One of the criticisms facing Thad Matta during this time of turmoil is his failure to retain Ohio talent. While only a fool would expect Ohio State to compete against Duke and Kansas in recruiting, No. 16 Wisconsin rolls into Columbus Thursday night featuring four Ohioan contributors.
That contingent is led by Badgers senior forward Nigel Hayes, a product of Toledo Whitmer High School.
Matta didn't offer Hayes until just before his senior season in 2012. Matta said Wednesday he "recruited the heck" out of the Whitmer star. Let Hayes tell it, and Matta didn't really believe he could be the stretch power forward he craved.