Ohio State Men's Basketball 2015-2016

[goreds2]

With the win over UK Saturday and a 20 point win over Mercer last night, let's start a thread. :thumbup:

[Redsfaithful]

I don't expect much, but the win over Kentucky kind of made the season. Whatever else they achieve is gravy now.

[BuckeyeRed27]

They will win out for sure.

Honestly if they qualify for the NIT that would be pretty good. It will be interesting to see how Mitchell integrates to the team, but they have too many good teams on the schedule to make any noise.

[Assembly Hall]

Why do I hear crickets? LOL I jest my friends. The Bucks are a team that I will be keeping a close eye on this year.

[jhowdy54]

Calipari has freshman and Kentucky is the only team in America to play freshman. Ask him and he'll tell you. Nevermind that the 3rd youngest team in the country just beat you. Face it Calipari can only win when he has true NBA all star talent and even then he usually cant get the job done. Hes just not a good in game coach. Can recruit like no other but cant coach a lick. Kentucky fans will lose patience pretty quick if he doesn't bring home a championship next few years. People in Columbus already questioning Urban Meyer after he just won a national championship. Just what happens in big time programs.

[Assembly Hall]

Calipari has freshman and Kentucky is the only team in America to play freshman. Ask him and he'll tell you. Nevermind that the 3rd youngest team in the country just beat you. Face it Calipari can only win when he has true NBA all star talent and even then he usually cant get the job done. Hes just not a good in game coach. Can recruit like no other but cant coach a lick. Kentucky fans will lose patience pretty quick if he doesn't bring home a championship next few years. People in Columbus already questioning Urban Meyer after he just won a national championship. Just what happens in big time programs.

From where I sit, Cal is getting the job done.

But expanding on what I posted above about the Bucks. Most projections I saw pre-season had them finishing 8th or lower in the B1G. I figure if they go 10-8 or better yet 11-7 they will be in the dance.

[traderumor]

It was fun to watch the UK game, but this is still a team with a lot of holes that aren't just youth related. There still is no three point sharp shooter, Lyle turns the ball over too much and is slow of foot, and their best post player is 6'5". The bench is not bad, not much drop off from the starters, but then is that a good thing? But really, there is no top tier talent currently on the roster and has not been since the Sullinger, Craft, Thomas class. They just don't have enough basketball players on the team.

[Assembly Hall]

It was fun to watch the UK game, but this is still a team with a lot of holes that aren't just youth related. There still is no three point sharp shooter, Lyle turns the ball over too much and is slow of foot, and their best post player is 6'5". The bench is not bad, not much drop off from the starters, but then is that a good thing? But really, there is no top tier talent currently on the roster and has not been since the Sullinger, Craft, Thomas class. They just don't have enough basketball players on the team.

Interesting observation.

BTW, what do they got on the way for next year?

[traderumor]

Interesting observation.

BTW, what do they got on the way for next year?
I am not sure. I do not follow at that level.

[Assembly Hall]

I am not sure. I do not follow at that level.

Well a couple of bigs so far....

http://espn.go.com/colleges/basketball/recruiting/school/_/id/194/class/2016

[bucksfan2]

They are young, getting better as the season goes along. They played a monster of a schedule this season and a few games where they just couldn't get over the hump. They have developed so far this season, a few early season games they lost will be killer, but in the end I think they will be paying like one of the best 32 teams in the country. Whether or not their resume warrants a bid is another story.

[Assembly Hall]

They are young, getting better as the season goes along. They played a monster of a schedule this season and a few games where they just couldn't get over the hump. They have developed so far this season, a few early season games they lost will be killer, but in the end I think they will be paying like one of the best 32 teams in the country. Whether or not their resume warrants a bid is another story.

Check with Purdue and IU from last year.

[traderumor]

They are young, getting better as the season goes along. They played a monster of a schedule this season and a few games where they just couldn't get over the hump. They have developed so far this season, a few early season games they lost will be killer, but in the end I think they will be paying like one of the best 32 teams in the country. Whether or not their resume warrants a bid is another story.

I think the Kentucky win is coloring your view. They barely beat Northern Illinois the game right before that. They are better than they were when they lost to the two nobodys, I'll concede that. But they do not have any consistent outside presence, and that is going to make it a long conference season, I'm afraid. They desperately need shooters, for what, since Diebler graduated. Why he is unable or unwilling to recruit shooting guards is mysterious.

[bucksfan2]

I think the Kentucky win is coloring your view. They barely beat Northern Illinois the game right before that. They are better than they were when they lost to the two nobodys, I'll concede that. But they do not have any consistent outside presence, and that is going to make it a long conference season, I'm afraid. They desperately need shooters, for what, since Diebler graduated. Why he is unable or unwilling to recruit shooting guards is mysterious.

Not really, I have seen them play quite a bit this season. They beat UK, played well against Virginia, and have had some pretty tough losses a team like UConn. This season Thad really loaded up on their schedule, and replacing pretty much 5 starters was a tough task. I am impressed with Giddens and Thompson in the post, they are raw, but that was to be expected. Giddens has made more hustle plays in one year than Amir Williams did in 4 (being a little facetious here.) Lyle turns the ball over too much, their outside shooting can be spotty at times, but the talent is there. Talented guys like Bates-Diop who will grow as the season goes along. They have lost a few games they shouldn't have, but they have played a pretty monster of a schedule so far.

It wouldn't surprise me if they lost a couple of games they shouldn't down the stretch but also rose up and beat a few teams you didn't see coming.

[traderumor]

Not really, I have seen them play quite a bit this season. They beat UK, played well against Virginia, and have had some pretty tough losses a team like UConn. This season Thad really loaded up on their schedule, and replacing pretty much 5 starters was a tough task. I am impressed with Giddens and Thompson in the post, they are raw, but that was to be expected. Giddens has made more hustle plays in one year than Amir Williams did in 4 (being a little facetious here.) Lyle turns the ball over too much, their outside shooting can be spotty at times, but the talent is there. Talented guys like Bates-Diop who will grow as the season goes along. They have lost a few games they shouldn't have, but they have played a pretty monster of a schedule so far.

It wouldn't surprise me if they lost a couple of games they shouldn't down the stretch but also rose up and beat a few teams you didn't see coming.They desperately need two shooting guards, one to start and one to come in off the bench. Until that arrives, this team is flawed. And that has been the story since Diebler and Buford left. They get a shooting guard out there on the floor, and this is a top 10 team again. But right now, they have two more big guys coming in. Not sure what the method to the madness is at this point, its as if Thad has adopted a fetish for trying to win with recruits from the Island of Misfit Toys.

[BuckeyeRed27]

They desperately need two shooting guards, one to start and one to come in off the bench. Until that arrives, this team is flawed. And that has been the story since Diebler and Buford left. They get a shooting guard out there on the floor, and this is a top 10 team again. But right now, they have two more big guys coming in. Not sure what the method to the madness is at this point, its as if Thad has adopted a fetish for trying to win with recruits from the Island of Misfit Toys.

Well it seemed like they had that in Grandstaff, but then his daddy got made at his lack of playing time and made him transfer after 10 games.

[traderumor]

Well it seemed like they had that in Grandstaff, but then his daddy got made at his lack of playing time and made him transfer after 10 games.

Grandstaff didn't play because he wasn't ready. I know that was his MO, but he was clearly not playing well and all he could do was shoot deep threes...that he missed. His D was horrendous.

[Assembly Hall]

Grandstaff didn't play because he wasn't ready. I know that was his MO, but he was clearly not playing well and all he could do was shoot deep threes...that he missed. His D was horrendous.

Hell, he would fit right in at IU!!!!!!!! We need to sign him up!!!!!!!

[traderumor]

Well, I am going to back off my pessimistic view of this team. They still need a sharp shooter, but I think their size is going to compensate for some missing pieces that they have right now. Both point guards are improving fast, mostly stopped turning the ball over. If Loving and Bates-Diop can be consistent outside threats, they could be a tough matchup for many opponents. I know Minnesota is bad, but there are a lot of good developments from the Kentucky game forward. They might just be a middle of the pack Big 10 team after all.

[bucksfan2]

Well, I am going to back off my pessimistic view of this team. They still need a sharp shooter, but I think their size is going to compensate for some missing pieces that they have right now. Both point guards are improving fast, mostly stopped turning the ball over. If Loving and Bates-Diop can be consistent outside threats, they could be a tough matchup for many opponents. I know Minnesota is bad, but there are a lot of good developments from the Kentucky game forward. They might just be a middle of the pack Big 10 team after all.

Don't look at the team in a static way, they will improve as the year goes along. There is really only one or two guys who got significant playing time last season, Tate and Loving. Loving went into a tailspin after he was suspended and Tate is still learning what type of player he can be in D1 basketball. Tate too often tries to dribble too much and is very sloppy at times. From the start of the season until now you can see improvement. You can see guys getting better, growing into their roll. I like Lyle at the point, and think Bates-Diop is growing into one heck of a player. A lot of it does depend if they can get any kid of reliable shooting from the outside.

Thad has always struggled on the offensive end. I think he puts too much focus at times on defense and loses track of scoring the ball. He has often sacrificed offense to get a better defender on the court. Sam Thompson was one guy who never grew into his offensive game, and paired with other defensive first guys is a recipe for disaster. But the more I watch this team, the more I like it. I really like Giddens and his potential. They have solid depth at PG and even in the post. Mitchell if he brings versatility would be a very good thing. But even if he is just a passer, defender, and hustle player in the post that is a major asset to have. I am somewhat confused about Grandstalf, but Thad has always struggled to get a good shooter on the court if they aren't hitting and their defending is suspect. People forget that Diebler was not that good of a defender and was allowed to grow into his game.

[traderumor]

Don't look at the team in a static way, they will improve as the year goes along. There is really only one or two guys who got significant playing time last season, Tate and Loving. Loving went into a tailspin after he was suspended and Tate is still learning what type of player he can be in D1 basketball. Tate too often tries to dribble too much and is very sloppy at times. From the start of the season until now you can see improvement. You can see guys getting better, growing into their roll. I like Lyle at the point, and think Bates-Diop is growing into one heck of a player. A lot of it does depend if they can get any kid of reliable shooting from the outside.

Thad has always struggled on the offensive end. I think he puts too much focus at times on defense and loses track of scoring the ball. He has often sacrificed offense to get a better defender on the court. Sam Thompson was one guy who never grew into his offensive game, and paired with other defensive first guys is a recipe for disaster. But the more I watch this team, the more I like it. I really like Giddens and his potential. They have solid depth at PG and even in the post. Mitchell if he brings versatility would be a very good thing. But even if he is just a passer, defender, and hustle player in the post that is a major asset to have. I am somewhat confused about Grandstalf, but Thad has always struggled to get a good shooter on the court if they aren't hitting and their defending is suspect. People forget that Diebler was not that good of a defender and was allowed to grow into his game.I never was. If you look at my beefs against this team, it was skepticism that there was inexperience AND lack of talent. With the dramatic and fast improvement of at least four players (Lyle, Harris, Giddens, Thompson), that shows there is more talent than my first impressions estimated in the newcomers.

[goreds2]

We are 4th in the Big Ten standings. I would think we would at least be considered a Top 25 ranked team soon.

Big Ten W-L GB PCT W-L PCT STRK
#3 Maryland 3-0 -- 1.000 14-1 .933 W8
Indiana 3-0 -- 1.000 13-3 .813 W8
#19 Iowa 3-0 -- 1.000 12-3 .800 W5
Ohio State 3-0 -- 1.000 11-5 .688 W7
#20 Purdue 2-1 1 .667 14-2 .875 W1
#5 Michigan State 2-1 1 .667 15-1 .938 W2
Michigan 2-1 1 .667 12-4 .750 L1

[Assembly Hall]

We are 4th in the Big Ten standings. I would think we would at least be considered a Top 25 ranked team soon.

Big Ten W-L GB PCT W-L PCT STRK
#3 Maryland 3-0 -- 1.000 14-1 .933 W8
Indiana 3-0 -- 1.000 13-3 .813 W8
#19 Iowa 3-0 -- 1.000 12-3 .800 W5
Ohio State 3-0 -- 1.000 11-5 .688 W7
#20 Purdue 2-1 1 .667 14-2 .875 W1
#5 Michigan State 2-1 1 .667 15-1 .938 W2
Michigan 2-1 1 .667 12-4 .750 L1

The Bucks won the first of a pretty tough 5 game stretch. Let's see where they stand after the next 4.

[Assembly Hall]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25444855/former-ohio-state-star-jared-sullinger-is-embarrassed-by-blowout-loss-at-indiana

[traderumor]

That was the exact result that I was expecting. Lose by 2, lose by 20, that was an expected loss.

[Assembly Hall]

That was the exact result that I was expecting. Lose by 2, lose by 20, that was an expected loss.

Loss? Perhaps...I didnt expect it in the fashion that it came.

[traderumor]

Loss? Perhaps...I didnt expect it in the fashion that it came.

I did. I told my boys "expect a beat down today boys" before the game ever started. The Buckeyes had been playing well, but Indiana is far ahead of where they are with talent and experience. I knew they would score at will and we struggle on offense. It was just a set up for a young team. A trend I had seen in my many years of following sports.

[Assembly Hall]

I did. I told my boys "expect a beat down today boys" before the game ever started. The Buckeyes had been playing well, but Indiana is far ahead of where they are with talent and experience. I knew they would score at will and we struggle on offense. It was just a set up for a young team. A trend I had seen in my many years of following sports.

Understood. The Bucks got a few more tough ones coming as well. The "schedule genie" was not kind to them.

[goreds2]

Tonight:

Ohio State Buckeyes
12-7, 6th in Big Ten
Today, 9:00 PM on ESPN, ESP3
Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Indiana

Ohio State
Buckeyes
(12-7)

@
Purdue
Boilermakers
(16-3)

[bucksfan2]

I wonder how OSU will match up. OSU has some depth in the post position, which is where Purdont is very strong. Its in West Lafayette so I would imagine Purdont will win, but stranger things have happened. OSU can't fall behind early, and can't withstand a Maryland type barrage.

[Assembly Hall]

The Purdue team is the one lost at Illinois by double digits. How that happened...I have no idea. If the Bucks can rule the back court they got a shot at a W.

[goreds2]

The Purdue team is the one lost at Illinois by double digits. How that happened...I have no idea. If the Bucks can rule the back court they got a shot at a W.
And the Buckeyes did win! :thumbup:

[BuckeyeRed27]

And the Buckeyes did win! :thumbup:

I watched most of the game last night. This was the third game I got to watch this year. Mitchell needs to play more, they are a much better team with his passing. I really like how Bates-Diop has developed over the last couple years, he's a nice player. I like Loving as a player, but man that guy has some body language issues.

[RedTeamGo!]

I used to be proud to say Marc Loving and I went to the same high school, it is getting to the point where it is embarrassing.

[Redsfaithful]

18 wins probably doesn't make the tournament does it? Hard for me to see them getting past 18.

[RedTeamGo!]

18 wins probably doesn't make the tournament does it? Hard for me to see them getting past 18.

I don't think they would get in with 20 wins.

They have some horrendous losses.

[Redsfaithful]

I think they'd get in at 20. They'd have at least 2 more high quality wins.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I don't think they would get in with 20 wins.

They have some horrendous losses.

They have 4 games left against Maryland, Iowa and Sparty twice. They would have to win 1 of those, plus beat the rest of the teams to get to 20 wins, which probably isn't enough. Beating 2 of those and winning the rest would leave them at 21-10 going in to the Big 10 Tournament with 3 Top 10 wins and a couple really bad losses. So you're sayin' there's a chance!

[traderumor]

Maybe they'll get hot and with some upsets, win the conference tourney.

[Assembly Hall]

To be honest fellas the way this season has went, I aint ruling anybody out of the dance.

[goreds2]

A win against Maryland yesterday would have improved our resume'. Will be tough now to make the NC2A tournament. :confused:

[RedTeamGo!]

It is so bizarre that this is the current rankings of Ohio teams:

1: Xavier
2: Dayton
3: Cinci



HUGE GAP




Distant 4: Ohio State

[bucksfan2]

It is so bizarre that this is the current rankings of Ohio teams:

1: Xavier
2: Dayton
3: Cinci



HUGE GAP




Distant 4: Ohio State

If OSU played in the A10 they would be a tournament team, probably an 8 seed or better. Probably the same in the AAC, I think UC is better, although I don't think it is by that much.

I like this OSU team, much better than last years team. They are on the outside looking in right now baring a couple of big upsets, but it wouldn't shock me. They just are missing a little experience in winning games. I think Mitchell being out for the first half of the season hurt his development, and I think the rawness of everyone else really hurt as well.

I know people love Tate, but the guy makes too many careless mistakes and can't make a free throw to save his life. Loving just makes too many mistakes for as many games as he has played.

[RedTeamGo!]

If OSU played in the A10 they would be a tournament team, probably an 8 seed or better. Probably the same in the AAC, I think UC is better, although I don't think it is by that much.

I like this OSU team, much better than last years team. They are on the outside looking in right now baring a couple of big upsets, but it wouldn't shock me. They just are missing a little experience in winning games. I think Mitchell being out for the first half of the season hurt his development, and I think the rawness of everyone else really hurt as well.

I know people love Tate, but the guy makes too many careless mistakes and can't make a free throw to save his life. Loving just makes too many mistakes for as many games as he has played.

Granted the A10 is not as good as the B1G, but UD has quality wins out of conference, including a win over Iowa.

I think if Dayton plays OSU 10 times they would win 7.

Loving is awful, he is weak bodied and minded. He looks like he could break down sobbing at a moments notice.

The biggest weakness of OSU is Thad Matta. Horrendous in-game coach that does not run an offense.

[Assembly Hall]

I thought I said it up above somewhere(cant remember) but the Bucks were not expected to be a "player" in the B1G this year. Right now I feel there are 6 locks from the conference in the dance. Michigan, Michigan St., Iowa, Purdue, Maryland, and IU. I believe the conference will get 7 in and I think that tOSU can be that 7th.

[bucksfan2]

Granted the A10 is not as good as the B1G, but UD has quality wins out of conference, including a win over Iowa.

I think if Dayton plays OSU 10 times they would win 7.

Loving is awful, he is weak bodied and minded. He looks like he could break down sobbing at a moments notice.

The biggest weakness of OSU is Thad Matta. Horrendous in-game coach that does not run an offense.

UD has a good win over Iowa, and to be honest, I think its a toss up whether or not OSU loses to any other team that UD beat. I think they are pretty evenly balanced.

I guess where I see a huge break for UD is their conference is weak. They have games where they can take a breather because the competition is poor. When I watch OSU play I just see inconsistency that is costing them. There have been a handful of games against good opponents where they have been close, just unable to get over the hump. Games against Memphis, Virginia, Purdue, and Maryland all could have gone a different way, but OSU found a way to lose them. The Maryland game is a microcosm of the season if you ask me, they play well, are in the game late, but a few plays keep them down. There was a play, OSU was up 1 I believe and had a 3 on 2 but both Tate and Lyle ran to the same place (Tate with the ball) which resulted in them pulling it back out and not scoring on that possession. Had they scored is the game changed?

[RedTeamGo!]

The A10 is not a weak conference. You are acting like they are Gonzaga in the WAC.

[Assembly Hall]

The A10 is not a weak conference. You are acting like they are Gonzaga in the WAC.

The A10 is not weak, but it is by no means close to the B1G. Put Dayton in the B1G and how would they be?

[bucksfan2]

The A10 is not weak, but it is by no means close to the B1G. Put Dayton in the B1G and how would they be?

I know I would rather play LaSalle twice a year than Maryland or MSU.

I was a big time UC fan prior to going to OSU. The glory days of Huggins always saw good UC teams, who ran roughshod over their conference, but fell short in the tournament. I fully believe that the Martin team would have one the tournament had he not broken his leg. I also think that CUSA in its prime was a good basketball conference. But what happens when you aren't a so called "power" conference is you become very top heavy. There isn't a ton of depth once you get past the top tier. Purdue, MSU, OSU and Wisconsin right now all look to be middle of the pack B1G teams. They are currently 5-8 in the B1G standings. In the A10 standings, St Bonaventure, Duquesne, Davidson, and Rhode Island occupy those spots. I think its fair to say that the B1G's middle of the pack is considerably stronger. I am not saying that VCU and Dayton are not good teams, just that in conference play, night in night out, the B1G is much stronger.

[BillDoran]

UD has a good win over Iowa, and to be honest, I think its a toss up whether or not OSU loses to any other team that UD beat. I think they are pretty evenly balanced.

Fortunately, we have SOS for this. KenPom has UD at 113 (63 in non-conference) and OSU at 91 (260 in non-conference). Ohio State has, and will, play a tougher schedule, but not by some wide margin.


I know I would rather play LaSalle twice a year than Maryland or MSU.

As you address, that's kind of a silly way of putting it. The B1G is a stronger basketball conference, but to compare a middling team v. another conference's cream isn't really fair.

As a partisan observer, Dayton would put it to Ohio State this year. The Flyers are a well schooled team.

[Assembly Hall]

I know I would rather play LaSalle twice a year than Maryland or MSU.

I was a big time UC fan prior to going to OSU. The glory days of Huggins always saw good UC teams, who ran roughshod over their conference, but fell short in the tournament. I fully believe that the Martin team would have one the tournament had he not broken his leg. I also think that CUSA in its prime was a good basketball conference. But what happens when you aren't a so called "power" conference is you become very top heavy. There isn't a ton of depth once you get past the top tier. Purdue, MSU, OSU and Wisconsin right now all look to be middle of the pack B1G teams. They are currently 5-8 in the B1G standings. In the A10 standings, St Bonaventure, Duquesne, Davidson, and Rhode Island occupy those spots. I think its fair to say that the B1G's middle of the pack is considerably stronger. I am not saying that VCU and Dayton are not good teams, just that in conference play, night in night out, the B1G is much stronger.

In all fairness to Dayton, everybody knew they were gonna be good this year no matter what conference they played in. Just play the games on the schedule and try to win every one of them. Get to the dance and see what happens.

[traderumor]

Granted the A10 is not as good as the B1G, but UD has quality wins out of conference, including a win over Iowa.

I think if Dayton plays OSU 10 times they would win 7.

Loving is awful, he is weak bodied and minded. He looks like he could break down sobbing at a moments notice.

The biggest weakness of OSU is Thad Matta. Horrendous in-game coach that does not run an offense.
I would agree on Loving, but the Matta criticism is not fair. There is plenty of room for criticism of his recruiting in the past five years, 7-8 rotation philosophy, but the game coaching comment is puzzling and the "does not run an offense" is just nonsense.

[Assembly Hall]

I would agree on Loving, but the Matta criticism is not fair. There is plenty of room for criticism of his recruiting in the past five years, 7-8 rotation philosophy, but the game coaching comment is puzzling and the "does not run an offense" is just nonsense.

The natives are just getting restless!!!!!!!!!!

[bucksfan2]

I would agree on Loving, but the Matta criticism is not fair. There is plenty of room for criticism of his recruiting in the past five years, 7-8 rotation philosophy, but the game coaching comment is puzzling and the "does not run an offense" is just nonsense.

Matta's biggest problem IMO is that he whiffed on the class that just graduated. Whiffed in the sense that the players never developed into what they were projected at. Williams, Thompson, Scott, and Q were all 4 star recruits, the only one that really showed potential was Q, who left a season too early. All were 4 star recruits, all were decent enough to play, but none of them turned into anything more than solid role players. When you "whiff" like that it hurts for a while. I think Scott was a good player, but wonder what could have been had Matta landed Trey Burke instead.

Last season OSU was a 10 seed and lost to Arizona in the 2nd round. There were primarily propelled by Russell and a good defensive squad. OSU would have been much better off had Bates-Diop and Cam Williams gotten considerable playing time last season. It may have led to a NIT bid, but this team would probably be a tournament team right now. Unfortunately Loving and Tate were really the only guys who had experience last season and it shows.

[RedTeamGo!]

I know I would rather play LaSalle twice a year than Maryland or MSU.


What a ridiculous comment.

LaSalle is the worst team in the A10, Maryland is the best team in the B1G.

LaSalle is comparable to Rutgers, and those teams are likely pretty evenly matched.

[RedTeamGo!]

The A10 is not weak, but it is by no means close to the B1G. Put Dayton in the B1G and how would they be?

I think Dayton would probably be a .500 in-conference team in the B1G. Maybe a game over.

[Assembly Hall]

I think Dayton would probably be a .500 in-conference team in the B1G. Maybe a game over.

All speculation. We dont know what the "scheduling Gods" would have dealt them. But the B1G is by far a superior conference, and it aint even close. I would think the Flyers would be lucky to go .500 in conference play........but if you are in a power conference, that is all it takes.

[RedTeamGo!]

All speculation. We dont know what the "scheduling Gods" would have dealt them. But the B1G is by far a superior conference, and it aint even close. I would think the Flyers would be lucky to go .500 in conference play........but if you are in a power conference, that is all it takes.

I fully understand the b1g is superior.

OSU is over .500 in the b1g and they are a bad team.

[Redsfaithful]

I don't think they are bad. Mediocre for sure.

[Assembly Hall]

I fully understand the b1g is superior.

OSU is over .500 in the b1g and they are a bad team.

Always remember the B1G's conference schedule is so unbalanced it aint even funny. If you get the right "draw" it can make you look pretty good, at least record wise.

[BillDoran]

All speculation. We dont know what the "scheduling Gods" would have dealt them. But the B1G is by far a superior conference, and it aint even close. I would think the Flyers would be lucky to go .500 in conference play........but if you are in a power conference, that is all it takes.


If OSU played in the A10 they would be a tournament team, probably an 8 seed or better. Probably the same in the AAC, I think UC is better, although I don't think it is by that much.



I think many here are a bit overboard on their thoughts on B1G or Power 5 superiority. The bottoms of mid-major conferences are poor, but the conference elite stack up with the best in the country (e.g. Wichita State; typically Gonzaga; previously Xavier and Butler).

Dayton, specifically, has had tremendous success against Power 5 schools. Over the past nine years, they've got a 30-11 record; have won 12 of their last 15 against the SEC, 11 of their previous 15 against the Big East and their last seven against the ACC. We beat Ohio State in our last meeting (and lost the one prior) and, of course, beat one of the B1G's best teams this year in Iowa.

Lucky to be .500, huh.

Don't mean to make this thread a UD thread, but I just want to throw some context in the mix. Last I'll post of UD in this thread. Promise.

[bucksfan2]

I think many here are a bit overboard on their thoughts on B1G or Power 5 superiority. The bottoms of mid-major conferences are poor, but the conference elite stack up with the best in the country (e.g. Wichita State; typically Gonzaga; previously Xavier and Butler).

Dayton, specifically, has had tremendous success against Power 5 schools. Over the past nine years, they've got a 30-11 record; have won 12 of their last 15 against the SEC, 11 of their previous 15 against the Big East and their last seven against the ACC. We beat Ohio State in our last meeting (and lost the one prior) and, of course, beat one of the B1G's best teams this year in Iowa.

Lucky to be .500, huh.

Don't mean to make this thread a UD thread, but I just want to throw some context in the mix. Last I'll post of UD in this thread. Promise.

This isn't meant to be a knock in UD. I think UD has a good program going, and had a team with a lot of talent, especially experienced talent. I do think their win over Iowa gets better each passing week. I don't know how much should be given to wins over Vandy, Alabama, and Arkansas because I don't know how good those teams are. I don't mean to take anything away from them, but its a little misleading to say that they have gone 4-1 against Power 5 schools and decipher anything from that.

I mentioned this earlier, but it is much easier to have a good season when you are playing in a lesser conference than it is in a deeper conference. I think had OSU played Dayton's schedule they would have a very similar record. In conference play OSU may have a couple of snoozers where if they don't play well they still can win handily. In the A10 you have many more opportunities at those snoozers. You also have the ability to play rotations that aren't clicking but can work through some kinks.

I am perfectly fine with the non power 5 schools getting more breaks when it comes to NCAA tournament bids. I think a team like OSU this season had more of a chance to "save" their season with some big time wins than a team like UD. I just don't think everything is equal as people want it to be.

[Assembly Hall]

I think many here are a bit overboard on their thoughts on B1G or Power 5 superiority. The bottoms of mid-major conferences are poor, but the conference elite stack up with the best in the country (e.g. Wichita State; typically Gonzaga; previously Xavier and Butler).

Dayton, specifically, has had tremendous success against Power 5 schools. Over the past nine years, they've got a 30-11 record; have won 12 of their last 15 against the SEC, 11 of their previous 15 against the Big East and their last seven against the ACC. We beat Ohio State in our last meeting (and lost the one prior) and, of course, beat one of the B1G's best teams this year in Iowa.

Lucky to be .500, huh.

Don't mean to make this thread a UD thread, but I just want to throw some context in the mix. Last I'll post of UD in this thread. Promise.

By no means am I knocking on Dayton. They have a good team and a good coach. And I dont want to play them.

But yeah, they would be lucky to go .500 in the B1G. That is not a knock against them, just the way I see it.

Back to Ohio St. basketball.

[RedTeamGo!]

By no means am I knocking on Dayton. They have a good team and a good coach. And I dont want to play them.

But yeah, they would be lucky to go .500 in the B1G. That is not a knock against them, just the way I see it.

Back to Ohio St. basketball.

OSU is above 500 in the b1g and is a bad basketball team, I guess I'm just not seeing it.

[Assembly Hall]

OSU is above 500 in the b1g and is a bad basketball team, I guess I'm just not seeing it.

I aint going to say the Bucks are a bad basketball team.....but I said above(or at least I think I did) that the regular season schedule in the B1G is very unbalanced. Teams do get favorable schedules including my Hoosiers this year. Purdue got the gift last year.

But anyway if tOSU finishes below .500 in conference I would be surprised and the conference is pretty damn good. Schedule? Perhaps.

[Sea Ray]

I aint going to say the Bucks are a bad basketball team.....but I said above(or at least I think I did) that the regular season schedule in the B1G is very unbalanced. Teams do get favorable schedules including my Hoosiers this year. Purdue got the gift last year.

But anyway if tOSU finishes below .500 in conference I would be surprised and the conference is pretty damn good. Schedule? Perhaps.

I bad team? No, no, no. A bad basketball team looks like what's in Knoxville, TN. Folks in Columbus don't know bad...

[Assembly Hall]

I bad team? No, no, no. A bad basketball team looks like what's in Knoxville, TN. Folks in Columbus don't know bad...

LOL.......wink, wink

[dabvu2498]

Actually, I think what Barnes has done with UT has been quite remarkable. They have 4 conference wins (3 of them against probable NCAA tourney teams), they've been competitive in almost every game. And that roster is thinnnnnnnn.

The sledding gets real tough next year though, losing Punter, Moore, and Balkman.

[RedTeamGo!]

I aint going to say the Bucks are a bad basketball team.....but I said above(or at least I think I did) that the regular season schedule in the B1G is very unbalanced. Teams do get favorable schedules including my Hoosiers this year. Purdue got the gift last year.

But anyway if tOSU finishes below .500 in conference I would be surprised and the conference is pretty damn good. Schedule? Perhaps.

I've been watching OSU basketball my whole life and this is easily the worst team during matta's tenure. They don't have a pg, and lack any type of leadership on the floor. Loving is the only upperclassman and he plays like a scared high school player.

[Assembly Hall]

I've been watching OSU basketball my whole life and this is easily the worst team during matta's tenure. They don't have a pg, and lack any type of leadership on the floor. Loving is the only upperclassman and he plays like a scared high school player.

I can't disagree with anything you said there. I dont follow the bucknuts that closely.

[bucksfan2]

I've been watching OSU basketball my whole life and this is easily the worst team during matta's tenure. They don't have a pg, and lack any type of leadership on the floor. Loving is the only upperclassman and he plays like a scared high school player.

Not even close to the team with Kufos his freshman year.

We are so accustomed to seeing high ranked freshman step in and be stars that we don't understand what most freshman look like. Truthfully I think Lyle has the ability to be a star, it may take a year or so, but he can hit the shot, has size, and has the ability to get into the lane. Bates-Diop is a really good player, good on defense, but just too inconsistent. I know people love to bash on Loving, and I do think that he should be better his Jr year and shouldn't make as many mistakes, but I don't think he is a go to player that he is cast at right now. He should be a 3rd or 4th option on a good team, a guy with size, a guy who can stretch the defense from beyond the arc. When you have to look to him for buckets you are in trouble.

I know most will disagree with me, but I think OSU is better without Tate on the floor. I love his hustle and desire. And in games where you need to make it a dog fight, Tate is the answer. But to get honest, JaQuan Lyle is taller than Tate. You can put a team out there with tremendous length and size with Lyle, Bates-Diop, Loving, C, and Kam Williams which I think makes them a better team.

[Assembly Hall]

Is Matta on the hot seat?

[RedTeamGo!]

Is Matta on the hot seat?

If he isn't at this point, OSU simply doesn't care about basketball.

[Assembly Hall]

If he isn't at this point, OSU simply doesn't care about basketball.

I think they care, but who would they get?

[RedTeamGo!]

I think they care, but who would they get?

Hopefully not Archie Miller.

[Assembly Hall]

Hopefully not Archie Miller.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bucksfan2]

Is Matta on the hot seat?

Nope.

You have a small portion of the fan base like RedTeamGo who think the sky is falling with Thad. I think the reality with Thad is he is a very good college coach. I don't know who would be a better fit right now at OSU than Thad. I am not a big believer in the "hot new" coach that many subscribe to. I think Thad is better than most of the coaches out there, and the established ones aren't going to want to come to a football school and play second fiddle.

If, and it is a very big if, his current group of Freshman and Sophomores don't pan out then I think Thad's seat will be on fire. But change for the sake of change or change because you have a down year or two is a recipe for disaster.

[Redsfaithful]

Thad Matta is probably the best coach in the country who hasn't won a title. I think he will get there someday.

[traderumor]

I've been watching OSU basketball my whole life and this is easily the worst team during matta's tenure. They don't have a pg, and lack any type of leadership on the floor. Loving is the only upperclassman and he plays like a scared high school player.I don't know, he squeezed an awful lot out of his first team, with Terrance Dials as his star. They were less talented than this one. This year's team is light years from where they were in November, which tells me they have talent and most of their problems center on experience.

[Assembly Hall]

Nope.

You have a small portion of the fan base like RedTeamGo who think the sky is falling with Thad. I think the reality with Thad is he is a very good college coach. I don't know who would be a better fit right now at OSU than Thad. I am not a big believer in the "hot new" coach that many subscribe to. I think Thad is better than most of the coaches out there, and the established ones aren't going to want to come to a football school and play second fiddle.

If, and it is a very big if, his current group of Freshman and Sophomores don't pan out then I think Thad's seat will be on fire. But change for the sake of change or change because you have a down year or two is a recipe for disaster.

Very well said my Buckeye friend.

[RedTeamGo!]

Nope.

You have a small portion of the fan base like RedTeamGo who think the sky is falling with Thad. I think the reality with Thad is he is a very good college coach. I don't know who would be a better fit right now at OSU than Thad. I am not a big believer in the "hot new" coach that many subscribe to. I think Thad is better than most of the coaches out there, and the established ones aren't going to want to come to a football school and play second fiddle.

If, and it is a very big if, his current group of Freshman and Sophomores don't pan out then I think Thad's seat will be on fire. But change for the sake of change or change because you have a down year or two is a recipe for disaster.

I don't think the sky is falling. OSU will be fine in the long run, I just don't think Matta is a good coach. He is fine at recruiting, but I hate his complete lack of in-game coaching ability.

[redsfan1995]

I don't think the sky is falling. OSU will be fine in the long run, I just don't think Matta is a good coach. He is fine at recruiting, but I hate his complete lack of in-game coaching ability.

Did you watch last nights game? Him going to a press the second half changed the whole game he is a fine in game coach. That is just one example but I don't think his in game coaching causes them to lose games. But that's just my opinion.

[RedTeamGo!]

Did you watch last nights game? Him going to a press the second half changed the whole game he is a fine in game coach. That is just one example but I don't think his in game coaching causes them to lose games. But that's just my opinion.

I watched the first half and had to get in bed early, so I did not see the 2nd half.

I am honestly shocked he made a half time adjustment.

[Assembly Hall]

I really cant say it enough...The Bucks were picked to be a middle of the pack conference team. This very well could turn out to be Matta's finest coaching season. Ya just never know.

[bucksfan2]

I don't think the sky is falling. OSU will be fine in the long run, I just don't think Matta is a good coach. He is fine at recruiting, but I hate his complete lack of in-game coaching ability.

When judging a coach you have to consider everything he brings to a table. I think Huggins was a great coach, very stubborn coach, he wouldn't change things at times to the detriment of his teams. But his teams from day one to the last day of the season improved. I do believe that what made him unsuccessful in the tournament is he was not a very good game coach. He never made the quick adjustments early enough and let one and done games slip away. I think there are some coaches who are great recruiters, and win a lot of games because they have overwhelming talent. Should we hold it against a coach that he doesn't need to make big time game decisions because he has recruited overwhelming talent?

One problem with the in-game coaching ability is too often we don't know what moves were made or what moves were not made. We point to some games in which Thad lost with better teams. But we don't point to games that they pulled things out. We don't point to games that subtle moves were made, the game was won, but an alarming change was not made. One of my biggest criticism of Thad's is his usage of a short bench, he generally sticks with a rotation of about 8 guys and doesn't go any deeper as the season goes along. Last year that was a mistake, this year he is going deeper and deeper, and it will pay of big time heading into next season. I also think that Thad gets too defensive minded at times, not allowing a better offensive player to play because of suspect defense. I think the 30 second shot clock has changed that thinking a little bit. While defense is still important, you need better offensive players in the game to make shots. I guess with all this rambling I just wanted to say that I think Thad is one heck of a coach, probably one of the top tier coaches in college basketball. Is he Coach K, no, but he also has created stability at OSU when other big time programs have been a revolving door of mediocrity since Thad arrived at OSU.

[Sea Ray]

I actually think Huggins was a very good in game coach. I think in the end his failing was recruiting. I think you need talent to go deep in the tournament and his teams lacked it especially at the all important guard positions.

[Boston Red]

Thad Matta is probably the best coach in the country who hasn't won a title. I think he will get there someday.

He's not even the best former Xavier coach who hasn't won a title.

[Assembly Hall]

He's not even the best former Xavier coach who hasn't won a title.

And who might that be?

[Boston Red]

And who might that be?

Sean Miller

[Assembly Hall]

Sean Miller

Somehow I knew that was going to be your answer!!!!!!!! But one could say he took over a pretty good X program(from Matta no less) and then fell into another pretty dang good one with 'Zona. On the other hand Matta fell into some pretty good situations with Butler and X. But tOSU program was "on the ropes" when he took it over.

[Assembly Hall]

Sean Miller

Somehow I knew that was going to be your answer!!!!!!!! But one could say he took over a pretty good X program(from Matta no less) and then fell into another pretty dang good one with 'Zona. On the other hand Matta fell into some pretty good situations with Butler and X. But tOSU program was "on the ropes" when he took it over.

[traderumor]

dup post

[traderumor]

I don't think the sky is falling. OSU will be fine in the long run, I just don't think Matta is a good coach. He is fine at recruiting, but I hate his complete lack of in-game coaching ability.You keep making this assertion, but I've yet to see any type of arguments supporting your position. Also, you have asserted "they do not have an offense." What does this mean?

And, before you answer, think about the coach's record, the number of conference wins, conference tournament wins, NCAA tournament wins, etc. that have been accomplished by a coach playing in a power conference, coaching against widely accepted excellent coaches on a regular basis, winning games at the major college level, yet lacking the ability to teach an offense and not being able to make difference making in game moves. How does one compile the level of success he has with what amounts to charges of incompetence?

[bucksfan2]

Somehow I knew that was going to be your answer!!!!!!!! But one could say he took over a pretty good X program(from Matta no less) and then fell into another pretty dang good one with 'Zona. On the other hand Matta fell into some pretty good situations with Butler and X. But tOSU program was "on the ropes" when he took it over.

Arizona is an unique program in that it is pretty much the only Western powerhouse in college basketball. UCLA has been down and USC hasn't really gotten their act together in college basketball. By my count Oregon and USC are the only other two pacific time zone teams in the top 25. You could argue that after Arizona, the next best teams out west has been San Diego St and Gonzaga over the past decade.

I think Miller is a fine coach, a top tier coach, but I think those who tend to throw Thad under the bus need to look at what he has accomplished before they do so.

[RedTeamGo!]

You keep making this assertion, but I've yet to see any type of arguments supporting your position. Also, you have asserted "they do not have an offense." What does this mean?

And, before you answer, think about the coach's record, the number of conference wins, conference tournament wins, NCAA tournament wins, etc. that have been accomplished by a coach playing in a power conference, coaching against widely accepted excellent coaches on a regular basis, winning games at the major college level, yet lacking the ability to teach an offense and not being able to make difference making in game moves. How does one compile the level of success he has with what amounts to charges of incompetence?

When OSU is on offense it appears to me as if they are playing streetball. I rarely see them run plays.

I've pointed out many times after games "izzo adjusted at halftime, matta didn't adjust to the adjustments."

I've witnessed multiple games where OSU goes into halftime up big and gets crushed in the 2nd half because if not adjusting to the other team.

[Redsfaithful]

He's not even the best former Xavier coach who hasn't won a title.

I'd take Thad, but the two are close. Miller's never even been to the final four has he?

[RedTeamGo!]

I'd take Thad, but the two are close. Miller's never even been to the final four has he?

He's been to 4 elite 8's in 7 years as a head coach. It's not a matter of if Miller wins a championship, it's a matter of when and how many.

[bucksfan2]

When OSU is on offense it appears to me as if they are playing streetball. I rarely see them run plays.

I've pointed out many times after games "izzo adjusted at halftime, matta didn't adjust to the adjustments."

I've witnessed multiple games where OSU goes into halftime up big and gets crushed in the 2nd half because if not adjusting to the other team.

This is anecdotal information void of any evidence.

Since Thad's 2nd season at OSU, he is 11-10 against MSU, including B1G tournament play. For someone who is constantly out-coached by Izzo, the record is surprisingly equal.

[bucksfan2]

nm

[Redsfaithful]

He's been to 4 elite 8's in 7 years as a head coach. It's not a matter of if Miller wins a championship, it's a matter of when and how many.

Nah, it's a matter of if until it happens.

I do think he'll get there, but it's never a foregone conclusion. He's had some really good teams that you'd think would have been final four (or deeper) teams. There's some luck involved, and getting over the hump isn't easy.

[RedTeamGo!]

This is anecdotal information void of any evidence.

Since Thad's 2nd season at OSU, he is 11-10 against MSU, including B1G tournament play. For someone who is constantly out-coached by Izzo, the record is surprisingly equal.

Never said it wasn't anecdotal, it's not exactly something that can be proven with science.

[Boston Red]

I'd take Gregg Marshall over both Thad and Sean.

[RedTeamGo!]

I'd take Gregg Marshall over both Thad and Sean.

I would take Beilein, Smart, and Wright over them as well.

[bucksfan2]

I would take Beilein, Smart, and Wright over them as well.

I don't care for Beline, good coach, don't think he is better than Thad. The jury is still out on Smart, I like what he has done, I want to see what his style will do in a power conference. Pass on Wright, very good coach, but has a team that seems to under-perform on the big stage.

[traderumor]

When OSU is on offense it appears to me as if they are playing streetball. I rarely see them run plays.

I've pointed out many times after games "izzo adjusted at halftime, matta didn't adjust to the adjustments."

I've witnessed multiple games where OSU goes into halftime up big and gets crushed in the 2nd half because if not adjusting to the other team.

High ball screens with bigs rolling or fading

Swing plays with perimeter passing and basic motion, usually a floater from the corner to the opposite wing for an open three or a feed to a post up on the block

Weave out top with posts moving around the basket

Those are plays he's been running for years. Plus there are the quick layup or alley oop inbounds plays that the best of the best have struggled to defend over the years.

That's offense. There is an obvious base offense they are running as well.

Adjustments, finding evidence for that is going to be tough, which is why you should probably stop saying it, unless you are ok with criticizing without evidence. You may "point it out," but that doesn't mean you have a valid point.

[Assembly Hall]

It's not a matter of if Miller wins a championship, it's a matter of when and how many.

First thing he needs to worry about is just making it to a Final Four.

[goreds2]

Big Dance news:

WHAT'S WORKING IN OHIO STATE'S FAVOR?

The opportunity to add good wins to its resume. Clearly, the numbers aren't good enough right now, but the Buckeyes have five games left. Four of those are against teams ranked in the RPI Top 50, and three of those are at home.

If Ohio State gets two wins in the next five games, the Buckeyes would finish 10-8 in the Big Ten. The last time a team finished 10-8 in the Big Ten in didn't make the NCAA Tournament was 2009-10, when Illinois finished 18-13 (10-8).

That's what Ohio State's record would be if it finished the regular season 2-3. The Buckeyes need to do what that Illinois team didn't do and get wins over ranked teams in these last five. That 1-7 mark against the RPI Top 50 probably jumps out at you, but there's a chance to add four more wins to that record.

WHAT'S WORKING AGAINST OHIO STATE?

The same thing that's working in its favor. Ohio State needs to do something it hasn't done since December -- get a significant win. The Buckeyes have missed almost every chance to do that.

Recent games against Purdue, Maryland and Wisconsin were there for Ohio State to win, but ended in losses. That creates almost no margin for error over these last five. Unless they want to be in a position where they have to go on a serious run in the Big Ten Tournament, the Buckeyes need at least three wins in these last five games. Anything better than that would be a bonus, obviously.

Ken Pomeroy's projections give Ohio State a 57 percent chance of beating Michigan on Tuesday, but the Buckeyes don't have a greater than 39 percent chance of winning any of the last four games.

BIG GAMES AHEAD

• Tuesday, Feb. 16 vs. Michigan (RPI No. 50)

• Saturday, Feb. 20 at Nebraska (No. 153)

• Tuesday, Feb. 23 vs. Michigan State (No. 18)

• Sunday, Feb. 28 vs. Iowa (No. 10)

• Saturday, March 5 at Michigan State
http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2016/02/ohio_state_basketball_ncaa_tou_6.html

http://img.pandawhale.com/50246-so-youre-telling-me-theres-a-c-RHL9.jpeg

[RedTeamGo!]

I heard today that OSU hasn't bean a big ten team ahead of them in the rankings. Wow.

[Sea Ray]

Big Dance news:

WHAT'S WORKING IN OHIO STATE'S FAVOR?

The opportunity to add good wins to its resume. Clearly, the numbers aren't good enough right now, but the Buckeyes have five games left. Four of those are against teams ranked in the RPI Top 50, and three of those are at home.

If Ohio State gets two wins in the next five games, the Buckeyes would finish 10-8 in the Big Ten. The last time a team finished 10-8 in the Big Ten in didn't make the NCAA Tournament was 2009-10, when Illinois finished 18-13 (10-8).

That's what Ohio State's record would be if it finished the regular season 2-3. The Buckeyes need to do what that Illinois team didn't do and get wins over ranked teams in these last five. That 1-7 mark against the RPI Top 50 probably jumps out at you, but there's a chance to add four more wins to that record.

WHAT'S WORKING AGAINST OHIO STATE?

The same thing that's working in its favor. Ohio State needs to do something it hasn't done since December -- get a significant win. The Buckeyes have missed almost every chance to do that.

Recent games against Purdue, Maryland and Wisconsin were there for Ohio State to win, but ended in losses. That creates almost no margin for error over these last five. Unless they want to be in a position where they have to go on a serious run in the Big Ten Tournament, the Buckeyes need at least three wins in these last five games. Anything better than that would be a bonus, obviously.

Ken Pomeroy's projections give Ohio State a 57 percent chance of beating Michigan on Tuesday, but the Buckeyes don't have a greater than 39 percent chance of winning any of the last four games.

BIG GAMES AHEAD

• Tuesday, Feb. 16 vs. Michigan (RPI No. 50)

• Saturday, Feb. 20 at Nebraska (No. 153)



There's only a 39% chance that they beat Nebraska? I bet they're favored in that game

[Assembly Hall]

There's only a 39% chance that they beat Nebraska? I bet they're favored in that game

The Huskers arent slouches.

[RedTeamGo!]

There's only a 39% chance that they beat Nebraska? I bet they're favored in that game

Nebraska isn't as bad as they used to be.

[Assembly Hall]

Nebraska isn't as bad as they used to be.

Dang right about that. They made the tournament 2 years ago and IIRC the Huskers were pre-season Top 25 last year.

[RedTeamGo!]

These Michigan uniforms are fugly

[RedTeamGo!]

Not as fugly as this floor seats camera angle, though.

My god, this game is unwatchable. Why would they test this out with the OSU/Michigan game???

[Sea Ray]

10 pt win tonight. That's holding serve. 1st step done. Now the hard part

[Assembly Hall]

Why would they test this out with the OSU/Michigan game???

Marquis rivalry game??????????

[bucksfan2]

Well they beat Nebraska, I guess you can say that.

That was as ugly of a game as I have seen in a while. I don't know why OSU was so suspect on defensive rebounding with the only two thoughts being the bigs were in foul trouble and Nebraska was so bad the rebounds were outside of normal rebounding area.

Just a couple of thoughts from the game:

Lyle has some stones, it wasn't his best game, but he went up there and drained two FT late to send the game into OT. I am excited to see his growth as the season goes along.
Bates-Diop is unstoppable at times. I wish someone would light a fire under him, when he drives he can be unstoppable at the rim, scoring with both hands.
Mitchell wants the ball at times like a PG, needs to look to shoot at times, passed up a pretty big layup late in the game.
Giddons NEEDS to stay out of foul trouble. I expected more out of him this season.

[RedTeamGo!]

That play where Tate slapped the floor 3 times and the Nebraska player blew by him and drew a foul was absolutely hilarious.

[Assembly Hall]

Gentlemen, beat Sparty and the Bucknuts are definitely going dancing.

[traderumor]

I think any talk of Matta's coaching ability is going to be easily disputed by the improvement of this team. Yes, the Nebraska game was ugly, but it seemed more about one of those "energy of the game" things...and they hung tough and did not melt under pressure at the end of the game. Then against Michigan earlier in the week, they played 40 minutes of basketball and won somewhat easily against a team they will likely be fighting with for the last conference dance invitation. It may not be Matta directly, but there is clearly "coaching up" going on in the program, and the talent I was questioning is being mined out of these recruits.

[RedTeamGo!]

I think any talk of Matta's coaching ability is going to be easily disputed by the improvement of this team. Yes, the Nebraska game was ugly, but it seemed more about one of those "energy of the game" things...and they hung tough and did not melt under pressure at the end of the game. Then against Michigan earlier in the week, they played 40 minutes of basketball and won somewhat easily against a team they will likely be fighting with for the last conference dance invitation. It may not be Matta directly, but there is clearly "coaching up" going on in the program, and the talent I was questioning is being mined out of these recruits.

I hate to defend Michigan, but they were down their best player in that one. The real test is against Sparty tomorrow.

[traderumor]

I hate to defend Michigan, but they were down their best player in that one. The real test is against Sparty tomorrow.
Michigan almost won at Maryland yesterday. It was a good win that kept them in the hunt, or the Sparty game would be meaningless.

[bucksfan2]

I hate to defend Michigan, but they were down their best player in that one. The real test is against Sparty tomorrow.

You ever have anything good to say about Matta?

[traderumor]

Tate injured,maybe out for the season. He is an important player, but too enigmatic to assess the impact on the season.

[RedTeamGo!]

You ever have anything good to say about Matta?

He has gotten a couple really good recruits during his tenure.

[traderumor]

He has gotten a couple really good recruits during his tenure.That is a similarly fair and balanced report as your assessment of his coaching.

[bucksfan2]

Tate injured,maybe out for the season. He is an important player, but too enigmatic to assess the impact on the season.

I know I am in the minority, but I think OSU is better without Tate on the floor. Tate is a good post player who knows how to get his shot off, but without him on the floor OSU actually gets bigger and more versatile. Although his minutes would likely go to Mitchell who seems allergic to shooting!

[traderumor]

I know I am in the minority, but I think OSU is better without Tate on the floor. Tate is a good post player who knows how to get his shot off, but without him on the floor OSU actually gets bigger and more versatile. Although his minutes would likely go to Mitchell who seems allergic to shooting!
I think thats a fair option. I expect more of Thompson and Giddens in at the same time. Get those two and Mitchell on the floor together, and there could be foul records set.

[bucksfan2]

I think thats a fair option. I expect more of Thompson and Giddens in at the same time. Get those two and Mitchell on the floor together, and there could be foul records set.

Giddens would probably foul Thompson at some point in the game!

[RedTeamGo!]

Mickey Mitchel has looked completely overmatched in the first half.

Can he jump more than 6 inches off the court?

Bummer about Lyle. OSU has played well, unfortunately MSU is shooting 70% from 3.

[RedTeamGo!]

Wow. With the way Forbes and MSU is shooting from three I am truly amazed OSU is even somewhat in this game.

[Assembly Hall]

Get ready for the NIT gents.

[traderumor]

Get ready for the NIT gents.

They still have the conference tournament opportunity ;)

The Bucks are probably going to get more of what they need from the NIT, which is practice and floor time. Whereas they would likely be one and done in the dance, they may get an extra couple of weeks of practice and games in the NIT.

[Assembly Hall]

They still have the conference tournament opportunity ;)

The Bucks are probably going to get more of what they need from the NIT, which is practice and floor time. Whereas they would likely be one and done in the dance, they may get an extra couple of weeks of practice and games in the NIT.

True and true.

They still got a chance with some resume building IMO. I am not counting them out yet.

[bucksfan2]

I didn't know Steph Curry played for Sparty! I thought the game would be close, thought after the 1st half the game would be close. OSU even made a nice quasi run early in the 2nd half but MSU answered it with back to back 3's and that was all she wrote. The most disheartening thing has to be clawing a game to within 5 points and then see 3's made on the next two possessions. Sparty shot over 60% from three and between Forbes and Valentine they made 13 three's. You aren't going to win games against quality teams when they shoot like that. I would like to pin it on OSU, but they just didn't miss in the 2nd until the game was over.

I have come to really like Dakich as an announcer but he said something that I didn't agree with. He said OSU had a lack of talent, didn't have the guys like Sullinger or Oden or Connely. I don't see much of a difference between this team and the MSU team except for age. Valentine was a blah player his first two years, Forbes was at Cleveland St, Costello was a body, etc. Yea the one and done talent isn't there, but this is a very talented group of players. The key for me is what happens with Lyle and Bates-Diop, do they start to take the next step. IMO you can see the improvement from Lyle, at times he is lazy, but has been getting better of late. Bates-Diop has all the talent in the world, will he begin to become more assertive. And finally can OSU start to get consistency and leadership from Loving?

[RedTeamGo!]

I thought that was an odd comment by Dacich as well. OSU has a lot of highly thought of recruits, they are young, though.

[Assembly Hall]

Got to watch out for those IU boys like Dakich!!!!!!!

[traderumor]

Dakich has a lot of questionable opinions throughout the telecast. He is hypercritical of the players, which comes off as if he is trying to convince the listeners that he is the consummate expert on the fundamentals of the game, talent evaluating, knowing the cool buzz words, etc. Very arrogant. It seems odd that with the depth of knowledge he attempts to convey that he does not have a current coaching opportunity (all sarcasm intended). About the only thing he is missing are the ridiculous montras of Dickie V or Bill Rafftery.

[Assembly Hall]

Dakich has a lot of questionable opinions throughout the telecast. He is hypercritical of the players, which comes off as if he is trying to convince the listeners that he is the consummate expert on the fundamentals of the game, talent evaluating, knowing the cool buzz words, etc. Very arrogant. It seems odd that with the depth of knowledge he attempts to convey that he does not have a current coaching opportunity (all sarcasm intended). About the only thing he is missing are the ridiculous montras of Dickie V or Bill Rafftery.

It is just Dan's schtick........he is an absolute "shock jock".

[traderumor]

It is just Dan's schtick........he is an absolute "shock jock".
Well hes full of schtick.

[Assembly Hall]

Well hes full of schtick.

LOL.........you should listen to him on his radio show out of Indy.

[Assembly Hall]

BTW........I am gonna be pulling so hard for you guys against the Hawks!!!!!!!

[Assembly Hall]

And Hoosier Nation says "Thank You".

[Redsfaithful]

I think Ohio State deserves to be in at this point. I understand if they don't, but their ugly losses were at the beginning of the season and they are playing like a tournament team now.

[Assembly Hall]

I think Ohio State deserves to be in at this point. I understand if they don't, but their ugly losses were at the beginning of the season and they are playing like a tournament team now.

All I can is Thad has them playing pretty good right now. There was no shame in a MSU loss as I feel Sparty might very well be the best team in the country right now. I think the Bucks are on the good side of the bubble right now and a couple of wins in the BTT will solidify their position for the dance.

[bucksfan2]

All I can is Thad has them playing pretty good right now. There was no shame in a MSU loss as I feel Sparty might very well be the best team in the country right now. I think the Bucks are on the good side of the bubble right now and a couple of wins in the BTT will solidify their position for the dance.

Would you like to see OSU in your bracket as a #11 or #12 seed?

[traderumor]

I did not see any basis for Iowa's top 10 ranking in that game. Always nice to knock off sour puss Fran McCaffery.

Tournament--I would say Ohio State gets the nod over Michigan, or they may not take either of them.

[Assembly Hall]

Would you like to see OSU in your bracket as a #11 or #12 seed?

No, I would not. I never like playing a fellow conference member in the dance. They know each other too well.

[Assembly Hall]

I did not see any basis for Iowa's top 10 ranking in that game. Always nice to knock off sour puss Fran McCaffery.

Tournament--I would say Ohio State gets the nod over Michigan, or they may not take either of them.

Iowa is starting to remind me of Duke, they have no bench.

IMO UM and tOSU are on the same line at present.

[RedTeamGo!]

Iowa has been free-falling recently. It's a good win, but beating MSU would have gone a lot farther with regard to tourney resume.

At this point OSU has a shot to get in, need to keep pushing though.

[Assembly Hall]

Iowa has been free-falling recently. It's a good win, but beating MSU would have gone a lot farther with regard to tourney resume.

At this point OSU has a shot to get in, need to keep pushing though.

True that, beating Sparty looks pretty impressive on a resume.

tOSU definitely has a shot. I think two more wins will get them in.

[traderumor]

I want to throw out there that the coaching staff has to get credit that this team is even in the discussion for a tournament bid. Navigating the Big 10 by beating the bottom of the league has been the montra, but regardless, so does the rest of the top of the league. They certainly helped themselves by beating two top half of the league squads, even if its those that are slumping or limping.

They are still hard to watch. A lot of low basketball IQ guys on that team.

[RedTeamGo!]

I want to throw out there that the coaching staff has to get credit that this team is even in the discussion for a tournament bid. Navigating the Big 10 by beating the bottom of the league has been the montra, but regardless, so does the rest of the top of the league. They certainly helped themselves by beating two top half of the league squads, even if its those that are slumping or limping.

They are still hard to watch. A lot of low basketball IQ guys on that team.

Touché on the coaching. I am not saying this in a negative way towards Matta, but did anyone else find it odd Paulus (sp?) was running the timeouts down the stretch yesterday? What was that?

I agree completely about some low bball iqs on the team. Seems like more "ballers" than "basketball players."

[Assembly Hall]

They are still hard to watch. A lot of low basketball IQ guys on that team.

Interesting comment. I can understand that from what I saw yesterday.

[bucksfan2]

Touché on the coaching. I am not saying this in a negative way towards Matta, but did anyone else find it odd Paulus (sp?) was running the timeouts down the stretch yesterday? What was that?

I agree completely about some low bball iqs on the team. Seems like more "ballers" than "basketball players."

Paulus has done it for a year or so now. It was Chris Jent prior to that. Matta gives his coaches a ton of leeway in regards to that.

[traderumor]

Touché on the coaching. I am not saying this in a negative way towards Matta, but did anyone else find it odd Paulus (sp?) was running the timeouts down the stretch yesterday? What was that?

I agree completely about some low bball iqs on the team. Seems like more "ballers" than "basketball players."
Im guessing he is being groomed. He has been my heir apparent choice.

[goreds2]

OSU at MSU Saturday at noon est. on ESPN.

[Sea Ray]

I think Ohio State deserves to be in at this point. I understand if they don't, but their ugly losses were at the beginning of the season and they are playing like a tournament team now.

I think they're in easily

[Hoosier Red]

Paulus has done it for a year or so now. It was Chris Jent prior to that. Matta gives his coaches a ton of leeway in regards to that.

Makes sense. It's one reason he has such a wide and impressive group of former assistants now coaching.

[Kingspoint]

Nice win for the Buckeyes.

[Sea Ray]

I'm surprised that OSU's RPI is only 73. They are going to need to raise that in order to get in. They're 11-6 in the conference. Purdue is ranked and they're 10-6. Go figure

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rpi/_/page/1/sort/RPI

[Assembly Hall]

I'm surprised that OSU's RPI is only 73. They are going to need to raise that in order to get in. They're 11-6 in the conference. Purdue is ranked and they're 10-6. Go figure

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rpi/_/page/1/sort/RPI

Unbalanced schedule SR........Purdue also has wins at Pitt, beat Florida on a neutral floor, and a home win over Vandy.

[Sea Ray]

Unbalanced schedule SR........Purdue also has wins at Pitt, beat Florida on a neutral floor, and a home win over Vandy.

Kentucky is far and away better than any of those three

But OSU being under .500 vs the top 150 is pretty hard to overcome. I see it now.

[RedTeamGo!]

Kentucky is far and away better than any of those three

But OSU being under .500 vs the top 150 is pretty hard to overcome. I see it now.

OSU also has some truly awful losses. University of Texas - El Paso, for example.

[Assembly Hall]

FWIW, the idiot over on CBS sports does even have the Bucks on his bubblewatch list.

Little Joe has them at his next 4 out.

[Sea Ray]

FWIW, the idiot over on CBS sports does even have the Bucks on his bubblewatch list.

Do you mean does not?

[Assembly Hall]

Do you mean does not?

Yes sir, does not.

[Sea Ray]

Looks like the Bucks have a tough task ahead of them...will have to beat Mich St to put themselves back in the picture. Arguably Mich St is playing as well as anyone right now

[RedTeamGo!]

Looks like the Bucks have a tough task ahead of them...will have to beat Mich St to put themselves back in the picture. Arguably Mich St is playing as well as anyone right now

MSU definitely looks great. Did you catch any of that Kansas game last night? My goodness.

[Assembly Hall]

MSU definitely looks great. Did you catch any of that Kansas game last night? My goodness.

Yes I did.....wow. But I think MSU is the best team in the country right now.

[traderumor]

The only thing I will be upset about is if Michigan continues to be considered ahead of Ohio State in consideration of the last Big 10 spot. They have been losing, Ohio State has only lost to a team they should have lost too here down the stretch. Of course, some of that is contingent on their conference tournament performance, which I think is more important now than a road game against a top 5 team. They win two conference tourney games, I think their resume is possibly good enough. But again, unless Michigan wins the conference tournament, they should not even be in the conversation at this point.

[Assembly Hall]

tr, I dont know how it is all gonna shake out, but UM does have a win over Texas, and wins over Purdue and Maryland. And the way Iowa is playing, they will probably beat them too.

[Sea Ray]

The only thing I will be upset about is if Michigan continues to be considered ahead of Ohio State in consideration of the last Big 10 spot. They have been losing, Ohio State has only lost to a team they should have lost too here down the stretch. Of course, some of that is contingent on their conference tournament performance, which I think is more important now than a road game against a top 5 team. They win two conference tourney games, I think their resume is possibly good enough. But again, unless Michigan wins the conference tournament, they should not even be in the conversation at this point.

How do wins over a top 100 or 150 team(s) in the Big Ten tourney get them into the big dance? The Big Ten is very top heavy. Not many teams help your resume. Ohio State will need to beat a very good team (other than Iowa) in the tourney in order to get in...probably two good (top 50) teams

[RedTeamGo!]

How do wins over a top 100 or 150 team(s) in the Big Ten tourney get them into the big dance? The Big Ten is very top heavy. Not many teams help your resume. Ohio State will need to beat a very good team (other than Iowa) in the tourney in order to get in...probably two good (top 50) teams

This is is absolutely correct. Also, Michigan doesn't have as horrible of losses as OSU, Texas-Arlington or Louisiana Tech.

[Assembly Hall]

This is is absolutely correct. Also, Michigan doesn't have as horrible of losses as OSU, Texas-Arlington or Louisiana Tech.

Trying to think. Xavier and UConn were Michigan's ooc losses? I also think Michigan won at NC State. I will look it up.

Edit: The Wolves also got beat at SMU.

[traderumor]

How do wins over a top 100 or 150 team(s) in the Big Ten tourney get them into the big dance? The Big Ten is very top heavy. Not many teams help your resume. Ohio State will need to beat a very good team (other than Iowa) in the tourney in order to get in...probably two good (top 50) teamsBecause the committee has always made a part of their selection criteria and seeding how a team is trending. Their chances are remote, but to me, they should be less remote than UM's if they are choosing between the two. No Lavert and losses piling up in February is a bad trend.

I also think there is some oversimplifying of the process going on with the RPI. I think the process is more subjective than that.

[traderumor]

This is is absolutely correct. Also, Michigan doesn't have as horrible of losses as OSU, Texas-Arlington or Louisiana Tech.Those two losses were made by a completely different team than is currently at 19 wins and 11 Big 10 wins. The committee understands that, everyone understands that.

I think the oversized conferences like the Big 10 need to figure out a better schedule balancing method though, so they are not penalizing their conference teams for playing the unbalanced schedule.

[RedTeamGo!]

Those two losses were made by a completely different team than is currently at 19 wins and 11 Big 10 wins. The committee understands that, everyone understands that.

I think the oversized conferences like the Big 10 need to figure out a better schedule balancing method though, so they are not penalizing their conference teams for playing the unbalanced schedule.

Sure, teams change a lot. Losing to Texas-Arligton still hurts the RPI by quite a bit and is a black eye on the season. If it was a loss against someone like Rhode Island, you can probably get past that no problem, but UT-Arlington is a different story.

[traderumor]

Sure, teams change a lot. Losing to Texas-Arligton still hurts the RPI by quite a bit and is a black eye on the season. If it was a loss against someone like Rhode Island, you can probably get past that no problem, but UT-Arlington is a different story.To be honest, if a selection committee member used that in his/her yay/nay criteria, I would say he is incompetent to be on the committee. That loss has nothing to do with their overall season. I would say their resume is hurt most by getting blown out by UConn, Indiana, and Michigan St. Do the wins against Kentucky, Michigan and Iowa and good Big 10 record overcome that deficiency? Those are the dings that really matter on any team's resume, not getting beat in an early season game by some nobody. Anyone qualified to be on that committee should completely disregard those two early season losses.

I don't think they will make it without making it to the Finals of the Conference tourney, because they will probably add another blowout by MSU to their resume on Saturday.

[Assembly Hall]

Sure, teams change a lot. Losing to Texas-Arligton still hurts the RPI by quite a bit and is a black eye on the season. If it was a loss against someone like Rhode Island, you can probably get past that no problem, but UT-Arlington is a different story.

Let me play Devil's Adocate here RTG.

Who has the better non-conference resume......Wisconsin or tOSU?

[RedTeamGo!]

Let me play Devil's Adocate here RTG.

Who has the better non-conference resume......Wisconsin or tOSU?

OSU, Wisconsin has a way better in conference resume, though. I honestly don't think Wisconsin has been very good this year. They have some horrid losses.

[Assembly Hall]

OSU, Wisconsin has a way better in conference resume, though. I honestly don't think Wisconsin has been very good this year. They have some horrid losses.

Wiscy, will make it because of their in-conference resume. Still shake my head about them getting beat by Western Illinois at home.

[goreds2]

IF the Buckeyes run the table.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Game 5, 5:30 p.m. CT / 6:30pm EST. on ESPN2: No. 10 Penn State vs. No. 7 Ohio State


Friday, March 11, 2016

Game 9, 5:30 p.m. CT / 6:30pm EST on BTN: vs. Game 5 winner vs. No. 2 Michigan State


Saturday, March 12, 2016

Game 12 on CBS, 2:30pm CT / 3:30pm EST Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner



Sunday, March 13, 2016

Game 13, 2 p.m. CT / 3pm EST on CBS: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner

[traderumor]

So, I'm still seeing Michigan on boards. Stop the madness, they've lost 4 of 5 now and counting. I don't care what their RPI is, obviously those points were earned with a different team than the one playing now.

[bucksfan2]

OSU should beat PSU. Then comes Sparty again. I can't imagine Sparty plays a near perfect game again against OSU. Granted I know they are a better team than OSU, and have a much more refined offense than OSU, but at one point late in the second half shooting 72% is insane. Teams don't shoot that in warm ups, let alone game action.

[Sea Ray]

I don't see OSU making it unless they beat Sparty. Anyone here disagree?

[BillDoran]

I don't see OSU making it unless they beat Sparty. Anyone here disagree?

I agree. It's a really flawed team. The parts don't add up to a greater whole. In fact, I think on talent alone they've underachieved rather severely. Feels a lot like IU in recent years where you look at the roster, then look at the product on the floor and walk away confused.

[Sea Ray]

It's a really tough draw for OSU. They need to rack up some quality wins and instead of getting a chance to beat a couple top 50 teams they get a top5 team

[RedTeamGo!]

OSU is toast. This is one of the best Sparty teams ever assembled. It will be another double digit loss.

[Assembly Hall]

OSU is toast. This is one of the best Sparty teams ever assembled. It will be another double digit loss.

It aint even close to being one of the best Sparty teams ever assembled. There is no dominant team/teams out there this year. This Sparty team got beat AT HOME by Nebraska, got swept by Iowa, and got beat by a Purdue team that has no back court. Fwiw, just like IU, MSU has "stuggled" in the BTT. If the Bucks make it to them, I predict a close game.

[traderumor]

OSU is toast. This is one of the best Sparty teams ever assembled. It will be another double digit loss.

Maybe top 10. Since Magic came through, they've had a number of really good, deep and talented teams. They are firing on all cylinders right now, but they've been inconsistent until recently, with or without Valentine. Additionally, they were a below average team without Valentine. That sets them down quite a bit when comparing with other great teams.

[RedTeamGo!]

Well, obviously. Valentine might win player of the year. You take the best player in the country off any team they are going to struggle a bit.

[traderumor]

Well, obviously. Valentine might win player of the year. You take the best player in the country off any team they are going to struggle a bit.

Not an all-time great team in a top 5 in the country program. Which, to me, says they are not even close to an "all-time great" MSU team. They are a flavor of the month right now in a Baskins Robbins type year.

[RedTeamGo!]

Not an all-time great team in a top 5 in the country program. Which, to me, says they are not even close to an "all-time great" MSU team. They are a flavor of the month right now in a Baskins Robbins type year.

You take Magic Johnson off that MSU team you referenced and they would struggle.

Izzo disagrees by the way. Just the other day he stated this is a top 3 team he has ever coached.

I would like to point out I misspoke. When I said one of the best Sparty teams ever assembled, I meant during the izzo period. I wasn't alive when Magic played in college.

[dabvu2498]

It aint even close to being one of the best Sparty teams ever assembled. There is no dominant team/teams out there this year. This Sparty team got beat AT HOME by Nebraska, got swept by Iowa, and got beat by a Purdue team that has no back court. Fwiw, just like IU, MSU has "stuggled" in the BTT. If the Bucks make it to them, I predict a close game.

But that's all five of their losses.

Number of Tom Izzo coached teams who have finished the regular season with 5 or fewer losses? 2016 makes the fourth. Heathcote did it twice.

While we may look at their season thus far as a "disappointment," going 26-5 against that schedule is impressive.

[traderumor]

You take Magic Johnson off that MSU team you referenced and they would struggle.

Izzo disagrees by the way. Just the other day he stated this is a top 3 team he has ever coached.

I would like to point out I misspoke. When I said one of the best Sparty teams ever assembled, I meant during the izzo period. I wasn't alive when Magic played in college.

Izzo is about the most biased source you could have at this point. While it would seem that he would be a reliable source to rank his own squads, a lot of questions are begged, such as does he mean from a coach's perspective, which begs questions like "heart," "hustle," "grit," "practice well," "work well together." Is that what he means? Or is it talent? Or is it...? Not to mention, he is still working on getting this team to a championship, so it could be a motivational tool to help their confidence.

Regardless, ranking "best assembled" in this program is a risky statement because of their success and annual very talented teams. It sounds like Dickie V hyperbole.

[RedTeamGo!]

Izzo is about the most biased source you could have at this point. While it would seem that he would be a reliable source to rank his own squads, a lot of questions are begged, such as does he mean from a coach's perspective, which begs questions like "heart," "hustle," "grit," "practice well," "work well together." Is that what he means? Or is it talent? Or is it...? Not to mention, he is still working on getting this team to a championship, so it could be a motivational tool to help their confidence.

Regardless, ranking "best assembled" in this program is a risky statement because of their success and annual very talented teams. It sounds like Dickie V hyperbole.

Fine. Either way, this Sparty team is going to crush OSU for a third time.

Pains me to say that as I am quite sick of MSU beating OSU in every sport, but it's what is about to happen (if OSU gets pass PSU, which is far from a given).

[bucksfan2]

Fine. Either way, this Sparty team is going to crush OSU for a third time.

Pains me to say that as I am quite sick of MSU beating OSU in every sport, but it's what is about to happen (if OSU gets pass PSU, which is far from a given).

Every sport? You sure run the gambit of highs and lows with OSU. Yes MSU beat OSU in football this past season, and yes a senior laden MSU team has trounced a very young OSU team. I seem to remember OSU going into East Lancing and smacking around a quality MSU football team not too long ago.

[Assembly Hall]

You take Magic Johnson off that MSU team you referenced and they would struggle.

A lot of people forget that Greg Kelser and Jay Vincent were on that team. They would have been pretty dang good without Majic.

[Assembly Hall]

But that's all five of their losses.

Number of Tom Izzo coached teams who have finished the regular season with 5 or fewer losses? 2016 makes the fourth. Heathcote did it twice.

While we may look at their season thus far as a "disappointment," going 26-5 against that schedule is impressive.

To be honest, I dont care who is on the team or what their record is........Izzo, in my book, is the best coach in the country.

[traderumor]

In my mind, this team has overachieved. Squeezing 20 wins out of this squad is amazing. Projecting, they may be a good college team some day, but they did not have the stud in this recruiting class that could help carry a young team. A lot of projects. Last night was a gutsy win, Matta pulled the right trigger with the press in the first half, plus they quit double teaming the ball in the half court that was leaving open 3 shooters as they did to get behind. They are also getting better at finishing games to get the win. Lyle is starting to grow on me, he has a special skill with the dribble drive to the hoop. He would kill in a game of 21.

[goreds2]

Reminder: Friday, March 11, 2016

Game 9, 5:30 p.m. CT / 6:30pm EST on BTN: vs. Game 5 winner (OHIO State) vs. No. 2 Michigan State

[BillDoran]

In my mind, this team has overachieved. Squeezing 20 wins out of this squad is amazing. Projecting, they may be a good college team some day, but they did not have the stud in this recruiting class that could help carry a young team. A lot of projects. Last night was a gutsy win, Matta pulled the right trigger with the press in the first half, plus they quit double teaming the ball in the half court that was leaving open 3 shooters as they did to get behind. They are also getting better at finishing games to get the win. Lyle is starting to grow on me, he has a special skill with the dribble drive to the hoop. He would kill in a game of 21.

Not sure I can agree. Lyle was a five star, big-time get, though some of the shine was lost in his recruiting journey. The sophomore class was also fairly well regarded. Tate and KBD were both well thought of. Thompson was considered a big get as a transfer. The freshman class, though too young to drive the team, was really well received.

For whatever reason, the pieces don't add up to a greater whole. There seems to be something lacking in the development of big men in the program. Thompson looks like he may have regressed from his time at Virgina Tech. Giddens looks good as freshman, but still has a ways to go. Bell still looks lost as a second year guy in the program. This on the heels of Amir Williams and Trey McDonald never amounting to much in Columbus.

No matter how you slice it, I think the last two iterations of the Basketbucks have been disappointing. Last year it was the failed senior class. This year they're too young. Something seems off in Columbus, but I'd lay heavy money on Matta figuring it out in the near future.

[RedTeamGo!]

Also, Marc Loving was a McDonalds All-American

[bucksfan2]

Not sure I can agree. Lyle was a five star, big-time get, though some of the shine was lost in his recruiting journey. The sophomore class was also fairly well regarded. Tate and KBD were both well thought of. Thompson was considered a big get as a transfer. The freshman class, though too young to drive the team, was really well received.

For whatever reason, the pieces don't add up to a greater whole. There seems to be something lacking in the development of big men in the program. Thompson looks like he may have regressed from his time at Virgina Tech. Giddens looks good as freshman, but still has a ways to go. Bell still looks lost as a second year guy in the program. This on the heels of Amir Williams and Trey McDonald never amounting to much in Columbus.

No matter how you slice it, I think the last two iterations of the Basketbucks have been disappointing. Last year it was the failed senior class. This year they're too young. Something seems off in Columbus, but I'd lay heavy money on Matta figuring it out in the near future.

Trevor Thompson was a two star recruit from Indy (via some post-graduate school in WI.) Guy was never really anything during his year at VT. I have actually been quite surprised with his development this season. Giddens is one who who I have been disappointed with his growth. He is a force on D, but his offense has been slow and he finds himself in foul trouble.

KBD is a mystery because the guy has all the talent in the world, dominates at times, but disappears at times.

To me Lyle at the start of the season was raw, a little bit over weight, and lazy. He has gotten better as the season had gone along. I think he is going to be one of the better PG's in the B1G next season.

Don't look now but Loving has been averaging over 20 points in the past month.

[traderumor]

All I can say to the HS reputations and rankings is that they do not provide much insight to predict Div 1 college success, based on what has been arriving in Columbus. Shannon Scott was McD's I believe, the guy had no shot. I don't think he lost it from HS to college. Lyle is slow footed and is not consistent outside either, and while he makes a flashy pass, he'll miss an easy pass. 5 stars? Gotta have more game than that to be 5 stars. Maybe it was on a 10 star system?

[RedTeamGo!]

I am not seeing Lyle as slow footed. He has the makings of being a great slasher to the rim.

[BillDoran]

All I can say to the HS reputations and rankings is that they do not provide much insight to predict Div 1 college success...

Sure seems to work for John Calipari. And Mike Krzyzewkzi. And Bill Self. And Roy Williams. And Tom Izzo.

Talent can underwhelm when it's not developed or utilized appropriately.

[RedTeamGo!]

Yikes.

[traderumor]

Sure seems to work for John Calipari. And Mike Krzyzewkzi. And Bill Self. And Roy Williams. And Tom Izzo.

Talent can underwhelm when it's not developed or utilized appropriately.I've gone on record questioning the recruiting classes since the Sullinger, Thomas, Craft class. But if Lyle was 5 star, I question how that could be. His skill set would not allow him to start in the above named progams. But how is Kenucky looking? As good as the hype of the recruits coming in? And did Coach K forget how to "coach 'em up" this year? Roy Williams is cheating. Izzo is a machine right now, I'll give you that one.

All I'm saying is that looking at the skills of the players that you claim are studs coming in are not passing the eye test as such.

[redsfan1995]

Also, Marc Loving was a McDonalds All-American

No he wasn't.

[RedTeamGo!]

No he wasn't.

You are correct. He was a parade all American. He was a McDonald's all American nominee.

[RedTeamGo!]

I've gone on record questioning the recruiting classes since the Sullinger, Thomas, Craft class. But if Lyle was 5 star, I question how that could be. His skill set would not allow him to start in the above named progams. But how is Kenucky looking? As good as the hype of the recruits coming in? And did Coach K forget how to "coach 'em up" this year? Roy Williams is cheating. Izzo is a machine right now, I'll give you that one.

All I'm saying is that looking at the skills of the players that you claim are studs coming in are not passing the eye test as such.

Coach K just won the national championship and is tourney bound. I think he gets a pass.

Kentucky is coming off of a final four appearance and near perfect season while also being tourney bound.

What 1-seed wants Kentucky in their bracket btw? That team is dangerous. Same with Duke, really.

[traderumor]

Coach K just won the national championship and is tourney bound. I think he gets a pass.

Kentucky is coming off of a final four appearance and near perfect season while also being tourney bound.

What 1-seed wants Kentucky in their bracket btw? That team is dangerous. Same with Duke, really.
Both those teams have had below expectations seasons with their blue chippers. Matta is losing in recruiting, it doesnt take an expert to see differences in talent between his recent classes and someone like Duke, Kentucky, and UNC or other perennial top 10 programs. To imply that its a coaching/teaching deficiency is your agenda, one that you did not have a coherent response when challenged. I'm not sure where the recruiting issue lies, but there is a lot of misinformation floating aroud this thread.

[RedTeamGo!]

Both those teams have had below expectations seasons with their blue chippers. Matta is losing in recruiting, it doesnt take an expert to see differences in talent between his recent classes and someone like Duke, Kentucky, and UNC or other perennial top 10 programs. To imply that its a coaching/teaching deficiency is your agenda, one that you did not have a coherent response when challenged. I'm not sure where the recruiting issue lies, but there is a lot of misinformation floating aroud this thread.

I was simply responding to your misguided post saying coach K and Calipari have done little with blue chip recruits. Both are tourney bound and coming off incredible seasons last year.

As for Matta not having good recruiting classes:

2015: 8th best in country - 1st in B1G
2014: 8th best in country - 1st in B1G

There are multiple top 50 recruits on the team from the last 4 classes. Not sure how you can say Matta is losing in recruiting.

I watched most of Loving's high school games in person. He has not improved whatsoever since setting foot on OSU campus. His PPG have gone up, but I think that can be explained by more touches. He is still weak minded and bodied. He often looks scared, unsure of what to do, lazy, unfocused, etc. He gets a good amount of blame for that too, but outside of Evan Spencer I can't name many OSU players that have improved much from freshman until they left campus. Even the likes of Sullinger and Craft finished their careers at OSU pretty much the same players as the day they started.

Matta is probably not going anywhere so I should probably just stop complaining and accept the yearly letdown by buckeye teams overflowing with top recruits.

[BillDoran]

Both those teams have had below expectations seasons with their blue chippers. Matta is losing in recruiting, it doesnt take an expert to see differences in talent between his recent classes and someone like Duke, Kentucky, and UNC or other perennial top 10 programs. To imply that its a coaching/teaching deficiency is your agenda, one that you did not have a coherent response when challenged. I'm not sure where the recruiting issue lies, but there is a lot of misinformation floating aroud this thread.

Just so we clear up any "misinformation." Ohio State's recent recruiting classes (according to 247's composite ratings):


2015: 8th nationally, 1st in the B1G
2014: 8th nationally, 1st in the B1G
2013: 32nd nationally, 5th in the B1G
2012: Amadeo alone, an objectively horrendous class by any measure
2011: 7th nationally, 1st in the B1G


Perhaps you're personally disappointed in the recruiting results. Nobody else is.

Plenty of talent in the cupboards. Not sure where things are going awry, but recruiting doesn't appear to be the problem.

[traderumor]

I was simply responding to your misguided post saying coach K and Calipari have done little with blue chip recruits. Both are tourney bound and coming off incredible seasons last year.

As for Matta not having good recruiting classes:

2015: 8th best in country - 1st in B1G
2014: 8th best in country - 1st in B1G

There are multiple top 50 recruits on the team from the last 4 classes. Not sure how you can say Matta is losing in recruiting.

I watched most of Loving's high school games in person. He has not improved whatsoever since setting foot on OSU campus. His PPG have gone up, but I think that can be explained by more touches. He is still weak minded and bodied. He often looks scared, unsure of what to do, lazy, unfocused, etc. He gets a good amount of blame for that too, but outside of Evan Spencer I can't name many OSU players that have improved much from freshman until they left campus. Even the likes of Sullinger and Craft finished their careers at OSU pretty much the same players as the day they started.

Matta is probably not going anywhere so I should probably just stop complaining and accept the yearly letdown by buckeye teams overflowing with top recruits.
First, I did not say that they did nothing ever with blue chip recruits. I was referring to this season, where they have been mere mortals. As for the recruiting classes, D'Angelo Russell was the 2014 class and hes gone. He was the real deal. Bates Diop, who knows what the hell he's doing, he looks indifferent half the time out there. Lyle was the 2015 catch, and he really makes you wonder about the ratings. And in bball rankings, one guy can bump your class, so be genuine about their value.

[BillDoran]

... be genuine about their value.

That's why we used the rankings from objective recruiting services.

Do you think other schools' top players don't turn pro early?

However you want to slice it, Ohio State basketball isn't lacking in talent

[traderumor]

Just so we clear up any "misinformation." Ohio State's recent recruiting classes (according to 247's composite ratings):


2015: 8th nationally, 1st in the B1G
2014: 8th nationally, 1st in the B1G
2013: 32nd nationally, 5th in the B1G
2012: Amadeo alone, an objectively horrendous class by any measure
2011: 7th nationally, 1st in the B1G


Perhaps you're personally disappointed in the recruiting results. Nobody else is.

Plenty of talent in the cupboards. Not sure where things are going awry, but recruiting doesn't appear to be the problem.
Imagine the difference if the 2014 ranked class still had Russell playing. It doesn't. So Matta is a bad coach. The Sullinger classes were competing for championships. He cant coach. Two of those guys leave early in consecutive years, the support recruits have to lead the team. They make the tournament, thanks to a blue chip recruit. Still, he has no clue. It mmjust isnt adding up, and the rankings are colored by the ranking of one guy in the class, so using those is really sketchy to prove anything.

[RedTeamGo!]

First, I did not say that they did nothing ever with blue chip recruits. I was referring to this season, where they have been mere mortals. As for the recruiting classes, D'Angelo Russell was the 2014 class and hes gone. He was the real deal. Bates Diop, who knows what the hell he's doing, he looks indifferent half the time out there. Lyle was the 2015 catch, and he really makes you wonder about the ratings. And in bball rankings, one guy can bump your class, so be genuine about their value.

To me, players acting indifferent on the court reflects poorly on the coaching staff. Sure, I blame the player too, but I watch teams with solid, but not great talent like Xavier, Dayton, and Seton Hall and I see super focused players that are ready to play. I see Bates-Diop, Loving, and Lyle and I see players unsure of what they are doing and not ready to play.

We see Lyle very differently. I think that kid has legit offensive talent. He knows how to get to the rim with consistency and is thick enough to take a lot of contact. He and Kam Williams were the only bright spots to me this year.

I don't see the big deal about Bates-Diop. I just don't get it. He's tall and misses a lot of jumpers, I guess?

[traderumor]

To me, players acting indifferent on the court reflects poorly on the coaching staff. Sure, I blame the player too, but I watch teams with solid, but not great talent like Xavier, Dayton, and Seton Hall and I see super focused players that are ready to play. I see Bates-Diop, Loving, and Lyle and I see players unsure of what they are doing and not ready to play.

We see Lyle very differently. I think that kid has legit offensive talent. He knows how to get to the rim with consistency and is thick enough to take a lot of contact. He and Kam Williams were the only bright spots to me this year.

I don't see the big deal about Bates-Diop. I just don't get it. He's tall and misses a lot of jumpers, I guess?
Thats obvious about Lyle, thats his game. I'm saying thats all he has, along with a crappy attitude. Of course its the coach's job to motivate, but thats new evidence not yet discussed. But I get it, you want the coach gone. I say not so fast, unless hes lost his edge. But your criticism is extreme and inaccurate, especially the charges of "no offense...street ball...outcoached...no adjustments" which is just nonsense.

[RedTeamGo!]

Thats obvious about Lyle, thats his game. I'm saying thats all he has, along with a crappy attitude. Of course its the coach's job to motivate, but thats new evidence not yet discussed. But I get it, you want the coach gone. I say not so fast, unless hes lost his edge. But your criticism is extreme and inaccurate, especially the charges of "no offense...street ball...outcoached...no adjustments" which is just nonsense.

Not any more extreme than saying coach K and Calipari did nothing with their blue chip recruits this year.

Yes, I think OSU can do better than Matta, and I think they should.

Speaking of 4 star recruits, Mickey Mitchell is horrendous.

[traderumor]

Not any more extreme than saying coach K and Calipari did nothing with their blue chip recruits this year.

Yes, I think OSU can do better than Matta, and I think they should.

Speaking of 4 star recruits, Mickey Mitchell is horrendous.
You really need to acknowledge the context of that comment, because by not doing so you are mischaracterizing what I was getting at there. I'm going to bed.

Mickey missed the rim to the left with a foul shot last night. One of the worst airballs ever.

[bucksfan2]

You really need to acknowledge the context of that comment, because by not doing so you are mischaracterizing what I was getting at there. I'm going to bed.

Mickey missed the rim to the left with a foul shot last night. One of the worst airballs ever.

This OSU season may have been one of the best things to Thad that has happened in a while. It always stinks to miss the tournament, but it also stinks to make the tournament as a 11 seed when the team forgoes some growth. What you saw as the season progressed was a lot of young guys getting some pretty important experience.

I like Thad, think he is a good coach, and is probably the beat HC in the history of OSU basketball. Now I think Thad has something to prove with this most recent class, this team needs to show growth and make the tournament next season, probably as a reasonably high seed.

Mitchell has looked awful shooting the ball, but I think his growth was stunted by the eligibility issues. I didn't expect much out of him this season, but with Tate going down for the year, it forced him into action. His shot is terrible, I expect that to improve.

OSU is going to be in trouble if everything stays static, if things improve, they have the makings of a very good club.

[goreds2]

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State basketball team will open NIT play against Akron on Tuesday in Columbus.

The Buckeyes (20-13) earned a No. 3 seed in the tournament, which announced its seeds on Sunday night after the NCAA Tournament selection show. They'll play the No. 6 Zips (26-8) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Value City Arena. The game will be televised on ESPN.

You can find ticket info for Ohio State's opening NIT game here. The winner will play the winner of the game between No. 2 Florida and No. 7 North Florida.

This will be the Buckeyes second trip to the NIT under Thad Matta. Ohio State was the No. 1 seed in the NIT in and won the tournament in 2008.

http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2016/03/ohio_state_basketball_will_pla.html

[Assembly Hall]

Let me say that I am a Thad fan. Been in his corner since he got the job at Butler. That being said he has never been anywhere where the cupboard has been bare. He took over a dang fine Bulldog program, then moved to X which was running just fine before he got there. And then lands a big time job at tOSU.......and let's face it O'Brien was a dang fine coach.

I can't help but wonder if his "pipelines" have ran their course for the area his in. Butler is still relevant and more so then when he was there, X is still relevant and even more so then when he was there. The Bearcat's program is doing just fine, as is Dayton's. Brey at Notre Dame is getting alot of Indiana kids. Throw Crean in the mix at IU and Painter at Purdue. The Michigan schools also "pillage" the area as well. That is alot of competition. Have to go national period.

I dunno, I will have to think on it some more. But I will say this much......the conference is gonna look different next year as Maryland and Iowa will not be as formidable. I would say the Bucks will be a pre-season top 5 team in the conference next season.

[BillDoran]

Let me say that I am a Thad fan. Been in his corner since he got the job at Butler. That being said he has never been anywhere where the cupboard has been bare. He took over a dang fine Bulldog program, then moved to X which was running just fine before he got there. And then lands a big time job at tOSU.......and let's face it O'Brien was a dang fine coach.

I can't help but wonder if his "pipelines" have ran their course for the area his in. Butler is still relevant and more so then when he was there, X is still relevant and even more so then when he was there. The Bearcat's program is doing just fine, as is Dayton's. Brey at Notre Dame is getting alot of Indiana kids. Throw Crean in the mix at IU and Painter at Purdue. The Michigan schools also "pillage" the area as well. That is alot of competition. Have to go national period.

I dunno, I will have to think on it some more. But I will say this much......the conference is gonna look different next year as Maryland and Iowa will not be as formidable. I would say the Bucks will be a pre-season top 5 team in the conference next season.

Never had a problem stocking the cupboard (see: Greg Oden, Mike Conley, NPOY Evan Turner, two-time first team All-American Jared Sullinger, no. 2 pick D'Angelo Russell). Also have to remember Matta has been there for a dozen years. If your premise held, he'd have fallen on his face a lot earlier. He's successfully re-stocked the cupboards many times now.

I think he just has a bad mix of players right now that don't complement each other well. I also think he's lost his knack (or coach) for developing bigs.

[bucksfan2]

Let me say that I am a Thad fan. Been in his corner since he got the job at Butler. That being said he has never been anywhere where the cupboard has been bare. He took over a dang fine Bulldog program, then moved to X which was running just fine before he got there. And then lands a big time job at tOSU.......and let's face it O'Brien was a dang fine coach.

I can't help but wonder if his "pipelines" have ran their course for the area his in. Butler is still relevant and more so then when he was there, X is still relevant and even more so then when he was there. The Bearcat's program is doing just fine, as is Dayton's. Brey at Notre Dame is getting alot of Indiana kids. Throw Crean in the mix at IU and Painter at Purdue. The Michigan schools also "pillage" the area as well. That is alot of competition. Have to go national period.

I dunno, I will have to think on it some more. But I will say this much......the conference is gonna look different next year as Maryland and Iowa will not be as formidable. I would say the Bucks will be a pre-season top 5 team in the conference next season.

Man you just opened up a can of worms. O'Brein was garbage, yea I went there. I think O'Brein was an above average bench coach, he could coach his teams out of mediocrity, but he was never a guy willing to go out there and get a top notch recruit. His best team fell together when Scoony Penn transferred with him to OSU and Michael Redd came out of his back yard in Columbus. Other than that, his best teams were led by the Ken Johnsons of the world or Terrance Dials, good but not great players. I was well known that O'Brien was unwilling to take on risks in the recruiting world, his recruiting classes were led by the Matt Terwilliger's and Matt Sylvester's of the world. O'Brein's best recruits ended up being nice roll players once Thad arrived and got better recruits coming in. O'Brien's last three seasons he was roughly a .500 coach, Thad's first season, a season in which they were ineligible for the tournament, he won 20 games.

[Assembly Hall]

Never had a problem stocking the cupboard (see: Greg Oden, Mike Conley, NPOY Evan Turner, two-time first team All-American Jared Sullinger, no. 2 pick D'Angelo Russell). Also have to remember Matta has been there for a dozen years. If your premise held, he'd have fallen on his face a lot earlier. He's successfully re-stocked the cupboards many times now.

I think he just has a bad mix of players right now that don't complement each other well. I also think he's lost his knack (or coach) for developing bigs.

Interesting thoughts. Can't dispute any of them. You left out Deshaun Thomas. I truly believe Matta is one helluva coach. One thing I will say is that sometimes top recruits dont pan out, no matter who the coach is.

- - - Updated - - -


Man you just opened up a can of worms. O'Brein was garbage, yea I went there. I think O'Brein was an above average bench coach, he could coach his teams out of mediocrity, but he was never a guy willing to go out there and get a top notch recruit. His best team fell together when Scoony Penn transferred with him to OSU and Michael Redd came out of his back yard in Columbus. Other than that, his best teams were led by the Ken Johnsons of the world or Terrance Dials, good but not great players. I was well known that O'Brien was unwilling to take on risks in the recruiting world, his recruiting classes were led by the Matt Terwilliger's and Matt Sylvester's of the world. O'Brein's best recruits ended up being nice roll players once Thad arrived and got better recruits coming in. O'Brien's last three seasons he was roughly a .500 coach, Thad's first season, a season in which they were ineligible for the tournament, he won 20 games.

Jim was pretty successful at BC.

[BillDoran]

D'Angelo Russell called out last year's team, essentially proclaiming the squad (with the exception of Kam Williams) to be lazy and uninterested. Possibly speaks to some culture issues within the program, and makes a case for why there might be a lack of player development over the past few years.

Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2624870-like-him-or-loathe-him-dangelo-russell-will-be-a-star-and-hell-tell-you-why)

[RedTeamGo!]

D'Angelo Russell called out last year's team, essentially proclaiming the squad (with the exception of Kam Williams) to be lazy and uninterested. Possibly speaks to some culture issues within the program, and makes a case for why there might be a lack of player development over the past few years.

Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2624870-like-him-or-loathe-him-dangelo-russell-will-be-a-star-and-hell-tell-you-why)

Wow.

The players are of course at fault for that, but the coach should get a large helping of blame for the players not working hard.

[dabvu2498]

Interesting thoughts. Can't dispute any of them. You left out Deshaun Thomas. I truly believe Matta is one helluva coach. One thing I will say is that sometimes top recruits dont pan out, no matter who the coach is.

- - - Updated - - -



Jim was pretty successful at BC.

O'Brien was 168-166 at BC. 65-144 in the Big East.

[goreds2]

Bucks squeeze by the Zips in overtime. A win is a win. I think the announcers said we play Sunday.

[traderumor]

D'Angelo Russell called out last year's team, essentially proclaiming the squad (with the exception of Kam Williams) to be lazy and uninterested. Possibly speaks to some culture issues within the program, and makes a case for why there might be a lack of player development over the past few years.

Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2624870-like-him-or-loathe-him-dangelo-russell-will-be-a-star-and-hell-tell-you-why)
That is similar to the boss who is a workaholic and swears hes the boss because he works harder and puts in more hours than everyone else. Those who don't are slackers. Russell is elite because of talent. Dont hold others to his standards.

[bucksfan2]

That is similar to the boss who is a workaholic and swears hes the boss because he works harder and puts in more hours than everyone else. Those who don't are slackers. Russell is elite because of talent. Dont hold others to his standards.

There is some truth to this. Its often difficult for someone like Russell who not only has the talent, but also is a basketball junkie. Russell could have a bad game and then would shoot after the game for hours. Another guy may have a bad game and just shake it off and go home.

That said, last years senior class was massively disappointing. Amir Williams best season was his freshman year, maybe his base game was against Kansas. Shannon Scott never developed any kind of shot. Sam Thompson never developed any consistency, and Trey McDonald was pretty much a big body who had a 50/50 chance of hitting the rim on a FT. I also wonder if the Loving situation played into this. He was suspended for a few games last season and really went in the tank after that suspension. He went from the B1G's leading 3 point shooter, to a guy who had absolutely no confidence in shooting the ball.

[RedTeamGo!]

There is some truth to this. Its often difficult for someone like Russell who not only has the talent, but also is a basketball junkie. Russell could have a bad game and then would shoot after the game for hours. Another guy may have a bad game and just shake it off and go home.

That said, last years senior class was massively disappointing. Amir Williams best season was his freshman year, maybe his base game was against Kansas. Shannon Scott never developed any kind of shot. Sam Thompson never developed any consistency, and Trey McDonald was pretty much a big body who had a 50/50 chance of hitting the rim on a FT. I also wonder if the Loving situation played into this. He was suspended for a few games last season and really went in the tank after that suspension. He went from the B1G's leading 3 point shooter, to a guy who had absolutely no confidence in shooting the ball.

I agree, it is common for OSU players to not develop over the course of their time on campus.

Cough Matta cough

[traderumor]

I agree, it is common for OSU players to not develop over the course of their time on campus.

Cough Matta cough
This entire squad has developed. You just dont want to see it.

[RedTeamGo!]

This entire squad has developed. You just dont want to see it.

I was referring to the senior class bucksfan referred to.

Also, I'm not seeing it with the current class outside of Kam Williams and maybe Lyle. Lyle is a bit of a stretch because he pretty much just plays iso streetball. I think Loving has remained stagnant, he just gets more shots. I have no idea what KDB is doing on the court, I don't think he does either. I think Tate has been the exact same player since his first game. Everyone else is pretty meh to terrible.

[bucksfan2]

Help please:

I just found out that Derek Anderson played his first two seasons at OSU and then transferred to UK to finish out his college career. Why did he transfer? I did a little google search but the OSU Basketball records aren't very good back then.

[dabvu2498]

Help please:

I just found out that Derek Anderson played his first two seasons at OSU and then transferred to UK to finish out his college career. Why did he transfer? I did a little google search but the OSU Basketball records aren't very good back then.

If memory serves, he tore his ACL in his last year at OSU and was going to have to sit a year anyway. Rod Rhodes had just left, so there were minutes to be had at UK. He's from Louisville and had a daughter who was a toddler about then so I think he wanted to be close to home as well.

[goreds2]

Ohio State vs Florida
(National Invitation Tournament)
Day: Sunday
Date: Mar. 20, 2016
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET

Coverage

TV: ESPN

[KronoRed]

You all should have the advantage, UF's center is having surgery and they have nobody to step in.

[RedTeamGo!]

@TimShoemaker: Three of Ohio State's five recruits in highly-touted 2015 class have now transferred. One more could be on his way too.

I honestly can't comprehend how any fan can continue to defend Matta at this point.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Yeah this isn't a great look. Something is clearly going on and would be nice to hear from Thad or someone in the program.

Obviously a disappointing season, but losing guys like Giddens, Mitchell and potentially Harris is going to kill next season.

[Assembly Hall]

@TimShoemaker: Three of Ohio State's five recruits in highly-touted 2015 class have now transferred. One more could be on his way too.

I honestly can't comprehend how any fan can continue to defend Matta at this point.

Wow. But keep in mind Yogi's class at IU was nicknamed "The Movement" and he is the only one remaining.

[bucksfan2]

@TimShoemaker: Three of Ohio State's five recruits in highly-touted 2015 class have now transferred. One more could be on his way too.

I honestly can't comprehend how any fan can continue to defend Matta at this point.

I don't understand what is going on.

I am surprised by Giddens, I had a lot of hope for him this year, but he never developed outside of a shot blocker and foul machine. His comments after the last game of the season have me surprised that he is transferring.

Thinking about the Mitchell decision it kinda makes sense to me. He was behind the 8-ball all season long. He never developed much of an offensive game, got the majority of his PT with Tate on the shelf, who will be back as a starter next season.

One thing to consider is OSU is bringing in two bigs next season, where would Mitchell and Giddens slot next season. They will have a leg up, but did either of those two guys do anything to wow you?

At the end of the day, could this be a good thing? OSU still returns Lyle, Bates-Diop, Thompson (don't think he will go pro), Tate, Cam Williams, and Loving. Would they be better off using the scholarship on someone different? Getting Markell Johnson to reclassify and enter next season? I guess a big question in my head is, would OSU have been better off if someone like Amir Williams transferred instead of spending 4 blah seasons in Columbus? Who knows, maybe this is for the best.

[Redsfaithful]

Poor Thad. I think his health is catching up to him. Really sucks, and I hate to see it.

[bucksfan2]

Yeah this isn't a great look. Something is clearly going on and would be nice to hear from Thad or someone in the program.

Obviously a disappointing season, but losing guys like Giddens, Mitchell and potentially Harris is going to kill next season.

Top 6 scorers return for the 2016-17 season.

[Assembly Hall]

Ya just never know how it is going to turn out fellas.

[BillDoran]

Poor Thad. I think his health is catching up to him. Really sucks, and I hate to see it.

I've seen lots of suggestions that his health is affecting his ability to coach, so I went out looking to see if there is any substance to the rumors. Sure enough, it sounds like he's facing chronic back pain. Scary stuff. The full article is worth the read if you've ever been curious about the extent of Matta's injury.


"What I’ve been through the last eight years has been very challenging. There are things I can’t do as a husband, there are things I can’t do as a father. But they’ve never left my side. They’ve got to take my shoes and socks off after games because I can’t bend over. They’re always right there to help me, through the good and bad."

The Things He Can't Do - NCAA.com (http://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2015-03-16/things-he-cant-do)