"Today does not define who I am."
Those were the words of Thad Matta on Monday afternoon, his voice shaking as he sat at a table alongside Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith inside the practice gym at Value City Arena.
It had just been announced that after 13 seasons, Matta would not return as the head coach of the Buckeyes. A stunning end to one of the most successful eras in the history of Ohio State basketball.
Understandably, it was difficult for Matta to get through complete sentences without pausing. It was clear he was upset his time as the Buckeyes' head coach was over, but at the same time, he was extremely proud of all he accomplished.