BUCKEYES 101

Last season the basketball Buckeyes were considered by most, the best all around team in college basketball for most of the season. With the departure of three key figures, seniors, David Lighty, Jon Diebler, and Dallas Lauderdale, this younger group of Buckeyes are looking for more in 2011.

Let's face it, there was a lot of talent that has graduated and moved on from last years team, how would a team grow or even have a chance of getting better with such losses.

Two words: Jared Sullinger

The now sophomore forward, Jared Sullinger is leaner and meaner this year. Word is, he has dropped close to 20 pounds and his speed and lateral movement have improved. Last years runner up for National Player of the Year has returned for at least one more year as a Buckeye and is looking at making the most of it.

The Buckeyes also have experience returning, most of last years freshman class gained a lot of valuable court time to help with the growth they would need to grow to players that could be more depended on in the upcoming season, or their sophomore campaign.

Add in William Buford, the teams only senior, and one of Ohio States highest scores from the past few years and it seems like this years Buckeye team is ready to take that step to the next level.

Other than Sullinger, there is no doubt that sophomores Aaron Craft, Deshaun Thomas, Jordan Sibert, Lenzelle Smith Jr., and J.D. Witherspoon will all have expanded roles for the 2011 squad.

Last season, Thomas and Craft were merely extensions of the starting line up, playing just as many minutes at some points as the regular starters. The point guard, Thomas, and forward, Thomas, are likely to step in to the starting line up this season.

The other sophomores; Smith Jr., Sibert, and Witherspoon will definitely be leaned on for more meaningful minutes with the upcoming season.

Throw in a 6'8", 260 pound, junior forward transfer, Evan Ravenel, and that gives Sullinger an experienced running mate of sorts in the paint.

You mix in talented players from another top 10 recruiting class, and Thad Matta has "Reloaded", taking a page from the mantra of the Ohio State Buckeye football team.

Freshmen Shannon Scott, Amir Williams, Sam Thompson, and Trey McDonald will battle for early playing time. Their ability to adapt to the college game and the Buckeyes system will determine just how much court time they will get come game time.

If you throw all of these ingredients in a blender and hit the blend button, it sounds like you would end up with a concoction that is capable of making yet another run at that ever elusive National Championship.

Tags: Aaron Craft, Amir Williams, Buckeyes, Dallas Lauderdale, David Lighty, Deshaun Thomas, J.D. Witherspoon, Jared Sullinger, Jon Diebler, Jordan Sibert, Lenzelle Smith Jr., NCAA, Ohio State, Sam Thompson, Shannon Scott

Related Videos

Returning Soon!!!!

No related posts.