A few random things:

1) Fouls were a bigtime problem last night with KK and Jaaron. Our entire defensive lineup was in flux all throughout the second quarter, including switches on who was guarding Wilder (Saul had Dartis on him for a bit since had fouls). Definitely a factor. We need KK on offense to finish games.

2) Carter came out hot, able to outwit Dugan and LaMont for some quick points in the paint in the first half. Then they figured him out and we had no way of getting consistent points in the paint in the second half.

3) We ARE a team who is going to give up big runs here and there. All we need to do is weather the storm and work on slightly decreasing these - instead of giving up a 15-0 run, make it a 15-6 run. Big difference, as we lost by 5 last night.

4) We need to shoot more 3s. I'd be fine with 30 attempts per game. This is our strength - Dartis and KK are strong shooters, Simmons, Block, Carter, and Laster are all capable. WMU shot 25 3s and we shot 22.


Basically, we have a really good offense predicated on banging down a bunch of 3s. It all starts there. If Carter or Taylor can keep working on establishing an inside presence and Laster and Culver can find some consistency coming off the bench and slashing at the rim, we're in decent shape. When our offense disappears for 4-5 minutes, our defense isn't good enough to hold leads or keep us in the game. When our offense is clicking that leads to better outcomes on defense, IMO.

Thanks Ry

As usual, when I saw this I typed out a well constructed and thoughtful response about the douchiness of repetitively using the 550K as a stick to beat Saul with as has been done following the Iona, EMU and WKU losses by this same poster. I looked at the character that has been recruited in the members of this team, the classroom performance, the diligence in recruiting and the loss of Tone. I had about a small novel constructed as to how well this coach and staff have done in righting the ship and ensuring movement forward to continue the trajectory up since I first got here in 07. You summarized it nicely.

I usually have a 24 hour rule so I was happy to see you took the time. In the interim I took the time to look and scour tO$U, Indiana, Illinois, Butler and a few other boards where hoopheads reside and have teams currently in a funk. NO ONE has a thread or even a poster contributing where they are questioning the salary. ALL have coaches making over 2 million dollars per year but they understand the value of the position in THEIR university and how competitive they want to be. THey understand the value of a coach and while the fanbase will criticize every minute detail of a performance and lust for blood and a place to affix blame ....they all know the money to hire a decent coach is part of the program and plan.

What are we getting for our 550K?, Good students (No bert, ernies or AB's, no domestic abuse, no dismissals and failed drug tests, no one leaving for funerals and not returning, no chasing around to classes or assigning adults to follow and ensure the kids get there among other things) Good character athletes that represent us well and we as a fanbase can be proud of, Good sportsmen. We are still competitive despite the challenges of personnel and injuries,we have a good steward of the program that loves the U...the only thing we still have is the challenge of closing out games and living up to the expectations of the fanbase. Saul wants to succeed and stay here enjoying the Athens community and coaching at Ohio.....unless we start becoming one of those deplorable fanbases and hanging his salary over his head and beating him with it. Talk about the game and decisions and lack of player execution or motivation and recruiting gaffes. Talk about how it is coaches fault and there is no offense and the defense has no Identity like they ..do at Illinois..but the salary is off limits IMHO as it is the reality of what it takes to compete no matter who you sre in these 351 schools ....lest you think we should cut it a couple hundred grand and find us an up and comer on the cheap.

I know we were still finding ourselves in that game vs. Akron...the first of the post-AC era.

So I'm curious what Saturday will bring.

As I said earlier, this roster is more talented than a lot of teams that Akron has "squeaked past"

No reason we should be getting drummed by them with this talent.

Your state tax dollars are also paying for coaches and presidents at OSU, Akron, BG, Cincy, Kent, Cleveland State, Miami, Toledo, Wright St. and Youngstown St.

How are the ROIs on them?

Douchiness. Classy. Of course, you're the first to cry foul and say "I'm gonna take my ball elsewhere" whenever anyone criticizes you. Then you disappear for about 48 hours before bringing your "BBIQ" back to us all.

That's bull**** CC. I'm talking about salaries for our highest paid employees not scholarships for students who we all hope will better society in the future. I know that's a foreign concept in one of the most regressive states in America as far as individual rights go.

No one should thank me or any of the tax payers in Ohio personally. That was clearly not my point.

In this case, the douche-like comment is yours, sir. Your comments have no bearing on the thread.

Well, back to in game strategy observations. Live by the 3, die by Man D? Have we seen a zone all year?

My mistake - double posted with a cut and paste. Has now been edited out.

No problem CC. I made an honest mistake, you caught it and now it's corrected. The way darts get thrown around here sometimes you have to have a thick skin.

I'm pretty sure I have heard something from Saul to the effect of that if you want to watch Ohio play zone defense, you better find a different coach.

Since the thread was brought back...I'm on the side of the idea of having the ability to have a 'change up' form of defense, whatever that may be. Zone, press, double team/trap for the corners. Something that, for maybe 5-6 possessions a game is a different look that could change a game, stop runs.