In a little over two weeks’ time, Head Coach Bill Robinson will lead his Milligan Men’s Basketball team out in hopes of winning an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship, which hasn’t happened since the 2010-11 season. Every season brings with it new wrinkles and challenges; hurdles and obstacles that make every year unpredictable and different from the previous one. Every new team brings in new additions, and sometimes most importantly, sees costly departures. A big departure this year will be last year’s AAC Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and NAIA All-American Follie Bogan.
Despite only spending a single season in black and orange, Bogan’s impact was great. He averaged a dazzling 23.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on the year. Bogan was only the second player in Milligan history to win AAC Player of the Year and be named a NAIA All-American.
Instead of returning to Milligan for his final graduate year, and using his last season of eligibility, he decided to forgo both and play for Selfoss Karfa, a professional team in Iceland’s Division 1 basketball league. Bogan notified the team in early June of his professional plans and departure.
“I knew this was a real possibility about halfway through last year,” said Bogan. “I was playing well and I was getting some interest from some different teams, but I didn’t pay too much attention to them, because I simply wanted to focus on finishing the season out.”
After his Milligan season ended, Bogan hired an agent and started weighing his options. This past summer, he stayed in Johnson City to not only train for his upcoming season with Selfoss Karfa but also scrimmage with the Buffs in preparation for their season.
“It was a hard choice,” said Bogan. “I always dreamed of playing professionally, but I grew close to so many people at Milligan. By the end of last season, I accomplished everything I wanted to individually, but as a team, I feel like we could’ve done better. I had unfinished business at Milligan, but after consulting my close friends and family I knew that it was in my best interest to take this leap of faith and turn pro.”
Though the team was happy for Bogan, they quickly found that it would be a major adjustment for them without their best player. For returners, it would mean having to step up in Bogan’s absence. For Robinson, it would mean reconstructing and refocusing his roster, one not centered around Bogan.
“I love Follie,” said Robinson. “He’s been nothing but good to me and this program on and off the court. I love it when one of my players can go to the next level, but it isn’t a small thing when an All-American leaves your team.”
Despite his acknowledgement of the potential struggles his upcoming team could face without a player like Bogan on the roster, Robinson was quick to back his former player’s decision.
”When Follie first told me about his plan,” said Robinson. “He asked me if I thought that he was ready. I told him that I thought he was, but that he still had things to work on. I told him he had my full support no matter what, and that I would help him along whatever path he took.”
Bogan’s absence won’t be noticed by the coaching staff alone.
“I hate to see my guy [Bogan] leave,” said Sophomore Basketball player McCaskill Rivers. “but he’s achieving his dreams so I can’t be anything but happy for him. He helped me a lot and I’m going to miss him.”
“Follie and I were both new guys to the team and the community of Milligan as a whole last year, said Senior Jay Hickman. “We leaned on each other as we got used to our new environment, and I’ll cherish all those times we had. I’m happy for him, and I can’t wait to see what he does.”
Bogan left Johnson City for Iceland several weeks ago, back on Aug. 31. Before his season started on Oct. 4, Bogan had his hands full practicing, playing preseason games, learning a new language, and getting used to being in a different country.
“Everything has been happening so fast,” said Bogan. “Coming from Brookhaven [Brookhaven, MS] to JC [Johnson City], to Iceland all in a little over a year is insane to think about. Making this move has been nerve-wracking, but I feel like I made the best decision. I have the support and love of all my family, friends, and my new coaches and teammates. I know I’m going to miss everyone in America, but I’ll be fine. I’m thankful for everyone at Milligan who helped me out and I hope I make them proud.”
Last year, Robinson and his staff fell short of their goal of an AAC Championship, finishing fifth in the conference standings with a 14-13 record.
After Bogan’s departure (as well as three other players) Robinson and his staff brought in seven new men for this year’s team. All seven players are transfers from a variety of different collegiate levels.
Returners McCaskill Rivers and Jay Hickman, two standout players from last year’s team and some of Bogan’s closest friends on the team. They gave their thoughts on Bogan’s departure on the new additions for this upcoming season.
written by Evan Hayes
Got News? Message us any of your campus news here or on our Instagram!