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Toledo's bench closes enthusiasm gap in sparsely-filled Savage Arena

JT Shumate wanted someone to think he was insane.

During the months of November and December, as the Walsh transfer languished on the University of Toledo bench before eventually being granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA, Shumate made his presence off the court via sound.

“The goal is obviously to make as much noise as possible,” he said. “Give the team life, give the team enthusiasm. And when you’re not on the court, that’s the only thing you can do. I was jumping around and slapping the stools. Everybody feeds off energy.”

The sideline histrionics were part of the plan.