Osby Kelly is averaging 21.3 minutes a game this season, he has the second most rebounds of any player on his team, and his coaches consider him one of their best defenders.
In short, he does pretty much everything a starting guard should; Except start.
As the University of Tampa men’s basketball team has gotten off to a quick 7-0 beginning, it’s been obvious that the first five guys playing the game, aren’t going to be the only ones who contribute to the outcome.
Kelly in particular has been a pleasant surprise coming off the bench.
“Osby Kelly has been coming up huge,” said assistant coach Justin Pecka. “Getting rebounds, he’s been one of our top rebound guys. He’s just stepping it up a notch.”
According to Pecka, Kelly worked diligently in the offseason to improve his entire game. It hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially on the stat sheet.
At 6-foot 2-inches tall, it seems odd to be considered a go-to-defensive rebounder, but that’s just what he’s become.
After averaging less than one rebound a game last year in limited minutes, Kelly is averaging almost six boards a game, including a 10-rebound performance against Puerto Rico- Bayamon on Nov. 27.
Kelly’s emergence is one that really encompasses UT men’s basketball as a whole this season.
Hard work and leadership can often overshadow a lack of blatant talent or size.
Leadership comes from the coaches and stars, but role players as well.
Rudy Jean finds himself in his senior year, and for the fourth consecutive season, a reserve player. But he hasn’t let it affect his play, nor his numbers.
He is second on the team in assists, often sharing the court with star guard Rashad Callaway.
And he is perfect so far this season from the three point and free throw lines.
But the biggest thing he brings to the table is a knowledge of the game and a voice in the locker room.
Coach Richard Schmidt mentioned both Jean and Callaway in regard to who heads the team both on and off the court.
“They’re really good leaders,” Schmidt said.
“I think the freshmen respect them. And they realize that they need to emulate them as much as possible.”
Coach Schmidt is cognizant that his team is young, they haven’t had the minutes needed to be as efficient and effective as other teams in the Sunshine State Conference.
He realizes that they may falter down the stretch.
So he is always looking for ways to get freshmen into games, though it has been difficult this season.
Not only have the games been close, but UT has been winning, putting more priority on the outcome of each game rather than developmental value.
When asked if he starts the best five players on his team, Coach Schmidt smiled.
He explains that a lot of teams don’t start they’re “best” five, but they would rather have a few guys waiting in the wings until the time is right.
It keeps defenses on their toes, and fresh legs on the court.
In January, 6-foot 7-inch forward Fred Woods becomes eligible to play, which should give the team even more bench strength and a lot more size, which is exactly what the team is lacking.
“Right now, we’re just playing guys. Whoever shows up, and is playing well that night, that’s who we’re playing,” Schmidt said.
UT men’s basketball continues on it’s best start since the ’01 season, Dec. 4th at Barry University.
The coaches will have to continue to tinker with the roster and bench to deal with injuries and other circumstances.
But for now, it’s best just to enjoy the ride.
“Honestly,” said Schmidt. “Right now, we’re probably playing as good as we can play.”
Miles Parks can be reached at mparks@spartans.ut.edu.