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Topic: New season. New PG

Topic: New season. New PG

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Cats5
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Member Since: 6/14/2017
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New season. New PG

Posted: 9/30/2021 11:51:58 PM

I’d like to hear opinions about how different (if any) this season will be with Sears running point. Is there going to be a drop in offensive production compared to JP? Will we try to use Mark, like we did with JP, when it comes to off ball iso situations? Also, just for fun. Name one or two players that you think will need to constantly perform and get us back to the MAC championship and a run in the NCAA tournament.

FlashGary
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Member Since: 6/18/2013
Location: Long Island, NY
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/1/2021 1:33:49 AM

Cats5 wrote:

I think Jason Preston's strength was playing with pace, controlled. So I actually was surprised when I saw him pushing the ball during the NBA draft camp. I do believe Mark Sears will look to push the ball as much as possible and, if he's not stopped at the foul line extended, penetrate the lane. Either way, I do expect a lot of open treys generated out of this. As for constant performers, I'll start with Ben-Rod because he's more offensive-minded than our shooting guards. And if two between Ben-Van, Dwight Wilson and Jason Carter play consistently each game, watch out! This synopsis is predicated on Sears being the real deal.

Last Edited: 10/1/2021 1:35:38 AM by FlashGary

Taiwan BC
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/1/2021 2:21:39 AM

How do you replace Jason Preston? The answer is, you don’t. Or, can’t. Such a rare talent that was able to make those around him so much better. Efficient offensively, excellent rebounder and I would say a +defender. Not to mention the intangible things he brought by being a good teammate…
Now, that said, was he perfect? Of course not.

Enter Mark Sears. Excellent freshmen campaign and, if he wasn’t playing behind JP, a contender for freshman of the year. Very aggressive in the paint, able to draw fouls and make his attempts at a high rate. Also, had a better assist to TO rate than Jason, and also almost as many steals as Jason on far fewer minutes. If he had one glaring weakness, it would be 3pt. shooting percentage. But as the old adage goes, if a guy shoots well at the line, it’s far easier to get him better from 3.

Where does he fit this year? Just play solid basketball. You can’t be a better passer than Jason. But I could see a scenario where BVP is asked to play more of a point forward spot to help on that end… Better shooting from 3, take care of the ball, stay aggressive in the paint. I suspect he will average about 12 pts, 6 assists and 4 rebounds, If he can do that, we will be better than fine.

Go Bobcats!

Cats5
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/1/2021 8:52:05 AM

JP was a good defender but not great. I think Mark will be able to keep up with on ball defense a little better. What made JP so versatile was his length, that's why we had more off ball iso plays for him. I'm gonna really buy high on Mark having a great year and it really helps he got those "big stage" games under his belt as a true freshman. When it comes the two players I think will really keep this team winning, I gotta go with Lundo and BRod. When Lundo was confirmed as a starter, I knew he would be the one to kinda give the team a boost. He does the dirty work that doesn't show up in stat sheets. For BRod, we all know he can shoot. Last season really showed what he can do. When he's driving to the paint and forcing the defense to think twice about how to defend him, this team dangerous. I don't see any reason why we can't get back to the MAC championship and NCAA tourny.

bobcatsquared
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/1/2021 10:12:07 AM

Didn't Sears come close to a triple double in 1 or 2 of his starts in JP's absence last winter? I'm confident he'll end up an All-MAC performer before he leaves Athens.

OU_Country
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Location: On the road between Athens and Madison County
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/1/2021 10:16:41 AM

bobcatsquared wrote:

Didn't Sears come close to a triple double in 1 or 2 of his starts in JP's absence last winter? I'm confident he'll end up an All-MAC performer before he leaves Athens.

I'm not so sure that won't be this year. I think he's a fantastic player. Don't anyone take it the wrong way, but there were moments last year when I thought he was better than JP in given situations because of the previously mentioned pace/quickness/speed.

My only thoughts are who spells him so he's not playing 38 min/game?

shabamon
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Location: Cincinnati
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/1/2021 10:24:50 AM

Aside from rebounding, I felt Mark was just as impactful to the games as Jason during Jason's absences. I no concern toward him quarterbacking this team for the next three years.

I think Schmock will be just fine as the backup. He was first team all-conference at Findlay last year, all-conference defensive team, and he's the school's all-time assists leader. A kid with that pedigree at a winning D2 program can hang in the MAC for ten minutes a game, I think.

OhioCatFan
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Location: Athens, OH
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/1/2021 10:26:09 AM

I'm also very high on Sears. We have the ingredients, I think, for another very good team this year. I really like McDay for his defense and court awarness. Carter and BVP give us a front-court tandem that is going to be best in the MAC. The one player I worry about a little is Roderick. Last year he seemed so inconsistent. He had some very good games, but then he had some real clunkers. Seems to me he needs more consistency.

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."

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GoCats105
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/1/2021 2:30:05 PM

I actually thought Marc was stronger taking the ball to the tin and absorbing contact than Jason was. We know he can finish at the rim and can shoot, but I need to see more of a court presence and leadership directing traffic. He's gonna be a great one and we got him for 3 more years.

Muy emocionante.

The Optimist
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Member Since: 3/16/2007
Location: CLE
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/1/2021 3:09:27 PM

I'm excited to see what Sears can do running the show, and having a veteran Schmock to spell Sears is pretty much the ideal scenario.

I've seen crazier things happen.

.
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/2/2021 6:02:20 AM

If a team could ever be prepared for losing an NBA talent, this is one if those rare times. He’s fearless in the paint and has great finishing ability. My favorite style of point guard. Preston was amazing, but aesthetically, I like the Kyrie Irving style of point guard that can crack open a defense off the dribble and then use his body to rack up drawn fouls and open 3-pointers. This could be very fun.

Last Edited: 10/2/2021 6:03:47 AM by .

FearLeon
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/2/2021 8:53:26 AM

. wrote:

I actually have zero concerns going from JP to Sears. Yeah, I know that sounds odd...but I don't believe there will be a severe drop-off at all. Sears is a terrific defender, excellent FT shooter and he can get to the rim. JP yes...better passer. Talk to me after this season who is maybe the better 3 point shooter. Thankfully, Boals and staff have prepared quite well for life after JP.

My only fear I guess is what happens if Sears goes down? Last year, we had the luxury of Sears behind Preston. This year, that falls into the hands of Tommy Schmock. And no offense to Tommy, he's just an unknown quantity at this point, but he certainly put up numbers in Findlay.

Something that hasn't been discussed much is Ben Roderick. I think Ben is going to absolutely explode this year. Can you imagine if he elevates to say 2nd Team All-MAC status? Everyone is talking about BVP...Wilson...Sears...and Carter. That's great. But I just feel like Roderick is a silent assassin ready to take it to another level this year. And if he does...my god...this team is loaded.

Last Edited: 10/2/2021 9:15:51 AM by FearLeon

#BleedGreen #TrentIsGOAT

Obc2
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Member Since: 11/8/2007
Location: Cincinnati, OH
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/2/2021 6:36:27 PM

I feel great with Sears at the point. Ill miss JP, of course, but this isnt like going from DJ to Bean.

Sorry Bean.

I look forward to some juniors making the leap to standout upperclassmen.

Im thrilled, even stunned originally, that JC is back. Gonna love the bigs with BVP and DWIII returning also.

Im already looking at MAC tourney lodging....

SVAC83
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/4/2021 2:48:09 PM

Sears will be fine. I think the player that explodes and surprises is Mcday. I just think he has it. He just has to unlock it.

OhioCatFan
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/4/2021 10:54:07 PM

SVAC83 wrote:

Sears will be fine. I think the player that explodes and surprises is Mcday. I just think he has it. He just has to unlock it.

+1 This has been my thinking also. I've been high on him since the first game he played for the Bobcats.

Bobcat1998
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/6/2021 3:00:17 PM

I believe Sears will be great. I was wondering most of the season why he didn't get more run. I would have thought he'd be a great "sixth starter" in that he would play 20 minutes per game but when JP came back he went back to 8 to 10 minutes per game. I have a friend whose son played at Findley and said Schmock will be an outstanding addition and leader as well as a tough defender and perfect team player to mix with plenty of offense. I love our first nine with Sears, McDay, Roderick, Wilson, BVP, Carter, Schmock, Granger and Brown. If Towns or Ezumah can be a defender and rim rocker we will be VERY dangerous. I think we need that vs. a team like Buffalo. They have athletes for days and while we beat them last year twice they also took it to us.

oubobcatjohn
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RE: New season. New PG

Posted: 10/23/2021 1:19:02 AM

Sears will get better with more playing time. A better foul shooter helps in those close conference games. This team has lots of scoring options and experience. We got three guys on the frontline that are 5th year seniors. McDay and Roderick have played lots of basketball at the Wings. Sears got a lot of help around him.

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