At Center Court With Ricardo Billings – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/29/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Ricardo Billings, a 6-foot-3-inch sophomore guard for the Buckeyes, got a feel for college basketball a little bit early this year. While most students head home for the summer, Billings, a native of Detroit, Mich., opted to stay on campus and strengthen his game by doing what he does best – playing basketball.
Billings was one of many current and former Buckeye standouts that competed in the 2003 Central Ohio McDonald’s Summer League. A highly regarded league, the Central Ohio Summer League was held at three Columbus area high schools from June 17 through July 24. Games were played twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Worthington Kilbourne High School, Thomas Worthington High School and Worthington Christian High School. Under NCAA regulations, collegiate players with remaining eligibility are permitted to participate in summer competition.
Billings participated in the summer league to gear up for the upcoming season, his first as a Buckeye. He sat out the 2002-03 season to concentrate on his academics at Ohio State.
“Participating in the summer league was an experience that I needed,” Billings said. “I was able to compete and play against some bigger and stronger guys, which helped me to improve.”
Billings was a member of the Columbus Christian Center team and was able to work on a few aspects of his game while he competed against college and professional basketball players. Former Ohio State players Michael Redd and Scoonie Penn were among some of the prestigious returnees. Current Buckeyes J.J. Sullinger, Tony Stockman, Velimir Radinovic, Shun Jenkins and Matt Slyvester participated in the summer league as well. “Playing in the Worthington League this summer gave me a taste of what the college game would be like,” Billings said. “I worked on trying to get in the lane and take that short jumper. I wanted to improve my ball handling skills and I committed myself to strengthening the defensive side of my game.”
Billings made his Buckeye debut when he officially stepped onto the court at Value City Arena and sported his scarlet and gray No. 15 for the very first time in exhibition Nov. 11.
“I could not wait to put my jersey on,” Billings said. “It felt good to step out on the court for the first time. I made some mistakes out there and I look forward to learning from them. I just want to contribute to the team and be the guy who gets the team going.”
For Billings, the best part about being in the midst of the action is simple.
“The best part is having the opportunity to work hard at something that you love doing.”
