menu
Logo
99+
Bobcat Attack Menu
Logo
99+
Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: 2026 MAC Transfer Tracker
Page: 4 of 9
GoCats105
General User
GC105
Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,809
person
mail
GoCats105
mail
Posted: 3/19/2026 1:31 PM
settings_applications edit_note
FJC31 wrote:expand_more
I mentioned on here about a week ago about speaking with Simmons and coach Thornton at high school district finals games in Columbus. I debated sharing something Thornton said about Fisher before deciding not to. Now that he's off OUr roster, I'll paraphrase what he said when I told him that I think of Fisher as an athlete - "He might be a high school athlete, but not a college athlete."
Did you ask why Fisher was offered in the first place? Weird thing to say about someone you gave a scholarship to about a year ago.
Yeah this is the real question. If Thornton is recruiting the kid, then how is he not recognizing that from the jump? In the end it comes down to Boals, but Thornton is part of the staff and needs to be held accountable for recruiting misses.
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
General User
BLSS
Member Since: 7/30/2010
Post Count: 4,640
person
mail
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
mail
Posted: 3/19/2026 1:37 PM
settings_applications edit_note
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
I mentioned on here about a week ago about speaking with Simmons and coach Thornton at high school district finals games in Columbus. I debated sharing something Thornton said about Fisher before deciding not to. Now that he's off OUr roster, I'll paraphrase what he said when I told him that I think of Fisher as an athlete - "He might be a high school athlete, but not a college athlete."
Did you ask why Fisher was offered in the first place? Weird thing to say about someone you gave a scholarship to about a year ago.
Yeah this is the real question. If Thornton is recruiting the kid, then how is he not recognizing that from the jump? In the end it comes down to Boals, but Thornton is part of the staff and needs to be held accountable for recruiting misses.
In Thornton's defense, he didn't call Fisher an athlete; bobcatsquared did. It's entirely possible that we recruited him for other skills (shooting, for instance) and just don't think of him as an athlete. My read of that conversation is that he's providing a frank scouting report and suggesting the bobcatsquared's assessment doesn't reflect Fisher's skill set.

That doesn't mean he thinks there's no value offered by Fisher.
Last Edited: 3/19/2026 1:39:06 PM by Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
FJC31
General User
FJC31
Member Since: 3/31/2022
Post Count: 2,243
person
mail
FJC31
mail
Posted: 3/19/2026 2:37 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame wrote:expand_more
I mentioned on here about a week ago about speaking with Simmons and coach Thornton at high school district finals games in Columbus. I debated sharing something Thornton said about Fisher before deciding not to. Now that he's off OUr roster, I'll paraphrase what he said when I told him that I think of Fisher as an athlete - "He might be a high school athlete, but not a college athlete."
Did you ask why Fisher was offered in the first place? Weird thing to say about someone you gave a scholarship to about a year ago.
Yeah this is the real question. If Thornton is recruiting the kid, then how is he not recognizing that from the jump? In the end it comes down to Boals, but Thornton is part of the staff and needs to be held accountable for recruiting misses.
In Thornton's defense, he didn't call Fisher an athlete; bobcatsquared did. It's entirely possible that we recruited him for other skills (shooting, for instance) and just don't think of him as an athlete. My read of that conversation is that he's providing a frank scouting report and suggesting the bobcatsquared's assessment doesn't reflect Fisher's skill set.

That doesn't mean he thinks there's no value offered by Fisher.
I'll let bobcatsquared clarify what he meant because I feel like it sounds like he's alluding to Thorton saying Fisher isn't an athlete. Which is a blanket term, but comes across (to me) as though he's (Thorton) saying Fisher is good enough for high school ball but not college.
FJC31
General User
FJC31
Member Since: 3/31/2022
Post Count: 2,243
person
mail
FJC31
mail
Posted: 3/19/2026 2:39 PM
settings_applications edit_note
M.D.W.S.T wrote:expand_more
I predict Simmons will announce his departure in the next week. His value has never been higher and the situation here is going to be butt-ugly.
I would love to be a fly on the wall and hear what Boals is selling him on staying for.
Not starting over at your 3rd school in 3 years probably.

Huge increase in production when he finally settled into the offense.

As always, kids can and will leave for any and all reasons, but if I was in his ear I’d be telling him to come back and be P1 and contend for a POY. But for most of these kids, the NBA isn’t calling so maybe just stepping up into the best program that offers could be worth it. Would AJ rather be sitting at home right now having averaged 15 a game or is making an ncaa tournament run at the end of the bench good enough? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I think selling him on individual accolades is easy. Selling him on what the team will look surrounding him is the challenge.

That said, I do like how our early targets appear to be shooters of all shapes and sizes. Refreshing to see multiple guys of interest over 6'5 hitting 3's at 40% and above.
FishBates
General User
FB
Member Since: 3/6/2026
Post Count: 134
person
mail
FishBates
mail
Posted: 3/19/2026 2:55 PM
settings_applications edit_note
FJC31 wrote:expand_more
I mentioned on here about a week ago about speaking with Simmons and coach Thornton at high school district finals games in Columbus. I debated sharing something Thornton said about Fisher before deciding not to. Now that he's off OUr roster, I'll paraphrase what he said when I told him that I think of Fisher as an athlete - "He might be a high school athlete, but not a college athlete."
Did you ask why Fisher was offered in the first place? Weird thing to say about someone you gave a scholarship to about a year ago.
Yeah this is the real question. If Thornton is recruiting the kid, then how is he not recognizing that from the jump? In the end it comes down to Boals, but Thornton is part of the staff and needs to be held accountable for recruiting misses.
In Thornton's defense, he didn't call Fisher an athlete; bobcatsquared did. It's entirely possible that we recruited him for other skills (shooting, for instance) and just don't think of him as an athlete. My read of that conversation is that he's providing a frank scouting report and suggesting the bobcatsquared's assessment doesn't reflect Fisher's skill set.

That doesn't mean he thinks there's no value offered by Fisher.
I'll let bobcatsquared clarify what he meant because I feel like it sounds like he's alluding to Thorton saying Fisher isn't an athlete. Which is a blanket term, but comes across (to me) as though he's (Thorton) saying Fisher is good enough for high school ball but not college.
If only somebody had recognized the lack of discipline and true D-1 talent when Levi Davis' team stomped the R-3 bunch on TV that night last season.

Wait.......never mind.....
oubobcatjohn
General User
O
Member Since: 1/1/2005
Post Count: 838
person
mail
oubobcatjohn
mail
Posted: 3/19/2026 11:31 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Getting the dead wood off the roster. This is what it takes. Rebuilding doesn't take two or three years. Boals can go get established players who are proven D-I players. It is likely a mutual decision with these guys. 29% shooters are a dime a dozen. Especially ones that got smoked on defense.
GraffZ06
General User
Member Since: 1/5/2005
Location: Dayton, OH
Post Count: 2,433
mail
GraffZ06
mail
Posted: 3/20/2026 12:15 AM
settings_applications edit_note
I'm not sure why anyone is shocked at this given what Boals literally said in his post-game presser in Cleveland. Go back and watch it. He said:

"There's going to be a reset. This team won't be the same team next year. We've got 2 kids signed and we're going to bring a lot more in. Next year we'll have our conversations individually and start recruiting right away....

As a department, as a staff, as a university - what do we want to do moving forward? For me, I have to figure out what do we want to be, where do we want to go and kinda reset this program from a culture standpoint. This year I'll take the hit on that, and next year will be different."

Everything about that screams total roster overhaul. Some were even wishing for it during the season. Now that we're seeing it play out, magically it means we're a dumpster fire and in shambles?

I wanted Evans to work out. I kept holding out hope. Guys with his size and profile don't come to Athens frequently. It didn't work out. Elliott showed flashes as a freshman when forced into action. I liked his projectability a ton. This year, whether it was injuries or something else I dunno - but he fell of a cliff. He's the biggest loss so far, but as was pointed out, projections aside - his actual production wasn't all that great. Lastly is Fisher, and I'm surprised to see him go only because he was just a freshman and we need shooters, but again he couldn't get off the bench in a year we DESPERATELY needed shooting.

We may suck next year. Boals may get fired. But as I said in the 2026-27 roster thread - I have no idea how you make any claims on next year when 2/3 of the roster isn't on the team yet.
Last Edited: 3/20/2026 12:16:32 AM by GraffZ06
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
General User
BLSS
Member Since: 7/30/2010
Post Count: 4,640
person
mail
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
mail
Posted: 3/20/2026 5:52 AM
settings_applications edit_note
GraffZ06 wrote:expand_more
I'm not sure why anyone is shocked at this given what Boals literally said in his post-game presser in Cleveland. Go back and watch it. He said:

"There's going to be a reset. This team won't be the same team next year. We've got 2 kids signed and we're going to bring a lot more in. Next year we'll have our conversations individually and start recruiting right away....

As a department, as a staff, as a university - what do we want to do moving forward? For me, I have to figure out what do we want to be, where do we want to go and kinda reset this program from a culture standpoint. This year I'll take the hit on that, and next year will be different."

Everything about that screams total roster overhaul. Some were even wishing for it during the season. Now that we're seeing it play out, magically it means we're a dumpster fire and in shambles?
It's a dumpster fire because a coach going into year 8, paid as a top coach in the league, who just finishes below .500 has to rebuild the roster. And not only does he need to rebuild the roster, he needs to rebuild the culture. By his own admission.

What part of the program isn't on fire?
FishBates
General User
FB
Member Since: 3/6/2026
Post Count: 134
person
mail
FishBates
mail
Posted: 3/20/2026 8:31 AM
settings_applications edit_note
GraffZ06 wrote:expand_more
I wanted Evans to work out. I kept holding out hope. Guys with his size and profile don't come to Athens frequently.
Check the portal in about ten days. Skinny unskilled 6-9 post players are a dime-a-dozen.

I'll even spot you the links. Have a beautiful day.

https://247sports.com/season/2026-basketball/transferportal /

https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/wire/basketball /
FJC31
General User
FJC31
Member Since: 3/31/2022
Post Count: 2,243
person
mail
FJC31
mail
Posted: 3/20/2026 8:59 AM
settings_applications edit_note
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame wrote:expand_more
I'm not sure why anyone is shocked at this given what Boals literally said in his post-game presser in Cleveland. Go back and watch it. He said:

"There's going to be a reset. This team won't be the same team next year. We've got 2 kids signed and we're going to bring a lot more in. Next year we'll have our conversations individually and start recruiting right away....

As a department, as a staff, as a university - what do we want to do moving forward? For me, I have to figure out what do we want to be, where do we want to go and kinda reset this program from a culture standpoint. This year I'll take the hit on that, and next year will be different."

Everything about that screams total roster overhaul. Some were even wishing for it during the season. Now that we're seeing it play out, magically it means we're a dumpster fire and in shambles?
It's a dumpster fire because a coach going into year 8, paid as a top coach in the league, who just finishes below .500 has to rebuild the roster. And not only does he need to rebuild the roster, he needs to rebuild the culture. By his own admission.

What part of the program isn't on fire?
Boals did share a quote in his IG story this morning that read “the greatest skill you can develop is the ability to figure it out”.

I’ll also add in-game strategy/offensive system. Might be time to roll one of those out.
shabamon
General User
Member Since: 11/17/2006
Location: Cincinnati
Post Count: 7,298
mail
shabamon
mail
Posted: 3/20/2026 9:16 AM
settings_applications edit_note
GraffZ06 wrote:expand_more
I'm not sure why anyone is shocked at this given what Boals literally said in his post-game presser in Cleveland. Go back and watch it. He said:

"There's going to be a reset. This team won't be the same team next year. We've got 2 kids signed and we're going to bring a lot more in. Next year we'll have our conversations individually and start recruiting right away....

As a department, as a staff, as a university - what do we want to do moving forward? For me, I have to figure out what do we want to be, where do we want to go and kinda reset this program from a culture standpoint. This year I'll take the hit on that, and next year will be different."

Everything about that screams total roster overhaul. Some were even wishing for it during the season. Now that we're seeing it play out, magically it means we're a dumpster fire and in shambles?

I wanted Evans to work out. I kept holding out hope. Guys with his size and profile don't come to Athens frequently. It didn't work out. Elliott showed flashes as a freshman when forced into action. I liked his projectability a ton. This year, whether it was injuries or something else I dunno - but he fell of a cliff. He's the biggest loss so far, but as was pointed out, projections aside - his actual production wasn't all that great. Lastly is Fisher, and I'm surprised to see him go only because he was just a freshman and we need shooters, but again he couldn't get off the bench in a year we DESPERATELY needed shooting.

We may suck next year. Boals may get fired. But as I said in the 2026-27 roster thread - I have no idea how you make any claims on next year when 2/3 of the roster isn't on the team yet.
I'm not some insider, but I don't see how there isn't a failure on the coaching staff somewhere in handling Jordan Fisher. I don't expect any freshman to come in and be a contributor right away. Some do. Many don't. Throwing a true freshman on the trash heap after one year can't be good for relationships in recruiting Ohio prospects. Just because the other shooting guards on our roster aren't getting it done doesn't mean Fisher is ready, and if you're pushing him out for those reasons, you either failed in your talent evaluation or you have no trust in either your player development or the player's potential to figure it out. If he is ready/was ready this season, then it's a failure in communicating the vision or it's a failure in stubbornness of sticking with certain guys who couldn't get it done.

Evans? Fine. A few injuries the past couple years gave put some opportunities in his lap and he didn't solidify himself. Elliott, I'd be willing to give him a pass due to the injuries but if someone in his camp is demanding more money, take a hike.
M.D.W.S.T
General User
Member Since: 12/24/2021
Post Count: 3,655
mail
M.D.W.S.T
mail
Posted: 3/20/2026 10:01 AM
settings_applications edit_note
shabamon wrote:expand_more
I'm not sure why anyone is shocked at this given what Boals literally said in his post-game presser in Cleveland. Go back and watch it. He said:

"There's going to be a reset. This team won't be the same team next year. We've got 2 kids signed and we're going to bring a lot more in. Next year we'll have our conversations individually and start recruiting right away....

As a department, as a staff, as a university - what do we want to do moving forward? For me, I have to figure out what do we want to be, where do we want to go and kinda reset this program from a culture standpoint. This year I'll take the hit on that, and next year will be different."

Everything about that screams total roster overhaul. Some were even wishing for it during the season. Now that we're seeing it play out, magically it means we're a dumpster fire and in shambles?

I wanted Evans to work out. I kept holding out hope. Guys with his size and profile don't come to Athens frequently. It didn't work out. Elliott showed flashes as a freshman when forced into action. I liked his projectability a ton. This year, whether it was injuries or something else I dunno - but he fell of a cliff. He's the biggest loss so far, but as was pointed out, projections aside - his actual production wasn't all that great. Lastly is Fisher, and I'm surprised to see him go only because he was just a freshman and we need shooters, but again he couldn't get off the bench in a year we DESPERATELY needed shooting.

We may suck next year. Boals may get fired. But as I said in the 2026-27 roster thread - I have no idea how you make any claims on next year when 2/3 of the roster isn't on the team yet.
I'm not some insider, but I don't see how there isn't a failure on the coaching staff somewhere in handling Jordan Fisher. I don't expect any freshman to come in and be a contributor right away. Some do. Many don't. Throwing a true freshman on the trash heap after one year can't be good for relationships in recruiting Ohio prospects. Just because the other shooting guards on our roster aren't getting it done doesn't mean Fisher is ready, and if you're pushing him out for those reasons, you either failed in your talent evaluation or you have no trust in either your player development or the player's potential to figure it out. If he is ready/was ready this season, then it's a failure in communicating the vision or it's a failure in stubbornness of sticking with certain guys who couldn't get it done.

Evans? Fine. A few injuries the past couple years gave put some opportunities in his lap and he didn't solidify himself. Elliott, I'd be willing to give him a pass due to the injuries but if someone in his camp is demanding more money, take a hike.
We also don't know how much of this is just flirting with the prom queen. (In football as well)

He didn't exactly crush it here, so some of those options may be limited, but I shared it before - he has truly impressive per 100 stats, so that may open a lot of doors. Who doesn't want to be wined and dined? Who doesn't want their inbox full of coaches saying amazing things about you? Who doesn't want to take those visits and get a bunch of sweet gear? These kid are growing up in a generation where instagram photos is half the fun and half of their self-worth. Feels like every cycle we see thousands of kids posting 10 photos in a new locker room, decked out in the uniform, holding trophies every week with the tag "#NotCommitted". We live in bizarro times and social media engagement is just one of those things. When he ends up at Ball State, he'll still be telling people 'I was recruited by Ohio State, but..." when it was a preferred walk-on tour with 20 others.
Last Edited: 3/20/2026 10:03:02 AM by M.D.W.S.T
bobcatsquared
General User
B
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 5,844
person
mail
bobcatsquared
mail
Posted: 3/22/2026 11:57 AM
settings_applications edit_note
Was told today that someone on Ohio's coaching staff told someone on Newark's coaching staff that Fisher will become a good DI player when he's playing for his third collegiate team.
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,670
person
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 3/22/2026 12:15 PM
settings_applications edit_note
What the hell does that even mean? Sounds disdainful. Why recruit him in the first place?

I won't believe in a program "reset" without an overhaul of the staff. I think we all know how this will end after next season. Gonna be hard to sell season ticket packages.
Last Edited: 3/22/2026 12:17:43 PM by SBH
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
General User
BLSS
Member Since: 7/30/2010
Post Count: 4,640
person
mail
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
mail
Posted: 3/22/2026 12:39 PM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH wrote:expand_more
What the hell does that even mean? Sounds disdainful. Why recruit him in the first place?

I won't believe in a program "reset" without an overhaul of the staff. I think we all know how this will end after next season. Gonna be hard to sell season ticket packages.
Seriously. Just comes across as bitter and insecure. Move on like adults.
Last Edited: 3/22/2026 12:39:26 PM by Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
FishBates
General User
FB
Member Since: 3/6/2026
Post Count: 134
person
mail
FishBates
mail
Posted: 3/22/2026 2:58 PM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH wrote:expand_more
What the hell does that even mean? Sounds disdainful. Why recruit him in the first place?

I won't believe in a program "reset" without an overhaul of the staff. I think we all know how this will end after next season. Gonna be hard to sell season ticket packages.
You are correct. It might be good to have the riot act ready to recite for the ticket department intern who will be calling next fall wanting to know why you didn't renew especially when they have their weak list of reasons to buy now or forever hold your peace. (Like the one last fall who told me about all the excitement generated "by Boals kid being on the team" - not sarcastic, they actually said it.)

And BLSS...I couldn't care less what you think of this post or of the one I quoted. You can kiss my hairy posterior if you don't like it!!!!!!
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
General User
BLSS
Member Since: 7/30/2010
Post Count: 4,640
person
mail
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
mail
Posted: 3/22/2026 3:10 PM
settings_applications edit_note
FishBates wrote:expand_more
And BLSS...I couldn't care less what you think of this post or of the one I quoted. You can kiss my hairy posterior if you don't like it!!!!!!
How little you care really comes across.
Andrew Ruck
General User
Member Since: 12/22/2004
Location: Columbus, OH
Post Count: 5,631
mail
Andrew Ruck
mail
Posted: 3/22/2026 3:48 PM
settings_applications edit_note
FishBates wrote:expand_more
(Like the one last fall who told me about all the excitement generated "by Boals kid being on the team" - not sarcastic, they actually said it.)
That's crazy, they said the exact same thing to greencat.
100%Cat
General User
Member Since: 1/17/2013
Post Count: 2,721
mail
100%Cat
mail
Posted: 3/23/2026 1:28 PM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH wrote:expand_more
What the hell does that even mean? Sounds disdainful. Why recruit him in the first place?

I won't believe in a program "reset" without an overhaul of the staff. I think we all know how this will end after next season. Gonna be hard to sell season ticket packages.
Unfortunately, I agree. Something about old dogs and new tricks. If you haven't figured things out by now, why believe things will change now?
FJC31
General User
FJC31
Member Since: 3/31/2022
Post Count: 2,243
person
mail
FJC31
mail
Posted: 3/26/2026 8:13 AM
settings_applications edit_note
BG with the first transfer add this year. Frostburg State’s (D2) Trey Simmons. Averaged 24ppg last season and shot 38% from 3. 6’1.

https://x.com/verbalcommits/status/2037001665824645516?s=...
M.D.W.S.T
General User
Member Since: 12/24/2021
Post Count: 3,655
mail
M.D.W.S.T
mail
Posted: 3/26/2026 11:22 AM
settings_applications edit_note
FJC31 wrote:expand_more
BG with the first transfer add this year. Frostburg State’s (D2) Trey Simmons. Averaged 24ppg last season and shot 38% from 3. 6’1.

https://x.com/verbalcommits/status/2037001665824645516?s=...
Fishman is gonna be enraged when someone reads this to him.
FishBates
General User
FB
Member Since: 3/6/2026
Post Count: 134
person
mail
FishBates
mail
Posted: 3/26/2026 11:30 AM
settings_applications edit_note
M.D.W.S.T wrote:expand_more
BG with the first transfer add this year. Frostburg State’s (D2) Trey Simmons. Averaged 24ppg last season and shot 38% from 3. 6’1.

https://x.com/verbalcommits/status/2037001665824645516?s=...
Fishman is gonna be enraged when someone reads this to him.
Keep rolling your eyes, maybe you'll find a brain back there. As if.
71 BOBCAT
General User
71B
Member Since: 12/21/2004
Post Count: 1,954
person
mail
71 BOBCAT
mail
Posted: 3/26/2026 4:59 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Can't wait for all the eligible transfers are in the portal. When?






GO BOBCATS
FJC31
General User
FJC31
Member Since: 3/31/2022
Post Count: 2,243
person
mail
FJC31
mail
Posted: 3/28/2026 12:23 PM
settings_applications edit_note
bobcatsquared
General User
B
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 5,844
person
mail
bobcatsquared
mail
Posted: 3/28/2026 5:39 PM
settings_applications edit_note
No MAC player currently in the portal raises an eyebrow - until now with Blyven entering the portal. The best frosh in the MAC who might have been the best player in Cleveland during the MAC tournament. Is Habhabhab, the next best MAC frosh, next?
Showing Messages: 76 - 100 of 212
reply
vertical_align_top
vertical_align_center
vertical_align_bottom
add_comment
chevron_backward
chevron_forward
MAC News Links



extra small (< 576px)
small (>= 576px)
medium (>= 768px)
large (>= 992px)
x-large (>= 1200px)
xx-large (>= 1400px)