Random thoughts:
-Kudos to NBC4's Matt Barnes on the interview of Coach Phillips
-Say what you want about Christian. I believe he truly had Ohio in mind for the long haul, but BC came calling. You can't blame anyone for making the professional decision that was right for them. In the parallel professional world, you or I would be crazy to pass up a similar opportunity. I left on my own terms after just three months at one job because something THAT much better for me came along. I consider myself loyal and it was tough to do, but JC and I are not the only ones who didn't stay somewhere long. And does he need to post a message on ohiobobcats.com or get a Bobcat Attack account and thank all of us? No, that's just crazy.
-I thank JC for his time at Ohio. Inherited a great team and couldn't solve one other conference team that season. It happens. Then this year, most expectations were low. The team exceeded most expectations. Let's not act like another team in this state that thinks it should win the conference every year. We may never know what transpired with Jon Smith, and it is certainly unfortunate, but JC is not JG, whom Smith came to play for. Maybe it is a sign that JC was more of a TOS in the locker room. Maybe not. Either way, I will remember these last two years as fun rooting years for this team. There were no tourney wins, but the team was competitive, entertaining and humble. We were spoiled to be able to root for these players. Much credit to both JG and JC for building this team.
-It was unfortunate to lose Levert and may be unfortunate to Owens. Anyone on this board passing judgment on these two... Seriously? Let them live their lives and let the players that want to be in Athens play. That said, I would say it is very likely Mr. Owens has received a call from Mr. Phillips.
-Speaking of Phillips... WOW! DOES THIS GUY HAVE SOME ENERGY OR WHAT!? His personality is like JG after a cup of coffee, a monster energy drink, a 5 hour energy and some Jessie Spano pills. Kudos to Schaus on moving quickly to a guy who looks like a great ambassador for this program. JC is talented at his craft and I'm sure he has passion for the game, but the kind of bubbly passion that Phillips has is rare.
-Those are some big words in Barnes' interview stating his daughter will graduate from Athens High School. He doesn't want the nature of the coaching beast to get in the way of setting down roots and that is another admirable part of his personality. Still, it is not up to us to hold him to these words. If Ohio does well and if a certain Coach Ryan retires some day... well, let the man make his own career moves. For now, let's enjoy this ride!
-No offense to Christian... But I am as excited to attend a Phillips meet-and-greet as I was to attend any Bobcat game this last year. (That said, I was an angel of death in the Convo in 2013-14 - sorry!) Not sure I will make it Tuesday, might have to wait for the caravan.
-Lost in all of this, and the most unimportant thing basketball-wise, Phillips said in Barnes' interview... He said he was sitting around with his college teammates/"buddies" at the Final Four when he found out he had an interview with Ohio. Just imagine how special it would be for you or I to be hanging out with our college friends and to then get this job in a 24 hour turnaround of what must be the team's annual tradition.
-Not to downplay how fun a meet-and-greet can be, but... IS IT NOVEMBER YET!?
#captainphillips #saaaaaullllllday