Buckeye Basketball Gets No Love
The Ohio State men's basketball season is less than two weeks away. I know, it's hard to believe. Unfortunately for Thad Matta and the OSU basketball team, the media in Columbus are attached at the hip to Buckeye football until the beginning of January.
I understand that in Columbus college football is king...and rightfully so, but with basketball season fast approaching, where is the love for the basketball team? This seasons Ohio State basketball team is certainly the most talented team they have had since the days of Greg Oden and Mike Conley, but has anyone even noticed?
With the exception of the B.J. Mullens, Ohio State returns virtually everybody from a squad that qualified for the NCAA Tournament last season. All five starters are back and the return of leader David Lighty from injury should only help a team loaded with wing players. William Buford has future star written all over him and Evan Turner returns as the best player in the Big Ten.
Point guard play will be key for Ohio State, as they need more production from the combination of seniors P.J. Hill and Jeremie Simmons. Also the early season injury of proven big man Dallas Lauderdale leaves OSU without an experienced post player for the first few weeks of the season.
Defensively OSU is as sound as any team in the Big Ten. David Lighty is as good as it gets on the wing and P.J. Hill can drive any point guard in the country crazy. Evan Turner has the ability to guard anybody on the court and Dallas Lauderdale is a dominant shot blocker down low reminding Buckeye fans of Ken Johnson from years past.
On November 9, OSU will tip off the season in one of college basketball's biggest early season tournaments, the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic. After two cupcake games, the Buckeyes will more than likely be taking on North Carolina at Madison Square Garden on November. 19.
By the time the OSU football team finishes playing in its bowl game, the basketball team will already be 13 games deep into the season. Don't let your football fascination force you to miss the non-conference part of the basketball schedule. This team is too talented to forget about until January. They deserve some support and love from the OSU faithful. After all, this season Buckeye basketball might just be the best team Ohio State has to offer.