Departure lets other players shine
By Nick Brockman
Despite the recent departure of Jeremy Fears, Ohio is still in a good position to repeat its success from last season.
Of course, Fears was a significant factor in last season's run through the Mid-American Conference Tournament to an NCAA berth, but the Bobcats can now possibly become even better.
This season, Fears was unable to repeat his success, suffering what could be called a sophomore slump that grew as the season progressed.
Although his scoring average only dipped from 11 points per game last season to 9.6 ppg this season, Fears' production declined significantly in his final games. In his final three games, Fears produced eight turnovers and 13 points in 60 minutes of play, including no points in only five minutes of play against Kent State.
Fears' slump provided other players, specifically Tony Chatman, with more opportunities to showcase skills and lead the team. Chatman has stepped up to fill Fears void in production by averaging 11.2 ppg over the past five games, including a career-best 19 points in a 93-90 double-OT win at Bowling Green.
Chatman and the others, have been given a chance to prove their skills, and now the team can begin to also prove the Bobcats can still succeed.
Although these players may not be designed to replace the role of Fears, these players have contributed greatly in their own unique ways whether its rebounding, scoring, ball-handling, or defense.
It might be difficult for Ohio to adjust to the absence of Fears, but the Bobcats posted an uplifting win against Northern Illinois without him and have done well as his time on the bench increased.
Now that worries over Fears future for the remainder of the season are gone, the team can focus more closely on its goals for the rest of the season and improve upon its record.
Having depth at point guard was crucial
By Nick Miller
While the Bobcats appear to be playing better without Fears as of late, there is no question that the team will be missing him come tournament time.
Tony Chatman is doing a great job leading his team on the court, but the lack of depth at the point guard position will be a problem the 'Cats will have to overcome. What happens if Chatman gets into foul trouble or, even worse, injured? That leaves shooting guards and small forwards to lead the team and handle the ball all game.
While Fears was turnover prone at times, he knew how to control the game and had the ability to take over a game when it was needed.
Need proof? Look at last year's Mid-American Conference championship game. Fears led the comeback by slashing to the hoop and getting the ball inside to Leon Williams.
I'm not saying the Bobcats won't have someone other than Fears accomplish that, but with Fears it was an easy choice on who'd get the ball when the game was on the line.
Need more proof? Look at the Detroit game last season when Fears hit the game winning three at the buzzer. Also, remember how he made free throws at the end of games without a problem.
Sure, the team looks to have found its mojo now with Chatman at the point, and I am big fan of the controlled half-court sets he runs, but I just don't like the one point guard situation.
With Fears there as well, Ohio also has the choice to mix it up with a more athletic and explosive player like Fears when it is necessary for tougher pressure defense.
Let's face it, Ohio is going to miss Fears more than they realize.
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Nick Brockman
