ATHENS, Ohio – The new season for the Ohio men’s basketball team is here, and excitement is in the air. Coach Jeff Boals is optimistic, saying, “This is a fun team to coach. We rarely take a step back, which shows maturity and strong leadership.”
This year, Ohio welcomes seven new players, including four transfers and three freshmen. These newcomers will blend with returning talent. Among them, redshirt junior Javan Simmons is generating buzz. He transferred from Toledo and is expected to boost the team’s rebounding efforts after the loss of big man AJ Clayton.
Ohio’s roster also features senior guard Dior Conners from Appalachian State and junior guard Carter Reese from Ohio Northern. Boals points out, “Our transfers add experience, which is crucial for our success.”
Returning players like preseason All-MAC selection Jackson Paveletzke are also set to shine. “His confidence grew last season, and having a whole summer with us has only helped,” Boals noted.
The Bobcats kick off their season at home against Arkansas State on Nov. 3. They’ll quickly face Illinois State on Nov. 6. As Coach Boals says, “These matches are like playing some of our toughest MAC rivals right off the bat.”
Other key games include road trips to St. Mary’s on Nov. 11 and Louisville on Nov. 15. The Bobcats will rekindle a rivalry with Marshall on Dec. 6 and participate in the Sunshine Slam in Daytona Beach from Nov. 24-25.
Conference play begins on Dec. 20 against Bowling Green. Ohio has crucial MAC games against Akron on Jan. 23, Toledo on Feb. 28, and Miami on Mar. 6. They’ll also face UMass, a new MAC member, on Mar. 3.
Boals expressed ambition for the season, stating, “Our goal is to win the league. It’s about consistent improvement and staying healthy.” This focus on growth mirrors trends in college basketball where teams often rely on a mix of experienced players and fresh talent to compete effectively.
As teams increasingly turn to the transfer portal, player acquisition has become a key strategy. According to data from the NCAA, over 1,000 players entered the transfer portal last season, highlighting its impact on college rosters. Ohio’s strategy embraces this trend, aiming to create a blended team with varied experiences.
This season brings renewed hope for Bobcats fans. With a mix of talent and experienced leadership, Ohio seems poised to make a mark in the MAC. As the games approach, the anticipation continues to build!
