The Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team is the men’s basketball program representing Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. The team competes in the NCAA Division I as part of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The program has a rich history, with several notable players and coaches who have contributed to its success over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, notable players, and current status of the Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team.
History
The Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team was first established in 1907, with the team playing its first game on January 10, 1908. Over the years, the program has gone through several highs and lows, but it has always maintained a strong tradition of excellence.
One of the program’s most successful eras was during the 1960s under the leadership of coach Jim Snyder. During this time, the Bobcats won three MAC championships and made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 1964. This was the program’s best postseason performance to date.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the program experienced a period of relative decline, with the team only making one NCAA Tournament appearance in 1972. However, the Bobcats bounced back in the 1990s with the arrival of coach Larry Hunter. Under Hunter’s leadership, the team won two MAC championships and made two NCAA Tournament appearances in 1994 and 1999.
Since then, the program has continued to be a strong contender in the MAC, with several postseason appearances over the years. Notable coaches who have led the program include Bill Hess, Danny Nee, Tim O’Shea, and Saul Phillips.
Notable Players
Over the years, the Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team has produced several notable players who have gone on to have successful careers in college and professional basketball. Here are a few of the program’s most notable players:
- Gary Trent Sr.: Gary Trent Sr. played for the Ohio Bobcats from 1992-1995. During his time with the team, he was a two-time MAC Player of the Year and led the Bobcats to two MAC championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. Trent Sr. went on to play in the NBA for nine seasons, and his son, Gary Trent Jr., currently plays for the Toronto Raptors.
- Walter Luckett: Walter Luckett played for the Ohio Bobcats from 1973-1975. He was a two-time MAC Player of the Year and led the Bobcats to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 1974. Luckett went on to play in the NBA for two seasons before his career was cut short due to injury.
- Dave Jamerson: Dave Jamerson played for the Ohio Bobcats from 1984-1990. He was a two-time MAC Player of the Year and led the Bobcats to two MAC championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. Jamerson went on to play in the NBA for five seasons before retiring due to injury.
- DJ Cooper: DJ Cooper played for the Ohio Bobcats from 2009-2013. He was a two-time First Team All-MAC selection and led the Bobcats to two MAC championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. Cooper finished his career as the program’s all-time leader in assists and steals and went on to play professionally in Europe.
- Antonio Campbell: Antonio Campbell played for the Ohio Bobcats from 2013-2017. He was a two-time First Team All-MAC selection and the MAC Player of the Year in 2017. Campbell finished his career as the program’s all-time leader in rebounds and was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Current Status
The Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team is currently coached by Jeff Boals, who was hired in 2019. Boals is a former player and assistant coach at Ohio University, and he has brought a renewed energy and passion to the program.
In his first season as head coach, Boals led the Bobcats to a 17-15 overall record and a 9-9 record in conference play. The team finished fifth in the MAC East Division and advanced to the quarterfinals of the MAC Tournament before falling to Akron.
The 2020-2021 season was a challenging one for the Bobcats, as it was for all college basketball programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team finished with a 14-8 overall record and a 9-5 record in conference play, earning them the second seed in the MAC Tournament. However, the tournament was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, and the team’s season came to an end.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team has continued to be a strong program in the MAC under Coach Boals. The team plays an up-tempo style of basketball, with a focus on aggressive defense and fast-paced offense. The program also emphasizes the importance of academic success and community involvement, with players regularly participating in community service projects.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the future looks bright for the Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team. The team returns several key players from the 2020-2021 season, including forward Ben Roderick and guard Jason Preston. Preston, a junior, was one of the team’s top performers last season, averaging 16.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. He has already garnered attention from NBA scouts and is considered a potential NBA draft pick in the future.
In addition to the returning players, the Bobcats have also added several talented recruits to the team for the upcoming season. The team’s 2021 recruiting class includes four players, all of whom are considered top prospects in their respective states.
With a strong core of returning players and talented newcomers, the Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team is poised to continue its success in the MAC and beyond. Coach Boals has a proven track record of success as a player and coach at Ohio University, and he is committed to building a program that emphasizes excellence both on and off the court.
The Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team has a rich history and a bright future. Over the years, the program has produced several notable players and coaches who have contributed to its success. Under the leadership of Coach Boals, the team has continued to be a strong contender in the MAC and has positioned itself for future success. With a focus on academic excellence, community involvement, and a fast-paced style of basketball, the Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team is a program to watch in the years to come.