Even with love swirling in the air, the Valentine’s Day festivities will likely come to an abrupt end in Columbus, as the No. 20 Michigan men’s basketball team heads south on Sunday. Chief among the Wolverines anticipating the homecoming is junior guard Roddy Gayle Jr., who heads back to the Buckeye State for the first time since transferring to Michigan at the end of last year.
Obviously, Gayle has had the date circled on his calendar for a variety of reasons. Making the atypical decision to transfer across rivalry lines, not only does the matchup serve as an opportunity for a revenge rivalry win, but it’s also yet another ‘prove it’s game for the 6-foot-5 guard.
“I know that this was the opportunity for me to be able to go back to Columbus and be able to perform, especially how I feel like I was treated after I made a decision to come (to Michigan),” Gayle said Friday. “But I think for me it was more about bragging rights and being able to play against some of my best friends. Hopefully, we can go out there and get a W.”
Gayle’s relationship with Ohio State is multi-faceted. In his return to Columbus, the Niagara Falls native contends with the expectations of his new fanbase, his own personal success, and even the love that still remains from his co-conspirators-turned-competition in the Buckeyes.
Perhaps the most icy relationship on display Sunday, though, will be that of Gayle and the Ohio State fanbase. Recalling the response he received on social media after making his decision, Gayle understands the implications that his transfer decision has regarding the rivalry.
“I can’t really blame the fans for me being able to enter the transfer portal and go to Michigan,” Gayle said. “I mean, I received a lot of hate for that, but at the end of the day, I get it.”
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