Eastern Michigan's Justin Dobbins at home in Cleveland; Michigan's Zack Novak is a gym rat

Justin Dobbins, a senior forward on the Eastern Michigan basketball team, is near his hometown of Glenville, Ohio, as the Eagles prepare to play today in Cleveland against Akron in the Mid-American Conference tournament.

And that means Dobbins can get together with his best friend, Desmond Croom, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Dobbins on Croom:

"A big inspiration for me while I've been in college. Him just being there, helping me through tough times. Him looking in on my mom, my grandmother. Just being a guy I can talk to about anything. Knowing he's (in Cleveland) for me and my family has helped me to stay focused here on the things I have to do."

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