1. I actually felt bad for JC at his presser. Was the video from an official BC website, or a fan site? The 50 minute into of nothingness was bush league. I hope it was a fan site. The into from Bates lacked any emotion and the entire presser from Christian lacked all emotion. Also, the camera angle on the BC logo sheet in the background was horrendous. High school's do better.

2. After watching Russ' interview, I think we this hire may have kept Russ around for a couple extra years as well. I think these two are going to have a few good years of entertaining banter between the two of them.

I love this guy!!!

NDSU picks longtime assistant Dave Richman as their new HC.

 

Funny you mentioning keeping Russ..  Many have deemed Ohio Basketball destined to be a "stepping stone" for eternity. I'm not buying it. There is a reason people who are great at their jobs are sticking around Athens... On this board, I've seen it mentioned that Schaus, Russ, Frank and Arkley are all destined for brighter lights than Athens, Ohio. Maybe, just maybe, they all are buying into the growth Ohio Athletics is experiencing. Yes, they all must have an appreciation for their life right now but I also think they may all have bought into the vision for what Ohio could be.
 

Obviously, Phillips saying all the right things doesn't necessarily translate into him doing all the right things. If he does though, man, this school and community has all the other keys lined up... Starting at the top with McDavis. If we can get the stability in men's hoops. Woo buddy.

Can't agree more...I'm done with it.
#Saul

Agree 100%.

Does anybody know why we didn't have Saul on the short list two years ago?


This hire says a lot to me about the state of Ohio Basketball. I think it is clear Ohio is the best job in the MAC. Our facilities, and fan base are second to none in the conference. I think we have graduated to the level that we will only lose Phillips to a power conference program. Even Kentucky and Kansas have lost their coaches to other jobs. Thinking Phillips will have a Jim Snyder type tenure is a little far fetched. There are probably a handful of power conference teams that can't poach Coach Philips from Athens. Think about this 7 years ago, TOS left us for Bryant. The growth of our program is remarkable right now. Coach Philips might be wildly successful and there are not any good power conference positions available. We could keep him for awhile. Coach Philips isn't leaving us for Northwestern or Rutgers.

I appreciate LDB defense of the previous coaching regime. Everybody keeps saying who wouldn't turn down triple your salary money. I can think of a few and their current jobs have since rewarded them. Shaka Smart, and Mark Few come to mind instantly. Both are making bank now but worked up to their salaries by having sustained success in their programs. Smart turned down UCLA. I also find it interesting Schaus tried his best to keep Groce before he left for Champaign, did we make any offer to keep our previous coach? The cost of living in Boston is outrageous and the traffic is horrible. Are the quality of life headaches worth the money? I guess so, I have never been offered triple my salary so I don't know.

I appreciate two things the previous coach did for Ohio. One the green turtle neck in tribute to Charlie Coles was nothing but a class act. It showed more love and honor to Coles then the man who sits in CC's office today. The second thing is the Regular Season Co-Championship. I know it was a "backdoor" championship but only us on BA will remember that fact in 10 years.

It will be interesting to see if Coach Phillips can rerecruit Owens back to Ohio. If the attempt is unsuccessful it might be a blessing. Coach Philips will have 3 scholarships to find guys he knows will fit into his system. He has a good returning foundation if there are no more defections and 3 building blocks for the future. I think Coach Phillips is coming into a great situation.

I wonder what way ticket prices are going to go and how the people will feel about that.

You already know the answer. Just ask your nearest Green and White Club rep.

A couple of big away money games sprinkled in will pay the difference in salary

Don't forget the part that it stays higher for a longer period of time as well.

keep in mind that large, extended buyout clause is a two way street. If things don't work out like we hoped in a couple of year we'll be on the hook for $950K if we want to change directions. probability of that is low, as was JC leaving after 2yrs.