Nov. 28, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Bubba Walther will don the Ohio University basketball uniform for the first time when the Ohio University basketball team takes on Samford tonight. Following a year of sitting out from competition, the Akron transfer is excited and ready for his first game as a Bobcat.

"I'm feeling confident for our team. It doesn't matter how much I play, I'm not expecting anything, but I plan to go out there and do what I can to help my team win tonight," Walther said.

Following his freshman season at Akron, where he averaged 8.8 points per game and was named to the MAC All-Freshman Team, Walther decided he was not happy with his fit at the school or on the team.

"I didn't like how the school was as far as it not being a close-nit campus with many commuter students and as far as basketball, it just wasn't going to get better. Playing time was never going to get better, and I felt like I had to make a decision that was best for me," Walther said.

It was the atmosphere of Ohio University basketball that ultimately spurred Walther's decision to transfer.

"I remembered playing here my freshman year and I loved The Convo for one thing, and I enjoyed the intensity of the O-Zone," Walther said.

Walther expressed that it was somewhat difficult to sit out a year of competition and to only be able to watch his Bobcat teammates.

"It really hit me yesterday when I got on the bus for our road trip how long it's been. It was tough watching my teammates in the two games against Akron last year and at the MAC Tournament because those were big games for us."

The 6'4" guard led Akron with 54 three-pointers in his freshman season, and he said he plans to continue that trend for the Ohio.

"I feel my biggest role will be to provide outside shooting. I also feel I can bring leadership as the backup point guard for Tony [Chatman]. My main goal is to just hit my open shots for the team," Walther said.

As far as his nickname, Bubba (his actual first name is Adam), Walther said the name has been with him since he was born.

"When I was born I was a big baby-13 pounds.. My brother called me Bubba the first day I came home from the hospital and the name has stuck ever since."

Looking ahead, Walther said he knows what to expect when Akron visits the Convocation Center on January 6.

"It will be big game regardless. We are probably the best two teams in the conference. I know they are not going to be nice to me or treat me like their friend, but I am excited and looking forward to it."

Walther and the Bobcats are in Birmingham Ala., for tonight's game against the Samford Bulldogs. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.