Basketball duo returns home

By Chris Littmann
Staff Writer
Chris.Littmann@ohio.edu

When Ohio basketball coach Tim O'Shea scheduled a game against Kentucky, he was scheduling a homecoming along with a big game against a ranked opponent.

Forwards Steve Esterkamp and Brandon Hunter attended LaSalle High School and Withrow High School in Cincinnati, respectively. O'Shea said he specifically scheduled the game to provide a chance for Hunter and Esterkamp--both seniors--to celebrate with family, friends and teammates.

"It feels great to be home, especially bringing everyone to my house, seeing my parents and getting a good meal before the game," Esterkamp said

Dave Sr. and Terri Esterkamp, Steve's parents, had around 20 family members attending the match-up between the Bobcats and the Kentucky Wildcats. The Esterkamp family said they enjoyed the chance to see their son play in his hometown one last time before his departure from Ohio University.

"I'm glad that all of Steven's Cincinnati fans get to see him, since he's only been back to the city one other time (against the University of Cincinnati in 1999)," Terri said.

The game provided some irony since Steve grew up as a fan of Kentucky.

"For a hometown kid to come back home and play Kentucky, I don't think it gets much better than that," Dave Sr. said.

Despite going through many big games, Steve was not expecting a big pep talk from his parents before the game Saturday.

"My mom and dad don't say much at all," Steve said. "After a game they might say a little, but before a game they'll just say good luck and tell me to give my best effort; that's really it."

"I never have told the kids anything, it's after the game I see them, and they know the support of their mom is here all the time," Terri said.

Hunter also spent Friday night with family and friends. 

"It was good to be home playing in Cincinnati," Hunter said. "Everyone in the city knows me through something, but I didn't get caught up in the hype of it all, I just went out and played with my best effort."

Hunter and Esterkamp finished with 18 points a piece in their hometown shootout.  Hunter also grabbed 16 rebounds in the 83-75 loss to the No. 21 Wildcats.

"It's a reward for being good citizens and good leaders during their four years at Ohio," O'Shea said. "They have a chance to play a marquee opponent in their home city."

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