Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: Enjoy to the fullest Ben Vander Plas' finish to this season as another one may be too much to expect
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FlashGary
2/23/2022 6:46 PM
I don't know Ben Vander Plas. I don't know if he's even made the decision whether he'll come back to give it a go next season. But listening to him with Russ on the Jeff Boals Show a few minutes ago, Ben said he'd like to play basketball as long as he can.

This is just my opinion: Selfishly, I'd love for him to return to help lead what looks like the making of a powerhouse team next season. Realistically, though, Ben will turn 24 on September 19th (my sister shares the same birthday). Sooo, if he plans to give it a whirl playing professionally, the clock is ticking, know what I mean?

He's been an outstanding Bobcat. If this turns out to be the end, go out in style, Ben!!! And thanks for the memories.
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greencat
2/23/2022 8:32 PM
There's not a single mock draft that mentions him but he could get a free agent deal and play some NBA summer league ball and hope to stick. The best that usually happens from that is riding the bus to play the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the "G" league. Or playing international ball which can be a good payday. But since his odds of sticking in the Association are slim, who is to say he shouldn't keep on enjoying his college days? I know that nobody on here wants to here it, but he could even get an advanced degree from an Ivy or similar level private school with an extra year, but the Bobcat in me would love for him to stay another year... since the NCAA has pretty much thrown out the rulebook on how long a guy can stick around, getting paid, etc.
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FlashGary
2/24/2022 2:23 AM
greencat wrote:expand_more
There's not a single mock draft that mentions him but he could get a free agent deal and play some NBA summer league ball and hope to stick. The best that usually happens from that is riding the bus to play the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the "G" league. Or playing international ball which can be a good payday. But since his odds of sticking in the Association are slim, who is to say he shouldn't keep on enjoying his college days? I know that nobody on here wants to here it, but he could even get an advanced degree from an Ivy or similar level private school with an extra year, but the Bobcat in me would love for him to stay another year... since the NCAA has pretty much thrown out the rulebook on how long a guy can stick around, getting paid, etc.
I hear ya, greencat. I was thinking overseas. But I know nothing. Just looking and pondering the possibilities.
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Taiwan BC
2/24/2022 7:36 AM
If he goes somewhere else to play more college ball, I would think UVA would be high on the list, considering his family connections to the coach.
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SBH
2/24/2022 8:22 AM
Yeah, but he'd sit at UVA.
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71 BOBCAT
2/24/2022 8:48 AM
I too listened to BVP last night and it appeared to me that he really has enjoyed his time at Ohio.
Yes, it would make some sense to transfer to another school that is ranked higher than Ohio to achieve another degree, AKA Ivy League.
I do not think, at this point, he would get drafted. If he wants to play in the NBA he could look to experts assessment on his talent and deficiencies. If after this assessment he could evaluate whether he is able to improve on his deficiencies. If he believes he can than he should consult with Boals to solicit his help to achieve his improvement. I would believe coach would help him.
Obviously if this was the case I would think BVP would return next season.
Leave with 4 degrees, WOW, and an honor role recipient.
Then if DW returns this team would only loose 1 starter and 1 bench player.
The future looks bright for the program.




GO BOBCATS
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SBH
2/24/2022 9:09 AM
Athens does get awfully small after 4-5 years. Something to be said for broadening his horizons.
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spongeBOB CATpants
2/24/2022 9:50 AM
I give it very slim odds he's back, like 1/10. Smartest move for him would be to pursue a career playing overseas after this season. He's a very smart kid so this shouldn't be a difficult decision.

Although, if he does come back, he would cement his legendary status as one of Ohio's all time greats. I'd be perfectly fine with his jersey in the rafters.
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Bobcat1998
2/24/2022 10:00 AM
BVP has given himself entirely to our basketball program and I need to add to all of you that if he returns I will literally do a dance of joy. If he goes to somewhere else to pursue either another degree or just try to play up in competition I will root for him no matter where he goes. If he decides to hang up playing basketball I am good with that as well. He is a great person and a tremendous leader and teammate. I would love to see him coaching for us someday!
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Andrew Ruck
2/24/2022 10:52 AM
0% chance he has an NBA future, 100% chance he has an overseas career. He is exactly the type of player that seems to succeed over there, much like Shaun Stonerook. I agree he would like to play another season for the Bobcats, but if he wants to pursue a professional career I can't see him delaying that when he already has 2 degrees.
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SBH
2/24/2022 11:08 AM
He might also want to coach rather than play overseas.
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Cellis033
2/24/2022 11:31 AM
SBH wrote:expand_more
He might also want to coach rather than play overseas.
I could see him being a coach somewhere. I'm perfectly content with wherever he wants to go, but being selfish it would be AMAZING to see him return. It would be so cool to see him mentor Hadaway as well.
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OhioCatFan
2/24/2022 12:15 PM
My guess: He comes back for another year at Ohio and then pursues a career in something other than athletics.
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shabamon
2/24/2022 2:36 PM
Perhaps he's being cryptic about his return because there's not a scholarship to give him unless someone else transfers out.
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cc-cat
2/24/2022 3:07 PM
shabamon wrote:expand_more
Perhaps he's being cryptic about his return because there's not a scholarship to give him unless someone else transfers out.
Could he be "compensated" as a grad assistant - then serve as a player/coach? Have no idea what the grad assistant receives (if anything), but even if its free tuition....
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FlashGary
2/24/2022 4:56 PM
BVP finishing up at another school never crossed my mind. I doubt he would do that, especially with Mark Sears returning (right?) and the freshman class we have coming in. Next year's squad really could do A LOT of damage if Ben returns. I was pondering if he wanted to play overseas he'd be going on 25 years old if he comes back here. That clock already is ticking...To reiterate, selfishly, I hope he returns.
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A-townBound
2/24/2022 8:31 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
My guess: He comes back for another year at Ohio and then pursues a career in something other than athletics.
+1

Although yes he could have a career overseas, I just get a feeling it’s not something he’ll pursue. It’s not for everyone. FWIW, if BVP plays more basketball, I think it will be in Athens.
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longtiimelurker
2/24/2022 9:14 PM
Enjoying him on Senior night will be a treat. Thankful for his presence through the last few seasons.

And.

If he does it again next year, we should say "thanks again" and do it again next year. That is one special dude.
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FearLeon
2/24/2022 9:28 PM
BVP just released a statement ahead of Senior Night....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVDH3MX4MYI
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Cellis033
2/24/2022 10:27 PM
FearLeon wrote:expand_more
BVP just released a statement ahead of Senior Night....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVDH3MX4MYI
LOL.
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mid70sbobcat
2/24/2022 10:41 PM
shabamon wrote:expand_more
Perhaps he's being cryptic about his return because there's not a scholarship to give him unless someone else transfers out.
If not mistaken he's working on 2nd Masters degree. Does he need an athletic scholarship when an academic would pay the way?
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FearLeon
2/25/2022 8:03 AM
Cellis…get those Ozone chants of “One More Year” going for BVP during senior night pre-game and throughout game.
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Cellis033
2/25/2022 8:50 AM
FearLeon wrote:expand_more
Cellis…get those Ozone chants of “One More Year” going for BVP during senior night pre-game and throughout game.
I have noted it on the dirt sheet and we will be starting the “One More Year!” Chants
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Victory
2/25/2022 9:30 AM
mid70sbobcat wrote:expand_more
Perhaps he's being cryptic about his return because there's not a scholarship to give him unless someone else transfers out.
If not mistaken he's working on 2nd Masters degree. Does he need an athletic scholarship when an academic would pay the way?
I am not an expert on such rules but I do not believe this is allowed. If it were Alabama would suddenly have 50 football players on "academic" scholarship. I don't know if there is any way that he could apply for a well established academic scholarship that came from a place totally outside the University. I suspect not. It used to be the case that if you played a non-revenue sport and a revenue sport that your scholarship had to count against the revenue sport. I assume that is still the case but I do not know. It was supposed to keep, say, a faux track team full of sprinters that are really receivers and cornerbacks from existing to funnel extra scholarship players to a football team.

I have wondered about this before in the case of a PhD student as you would need money to fund research outside of a standard scholarship. Most people would be out of eligibility before it gets to that point and you couldn't make much progress toward most possible PhDs while committing so much time to sports so I have never heard of a player going for one
Last Edited: 2/25/2022 10:23:09 AM by Victory
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FearLeon
2/25/2022 9:43 AM
Cellis033 wrote:expand_more
Cellis…get those Ozone chants of “One More Year” going for BVP during senior night pre-game and throughout game.
I have noted it on the dirt sheet and we will be starting the “One More Year!” Chants
Figured you were all over it. Can't wait to hear the OZONE on TV tonight. You have done a tremendous job in bringing back student involvement and energy to games. I believe the OZONE is back here for good to stay moving forward.
Last Edited: 2/25/2022 9:50:41 AM by FearLeon
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