Center climbs blocked shot charts

by Anthony Castrovince
Staff Writer

With eight blocked shots against Miami on Jan. 13 and 45 for the season, Ohio mens' basketball center Patrick Flomo has had more blocks than a Lego set this season.

Following Ohio's 62-60 victory over Miami, the junior surpassed Gary Trent (105 blocked shots) to become fourth on Ohio's career charts in that category. Flomo has 109 career swats.

Ohio coach Larry Hunter said he was impressed with Flomo's hustle against the RedHawks.

"When (Miami) had good looks, he was coming in from the third man and knocking them down," Hunter said.

Flomo's 45 blocks this season surpass his total of 37 last season, and his eight blocks against Miami were one shy of a school record for a single game. RedHawks coach Charlie Coles said Flomo's performance against his team was par for the course.

Flomo leads the MAC and is 12th in the nation in blocked shots. He is averaging 7.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

Hunter named Player of the Week

Following two 25-point performances against Kent State on Jan. 8 and Miami on Saturday, Ohio forward Brandon Hunter was named the MAC Player of the Week.

Hunter was phenomenal against the RedHawks, grabbing 19 rebounds, including the final board in overtime, for his sixth double-double of the season. He also had four assists and hit the go-ahead jumper in the victory.

Against the Golden Flashes, Hunter had nine boards and 11 points from the line. He shot 65 percent from the field in the two games.

Coles praised Hunter following the Miami game.

"I think Brandon's the next-best thing (to Gary Trent) that I've seen at Ohio," he said. "He's tough to guard. I think if we could get that effort, we could have a nice team."

Hunter is averaging a team-high 16.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

Coach Hunter nearing 500 wins

Larry Hunter is fast approaching a feat of Cy Young-like proportions. Hunter is two wins shy of the 500-win plateau following the victory against Miami. Now in his 25th season as a head coach, Hunter has been with Ohio for 12 seasons (1989-present) and was with Wittenberg for 13 (1976-89). He is 498-218 in his career and 193-142 at Ohio.

The win against the RedHawks also moved the coach past Butch Grover (192-129 in 1922-38) to second on Ohio's career victories charts with 193 wins. Jim Snyder (355-255 in 1949-74), whom Hunter played for from 1968-71, is Ohio's all-time leader.

Hunter is in a tie with Central Michigan's Dick Parfitt (193-179 in 1972-85) for fourth all-time in the MAC. Hunter entered the 2000-01 season at 16th in winning percentage and 18th in victories by active Division I coaches.