Tim O'Shea
Encyclopedia
Tim O'Shea is an American college basketball
coach. He is the current head coach of the men's basketball
team at Bryant University
. He has vowed to bring Bryant to multiple NCAA tournaments. O'Shea quit his job at Ohio University
to become head coach at Bryant during the school's transition to Division I.
O'Shea came to Athens, Ohio
on March 29, 2001 and vowed to take the Ohio men's basketball
program to the next level. The 2004–05 season marked one of the most memorable runs in school history—including a Mid-American Conference Men's Basketball Tournament crown and a scare of Southeastern Conference
champion Florida
in the 2005 NCAA Tournament
.
O'Shea's first season on the sidelines at Ohio was highlighted by victories over DePaul
and North Carolina
on national television. In his second season at the helm, O'Shea led the Bobcats to a victory over Virginia
and a spot in the MAC Tournament semifinals after the team posted a 12–6 conference record.
Following the 2002–03 season, forward Brandon Hunter
became the first Bobcat selected in the NBA Draft
since 1995 when the Boston Celtics
selected him in the second round. A year later, after losing Hunter, sixth-man Sonny Johnson and three-point shooter Steve Esterkamp, the 2003–04 Bobcats slipped to a 10–20 record, but bounced back in 2004–05 for their memorable run to the NCAA Tournament.
The 2004–05 Bobcats captured significant non-conference victories against San Francisco
, Butler
and Detroit
, then won 11 of their last 15 contests down the stretch. O'Shea won the MAC Tournament but their run ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Florida. The Bobcats did not go down without a fight, as they nearly overcame a 20-point second-half deficit.
Ohio opened 2005–06 as with the moniker of college hoops' "It" team and compiled 19 victories before falling to eventual league champion Kent State
in the MAC Tournament semifinals. The Bobcats registered victories at Marist
, Rhode Island
and Toledo
, against Akron
and Samford
at home, and took 18th-ranked Kentucky
to the wire in Cincinnati, Ohio
.
O'Shea's head coaching career began after experience as an assistant in the Ivy League
, Atlantic 10 Conference and Big East Conference
.
O'Shea began his work on the bench as a graduate assistant at the University of Rhode Island
and Boston College
. His first full-time appointment came later that year at Yale University
, where he spent the next two seasons.
The next stop for O'Shea was a spot on Al Skinner
's staff at Rhode Island. He spent nine seasons at URI, where the Rams' earned two National Invitation Tournament
and two NCAA Tournament berths. A notable O'Shea recruit during this stint was current National Basketball Association
star Cuttino Mobley
.
In the spring of 1997, O'Shea returned to his alma mater. In four seasons at Boston College, the Eagles were Big East regular season and tournament champions in 2000–01. BC posted a 27–5 record and earned a No. 3 seed for the NCAA East Regional and finished with a No. 9 ranking in the Ratings Percentage Index
just two years after being ranked 246.
As a player, O'Shea earned All-America accolades at Wayland High School
in Wayland, Massachusetts
. O'Shea also played for some of the most successful squads in Boston College history. The Eagles won two Big East regular-season titles and earned four postseason tournament berths during his career. In his four years, BC advanced twice to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen
and once to the Elite Eight
.
O'Shea earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English from Boston College in 1984, then added a master's degree in counseling/psychology from BC two years later.
College basketball
College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III....
coach. He is the current head coach of the men's basketball
Bryant Bulldogs
The Bryant Bulldogs are the athletic teams representing Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The Bulldogs are currently in NCAA Division I reclassification process and compete at the Division I level as a member of the Northeast Conference...
team at Bryant University
Bryant University
Bryant University is a private university located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, U.S., that grants the degrees of bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and master's degrees in business, taxation and accounting. Until August 2004, it was known as Bryant College...
. He has vowed to bring Bryant to multiple NCAA tournaments. O'Shea quit his job at Ohio University
Ohio University
Ohio University is a public university located in the Midwestern United States in Athens, Ohio, situated on an campus...
to become head coach at Bryant during the school's transition to Division I.
O'Shea came to Athens, Ohio
Athens, Ohio
Athens is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Athens County, Ohio, United States. It is located along the Hocking River in the southeastern part of Ohio. A historic college town, Athens is home to Ohio University and is the principal city of the Athens, Ohio Micropolitan Statistical Area. ...
on March 29, 2001 and vowed to take the Ohio men's basketball
Ohio Bobcats men's basketball
The Ohio Bobcats men’s basketball team is an intercollegiate varsity sports program of Ohio University. The team represents the university as a member of the Mid-American Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, playing at the Division 1 level...
program to the next level. The 2004–05 season marked one of the most memorable runs in school history—including a Mid-American Conference Men's Basketball Tournament crown and a scare of Southeastern Conference
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
champion Florida
Florida Gators men's basketball
The Florida Gators men's basketball team represents the University of Florida in the sport of basketball. The Gators compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the Southeastern Conference...
in the 2005 NCAA Tournament
2005 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament
The 2005 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 65 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 15, 2005, and ended with the championship game on April 4 at the Edward Jones Dome in St...
.
O'Shea's first season on the sidelines at Ohio was highlighted by victories over DePaul
DePaul University
DePaul University is a private institution of higher education and research in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by the Vincentians in 1898, the university takes its name from the 17th century French priest Saint Vincent de Paul...
and North Carolina
North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball
The North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball program is the intercollegiate men's basketball of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is considered one of the most successful programs in NCAA history...
on national television. In his second season at the helm, O'Shea led the Bobcats to a victory over Virginia
Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball
The Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball program represents the University of Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference in the NCAA's Division I. The team is coached by Tony Bennett.-Statistics:-Retired numbers:-Retired jerseys:...
and a spot in the MAC Tournament semifinals after the team posted a 12–6 conference record.
Following the 2002–03 season, forward Brandon Hunter
Brandon Hunter
Brandon Hunter is a 6'7", 260 lbs, American professional basketball player who currently plays for BBC Bayreuth in Germany. Most of his career he has been a journeyman player....
became the first Bobcat selected in the NBA Draft
2003 NBA Draft
The 2003 NBA Draft was held on June 26, 2003 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting basketball players and other first-time eligible players, such as players from high schools and...
since 1995 when the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
selected him in the second round. A year later, after losing Hunter, sixth-man Sonny Johnson and three-point shooter Steve Esterkamp, the 2003–04 Bobcats slipped to a 10–20 record, but bounced back in 2004–05 for their memorable run to the NCAA Tournament.
The 2004–05 Bobcats captured significant non-conference victories against San Francisco
San Francisco Dons
The San Francisco Dons is the nickname of the athletic teams at the University of San Francisco .-History:Athletics at USF dates back to its founding in 1855, when founder Anthony Maraschi, S.J. organized ball games as recreation for the first students...
, Butler
Butler Bulldogs men's basketball
The Butler Bulldogs men's basketball team represents Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The school's team currently competes in the Horizon League, of which it has been a member since 1979...
and Detroit
Detroit Titans men's basketball
The Detroit Titans team is the basketball team that represents the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan, USA. The school's team currently competes in the Horizon League. The team last played in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in 1999...
, then won 11 of their last 15 contests down the stretch. O'Shea won the MAC Tournament but their run ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Florida. The Bobcats did not go down without a fight, as they nearly overcame a 20-point second-half deficit.
Ohio opened 2005–06 as with the moniker of college hoops' "It" team and compiled 19 victories before falling to eventual league champion Kent State
Kent State Golden Flashes men's basketball
The Kent State Golden Flashes men's basketball team represents Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. The Golden Flashes compete in the Mid-American Conference East Division and last played in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in 2008...
in the MAC Tournament semifinals. The Bobcats registered victories at Marist
Marist College
Marist College is a private liberal arts college on the east bank of the Hudson River near Poughkeepsie, New York. The site was established in 1905 by Marist Brothers, and the college was chartered in 1929...
, Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is the principal public research university in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Its main campus is located in Kingston. Additional campuses include the Feinstein Campus in Providence, the Narragansett Bay Campus in Narragansett, and the W. Alton Jones Campus in West...
and Toledo
Toledo Rockets men's basketball
The Toledo Rockets team is the basketball team that represent the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. The school's team currently competes in the Mid-American Conference. The team last played in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in 1980. Stan Joplin was released from his duties as...
, against Akron
Akron Zips men's basketball
The Akron Zips Men's Basketball team represents the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. The team currently competes in the Mid-American Conference East division. The team first played in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in 1986 when Bob Huggins was their coach. The Zips are currently...
and Samford
Samford Bulldogs
Samford University fields 17 varsity teams . The Bulldogs have done well in recent years in both football and men's basketball, participating in the 1999 and 2000 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. The women's basketball team made its initial NCAA tournament appearance in the 2011 NCAA...
at home, and took 18th-ranked Kentucky
Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball
The Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, representing the University of Kentucky, is the winningest in the history of college basketball, both in all-time wins and all-time winning percentage. Kentucky's all-time record currently stands at 2058–647...
to the wire in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
.
O'Shea's head coaching career began after experience as an assistant in the Ivy League
Ivy League
The Ivy League is an athletic conference comprising eight private institutions of higher education in the Northeastern United States. The conference name is also commonly used to refer to those eight schools as a group...
, Atlantic 10 Conference and Big East Conference
Big East Conference
The Big East Conference is a collegiate athletics conference consisting of sixteen universities in the eastern half of the United States. The conference's 17 members participate in 24 NCAA sports...
.
O'Shea began his work on the bench as a graduate assistant at the University of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is the principal public research university in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Its main campus is located in Kingston. Additional campuses include the Feinstein Campus in Providence, the Narragansett Bay Campus in Narragansett, and the W. Alton Jones Campus in West...
and Boston College
Boston College Eagles men's basketball
The Boston College Eagles are a Division I college basketball program that represents Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. The team has competed in the ACC since 2005, having previously played in the Big East. Home games have been played at the Conte Forum since 1988, having previously been played...
. His first full-time appointment came later that year at Yale University
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
, where he spent the next two seasons.
The next stop for O'Shea was a spot on Al Skinner
Al Skinner
Albert L. Skinner is an American men's college basketball head coach and a former collegiate and professional basketball player. He was formerly the head coach of the Boston College men's basketball team.-College:Skinner played at the University of Massachusetts...
's staff at Rhode Island. He spent nine seasons at URI, where the Rams' earned two National Invitation Tournament
National Invitation Tournament
The National Invitation Tournament is a men's college basketball tournament operated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. There are two NIT events each season. The first, played in November and known as the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off , was founded in 1985...
and two NCAA Tournament berths. A notable O'Shea recruit during this stint was current National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
star Cuttino Mobley
Cuttino Mobley
Cuttino Rashawn Mobley is a former American professional basketball shooting guard who played from 1998 to 2008 in the National Basketball Association .-Biography:...
.
In the spring of 1997, O'Shea returned to his alma mater. In four seasons at Boston College, the Eagles were Big East regular season and tournament champions in 2000–01. BC posted a 27–5 record and earned a No. 3 seed for the NCAA East Regional and finished with a No. 9 ranking in the Ratings Percentage Index
Ratings Percentage Index
The Rating Percentage Index, commonly known as the RPI, is a quantity used to rank sports teams based upon a team's wins and losses and its strength of schedule. It is one of the systems by which NCAA basketball and baseball teams are ranked...
just two years after being ranked 246.
As a player, O'Shea earned All-America accolades at Wayland High School
Wayland High School
Wayland High School is a secondary school located at 264 Old Connecticut Path in Wayland, Massachusetts. Its principal is Patrick Tutwiler. The style of the high school was inspired by college campuses: there are 8 separate buildings, each dedicated to one or more general areas of study. ...
in Wayland, Massachusetts
Wayland, Massachusetts
Wayland is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 12,994 at the 2010 census.For geographic and demographic information on Cochituate, which is part of Wayland, please see the article Cochituate, Massachusetts.-History:...
. O'Shea also played for some of the most successful squads in Boston College history. The Eagles won two Big East regular-season titles and earned four postseason tournament berths during his career. In his four years, BC advanced twice to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
and once to the Elite Eight
Elite Eight
The term Elite Eight, or less commonly called "Great Eight", refers to the final eight teams in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship or the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship; and, thus, represents the national quarterfinals. In Division I, the Elite Eight consists of the...
.
O'Shea earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English from Boston College in 1984, then added a master's degree in counseling/psychology from BC two years later.