Miami University Freshmen Find Success On The Court

By Dylan Srocki

Miami University journalism student

It's clear, as Michael and Marcus Weathers walk into Millett Hall, that they have a close relationship -- even without knowing they're twins, their similar outfits of white shirts and gray sweatpants suggest these two are tight.

What cannot be quickly understood by the casual observer, however, is the impact these two freshmen from Roeland Park, Kansas, have had in their first season as members of the Miami RedHawks varsity basketball team. The duo account for nearly 37 percent of all of the points scored for the RedHawks this season, playing in all 23 games thus far.

Jared Sanford, team manager for the RedHawks, says the twins complement one another on the court.

"Mike is a really quick point guard, who is able to push it in transition. Marc is tough, a good defender and rebounder down low," Sanford says.

Sibling Rivalry

The brothers start to casually shoot around shortly after arriving at Millett Hall, as a Miami Television News crew shoots some footage of the twins for an upcoming package.

Their skill on the court is easy to see, even in a friendly one-on-one game. Michael, a 6 foot 2 inch guard, takes the early lead, on a jump shot from the left elbow. As it goes in, both he and his brother Marcus, a 6 foot 5 inch forward, appear to be laughing, as it seems that Marcus let him take the shot uncontested despite his height advantage.

"We’ve been playing each other forever," Marcus says when asked about their history of competing against one another. "When we were playing one-on-one when we were younger, at first it started off chill, and then it got to a point where it ended up getting competitive. Because most of the times, I would let him win, because he got mad at me if I won, and I didn’t want him being mad at me."

Michael remembers things differently.

"Well that’s not true, so stop lying. The thing is, I always won, because I always went hard, and he always wanted to do everything relaxed, so, that’s true.”

Laughing, Marcus gives in, "That’s kinda true."

Two Heads Better Than One

Despite a long history of playing one-on-one, the twins play together on the same team more often than they compete. According to Michael, the idea of spending their college years apart was short-lived.

"Our mom emphasized that we play with each other, since we’ve always played with each other from a young age," Michael says. "She wanted us to stick together and watch each other’s backs. So, basically, I wanted to go wherever he wanted to go."

The twins watch each other's backs on the court as well.

"I play fast, so when I’m running in transition, I like to look for him," Michael says, "[I] try to throw the ball to him, usually for easy dunks or something like that."

Current Success; Future Hopes

Working together has brought both Marcus and Michael early individual success for the RedHawks. Michael is averaging 17 points per game, the most by any RedHawks player since Michael Bramos in the 2008-09 season. He is also threatening the school record for points per game by a freshmen, set by Trimill Haywood with 17.1 in the 1986-87 season.

Marcus is the second-leading rebounder and fourth leading scorer on the team this season, with 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

The RedHawks started off strong this season, with a 7-6 record in non-conference games. Since MAC play has started, however, the RedHawks are just 2-8.

Team manager Jared Sanford says RedHawks fans still have a lot to be hopeful for.

"When this season started, signing seven freshmen, there was definitely hope," Sanford says. "Many of the players this season are freshmen, including the Weathers twins, which means that there is room to grow."

The Weathers twins are looking forward to helping the team grow.

"We want to win the MAC, and make it back to the NCAA tournament," Marcus says. "That’s the biggest goal."

There are seven games left for the RedHawks this season, including two against Ohio University, the first rivalry games between the two schools the brothers will be part of.

Marcus (left) and his brother Michael agree that Marcus takes longer to get ready in the morning. --Photo by Dylan Srocki