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Topic: RE: Jim Christian

Topic: RE: Jim Christian

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BuddyLee
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 668

Status: Offline

RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 12:06:43 AM

Gary Waters seemed to have a similar career path going from Kent St, to Rutgers, and then coming back to CSU. (I just saw this is being discussed in another thread also)

Last Edited: 4/2/2012 12:09:22 AM by BuddyLee

Mike Coleman
Administrator

Member Since: 12/21/2004
Location: Near the Pristine Sandy Shores of Lake Erie, OH
Post Count: 1,282

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 12:10:44 AM

JSF wrote:

Mike, where did you get those stats? Ohio scored 70.2 and allowed 62.5 per game for a margin of +7.7.

From Ohiobobcats.com. Must've been looking at last year.

I went from HTML Fail to Total Fail. Please disregard all but your original point that KSU's teams could play some great defense.

KC Bobcat
General User

Member Since: 11/22/2006
Location: Norfolk, VA
Post Count: 256

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 12:12:33 AM

CATman wrote:

Kind of some interesting circumstances surrounding his 3rd season at TCU (2011).

Sounds like Christian had that team turning the corner only to have it unravel due to some disciplinary issues with key players.

Quote:

On the other hand, patience may be something that Christian deserves when you take into account how empty the cupboard was after Neil Dougherty's program-destroying reign finally ended. After it looked like the Frogs might finally be turning a corner this year (remember them beating tournament-bound USC with ease on November 29?), Christian kicked two of the most talented players (Sammy Yeager and Andre Clark) off the team and indefinitely suspended his best player (Tuffy Moss)- essentially killing any shot at the postseason.

I know that we, as fans, all want W's. But doesn't it say something about Jim Christian's character that- in a season where he really needed to turn things around- he didn't compromise his sense of right and wrong just for the sake of his employment?.... article link

If nothing else, something to keep in mind when evaluating the trajectory of that program and what kind of job Christian was doing. For those that want to throw out the "look at his record" arguments....would be a little irresponsible to not keep that in mind.

Much better research than my quick look at his TCU bio page. I'm starting to feel a little better about this. Maybe I'll get some sleep.

BuddyLee
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 668

Status: Offline

RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 12:25:25 AM

Will be interesting to see how the players react to this hire. I'm sure there will be some resistance to anybody new, but he's got a great mac track record and plenty of experience. It's not like we're starting over with some complete unknown head coach so hopefully they are open to change and don't pre-judge before they learn what he's all about.

Last Edited: 4/2/2012 12:26:09 AM by BuddyLee

TheRealMikeDrake
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Delaware, OH
Post Count: 300

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 12:25:28 AM

It's now April 2nd, guess this is real.

Some thoughts after I've chewed on this awhile:

Pros
*I always thought JC teams played a tough, physical defense. I like that.
*I remember a guard heavy reliance, which works well in our league.
*He's coming back to familiar territory, at least nudges me to think it's a possible long term fit if things work out.
*Has a track record. At least we don't have to worry about that.
*A quick google, but I don't see any TCU APR issues for basketball. Although a baseball hit was found, and scared me for a second.

Cons
*Does he have a ceiling? If so, are we ok with that?
*Does he warrant the salary increase (if the amount reported was accurate)?
*Was never a fan of the 'guy at the end of the bench with a chain' look.

Still lots of TBD's. Staff, player buy-in, recruiting style, lessons learned, etc.

I think this board is in shock. I fully expected numerous posts about "he did this at KSU, so think how successful he'll be here". Someone sell me some koolaid. I hate the mature bobcatattack.

Suga Fries
General User

Member Since: 7/6/2010
Post Count: 148

Status: Offline

RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 12:39:31 AM

team meeting at 9 according to Stevie on twitter

O Zone VP- 09-10
WT/LT 09-10
B.A.- Poli Sci 10

Mr. Mo Jo Risin
General User

Member Since: 6/23/2006
Post Count: 81

Status: Offline

RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 12:43:20 AM

Well, may as well keep the excitement high, pack the Convo and give Christian a reasonable shot. This is a critical time for the future of Ohio Basketball and pessimism and negativity will not help in the least.

RSBobcat
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Member Since: 8/22/2010
Location: Columbus, OH
Post Count: 4,401

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 12:46:23 AM

Suga Fries wrote:

team meeting at 9 according to Stevie on twitter

Will be interesting to see the tenor of the post meeting tweets.......................

RS Bobcat

left lane, hammer down
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Member Since: 3/25/2012
Location: Albany International Airport Tower
Post Count: 135

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 12:56:17 AM

RSBobcat wrote:

Suga Fries wrote:

team meeting at 9 according to Stevie on twitter

Will be interesting to see the tenor of the post meeting tweets.......................

Meeting with who?? Doubt 'flighttracker' will help us on this one. Ft. Worth is at the end of the range in the edu turbo-prop. Usually one fuel stop.
Commercial flight to KCMH and a rental car I suspect.

Mike Coleman
Administrator

Member Since: 12/21/2004
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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 12:56:21 AM

The best part....Akron still hates us and we still hate them.

Lash
General User

Member Since: 2/15/2011
Post Count: 130

Status: Offline

RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 1:14:21 AM

KC Bobcat wrote:

ohio9704 wrote:

http://www.hustlebelt.com/2012/4/1/2919219/opinion-why-ji...

Just some info

"Also, Christian had to get out of TCU. There was no way that the program is ready to compete in the Big XII. This is a good move by him as his career would have probably been in ruins after a year facing Texas and Missouri."

Maybe someone should tell the writer that TCU will be replacing Missouri in the Big 12 next year, not facing them.

Someone did or they just checked the board - it now reads "Texas and Kansas"

.
General User

Member Since: 2/3/2005
Post Count: 2,949

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 1:22:50 AM

Mr. Mo Jo Risin wrote:

Oh, we'll circle the wagons. I've just got to sort out the fact that a guy I once photoshopped holding a a tray of wine and cheese on the sidelines will be Ohio's coach.

Lash
General User

Member Since: 2/15/2011
Post Count: 130

Status: Offline

RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 1:34:41 AM

My initial shock of hearing the news has worn off after reading the last seven pages of responses by OHIO fans.

And the more I think about the possible hire - I like it.

JC is a proven winner in the MAC and runs a guard-oriented system (or at least, that is what I read). He also is proven as a coach and has more experience than the other candidates we have mentioned numerous times on this board.

I think it can easily be overlooked, but when JG came here - he wasn't a very good coach. It was hard not to like his recruits, but his actual coaching was slightly below mediocre (we would talk about it all the time, I was under a different name back then).

It wasn't until this past season (you can argue, he was starting to turn the corner at the end of 2010-2011 season) when it was evident that JG had developed into a solid coach to go along with his recruiting talents. (Would also like to add, I know his team beat GTOWN, but we all know that team just got hot and made a run - I think we all just enjoyed the ride on that one)

Anyways, with a JG-like up-and-comer, we could have ended up with a coach trying to figure out his own system and how to manage a basketball program for the first time. I don't, personally, have a problem with that when it comes to eventually producing Sweet 16-like results.

However, the OHIO program is returning what could be one of the best rosters ever in school history. I would hate to sit around and hope that our up-and-comer figures it all out by the MAC tournament.

Obviously, Boals could have come in here and been better prepared than JG was or maybe the players would be ready to make a run no matter who was the coach. We might never know.

All I can say, this could be a very solid hire. (as long as no one transfers)

Oh, last thing, about the postseason. Are we serious? Let's not get cocky. It is not easy to win in the NCAA Tournament. Especially when you get a bad seed because you are in the MAC.

JSF
General User

Member Since: 1/29/2005
Location: Houston, TX
Post Count: 6,341

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 1:39:34 AM

I can second guess Christian's postseason record or I can take confidence in the players' ability to deliver him some wins come March. Not sure where I am yet.

"Loyalty to a hometown or city is fleeting and interchangeable, but college is a stamp of identity."- Kyle Whelliston, One Beautiful Season.

My blog about depression and mental illness: https://bit.ly/3buGXH8

Doc Bobcat
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,184

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 7:18:22 AM

OhioCatFan wrote:

Maybe Christian's wife teaches classics and Western Religions, so it's a twofer!

Hopefully he is Mr. Right.....we're motoring:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKVa0nv7Auo

Last Edited: 4/2/2012 7:26:13 AM by Doc Bobcat

TheBikeman
General User

Member Since: 11/27/2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Post Count: 91

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 7:26:22 AM

Seems like he might stay awhile in Athens, worked under Sendek. Knows the territory The next hot assistant that could have been hired would leave just like JG did. 600K is what the job should pay to get a sitting head coach.

TCU basketball in the BIG 12 will continue to lag, they would love to hire Jamie Dixon @ Pitt who's an alum but that aint happening. He did quite well at KSU, looks like a prudent move

tdcz756
General User

Member Since: 1/28/2007
Location: Up North, OH
Post Count: 64

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 8:37:40 AM

Akron poster sums it up from the outsider's perspective.

What a phenomenal hire... for the rest of the MAC.

Christian is going to run half of the current players and recruits out of town. Cooper is pissed, they already lost a commit, and I can't imagine the rest of the team is happy.

Not to mention the fact that he had a lot of off the court issues at Can't. Ohio has like 36 bars on campus (or something like that). Good luck keeping your JUCO buddies out of trouble Jim.

<--- OU AD.

<--- OU Fans/Players.

<--- Akron.

<--- The Truth.

oldkatz
General User

Member Since: 12/22/2004
Post Count: 1,421

Status: Offline

RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 8:43:32 AM

Still befuddled by this hire and the "proven winner in the MAC" as the most positive comment so far. After a night of reading comments and opinions, it seems that the tone has moved to acceptance but not excitement.

$600K for acceptance may not satisfy this board.

But remember, we don't get a vote in this process; we only get to answer questions in the non-binding poll.

"All my inside sources tell me I have no inside sources." Salvatore "money bucks" Mafiosiano.

Doc Bobcat
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,184

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 8:54:53 AM

tdcz756 wrote:

Akron poster sums it up from the outsider's perspective.

What a phenomenal hire... for the rest of the MAC.

<--- OU AD.

<--- OU Fans/Players.

<--- Akron.

<--- The Truth.

This is the scariest part of the entire hire.....the running current p;ayers and recruits out....not the 36 bars....although it's more like 35.

71 BOBCAT
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 1,854

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 8:57:46 AM

I have a few points to make: SOME HAVE BEEN MADE BY OTHERS BUT MY DISSAPOINTMENT RAGES ON.

1) This guy has a loosing record @ TCU, were his days numbered there? He probably only had 1 year left on his contract. He obvously displayed poor recruiting ability after 4 years and a loosing record.
2) We are paying him more than Solich? Are you kidding me?

On the surface and from what we already know about this guy this is not going to sit well with the fans, alumni, and could be detrimental with the team.
What was our AD thinking?
If this is factual I for 1 will be writting a letter the the AD letting him know my dissapointment.
BAD HIRE

GO BOBCATS

athena
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 710

Status: Offline

RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 9:03:48 AM

Wasn't online over the weekend so this is all news to me this morning and I'm stunned.

Mr. Christian?

Trying to refrain from making Mutiny on the Bounty jokes...

Last Edited: 4/2/2012 9:04:15 AM by athena

MFRONE
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Sheffield Lake, OH
Post Count: 383

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 9:10:45 AM

tdcz756 wrote:

Akron poster sums it up from the outsider's perspective.

What a phenomenal hire... for the rest of the MAC.

<--- OU AD.

<--- OU Fans/Players.

<--- Akron.

<--- The Truth.

He's not going to run the current players out of town. Most of the players weren't happy with the Groce hiring and they weren't afraid to show it, but they didn't go anywhere. Guys aren't going to go sit out a year to play a year after this run.

BobcatBeReal
General User

Member Since: 4/1/2012
Post Count: 14

Status: Offline

RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 9:15:02 AM

This is a sad day for Ohio Basketball.
Our AD had an opportunity to hire one of our own in Jeff Boals or Dustin Ford., two proven winners. Instead, he was determined to hire someone that was a head coach.
Then he hires Jim Christian. A guy that was probably a year or two away from getting fired at TCU. A guy that had already interviewed for every other vacant position available.
Does any one wonder why a coach would leave a school going into the Big 12 to come to the MAC. The answer is obvious, he could see the ax falling.
Yes, he will run the present players off. Look for DJ to be the first to leave. Others will follow.
Then he will build our program with jucos just like he did at Kent.
Within a year he will start interviewing for other jobs.
We had a chance to hit a home run here and struck out.

OakStreet
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Member Since: 3/28/2012
Location: Bloomington, IN
Post Count: 130

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RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 9:16:15 AM

This seems like a very strong hire to me. When has OU ever hired a basketball coach with these kind of credentials coming into the job? The top winning percentage in MAC history! And also a guy who took a terrible program at TCU and had it on the way to becoming a winner if not for the upcoming transition into one of the strongest major conferences in the country. It has been amazing watching Ohio pull off these upsets in the NCAA tournament the past two trips, but I'll gladly take a coach who can get us to the tournament on a regular basis and be thankful once there to score an occasional upset.

Of course, players would initially rather have had a coach they already know or know about, but that's certainly no way to make a hiring decision (we could make a long list of examples of when a school has hired an alum or an existing assistant coach and it hasn't worked out). Ohio hasn't in the past had the ability to hire a coach who is a proven winner at this level and that's worth a lot. Being a head coach is quite a different job than being an assistant coach and when you hire a first-time head coach, you are always take a gamble. If you hire a coach that doesn't work out as a top-level head coach, that can set a program back quite a few years as recruiting is disrupted and you end up having to fire, hire and start over again.

I do hope that Christian is able to keep most of the existing players because if he does and can get off to a fast start next season, that will definitely help in winning a bunch of games in Athens over the upcoming years. But I think he'll win in any case. He'll recruit well in the MAC, as he has done before, and put together a run of 20+ win seasons.

Chuck_IV
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Member Since: 1/20/2005
Location: Connecticut
Post Count: 198

Status: Offline

RE: Jim Christian

Posted: 4/2/2012 9:20:01 AM

I just don't understand why our AD even went after this guy, when you have the likes of Jeff Boals and Dustin Ford right under your nose. Also, why did the AD even talk tot he players and ask them what they wanted, then, from the looks of it, go completely against what they wanted?

This guy has a terrible record at TCU and showed no recruiting ability. Why, if we want to take this program up a notch, do we think he can do any better here?

This just doesn't sit well with me at ALL. It seems our program went from euphoric highs last week, to depressing lows this week.

Class of 88

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