Saul purchased a house in Athens this week for around $440,000. Hopefully he consulted with one of our BobcatAttack financial advisors before pulling the trigger.

Phillips' line the other evening about the proof of his recrutiing skills were apparent with his wife was absolutely priceless. If this is how recruiting at the college level works, I have a bright future in coachinig ahead of me :)

So you're saying it's not a coincidence that I got my annual "you graduated here, we think you should give us more money" phone call from the college Monday night?

I'm pretty sure that was a coincidence since all this other stuff happened so fast and the calls were planned some time ago I'm guessing

I think the reason people are so excited is because he's being so genuine about the entire situation. I have to be honest, I never thought Christian looked like he wanted to be at Ohio. He may have said it originally, but he was never thrilled about it. Saul at least gives me the impression that he wants to be here and cares about what he is doing and who he is affecting.

Personally, I don't care if he hasn't coached a game yet. I would follow that guy into battle regardless of the situation. He's one of those people that others just gravitate toward. You can't explain it because not everyone has that quality. Most of the stuff being said on this board is basically the same thing. I don't think anyone has put him up on a pedestal yet. No one has said he's going to immediately win games. But in fairness, he's probably no where near a bust either. I can say with confidence that he is probably 100% fail proof. Does that mean he's the greatest Ohio coach ever? No. But it does mean we're not going to regret this decision a couple of seasons from now.

I don't think you can fault fans for being excited about the direction that the program is headed with Phillips in charge. His enthusiasm already has players saying, "I can't wait to play for this guy next season." Any time that this is the case it makes you as a player want to come to practice and get better, not just make it through. When you string a bunch of practices together with that intention it carries over to games.

Not only does his enthusiasm comoe out in daily practices but just take a second and think about being recruited by Christian vs. Phillips to Ohio. Which coach would you rather play for? I'd say probably 90% of guys would want to play for the guy that shows outward passion for coming to the gym. Maybe I didn't pay attention to the media reports that closely when Christian was here but I never heard him speak of the campus, university, or 110 in the way that Phillips has in his first week here. This upcoming year might be one similar to Groce's first year when we played .500 ball. However, I don't believe it is in Groce's or Phillips' DNA to let the program continue down that path. As a former player I am excited with the new hire and I think it is a general consensus around the community that Phillips' is more personable and a better ambassador for this University moving forward.

McKinney is spot on.  There are many ways to be successful and being an entertainer is NOT a prerequisite.  I think the guy will be good  because OHIO has always been one of the better jobs in the MAC and I am sure he will entertain us.  But, there are no guarantees.

My guess is JC will also do better the former BC coach.  And, I think he was making progress here.  The cupboard is by no means bare but man we need some wing players quick.  We have a bunch of bigggs and two nice PG types.  It looks like JC was looking to get wings with the jr coll guys.  I hope they end up in Athens.  If they do, I think we will be pretty darn good again.

Time will tell!

100% agreed.  When all is said and done it's going to come down to accomplishments on the court.   That being said Saul makes it really easy to root for him.   I liked Jim Christian (more than most apparently) but the thought of John Groce jumping in the air on the sideline as Armon Bassett went in for a late layup against Akron in the MAC Championship game still brings a smile to my face.  And I'm hoping we see quite a few repeats of Saul Phillips running up to the NDSU fanbase with his hands in the air in Athens.  Coaches don't have to be entertaining but all else equal it sure doesn't hurt.

Well K jerry and ldb can keep making a case for jc while some are happy he is gone.  Let's move on because Bobcats basketball is headed in the direction Saul takes it. I am happy because it is going on the direction that John Rhodes sold us on in 2006. I am sure he anticipated being part of that but in the big picture this culture has shifted and the program is on a really good course. 

The biggest thing is to put it to bed.  This is the Saul Phillips thread.  Let's let time take care of things and get on board . jc  Is  Now a memory and Saul is n here.  Put the focus on what is in front.  The past goes to sleep and we're all still Bobcats rooting for our team

Not saying that the Herd is wrong, but I'm assuming that it was before this past Super Bowl, when the definition of a "player's coach", Pete Carroll, won it.  I do agree with him regarding college football. Granted there's only been 3 college coaches that have won the last 5 National Championships: Nick Saban, Gene Chizik, and Jimbo Fisher. Out of those three, I'd consider Fisher the most "player coach" like.  And I'll list the last five college hoops coaches to win it and make your own assumption.  

http://dailypicksandflicks.com/2014/04/06/snl-ncaa-best-o.../