Looking forward to seeing it at a "new to us" venue, MadTree in the Oakley area. Or as its commonly known Hyde Park Near.

Ive only had suds there. I wonder what foodie things will be served.

We enjoy hearing everyone speak but my highest focus is on MBB. And i get a kick out of Coach Boals.

I posted this on the Caravan thread on the football board but will repeat it here since there's a fresh thread...


I'm back from the Cincinnati event. It was meh.

God bless all things OU -- and I appreciated the free pizza that was served -- but this event suffered from the lack of star power. Again, no offense to those who spoke, but I don't think I'll attend in future years if the head coaches aren't there. It was kind of like going to one of those Rohr Room pregame talks with an assistant coach, but this time there was no game following it.

There was a mention made that Coach Albin was entertaining portal recruits on campus, and I'm glad to hear about that legitimate reason for him missing this. Maybe Coach Boals had similar reasons to miss out and it just wasn't stated. It would be a little awkward if they appear in other cities and just missed Cincy.

I didn't get a chance to chat with Julie Cromer or others, but I'm guessing this sentiment will make its way to them through the grapevine.

Oh well. Let's just fast forward to football season and start playing games. I didn't need this event to get me excited about Bobcat athletics.

Room was full, well attended.

Pros - i thought the panel of three coaches was solid. The head volleyball coach was engaging and insightful. So were the bball and fball assistants.

Cons - most of audience questions were about portal. Meh. Parking was a nightmare, i was half hour early and lot completely full. Had to park down the road and across the street at megachurch lot. Double meh.

Giving credit where it's due, I should note that the event was well organized. Kudos to the folks who put in the work, because I'm guessing they weren't the ones who decided Albin and Boals wouldn't be there.

I guess they normally use Crossroads for overflow parking since they have a sign directing people over there. Only negative is crossing the street.

Most memorable stories were about the two volleyball sisters from Ukraine and the recruitment of the Rourkes.

Hoops highlight was learning might be one more portal xfer to athens.

Or the "difference" coming up in the east, for that matter.

Outstanding observation!

In all seriousness, this area of Cincinnati should be a case study in trickle down economics. Two of the busiest streets in the city (Madison Rd and Ridge Ave) and right on the corner of that is a mega church (Crossroads) across from MadTree. There's a Target, Meijer and Sam's Club within walking distance of the church and also a Chick-fil-A. But since they're not open on Sundays, guess who opens a place right next door? Canes. Genius move.