thedynasty1998;560470 wrote:His comment was that Diebler is the most one dimensional player on the roster, and that can't be disputed. I do have a feeling that Diebler has a big game tonight though. I think he goes for 15 or so and really provide some offense at a point when OSU starts to struggle.

I realize what is comment was and I also know what Diebler is. Never denied that.
Hope your right about tonite. He should have some open shots in transition as Fla will press. As I said, for OSU to win this game, Diebler, Lighty and Buford will HAVE to step up and have good games.

centralbucksfan;560595 wrote:I realize what is comment was and I also know what Diebler is. Never denied that.
Hope your right about tonite. He should have some open shots in transition as Fla will press. As I said, for OSU to win this game, Diebler, Lighty and Buford will HAVE to step up and have good games.

I'm really not understanding your feelings on this team. If OSU is going to be a great team, and one deserving of their ranking, it won't be because of Lighty and Diebler, it will be because of Sullinger, Craft and Thomas. We know what Lighty is. We know what Diebler is. We know what Buford is capable of. It's the unknown that has the potential to raise the level of play.

thedynasty1998;560602 wrote:I'm really not understanding your feelings on this team. If OSU is going to be a great team, and one deserving of their ranking, it won't be because of Lighty and Diebler, it will be because of Sullinger, Craft and Thomas. We know what Lighty is. We know what Diebler is. We know what Buford is capable of. It's the unknown that has the potential to raise the level of play.

This EARLY in the season, in a game like this, the experience is needed, no question. As the season goes on, when the frosh start to understand their roles, get more experience, then I will feel much more comfortable about this team.
Yes, we know what Lighty, Buford and Deibler are. But you can't sit there and tell me, if they don't play well tonite, that OSU will have a chance. IMO, they won't. We need them to play well, period. And with each of them, thats not always a given. We know what they are, but they are not always consistant either. Diebler can be off as he is what he is..a 3pt shooter. Buford in the past, has a tendency to disappear in games. With Lighty, we will always get good defense..but he is inconsistant offensively. Lauderdale...well, its feast or famine with him. When Turner was out last year, OSU went 3-3.
I really believe for OSU to win tonite, 2 of 3 HAVE to have good offensive nites and Lauderdale will have to play big in defense and rebounding. If we have to depend on the frosh to win this game, OSU will lose IMO. Could they step up and do it, sure. But this early, in an environment like Fla, its not something you can depend on IMO. Its not known how they will perform in big games as they haven't stepped foot in one to date.
And your right, it is the unknown that can raise the level. But it is the known that have to be more consistant then they have been in the past.
I am still cautiously optimistic with this team. Defensively they have a ways to go yet. There were glaring weaknesses in the past two games that are easily overlooked against such inferior teams. Too easy to get a false sense of security against bad teams.

Speaking of Diebler, ESPN was showing the match-ups between VT/K-State where they mentioned a battle between Delaney and Pullen.

For the OSU/Florida game, they used Tyus for Florida I think, and Diebler, lol.

Really? No Buford or Sullinger? They're trying to showcase OSU, by using Diebler? Kinda made me lol.

I drain 3's;560743 wrote:Speaking of Diebler, ESPN was showing the match-ups between VT/K-State where they mentioned a battle between Delaney and Pullen.

For the OSU/Florida game, they used Tyus for Florida I think, and Diebler, lol.

Really? No Buford or Sullinger? They're trying to showcase OSU, by using Diebler? Kinda made me lol.

I heard that and laughed.

Obviously in a big game, you need everyone to play well, that goes without being said. However, Lighty might be a little inconsistent offensively, but he is always going to defend, rebound and play smart. I don't think Buford is nearly as inconsistent as you do, but even when he has had bad games offensively he has been able to rebound and increase his assists. When Diebler plays well, he scores 15+, when he plays bad, it's 0's across the box score. Lauderdale is a defensive presence. He is always a defensive presence, any offense he provides is a bonus.

I think Sullinger will prove to be OSU's most consistent player. I just don't see any/many games where he goes for 6 points and 3 rebounds. I think Thomas will be highly inconsistent, so he's an unknown tonight. I think Craft will be consistent, but will have a few games where he struggles (I don't think tonight is one of those).

That's what I like most about this team, you know what you will get for the most part every night. Sullinger, Lauderdale, Lighty, Buford and Craft will all be consistent performers. The inconsistency will come from Dielber and Thomas and they will need one of those two to step up in the big games, like tonight, to win.

The thing about the freshman on the Buckeyes learning their roles is that their roles are to be the guys. Thomas and Sullinger are OSUs best offensvie and most gifted players. Their roles are to lead the Buckeyes offensively.

Lighty is the leader and defensive stopper. Diebler is the spot up shooter. Buford, Sully, and DeShaun are the scorers...and frankly Buford isnt as good as the other 2.

Laley23;560820 wrote:.and frankly Buford isnt as good as the other 2.

You're 100% correct. Very true. Bufords very good in his own right, but Sully and Thomas are elite.

Laley23;560820 wrote:The thing about the freshman on the Buckeyes learning their roles is that their roles are to be the guys. Thomas and Sullinger are OSUs best offensvie and most gifted players. Their roles are to lead the Buckeyes offensively.

Lighty is the leader and defensive stopper. Diebler is the spot up shooter. Buford, Sully, and DeShaun are the scorers...and frankly Buford isnt as good as the other 2.

Well, don't completely disagree. And we'll find out tonite what the frosh are made of. I do expect Sully to do this thing. I expect Thomas to do well off the bench. But Craft and Sibert are still a bit of a question as far as being able to play against the pressure they are going to see tonite. And I am still not sold on Buford playing extended time at the PG.

And as I said, everyone wants to look at the offensive end forget about what goes on at the other end. That is quite often the downfall of frosh...understanding the need to play with consistant effort on defense, on every possession. That is an area that concerns me more then anything.
I am going to be interested to see if Matta sticks with MM. Fla outside shooting is a huge question, very inconsistant. I will be curious to see if Matta mixes in some zone defense.

centralbucksfan;560946 wrote:Well, don't completely disagree. And we'll find out tonite what the frosh are made of. I do expect Sully to do this thing. I expect Thomas to do well off the bench. But Craft and Sibert are still a bit of a question as far as being able to play against the pressure they are going to see tonite. And I am still not sold on Buford playing extended time at the PG.

And as I said, everyone wants to look at the offensive end forget about what goes on at the other end. That is quite often the downfall of frosh...understanding the need to play with consistant effort on defense, on every possession. That is an area that concerns me more then anything.
I am going to be interested to see if Matta sticks with MM. Fla outside shooting is a huge question, very inconsistant. I will be curious to see if Matta mixes in some zone defense.

Craft and Sibert are in two completely different categories. Sibert isn't going to be relied upon to really do anything. Craft will have a ton of pressure on him this year, as the primary ball handler.

And then you want to act like you value defense so much, but when you look at who the worst defender on this team is, it's pretty obvious. Yet, you are the one that wants him getting his minutes. And yes, Diebler is by far the worst defender on the team, of guys getting meaningful minutes.

As for a zone defense, I don't see it happening. This team has the potential to be a GREAT man to man defense. Lauderdale is an elite defender as is Lighty. Buford seemed to buy into defense last year and has all the tools. Sullinger is a bit of an unknown as is Thomas. But then you have Craft who is exceptional from all accounts. So you have three very good defenders in an on the ball defender, a wing and a post. I think sitting in a zone takes away one of the biggest strengths of this team, and you don't have to worry about guys tiring, because you have some depth this year.

thedynasty1998;561006 wrote:Craft and Sibert are in two completely different categories. Sibert isn't going to be relied upon to really do anything. Craft will have a ton of pressure on him this year, as the primary ball handler.

And then you want to act like you value defense so much, but when you look at who the worst defender on this team is, it's pretty obvious. Yet, you are the one that wants him getting his minutes. And yes, Diebler is by far the worst defender on the team, of guys getting meaningful minutes.

As for a zone defense, I don't see it happening. This team has the potential to be a GREAT man to man defense. Lauderdale is an elite defender as is Lighty. Buford seemed to buy into defense last year and has all the tools. Sullinger is a bit of an unknown as is Thomas. But then you have Craft who is exceptional from all accounts. So you have three very good defenders in an on the ball defender, a wing and a post. I think sitting in a zone takes away one of the biggest strengths of this team, and you don't have to worry about guys tiring, because you have some depth this year.

Just as I stated ...OSU defense is not very good. And as I thought, Deibler hasn't left the floor. Craft plays major minutes, Buford and Lighty rotated in and out. I know how Matta thinks.

Please note: remarks based on first half of game.

thedynasty1998;561006 wrote:And then you want to act like you value defense so much, but when you look at who the worst defender on this team is, it's pretty obvious. Yet, you are the one that wants him getting his minutes. And yes, Diebler is by far the worst defender on the team, of guys getting meaningful minutes.

. This team has the potential to be a GREAT man to man defense. .

Please stop with the lies. I never stated that I wanted Diebler this or that. I just can see what Matta wants and likes.

Great MM defense? lol They have a LONG ways to go to even be a good defense. I could see the issues in the exhibition and 1st game when you and others were slobbering over the offense. Defense is what wins games. And right now, Fla is owning OSU because OSU defense sucks.

thedynasty1998;561006 wrote:Craft and Sibert are in two completely different categories. Sibert isn't going to be relied upon to really do anything. Craft will have a ton of pressure on him this year, as the primary ball handler.

And then you want to act like you value defense so much, but when you look at who the worst defender on this team is, it's pretty obvious. Yet, you are the one that wants him getting his minutes. And yes, Diebler is by far the worst defender on the team, of guys getting meaningful minutes.

As for a zone defense, I don't see it happening. This team has the potential to be a GREAT man to man defense. Lauderdale is an elite defender as is Lighty. Buford seemed to buy into defense last year and has all the tools. Sullinger is a bit of an unknown as is Thomas. But then you have Craft who is exceptional from all accounts. So you have three very good defenders in an on the ball defender, a wing and a post. I think sitting in a zone takes away one of the biggest strengths of this team, and you don't have to worry about guys tiring, because you have some depth this year.

FYI...Diebler played 40 min tonite. Hate to say I told you so, but I did. Can you now move on? And for such a poor defender...Diebler guarded Tyson Chandler..arguably Fla best player. Held him to 10pts. Just figured I'd point that out to you. So you were kinda right, Diebler did play a good game tonite.

centralbucksfan;561684 wrote:FYI...Diebler played 40 min tonite. Hate to say I told you so, but I did. Can you now move on? And for such a poor defender...Diebler guarded Tyson Chandler..arguably Fla best player. Held him to 10pts. Just figured I'd point that out to you. So you were kinda right, Diebler did play a good game tonite.

I didn't get to watch the game live, as I just got home. But I called my brother after the game (who loves Diebler) and I asked who played well. He said Diebler did okay and played the full 40 minutes. He said Sullinger beasted and Lighty played really well.

I then called my dad and asked the same thing, and he said, Diebler looked like Diebler, he probably had 6 points.

With that said, I know that the experience is valuable in a game like this. I am surprised that Diebler played the most minutes, in fact I'm shocked. But I need to watch this game to try to understand it.

And I know that Matta has more confidence in his experienced players, but this is their only test before Big 10 play starts up, so the freshman have to get their minutes eventually. Just really surprised that Matta didn't use his bench more. However, I'm not surprised that OSU put it to Florida. OSU is going to be one of the elite teams this year.

^^^I wouldnt call your dad to talk basketball anymore lol. Diebler sparked that team when it was close and finished with 14.

btw, Diebler I thought was subbed once when I was watching, so I dont think he played the full 40.

thedynasty1998;561712 wrote:I didn't get to watch the game live, as I just got home. But I called my brother after the game (who loves Diebler) and I asked who played well. He said Diebler did okay and played the full 40 minutes. He said Sullinger beasted and Lighty played really well.

I then called my dad and asked the same thing, and he said, Diebler looked like Diebler, he probably had 6 points.

With that said, I know that the experience is valuable in a game like this. I am surprised that Diebler played the most minutes, in fact I'm shocked. But I need to watch this game to try to understand it.

And I know that Matta has more confidence in his experienced players, but this is their only test before Big 10 play starts up, so the freshman have to get their minutes eventually. Just really surprised that Matta didn't use his bench more. However, I'm not surprised that OSU put it to Florida. OSU is going to be one of the elite teams this year.

I was a bit surprised myself that he didn't use Thomas and Siebert never saw the floor. Thomas played in first half, but took a couple ill advised 3's vs the press and didn't see the floor after that. His time will come though. Just needs to learn to be more patient.
I'll also let you know, the Diebler was ALWAYS looking for Sully everytime he touched the ball. He was patient and didn't force too many 3's. Even had a couple nice drives. And I do realize he isn't great on defense, but he did a nice job on Chandler tonite.
Lighty was lights out all nite long. He drove to the rim and finished. Buford was a bit streaky but got hot in second half. And Sullinger was a beast. But most of his points were the result of OSU breaking the press and dumping him the ball as they attacked the basket. And he certainly finished. You missed a pretty good game until OSU pulled away in last 10 min.

Laley23;561722 wrote:^^^I wouldnt call your dad to talk basketball anymore lol. Diebler sparked that team when it was close and finished with 14.

btw, Diebler I thought was subbed once when I was watching, so I dont think he played the full 40.

Yea I came home and checked the box score before watching. However, Diebler is a guy who can score "quietly" and that is a compliment to him. He doesn't need the ball to go through his hands and never forces shots, so you don't notice him much.

Just finished the first half and I'm really happy with how OSU played (knowing they win). On the road against a top 10 team, all you can ask for is a chance in the second half, and they have it.

Now I'm listening to Bilas at half, whom I used to really respect. But it's hard to give him any credibility after he did the NBA draft analysis and said someone was long and had great length at least 30 teams in the first 31 picks.

Regarding Thomas, this is what I saw in the Exhibition. He just seems to be a tweener. He wants to play in the paint, but doesn't realize his size advantage just isn't there anymore. I think he will adapt eventually, but he has the biggest learning curve of all the freshman because he's a scorer that really has to adapt.

thedynasty1998;561748 wrote:Regarding Thomas, this is what I saw in the Exhibition. He just seems to be a tweener. He wants to play in the paint, but doesn't realize his size advantage just isn't there anymore. I think he will adapt eventually, but he has the biggest learning curve of all the freshman because he's a scorer that really has to adapt.

Thomas just seems a little rushed, if that's the right word. Watching him and Sully is like night and day. Sully is patient with the ball, doesn't rush anything. Thomas seems to be in a hurry to get his shot off. Thomas will be fine with a little experience. Sullinger is a freshman that just doesn't come along very often.

se-alum;561760 wrote:Thomas just seems a little rushed, if that's the right word. Watching him and Sully is like night and day. Sully is patient with the ball, doesn't rush anything. Thomas seems to be in a hurry to get his shot off. Thomas will be fine with a little experience. Sullinger is a freshman that just doesn't come along very often.

Sullinger has such a high basketball IQ, and the game just looks slow to him. So, yes, rushed is a good word. Although I don't think it's as much rushed as it is just finding a comfort zone and a role on this team.

My observations:

-Craft, Craft, Craft. Show me one other freshman PG (other than Kyrie Irving) that has the handles to consistently break that press all game
-Sullinger is a load down low but must be continually fed by our guards for us to be successful
-Diebler was surprisingly willing to get dirty and drive
-Defensively we need some work but we should put up 75-80/game easily

chicago510;561828 wrote:My observations:

-Craft, Craft, Craft. Show me one other freshman PG (other than Kyrie Irving) that has the handles to consistently break that press all game
-Sullinger is a load down low but must be continually fed by our guards for us to be successful
-Diebler was surprisingly willing to get dirty and drive
-Defensively we need some work but we should put up 75-80/game easily

Looks about right. The only thing I would add is how impressive this team has meshed. Buford and Lighty really looked comfortable in their respective roles.

BTW, Indiana played today against Mississippi Valley State and won convincingly.

Indiana 71
MVSU 54

Indiana has been very good defensively thus far as well as rebounding. They have a very weak OOC schedule other than UK, and should be able to get to 10 wins without a problem. This would put them in prime position to continue to improve and with a solid Big Ten campaign get to .500 and the NIT. They have been much better through 3 games (and 2 exhibitions) than I ever thought they would be. Even better is that Maurice Creek will be finally hitting 100% with his kneecap around the start of conference play.