Been a long time since I’ve contributed, but dreaming about starting next season is already fun. If I could prioritize the off season agenda, here would be my goals:
1. Keep Boals. I know nobody does this in this profession, but until someone does at OHIO, then there’s little chance of gaining some traction. Commit to 10 years in Athens. Read the book “Good to Great” and difference between the Hedgehog and the Fox, or a passage in the Bible about Contentment. Instead of trying to be the next Lou Henson at Illinois, be the first Jeff Boals at OHIO. I understand the counter argument to this 100%, so it doesn’t need to be explained, but the cycle of you leave as soon as you do well and you stay if you don’t do great, has to end if we’re to build some momentum. Could Boals be the guy as an alumni and somewhat local boy? I’m doubting it, but that would be great as I think he has the “It” factor.
2. Keep Sears. In fact, I believe he’s the top priority and only concern on the transfer portal. IMO, he’s the face of the franchise moving forward and with his youth even more a priority than Preston, though we all want him back. I don’t think any of the other top of the rotation players see greener pastures anywhere else and other than Sears/Preston I don’t see a P5 school trying to poach anyone.
3. As mentioned, in a perfect world, add an athletic big from the JUCO ranks or portal. A rim protector and someone who attacks the rim offensively. Can you just order one online? . Does JB believe he already has this guy on the roster like a Towns? Just seemed like he was more than an off season away and next year is the big opportunity year for this group.
4. A back up plan for DW3 as I’m thrilled to hear he’s back next year, but we need to have someone in development and the back up options not only seemed rough this past year, but JB didn’t seem to trust them much either other than a couple minutes. Does anyone develop, or do we need to restock?
5. And I know this is one that many may disagree with, but I’d like to see us upgrade at the starting small forward position. I love having a slasher at this position, who also has a midrange game and was a good outside shooter in HS, but it’s an area of opportunity. He’s just a little too little to finish at the rim and the outside shooting just a little too inconsistent. And you saw the last couple weekends that the scouting report was to not let guys like Preston beat them, and that’s why this player led the team in shots at halftime of the Creighton game and tied for the most at the end of the game. In fact, other teams hedged other guys and sacrificed leaving this guy a little more open than others on the game plan. Now don't get me wrong, he obviously hit some big shots and is more than capable, plus he gets a tough of grace and is rarely pullled/singled out, but just not a consistent go-to guy. Maybe he develops, maybe there’s someone to share minutes like White whose already on the roster, but this just seemed like a position we’re decent at, but there was real opportunity for growth.
6. And finally, to make all this possible we probably need a couple to transfer out which is double edged if they’re escorted out, which would lead to hurting the chemistry/culture, which seems to be the main reason we may have all/most of the lineup return when they could move on. Be nice if a couple spots would open up to do a little shopping as with potentially Preston, BVP and Wilson in their last year—next year is a big opportunity to maximize. Then again, I’ve mentioned throughout, there are enough bodies on the bench that if a couple would blow up over the off season, maybe these answers are in-house?
Thoughts?
Last Edited: 3/25/2021 10:32:59 AM by Chicken George