I went to this game as well, sat in the 3rd row across from the benches, and have a lot of thoughts on the game/team itself. However, I think the most disappointing takeaway for me is the lack of leadership on the roster. Specifically, from the upperclassmen. Sitting that close and this game being over so quickly, I paid more attention to everyone’s body language than anything else.

When it became apparent we were in for a tough game, there was no fire, no display from the starters or BRod to “rally the troops”. Instead, as the mistakes continued to accumulate; the facial expressions and body language showed immense frustration with each other.

For example, Miles turned the ball over passing to Jaylin and the latter wanted to yell but quickly caught himself. Hadaway rolled his eyes and threw his arms up when Sheldon passed it out of bounds trying to get it to AJB.

Which I get, as a competitor and you’re getting embarrassed; however, it’s more than obvious the chemistry isn’t there, the results aren’t, and frustrations are starting to amount. Pure speculation — but I almost wonder if everyone is beginning to think they can produce better than the guy in front of them (DW3 being the exception) since no on has consistently played well to date.

I agree that Baker should be removed from the starting 5; but I’d also argue Miles should be as well. He’s only put 16 total points in his last 4 games to Baker’s 21. If we’re going to start 3 guys at 6’1, they all need to be scoring/play-making machines each game to make up for their lack of size. After 10 games, this just ain’t it. AJB is the obvious swap but I’d also like to give BRod a shot as well. He can’t be any worse than Miles/Baker.

Loved the way the freshman kept attacking at the end in spite of the blowout. AJB had the same energy all game and was constantly always jumping up to his feet on the bench for any sort of positive play we had. Really enjoyed watching him.

Change and player leadership is needed or we’re going to have more games like this.

We should 100% be starting AJ, but it was obvious to me last night that James is also on a different level athletically than most of the team. He had a few takes to the hole in the 2nd half that showed his burst and hit at least 1 mid range shot with a lot of confidence. He also has a grown man body.

Biggest issue. This team has no floor leadership. We have no cohesion. AJB might be able to be that guy, eventually, but he's too young and inexperienced at the moment. I think we best prepare our minds and hearts for a season of suckiness. Come March, we will be the team everyone wants to play in the first round.

P.S. I hope I'm dead wrong, but I'm calling 'em as I sees 'em.

On the point of body language, the only one I have seen multiple issues with is Hadaway. And Wiz with the refs. Otherwise I've felt like they stay locked in and positive supporting each other. And I'd say #1 on that list is AJ Brown. He always seems to have everyone's back.

It absolutely was a huge mistake. For all the chatter on this board about the non-con games essentially being meaningless, why not start him?

I'd be curious to hear what the board thinks Boals strategy with managing AJ Brown is exactly? I don't think any athlete is ok with taking a bench role vs. a starting job so I'd find it hard to believe that Brown is ok with coming off the bench on this team.

Boals needs to understand that there are coaches out there who will have absolutely no issue with poaching Brown. Matter of fact, if I have any interest in Brown, I'm attempting to make contact with a family member/old coach/friend/etc. TODAY.

Sales pitch would be pretty simple:

"Looks like you guys are heading towards a mediocre season at best, you're not starting when its obvious you should be. What if we could offer you $25k to hit the portal this off season and come play in the *insert P5 conference here* and make a stab at getting drafted?"

Once again didn't get a chance to watch this one last night, but just finished the first half over lunch. I honestly don't feel the same panic that seems to have taken over here. We shot 22% in the first half and didn't make a 3. Yes, we need more shot makers (play AJB please), but the shots we got were pretty good and we still didn't turn the ball over or take too many panic shots. All of the misses also definitely led to lot's of easy transition points for UF, which is always a concern against a more athletic, high major team. For mid majors to pull off upsets like this you have to control the ball and make shots, and we just didn't do that. Don't think this is the end of the world though...

When the starters/upperclassmen were on the bench second half; I just noticed they were lifeless, slouched, and had clearly checked out.

I think we’re all just passionate fans (why we come to BA, right?) and it feels like there are ingredients on this roster for better showings/results.

Basically agree. Ohio had plenty of makeable good looks early but the shots kept coming up short, or were bricks. Mid majors against an SEC team can't afford that. The shooting woes led to discouragement and then things really snowballed.

I've been an AJB fan since the first time I saw him on the court. If I was the coach, knowing what I know, which isn't the whole story, I would want to start him. However, I'll have to admit that since I don't know the whole story there may be factors that I don't know that might explain what on the surface seems like a stupid decision on JB's part. Maybe Brown is not in good enough shape to play more minutes than he is playing. Maybe his injury is not completely healed, or he still has some residual issues with pain after he plays several straight minutes. I'm not in the locker room. I don't know the personal conversations that have taken place between Bolas and AJB. So it's just possible that Boals actually knows what he is doing. This might come as shock to some on this board, but occasionally coaches know more than fans on the internet. I realize that this probably doesn't happen often. But, logic and the need for personal veracity requires that we admit that it could be possible.

Arkley never asked those questions, though. While it was nice to have his coverage, he never really dug into any topics that would challenge or upset the coaches.

That is blatantly false. No leadership?. none at all? Maybe from your perspective it is absolute zero, but that is hardly the only perspective.

He never said great, but you did say “no”. No is an absolute statement