ytownfootball;1091796 wrote:Not sure what happened to Thomas stepping back. Early in the season it looked like he was going to fill that role adequately, now he doesn't seem to look for that shot.

SO GOES THE SEASON WITH BUFORD. William Buford is having an up and down season, which has been trending downward as of late. Rob Oller of the Columbus Dispatch believes the Buckeyes aren't going to get far unless Buford turns it around.As displayed in the Buckeyes' losses against Michigan State and Michigan, Buford is going to need to elevate his level of play if the Buckeyes expect to go far in the NCAA tournament. Buford, the team's only senior, is setting a poor example for the younger players beneath him as he has taken the most shots on the team but is an astounding ninth in field goal percentage on the team.
Additionally, while Buford is averaging 15 points this season, his highest average of his career, he is averaging 18.4 points against the bottom seven Big Ten squads and only 8.8 points against the top four teams. He's clearly having trouble living up to the pressures of big games and that's a bad sign because every game in March Madness is a big game.
Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas can only do so much for this team. Thad Matta needs to get more out of his perimeter game. Lenzelle Smith, Aaron Craft, and Buford have simply not been a great alternative to the post game and it's hurt OSU in their last two big games.
Buford, who could've been a first round NBA draft pick last year, is playing at such a low level that some people are questioning if he'll even get drafted. Could Buford have to play in Europe like David Lighty did this year? Maybe we shouldn't think this far ahead as Buford still has time to turn it around, but Buford has to pick it up or the Buckeyes are in trouble come March.

vball10set;1091811 wrote:more on WB...

http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2012/02/tuesday-skull-session-1#more

chicago510;1092260 wrote:
Buckeyes hot tonight...which means they will struggle this weekend.

Automatik;1092264 wrote:Haha I was thinking the exact same thing. They will blow their load tonight.

I'm pumped to see how Thompson's future at OSU unfolds. Some more time in the weight room and increased PT, sky is the limit.

chicago510;1092270 wrote:I would feel good about this bounceback performance if this sorry ass Illinois team didn't just get crushed by Nebraska.

Laley23;1091006 wrote:OSU by 25. If Illinois actually tries, then OSU by 16


As for what I would tell Matta:

1. You are the more talented team on 95% of the nights. Push the pace. More possessions with more talent usuallys results in more possessions "won".
2. Try some pick and rolls with Sully. He can hit the shot, and if not Craft will be able to penetrate and create issues even if he doesnt score. He has troubel penetrating alone.
3. Swing the ball around until Sully has his man pinned. When he does, he touches it. Emphasize on getting the ball inside. This team cant shoot, so the best time to do so is on a kick out. They can hit those, they cant hit it when they settle though.

Automatik;1092264 wrote:Haha I was thinking the exact same thing. They will blow their load tonight.

I'm pumped to see how Thompson's future at OSU unfolds. Some more time in the weight room and increased PT, sky is the limit.

wildcats20;1092363 wrote:Winner winner chicken dinner

LJ;1092375 wrote:except it wasn't because Illinois tried :laugh: