The men's basketball team definitely deserves the honor of Team of the Year because its members truly worked as a team and had immediate success upon its formation.
After last year's team went 10-20, coach Tim O'Shea was able to bring in three new players that reshaped and revitalized the team into a winning squad with chemistry.
With the addition of two MAC-All Freshmen to the team in the form of Jeremy Fears and Leon Williams, plus leading scorer Mychal Green from a junior college in California, the Bobcats went from picked last in the MAC to winning the MAC Tournament.
While the volleyball team won the MAC for the second straight time, it isn't as surprising or impressive as the basketball team's turnaround season. The volleyball team was expected to win after returning an outstanding roster, whereas the basketball team created success and gained national exposure with an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time in 11 years.
Along with earning national attention (hey, Sonny Troutman was on the cover of Sports Illustrated), the basketball team also rejuvenated spirit and interest in Bobcat athletics along with putting on a show for the home crowd winning every game but one in The Convo.
But really, when everything is said and done, statistics will be pushed aside and everyone will remember what happened in Bobcat athletics in 2004. They will recall the basketball team's success over anything else, including the volleyball team and hiring of Frank Solich combined.
Volleyball has history of success, bright future Nick, really, is this argument even necessary? I believe it is common knowledge, or at least it should be, that not only did the volleyball team have the best season this year, but it is the best athletic team at Ohio University.
Unlike the basketball team, which just won the Mid-American Conference post-season tournament, the volleyball team went 16-0 in the MAC, was first in the conference and won the MAC Tournament. Not to mention this is the second year in a row the team has accomplished this feat. If I remember correctly, the basketball team didn't do the same.
Now how about the NCAA tournament? The volleyball team made it to the second round after beating Pittsburgh. I'm pretty sure the men's basketball team didn't make it past the first round. Adding to that, this the second year in a row the team has made it to the NCAA tournament. Can't say the same thing for the basketball team, can you, Nick?
Not only did the volleyball accomplish all this, it did it with flying colors, taking only five matches into more than three games, creaming the competition. The basketball team barely scratched by the competition, rarely winning by more than 10 points. Included in that, the volleyball team did not lose a single match at home this season.
Don't get me wrong, the basketball team had a breakout season; but that is just what it was, a breakout season. The volleyball team has proven that it can dominate the competition for the past two years, not just one, and had this year's best season.
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Basketball team gave fans more memories
