thedynasty1998;555601 wrote:No, Matta will see it my way. You think your 5 will start and they might, but I'm willing to bet down the stretch of a close game it's the 5 I mentioned (unless Diebler is shooting well, meaning over 15 points).

It's no secret that Weatherspoon is the least skilled, but Lauderdale has a tendency to get into foul trouble and I could see the same from Sullinger, so he might be relied upon to play some minutes.

Whatever Smith gives is a bonus. Didn't get to see him in the Exhibition, but OSU seems to be pretty set at the guard, unless Smith is better than Sibert.

thedynasty1998;555614 wrote:http://espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?id=303160194

Finally found a box score. About what I expected. If Craft and Sullinger are not in foul trouble I think they each pick up more minutes and that would have led to fewer for Lauderdale and likely Diebler. Might be the case with Thomas as well. Funny that the 4 freshman geting the minutes all finished with 4+ fouls.

centralbucksfan;555634 wrote:Well, then you don't know Matta very well. He won't be playing a frosh(Thomas) over a 4yr starting senior, who has been there, done that, in close games down the stretch. Ain't gonna happen, so you may as well accept it now. Talent wise, I don't disagree with you. But there is still something to say for experience in big games. In two games, its already pretty obvious that Matta is developing a regular rotation. We'll see how it plays out. But I just don't see Matta doing what you think he will. Like it or not, he is big on Diebler.
An Even if Lauderdale and Sully get into foul trouble, I can see Matta going with a small lineup, playing Thomas or even Lighty down low. But I highly doubt both Sully and/or Lauderdale both get into foul trouble at same time. IF so, that would be very rare. Weatherspoon has a ways to go. He even struggled tonite at times. In time, he will be fine. But he definately needs some development.

thedynasty1998;555643 wrote:I'm not getting into a Diebler debate, yet. But just look at what he's done down the stretch in big games. Even if Matta has other plans, Thomas might just force his way into the "Top 5" lineup from a production standpoint. And let's not look too much into last year because OSU had no options on the bench.

thedynasty1998;555532 wrote:Sounds like the only thing to complain about is that Craft fouled out, so he'll have to learn to play without fouling (saying that not seeing the game and what kind of fouls he committed).

Writerbuckeye;555739 wrote:In Matta's time at OSU he has always been about experienced players being on the court.

Always.

I don't see that changing, even though I do believe Craft will force himself into a starting role at some point (probably the Big Ten schedule). The team plays better with him running the point. I think you'll see a rotation of Sullinger and Lauderdale, and he'll only go with two bigs when he's forced to. Otherwise, Thomas and Lighty will switch out down low if there's really bad foul trouble underneath.

NilesPacMan;555761 wrote:Well, I don't know exactly if anyone answered this, but he was playing defensively too much with his body, and that's how he got called for most of his five fouls. Other than that, he looked decent for playing in his first game.

centralbucksfan;555669 wrote:This isn't necessarily my opinion on who I want in the game. Its what I happen to think what Matta thinks based on, not only last year, but the last 3yrs. No offense, but your so bias against Diebler, you choose not to see it. Diebler is what he is. I happen to think he is viewed as one of the leaders on this team, if not the leader. He leads OSU out of the locker room. As much as it pains you, I think its quite obvious to be honest. Its just what I am seeing. I just happen to think, in big games, down the stretch...he, Buford and Lighty will all be on the floor, no question at all. I think Sully and Thomas/Craft will join them depending on the circumstances. But I think 4 of the 5 are set in stone. And that include Diebler. I'd be willing to lay a 50 right on the table that that is what Matta will be going with. Its not always about who the best is. There are so many circumstances and situations going on at end of games in big games...that experience goes a long way in those situation. Especially on the perimeter.
No offense, but a week ago you thought Thomas wouldn't be getting much PT at all. Now you have him playing crunch time in big games. lol
Anyway, we'll see how it all plays out. I honestly could give a shit as long as OSU is winning.

Mulva;558311 wrote:Iowa blows.

lhslep134;559494 wrote:CBF, unfortunately, Diebler's only true role on this team will be leader and minute eater, and occasionally hit the 3.

We now have the depth we didn't have last year and can take Diebler off the floor for extended minutes without hurting production, and we may actually improve production by having 5 players on the floor who can score inside.

If you can't admit that Diebler really can't/doesn't want to score inside, just look at the last 2 boxscores (game 1 and exhibition).

Heretic;559676 wrote:I think that out of the team's main guys, Diebler's minutes will likely fluctuate the most from game to game. If he's being aggressive in looking for his shot and connecting, he'll get a lot of minutes. If he's off or playing tentatively, he'll be spending a lot more time on the bench. He's the best pure shooter on the team, but is more one-dimensional than the alternatives.

lhslep134;559494 wrote:CBF, unfortunately, Diebler's only true role on this team will be leader and minute eater, and occasionally hit the 3.

We now have the depth we didn't have last year and can take Diebler off the floor for extended minutes without hurting production, and we may actually improve production by having 5 players on the floor who can score inside.

If you can't admit that Diebler really can't/doesn't want to score inside, just look at the last 2 boxscores (game 1 and exhibition).

Heretic;559676 wrote:I think that out of the team's main guys, Diebler's minutes will likely fluctuate the most from game to game. If he's being aggressive in looking for his shot and connecting, he'll get a lot of minutes. If he's off or playing tentatively, he'll be spending a lot more time on the bench. He's the best pure shooter on the team, but is more one-dimensional than the alternatives.

centralbucksfan;560429 wrote: Maybe, maybe not. thats yet to be determined. And, that could go for anyone on the team with the depth this team has. Not just Diebler.

I drain 3's;560255 wrote:Minnesota picks up the W over Siena, 76-69.