BobcatAttack.com - For Fans of Ohio University Sports

Welcome Guest!
Create an Account

site search

about us

advertise with us

help

BobcatAttack.com Message Board

Ohio Basketball

Topic: Lets talk about next year

Topic: Lets talk about next year

Author

Message

oubobcatjohn
General User

Member Since: 1/1/2005
Post Count: 825

Status: Offline

Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 1:31:04 AM

This season the growing pains got us a bit. But we played with 6 sophmore/freshmen in the rotation. Washington and Freeman were great and will be missed next year. If Groce can keep the roster intact unlike past year we will return 75% of the rotation. We need improvement from Johnson, Hall and Keely. The 2 transfers also will be expected to contribute to the rotation.   That is the 8 guys. The others will add some depth. Need to find a third scorer behind Cooper and Baltic. 2 big shoes to fill at the forward position.

returning starters
PG Cooper- primary scorer and leader
SG Kellogg- Needs to be more assertive and develop scorer mentality. best returning shooter from 3pt range
PF Baltic- second scoring option

key reserves
PF Keely- Needs to finish around the basket more. He could start or be key backup.
SG/SF Johnson- Provides some depth at the 2.
SF Hall- Could be the starter at the 3 or backup at the position.

other returners
C Jacobs- should have been redshirted this year. Could be next year.

Incoming players
SG/SF Offutt- Is he a starter or a role player. Will he play the 2 or 3. 6th man for us.
SG/PG Mitchell- could push Johnson as the backup 2 guard
SF Goard- He has size at the three like Hall. Could help at the 4 if needed/
PG Taylor- backup pg. Very quick. The next DJ Cooper.
PF Smith- Can he replace Devo? Need to team with Keely/Baltic as the big rotation,

Doc Bobcat
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,280

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 9:12:15 AM

oubobcatjohn wrote:

This season the growing pains got us a bit. But we played with 6 sophmore/freshmen in the rotation. Washington and Freeman were great and will be missed next year. If Groce can keep the roster intact unlike past year we will return 75% of the rotation. We need improvement from Johnson, Hall and Keely. The 2 transfers also will be expected to contribute to the rotation.   That is the 8 guys. The others will add some depth. Need to find a third scorer behind Cooper and Baltic. 2 big shoes to fill at the forward position.

returning starters
PG Cooper- primary scorer and leader
SG Kellogg- Needs to be more assertive and develop scorer mentality. best returning shooter from 3pt range
PF Baltic- second scoring option

key reserves
PF Keely- Needs to finish around the basket more. He could start or be key backup.
SG/SF Johnson- Provides some depth at the 2.
SF Hall- Could be the starter at the 3 or backup at the position.

other returners
C Jacobs- should have been redshirted this year. Could be next year.

Incoming players
SG/SF Offutt- Is he a starter or a role player. Will he play the 2 or 3. 6th man for us.
SG/PG Mitchell- could push Johnson as the backup 2 guard
SF Goard- He has size at the three like Hall. Could help at the 4 if needed/
PG Taylor- backup pg. Very quick. The next DJ Cooper.
PF Smith- Can he replace Devo? Need to team with Keely/Baltic as the big rotation,

Smith may be the key to our season.

crackerbaby00
General User

Member Since: 3/8/2007
Post Count: 442

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 9:26:01 AM

Doc Bobcat wrote:

oubobcatjohn wrote:

This season the growing pains got us a bit. But we played with 6 sophmore/freshmen in the rotation. Washington and Freeman were great and will be missed next year. If Groce can keep the roster intact unlike past year we will return 75% of the rotation. We need improvement from Johnson, Hall and Keely. The 2 transfers also will be expected to contribute to the rotation.   That is the 8 guys. The others will add some depth. Need to find a third scorer behind Cooper and Baltic. 2 big shoes to fill at the forward position.

returning starters
PG Cooper- primary scorer and leader
SG Kellogg- Needs to be more assertive and develop scorer mentality. best returning shooter from 3pt range
PF Baltic- second scoring option

key reserves
PF Keely- Needs to finish around the basket more. He could start or be key backup.
SG/SF Johnson- Provides some depth at the 2.
SF Hall- Could be the starter at the 3 or backup at the position.

other returners
C Jacobs- should have been redshirted this year. Could be next year.

Incoming players
SG/SF Offutt- Is he a starter or a role player. Will he play the 2 or 3. 6th man for us.
SG/PG Mitchell- could push Johnson as the backup 2 guard
SF Goard- He has size at the three like Hall. Could help at the 4 if needed/
PG Taylor- backup pg. Very quick. The next DJ Cooper.
PF Smith- Can he replace Devo? Need to team with Keely/Baltic as the big rotation,

Smith may be the key to our season.

I agree. Also, from what I have read about Mitchell, he may be a guy we can turn to to get us a basketball when we need one. Also, Taylor giving D.J. some rest at the point could be huge for us at the end of games.

Ohio69
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 3,061

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 9:30:37 AM

IMHO the biggest problem with the team this year was a lack of ability to create your own shot and/or drive/finish/get to foul line.

Unless that is solved next year by somebody then we'll struggle in tight/close games.

Can Offut, Mitchell, Johnson do that consistently for us next year?

Also, I think I'd run the offense through Baltic next year. Doesn't look like many (any) MAC PF can handle him in man defense.

Last Edited: 3/11/2011 9:33:06 AM by Ohio69

Can somebody hit a pull up jumper for me?.....

Flomo-genized
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 574

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 10:39:45 AM

My biggest concern for next year is actually 3 point shooting. I think that Mitchell, Offut, and an improved Rico Johnson should be able to fill the slashing/shot-creating void we were lacking this year. And I think that Jon Smith should be able to effectively replace DeVaughn's lost production.

What I don't see is a replacement for Tommy's outside shooting. When we were playing our best, we had both Tommy and Nick on the perimeter to open up the paint for the bigs. When teams were able to shut Tommy and Nick down (like Miami on Friday, and BSU last night) we ultimately stuggled to win. Without Tommy, a lot of the three point load will shift to Nick, who was at his best as the 3rd or 4th option on the court. Mitchell is a 31% 3 point shooter I believe, and I don't think Offut is supposed to be a marksman either. Add to that DJ's 31% 3 point shooting, and Rico and TJ's inconsistency, and I think that teams will be packing their defense inside the arc unless we can prove we can consistently make them pay.

My other concern is DJ's decision-making. He is a great player, no doubt, but he should be a much better floor general. As many assists as he gets right now, he's have 33-50% more with slightly better vision and decision making skills. I'm hoping that some of his questionable shots/drives this year were a result of feeling as if he was the only play-maker in the backcourt, and that the additions of Mitchell and Offut will help in that regard.

Finally, we ideally would have one more bruiser in the paint to give us some tough interior defense and rebounding help. Keely is developing into that guy, but it would be nice to have a back-up to give him a rest against the Greene's and Mavunga's of the conference.

All in all, if Mitchell, Smith, and Offut produce as expected, and if Ivo, Rico, Keely, and DJ continue to improve, we should be right in the thick of things. In year 4, Groce has no excuses left. If he doesn't win, and win big, the next two years, he never will.

bobcatbucknut
General User

Member Since: 2/26/2011
Post Count: 21

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 12:48:59 PM

Walter Offutt can be a very big player next season. He played meaningful minutes his freshman year at ohio state. He was ranked in the top 100 in his class. Hes had a year to work on his game, so I expect big things for him.

bigtillyoopsupsideurhead
General User

Member Since: 12/1/2006
Location: Cincinnati
Post Count: 1,926

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 1:07:43 PM

We can have all the scorers in the world, but until we learn to guard the three ball better, we are not gonna get over the hump.

bobcatsquared
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 5,418

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 1:30:15 PM

crackerbaby00 wrote:

I can do that if that's all Ohio needs.

Doc Bobcat
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,280

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 2:18:24 PM

bobcatbucknut wrote:

The naysayers will be quelled by his proficient exploitations.

Casper71
General User

Member Since: 12/1/2006
Post Count: 3,090

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 3:09:49 PM

If DJ is to be our primary scorer, he needs to improve his shot selection, decision making, and FG%. I have a feeling after the first three years this is just going to be up and down all the time.

Think we'll ever get on a Kent roll and string 8-10 20 win seasons together? You know, that "next level"...

crackerbaby00
General User

Member Since: 3/8/2007
Post Count: 442

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 3:29:48 PM

bobcatbucknut wrote:

I can do that if that's all Ohio needs..

Touche'

Last Edited: 3/11/2011 3:31:03 PM by crackerbaby00

GoCats105
General User

Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,446

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 4:33:22 PM

Flomo-genized wrote:

My sentiments exactly Flomo. Tommy's shooting was so good at times that we tend to forget he's not gonna be around forever. Nick can shoot lights out at any moment, but if he is to develop into the new Tommy, he's gonna have to learn how to find open spots on the floor in the fast and secondary breaks and get better at rubbing off screens and fading when the defense jumps the curl.

I'm not so sure I agree with your last statement about Groce, however. Yes, year 4 is usually the year it's supposed to all come together, but this program has had so much turmoil and turnover in the past 500 days that I think Groce gets at least one more year in my book. If by DJ's senior year we're having the same problems, then I'll jump on board with you here. All of that turmoil and turnover could also be a product of the coaching staff though.

OUBobcat13
General User

Member Since: 12/7/2005
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Post Count: 285

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 4:49:07 PM

I was going to start another thread specifically on this subject, but it easily fits into this discussion. Ivo stepped up in a big way the last part of this season. I believe the combo of him and Smith will determine how well next season goes. We have the guards. We have some shooters. Ivo has been pounding the glass as of late and has gained some valuable confidence in the post. I would vote him most improved player this season and assume next year will be even better.

oubobcatjohn
General User

Member Since: 1/1/2005
Post Count: 825

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 4:50:29 PM

The 3 pt shooting isn't as much a concern as we should have guards who can slash and attack the rim and get to the free throw line. Freeman was a great shooter but he didn't have ability to attack the rim. Offutt may be a more well rounded player at the three guard spot. Having a quicker player that gets to more lose balls may help. Also contesting shots on the three better with a quicker defender. Those are the things that off set the loss of Freemans shooting ability, character and leadership.

Flomo-genized
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 574

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 5:10:54 PM

Slashing and attacking the rim doesn't do you nearly as much good if the defense is packed into a zone inside the arc. You need guys who can reliably hit from 3 in order to stretch the defense, to create the lanes necessary for slashers to go to work.

oubobcatjohn
General User

Member Since: 1/1/2005
Post Count: 825

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 5:34:32 PM

I think Groce will dial up the defense next year and Cooper will dictate the pace of games.
I could see a linup of
Cooper, Kellogg, Offutt, Hall and Baltic on the floor together that uses the press and creates steals and transition. With Taylor, Johnson/Mitchell, Goard, Smith and Keely as a second unit that is substituted liberally to maintain the pressure. I think we try to get games in the 80's and 90's. Having two uber quick point guard with Cooper and Taylor could really let up get up and down the floor.

BuddyLee
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 682

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 7:09:57 PM

If we add a few guys who can get their own shot off the dribble I think it will help take some of the pressure off D.J. to try to make a play all the time. I think our guards look very strong next year, but a little concerned about depth in the frontcourt especially if Jacobs is redshirted.

I know it's unlikely, but any chance we could see A. Kellog or Coleman back on the team?

Monroe Slavin
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Oxnard, CA
Post Count: 9,121

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 7:17:29 PM

Defense. Big man play.

Nothing else of consequence given that we know what our guards and forwards, small can do.

What is the best heart of a defense? A big swatter at the last 10 feet to the hoop.

So, it all comes down to BIGMANZ.

I get it; our recruits are known so, barring a big surprise, we aren't add ing a stud bigsolid power forward or center. Therefore, don't expect us to dominate MAC. We'll be one among contenders.

To quote my mentor: End of topic. Next thread.

Where's the band?!
WHERE"S THE BAND?!

DesignspiritUSA.com
The Pets On The Go Collection of pet gear travel bags
The Holiday Tote Bigg Bagg Collection--over-sized, reversible, extra pockets; now love carrying packages as much as you love shopping!

Pataskala
General User

Member Since: 7/8/2010
Location: At least six feet away from anybody else
Post Count: 9,364

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/11/2011 9:11:03 PM

Monroe Slavin wrote:

We actually may have a big swatter -- Reggie Keely. He led the team by far and was 10th in the MAC with 34 blocked shots while averaging only 18 minutes a game. Give him 30+ minutes a game and he could put up some nice stats. And who knows, Jacobs may have a sophomore year like Ivo did. Ivo started slow, then over the last two months started playing forward like a man instead of a high schooler and became maybe the most valuable player on the team down the stretch. I'm optimistic about the bigs next year. They just need to focus on D.

We will get by.
We will get by.
We will get by.
We will survive.

Ohio69
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 3,061

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/12/2011 10:03:42 AM

BuddyLee wrote:

If we add a few guys who can get their own shot off the dribble I think it will help take some of the pressure off D.J. to try to make a play all the time.

Yes.

Can somebody hit a pull up jumper for me?.....

SBH
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,272

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/12/2011 11:39:49 AM

If I were Schaus, I would strongly urge Groce to shake up his staff. We need someone who can recruit and develop bigs (not a former point guard), and someone who can teach lock-down D. And frankly, someone who can guide this coach in his decision making on the bench.

Panda
General User

Member Since: 12/22/2004
Post Count: 280

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/12/2011 12:07:31 PM

SBH, Do you really know something internally that those of us on the outside don't know? Do you know what happens in the walls of the basketball offices that we on the outside do not know? If it I understand from sources, if it was not for the assistants we would not have this recruiting class or previoius recruiting classes. I also have heard that the assistants are in with Groce in all meetings, scouting, and other basketball matters. I see the asst. coaches, actually coaching and making suggestions on the bench. I have watched practices and have seen the assistant coaches coaching with a script that had been developed in their meetings. Therefore, what is it that you know that we don't?

Last Edited: 3/12/2011 12:09:51 PM by Panda

Panda

SBH
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,272

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/12/2011 12:32:53 PM

I know that the program has not progressed adequately.

I know that we have had serious issues with drugs, grades and control of player behavior for the past three years.

I know that we have seen significant player attrition. That Reggie Keely regressed this year - he looks lost when he gets the ball down low. I know that we have lost, at a minimum, 7 games due to this staff's inadequacies from the bench. I know that our defense was laughable for nearly two-thirds of this season.

Did you see our "play" at the end of regulation in the Kent game? Same "play" we used at St. Bonnaventure and against Ball State. Have you seen us mismanage the clock repeatedly over the past three years? Have you seen us sign a major post presence during this staff's tenure?

All of these inadequacies are on the coaching staff. Sure, they might be working hard and scripting their practices, but that sure as hell doesn't mean they're teaching the right things or are effective in imparting this information to their players. It's great that you see the assistants "coaching" from the sidelines, but you need to consider the outcome on the floor. I was embarrassed by their performance in the last 2 minutes against BSU, and you should be, too. I know someone who is good friends with Keith Dambrot, and I heard he was laughing his ass off watching that fiasco. Don't think he and other coaches don't use that against us on the recruiting trail. Meanwhile, that asshat at Akron has been to the tourney finals for five straight years, has two regular season titles in five years, and he does it with a high school gymnasium and a joke of an academic institution. If you talked to Dambrot, he'd tell you he cannot believe that we are not much more successful given all of the advantages we have (beautiful facility, institutional support, large fan base, etc.)

I expect more from this program and you should too. We can't dump the coach but we can sure as hell force him to look in the mirror and make changes among his staff. He needs a more mature assistant who can bring some structure to the program and help in keeping the players focused. Are you happy that your point guard is out drinking until 2 a.m. during the season and two days before an important game? Are you happy that we have had multiple players lose playing and practice time due to failed drug tests in the past three years? I am wholly dissatisfied with the direction of this program.

Last Edited: 3/12/2011 12:40:13 PM by SBH

Steve
General User

Member Since: 12/1/2005
Post Count: 710

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/12/2011 12:39:13 PM

What are we going to do with all these shooting guards/small forwards? And when we say small forwards, we're really talking about guys who aren't really small forwards.

Monroe Slavin
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Oxnard, CA
Post Count: 9,121

Status: Offline

RE: Lets talk about next year

Posted: 3/12/2011 1:37:38 PM

SBH may have some points. But his allegation about our point guard? I got kicked off this board immediately with not a chance to appeal in an incredibly weak move by the powers here for a lot less than that. Good to see that double standards are still alive.

Back to the hoops discussion: First, we lack bigs. The thoughts that Keeley can be the swatter and that Jacobs can develop in the very unusual way that Ivo did are reaches to say the least. Then take away two senior stalwarts in Tommy and DeVaughn. Remember this year--how much the loss of KVK hurt our defense and rebounding and steadiness of play. The loss of Tommy and DeVaughn have to be factored in. Hopes for next year need to be realistic.

Showing Replies:	1 - 25 of 34 Posts
Jump to Page:	1 \| 2 Next >

View Other 'Ohio Basketball' Topics

There are 150 Active Visitors on BobcatAttack.com

150 Guests
0 Registered Users

There are no other users looking at this page.