one thing that has helped Carter is going up against Mid-American Conference Player of the Year Antonio Campbell in practice.
“It’s fun. It’s another level,” Carter said. “I thought I knew how to use my body and move but he’s just a whole other level above me and it’s good for me. It’s helping me, making me better and I hope I am making him a little bit better.”
Besides on defense, an area where Carter will help Ohio is in the rebounding department. Last year, the Bobcats finished seventh in the MAC in rebounding margin at plus 1.6 per game. Carter’s last two years of high school he averaged over 11 rebounds per game and as a sophomore averaged 9.8.
“I know I can help on the offensive end, offensive boards, crashing and being a really big hustle guy,” Carter said on how he can help the team this year.
There are high expectations for Carter and the Bobcats this season and going forward. Campbell described Carter as “a 6’7’’ Antonio Campbell.”
Ohio is in action next Saturday in an exhibition game, at home against Rio Grande. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.