I started it last year on here and will again this season. A consensus Top 10 team with a starting lineup that seems like it'll be more of a 4 out set...

1- Craft
2- Smith
3- Thompson
4- Ross
5- Williams
Key Bench
Scott
McDonald
Loving
Williams

They will be aided by a very easy non-conference as Notre Dame and Marquette are the only real challenges they face, and other key games are at MSU and at Wisconsin. I am expecting them to really have a terrific season and roll through with only 4-5 losses tops

That bench is very unimpressive. Need Ross and Thompson to each take big steps forward. Loving needs to contribute right away. Should be a good team, but I would be surprised if they're any better than Sweet 16 good.

4-5 losses? That seems really unlikely and unrealistic, even for a biased fan

Best lineup IMO: Craft-Scott-Smith-Thompson-Ross. They can't roll with it too much but that would be one hell of an athletic lineup that could get up the floor. Everybody knows my love for Shannon Scott, but I really think he will be a stud this year. I am guessing we will see a short bench this year with only Shannon Scott seeing any significant minutes. Guessing McDonald gets 10-12 minutes a game and Loving gets 7-10 with Della Valle getting 7 as well, but that's about it. Think this is a team that if 2 of Scott/Thompson/Williams can make a nice jump then they can contend for the Big Ten and live up to their top 10 billing pretty easily.

Laley23;1522111 wrote:4-5 losses? That seems really unlikely and unrealistic, even for a biased fan

Guessing they have 1 non-conference loss at Marquette and probably 4-5 Big Ten losses. They don't have to play at Michigan which takes away a probably loss and they lost 5 last year in a brutal Big Ten, so 5 losses total isn't crazy IMO.

In order for the Buckeyes to reach their full potential, Aaron Craft will have to up his scoring production and give his team a steady outside shot. He's a wily player, who can get to the rim when needed, but can he provide consistent point production like he did in the NCAA Tournament last season all year long? If he adds that dimension, Ohio State will be very good, as I think Smith and Ross will be able to by committee resume where DeShaun Thomas left off offensively. I envision an Elite Eight team at best, however.

I'd be more interested in knowing what Ohio State fans think their ceiling is, however. Most preseason mags have OSU somewhere between the 10th and 15th best team in the country heading into the season.

Terry_Tate;1522116 wrote:Best lineup IMO: Craft-Scott-Smith-Thompson-Ross. They can't roll with it too much but that would be one hell of an athletic lineup that could get up the floor. Everybody knows my love for Shannon Scott, but I really think he will be a stud this year. I am guessing we will see a short bench this year with only Shannon Scott seeing any significant minutes. Guessing McDonald gets 10-12 minutes a game and Loving gets 7-10 with Della Valle getting 7 as well, but that's about it. Think this is a team that if 2 of Scott/Thompson/Williams can make a nice jump then they can contend for the Big Ten and live up to their top 10 billing pretty easily.

Forgot about Thompson. He's an exciting player. If he has added to his skill set in the off-season, he could be tough to keep away from the rim. Might be the best jumper in America.

reclegend22;1522123 wrote:In order for the Buckeyes to reach their full potential, Aaron Craft will have to up his scoring production and give his team a steady outside shot. He's a wily player, who can get to the rim when needed, but can he provide consistent point production like he did in the NCAA Tournament last season all year long? If he adds that dimension, Ohio State will be very good, as I think Smith and Ross will be able to by committee resume where DeShaun Thomas left off offensively. I envision an Elite Eight team at best, however.

I'd be more interested in knowing what Ohio State fans think their ceiling is, however. Most preseason mags have OSU somewhere between the 10th and 15th best team in the country heading into the season.

I have been reading about the team tonight so that's why I'm very active so far in this thread tonight for anyone wondering, lol. Almost started it about an hour ago and not sure why I didn't, so this is great.

To answer your question, I think Aaron Craft needs to play off the ball the majority of the time on offense, and let Shannon Scott be the main ball handling PG. He's a better true PG and this would take some of the pressure off Craft on offense so maybe he can settle into a roll where he takes 7-8 shots a game. Any more than that and he's just forcing it unless the D is the giving him layups. I think the duo of Scott and Craft will be an absolute defensive nightmare for other teams and will let this team be better than most think. There isn't a guard tandem out there that those two can't disrupt. Lenzelle is just a streaky shooter so I'm expecting him to either be on or off each night as usual, and Thompson needs to be way more aggresive this year. His athleticism is as good as anybody so he needs to put it to better use on the offensive end.

Overall though, I think this is a team that could be borderline top 5 at their absolute best, but I just don't think they have the overall depth and top tier talent to be top 5 consistently. I can't see them being better than Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, or Louisville for sure, but think they can be somewhere in the next 6 teams. Size is what will ultimately do them in against the top teams.

reclegend22;1522128 wrote:Forgot about Thompson. He's an exciting player. If he has added to his skill set in the off-season, he could be tough to keep away from the rim. Might be the best jumper in America.

If he puts it together then Craft-Scott-Thompson-Ross (without knowing other 1-4's off the top of my head so forgive me) has to be one of the best 1-4's in the country. Filthy defense from Craft/Scott and Thompson is no slouch, and then Ross and Thompson could, and I emphasize could, both be tough from inside and outside. They'll get killed at the 5 spot though which will be the downfall.

I'm the extremely rare Ohio State fan that is as excited about basketball as I am football if you can't tell as well, haha. Most probably have no idea basketball practice has even started.

Terry_Tate;1522137 wrote:I have been reading about the team tonight so that's why I'm very active so far in this thread tonight for anyone wondering, lol. Almost started it about an hour ago and not sure why I didn't, so this is great.

To answer your question, I think Aaron Craft needs to play off the ball the majority of the time on offense, and let Shannon Scott be the main ball handling PG. He's a better true PG and this would take some of the pressure off Craft on offense so maybe he can settle into a roll where he takes 7-8 shots a game. Any more than that and he's just forcing it unless the D is the giving him layups. I think the duo of Scott and Craft will be an absolute defensive nightmare for other teams and will let this team be better than most think. There isn't a guard tandem out there that those two can't disrupt. Lenzelle is just a streaky shooter so I'm expecting him to either be on or off each night as usual, and Thompson needs to be way more aggresive this year. His athleticism is as good as anybody so he needs to put it to better use on the offensive end.

Overall though, I think this is a team that could be borderline top 5 at their absolute best, but I just don't think they have the overall depth and top tier talent to be top 5 consistently. I can't see them being better than Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, or Louisville for sure, but think they can be somewhere in the next 6 teams. Size is what will ultimately do them in against the top teams.

Interesting take. I'm not sure I've heard any of the analysts project that before, about Craft possibly moving off the ball. Could be a good move, especially if Craft has improved his jumper. He obviously shot the ball really well in the NCAAs a year ago and flashed glimpses of that aspect of his game. Sounds like Shannon Scott could be the x-factor for the Buckeyes this year if he has elevated his game as much as you think he's capable of doing.

Terry_Tate;1522140 wrote:If he puts it together then Craft-Scott-Thompson-Ross (without knowing other 1-4's off the top of my head so forgive me) has to be one of the best 1-4's in the country. Filthy defense from Craft/Scott and Thompson is no slouch, and then Ross and Thompson could, and I emphasize could, both be tough from inside and outside. They'll get killed at the 5 spot though which will be the downfall.

I'm actually glad that Duke got its two games against the Buckeyes out of the way because I hate watching Aaron Craft play defense, especially against my team. While I do think he gets away with the arm bar technique more than he should, I say that with respect. Craft is a nuisance in the best way for his team. A rare player in today's game, I think.

reclegend22;1522146 wrote:Interesting take. I'm not sure I've heard any of the analysts project that before, about Craft possibly moving off the ball. Could be a good move, especially if Craft has improved his jumper. He obviously shot the ball really well in the NCAAs a year ago and flashed glimpses of that aspect of his game. Sounds like Shannon Scott could be the x-factor for the Buckeyes this year if he has elevated his game as much as you think he's capable of doing.

Yeah, most people never talk about it because they just see Craft as the leader and he's been the PG for 3 years, but Shannon Scott has a much better A/T ratio and gets more steals per minute than Craft. He's not as good on the ball as Craft but is better at the just roaming on defense and creating havoc. (Note: Only Trey Burke had a better A/T ratio than Shannon Scott among anyone that was top 100 in APG last year)

Anyway, speaking to offense specifically, Scott is a better facilitator and isn't worth much if anything off the ball, so to me putting the ball in Scott's hands will help the offense flow a lot better as Craft can still be good off the ball. I don't know if Matta will do it like this, it's just a personal thought that it would be good. They did it at the end of the 2nd Michigan State game last year and Ohio State scored on 4 straight trips down the floor I think, so I thought that could be the catalyst for them doing it a lot more often, but they never did. Scott has the highest ceiling on the team from where he's been though IMO. I think he'll be on an NBA roster once his career is done at Ohio State.

Ohio State is good, but 4 loss good? Just not sure I see it.

@ Marquette
Maryland
Notre Dame (Neutral)
@ Michigan State
@ Minnesota
@ Wisconsin
@ Iowa
Michigan
@ Illinois
@ Indiana
Michigan State

All of those are "lose-able" games. I might even through in @ Purdue and Iowa at home.

Ohio State lose the only double digit scorer, and while some may view it as a plus (or not a huge loss) I disagree. Guys will step up (most notably Q) in the scoring department, but thats still a lot to make up for when you dont add a stud freshman. Craft and Williams are kind of what they are offensively, I dont see that changing much...same for Thompson.

The Big Ten is still going to be a fucking haul this year. Not quite as deep/loaded as last year, but still beast. The difference between a 4 loss team and a 9 loss team is HUGE. I just dont see Ohio State as a top 5 team, which is what that post would indicate.

Laley23;1522180 wrote:Ohio State is good, but 4 loss good? Just not sure I see it.

@ Marquette (L)
Maryland (W)
Notre Dame (Neutral) (W)
@ Michigan State (L)
@ Minnesota (W)
@ Wisconsin (L)
@ Iowa (W)
Michigan (W)
@ Illinois (L)
@ Indiana (L)
Michigan State (W)

All of those are "lose-able" games. I might even through in @ Purdue and Iowa at home.

Ohio State lose the only double digit scorer, and while some may view it as a plus (or not a huge loss) I disagree. Guys will step up (most notably Q) in the scoring department, but thats still a lot to make up for when you dont add a stud freshman. Craft and Williams are kind of what they are offensively, I dont see that changing much...same for Thompson.

The Big Ten is still going to be a fucking haul this year. Not quite as deep/loaded as last year, but still beast. The difference between a 4 loss team and a 9 loss team is HUGE. I just dont see Ohio State as a top 5 team, which is what that post would indicate.

I have them going 6-5 in those games, but could see 5-6 or even 4-7 worst case. And even if they are 26-5 I don't think that makes them a top 5 team. They will have an inflated W-L because of the freaking awful non-conference schedule.

Terry_Tate;1522190 wrote:I have them going 6-5 in those games, but could see 5-6 or even 4-7 worst case. And even if they are 26-5 I don't think that makes them a top 5 team. They will have an inflated W-L because of the freaking awful non-conference schedule.

I guess that is true. The more you look the more it seems possible. I still dont see it, personally. But, at first thought, a 4-5 loss team comes across as top 5 and in play for a #1 seed.

Laley23;1522211 wrote:I guess that is true. The more you look the more it seems possible. I still dont see it, personally. But, at first thought, a 4-5 loss team comes across as top 5 and in play for a #1 seed.

Yeah, I know what you're saying, but it also helps that they don't play at Michigan and also don't play Wisconsin at home I believe, so that really helps the big Ten schedule. That combined with the terrible non conference schedule is why I see them with 5 losses, 6 tops.

Sounds like Scott and Amir williams are the 2 players who look like they have really elevated their game. Matta said today this could be his best defensive team ever.
Also noticed that the hitch is finally gone from aaron crafts shot and we all know he really imoressedat kyrie irvings camp. I dont expect big numbers from him. Just be consistent..thats all.


I think DT is a big loss. But its one they can easily make up for because they will get more quality looks now. No more DT just jacking up a shot in the first 5 seconds. Thought it was pretty telling thst lenzelle Smith said they don't wanna play defense for 35 seconds only to shoot it on the other end 8 seconds into the shot clock.

So id guess they will score less as a team but probably see the numbers rise as they should get better shots. If Scott is as good a shooter as they say and Thompson progressed again lioe last year, they could be dangerous. And very athletic. The biggest news so far is that amir williams looks different, and really focused on his hands. Which is great. He had a decent game when he could actually catch the ball.

I think they'll lose in the 6-8 range then win the B1G tourney. Have no real reason not to think they won't, lol. We've owned that tourney.

Oh and terry, im with you. LOVE osu men and womens hoops. Just as much as football. The only difference for me is that with osu football im in tune with recruiting very closely. But with bball im not as in tune with things. But getting into it more and more.

Midstate01;1522228 wrote:Oh and terry, im with you. LOVE osu men and womens hoops. Just as much as football. The only difference for me is that with osu football im in tune with recruiting very closely. But with bball im not as in tune with things. But getting into it more and more.

I'm probably a slightly bigger fan of basketball than football. More opportunities to get with friends and party through games and there's usually multiple games involving at least one team of interest on a nightly basis, so I always have good background viewing material for when I work out.

And the postseason tournaments (particularly first weekend of NCAA and to a lesser degree, the conference tournaments) are great party times. Until I wake up on Monday morning after the first NCAA weekend and realized I packed on 5 pounds in 4 days due to a diet of beer and gorging on any food within arms reach.

I think the big thing for me this year will simply be seeing how they react in those tougher non-conference games and when they get into the conference play initially. It's one thing to cruise past weaker teams (like my Bobcats this year, since they graduated every damn person who had value from last year's team seemingly), but it'll be in those bigger games that they'll show how much the loss of Thomas affects them.

To me, that's the key to the season. When you have a guy who's easily the biggest scorer on a team leave and everyone else is more of a "score by committee" sort of thing, it'll be interesting to see who steps up and takes control and can do so with consistency. A couple possible wins could turn to losses if there's an adjustment period where guys seem to be waiting around for someone to take charge during one of those "had a 10 point lead; it's now 3 points" moments that always happens a few times during the course of a season.

Heretic;1522461 wrote:I'm probably a slightly bigger fan of basketball than football. More opportunities to get with friends and party through games and there's usually multiple games involving at least one team of interest on a nightly basis, so I always have good background viewing material for when I work out.

And the postseason tournaments (particularly first weekend of NCAA and to a lesser degree, the conference tournaments) are great party times. Until I wake up on Monday morning after the first NCAA weekend and realized I packed on 5 pounds in 4 days due to a diet of beer and gorging on any food within arms reach.

First weekend in March Madness is the best time of the year, hands down, no debate. No other reason to gather around and drink and eat like the world is about to end for 4 days straight.

Laley23;1522111 wrote:4-5 losses? That seems really unlikely and unrealistic, even for a biased fan

Why? Schedule is not very difficult this season

The KEY to this team is not Craft, Scott nor anyone except Amir Williams. He was basically a huge disappointment last season. This team has all the parts to be VERY good...except a proven post player. They have experience, and at the best spots, guards. They are athletic and talented. If Williams plays up to his potential, plays consistant on both ends, stays out of foul trouble, this is easily a top 10, maybe top 5 team. Nobody talks much of Thompson. The kid elevated his game in the NCAA. He showed he can shoot from the outside. If he improved his ball handling, he will be a star in the making. His athleticism is unmatched. If he continues to shoot from the perimeter consistantly, we know what he is capable of doing around the rim, the sky is the limit with this kid. Bench stuff can be over hyped IMO. OSU has enough on the bench. Scott will continue to come off the bench. And don't forget about A. Della Valle. The kid can shoot the ball. It'll be interesting to see if he has worked himself into some playing time. I expect Loving to get some time and McDonald, although not very talented, is big enough to bang, defend and rebound. He showed that later in the season when he got some PT. I'm excited about this team. I honestly don't think Thomas is as big a loss as many think. I think with what they have returning, and the development of Ross, Thompson, as well as others, his scoring will be made up across the board. 4-5 losses? I expect similar to last season, around 8, give or take one or two.

Hahaha cbf is back!!