Big Ten Team Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes

By Ryan Bramwell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakdown:

• 2011-2012: 31-8 (13-5)
• Postseason: Final Four (Loss vs. Kansas, 64-62)
• Coach: Thad Matta (9^th year)

Situation:

• Gone: Jared Sullinger, William Buford, Jordan Siebert, J.D. Weatherspoon
• Back: Aaron Craft, Deshaun Thomas, Lenzell Smith, Jr., Sam Thompson, Amir Williams, Evan Ravenel
• New:  Amedeo Della Valle

Returning Numbers:

• MIN – 52.5%
• PTS – 46.7% 
• 3PM – 46.7%
• REB – 42.6%
• AST – 30.6%

Returning Leaders:

• MPG – Craft (32.2), Thomas (31.4), Sullinger (30.4), Smith, Jr. (25.4)
• PPG – Thomas (15.9), Craft (8.8), Smith, Jr. (6.8)  
• RPG – Thomas (5.4), Smith, Jr. (4.6), Craft (3.2)

Key Players:

• Deshaun Thomas
• Aaron Craft
• Lenzelle Smith, Jr.
• LaQuinton Ross

Keys to Success:

• The leadership of Aaron Craft and the development of his offensive game
• Deshaun Thomas’s ability to be the Jared Sullinger of 2012-13
• The all-around growth and post-defense of Amir Williams
• The offensive progress of wingman LaQuinton Ross
• Lenzelle Smith’s capability to add to his offense and 3-point shot
• The team’s progress and status after their merciless nonconference schedule

Projected Starting Lineup

• PG – Aaron Craft
• SG – Lenzelle Smith, Jr.
• SF – Sam Thompson
• PF – Deshaun Thomas
• C – Amir Williams

Blue Ribbon Grades:

• Backcourt: B
• Frontcourt: B+
• Bench/Depth: B-
• Intangibles: B+  

 

Preview Links:

• Inside the Hall 
• Blue Ribbon at ESPN 
• Bleacher Report 
• Rant Sports 

 

ESPN Team Page:

• Buckeyes Basketball

My Prediction:

• 14-4, tied for 2nd place