Mike Laster could’ve been a distraction.
Ohio’s sophomore guard, because of a shortened roster ravaged by two coaching changes in three years, played a ton as a freshman for the Bobcats in 2014-16.
Laster played in 30 game, made 17 starts and averaged 3.8 points per game while logging nearly 19 minutes a night.
This season, however, Laster has seen that time on the floor cut in half. He didn’t play in Ohio’s first two Mid-American Conference games this season, and is averaging just 9.2 minutes per game.
But Ohio head coach Saul Phillips said a reduction in playing has led to anything less when it comes to Laster’s attitude.