Ohio's future is bright, and The Post analyzes its returning roster next season.
With the foundation of Ohio men’s basketball set, the future is bright for Saul Phillips and company.
Here is an analysis of Ohio’s future roster:
Guard Jaaron Simmons (15 points, eight assists, shot 47 percent per game, started 35 games): Phillips said he appreciates Simmons’ professionalism on-and-off the court. That professionalism and strong leadership led Ohio to its 16th 20-win season in program history. What he did in 2016 was historic, but moving forward, his minutes will need to be dispersed, and Phillips mentioned working on his weak-side defense. “I trust him as much as any player I’ve ever coached,” Phillips said earlier in the year. Despite playing 37 minutes per game, five more than the next player, Simmons will be on the court a lot next year.
Forward Antonio Campbell (17 points, 10 rebounds, shot 56 percent per game, started in 35 games): As a senior, Campbell is set for another monster year in the conference after winning the MAC Player of the Year award as a junior. What’s next, though? Staying out of foul trouble. Earlier in the season, Campbell had problems staying on the court because of teams attacking the forward in the paint. It’s really a nitpick for a player who led Ohio in scoring and rebounds, but stretching the floor with pick-and-rolls is something Campbell and Simmons will continue to do in 2016-2017. “(Phillips) has a lot of players that bought into the system this year, and that’s why we are successful,” Campbell said.
Guard Jordan Dartis (10 points per game, second in steals with 24, shot 48 percent from beyond the 3-point line, started 26 games): Dartis wouldn’t disclose the role he would play in Ohio’s system during the preseason, but there’s no hiding now. He’s one of the most clutch, best shooters on the Bobcats. That should continue in his second season, and for Dartis, or “JD”, becoming a stronger perimeter defender is what’s in his cards. Campbell said in the postseason that Phillips put Dartis and Kenny Kaminski on the “white” team, or the “second team” during practices, for the two to guard Simmons and Treg Setty, both of Ohio’s premiere drivers this year.
Forward Kenny Kaminski (13 points, four rebounds per game, shot 36 percent from beyond the arc, 86 percent from the free throw line, started 33 games): Kaminski saw perimeter defenders harp on him earlier in the season because of his significant shooting touch heading into his first season playing in Athens. At Michigan State, Kaminski appeared in 31 games shooting, 49 percent from beyond the arc. During his first year at Ohio, though, he shot 36 percent from beyond the 3-point line. His occasional scoring outburst kept the Bobcats alive at times and expect him to bolster his 13 point average in his final year because of a healthier shoulder.
Guard Gavin Block (Five points per game, was second in assists with 52, shot 40 percent from the field, played 34 games): With Block, his sophomore season will consist of building up physical strength while improving on the defensive end. Block’s passing ability worked well with Simmons’ court vision. Expect Block to remain an important component to Phillips’ rotation. Block and Kaminski are close — the two often joked around after practices and had a mentor-mentee friendship — and both will work on defensive techniques in the offseason.
Forward Doug Taylor (Two points and rebounds per game, grabbed 54 rebounds and played in 29 games): Taylor became a solid backup for Campbell late in MAC play and in the College Basketball Invitational. He saw his production slightly increase during Ohio’s 14 conference games including his shooting percentage, point production and minutes. Just a year after a major knee surgery, the freshman from Columbus remained an anchor in the paint during practices and could see his value go up more in his second year under Phillips. Throughout the CBI, Taylor paired with Campbell sparingly, a possible hint at a “big” lineup heading into 2016-17.
Guard James Gollon (Played in 20 games for Ohio): Gollon was used mostly as Simmons’ backup his first year with Phillips. A raw prospect in many ways, Gollon could play a more vital role off the bench next season, especially to give Simmons some rest during non-conference play. He, along with Sam Frayer, Drew Crabtree and Jaylin McDonald, have remained “glue guys” in Ohio’s locker room, an important role that sometimes goes unnoticed on teams.
Guard Mike Laster (Played in 33 games, shot 44 percent from the field, averaged two points per game): Laster came off the bench as a perimeter helper for the Bobcats. According to Laster, he enjoyed coming off the bench and providing a spark for Ohio this year after starting 17 games in Phillips’ first season in 2015. His long length, blue-collar demeanor and strong foot work could add depth to a relatively thin Bobcat team.
Forward Khari Harley (Started nine games, averaged three points, 14 minutes per game): Harley began the year as a starter but then lost his role to Dartis because of a looming back injury. With Harley, if he can stay healthy, he could play a vital role in Ohio’s success. His length on the defensive side of the court caused problems for opposition. His speed and mid-range jumper also is underappreciated. He made 19-of-54 of his shots this year, most that hovered around the 16-foot range.
“I got to develop depth on this team, and (Harley) got the chance to get out there, and he took advantage of it tonight,” Phillips said after Ohio’s 94-90 win over Albany.
Forward Wadly Mompremier (Grabbed 92 rebounds, played 272 total minutes and in 30 games): Mompremier looked to be solid backup for Campbell early in non-conference play before Taylor started earning minutes. Even though he lost minutes as the season progressed, Mompremier’s length is still a valuable asset for Phillips.
Forward Ellis Dozier (redshirted first year): Dozier’s length could make him a valuable flex player for Phillips in 2016-17. Standing at 6-foot-9, 210 pounds, Dozier could mold into a potential defensive stopper the Bobcats desperately need.
Future players (so far):
Jason Carter: Carter signed with Ohio in November and could earn immediate playing time from the “three” or “four” position next season. Carter averaged 21 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and a steal as a junior under Johnstown-Monroe High School coach Kevin Martin. Carter is 6-foot-7, 215 pound forward and could be just another piece in Phillips’ trek for a MAC Championship with his ability to play around the rim. Carter possibly will fill the vacated, available scholarship Setty has left behind.
"I don't think I've ever had a kid commit to me, and as I went and watched him, I just saw him improve as much as he did after committing to us," Phillips said in a November news release. "He just kept getting better and better and better, and I liked him to begin with.”
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