We will have more then one- transfers- not happy- not getting minutes - fight with a girl friend- many reasons
Accepting bets on the over/ under

Yes

Recruiting grid here: http://www.bobcatattack.com/messageboard/topic.asp?FromPage=1&ForumPID=4&PID=84835#FirstNew

Because there are so many choices - I'll leave my opinion at this:

To me, we need a play now transfer - in whatever fashion that looks like, be it JUCO, or from another D1 school. And to me, that transfer does not NEED to be a "big" in the way others here have a thing for conventional big guys. That player needs to be a transfer that is simply the best player that Boals & Co. can get -- regardless of position.


In an ideal world, to me, next year's group would look something like this, and maybe some of them are switched around:

PG - Preston (Brown)
Wing- McDay (White)
Wing - Roderick (Murrell)
Wing - transfer player who is ready to play right now. (Towns)
Post - BVP (Foster, Granger, McMurray)


Now, for me, that Transfer "Wing" could be anywhere from 6'1" to 6'9". I don't care about size and length as much as I care about GAME. I think OUr biggest deficiency right now is that there isn't really a consistent third option after Vander Plas and Preston. I think both McDay and Roderick could develop into that, but why take the chance that one of, or both of them don't? Why not get someone that can step right in? Whether we like it or not, many of the teams in the MAC that are doing well are the ones adding transfers that contribute right now. If competing to be in the top-4 that get byes to Cleveland is the goal, this roster seems to me that it needs that kind of player next year.


The wildcard in the current group, to me, is Springs. He shows flashes of athleticism, and can definitely shoot. But on the defensive end, he simply is not a center right now, despite his height. I feel like he's a stretch 4, and plays almost like a 3. If he could get stronger and play in the post, wow, what a weapon in the MAC. But can he?


Lastly, Being candid, and I'm not wishing them away by any means, but I can see Springs and/or McMurray possibly looking elsewhere for more PT. At that point, the need for a taller player is probably there. My hope would be that they both stay, and elevate their games, because that's what fans around here really root for -- a la Treg Setty.

In today's game you can never have enough guys that can flat out shoot the rock. If it's a big guy who can play inside and outside, you're in a prime spot to make serious noise. Shooters open up driving and passing lanes and make defenses adjust to everything.

To me, you gotta get as many shooters on this roster as possible or as many stretch 4s (like BVP is, Carter was, Springs, etc.).

Frankly, I think we're set at PG for the time being. Preston only being a sophomore and Brown a freshman who can grow into the role.

The passing of the torch from Jordan Dartis to both McDay and Roderick has already taken place. Those two are gonna be our guys. I'm anxious to see how they develop their already strong games.

BVP has another spot on lock for two more years.

We need to realize that the traditonal basketball lineup of PG, SG, SF, PF, and C simply doesn't exist anymore, especially on the MAC level. Sometimes we'll play two PGs. Sometimes we'll play one PG and three wings maybe even four. Frankly, the small ball lineup has been our most efficient offensive one to this point in the season.

My hope is that Foster and Springs both develop their games; Springs gets physically stronger to match his length and shooting ability, and Foster develops a little bit of face-up game rather than strictly back to the basket and garbage points in the paint.

The problem is there is still so much we don't know because of guys willing to transfer so often. Ohio has the luxury of guys like BVP, Springs, McMurray and Murrell already using their redshirts with the latter three either too young or too old to move anywhere else. I can't see BVP leaving with the way he has busted his tail.

So as of today? I think Ohio is in a situation where they just need to get the best available guy they can get. Whether that's a really good freshman in the late signing period (like a Jerome Tillman, which is probably unheard of nowadays) or a JUCO who is physically mature and can play right away if needed, no matter what position they play.

Otherwise? Ask me again at the end of March.

Get me a sharp shooter.

I'm the one person who voted freshman point guard. I think we're playing with fire playing Preston 37 minutes a night. Yes, Brown is labelled a point guard, but can he run an offense like Preston can? I haven't seen it yet, but that is largely because he plays alongside Preston a lot. Brown's strength coming in was scoring, not distributing so much. Maybe he can grow into that role, but an assist-heavy point guard could be a good "in case of emergency, break glass" option that you could even redshirt.

My next vote would go to someone who can create their own high percentage shot from inside the arc, regardless of position, that can contribute immediately. I guess I would prefer that to be a post player that is also a quality rebounder. The small ball lineup we have put on the floor in the middle of games lately is interesting, and maybe we take the good with the bad in that we could get crushed on the glass, but we could still outgun the opposition. BTW, how refreshing is it that we are in the last third of the season and the team recognizes an opportunity to make adjustments like the small ball lineup and starting the game in a zone press?

On the topic of players leaving, I don't know yet what McMurray does well or what the coaches think he could be, but I definitely hope Springs finishes his eligibility with us. I just think his ceiling is so high if he can get even stronger.

Serious question: when has Ohio EVER had that kind of guy when they made their deep runs in the MAC Tournament or NCAA Tournament? John Smith was the closest to what you're talking about, but even he never had the all-around offensive game. Those 6'10" guys you're talking about don't exist at the MAC level. If they are that skilled they are going to a bigger program.

If they're not, they are a Wadley Mompremier or Ogbonda type guy like we've had in the past. But I don't think that's what you're referring to. Maybe I'm wrong.

Most of Ohio's great big men have been strong power forwards: Trent, Hunter, Williams, Tillman, Keely, etc. Gimme a 6'8" guy with some beef to him and we'll be fine.

Someone who can stretch the floor would be nice. I don't care what position.

I hear ya, GoCats105! You're right, with the type of guy you're talking about, we'll be fine. But looking to be better than fine. I'm interested in trying to get to the Final Four. What about a Patrick Flomo clone?

Not that I think it's going to happen, but it would be a really, really good get for Ohio if that could be pulled off.

I see at least two current players leaving. With the recruits coming and what's coming in...I see two guys off this roster leaving Athens.