While the team struggled shooting from the field in the second half, I will note a few positives…I thought that AJ Clayton’s play in the post was notable. BRod seems to be finding his shooting touch… and K can’t say enough about the potential of this freshman class. I look forward to more from AJ Brown and Hadaway, in particular. There’s work to be done, for sure, but there clearly is a lot of potential. Put me down as optimistic.

I’m sensing we lack the alpha dog leader that we’ve had so many times over the last 20 years or so. Am I wrong? Or is that not necessary?

I think DW3 is that guy; Miles seems to be building more confidence each game to be the go-to or second to Dwight. AJB has the talent; just needs the PT — still think he works his way to starting lineup by the time MAC play starts.

Watching this team, I think it's clear that Boals is trying to figure out what he has with his youngsters.

Based on their early returns, I believe he's high on AJ Brown, Sheldon and Hadaway. It's going to take time but this freshmen class has talent. We're going to see a lot of Brown/Hadaway as the season progresses.

It's nice to see Roderick find his shot. He looks a lot more comfortable in bench role.

Definitely missed DW3 out there today but didn't need him to take down Alabama State.

Clayton played with solid energy and I even thought Wiznitzer looked okay early. Gabe is definitely a project but he's at least playable. I've seen a lot of people hard on him which I think is a result of HS recruiting profile and transferring from Louisville. He needs work but he's not completely lost on the court.

I'm okay with the production from Hunter/Miles Brown but a little concerned about how Baker fits in.

A series of rambling thoughts:

G-Wiz had some really bright spots today. Unfortunately, it all balanced out with some pretty forgettable moments. I am seeing a lot of improvement from him, though, so that's promising. I also thought Elmore James not playing was odd. AJ Brown looks like he's worth the preseason praise, and in the back of my mind I'm just thinking "please let him not transfer up." Miles Brown came up big again. Roderick looks like his confidence carried over from the last game. Hunter's assist numbers were good again with 7 and only one turnover. Baker shot it better. I love the energy Hadaway brings off the bench. Clayton had some big rebounds today.

On to the next one.

I feel like Baker is playing his way into next man up after BRod off the bench. We can’t get away with the 3 6’1 guys starting anyway.

This team has always been run off an elite PG.

Thought maybe Jaylin or Baker would be that guy... combined, they're sort of close... but we severely lack the playmaker on offense to create shots for others.

I spoke with Boals during halftime of a game at Peden and he used these words exactly:" I like this team a lot but I'm worried about one thing...we've got no alpha dog." No lie.

Watched post game presser - Wilson just tweaked his knee, nothing major will probably return soon - Boals said Elmore should get another chance to play soon as well. Awesome game today from Miles and Brod!

That was awesome, wish I could find a video of it.

Not exactly video, (GIF) but…
https://twitter.com/ohiombasketball/status/15969458379715...

How many guards have we had that can make that play in traffic? JP could, but rarely dunked. I do remember that follow dunk he had that was amazing though… Keep it going AJB!!!

Good day for AJs and Ajay… Double double, highlight dunk and 1 for 1 from three… :)

I was surprised by the complete lack of students. I get it, the last day of break, traveling, family, getting back into the swing of things, etc. But it's an easy leave late morning to get back in time for the game that I would think a few dozen students would do. I literally did not see a single student other than the 110 and some of the Women's team. I took advantage and watched from the Ozone with my kids.

Miles Brown should be the alpha dog. I feel like we have under-utilized him to some extent during his time here, or in some ways he was under-utilized himself. He has the ball skills and outside shot to be the guy with the ball. He is already our go-to on defense. He is playing really well this year and I hope he uses his Covid year next year.

AJ Clayton needs to be the guy he was yesterday. Exactly what we need. He looked like a post player. He is definitely stronger and more athletic than last year. Very encouraged by what I saw from him.

Wiz is KVK 2.0. Absolutely maddening and downright embarrassing at times (he got completely crossed over and tripped to the ground like a baby giraffe midway thru the 2nd half). He had 2 absolutely terrible turnovers, and a few other gaffes. But he also rebounded well and had some nice moments. Let's hope his career continues like KVK's did. Recall many people loathed him his first 2 years but by graduation he was a hero.

Nothing personal on Baker I just still wish we didn't pick him up. Would've preferred just more Miles/B-rod/Freshmen than bringing in the journeyman for one year. He isn't a bad player he just doesn't bring much in the way of shot-making and assists. He does seem to play good defense.

I want to see more of all 4 freshmen. What that looks like in terms of who loses minutes, I am not sure. But I honestly like what I see in all 4. AJ Brown is an absolute athlete, it is obvious to the naked eye. I'd love to see him starting by January.

The post-game tournament awards "ceremony" was really awkward. Yikes.

Boals let it slip in the post-game that we're finalizing plans to play in the Bahamas next year. Not the Atlantis one, the other one (Baha Mar is it?).

I think we have to temper our enthusiasm and consider the competition when looking at the good things we saw from AJ v. Alabama St. Now, it will be a good sign if he starts doing this in upcoming games (not counting Clermont).

Yeah, the Bahamas tournament that Ball State is playing in, which appears to only be broadcast on Flosports. It's just mid majors which kind of sucks because these are usually easy ways to get a few P5s on the schedule.

Devon Baker scored 16 points at Detroit and has scored only 16 points in the three games since. With him being here for one year only, if AJ Brown is anywhere close to equal ability in practice, the two should swap roles. Build AJ up for the future.

The Elmore James comment in postgame sounded like EJ is in a bit of a doghouse, but at least understands what he has to do to get out.

Hadaway looks like he could blossom into senior year Treg Setty in the not too distant future. He attacks downhill, has a jumper, and plays with high energy.

The MAC named Miles co-player of the week with Peyton Sparks.

Are we sure that tourney is just mid-majors? If we’re in the Baha Mar next year, it’s headlined by Providence, K-State, and Miami. https://www.fanduel.com/theduel/posts/providence-miami-an...

My guess there are two tourneys going at same time at Baha Mar.

After games 1-3, I thought it was pretty clear that Boals brought Baker into be a shot maker and our primary scorer. That seems to have disappeared recently but IMO we still need him to get his shots up during the non-con schedule.

I think Baker could be that "alpha dog" scorer but needs to catch fire here soon or those plans could change and complicate things on offense.

You’re right. There’s one for mid-majors. Honestly, the field was pretty solid. Each team had 20 or more wins last season outside of Ball State and San Jose State (second year of Tim Miles, 7-2 start). Here’s the bracket -> https://bracketeer.org/inside-college-hoops/2022/6/29/the...

Between Baha Mar, two MAC/Sun Belt Challenge games, and what I’m guessing are return games for Delaware/YSU; that could be 6-7 quality non-conference mid-major games next season.