(01-27-2013 05:12 PM)DICK Wrote: (01-27-2013 04:39 PM)The Optimist Wrote: I expect Jim Christian's teams to win at least 12 games in MAC play both this and next season. I offer no guesses beyond that, although I hope the trend continues.
Since OU leans heavily on their 4 Senior starters, what lineup are you expecting for next year? Some of the rotten MAC teams this year will have all or almost all their talent returning and are getting ibgtime experience this season.
One thing many people miss is Ohio's depth this season. The Bobcats have gone 10 deep pretty comfortably this season. Expecting 12 MAC wins is me living up to my screen name (optimist), but I think many Bobcat fans would agree with me that next year won't be the rebuilding year many hoops fans might expect with Cooper and Co graduating. Ohio has some talent coming back.
Ohio has 6 guys coming back averaging 10+ mpg this year. Outside Akron, I guarantee any MAC team would gladly take most of them and they may just be starting elsewhere.
Here is my guess for the starting 5...
PG-Taylor or Willis (Willis started a full season at PG at Texas Tech before transferring to Ohio. Taylor is similar in style to DJ, although a little smaller and obviously not the same talent level as DJ Cooper..)
SG-Kellogg (Has started every game since coming to Ohio
F-Johnson (Solid PT for Ohio since arriving. Our defensive specialist and go-to on that side of the ball)
F-Hall (talented all-around guy.. Averaged just under 20 mpg in the MAC and NCAA tourny last year)
C-Smith (Started for Ohio this year up until a couple games ago. Defensive specialist)
Other key guys
G-Wilkens (Getting 10+ mpg this year in his first season at OU out of a JUCO. 3pt specialist hasn't dazzled yet)
F-Green (Mizzou transfer.. Very athletic. Has gotten some time this year. Raw)
Ohio also has another transfer at F (Setty) set to become eligible next year.
4 recruits due in.. I am convinced two in particular will make impacts. NDour who is a JUCO forward who had some high-major interest and is putting up monster numbers this year along with DJ Wingfield.. A kid out of Cuncinnati who is putting up huge numbers in high school.
I'd be very shocked if this team was below .500. Whether they are better than that will depend on them closing out games and developing their own style. While most have gotten quality time, none have been given the ball with 30 seconds to go in a tie game..