MBB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Pat Coleman]

The last Dick Reynolds roster sports three sophomores and two freshmen (and nine juniors and seniors).

[sac]

overall, retention seems to be a problem at Otterbein.

I think they have only 1 player who has been there all 3 years Adrian has been the coach, Crum.  Last year they carried 9 Fr., only 5 return this year.  All 6 Fr. on Adrian's first team are no longer there, the only Jr. is a transfer from Wooster.

[Ohigy]

Retention is not just an issue with freshmen. 2 of the top 3 scorers from last year were Matt Rhodes and Jake Bischoff - from Westerville and Olentangy respectively.  Both were Division II players. Rhodes transferred from Walsh and Bischoff from Concord.   Both left the team and had multiple years of eligibility left.

[Ohigy]

Updated Standings:
5-0 Marietta
4-0 Mount Union
4-1 JCU
3-2 B-W
2-2 Capital
1-3 Heidelberg
1-3 Otterbein
1-4 ONU
1-4 Muskingum
1-4 Wilmington

[sac]

Retention is not just an issue with freshmen. 2 of the top 3 scorers from last year were Matt Rhodes and Jake Bischoff - from Westerville and Olentangy respectively.  Both were Division II players. Rhodes transferred from Walsh and Bischoff from Concord.   Both left the team and had multiple years of eligibility left.

Jake is sitting out the year after transferring to Miami, Ohio.  Matt Rhodes is at Columbus State College(JC)

[Dr. Acula]

Which means Rhodes will be somewhere else again next yr.  Maybe he'll end up back at Ott.

[David Collinge]

This all sounds pretty dysfunctional to me. Sad to see in this program.

[Dr. Acula]

Like I said, if I was an Otterbein fan I would give it through next season.  They have 17 FR/SO on the roster.  Those kids are playing a lot now.  If they retain them and they start turning that experience into wins next year then I'm okay with things.  If their roster make up looks a lot like this year again next year?  Time to panic.

Also, I was listening to the OAC hoops podcast because they had Mike Fuline as the guest.  I found it very interesting that he said it was actually Coach Goodwin from Cap who encouraged him to beef up their OOC schedule to push his team.  Goodwin is another hurdle in Ott's way.  With Reynolds gone Goodwin's long ties to the HS scene in central OH are undoubtedly giving him an advantage in recruiting.  He's been at Cap a long time and is well respected locally.

[Ohigy]

I was elated to see the Mount schedule this year.  Great advice given by the Cap coach and taken by Fuline.  Marietta and Mount are getting in position for an at-large bid if they don't win the OAC title.  Dr acula - I don't think Otterbein cared much about ties to Ohio, especially central Ohio, when they hired Adrian.  I think your point about competing for Central Ohio kids is very relevant.   

[Dr. Acula]

Mount kept pace with Etta last night with a 100-90 win at Berg to remain undefeated in the OAC. Ott also picked up a nice rivalry win over Cap and in doing so got above the four team log jam at 1-4.  They're now tied with Cap at 2-3.  Ott has 1-4 Berg at the Rike Saturday so they have a good shot to move back to .500 this weekend.

[Ohigy]

Big rivalry win for Otterbein over Cap.  The race for the title is going to be a fun one to watch with 'Etta and Mount both playing outstanding.

[ohiofan1954]

hmmm can Otterbein keep it going tonight against Berg? Since I'm not going to BG now(god my bobcats suck this year) might just have to drive over after Denison game and check it out.

[Ohigy]

Wilmington beats Mount Union in Alliance.  SHOCKER!   I was also really surprised Heidelberg destroyed Otterbein by 20.  JC, Marietta, and BW won as expected.

[ohiofan1954]

Otterbein didn't have a clue on handling pressure. At least 8 backcourt turnovers either from steals or violations. 2 ten second violations in there.

[ohiofan1954]

If Marietta was to play Ohio again, this time they would probably not lose the 14 point lead.