Many things have been apparent about the eternally authentic Jake Diebler since he became Ohio State’s head basketball coach.
For a man born and raised in Northwest Ohio, one of those things is a profound respect and understanding of the school’s rivalry with Michigan.
“I think regardless of when you play the Team Up North, it doesn't matter what time of the year, it doesn't matter what sport, it's different,” Diebler said. “It's not just another game. And I think you have to embrace that. We certainly are as a program.”
Like any good rivalry game, there are stakes for Ohio State.