I’d like to hear opinions about how different (if any) this season will be with Sears running point. Is there going to be a drop in offensive production compared to JP? Will we try to use Mark, like we did with JP, when it comes to off ball iso situations? Also, just for fun. Name one or two players that you think will need to constantly perform and get us back to the MAC championship and a run in the NCAA tournament.

How do you replace Jason Preston? The answer is, you don’t. Or, can’t. Such a rare talent that was able to make those around him so much better. Efficient offensively, excellent rebounder and I would say a +defender. Not to mention the intangible things he brought by being a good teammate…
Now, that said, was he perfect? Of course not.

Enter Mark Sears. Excellent freshmen campaign and, if he wasn’t playing behind JP, a contender for freshman of the year. Very aggressive in the paint, able to draw fouls and make his attempts at a high rate. Also, had a better assist to TO rate than Jason, and also almost as many steals as Jason on far fewer minutes. If he had one glaring weakness, it would be 3pt. shooting percentage. But as the old adage goes, if a guy shoots well at the line, it’s far easier to get him better from 3.

Where does he fit this year? Just play solid basketball. You can’t be a better passer than Jason. But I could see a scenario where BVP is asked to play more of a point forward spot to help on that end… Better shooting from 3, take care of the ball, stay aggressive in the paint. I suspect he will average about 12 pts, 6 assists and 4 rebounds, If he can do that, we will be better than fine.

Go Bobcats!

Didn't Sears come close to a triple double in 1 or 2 of his starts in JP's absence last winter? I'm confident he'll end up an All-MAC performer before he leaves Athens.

Aside from rebounding, I felt Mark was just as impactful to the games as Jason during Jason's absences. I no concern toward him quarterbacking this team for the next three years.

I think Schmock will be just fine as the backup. He was first team all-conference at Findlay last year, all-conference defensive team, and he's the school's all-time assists leader. A kid with that pedigree at a winning D2 program can hang in the MAC for ten minutes a game, I think.

I actually thought Marc was stronger taking the ball to the tin and absorbing contact than Jason was. We know he can finish at the rim and can shoot, but I need to see more of a court presence and leadership directing traffic. He's gonna be a great one and we got him for 3 more years.

Muy emocionante.

If a team could ever be prepared for losing an NBA talent, this is one if those rare times. He’s fearless in the paint and has great finishing ability. My favorite style of point guard. Preston was amazing, but aesthetically, I like the Kyrie Irving style of point guard that can crack open a defense off the dribble and then use his body to rack up drawn fouls and open 3-pointers. This could be very fun.

I feel great with Sears at the point. Ill miss JP, of course, but this isnt like going from DJ to Bean.

Sorry Bean.

I look forward to some juniors making the leap to standout upperclassmen.

Im thrilled, even stunned originally, that JC is back. Gonna love the bigs with BVP and DWIII returning also.

Im already looking at MAC tourney lodging....

+1 This has been my thinking also. I've been high on him since the first game he played for the Bobcats.

Sears will get better with more playing time. A better foul shooter helps in those close conference games. This team has lots of scoring options and experience. We got three guys on the frontline that are 5th year seniors. McDay and Roderick have played lots of basketball at the Wings. Sears got a lot of help around him.