http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2010/03/02/madsen-reshapes-body-career.html?sid=101

I hope he can go out with a big ten champiosnhip ring.

Just read that. I really respect Madsen because he's obviously a hard worker and has done everything that has been asked of him, but it's beyond me how he's a regular player on the #6 team in the country.

I pray that Dallas Lauderdale doesn't get into foul troulbe in the tourney.

thedynasty1998 wrote:I really respect Madsen because he's obviously a hard worker and has done everything that has been asked of him,

I agree. He has done everything they ask of him and I can't help but root for those kinds of players.

thedynasty1998 wrote:but it's beyond me how he's a regular player on the #6 team in the country.

I think that's because of all the early departures the last few years. When everybody leaves after one year, the guys who are left over will get to play.

thedynasty1998 wrote:I pray that Dallas Lauderdale doesn't get into foul troulbe in the tourney.

I definitely agree with that as well.

I dunno...it's kind of nice having a post player who can make a shot outside of three feet...

I understand why he's seeing minutes, and I respect him for the fact that he's doing the best he can.

But at the same time, Matta knew the situation he was going to be in. He knew that Oden, Koufos and Mullens were all one and dones. None of them were surprise early departures.

thedynasty1998 wrote: I understand why he's seeing minutes, and I respect him for the fact that he's doing the best he can.

But at the same time, Matta knew the situation he was going to be in. He knew that Oden, Koufos and Mullens were all one and dones. None of them were surprise early departures.

Actually, and I have heard Matta speak on this...he did not know for sure that Koufos and Mullens were one and done. Especially Koufos, who happen to just disappear, not withdrawing, thus hurting OSU APR. And although Mullens did come out after the fact, stating he had no intention of staying longer then a year....Matta stated he wasn't sold that Mullens was going to leave.
But again, you can't not recruit these guys when they are right in your backyard. Its the nature of the beast right now. And its why OSU is where they are at as far as success. Its not like OSU is the only school dealing with early departures. Look at UNC this year. UConn? It happens at all the big time programs and at some point, catches up with them. Its a chance you take and IMO, its well worth it.
Matta has done an incredible job in recruiting. To have top players around the nation, have OSU in their sites...is amazing to me. I am not sure there is a better recruiter out there in the country. A couple on par maybe.

As for Madsen...great young man. Knew of him from back in HS, when he was actually pretty highly recruited, and a VERY good HS player.
And, Madsen came in at the right time...Matta knowing Oden would be gone, and knowing Madsen would accept whatever role there was for him, and he did.

I don't care what Matta said, he knew they were leaving. I knew they were leaving. Everyone knew they were leaving.

Koufos almost didn't enroll because he was ready to make money. That alone should have let everyone know that he had no intention of staying more than a year. Mullens was the #1 recruit in the country coming out of HS and had the size and athleticism that NBA teams covet. He never misled anyone into thinking he was staying more than a year when he openly talked about his family situation.

Now we can discuss whether they made the right decision or not, but I would have been SHOCKED if either had decided to return.

If you would have told me that Madsen is playing as much as he is this year, I would have told you OSU had won about 10 games.

He obviously put a ton of unnoticed work in during the summer. Good for him.

Koufos is the one I think surprised people the most. Oden was a lock one and done, and anyone who believed Mullens was going to hang around was in denial to an extent. With that said, you can't turn down these type of players. You just can't. It's been proven time and time again they can come in and make a serious difference. The biggest key to things however is balancing them out with other 3-4 year players who can give you that needed experience and leadership down the road, which is just as important in building a championship team.