Red Rider Nation;1098865 wrote:Sour grapes in CBUS! You can remove me from all the threads you want but you cant run from the fact that OHIO STATE FUCKING SUCKS!

Memo missed...have a nice vacation

Good article, pretty much on the money. What I hold onto, is the hope they get together as a team. And come NCAA time, you aren't playing the familar conference teams who know you better than anyone as well.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/50188/what-happened-to-ohio-state

from the article

The Buckeyes badly miss Jon Diebler, because Jon Diebler never missed.

He may not have been the super star that some people expected him to be, but he was pretty damn good.

From the article:"The good news? OSU's defense is still, you know, really good. The bad news? If the Buckeyes don't find a way to get easier baskets, their chances of fulfilling the dream Sullinger laid out when he returned to Columbus as a sophomore — the 2012 national title — only look less likely."

How does OSU get some easy baskets? Maybe, a lineup change??? As mward pointed out, L.Smith is bringing nothing to the table. All we are saying is give someone a chance.

vball10set;1098869 wrote:85-63

Its the only thing you have to hold on to! I dont blame you. A win over a program that you will never mirror!!!

DUke 25-4 OSU 23-6. Us a #1 seed and you a #3 seed. Your offseason begins in 16 days! ENJOY!!!!!

Prescott;1098899 wrote:From the article:"The good news? OSU's defense is still, you know, really good. The bad news? If the Buckeyes don't find a way to get easier baskets, their chances of fulfilling the dream Sullinger laid out when he returned to Columbus as a sophomore — the 2012 national title — only look less likely."

How does OSU get some easy baskets? Maybe, a lineup change??? As mward pointed out, L.Smith is bringing nothing to the table. All we are saying is give someone a chance.

Honestly, I'd like to see Sibert get an extended look. At least with him, the defensive player would have to stay in the same timezone as him. Love Thompson, but his offense isn't there, and Scott can't throw it in the ocean, so teams are able to make it really difficult for Sully to get the ball in good position.

A lot of Fair weather fans on here. Hating on your team now? THis shit is great guys. Keep it up and I can sit back and watch this site spiral out of control just like your basketball team. EMBARRASSING!

Prescott;1098899 wrote:From the article:"The good news? OSU's defense is still, you know, really good. The bad news? If the Buckeyes don't find a way to get easier baskets, their chances of fulfilling the dream Sullinger laid out when he returned to Columbus as a sophomore — the 2012 national title — only look less likely."

How does OSU get some easy baskets? Maybe, a lineup change??? As mward pointed out, L.Smith is bringing nothing to the table. All we are saying is give someone a chance.

I honestly don't know. Lets be honest, what is Thompson going to bring that Smith doesn't? Smith is second on team in rebounds. He brings energy as well. Thompson has HUGE upside. But rigth now, can't make a perimeter shot if his life depends on it. The only kid able to do what OSU needs is Ross (outside shooting). And he can't even get in a defensive position right now.
If there is a shakeup in lineup(I doubt it happens), its going to be more of a message sent to wake up people more than to help out offensively.
I think Matta is trying some different things. He is using the bench more the past two games than he has. Scott has come in at the 15/16 min mark as have others at certain times. The bench held their own, but that was about the extent of it.

se-alum;1098908 wrote:Honestly, I'd like to see Sibert get an extended look. At least with him, the defensive player would have to stay in the same timezone as him. Love Thompson, but his offense isn't there, and Scott can't throw it in the ocean, so teams are able to make it really difficult for Sully to get the ball in good position.

Are you serious? Sibert? He has had ONE good game. He is shooting 26% from three, 28% overall. He is the biggest disappointment on the team.

vball10set;1098823 wrote:like Duke?

btw, mward31--excellent post, with reps on the way

A slapshot I can't really defend since you handed it to us in the Schott. However, that was an anomally.

I like where Duke stands today. November was a long time ago.

I'm wiiling to give just about anything a short look at the guard spot at this point, even if it means sacrificing some defense. Thad has focused entirely on D and given up on scoring it would appear.

reclegend22;1098915 wrote:A slapshot I can't really defend since you handed it to us in the Schott. However, that was an anomally.

I like where Duke stands today. November was a long time ago.

Sorry. An anomally is a buzzer beater maybe. OSU put a THRASHING from start to finish. Yes, that was NOV. Teams get better, worse, anything can happen on any given nite. But that game was a complete mismatch from start to finish. And personally, I don't think Duke is in such a great spot. I find it funny how people discount a recent loss to Miami, and barely getting by VaTech at home in OT. Interesting how the experts just brush those off like nothing. When that happens to other teams, they are "exposed". If that was an anomally, then would you agree the UNC win was an anomally for Duke as well?

ytownfootball;1098917 wrote:I'm wiiling to give just about anything a short look at the guard spot at this point, even if it means sacrificing some defense. Thad has focused entirely on D and given up on scoring it would appear.

Disagree. Defense can always keep you in a game. Look at other teams with losses. Many, have been completely blown out of games. OSU had a chance to win in all their losses. No blowouts. There is something to be said for that.

Duke will be a #2 seed and be ousted in the SS...bank it

/sleeper'd

centralbucksfan;1098935 wrote:Sorry. An anomally is a buzzer beater maybe. OSU put a THRASHING from start to finish. Yes, that was NOV. Teams get better, worse, anything can happen on any given nite. But that game was a complete mismatch from start to finish. And personally, I don't think Duke is in such a great spot. I find it funny how people discount a recent loss to Miami, and barely getting by VaTech at home in OT. Interesting how the experts just brush those off like nothing. When that happens to other teams, they are "exposed". If that was an anomally, then would you agree the UNC win was an anomally for Duke as well?

By anomally, I simply meant that Ohio State is not 30 points better than Duke. The Buckeyes had like five Allan Houstons on the floor against the Blue Devils in their best performance of the season, while Duke played completely lifeless basketball (aside from Rivers) in what was by far its worst performance of the year. It happens. Look at North Carolina's 33-point drubbing in Tallahassee? Would you call that an anomally, or do you really think Leonard Hamilton's team is six touchdowns better than North Carolina?

If Ohio State and Duke played again, it'd be a great challenge, but I'd welcome it. Over the past few weeks, the Blue Devils have learned to play with a greater sense of urgency and transformed into a team with true character and resolve on the road. While you always hate close games, especially against teams you know you are clearly superior to, the numerous down-to-the-wire contests Duke has participated in lately can only translate into positive things come NCAA time, when terrifying close calls are the norm and not the exception.

I find it funny how people discount a recent loss to Miami, and barely getting by VaTech at home in OT. Interesting how the experts just brush those off like nothing. When that happens to other teams,

When you know your team will get calls down the stretch close wins are expected and not an issue.

Prescott;1098962 wrote:When you know your team will get calls down the stretch close wins are expected and not an issue.

This applies to UNC, Kentucky, Kansas, Syracuse, Connecticut, Michigan State and any team rated among the best in college basketball. That's the nature of being on top.

centralbucksfan;1098935 wrote:OSU put a THRASHING from start to finish.

They certainly did, but does anyone feel confident that OSU would beat Duke if they played them again? On a neutral floor? Maybe the sky is falling, but I have a bad feeling if we get matched up against a small conference champ that has players who have been playing together for 3-4 years.

FatHobbit;1099005 wrote:They certainly did, but does anyone feel confident that OSU would beat Duke if they played them again? On a neutral floor? Maybe the sky is falling, but I have a bad feeling if we get matched up against a small conference champ that has players who have been playing together for 3-4 years.

Obviously, OSU was hitting on all cylinders, and Duke didn't play well. That being said, if OSU gets a #2 seed, I'd be happy to be in any bracket with Duke or KU. Avoid the likes of UK, 'Cuse and UNC. In NCAA, its about matchups. Conference play, that familarity makes a big difference in how teams can play you. Obviously OSU has to get heads back, no question. Or anyone could knock them out, especially those small conference good times that are often overlooked.

centralbucksfan;1098913 wrote:Are you serious? Sibert? He has had ONE good game. He is shooting 26% from three, 28% overall. He is the biggest disappointment on the team.

Look who we are discussing Sibert possibly cutting minutes into. Thompson and Scott have combined to make a stellar 2-26 on 3 pointers. Take away Lenzelle's two games against Indiana, and he shoots 32% on threes. And it's not just the percentages, it's the volume. These guys don't want to shoot and the other teams are figuring it out pretty easily. They've made 22 combined threes in 29 games. Diebler made 19 combined in two games last year. Unlike the aforementioned trio of guards, Sibert was recruited with a reputation as an excellent shooter coming out of high school. Early in the season, Matta had the confidence to play him decent minutes. I would be the first to admit he had a rough November and December. But after nearly an entire big ten season with no offensive production at one of the guard spots (with the exception of 2-3 games), I would not be complaining if Matta gave Sibert another chance (or a first chance for Ross). Obviously he's not going to jump into the starting lineup, but 10-15 minutes a game doesn't seem that crazy to me. Like you said, confidence can be a tricky thing. Giving Sibert or Ross some non-garbage time minutes might do wonders for their confidence and psyche. I would just like to have someone at that position willing to take a wide open outside shot and maybe even make it every now and then. Teams seem to be daring that spot to shoot and to a lesser extent Aaron Craft. At least Craft started to take (and make) a decent amount of shots against Wisky.

mward31;1099036 wrote:Look who we are discussing Sibert possibly cutting minutes into. Thompson and Scott have combined to make a stellar 2-26 on 3 pointers. Take away Lenzelle's two games against Indiana, and he shoots 32% on threes. And it's not just the percentages, it's the volume. These guys don't want to shoot and the other teams are figuring it out pretty easily. They've made 22 combined threes in 29 games. Diebler made 19 combined in two games last year. Unlike the aforementioned trio of guards, Sibert was recruited with a reputation as an excellent shooter coming out of high school. Early in the season, Matta had the confidence to play him decent minutes. I would be the first to admit he had a rough November and December. But after nearly an entire big ten season with no offensive production at one of the guard spots (with the exception of 2-3 games), I would not be complaining if Matta gave Sibert another chance (or a first chance for Ross). Obviously he's not going to jump into the starting lineup, but 10-15 minutes a game doesn't seem that crazy to me. Like you said, confidence can be a tricky thing. Giving Sibert or Ross some non-garbage time minutes might do wonders for their confidence and psyche. I would just like to have someone at that position willing to take a wide open outside shot and maybe even make it every now and then. Teams seem to be daring that spot to shoot and to a lesser extent Aaron Craft. At least Craft started to take (and make) a decent amount of shots against Wisky.

I have more confidence in Smith, Scott to play a better ALL AROUND game then Sibert. Matta had confidence to have him in the rotation early. There is a REASON he isn't seeing the floor at ALL now. Probably more then we could even speculate. And, from what I saw of him when he did play, but for ONE game gainst a POOR zone, I have zero confidence in him. I highly doubt he will be in an OSU uni next year. What we all fail to realize sometimes, is that the coaches want to win as much, probably MORE than we do. If there was an easy fix or something that see DAILY in practice, I am sure they would give it a try. I don't think there is an easy fix. And again, to be honest, its really about putting the ball in the basket. And, if OSU had made free throws Sunday, much of this discussion wouldn't be going in. Its been pretty evident since early on, that this OSU team doesn't shoot the ball well from the outside consistantly.

I would like the know the reason for Ross hardly seeing anytime. Is his defense THAT bad?

I'm not saying put him in for 20 min a game, but a don't see how putting him in for a few meaningful minutes could hurt.

Automatik;1099078 wrote:I would like the know the reason for Ross hardly seeing anytime. Is his defense THAT bad?

.

That would be my guess. I mean, when he has seen the floor, I haven't seen the dude even get in a defensive stance let alone know what the hell is going on defensively. I said this LONG ago when he was going to miss the entire preseason and then some...that we would not see him until next year.

Like I said, at this point I don't think it could hurt to insert him in non garbage time.

Maybe his defense is terrible or maybe its due to him seeing the floor when the game is in hand? Some said he had the ability to be a '1 and done' player, correct? I just don't see how you can let that talent sit on the bench when the team is obviously struggling.