Watching the press conference made me feel a ton better about last night. Saul admits that even though Ohio was a good team, they had flaws. They really knew how to put the ball in the hoop, but just weren't quick enough on the floor or strong enough. Those are things that can be improved with off-season workouts. Work on technique and get stronger.

This year I feel was more about building a team atmosphere and getting them ready for a big run. They were close and probably could have won it, but the flaws were just too glaring to overcome. So maybe it happens next year with Big Tone leading the way as a Senior.

I wouldn't be surprised with a preseason prediction of Ohio winning the MAC. This group is certainly capable. Shore up some of the rusty areas and come back hungry. Guys like Jordy, Gavin and Jaaron come from winning HS programs. They'll get this back. Just watch.

I love this guy. He gets it and he's brutally honest about the team. I can only hope we keep him for the long haul.

https://youtu.be/cjHjIoLhCV8

I would be surprised if they are not the preseason favorite.

I'll be surprised if we are the preseason favorite next season. I think we can have a really good team and a really good season. But one of the things I've learned over the years is you can't look at your situation in a vacuum. I used to tend to look at our recruits and say, okay, we had a really good class, we're going to dominate the MAC next season, putting little stock into how the others teams recruited. For instance, I basically thought Buffalo wouldn't be that big of a threat this season after Bobby Hurley left, took Shannon Evans with him and Justin Moss left school. But look at what they brought in--Willie Conner, Blake Hamilton, C.J. Massenburg, Nike Perkins--and they'll all be back next season, along with Lamonte Bearden and a recruit or two. If we're honest, we can say this about four or five teams in the conference. We have a lot of talent in our starting lineup, but the bench wasn't productive this season. Yes, we can get bigger and stronger, but the guys on the other teams who already are ahead of our reserves will be doing the same things, too. Having watched every game this season, it seems to me that our only frontcourt player who could slash to the rim (Treg Setty) is graduating and the only strong offensive rebounder (Doug Taylor) didn't play that much. Jaaron Simmons just can't play this many minutes next season, especially in a three games in three days setting. We have a big problem against athletic wing players who can take you off the dribble, and more and more of that type of wing is coming into the conference. We have a lot of strengths. How coach Phillips deals with the weaknesses, which may not be able to be solved with the roster as presently constituted, will greatly determine how we are perceived for next season as well as how far we will go. I previously posted on this topic under the title "athleticism." Hope we win a few games in whatever tournament we go to!

Barring any unexpected implosions, the MAC will be very tough next year. Buffalo will also be a candidate for being picked preseason #1.

I agree Jeff, I think the MAC should be rock solid next year. With a couple of breaks, maybe a 2 bid conference even?

would have to keep improving OOC scheduling as a conference.

I think there is an undercurrent brewing. Mark Adams talked about the scheduling conflicts at the mid major level and I heard *gasp* even Jay Bilas mention it so...if we are smart as a conference we will pay attention to the things the committee is looking for and....win.

Circling back to Coach Phillips' post-game press conference, wow! If I had a son I would want him to play for a coach like that.

And thoughts and prayers to Coach Oats' wife!

Depends on what Saul thinks the immediate need is. I think Carter is gonna surprise some people like Jordy did. Would not be shocked to see him and Tony do some serious damage in the high-low post action. If Saul and staff don't go after an athletic wing, I would say it's gotta be a PG to help spell Jaaron. It doesn't seem like Saul is ready to let Jordy run the offense, though I do like his scoring a ability.

I'd like to see us schedule more regional teams like Cincy, Xavier, Dayton, Butler, Louisville, in addition to those you mentioned. We already have a home and home scheduled with Cincinnati scheduled in football (2019, 2020 I believe), so I wouldn't think it would be too difficult to get a home and home set up for basketball.

I like the idea of the holiday tourney. I also like the idea of a challenge, like a MAC-American or MAC-A10 challenge. I think that would give the MAC a lot of exposure.

IMO, Ohio will be the team to beat come MAC Tournament time again. Next year's team will be loaded. Ohio needs to face some "Power" conference schools to showcase it. Another type of non conference schedule (especially the home schedule) like this year would be a complete waste for this team next year.

As someone who likes to sit back and watch how people construct teams, which is why I'm a big follower of the NFL draft (go Jets!), I'm fascinated to see what coach Phillips is able to accomplish within the constraints of our scholarship situation. There's a reason I've been harping on Buffalo my last two posts, because in my humble opinion, we've got to go through them (as well as other teams being put together like them) to get to the Big Dance. Okay. Jason Carter is coming. Great. He'll find a niche to maximize his skill set. But I don't believe that includes being able to neutralize Blake Hamilton. (I said neutralize because I don't see too many people containing him; that guy looks like he has a real shot at an NBA future). No one on our present roster can. Maybe Khari Harley could have, but who knows about his back situation. So it would be nice to add an athletic wing forward. (By the way, do you think Jim Christian-Bobcats signee Rodell Wigginton would have played more for us that he did for Buffalo? He's an example of an athletic guy who could have created some havoc inside, on the offensive glass and as a shot-blocking rim protector). Next, do we have a guard long enough, strong enough and quick enough to deal with the likes of Willie Conner? As with Hamilton, this guy also killed us outside and taking it to the rim. It would be nice to have that type of shooting/slashing guard with size and strength. That would help to keep us out of long scoring lulls, because those kind of players can get to the rim and get fouled at the very least. It appears from the message board that we're involved with a couple of guys who have these skills. Then we need someone to give Jaaron Simmons some rest. Maybe Jordan Dartis can handle that next season, but the offense seldom ran smoothly when Jaaron sat. (If you watched the MAC title game tonight, the same thing happened to Buffalo in the second half when Lamonte Bearden sat and Jayrrn Skeete played the point. Their lead went from many to few). As someone posted previously, we need a backup who can be a factor for us at both ends not only to give Jaaron some rest, but also to step in and play when Jaaron is in foul trouble, or should he get hurt. So it seems to me we have three needs and one known schollie. Maybe coach Phillips can pull something out of a hat. Time will tell.

Good stuff Chicken George... (BTW, I named my son George)

I would add that Saul has been able to get marked improvement from a few players this past year... (Campbell, Setty and as you mentioned Wadley). Here's hoping that Gollon follows in Setty's footsteps and can get to the next level. They both have had older brothers that worked hard through their careers to improve as they matured. From your report, I think he's got it in him, but needs the off season to uh, season.

GO BOBCATS!

After reading through all the posts on this topic I am going to add my thoughts as well;

1) We really improved this year, better than most probably expected back in October.
2) As the team improved during the year so to did our expectations.
3) Every team has strengths and weaknesses, and that includes Buffalo and Akron.
4) Next year is a whole new season and that means there may not be a carry over effect for each team whether they performed well or not.

Some have made predictions on next years preseason polls. This is what I have observed on these polls.
1) They tend to follow the previous teams performance, LY results, unless there is high number of graduating players and perhaps a coaching change.
2) I would expect these polls next year to have both Buffalo and Akron ahead of us. Now the number of votes between these 3 teams maybe close which lends one to think there is no real clear favorite.

After the season is totally over I will start a post centered around my analysis of this years team player by player.



GO BOBCATS