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Topic: the LOVE is back from exile....

Topic: the LOVE is back from exile....

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Bobcat Love
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 1,193

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the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 1:05:42 AM

FINALLY, the LOVE has come BACK.......to Bobcat Attack!

While nearly all of you have been mentally masturbating about OCF's latest Ocean Adventure and his review of the latest Judy Garwood erotic novella, I have been lurking in the shadows - waiting for the right time to share my masterful insight about the 2011-2012 Ohio basketball season. Yes, the guy who PREDICTED an Ohio Sweet 16 run, will now grace you with his presence for one...thread....only. Enjoy it while you can, because it may vanish into thin air when the Iranian Majlis catch a whiff.

I'm going to work at a random clip. The great ones always do. Anyone ever read the Bloomberg Business Week article on why dyslexic's make great entrepreneurs? Give it a spin.

Let's start with the UNC Game. What an unbelievable atmosphere. If the dome is a rockin, dont come a knockin. That dome was most certainly a rockin, as was the Bobcat Bash beforehand. What a wonderful time. Big thumbs up to everyone involved in that Bobcat Bash-a-palooza. They broke the cardinal rule though - never let BobcatNation have access to a cashless, OPEN BAR! Man, did some true feelings start coming out that night as the alcohol got flowing. Pretty sure I saw 695 with a tear in his eye while talking to Fear Leon. Alan Swank and Chicken George plotting some kind of jihad in a dimly lit corner. Leon Harris holding court with Jason Ziegler and Mrs. Bobcat LOVE. You can't make this stuff up. Ok, I did. Some of it. Has anyone been able to confirm that Leon Harris is not Ohio Pilot? Have the two of them ever been in the same place at the same time? Think about it.

Anyways, great game. Big time National Opponent. Big money and prestige on the line. Kansas Jayhawks in the house. Easily the greatest Bobcat Experience I have EVER had. Take your Pizza Bowl deal and stuff it in a sack, it couldn't have been close. This was the real deal. All those Bobcat Die-Hards converged on St. Louis, and it was special, man. I tell you it was special.

Even better, we should have won the game. No question about it. Forget about the missed Offutt FT at the end, I thought there were 3 key plays in the game that broke us:

1. I thought we should have called Timeout at 24-11, instead we called it at 26-11.
2. Smith missing his dunk at 29-25. Oddest thing ever. All of a sudden Smith has lead in his shoes? Leads to 6 straight UNC points, costs us a timeout, and gets their crowd going.
3. Keely missing his dunk at 53-50. Didn't lead to Carolina points, but could have gotten our fans crazy about 30 seconds before we actually got to crazy when he finished a dunk (on an incredible off-arm pass from Coop).

Also, I thought the Refs were good, but BADLY missed several calls where the ball clearly deflected off UNC, and they gave the Tar Heels the ball. Two of those calls were borderline awful, and there would have been a 3rd had they not overruled each other.

Listen, we went toe-to-toe with 6 HS All Americans. Our guys gave it everything they had and left it all out on the floor. I walked out of that dome nothing but proud. I wanted to win that game so bad and play my arch rivals, Kansas. However, deep down, I was happy as hell at the way we acquitted ourselves during that 2 week stretch. Our whole program made Ohio (and us by extension) look great. I couldn't have asked for a better run. Plus, we had Roy Williams run the gambit of emotional trauma on the sidelines in the 2nd half. That was great drama in itself.

Report Cards:

Coop: Solid A. I can't give him an A+ b/c he made me shudder so many times this season with his crazy 3's, but man is he close to the full monty. A big part of me thinks he was just gassed during the UNC game. I think he put the weight of the world on his shoulders and felt like he had to will us to victory, when in reality he just needed to play his game. I thought his decision making was unbelievable during the MAC and NCAA's. His shot was deadly for 5 of the 6 games. His passing is obviously sick in a good way. Like I said 2 years ago, he's going to be the best to ever wear the uniform. I stand by that. He should get Wooden consideration next year - I mean it.

Sidenote, can anyone explain the fleeting incidence that was the Cooper/Pearl/Drew situation? Could have been a big story. NY Times. Wasn't a huge story. Retractions. Pearl threatening legal action. 2nd week of Tournament. AGHGHGH my head is about to explode. Make it stop. Thanks.

Nick: Solid A-. What a sharpshooter. Not only that, but he knows exactly where to be on the floor to get his looks. Everytime he let's it fly, I think it's going to drop. There's not many guys I can remember thinking that about. I suspect he's better defensively then any of us understand, he just gets a lot of credit for his long range shooting. 2 more years of this? Yeah, I can handle that.

Walt: Solid A. I was a little nervous after the Akron MACC game, but man did he come back strong. I thought Walt was our backbone all year long. Brought a toughness and heart that we really needed on this team. Maybe we had it in years past, but he wore it on his sleeve. I think it was Morgan State where I really started to understand the intangibles he was bringing to the team. We were in a dogfight, and he helped us muscle through. He did the exact same thing against UNC, just willed us to overtime. I know he's taking the missed FT hard, but we would never have been in that spot without him. Additionally, I will happily eat crow on having him in the program. He has been nothing but a model citizen and super addition, even after I (and many others) wondered aloud about Groce's decision to bring him into the fold.

Keely: B+. Prior to the first game, I predicted Ricardo would be our most improved player this season. I think I was close. Keely was our most improved player. I don't think I've seen as much improvement in such a short period of time as we saw in Keely from mid-February to the end of the season. He became a different guy. In fairness, he may have reverted back a tad in the UNC game, but man did he play big the last 3-4 weeks of the season. Clutch FT's in the MAC Tourney. Better rebounding. Deft touch inside. Emotional lifts. I was never a huge fan, but he won me over these past few weeks.

Ivo: B+. Could have easily been an A-, but he was so streaky. I think he's figured out how to out-shine the Ball's, NIU's, Toledo's, and even the Kent's of the conference. The next step is keeping it at a high level as the competition gets better. As I re-watch the UNC game, Steve Kerr was right - he was amazing in the 2nd half. His footwork and passing along with Walt kept us in that game. Throw in the daggers against Akron and Buffalo and I say he made some special memories. Did I mention we're both from Kansas City?

Smith: B+. The first couple weeks of the season, I thought he was terrible. I'm thinking to myself, we're wasting a scholarship on this guy? Then, slowly but surely it started to come together. He was running the floor, blocking shots, snatching tough boards, scoring a few points. His substitution patterns are really weird, so you never get a true feeling for his flow, but he can definitely make an impact when he's in the game. I've heard Groce say so many times this year that you don't see his impact in the scoresheet. I think I'm buying it now. He definitely made big strides from October to March.

Stevie: B. I think it's fair to say Groce lost a little confidence in him as the season wore on. He went from a solid 7th man to a 3 mpg guy in the course of a few weeks. However, Bobcat Nation got to see glimpses of a human highlight at various times during the year. Lots of signs were thrown up against NC A&T. I think it's fair to say I expect big things from him the next 3 years. He's probably the most special talent we've had the past 5-10 years who really needs coaching. He plays so lucy-goosey right now, he's got to fit himself into the Groce concept, and I have no doubt he will.

TJ: B. I get choked up when I see the footage of Groce after the USF game talking about TJ keeping his head up even when his minutes were down. I remember clear as day seeing TJ buried on the bench during the NC A&T game with no hope of picking up minutes. Man, did he re-route his course! His defense in the UNC game was awesome. Even though he picked up a lot of fouls, his defense on Barnes and Henson (where he gives up at least 5 inches each) was superb. Coleman can call himself Stevie Fresh, or Unkle Fresh or whatever the hell else he thinks he is, but I'm siding with TJ Fresh now. Guy is just smooth as silk.

Ricardo: B+. Enjoyable to watch his progression from last year to now. Solid defender. Always seems to be in good position on both ends of the glass. I remember him being a pest vs Ball State and a big spark at UNI. Needs to improve from the outside, but a definite asset for next year. Just tweeted he doesn't have a TV in his apartment?!?!?!? What kind of craziness is that. Someone get the kid a TV for god's sake! Keep it within NCAA rules, but let the man watch his programs on the tube.

Ethan, Goff, D-Mac: A's. I have never been to one practice, but I get the feeling all 3 are filling their roles perfectly. Otherwise they wouldn't be dressed and on the bench for each game. I love how they support the other guys, constantly listen to the coaching staff, and absorb everything around them. Goff has become a cult hero no less.

Belton: Incomplete. Bad sign he was sitting 3 rows behind me at the UNC game? Wish we could see more to understand what we've got.

Goard: Incomplete. Bad sign he was tweeting about going to Kilgore, TX WHILE we were playing South Florida? Could have really become a good player for us over the course of 4 years.

Coaching: A+++++++++++. Just a hell of a job this year. There's so many times I find myself disagreeing with the in-game tactics of Coach Groce, but you look a the total body of work and it's impossible to find fault. It really is. 29 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance? C'mon. Tournament wins over Georgetown, Michigan, South Florida, and almost Carolina? Sick. I thought he gave Coop too much rope for 3/4 of the season, I was wrong. He knew what he was doing. I hated the technical against BG and then we go on a 20-4 run to win the game. I hated starting Smith in October and November, and the guy is a valuable asset from December on. Coach Groce is earning his money and then some. He's made the right call with his team every step of the way this year. Guys have become better basketball players, and they're leaving Ohio better then when they came in. That's the mark of an Ohio Coach exceeding requirements.. Just a huge hats off to Coach Groce and the entire staff.

I'm wondering where everyone comes out on scheduling for next year. For basketball, I'm 100% convinced, we need to play a meat grinder of a schedule to get the RPI up. This team can win games and they can do it on the road or a neutral floor if bigger schools won't come to the Convo. This team was better then a 13 seed this year, and I think the schedule and MAC West weighed us down tremendously. With everyone back next year, I think we've got to shoot for the stars in terms of RPI and NCAA seed. It would help a deeper NCAA run and hedge us if we falter in the MAC>

A personal note. I don't want John Groce to leave. I personally believe that McDavis and Schaus have known the day was coming for a long time, where they'd have to pony up big $ to keep him. They're ready. I know it in my innards. They're ready. If by some chance we're not able to keep Coach Groce, I'll be sad. Yes, even a little heartbroken. With the exception of George Brett retiring, I can honestly say I've never been heartbroken over a player or coach moving on. I feel pretty confident this would sting pretty good. I think we've got a nice little deal going in Athens. Is it nice enough to keep John and his family happy for a long time to come? Man I hope so. I know I can't think of a better job in the world then to be at the top of the Ohio Basketball family. But maybe millions of dollars speak louder then being in that special place. If he jumps, I certainly can't blame him. I won't even fault him or host a BBQ. (Kidding, no BBQ's ever again). I'll still sing his praises and say nice things, but there will no doubt be a void, as I'm sure there will be for each of you. Let's hope it doesn't happen, I've had a blast watching Coach Groce be right and me be wrong more times then I can count or remember.

(Secondarily, I can't fathom a scenario where Bob Cooley outlasts Larry Hunter, Tim O'Shea, and John Groce with the god awful record he's put together).

Next year should be good. I'm guardedly optimistic. Donations, attendance, intensity, and expectations will all be increased exponentially. The entire roster comes back with the addition of Kadeem the Dream. These things are never guaranteed. No matter what cast returns, we'll no doubt have a bigger bulls-eye on our backs. The press clippings will be longer and more national in scope. The opponents and their crowds will look upon us different. Our fans will have higher expectations with more emotional depth and scope. Charlie's seat will be occupied by someone else. Dambrot will be breathing fire. Todd Bozeman will be grabbing players. Rob Murphy will be waxing poetic about his COY trophy. These things are never guaranteed, but hey, at least we'll all have this magical run of 2012. What a great time. I loved every minute of it, even though I had to cover my eyes for most of it. (I get nervous. Ask Mrs. LOVE).

Happy Spring and Summer to the Bobcat Nation.

LOVE

PS - I got to meet Monroe Slavin CPA in St. Louis, runner up for highlight of my trip. Honest.

Brian Smith (No, not that one)
General User

Member Since: 2/3/2005
Post Count: 3,016

Status: Offline

RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 1:19:27 AM

Positively Kerouac-ian in its likeliness to have been typed at 1 a.m. on a single ream of paper.

An enjoyable read.

Last Edited: 3/26/2012 1:22:04 AM by Brian Smith (No, not that one)

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

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RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 3:19:13 AM

It was great to meet Love, Mrs. Love, 695 and all the others. Just really a treat.

Love--my only slight disagreement is that on two of the dunk opps (Smith and Keeley ?) I think that our guys were a quarter step away from ideal position--either too far under the hoop or momentum kinda going away from the hoop. Since our guys are not fully developed offensively and/or not true 7-footers, the recovery to get to the rim for the slam gave NC time to recover and defend.

Espec like your point about how our bench guys support the team.

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

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FearLeon
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Member Since: 3/12/2005
Post Count: 4,708

Status: Offline

RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 4:16:46 AM

Beyond epic. No need for me to add anything else on the actual game. I will say that I'm very interested in seeing the development of Stevie Taylor. You totally nailed it. He did seem to lose a little confidence down the stretch and Groce had no choice but to cut his minutes. I'm hoping it was just some freshman nerves. This experience will only help Stevie T and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him in green and white. In 2 years, this is his team.

It was great to meet the Love and Mrs. Love in St. Louis. I hope we can all do it again this time next year.

#believeingreen

#BleedGreen #TrentIsGOAT

bobcat695
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Parkersburg, WV
Post Count: 1,345

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RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 8:59:11 AM

+1.

On our way home, we stopped in Indy for lunch. I almost started crying at the table trying to explain to my boys how special the previous 24 hours should be to them. My wife and I have been to hundreds of Ohio University events since we stepped foot on campus in 1991. The Bobcat Bash and game on Friday night rank at the very top for me.

I hope our programs continue to move towards excellence. I hope our leaders continue to surround themselves with people of character like John Groce. I hope we keep winning, but do so without the controversies that find their way into programs that "win at all costs". I hope we continue to attract the caliber of student athletes that have been finding their way to Ohio recently. And, I hope we have fun doing it.

"You can't un-fist a fist pump." - Saul Phillips 1/24/15

Cat4ever
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Member Since: 12/29/2007
Location: Oakland, FL
Post Count: 447

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RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 9:02:12 AM

Love,
I'd say "Nice cameo" ... except your insights have played the leading role on BA.com this morning. Welcome back ... and see you in September ... at the Norfolk State game :)

The only thing that is a fact is that nothing is a fact.
If this statement is true, it is also false.
--Dr. Donald Horning, circa 1965

bornacatfan
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Member Since: 8/3/2006
Post Count: 5,716

Status: Offline

RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 9:09:41 AM

Best line in there .....but I totally disagree.....is the one regarding the OPEN bar.....holy crap....how epic that alumni of the best party school going on 4 or 5 decades are allowed to totally be themselves one more time....

Loved seeing all the guys who make this board so good all together having a great time talking about their Cats in person.

Nice post love.....wish we could have got real time video of the Mrs Shaking that pom.....you are truly a lucky man

Great to see and catch up with all the folks who make this school and program so very special.

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

Ozcat
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Member Since: 1/4/2005
Location: Gahanna, OH
Post Count: 820

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RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 9:36:07 AM

Alright Love. You've totally made me angry. I made Nashville, but couldn't pull of St. Louis. THERE WAS NO OPEN BAR IN NASHVILLE! WTF?! Unacceptable. I'll also extremely impressed that you and Monroe met, and that somehow the arch didn't fall down. Very impressive.

In all seriousness, I'm glad you came back. Stay around this time. No more BBQs? Why not? I'll co-host. You live a mile from me.

It sounds like the Bobcat Bash was a huge success. I really enjoyed the Nashville event, as I did get to meet bornacat, mcbin (again), and Ted Thompson (and the guy I thought he was). I rode down with HeHate and McKinney (who might be the nicest person I've ever met) and had a beer with JSF before USF (see what I did there). All-in-all, it was probably the single greatest weekend of my sports life. I want more.

I was reading through all the Groce speculation last evening. Man, I'd love for him to stay, but the only thing I'm completely certain about is that if he does goes, I'll be adding an orange and blue shirt to my wardrobe.

Great run y'all. Let's hope 2012-2013 brings good fortune upon us all.

Last Edited: 3/26/2012 9:38:46 AM by Ozcat

Donuts
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Member Since: 9/22/2010
Post Count: 730

Status: Offline

RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 10:04:51 AM

Nice run, nice recap. Sad that I was unable to make these trips and meet a few people on here. As much as I get on Slavin here I'm sure he's a fine person.

OhioStunter
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Member Since: 2/18/2005
Location: Chicago
Post Count: 2,516

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RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 10:13:56 AM

Bobcat Love wrote:

Report Cards:

Coop: Solid A. I can't give him an A+ b/c he made me shudder so many times this season with his crazy 3's, but man is he close to the full monty. A big part of me thinks he was just gassed during the UNC game. I think he put the weight of the world on his shoulders and felt like he had to will us to victory, when in reality he just needed to play his game. I thought his decision making was unbelievable during the MAC and NCAA's. His shot was deadly for 5 of the 6 games. His passing is obviously sick in a good way. Like I said 2 years ago, he's going to be the best to ever wear the uniform. I stand by that. He should get Wooden consideration next year - I mean it.

Sidenote, can anyone explain the fleeting incidence that was the Cooper/Pearl/Drew situation? Could have been a big story. NY Times. Wasn't a huge story. Retractions. Pearl threatening legal action. 2nd week of Tournament. AGHGHGH my head is about to explode. Make it stop. Thanks.

Nick: Solid A-. What a sharpshooter. Not only that, but he knows exactly where to be on the floor to get his looks. Everytime he let's it fly, I think it's going to drop. There's not many guys I can remember thinking that about. I suspect he's better defensively then any of us understand, he just gets a lot of credit for his long range shooting. 2 more years of this? Yeah, I can handle that.

Walt: Solid A. I was a little nervous after the Akron MACC game, but man did he come back strong. I thought Walt was our backbone all year long. Brought a toughness and heart that we really needed on this team. Maybe we had it in years past, but he wore it on his sleeve. I think it was Morgan State where I really started to understand the intangibles he was bringing to the team. We were in a dogfight, and he helped us muscle through. He did the exact same thing against UNC, just willed us to overtime. I know he's taking the missed FT hard, but we would never have been in that spot without him. Additionally, I will happily eat crow on having him in the program. He has been nothing but a model citizen and super addition, even after I (and many others) wondered aloud about Groce's decision to bring him into the fold.

Keely: B+. Prior to the first game, I predicted Ricardo would be our most improved player this season. I think I was close. Keely was our most improved player. I don't think I've seen as much improvement in such a short period of time as we saw in Keely from mid-February to the end of the season. He became a different guy. In fairness, he may have reverted back a tad in the UNC game, but man did he play big the last 3-4 weeks of the season. Clutch FT's in the MAC Tourney. Better rebounding. Deft touch inside. Emotional lifts. I was never a huge fan, but he won me over these past few weeks.

Ivo: B+. Could have easily been an A-, but he was so streaky. I think he's figured out how to out-shine the Ball's, NIU's, Toledo's, and even the Kent's of the conference. The next step is keeping it at a high level as the competition gets better. As I re-watch the UNC game, Steve Kerr was right - he was amazing in the 2nd half. His footwork and passing along with Walt kept us in that game. Throw in the daggers against Akron and Buffalo and I say he made some special memories. Did I mention we're both from Kansas City?

Smith: B+. The first couple weeks of the season, I thought he was terrible. I'm thinking to myself, we're wasting a scholarship on this guy? Then, slowly but surely it started to come together. He was running the floor, blocking shots, snatching tough boards, scoring a few points. His substitution patterns are really weird, so you never get a true feeling for his flow, but he can definitely make an impact when he's in the game. I've heard Groce say so many times this year that you don't see his impact in the scoresheet. I think I'm buying it now. He definitely made big strides from October to March.

Stevie: B. I think it's fair to say Groce lost a little confidence in him as the season wore on. He went from a solid 7th man to a 3 mpg guy in the course of a few weeks. However, Bobcat Nation got to see glimpses of a human highlight at various times during the year. Lots of signs were thrown up against NC A&T. I think it's fair to say I expect big things from him the next 3 years. He's probably the most special talent we've had the past 5-10 years who really needs coaching. He plays so lucy-goosey right now, he's got to fit himself into the Groce concept, and I have no doubt he will.

TJ: B. I get choked up when I see the footage of Groce after the USF game talking about TJ keeping his head up even when his minutes were down. I remember clear as day seeing TJ buried on the bench during the NC A&T game with no hope of picking up minutes. Man, did he re-route his course! His defense in the UNC game was awesome. Even though he picked up a lot of fouls, his defense on Barnes and Henson (where he gives up at least 5 inches each) was superb. Coleman can call himself Stevie Fresh, or Unkle Fresh or whatever the hell else he thinks he is, but I'm siding with TJ Fresh now. Guy is just smooth as silk.

Ricardo: B+. Enjoyable to watch his progression from last year to now. Solid defender. Always seems to be in good position on both ends of the glass. I remember him being a pest vs Ball State and a big spark at UNI. Needs to improve from the outside, but a definite asset for next year. Just tweeted he doesn't have a TV in his apartment?!?!?!? What kind of craziness is that. Someone get the kid a TV for god's sake! Keep it within NCAA rules, but let the man watch his programs on the tube.

Ethan, Goff, D-Mac: A's. I have never been to one practice, but I get the feeling all 3 are filling their roles perfectly. Otherwise they wouldn't be dressed and on the bench for each game. I love how they support the other guys, constantly listen to the coaching staff, and absorb everything around them. Goff has become a cult hero no less.

Belton: Incomplete. Bad sign he was sitting 3 rows behind me at the UNC game? Wish we could see more to understand what we've got.

Goard: Incomplete. Bad sign he was tweeting about going to Kilgore, TX WHILE we were playing South Florida? Could have really become a good player for us over the course of 4 years.

Coaching: A+++++++++++. Just a hell of a job this year. There's so many times I find myself disagreeing with the in-game tactics of Coach Groce, but you look a the total body of work and it's impossible to find fault. It really is. 29 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance? C'mon. Tournament wins over Georgetown, Michigan, South Florida, and almost Carolina? Sick. I thought he gave Coop too much rope for 3/4 of the season, I was wrong. He knew what he was doing. I hated the technical against BG and then we go on a 20-4 run to win the game. I hated starting Smith in October and November, and the guy is a valuable asset from December on. Coach Groce is earning his money and then some. He's made the right call with his team every step of the way this year. Guys have become better basketball players, and they're leaving Ohio better then when they came in. That's the mark of an Ohio Coach exceeding requirements.. Just a huge hats off to Coach Groce and the entire staff.

I'm wondering where everyone comes out on scheduling for next year. For basketball, I'm 100% convinced, we need to play a meat grinder of a schedule to get the RPI up. This team can win games and they can do it on the road or a neutral floor if bigger schools won't come to the Convo. This team was better then a 13 seed this year, and I think the schedule and MAC West weighed us down tremendously. With everyone back next year, I think we've got to shoot for the stars in terms of RPI and NCAA seed. It would help a deeper NCAA run and hedge us if we falter in the MAC>

A personal note. I don't want John Groce to leave. I personally believe that McDavis and Schaus have known the day was coming for a long time, where they'd have to pony up big $ to keep him. They're ready. I know it in my innards. They're ready. If by some chance we're not able to keep Coach Groce, I'll be sad. Yes, even a little heartbroken. With the exception of George Brett retiring, I can honestly say I've never been heartbroken over a player or coach moving on. I feel pretty confident this would sting pretty good. I think we've got a nice little deal going in Athens. Is it nice enough to keep John and his family happy for a long time to come? Man I hope so. I know I can't think of a better job in the world then to be at the top of the Ohio Basketball family. But maybe millions of dollars speak louder then being in that special place. If he jumps, I certainly can't blame him. I won't even fault him or host a BBQ. (Kidding, no BBQ's ever again). I'll still sing his praises and say nice things, but there will no doubt be a void, as I'm sure there will be for each of you. Let's hope it doesn't happen, I've had a blast watching Coach Groce be right and me be wrong more times then I can count or remember.

(Secondarily, I can't fathom a scenario where Bob Cooley outlasts Larry Hunter, Tim O'Shea, and John Groce with the god awful record he's put together).

Next year should be good. I'm guardedly optimistic. Donations, attendance, intensity, and expectations will all be increased exponentially. The entire roster comes back with the addition of Kadeem the Dream. These things are never guaranteed. No matter what cast returns, we'll no doubt have a bigger bulls-eye on our backs. The press clippings will be longer and more national in scope. The opponents and their crowds will look upon us different. Our fans will have higher expectations with more emotional depth and scope. Charlie's seat will be occupied by someone else. Dambrot will be breathing fire. Todd Bozeman will be grabbing players. Rob Murphy will be waxing poetic about his COY trophy. These things are never guaranteed, but hey, at least we'll all have this magical run of 2012. What a great time. I loved every minute of it, even though I had to cover my eyes for most of it. (I get nervous. Ask Mrs. LOVE).

Happy Spring and Summer to the Bobcat Nation.

LOVE

PS - I got to meet Monroe Slavin CPA in St. Louis, runner up for highlight of my trip. Honest.

Nelsonville McDonald's: D-. Something about a malfunctioning McCafe machine. See this thread: http://www.bobcatattack.com/messageboard/topic.asp?FromPage=8&ForumPID=1&PID=44547

oldkatz
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Member Since: 12/22/2004
Post Count: 1,439

Status: Offline

RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 11:27:55 AM

GREAT post, AG.....all the emotions/pride/congeniality well captured from the Bash. Open bar???? Just the icing on a Green and White cake for a pre-game. Lots of young alums blending with the old guard, too.
Thanks for the post and the assessment.

Two asides: --didn't Monroe look positively California sophisticated?
--my Red Room pal Jeff drove from Athens Ga to Athens OH to ride with us to Saint Louis---now THAT is Bobcat dedication.

"All my inside sources tell me I have no inside sources." Salvatore "money bucks" Mafiosiano.

Ohio Pilot
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Member Since: 9/5/2010
Post Count: 499

Status: Offline

RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 11:43:46 AM

Bobcat Love wrote:

Has anyone been able to confirm that Leon Harris is not Ohio Pilot? Have the two of them ever been in the same place at the same time? Think about it.

.

I can assure you i was in Naples Florida enjoying the games. Im honored to be mentioned in a bobcat love post though.

bornacatfan
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RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 6:47:58 PM

as much as I loved meeting all the BA ers and getting see the ones I have met before....my greatest dissapointment is being in St Louis and not getting to meet Flomogenized.....and of course I am holding out hope I can someday buy Slimmy a beer, just so I can hear him speak of hoops........

RSBobcat
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RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 10:09:15 PM

Great stuff - agree on virtually 100% of Love's points - especially about the experience in St Louis.

RS Bobcat

The Optimist
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Location: CLE
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RE: the LOVE is back from exile....

Posted: 3/26/2012 10:40:52 PM

During my 9 hour drive back to Athens from St Louis I kept thinking about how much fun the game was. The big-time feel and a wild bobcatnation really made it a special experience.

I've seen crazier things happen.

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