Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: AJB to Portal
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FJC31
4/10/2025 9:23 AM
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame wrote:expand_more
Gator SZN X handle already posting about AJB. Seem to think he’s a lock.

https://x.com/gatorsszn/status/1910057531763806263?s=46&t...
Wild. I don't really see it, but more power to him if he can head to the national champion.
Agreed. Sears was a dominant scorer at this level. AJB never fully put it together with all the injuries. Tough to gauge how he'd translate to the SEC but I don't think it matches Sears.
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bobcatsquared
4/10/2025 9:53 AM
spongeBOB CATpants wrote:expand_more
His jump shot developed but he was frustrating to watch at times because he wouldn't even attempt to rebound or do much of anything else but stand in the corner.
I never considered AJB's shot as a jump shot, at least from behind the arc. It was more of a set shot. We'll see how that translates at the next level.
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bobcatsquared
4/10/2025 9:57 AM
FJC31 wrote:expand_more
Agreed. Sears was a dominant scorer at this level. AJB never fully put it together with all the injuries. Tough to gauge how he'd translate to the SEC but I don't think it matches Sears.
No way it matches Sears, who welcomes contact taking it to the rim despite being several inches shorter than AJB. AJB doesn't have the strength around the rim in the MAC, let alone the SEC.
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GoCats105
4/10/2025 10:25 AM
I love how we turn a thread about AJ Brown into yet another discussion about Mark Sears.
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SBH
4/10/2025 10:39 AM
bobcatsquared wrote:expand_more
His jump shot developed but he was frustrating to watch at times because he wouldn't even attempt to rebound or do much of anything else but stand in the corner.
I never considered AJB's shot as a jump shot, at least from behind the arc. It was more of a set shot. We'll see how that translates at the next level.
Hs 3-point shots are usually like set shots but he has a nice mid-range jumper.
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El Gato Roberto
4/10/2025 10:53 AM
RSBobcat wrote:expand_more
I like AJ as a person, student and player. I will miss him a lot. But his position is the easiest to replace. We will be ok at the wing.
Agree
I agree with this. This is life in the NIL era. Change is a constant. Good luck AJB. Next man up!
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Bobcat Jerry
4/10/2025 6:07 PM
bobcatsquared wrote:expand_more
His jump shot developed but he was frustrating to watch at times because he wouldn't even attempt to rebound or do much of anything else but stand in the corner.
I never considered AJB's shot as a jump shot, at least from behind the arc. It was more of a set shot. We'll see how that translates at the next level.
AJB's talent was verified, but never consistent. His athleticism left us wanting to see more. More never happened. Dang !
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FlashGary
4/10/2025 6:40 PM
If the destination is Florida, I won't be surprised if he returns. By entering the portal, he gets to go visit and talk to the coaching staff. I just don't see him as a guy who will give up the rest of his career if he's not going to get sufficient playing time, when he knows he's an important player as a Bobcat--when healthy.
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BuddyLee
4/10/2025 9:44 PM
He'll get a lot more money even as a bench player at Florida. That's what it's about nowadays, can't really get mad at him.
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FearLeon
4/11/2025 1:38 AM
Bobcat Jerry wrote:expand_more
His jump shot developed but he was frustrating to watch at times because he wouldn't even attempt to rebound or do much of anything else but stand in the corner.
I never considered AJB's shot as a jump shot, at least from behind the arc. It was more of a set shot. We'll see how that translates at the next level.
AJB's talent was verified, but never consistent. His athleticism left us wanting to see more. More never happened. Dang !
+1

If I had to compare him to another Bobcat, I would say Curtis Simmons. Granted, I don't remember Simmons getting hurt....but both AJ and Simmons left you wanting more with their credentials coming in. If Brown heads to Florida, I'm not convinced he becomes a big-time contributor there.

Next man up.
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SBH
4/11/2025 8:00 AM
Simmons was a head case and bad teammate, particularly in his last two years at Ohio. AJB is a class act all the way. I'm sorry we're going to lose him. BTW, his latest injury was sustained in a true effort play.
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Bobcat1998
4/11/2025 10:53 AM
SBH wrote:expand_more
Simmons was a head case and bad teammate, particularly in his last two years at Ohio. AJB is a class act all the way. I'm sorry we're going to lose him. BTW, his latest injury was sustained in a true effort play.
I was at OU when Curtis was there and that is true. AJB was a true Bobcat and I loved his smile and his energy, even when he was hurt. I really do wish him well. My only sentiment that may come across as mean but really isn't is that he can be replaced. He isn't at a Sears or Jaaron Simmons type of level.
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OU_Country
4/11/2025 10:57 AM
BuddyLee wrote:expand_more
He'll get a lot more money even as a bench player at Florida. That's what it's about nowadays, can't really get mad at him.
Mad at the individual players for taking advantage of the situation? Agree, can't get mad at them.

Mad at the people who allowed the system to be the way it is? 110% yes.
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shabamon
4/11/2025 2:18 PM
OU_Country wrote:expand_more
He'll get a lot more money even as a bench player at Florida. That's what it's about nowadays, can't really get mad at him.
Mad at the individual players for taking advantage of the situation? Agree, can't get mad at them.

Mad at the people who allowed the system to be the way it is? 110% yes.
I guess in some cases the money up front is worth it to not play the long game. I agree, if he goes to UF, he is a three point specialist off the bench, in all likelihood. In theory, his all-around game flourishes more at Ohio and he's better prepared for a pro career.

The other part of it is just how well are you building relationships if you're a frequent transfer player or a one year rental? Are you burning bridges? I saw a clip this week of John Henson talking about he can roll into Chapel Hill whenever he wants to just pal around the program, get a run in, or a workout, and that is just not going to exist for these kids. You think Tyler Cochran can pull up to Ball State or Toledo whenever he wants? What about AJ Storr?
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FJC31
4/11/2025 3:46 PM
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OhioCatFan
4/11/2025 5:03 PM
FJC31 wrote:expand_more
Certainly more classy than Mr. Sears' departure.

To me he'll always remain an enigma -- lots of talent, good team player, good work ethic, but somehow just never clicked here the way everyone expected. Part of that was injury related, but it seemed more than that. He was a good role player here, and gave us much needed depth. I will miss him.
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Deciduous Forest Cat
4/12/2025 1:14 PM
FJC31 wrote:expand_more
The lord sure seems to like telling kids to transfer. We may not like the portal but Jesus sure does.
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GraffZ06
4/13/2025 2:02 PM
The only P5-level player we had on our roster (excepting Ayden Evans from a recruiting standpoint).

This is a huge loss.

Last year AJC was "the guy" along with Pavs (who never should have been).
That was a bad combination and resulted in a bad year.
This year looked to be the year AJB was poised to take over those reigns.
Hadaway is a good player, but he isn't the go-to guy. Elijah has potential but unless he improves a TON on the offensive side he can't be the go to guy yet.

Guess we're all in on Javan Simmons now. Not that he's not capable, it's just we had an inside-outside duo with him and AJB that's now lost.

I'm as high on JJ Kelly as anybody. I think he could be a day 1 starter - but he's still a freshman in the MAC. He's not Gary Trent.

Don't fool yourself just b/c AJB had injuries and didn't always seem to put it all together. You saw it when AJC went down. He could go for 25 any night he decided he wanted to. That's a massive loss.
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OhioCatFan
4/13/2025 2:15 PM
GraffZ06 wrote:expand_more
The only P5-level player we had on our roster (excepting Ayden Evans from a recruiting standpoint).

This is a huge loss.

Last year AJC was "the guy" along with Pavs (who never should have been).
That was a bad combination and resulted in a bad year.
This year looked to be the year AJB was poised to take over those reigns.
Hadaway is a good player, but he isn't the go-to guy. Elijah has potential but unless he improves a TON on the offensive side he can't be the go to guy yet.

Guess we're all in on Javan Simmons now. Not that he's not capable, it's just we had an inside-outside duo with him and AJB that's now lost.

I'm as high on JJ Kelly as anybody. I think he could be a day 1 starter - but he's still a freshman in the MAC. He's not Gary Trent.

Don't fool yourself just b/c AJB had injuries and didn't always seem to put it all together. You saw it when AJC went down. He could go for 25 any night he decided he wanted to. That's a massive loss.
Seems to me you underestimate Pavs' potential and overestimate AJB's potential.
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RufusCat09
4/13/2025 3:37 PM
Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
The lord sure seems to like telling kids to transfer. We may not like the portal but Jesus sure does.
LOL

To be perfectly honest, every time i see someone make a long post about entering the transfer portal it just makes me laugh. Are you making an acceptance speech here? I'd like to thank GOD, the academy, my family...give me a break.
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bobcatsquared
4/13/2025 3:46 PM
GraffZ06 wrote:expand_more
Don't fool yourself just b/c AJB had injuries and didn't always seem to put it all together. You saw it when AJC went down. He could go for 25 any night he decided he wanted to. That's a massive loss.
Simply not true. His best scoring games this year were 22 (twice) and 20 (twice). So, either he wasn't capable of scoring 25 in a game or he simply never "decided he wanted to."
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BillyTheCat
4/13/2025 8:53 PM
bobcatsquared wrote:expand_more
Don't fool yourself just b/c AJB had injuries and didn't always seem to put it all together. You saw it when AJC went down. He could go for 25 any night he decided he wanted to. That's a massive loss.
Simply not true. His best scoring games this year were 22 (twice) and 20 (twice). So, either he wasn't capable of scoring 25 in a game or he simply never "decided he wanted to."
Three years and could score 25 anytime he wanted to? Well if he could score 25pts any time he wanted, but never died, well not sure I want him then! I mean why have a player who doesn’t want 25 points in a game.
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M.D.W.S.T
4/13/2025 8:59 PM
bobcatsquared wrote:expand_more
Don't fool yourself just b/c AJB had injuries and didn't always seem to put it all together. You saw it when AJC went down. He could go for 25 any night he decided he wanted to. That's a massive loss.
Simply not true. His best scoring games this year were 22 (twice) and 20 (twice). So, either he wasn't capable of scoring 25 in a game or he simply never "decided he wanted to."
I think he meant he had the *ability to turn it on at will, he just didn't do it as frequently as we wanted - be it injuries, playing power forward or what have you.

He could get buckets.

However, like others have said - it's the easiest position to replace. It will be painful replacing your potential #1, but we've already added some pieces and Elliott seems ready to take a step-up. And on that note, he will not have to play the 4 man, which will be incredibly beneficial for our wings and guards.

I'm not excited about it - but I'm not as upset as I would've been had we not recruited 37 guards, Elliott's PT as a freshman, Pav's break out, and bringing in legit 4-5 men to actually play 4 and 5.

Lets not forget with AJB and Elmore out, we've got some open spots, who knows what else might land in our laps guard wise.

As far as losing your #1 guard usually goes, I don't feel the sky is falling - at all.
Last Edited: 4/13/2025 9:01:42 PM by M.D.W.S.T
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cc-cat
4/13/2025 9:21 PM
M.D.W.S.T wrote:expand_more
Elliott seems ready to take a step-up.
Would not be shocked if Elliott is our most valuable guard next year.- and that is not by default. Kid has game.
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FJC31
4/14/2025 7:39 AM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
The only P5-level player we had on our roster (excepting Ayden Evans from a recruiting standpoint).

This is a huge loss.

Last year AJC was "the guy" along with Pavs (who never should have been).
That was a bad combination and resulted in a bad year.
This year looked to be the year AJB was poised to take over those reigns.
Hadaway is a good player, but he isn't the go-to guy. Elijah has potential but unless he improves a TON on the offensive side he can't be the go to guy yet.

Guess we're all in on Javan Simmons now. Not that he's not capable, it's just we had an inside-outside duo with him and AJB that's now lost.

I'm as high on JJ Kelly as anybody. I think he could be a day 1 starter - but he's still a freshman in the MAC. He's not Gary Trent.

Don't fool yourself just b/c AJB had injuries and didn't always seem to put it all together. You saw it when AJC went down. He could go for 25 any night he decided he wanted to. That's a massive loss.
Seems to me you underestimate Pavs' potential and overestimate AJB's potential.
Pavs could be 1st Team All MAC and Graff would still be unhappy about it.
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