It was the first time a lot of people got to see the new look Buckeyes, so I thought I'd give a little breakdown for those interested:

Ohio State looked really good. I know it's just an exhibition and you can't tell everything from one game, but they looked deserving of the high ranking. Walsh is actually a pretty good team that could probably compete with some of the teams on OSU's early season schedule, so it was a decent test.

With that said, OSU did exactly what you expect them to do. They were dominant in every aspect of the game.

I haven't seen a box score, but I'll do a player breakdown for those who didn't get to see them.

Lighty - Looked very good! His shot looks to be improved and his shot actually looked to be a little quicker. Not sure if it's something he really worked on or what, but he looked much more like a scorer than just a role player. He did everything else well, as you would expect

Buford - Like Lighty, his shot looked really good. He started off at PG, but Walsh never really gave OSU any pressure. But when he was at point, he really just brought the ball down court and passed off and then got into a set and came off screens. They ran a couple nice plays for him when he brought it up at PG and immediately worked himself into a set

Diebler - (I'll preface by saying I'm not a Diebler fan) He looked very average, at best. Just didn't really do anything to make himself standout. And I was hoping he would get more physical and aggressive, but he didn't. There was a 3 on 1 break that he led at one point and kicked it to the wing for an open look, and instead of filling a rebounding lane he faded to the corner of the court by the 3 point line. The ball comes off exactly where he could have been. Just disappointed in his play, and I think he'll be disappointed in himself after his playing time is cut, and you will see why below

Lauderdale - Looked to be in great shape and made a couple moves offensively that he probably wouldn't have made last year. He just used his physical size and athleticism to really stand out.

Sullinger - He's exactly what I thought he would be. He's a pure back to the basket scorer that OSU hasn't had in a while now. He has GREAT hands and feel for the game. OSU seemed to run a lot of sets to get him the ball on the block and let him make plays. I'll be disappointed if he's not a minimum of 15/7 guy. I actually think by the end of the year he's in the discussion for Big 10 POY.

Thomas - Was not really impressed. You can see that he was a good skill set and body, but he seemed to be slow off his feet and struggled with the pace of the college game. I think he'll be fine in time, but he's probably going to end up as a bench guy.

Craft - STUD! OSU needs him on the floor. He really has good feel and is a scrappy player. Everything I've heard about him was true. I don't see how he doesn't play 27+ minutes a game at the PG position.

Sibert - Looked like a freshman, but has a smooth stroke. Not sure how many minutes he'll get with the depth at the guard position

Weatherspoon - Thought his athleticism would stand out more, but he looked okay. I think he can find a way to get minutes eventually, but won't be much more than a 5 minute a game guy.


I think this team needs a leader. During the warmups and preseason talk, it was hard to see who the leader of this team was. You would naturally expect Lighty, but he didn't seem to take that role. Thomas was actually the one to bring them together after introductions, which I thought was a telling sign. As for the vocal guys on the court (there wasn't much noise so you could hear the players talking), but it seemed to be Sullinger and Craft were the two guys talking the most.

This team needs a leader? They have 4 seniors who have been playing since day one. Leadership is not an issue. Too much of leadership is made by the game watchers only. Its what goes on off the court, in practice, weight room, off season where the leadership goes on. I am not worried about leadership at all with this team.
And Thomas will not be on the bench. He will play, no question. Matta even said after the game was happy with Thomas and he had had his best practice days leading up to this game. Thomas and Craft will be first players off the bench, just as they were today.
OSU offense ran much more smooth with Craft on the floor. 12pts and 8asst. Matta also made comment after the game that he maybe the best defender he has had since coming to OSU. Thats saying quite a bit as Lighty as been pretty darn good defender. I kinda like Craft coming off the bench though. He will bring something different, a spark off the bench.
Sullinger did fine, although he got most of his rebounds and points late in the game. As mentioned above, he is what he is, a horse in the post. His great hands are no surprise to those who have watched him in HS. Nice touch around the basket, no doubt. 15/7 is not out of the question. Although I still want to see him play against players his size or bigger before I go getting too excited.
As we expected, Matta has quite a few options at his hands. Another frosh , Smith, will be ready within a week or two as well. I expect we will see all frosh except Weatherspoon get quite a few minutes of PT.

Sat right behind the basket on OSU's bench side, front row (season tickets baby).

Here is my assesment of each player, going in order of most impressive to least:

1a. Jared Sullinger

I have watched this kid grow up over the years. My brother played AAU with him and against him for the past 8 or so years. He literally has went from a pudgy post player to a man. He was so smooth with the ball in his hands and back to the basket. His IQ is off the chart for an 18 year old and he seems to never get flustered.

He got fouled hard and still finished on 2 plays that I remember. He had 2 or 3 put back dunks. He grabbed every rebound within reach. The only aspects in which he struggled with today that I could see were his midrange jumpers and missing his first couple free throws. He went against a pretty good post player for walsh (number 4, I didn't buy a program). Big, physical kid that had a very nice stroke. I bet he could have played for some lower tier big 10 teams.

No one be surprised if he is 1st team big ten and flirts with all american status barring injury.

1b. William Buford

I really hope this is his year to shine. His shot looks better than ever and he looked comfortable with the ball in his hands. He came off some screens and burried jumper after jumper. His defense looks to be improved as he was on the ball a lot. I don't recall him ever being out of control or taking bad shots. He should be 1st team big ten and in the running for big ten POY.

I see him dropping 15+ every game, as he will be taking more shots than he did tonight. His assists should be around 5-6 per game too.

1c. Aaron Craft

All I can say is wow. I knew this kid was good, but he is the sleeper of this class. He was so confident with the ball in his hands and had some great passes. I believe his stat line was 12 points and 8 assists. His on the ball defense was outstanding. He was guarding a much quicker guard for Walsh, but he stayed right with him and I believe had 2 steals.

He entered the game just 5 minutes into the game and I believe in consecutive plays as follows: Kicked to Diebler for a 3, then stripped the PG for Walsh for a break away lay-up, and then OSU's next possession pulled up for 3 and burried it.

He was communicating like he had played in college for the last 2 years. It was VERY refreshing to have a PG that knocked down some great shots and could dish with the best. He will be a more reliable scorer in the years to come then Conley was, but not nearly as quick, and a better passer IMO.

He was down in the paint multiple times trying to grab rebounds with the trees, and I think he had 3 or 4. Granted, it was Walsh, but he blew everyone away in the stands.

The ONLY thing I am truly worried about with is Craft is when they face a team that has a very physical, big, strong, on the ball defender point guard.

2. Dallas Lauderdale

Seems to be moving with a lot more comfort and under control. He looks to be in GREAT shape and I LOVE having him and Sullinger down low on the court together. He had some good boards and putback dunks.

3. David Lighty

Same ole Lighty, except his shot looks MUCH better. He hit a couple 3's and looks to be recovered from that injury he suffered last winter. Defense looked great as usual.

4. DeShaun Thomas

A little disappointed with his performance today, but not all bad. I didn't think he was as good as advertised, but you can tell the kid can play. He had some good buckets, but he got pushed around somewhat easily. He has a frame, but is still pretty skinny. Had some good rebounds and buckets though. He will be at OSU for a couple years.

4b. Jordan Sibert

LOVE the kids stroke. Very smooth. He looks like a raw Buford. Hit his first shot I believe and played solid defense. I think we will see him more than people think.

5. J.D. Weatherspoon

Still very very raw, but he hit a 3 in the second half. He has great length and could be an asset for defense in close games. My brother also played with him for consecutive AAU seasons, and it is great to see him go from just a tall post player to a crazy athletic wing man. I hope he has an impact, but OSU doesn't look like they will need him much this year. I was hoping he would come in and attack the basket a little more, but I think he knows his role.

6. Jon Diebler

Diebler is still scared with the ball and is only good for 3's. He hit 1 or 2 3's and had a nice jumper or two. His on the ball defense was pretty good, but I feel it was more that he was guarding an NAIA guard so he looked better then what he is.



I know people have somewhat of a problem with Diebler starting and getting a lot of playing time, but the guy can flat out stroke when he is hot. He DEFINES a rhythm player. He can drop 20+ if he is hot. He is going to start every game unless he just goes into a flat out slump from the arc.

Buford, Diebler, Lighty, Lauderdale, Sullinger will be the starting lineup with Craft and Thomas off the bench EARLY.


The offense begins and ends with Buford, but when (not if) Sullinger gets position on the block, they are going to give him the ball every time. His skill set is so advanced for a freshman it's disgusting. We will learn a lot more over the next 3 games, especially Florida. This team could easily lose 8-10 games due to a combination of youth, Buford and Diebler having a bad night, etc, but I think just as easily win the big 10 and get a 1 seed if they get scoring from Sullinger, Lighty, etc...

I am very excited for this season and I think it's going to be a great one for our Ohio State Buckeyes.

Thanks for the analysis guys! Good stuff!

The guy from the o-zone that covers the basketball team has his article up.

thedynasty1998;549141 wrote:It was the first time a lot of people got to see the new look Buckeyes, so I thought I'd give a little breakdown for those interested:

Ohio State looked really good. I know it's just an exhibition and you can't tell everything from one game, but they looked deserving of the high ranking. Walsh is actually a pretty good team that could probably compete with some of the teams on OSU's early season schedule, so it was a decent test.

With that said, OSU did exactly what you expect them to do. They were dominant in every aspect of the game.

I haven't seen a box score, but I'll do a player breakdown for those who didn't get to see them.

Lighty - Looked very good! His shot looks to be improved and his shot actually looked to be a little quicker. Not sure if it's something he really worked on or what, but he looked much more like a scorer than just a role player. He did everything else well, as you would expect

Buford - Like Lighty, his shot looked really good. He started off at PG, but Walsh never really gave OSU any pressure. But when he was at point, he really just brought the ball down court and passed off and then got into a set and came off screens. They ran a couple nice plays for him when he brought it up at PG and immediately worked himself into a set

Diebler - (I'll preface by saying I'm not a Diebler fan) He looked very average, at best. Just didn't really do anything to make himself standout. And I was hoping he would get more physical and aggressive, but he didn't. There was a 3 on 1 break that he led at one point and kicked it to the wing for an open look, and instead of filling a rebounding lane he faded to the corner of the court by the 3 point line. The ball comes off exactly where he could have been. Just disappointed in his play, and I think he'll be disappointed in himself after his playing time is cut, and you will see why below

Lauderdale - Looked to be in great shape and made a couple moves offensively that he probably wouldn't have made last year. He just used his physical size and athleticism to really stand out.

Sullinger - He's exactly what I thought he would be. He's a pure back to the basket scorer that OSU hasn't had in a while now. He has GREAT hands and feel for the game. OSU seemed to run a lot of sets to get him the ball on the block and let him make plays. I'll be disappointed if he's not a minimum of 15/7 guy. I actually think by the end of the year he's in the discussion for Big 10 POY.

Thomas - Was not really impressed. You can see that he was a good skill set and body, but he seemed to be slow off his feet and struggled with the pace of the college game. I think he'll be fine in time, but he's probably going to end up as a bench guy.

Craft - STUD! OSU needs him on the floor. He really has good feel and is a scrappy player. Everything I've heard about him was true. I don't see how he doesn't play 27+ minutes a game at the PG position.

Sibert - Looked like a freshman, but has a smooth stroke. Not sure how many minutes he'll get with the depth at the guard position

Weatherspoon - Thought his athleticism would stand out more, but he looked okay. I think he can find a way to get minutes eventually, but won't be much more than a 5 minute a game guy.


I think this team needs a leader. During the warmups and preseason talk, it was hard to see who the leader of this team was. You would naturally expect Lighty, but he didn't seem to take that role. Thomas was actually the one to bring them together after introductions, which I thought was a telling sign. As for the vocal guys on the court (there wasn't much noise so you could hear the players talking), but it seemed to be Sullinger and Craft were the two guys talking the most.

You promised you were going to show us why Diebler's playing time was going to be significantly reduced...... YOU FAILED, as you always do. Thomas, you weren't impressed. Siebert, looked like a freshman. Weatherspoon looked like what we all know, he should red shirt and be a 5 year player, he's not needed this year.

What you PROVED, was what we ALL ALREADY KNEW. It's going to be Sullinger, Lighty, Buford, Craft or Lauderdale AND...... as much as you ignorantly hate it..... DIEBLER.

Well glad that even in the exhibition games we have stuck to the same script.

Dynasty doesn't like Jonny boy and CBF could rationalize gay intercourse happening right on the block O at halfcourt.

Moving on now..

Actually that brings me to a good idea. Why hasn't OSU dropped the the whole 'Ohio State' from halfcourt and gone with just the block O. It would look better, to me at least.

It sounds like another good year in Columbus. Go Bucks!

As far as leadership.

Matta said he was amazed how much leadership Lighty, Lauderdale, Diebler and Buford have shown, in bringing the Freshmen along faster than he thought possible.

I know they have their leaders, by default of being seniors, but the freshmen seemed to really have control of the team. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, because your PG and your best player are likely freshman, but I expected a little more from Lighty and/or Buford.

As for Sullinger playing against better competition, the guy from Walsh was a really good player. Just because he had Walsh on his jersey doesn't mean he didn't give Sullinger a good look. The guy was physical and athletic, so he was a good matchup for Sullinger.

You could see the potential in Thomas and I know he will have his bright spots, but he seems to be the one freshman who is having the hardest time making the jump to college basketball. Once he gains more confidence in being on the perimeter he'll be fine.

Again, I can't say enough about Craft. The guy is going to be a fan favorite. In the first half he jumps over the front row into the stands trying to save the ball. Just one of those guys who will do whatever it takes to make a play.

And I know what Diebler's value is. He is still a great shooter, but he's only a great shooter if he's shooting the ball. It's pretty obvious that his playing time will get cut, but he will have those games where he starts off hot and can carry OSU offensively.

thedynasty1998;549891 wrote:I know they have their leaders, by default of being seniors, but the freshmen seemed to really have control of the team. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, because your PG and your best player are likely freshman, but I expected a little more from Lighty and/or Buford.

As for Sullinger playing against better competition, the guy from Walsh was a really good player. Just because he had Walsh on his jersey doesn't mean he didn't give Sullinger a good look. The guy was physical and athletic, so he was a good matchup for Sullinger.

You could see the potential in Thomas and I know he will have his bright spots, but he seems to be the one freshman who is having the hardest time making the jump to college basketball. Once he gains more confidence in being on the perimeter he'll be fine.

Again, I can't say enough about Craft. The guy is going to be a fan favorite. In the first half he jumps over the front row into the stands trying to save the ball. Just one of those guys who will do whatever it takes to make a play.

And I know what Diebler's value is. He is still a great shooter, but he's only a great shooter if he's shooting the ball. It's pretty obvious that his playing time will get cut, but he will have those games where he starts off hot and can carry OSU offensively.

Agree with the above. And I too think the frosh leadership is a good thing. These guys have played together for years in AAU. So they know each other. It all good.

And I realize Walsh is actually a pretty good team. BUT, they just played a game the day before against OU. So they were tired and I don't care how good the kid from Walsh is..he isn't a big ten/ player. Sully is obviously going to be a beast, no question. But like any frosh...he will struggle at times as well IMO. That 15/7 is very reasonable though.

As for Diebler PT getting cut....well, EVERYONE PT is going to get cut. I have no doubt Matta is going to use the bench. We wont' see guys playing 38-40 min a nite. Depending on circumstances, game to game...I believe all starters will be in the 30-32 min area. Which is good as we should have much more fresh legs at end of games and at end of season.

CinciX12;549600 wrote:Well glad that even in the exhibition games we have stuck to the same script.

Dynasty doesn't like Jonny boy and CBF could rationalize gay intercourse happening right on the block O at halfcourt.

Moving on now..

Yup, same script..your jealous hatred of OSU is the same. Feel free to stay off the OSU topics since you dislike them so much and go worry about your X team.

centralbucksfan;549907 wrote:Agree with the above. And I too think the frosh leadership is a good thing. These guys have played together for years in AAU. So they know each other. It all good.

And I realize Walsh is actually a pretty good team. BUT, they just played a game the day before against OU. So they were tired and I don't care how good the kid from Walsh is..he isn't a big ten/ player. Sully is obviously going to be a beast, no question. But like any frosh...he will struggle at times as well IMO. That 15/7 is very reasonable though.

As for Diebler PT getting cut....well, EVERYONE PT is going to get cut. I have no doubt Matta is going to use the bench. We wont' see guys playing 38-40 min a nite. Depending on circumstances, game to game...I believe all starters will be in the 30-32 min area. Which is good as we should have much more fresh legs at end of games and at end of season.

I agree. And usually the biggest difference in players from D1 and a NAIA like Walsh is the play of the big men. Lauderdale is case in point. He really just used his physical size and athleticism to put up good numbers. Sullinger got some easy baskets and probably a few rebounds that he doesn't get against Big 10 competition. But in the Big 10, there is more emphasis on scoring in the half court, and that's where Sullinger becomes even more effective. Against Walsh your 1st look is usually open and you can just impose your will, but against Michigan State, your 1st look is taken away (not just because of physical skillset, but also because now there is tape on you), your 2nd option is taken away and there comes a point when someone has to make a play. Sullinger can do that. I think Buford will be able to do that. Lighty looked very good attacking the basket. So, that gives you a few options, when last year it was only Turner.

As for minutes per game, I'll go head and make a prediction (although it's hard because the first 13 games are jokes, so minutes will be spread even more):

Sullinger - 33 mpg
Lauderdale - 21 mpg
Lighty - 27 mpg
Diebler - 21 mpg
Buford - 32 mpg

Craft - 29 mpg (Conley played 32 mpg his freshman year. I'm not comparing Craft to Conley, but it shows that Matta will have trust in a freshman PG. Plus, Matta had Butler as a solid backup)
Thomas - 19 mpg
Sibert - 7 mpg
Weatherspoon - 6 mpg
Smith - 5 mpg

CBF, did you make it to the game?

I was there broadcasting, and Dynasty, you hit it spot on.

Of all of the players on our team that will get significant playing time, Diebler is the least useful. He really is just a knockdown shooter, and with our spread the floor mentality that utilizes athleticism and cutting to the basket, Diebler isn't useful for much unless he gets a lot of open looks and improves defensively.


Essentially, it means while I don't think Diebler is a key to our team, he can definitely be a great role player.

Long story short, I was very impressed with the freshmen, especially Sully and Craft. Craft has quick hands, quick feet, a good IQ, and the ability to knock down a jumper if needed.

Very excited to watch this team this year.

I don't normally plug our radio station, but since a lot of the games won't be on tv, you can listen in to our broadcasts at ohiostatesports.net. We have a really good bball crew this year and it should be a great season.

CinciX12;549600 wrote:Well glad that even in the exhibition games we have stuck to the same script.

.

Like Xavier losing to Bellarmine? LOL

OSU is going to be a very good team IMO. Bu

For those interested, the Big Ten Network is going to show the game on actual TV tonight starting at 6 p.m.

Writerbuckeye;550044 wrote:For those interested, the Big Ten Network is going to show the game on actual TV tonight starting at 6 p.m.

Yeah. Matt Sylvester on the color and OSU Student Radio's own Alex Kopilow on the PBP.

https://www.nmnathletics.com//pdf8/721490.pdf?SPSID=87813&SPID=10421&DB_OEM_ID=17300

lhslep134;550063 wrote:Yeah. Matt Sylvester on the color and OSU Student Radio's own Alex Kopilow on the PBP.

I saw Sylvester working court side and was wondering who he was working for.

Writerbuckeye;550044 wrote:For those interested, the Big Ten Network is going to show the game on actual TV tonight starting at 6 p.m.

Are you sure it's 6 p.m.? According to the Big 10 Network web site, it's going to come on at 5 p.m. Grrrr...have to bust ass at work now, so I can sneak out (or at least have my friend DVR it, so I can watch it after I get out of here).

thedynasty1998;550091 wrote:I saw Sylvester working court side and was wondering who he was working for.

B10 Network

centralbucksfan;549909 wrote:Yup, same script..your jealous hatred of OSU is the same. Feel free to stay off the OSU topics since you dislike them so much and go worry about your X team.

What did I say bad about OSU? You're fucking retarded.