This is one of the craziest story lines in recent Bobcat history. The fact that we could possibly return every key member of a NCAA tournament team, the Coach has no immediate plans to leave, and we are now adding a former player who has experience and versatility to help us in several areas. I don't know how much Jason Carter will be a difference maker, but I'd rather have an experienced guy like him than taking a chance on someone else fitting in. It is a "win now" move with this roster and I'm totally onboard with that logic given the opportunity in front of us. I am very excited to see this team come together next year.

Agree completely, even if he comes off the bench. His last year with the Bobcats he averaged 16.5 points per game. Just saying...

Lost in this storyline is that Boals signs on. The best player (stats wise) on the team does not want to stay. Leaves for X, Yet Boals maintains a relationship (because it's the right thing to do), and the player ends up returning. Says volumes about the coach.

Guys - Jason Carter is exactly what this roster needs! Yes, I have a long history of a man crush on JC, but hear me out.

This team needed defense. Jason is an elite defender. He has tremendous help defense and overall positioning. Maybe not a ton of blocks, but countless situations where he prevents the shots from ever being taken. He was one of the best defenders in the MAC and will be again. You can trust him to switch off and defend just about anyone on the court.

On offense, we do not need another scorer or ball handler...we need a guy to facilitate the scorers we do have while being able to hit a few shots here and there. He'll clear out well, and he will position himself for plenty of rebounds.

He is a system guy, a true glue guy! Run an offense or defense and you can count on him to execute it as it is drawn up.

He played 28 mins per game at Xavier, I expect the same at Ohio. I actually view it as a Wilson (offense) / Carter (defense) platoon. Don't be surprised to see Dwight play more mins when down and Carter play more when up. Obviously they will play together a good bit too. I would guess about 25 mins a game with just 1 on and about 15 mins a game with both. And BOTH will be able to be encouraged to play more aggressively and not be as worried about foul trouble.

Rifen/Nolan/McMurray transferring makes all the sense in the world. With this addition, they aren't going to see regular minutes without an injury.

An awesome 8 man rotation!

2 Big man slots - 80 mins - BVP/DW3/JC
2 Guard slots - 80 mins - JP/B-Rod/Sears
1 swing slot - 40 mins - McDay/Brown

Sorry Bobcat Dragon but, this seems fitting...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKGjOE_7bYI

Getting a Big East big who played 25+ minutes the past two seasons would generally be cause for somersaults and hula hoops.

And so it is now, too. Easily the most surprising roster move for Ohio in my time with the program.

Makes a fella proud to be a Bobcat.

Not to get too technical but is this another Saul recruit or a Boals grab?

A Saul recruit who Boals is going to coach up to maximize their potential. Too many on here emphasize the "BVP and Preston were Saul recruits so leave Saul alone" part but I like to look at the player development and system part. I truly believe Saul recruited decent MAC talent. I just think he was not a great Xs and Os and player development guy at our level. He is great in the Dakotas and D2. DW3 definitely grew under Boals which tells me he and his staff develop talent. Nothing against James Madison but Dwight was better after one year here.

+1

This.

Bigs can be more aggressive defensively. Don't have to sweat each time Wilson picks up his second foul.

1 major benefit that Carter brings, even if he never sets foot on the court is that he improves who the starters get to practice against.

When you are five or 6 deep in the MAC and you practice against guys that wouldn't make it on the floor at any other MAC team than it becomes difficult at least for the first half of the season to be ready to see top talent.

It really becomes noticeable when you get to The Dance. I recall DJ vs NC late with the Cats up four and he makes a steal with a head of steam to the other end. About at half court an NC player makes his pursuit and as DJ goes up for a layup thinking of a 6 point margin, whack, his shot is blocked. When did DJ till then see that type of athleticism on a regular basis? Had he been playing against that type of defense he may have altered his shot, or simply driven in and back out killing time till he was fouled.

Another "take something person A said and compare it to something person B said to try to create hypocrisy"...a Bobcat Attack favorite. If you can find these conflicting thoughts from the same person, I'd love to see it.

Carter must of asked the question if Boals was staying so a contract extension must be in the works.