menu
Logo
dark_mode
Logo
dark_mode
Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: I HATE THE PORTAL, but...
Page: 1 of 1
FlashGary
General User
FG
Member Since: 6/18/2013
Location: Long Island, NY
Post Count: 391
FG
mail
FlashGary
mail
Posted: 4/2/2026 3:29 PM
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
Last Edited: 4/2/2026 3:34:50 PM by FlashGary
OhioCatFan
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 15,977
mail
OhioCatFan
mail
Posted: 4/2/2026 4:23 PM
FlashGary wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org
FishBates
General User
Member Since: 3/6/2026
Post Count: 265
mail
FishBates
mail
Posted: 4/2/2026 4:40 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
As long as it's Robert Preston singing that and not Matthew Broderick.
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,752
SBH
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 4/2/2026 8:43 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
lovebobcat
General User
L
Member Since: 12/23/2004
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Post Count: 551
L
mail
lovebobcat
mail
Posted: 4/2/2026 10:01 PM
SBH wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Huh?
OhioCatFan
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 15,977
mail
OhioCatFan
mail
Posted: 4/3/2026 9:01 AM
SBH wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Well, sir, if that's the case and his off-court antics were that egregious, coupled with the recent revealtions about IJ Ezuma, it kind of blows a hole in the theory that Boals only recruits outstanding citizens. We've had whole threads on here with people saying that unlike Groce he won't take chances on good athletes with tarnished off-the-court records who may want to redeem themselves.
The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org
FJC31
General User
FJC31
Member Since: 3/31/2022
Post Count: 2,446
FJC31
mail
FJC31
mail
Posted: 4/3/2026 10:04 AM
I like the portal. Although drastic and likely not sustainable long term, it does offer the opportunity to completely remake your roster in one offseason to compete as soon as the following season.

I would like to see a transfer fee implemented for MM players going to P5 (similar to European Soccer), however. I think that could help add a little more competitive balance. Unsure if it needs to be applicable for D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO players making the jump to D1.
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,752
SBH
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 4/3/2026 10:11 AM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Well, sir, if that's the case and his off-court antics were that egregious, coupled with the recent revealtions about IJ Ezuma, it kind of blows a hole in the theory that Boals only recruits outstanding citizens. We've had whole threads on here with people saying that unlike Groce he won't take chances on good athletes with tarnished off-the-court records who may want to redeem themselves.
No one has said anything about off-court antics. Just that his skills are limited not a particularly good shooter and poor defensively.
GoCats105
General User
GC105
Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,861
GC105
mail
GoCats105
mail
Posted: 4/3/2026 10:54 AM
SBH wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Well, sir, if that's the case and his off-court antics were that egregious, coupled with the recent revealtions about IJ Ezuma, it kind of blows a hole in the theory that Boals only recruits outstanding citizens. We've had whole threads on here with people saying that unlike Groce he won't take chances on good athletes with tarnished off-the-court records who may want to redeem themselves.
No one has said anything about off-court antics. Just that his skills are limited not a particularly good shooter and poor defensively.
You think JJ was poor defensively? Or is someone else saying that? Because that was probably the least of my concerns with him. Ohio's defense was piss poor because the guards couldn't stop anyone from getting into the paint. I thought JJ played decent defense for a freshman, and he was smart enough to understand rotations and playing passing lanes, offering a hand on help side when needed. He was also probably the best shot blocker on the team.

If you're hearing that from someone close to the program, man we really need to blow this thing up because what on Earth are they watching?
M.D.W.S.T
General User
Member Since: 12/23/2021
Post Count: 3,812
mail
M.D.W.S.T
mail
Posted: 4/3/2026 1:33 PM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Well, sir, if that's the case and his off-court antics were that egregious, coupled with the recent revealtions about IJ Ezuma, it kind of blows a hole in the theory that Boals only recruits outstanding citizens. We've had whole threads on here with people saying that unlike Groce he won't take chances on good athletes with tarnished off-the-court records who may want to redeem themselves.
No one has said anything about off-court antics. Just that his skills are limited not a particularly good shooter and poor defensively.
You think JJ was poor defensively? Or is someone else saying that? Because that was probably the least of my concerns with him. Ohio's defense was piss poor because the guards couldn't stop anyone from getting into the paint. I thought JJ played decent defense for a freshman, and he was smart enough to understand rotations and playing passing lanes, offering a hand on help side when needed. He was also probably the best shot blocker on the team.

If you're hearing that from someone close to the program, man we really need to blow this thing up because what on Earth are they watching?
I don't want to bury this kid since he's leaving anyway, but his defensive rating was 7th on this team of horrendous defenders.

His DBPM (Defensive Box Plus/Minus) was 11th out of 12... bested only by Sheldon.

His block % is 4th, so that's somewhat positive, but 1.8 per 100 pos is hardly game breaking. Ayden was far and away the most productive. Kuany 2nd.
Ted Thompson
Administrator
Member Since: 11/11/2004
Location: MAC Play
Post Count: 8,025
mail
Ted Thompson
mail
Posted: 4/3/2026 3:45 PM
SBH wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Well, sir, if that's the case and his off-court antics were that egregious, coupled with the recent revealtions about IJ Ezuma, it kind of blows a hole in the theory that Boals only recruits outstanding citizens. We've had whole threads on here with people saying that unlike Groce he won't take chances on good athletes with tarnished off-the-court records who may want to redeem themselves.
No one has said anything about off-court antics. Just that his skills are limited not a particularly good shooter and poor defensively.
Cmon man. If you have something to say, say it. Poor defensively? He had to give help at the rim due to all the blow-bys given up by our guards. Sometimes in spectacular fashion. I think it was his first game, someone tried to play bully ball. Held his ground. As he did all season. Gets called for a foul? No chaos. Looked like he had to be the stabilizing force out there. Offensive game needs development as does many a freshman. But this is exactly the type of athlete you want. He suffered due to poor roster construction and lack of leadership around him. This was a loss.

Follow Ohio Football recruiting on the BobcatAttack.com football recruiting database.

100%Cat
General User
Member Since: 1/17/2013
Post Count: 2,763
mail
100%Cat
mail
Posted: 4/7/2026 8:58 AM
Keeping up with MAC portal news exhausts me...I can't imagine being a head coach and having to deal with this roster shuffling every dang year. It's one thing to have to recruit and replace roster pieces that graduate. Now they have to re-recruit the entire roster (or most of it) every year.

No thank you.
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,752
SBH
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 4/7/2026 9:36 AM
Ted Thompson wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Well, sir, if that's the case and his off-court antics were that egregious, coupled with the recent revealtions about IJ Ezuma, it kind of blows a hole in the theory that Boals only recruits outstanding citizens. We've had whole threads on here with people saying that unlike Groce he won't take chances on good athletes with tarnished off-the-court records who may want to redeem themselves.
No one has said anything about off-court antics. Just that his skills are limited not a particularly good shooter and poor defensively.
Cmon man. If you have something to say, say it. Poor defensively? He had to give help at the rim due to all the blow-bys given up by our guards. Sometimes in spectacular fashion. I think it was his first game, someone tried to play bully ball. Held his ground. As he did all season. Gets called for a foul? No chaos. Looked like he had to be the stabilizing force out there. Offensive game needs development as does many a freshman. But this is exactly the type of athlete you want. He suffered due to poor roster construction and lack of leadership around him. This was a loss.
Unfortunately, he gave up his share of "blow-bys" vs. opposing guards. Many of his blocks were recoveries from said blow-bys.
Ted Thompson
Administrator
Member Since: 11/11/2004
Location: MAC Play
Post Count: 8,025
mail
Ted Thompson
mail
Posted: 4/7/2026 9:18 PM
SBH wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Well, sir, if that's the case and his off-court antics were that egregious, coupled with the recent revealtions about IJ Ezuma, it kind of blows a hole in the theory that Boals only recruits outstanding citizens. We've had whole threads on here with people saying that unlike Groce he won't take chances on good athletes with tarnished off-the-court records who may want to redeem themselves.
No one has said anything about off-court antics. Just that his skills are limited not a particularly good shooter and poor defensively.
Cmon man. If you have something to say, say it. Poor defensively? He had to give help at the rim due to all the blow-bys given up by our guards. Sometimes in spectacular fashion. I think it was his first game, someone tried to play bully ball. Held his ground. As he did all season. Gets called for a foul? No chaos. Looked like he had to be the stabilizing force out there. Offensive game needs development as does many a freshman. But this is exactly the type of athlete you want. He suffered due to poor roster construction and lack of leadership around him. This was a loss.
Unfortunately, he gave up his share of "blow-bys" vs. opposing guards. Many of his blocks were recoveries from said blow-bys.
And the part about it not being JJ's decision? Fact? Or you just trying to hurt a kid?

Follow Ohio Football recruiting on the BobcatAttack.com football recruiting database.

BillyTheCat
General User
BTC
Member Since: 10/6/2012
Post Count: 10,860
BTC
mail
BillyTheCat
mail
Posted: 4/8/2026 12:18 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Well, sir, if that's the case and his off-court antics were that egregious, coupled with the recent revealtions about IJ Ezuma, it kind of blows a hole in the theory that Boals only recruits outstanding citizens. We've had whole threads on here with people saying that unlike Groce he won't take chances on good athletes with tarnished off-the-court records who may want to redeem themselves.
Well, seeing how Ezuma was never accused of a crime and has Federal case against the University (a University who at the same time was suspending everything for no verified reasons), I’d not be too quick to judge his character.
OhioCatFan
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 15,977
mail
OhioCatFan
mail
Posted: 4/8/2026 12:26 PM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Well, sir, if that's the case and his off-court antics were that egregious, coupled with the recent revelations about IJ Ezuma, it kind of blows a hole in the theory that Boals only recruits outstanding citizens. We've had whole threads on here with people saying that unlike Groce he won't take chances on good athletes with tarnished off-the-court records who may want to redeem themselves.
Well, seeing how Ezuma was never accused of a crime and has Federal case against the University (a University who at the same time was suspending everything for no verified reasons), I’d not be too quick to judge his character.
Excellent point! I should not have used Ezuma as an example. From what I've heard since this post, it appears that there is more to JJ's departure then simply performance on the basketball court.
The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org
Ted Thompson
Administrator
Member Since: 11/11/2004
Location: MAC Play
Post Count: 8,025
mail
Ted Thompson
mail
Posted: 4/8/2026 3:02 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
I can't stand the portal and what it's doing to college basketball. However, since it's the way of the day, and with embarrassment of riches scholarship capital we have, Coach Boals is in a position where he really can go for it. He doesn't have to worry about recruiting over anyone. There's no limit to the level of player he can bring in. All bets are off. No one's ego is gonna get bruised; no one is gonna get buried to the bench. I'm confident he's figured out the game now is being played on a year-to-year basis. You can't recruit for the future because you may not have one. The portal is loaded with players who potentially can ball out if given the chance--looking to move down from power conference schools where they didn't get much run, or moving up from schools below their talent level. This is where we can be competitive in the age of the NIL. Once again, I hate this. But since it's the hand we've been dealt, I hope Boals is preparing to play it to the hilt. If he can't, we'll probably be looking for someone here next year who can...
My sense is he can't, given that we can't even hold on to a guy like JJK, who has a lot of athletic ability but still has a lot of rough edges. Something ain't right in River City. That's trouble, and it start with "t," which rhymes with "p," and that stands for "portal."
Who says it was JJ's decision?
Well, sir, if that's the case and his off-court antics were that egregious, coupled with the recent revelations about IJ Ezuma, it kind of blows a hole in the theory that Boals only recruits outstanding citizens. We've had whole threads on here with people saying that unlike Groce he won't take chances on good athletes with tarnished off-the-court records who may want to redeem themselves.
Well, seeing how Ezuma was never accused of a crime and has Federal case against the University (a University who at the same time was suspending everything for no verified reasons), I’d not be too quick to judge his character.
Excellent point! I should not have used Ezuma as an example. From what I've heard since this post, it appears that there is more to JJ's departure then simply performance on the basketball court.
Then say it. Don't imply things. These kids are looking for new opportunities and people are doing research on them. Given what was going on with Ohio Basketball last season, not sure how many players would want to stay. Especially those like Kelly who will have good options.

Follow Ohio Football recruiting on the BobcatAttack.com football recruiting database.

Showing Messages: 1 - 17 of 17
View Other Ohio Basketball Topics
reply
vertical_align_top
vertical_align_center
vertical_align_bottom
add_comment
MAC News Links
chevron_left
Saturday, October 17, 2026
chevron_right
Who's Online

There are 75 Active Visitors on BobcatAttack.com

75 Guests