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Topic: Upcoming Schedule

Topic: Upcoming Schedule

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OUOhYeah2428
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Member Since: 2/20/2013
Location: Virginia
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Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/20/2013 4:04:28 PM

Mercer played at Evansville on Monday. Mercer was up by 3 at half time but Evansville turned it around in the second half and Won by 13 but both teams looks pretty tough. Evansville started 4 guards...pretty interesting. Should be a great test for us. I really like the way we scheduled this year. Lots of quality teams.

FearLeon
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/20/2013 6:21:35 PM

OUOhYeah2428 wrote:

Agree...and I believe there were more than a few on here who weren't happy with the schedule. Think it's pretty good too.

#BleedGreen #TrentIsGOAT

brucecuth
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 5:51:34 AM

FearLeon wrote:

OUOhYeah2428 wrote:

Agree...and I believe there were more than a few on here who weren't happy with the schedule. Think it's pretty good too.

Count me as one who wasn't happy, and I'm still not.

Sure, the quality is fine. The problem is these teams don't attract the casual fan. Time and time again over the years I've read comments on this board questioning why all the thousands of Bobcat alums in Columbus don't come to games. Well, one reason is there are NEVER any sexy non conference matchups in the convo. The casual fan knows nothing about Mercer or Northern Iowa.

The good news is that finally, we have a player with a little swag and a lot of talent that might begin to attract some of those casual fans in N'Dour. Most charismatic player to come to Athens in a long, long time...

OU_Country
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 8:57:17 AM

brucecuth wrote:

FearLeon wrote:

OUOhYeah2428 wrote:

Agree...and I believe there were more than a few on here who weren't happy with the schedule. Think it's pretty good too.

Instead of assuming that this problem is because of scheduling, how about considering other things that could be problems? Examples I think of include:

1) "Casual" basketball fans don't give a crap about basketball in November and December. They're still watching junk bowl games and pointless end of season college football. Casual fans start watching hoops after the New Year.

2) Consider that perhaps the ticket office and marketing teams don't do enough to push tickets on folks from Columbus. I am not saying this is a fact. I'm saying it's something that is possible. I have no idea what efforts they've made or are making.

3) Also consider that a number of alumni and "fans" in Columbus just don't want to make the drive from Columbus on a Saturday like we do. I.e., too many of them just don't flippin' care.

Sorry, but I just get worn out on the moaning and groaning about who we get on the home non-conference schedule. Most of us have zero clue about what goes into the process and the decision making.

EDIT: And one more thing: Are you trying to convince me that DJ Cooper didn't have "swag" and "a lot of talent" to attract a "casual fan"?

Last Edited: 11/21/2013 8:59:29 AM by OU_Country

DelBobcat
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 9:41:09 AM

OU_Country wrote:

brucecuth wrote:

FearLeon wrote:

OUOhYeah2428 wrote:

Agree...and I believe there were more than a few on here who weren't happy with the schedule. Think it's pretty good too.

Instead of assuming that this problem is because of scheduling, how about considering other things that could be problems? Examples I think of include:

1) "Casual" basketball fans don't give a crap about basketball in November and December. They're still watching junk bowl games and pointless end of season college football. Casual fans start watching hoops after the New Year.

2) Consider that perhaps the ticket office and marketing teams don't do enough to push tickets on folks from Columbus. I am not saying this is a fact. I'm saying it's something that is possible. I have no idea what efforts they've made or are making.

3) Also consider that a number of alumni and "fans" in Columbus just don't want to make the drive from Columbus on a Saturday like we do. I.e., too many of them just don't flippin' care.

Sorry, but I just get worn out on the moaning and groaning about who we get on the home non-conference schedule. Most of us have zero clue about what goes into the process and the decision making.

EDIT: And one more thing: Are you trying to convince me that DJ Cooper didn't have "swag" and "a lot of talent" to attract a "casual fan"?

This. We've had a bunch of players with swag. DJ, Bassett, Jerome, and Bubba all come to mind as recent players who had swag.

BA OHIO 2010, BS OHIO 2010, MA Delaware 2012

The Optimist
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 9:53:53 AM

I think we are beginning to see more fans from Columbus come out for games. I think as we move into conference play and see more recognizable opponents we are going to see some good numbers this winter.

Attendance has been pretty good at our two home games considering one was on an NFL Sunday. Season ticket sales are up. Lets see what happens for MAC play or our December home games. UMass is a good name. Too bad students are gone.

I've seen crazier things happen.

brucecuth
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 10:45:43 AM

Well, OU, the problem is, we'll never know how many might show up for a "name" opponent in December, because there never is one on the home non conference schedule.

And yes, some of those players you and others mentioned were talented and had swag...although Bubba is a longggg stretch.   Bassett? He had some good games, his best when it counted, he had some bad games and he had a game or two when he was suspended. In short, he was a jerk who could play some hoops.

DJ is just tough to figure out. Great player, but...The stuff that's beginning to leak out now that while by no means was he a bad guy, he might not have been the best teammate, colors my thinking about him.   (shows up again in the interview with Stevie after last nite's game..."I don't think we could have done this last year..." or words to that effect)

The key word I used, and I did not see anybody debate it, was "charismatic." MND has a great story, great talent, and a great smile. I'd luv to see how he's connecting with kids on campus. Obviously there's already some affection for him, which we saw with the Senegal flags at the last home game...hope there are more in the future. If he continues to play well, he could be a marketer's dream. When will we have our first game when they hand out Ndour masks? Just my opinion, I don't think any of the players mentioned in this thread had charisma--that ability to connect with almost anyone and make them want to be around you--and that includes DJ. And it's that charisma could get more fannies in the seats at the Convo...

OU_Country
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 10:46:07 AM

The Optimist wrote:

I have to admit one frustration with the schedules in recent years is this thought. It seems that the biggest non-conference home game ends up being when students have gone home for Christmas. The UMass game this year, and Temple a couple years back, some Marshall games. Some of that has to do with the old quarter system, some has to do with having games scheduled a couple years ahead. Still, it would be nice having the students in session for the biggest home games.

perimeterpost
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 10:49:41 AM

someone make a list of all the "sexy" teams that would bring out the casual fan and then list all of their away games. I don't believe these games exist. Big name teams don't play away games, and if they do its against other big name teams.

MY STATE. MY TEAM.

The Optimist
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Location: CLE
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 10:59:43 AM

OU_Country wrote:

The Optimist wrote:

I don't think it is a coincidence Temple and UMass are coming to the Convo with students gone. PerimeterPost hit the nail on the head... Big teams aren't going to come into a hostile environment (which the Convo is) to play a good mid-major on the road.

Temple and UMass had to schedule use because of the MAC deal but I guarantee they refused to come play us during the school year when students are here. They are scared and they should be scared. We have a very good atmosphere.

The solution to this problem is getting to be a "big-time" team so big schools have a reason to come play us at home. That is where i think playing in a better hoops conference would help us most. The perception of our program would be raised to the level where big teams are willing to schedule us in the Convo.

I've seen crazier things happen.

OU_Country
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 11:01:23 AM

I could argue that they (sexy games) do exist, but they won't come in the form of teams that are annually big name tournament teams. They'll come from scheduling teams that are relevant regionally, or trying to convince schools like Dayton, Northwestern, etc, to play one here for two there. I don't see an issue with playing anyone in that way that could give OUr fans a chance to travel to nearby road games. I've probably said it a million times, but instead of Alabama A&M's of the world, I'm sure we'd all rather see Cleveland St, or Wright St. A Saturday road game at either place could be made into a big deal for alumni to travel to. But then a big deal has to be made about traveling to road games close by, and I'm not sure that happens. Regardless, I don't know anything about the scheduling process, so I can't throw stones. I can simply say what I'd hope to see more of in the future.

Last Edited: 11/21/2013 11:02:39 AM by OU_Country

OU_Country
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 11:07:04 AM

All these opinion said, here's another thought:

Instead of worrying about getting "name opponents" in the building, why don't we consider educating our fan base a bit more? Why not go to the effort to point out how good Mercer has been recently, or UMass, or Northern Iowa? If you can point out that N. Iowa is in fact one of the top 100 or so program's in the country, it could go farther than worrying about who is or is not on the schedule.

perimeterpost
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 11:52:40 AM

OU_Country wrote:

You mentioned Dayton and Northwestern as possible good draws, regionally, here's their OOC schedules-

Dayton- 10 home, 3 away- Georgia Tech, Ol Miss, Ill State
Nwestern- 10 home, 3 away- Stanford, NC State, UI Chicago

Here's some more big name regional opponents-

Ohio State- 12 home, 1 away- #17Marquette
Cinci- 11 home, 2 away- Xavier, #19New Mexico
Xavier- 11 home, 1 away- Alabama
Pitt- 12 home, 0 away
WVU- 8 home, 4 away- Virginia Tech, Missouri, Marshall, W&M
UK- 12 home, 1 away- #24North Carolina
Lville- 10 home, 2 away- #4Kentucky, FIU

In regards to regional schools that would attract the casual fan I'm all for it, but where is the opportunity to schedule these games? I just don't see it.

As for scheduling away games at Clev State ad Wright State to help with away game travel, why would we want to boost ticket sales for the opposing team? It's not how well our fans travel, its how well THEIR fans travel and I don't know if either of those teams will put a dent in our attendance. I think Marshall is the only school in that category that would have an impact, hopefully we get them back on next year.

I saw an article recently about how buying all these home games is becoming a challenge for a lot of teams, I wish everyone would scrap it all together. No reason top teams should only play 1 or 2 road games in OOC. But until that changes its going to be extremely challenging to get names into the Convo with any regularity that the casual basketball fan would know.

MY STATE. MY TEAM.

The Optimist
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Location: CLE
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 12:15:17 PM

perimeterpost wrote:

OU_Country wrote:

I think comparing those teams with Ohio's schedule is interesting as well.

This year for Ohio, 7 home 5 away (OSU, Morgan State, UNCA, Richmond, Oakland)
I don't think we have any business traveling to Morgan State or UNCA. Those are both return games in a 1-1 (one being bracketbuster) and I don't see us scheduling 1-1's like that moving forward.

Last year we had 9 home games and just 4 away (umass, Oklahoma, Memphis and Robert Morris)

That really looks like how most majors schedule... And I hope that is what we do moving forward. Lots of home games. Hopefully our 1 for 1 are with UNI level programs instead of Morgan State. Oakland isn't terrible but id prefer another 1-1 over them.

Really want a big-name in the Convo but idk how that is accomplished.

I've seen crazier things happen.

OU_Country
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 12:30:45 PM

perimeterpost wrote:

OU_Country wrote:

You make a good point -- about selling tickets for them rather than us. I had not looked at it from that angle. I was thinking in terms of games where we're going to ahve to get a 1 for 1, why not have those be games where alumni live, and where OUr kids can have some fan support. Probably a bit of a pipe dream, but it was my thought.

Until the NCAA mandates that some of these teams be forced to leave their friendly confines in November & December, nothing will change. Since that isn't likely, nothing will change. It's still good for conversation though.

Hawaiian Bobcat
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 3:01:22 PM

Does anybody know how Dayton got a home and home with GT? It was written into Brian Gregory's buy out clause. A Dayton season ticket holder told me about it. First time I have heard of such language written into a contract. Sure would be nice to have a home and home with Illinois. It would help the next guy with recruiting saying hey you will have two shots at top program X.

bornacatfan
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 7:42:18 PM

The Optimist wrote:

The solution to this problem is getting to be a "big-time" team so big schools have a reason to come play us at home.

I remember being on the Butler board in the mid 2000s and going to several boards where teams they were playing were disrespecting the idea of going to Hinkle and making jokes about peeing in troughs and lousy concession stands.

I think Ohio fans set the course. Be a great fan base. We have had a glimpse of the tourney and we know what that feels like. Demanding excellence is fine and supporting your Cats with attendance, road presence and yes.....dollars do give you a voice to be exercised. The AD and admin has been present and responsive throughout the last 6 years. They hired Shauz and then JG and cementing the commitment that had already been growing legs.. .

SHowing up is priority ONE. You can't continue to have the argument that the fans wont come if you dont schedule bigger teams vs showing up and demanding bigger teams. If you are not using your tix.....do what I do....make a call and give them to someone. Make a new fan, find an alum who you can get interested by giving them your tic. Build the fanbase. Alums who have not been in Athens in a while do not need to see UK to want to come. They just need the bball game as an excuse to hit Court St and the bookstore. Send their kid with one of the t shirts your kid grew out of.

Butler bucked the trend .....and believe me .....between IU, PU, ND and yes Balls, Indiana ST and everyones hometown HS they had an uphill battle in a state that is hoops crazy. But they carved out a niche and scheduled up each year till they got tOSU in HInkle. It is most definitely a process......but everyone has to be an ambassador and be there. The fanbase is the key. I believe this program is knocking n the door,..... show up, support, demand excellence and use the collective voice. The program will grow and the schedule will take care of itself.

never argue with idiots, they bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Winter comes and asks how you spent your summer.....

The game loves and rewards those who love and reward the game

bornacatfan
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 8:26:41 PM

you know one other thing that we should really take advantage of is the area athletes that are elsewhere. Bring Dunk City in to give their local a home game like we did with Leon going to Maryland. There are numbers of Ohio, WV and KY kids with families local enough that we could look at where those kids are playing....Davisson has a kid from OHio on the roster. Bring em home for a game. Scheduling 2 or 3 of those a year would be a novel strategy to be employed.

brucecuth
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/21/2013 9:27:39 PM

bornacatfan wrote:

Born, I could not agree with you more. You've called it with Davidson, with somewhat of a name coach in McKillop and a history of post season play. Most important, they have Brian Sullivan from Upper Arlington and Jake Gibbs from Westerville. Stevie Taylor and Sullivan are pals, grew up playing with and against each other. Easy to market this in Columbus.

St. Joes is another example. School with a coach even casual fans might have heard of in Martelli. A kid from Dublin, kyle mullok, on the roster. . I'd be on the phone to both schools, making sure they understand we're only about 75 mins. from columbus, great opportunity for family and friends to see them.

I'll take Davidson and St. Joes over Mercer and Northern Iowa any day of the week...

Last Edited: 11/22/2013 10:24:28 AM by brucecuth

The Optimist
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/22/2013 8:22:49 AM

bornacatfan wrote:

The Optimist wrote:

The solution to this problem is getting to be a "big-time" team so big schools have a reason to come play us at home.

You make some good points. While I wouldn't say Ohio fans are doing a perfect job, I think our hoops fanbase is doing a good job showing up both at the home and on the road. I am continuously surprised how many fellow Ohio fans I run into when I go on road games. Home attendance is on the up... One thing that bugs me is seeing lower bowl seats empty. I realize not everyone can make every game and some people buy tickets to support the program. I don't think Ohio hoops has really developed a secondary market (stubhub or whatever) for unused tickets. For the quality lower seats, I think demand is almost to the point it would be worthwhile for people to sell. If not giving them away.

Also like your idea about bringing in teams with a local kid like Dunk City. If they come to the Convo itd be packed and rowdy. That is creative scheduling IMO.

I've seen crazier things happen.

OU_Country
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/22/2013 8:57:38 AM

bornacatfan wrote:

The Optimist wrote:

The solution to this problem is getting to be a "big-time" team so big schools have a reason to come play us at home.

I remember being on the Butler board in the mid 2000s and going to several boards where teams they were playing were disrespecting the idea of going to Hinkle and making jokes about peeing in troughs and lousy concession stands.

I think Ohio fans set the course. Be a great fan base. We have had a glimpse of the tourney and we know what that feels like. Demanding excellence is fine and supporting your Cats with attendance, road presence and yes.....dollars do give you a voice to be exercised. The AD and admin has been present and responsive throughout the last 6 years. They hired Shauz and then JG and cementing the commitment that had already been growing legs.. .

SHowing up is priority ONE. You can't continue to have the argument that the fans wont come if you dont schedule bigger teams vs showing up and demanding bigger teams. If you are not using your tix.....do what I do....make a call and give them to someone. Make a new fan, find an alum who you can get interested by giving them your tic. Build the fanbase. Alums who have not been in Athens in a while do not need to see UK to want to come. They just need the bball game as an excuse to hit Court St and the bookstore. Send their kid with one of the t shirts your kid grew out of.

Butler bucked the trend .....and believe me .....between IU, PU, ND and yes Balls, Indiana ST and everyones hometown HS they had an uphill battle in a state that is hoops crazy. But they carved out a niche and scheduled up each year till they got tOSU in HInkle. It is most definitely a process......but everyone has to be an ambassador and be there. The fanbase is the key. I believe this program is knocking n the door,..... show up, support, demand excellence and use the collective voice. The program will grow and the schedule will take care of itself.

You make a great point here -- perhaps a "pinned" thread for tickets, or maybe a separate forum for ticket exchange might be in order? I've tried (unsuccessfully) to give away my football tickets to folks in Columbus for these week night games I couldn't make. But, I won't stop giving it a shot.

brucecuth
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/22/2013 10:20:53 AM

I still continue to wonder about getting Groce back here with Illinois. I sure hope we didn't miss an opportunity. When Dayton's coach left for Ga Tech, his Dayton contract required him to schedule a home and home series with Dayton. Certainly would have been nice to have the same language for Groce. Oh well....I'll try to get excited about the Student Princes...

bigtillyoopsupsideurhead
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/22/2013 10:54:48 AM

brucecuth wrote:

That home-and-home with Bryant would have been a real doozy as well.

Hawaiian Bobcat
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/22/2013 11:37:27 AM

bigtillyoopsupsideurhead wrote:

brucecuth wrote:

That home-and-home with Bryant would have been a real doozy as well.

Did Bryant buy out TOS contract? If there is no buy out then there is no game. We've played just as bad of home and homes. Plenty of people would have shown up to watch us whip TOS. I think the Bryant situation would be the exception not the rule. That contract language is genius and Dayton should be applauded for pulling it off.

mcbin
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RE: Upcoming Schedule

Posted: 11/22/2013 9:00:07 PM

bigtillyoopsupsideurhead wrote:

brucecuth wrote:

That home-and-home with Bryant would have been a real doozy as well.

LOL, you know Bryant was coincidentally scheduled to come to the Convo the first or second game after TOS left for there. They were let out of that deal.

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