OU tabs Boals as new coach

Former Ohio State assistant coach Jeff Boals was named head basketball coach at Ohio University on Sunday.

A member of Thad Matta’s staff from 2009-16, Boals helped guide Ohio State to seven postseason appearances, including six NCAA Tournaments. The Buckeyes, who won or claimed a share of three Big Ten titles during Boals’ time there, advanced to the Final Four in 2012. Ohio State went 193-62 during Boals’ time on the staff.

Boals replaces Saul Phillips, who was fired last week after going 81-77 from 2014-19. The Bobcats were 14-17 overall and 6-12 in the Mid-american Conference this season.

Boals spent the previous three seasons as coach at Stony Brook and posted a 55-41 record. The Seahawks are 24-8 this season and are expected to make their second postseason appearance in the last three years. The Seawolves received an invitation to the College Basketball Invitational Tournament last year.

A native of Magnolia, Ohio, Boals is a 1995 graduate of Ohio. He served as a two-time team captain and earned four varsity letters under late coach Larry Hunter.

Boals was instrumental in bringing some of the top players in the nation to Ohio State, including Jared Sullinger and D’angelo Russell, along with Aaron Craft, the all-time steals and assists leader in Ohio State history. He also coached 2010 National Player of the Year Evan Turner. Boals