By: Colby Wilson, Associate Director of Athletics Communications (Exclusive for LetsGoPeay.com)
11:00 AM | Grand Ballroom, DoubleTree Evansville
It's time once again for OVC Media Day!
Two years ago, the Govs had proven nothing, with a first-year head coach, and their 11th-place selection reflected that.
Two OVC Basketball Tournament semifinal appearances, one 22-win season and a standout recruiting class later, perception has changed.
The men's basketball team is tabbed to finish fourth; the women, fourth as well. Terry Taylor is preseason Player of the Year. He's in the house. So are Matt Figger and David Midlick. Austin Peay is expected to be a major player in the league this year; follow along all day as the media tour begins in earnest where hopefully some net-cutting will take place in March.
11:15 AM | Ballroom C, DoubleTree Evansville
A new wrinkle for Media Day--professional photos. Not ours, the league's. White background, soft lighting, tastefully done.
Terry is in a suit. Facts differ on when he last wore a suit, but it's been a while. He's rocking the thing though.
Midlick is hamming it up in front of the camera. Figger is chatting with every coach who comes by. Nice, easy way to ease into the day.
11:50 AM | Grand Ballroom, DoubleTree Evansville
Now it's the hard-hitting journalism of Bob Belvin, voice of the league, on ESPN3. Figger, then Terry, with Midlick wrapping up both the Austin Peay session and the day at large.
Figg gets questions about integrating new faces on the roster. Terry, a repeat performer at this event, talks about Bowling Green, Austin Peay and his expectations. Midlick is the most natural human being in front of a camera who doesn't work in media; one gets the sense that basketball coaching could lead him to a career on television if things break out right for him.
Belvin, an Austin Peay alum, is the quintessential pro at this but the natives are restless. With good reason: lunch is calling.
12:10 PM | Ford Center Arena, Evansville
Lunch is delicious (steak and chicken for yours truly, because I am a delightful fat kid). Kyle Schwartz begins the program by introducing Ellie Harmeyer and Terry Taylor to the podium to speak.
Terry describes his public speaking skills as "average," which is a little harsh. He makes good points and closes strong, thanking Evansville for the hospitality and looking forward to playing for a title in the Ford Center in a few months. He speaks from the heart; it's not rehearsed. In all, it's good practice for him; at his career trajectory, expect many more microphones in his face in the future.
1:20 PM | Grand Ballroom, DoubleTree Evansville
Time for the one-on-one interview portion of the event.
Last season, a bored Figger decided to go hassle Murray State head coach Matt McMahon, staging his own mock interview during a lull in the action. This year, Figger and Taylor draw heavier interest, so no hijinks abound.
Harry Schroeder, of ValleyHoopsInsider.com, has his own table outfitted with camera equipment, Periscoping each interview. Figger and Taylor both stop by. Taylor nearly walks away with the lapel mic.
1:50 PM | Crescent Room, DoubleTree Evansville
The finale involves sit-down interviews with the OVC to use throughout the year. Jonathan Owens and Trevor Reeves run the show in there, and get the guys in and out quickly. This day isn't as long as football media day, but it's no less involved. They pack a lot into it--the pageantry, the excitement and the overall joy of the start of basketball season.
And... that's a wrap. Basketball season is here. The Govs are gonna be a big part of it. We'll see you back here in March, hopefully. There's unfinished business afoot for the Govs.
