Laley23 wrote: why would anyone ever hope your team doesnt win a championship? Thats what you freaking play for!!!!

I could see thinking after the fact "this is probably not awful"...but to actually HOPE they lose and dont win a championship is bizarre to me.

I know it's not the same situation, but it is similar to what the Colts faced (and many NFL teams yearly) this year. They could have went for the undefeated season, or choose to rest guys for the playoffs.

I was critical of the Colts because they had the perfect season going. But they saw the big picture and thought it gave them a better chance of winning the Super Bowl.

There is no way that Matta plays PJ Hill 25 minutes in the Big 10 tournament to rest Turner or whoever else, but if he did, I wouldn't be opposed to it.

With that said, of course they want to win the Big 10 tournament. But I think OSU has locked up a 2 seed regardless of how the rest of the season plays out. And if they do drop to a 3, it's not that big of a difference. I don't think they have a shot at a 1, because three are locked up and I think Duke, Villanova and Kansas State are all ahead of OSU for that final spot right now.

And the difference from the second round games for a 1 seed vs. a 2 seed is irrelevant.

It's more like...you want them to win the conference tournament, but there are some positives if they don't.

Then again, it all depends on what type of team you have and how they respond. Sometimes teams win the conference tournament and play at such a high level, they can't match it that far into the NCAA's. Other teams can keep the momentum going and cut down the nets.

Look at Florida in 2005-2006. They were 8-6 in the SEC at one point. They won their final 2 league games, won 3 straight to win the SEC title and then 6 straight to win their first of back to back national titles. That team only had 1 senior, and he was their 9th player, but I'd definitely say the momentum kept them rolling in this case.

Now Syracuse in the same season won 4 games in 4 days to stun the country and win the Big East Tournament. They were rewarded with a 5-seed and promptly fell to Billy Gillispie's 12-seeded Texas A&M team in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. That was a team who was clearly worn out from the conference tournament.

CBF and Laley....no one has said that they "hope" the Buckeyes lose in the big 10 tourney. I think it's more a feeling that some of us just wouldn't be devastated if they slipped up in one of the 1st two games because the extra rest might not be a bad thing considering the team's depth situation.

SportsandLady.....I don't think there is any way OSU will get a #1 seed considering they are a 7-loss team. I think Kansas, Syracuse, and Kentucky are locks for 1 seeds with Duke and KSU competing for the 4th slot. I still think Nova should be higher than their #9 ranking and could also compete for a 1 seed. With this in mind, OSU will likely be a 2 or 3 seed regardless of where they finish in the big 10 tourney. Therefore, I don't really think there is much of an argument for going for the Big 10 tourney strictly for the reason of earning a #1 seed because I think it's fair to say this is out of the question. However, I would be quite upset if the Buckeyes just cashed it in and didn't at least try to win the title - just saying I wouldn't be overly dissapointed if they were knocked out early in a close game.

Back to Turner. The thing that impresses me most is the fact that he hasn't let all this hype go to his head. He is, by all accounts, a great kid. The kid has gone through alot in his life, and to see where he is now is great!

bulldog8 wrote: CBF and Laley....no one has said that they "hope" the Buckeyes lose in the big 10 tourney. I think it's more a feeling that some of us just wouldn't be devastated if they slipped up in one of the 1st two games because the extra rest might not be a bad thing considering the team's depth situation.

Well, here are 3 people...including yourself (you agreed). Bulldog did say he was torn.

krambman wrote:

I hope OSU doesn't win the Big Ten tourney.

They have NO benc, and they would need to win three games in three days to win the tourney title. I hope they win their first game and lose their second. That'll likely get them a 2 or 3 seed. I'm not sure they can survive 5 games in 9 days with just 5 players.

bulldog8 wrote: I agree with krambman....I think an early exit would only benefit this team, rest their legs, and have them ready for a great run in the tournament. Irregardless of who you're playing, how bad the first opponent is, and how average the second opponent is, those are still valuable minutes on the legs and although some of the wins over the lower tier teams have looked easy, the Buckeyes' top 5 are still out there busting their tails. Of course it would be great to win a Big 10 tourney title, but I have to admit that I won't be real upset if they get bounced in the 2nd round.

slcoach wrote: I'm torn on them winning the Big 10 tournament. I look at it that they will have 9 days off before they play again. If they win one (which everyone wants them do to) they are going to have to play at least two. The one extra game is not going to make that much of a difference. The more they win, the higher the seed, the (should be) easier the path. I say win and take your chances.

That is 1 for sure who hopes they dont win it. I just dont see why you want a team to lose when they can win a championship. They lose they might be a 3 seed. They win they are a 1/2 seed. Which is easier...regardless of rest??? By the second weekend, rest from the B10 tourney has NO AFFECT...so in essence you are resting for the opening weekend with the risk of playing much better teams the first and second rounds. Sorry, I cant see the logic in any of it.

Regardless of the discussion here, it's a good situation to be in. It's nice to be able to argue whether or not to challenge for a Big 10 tourney championhip, instead of other things. Matta will play to win the game, but I think most fans realize that a loss isn't the worst thing that could happen in the Big 10.

Dynasty, the problem is that the Colts were ONLY playing for the playoffs at that point. They had the AFC South all clinched up. Plus, in football your seed is based directly on your record.

In college bball you have a ton of titles to play for each year. I get that the big one is obviously the NCAA tourney, but that doesnt mean you dont try for the pre-season tourneys (Maui, NIT, etc), Conference Regular Season, and the Conference Tournament. Those are all the mark of a REALLY good year, even if you dont win the NCAA.

thedynasty1998 wrote: Regardless of the discussion here, it's a good situation to be in. It's nice to be able to argue whether or not to challenge for a Big 10 tourney championhip, instead of other things. Matta will play to win the game, but I think most fans realize that a loss isn't the worst thing that could happen in the Big 10.

Ill agree with that. But at the same time, I would be pretty upset as a fan if I lost even while realizing it isnt the end of the world.

I know the Colts wasn't a great comparison, but it's the best I could come up with. I understand "You play to win the game" but at the same time you look at the big picture.

I think everyone is in agreement that OSU isn't likely to win the National Championship, so get as many trophies as you can along the way, but it's why they play the game.

I don't have a problem either way. I'd love to watch OSU play in the Big 10 Championship right before the brackets come out, but at the same time, I'd rather see them make a run in the NCAA tourney compared to the conference tourney.

Again, it depends what type of team you are talking about.

Why does losing early in the BTT mean a better chance at a run in the NCAA's? That's a big assumption.

Lets face it, fans who are confident in the team on the floor expect to win every game. I expect this year's Kentucky team to win every game. They may lose, but if so, it's a disappointment.

If anyone has heard Rick Pitino's stance on the 1996 Kentucky team, which most will agree is the best college basketball team in the modern era, he claims losing the SEC Tournament title game led to his team rolling through the NCAA Tourney. I don't buy it. Of course it's VERY easy to make those claims AFTER you cut down the nets, and it's not unlike Rick Pitino to pump up his inflated ego by stating "he knew all along that's how it had to happen."

Lots of things happen over the course of a season, and VERY rarely can you say any specific events or results had a direct correlation on one another. So many things can happen in this format, and so many things HAVE happened in this format, it's not even really worth it to dwell on which scenario might be the best. Just play each game going forward with your best team and the results follow. The effects of winning this, losing that, getting X amount of rest versus Y amount of rest, etc...it's all impossible to measure with everything else that goes on with teams, players, coaches, etc...

So and so could break-up with his girlfriend the day before the NCAA Tournament, play like crap and cost his team the chance to go 2 or 3 rounds fewer in the tournament than their talent says they should. At the same time, an event could bond a team together and with the right bounce could make a run like George Mason.

Everyone has their own opinions on the conference tourney's. The thing is, everyone plays in them. I believe I saw a stat once on the final fourt teams, in reference to those who made conference finals, and I don't believe there was any kind of correlation about those teams losing early in the NCAA.
Someone can as easily look at the conference tourney as a confidence builder, and to keep the big momentum rolling. Lose to a team like IU/Iowa could hurt your confidence.
Its all in how you choose to look at it and the different make up of a team.
Again, I keep hearing about how tired OSU will get......well...look at how the just finished up the season. Now they get 9 days of rest. Then maybe have to play 3 games. Then they will get at least 3 days to prepare, maybe 4. I'll stick to my believe that they are not tired and will be fine. I am sure "if" they lose...someone will say thats the reason. But I am not buying into it. I have seen NO effects of OSU being tired. If that were the case...it would have already happened reared up a few games ago.

centralbucksfan wrote:
Again, I keep hearing about how tired OSU will get......well...look at how the just finished up the season. Now they get 9 days of rest. Then maybe have to play 3 games. Then they will get at least 3 days to prepare, maybe 4. I'll stick to my believe that they are not tired and will be fine. I am sure "if" they lose...someone will say thats the reason. But I am not buying into it. I have seen NO effects of OSU being tired. If that were the case...it would have already happened reared up a few games ago.

I have no problem admitting when I'm wrong, and you have pointed out the several occasions where I have been.

And I was dead wrong on the bench. Do I think the players might be more worn down than some other teams? Yes. But it hasn't shown, and it's not enough where we should think they will collapse now. With the 9 days off, it gives them a chance to rest late in the season, so if they were wearing down they can get rejuvenated.

And if/when OSU does lose in the tournament, I agree it can't be blamed on fatigue at this point. If they were to make a run in the Big 10 tournament, maybe it could become a legit argument. But either way, that argument at this point of the season is pointless.

And just to defend myself, earlier in the year I argued that Matta should use his bench more to reward his practice players than to give this team a better opportunity later in the season.

thedynasty1998 wrote:

centralbucksfan wrote:
Again, I keep hearing about how tired OSU will get......well...look at how the just finished up the season. Now they get 9 days of rest. Then maybe have to play 3 games. Then they will get at least 3 days to prepare, maybe 4. I'll stick to my believe that they are not tired and will be fine. I am sure "if" they lose...someone will say thats the reason. But I am not buying into it. I have seen NO effects of OSU being tired. If that were the case...it would have already happened reared up a few games ago.

I have no problem admitting when I'm wrong, and you have pointed out the several occasions where I have been.

And I was dead wrong on the bench. Do I think the players might be more worn down than some other teams? Yes. But it hasn't shown, and it's not enough where we should think they will collapse now. With the 9 days off, it gives them a chance to rest late in the season, so if they were wearing down they can get rejuvenated.

And if/when OSU does lose in the tournament, I agree it can't be blamed on fatigue at this point. If they were to make a run in the Big 10 tournament, maybe it could become a legit argument. But either way, that argument at this point of the season is pointless.

And just to defend myself, earlier in the year I argued that Matta should use his bench more to reward his practice players than to give this team a better opportunity later in the season.

Honestly wasn't directed at you. And, I'd be lieing if i wasn't a little worried with the lack of depth myself. It could have happened. But again, i think Matta learned from the team that had Foster. They did get tired down the stretch, and he has admitted as much. Thus the reason he has limited practice time, and very little rep for the starting 5. It has worked, so it obviously has looked good.
But its not like OSU is the only team who isn't keep. I believe 'Cuse only goes 2 off the bench..#1 in country.
Its not ideal...any coach would luv to have options. But it is what it is.
And yes, I do remember your point about rewarding. But some of those guys got plenty of time prior to Big Ten. On top of that..again, big time ball here...not high school. Matta is paid to win.

Interesting note...being at the game, close to OSU bench...at end when Matta cleared the bench....Simmons didn't want to go in. He had already played. It didn't look like he upset. I think he wanted to see somone else get in that hadn't. But he and Matta were chatting for a few during this time. But it didn't look confrontational at all.

The thing with OSU's bench that I'm not sure is a factor or not, is that most of these guys are not Big 10 caliber players. Maybe they are content just being able to be a Buckeye and taking in the atmospheres in the Big 10 and just being a part of it all. Often times players are not realistic in their own abilities, but PJ Hill, Simmons, Kecman and even Madsen would be fools to not realize that they are above a level of which they probably belong.

cbf--I think that's a key to the Buckeyes success--everyone on the team has bought into Coach Matta's philosophy that everyone on this team has a role,no matter what it is,and for the team to be successful EVERYONE has to accept this role--and,on the outside at least,it appears it's working!!!

It would be nice to see him get player of the year. It would also be nice to see him stay another year.

Ohio State will most likely finish the regular season in a 3-way TIE for 1st place In the Big Ten. I would think the players would REALLY want to win the Big Ten Tournament. Then there would be no doubt which of the 3 were THE Big Ten Champs.

he has the weirdest voice...ever

I think you can only evaluate whether the momentum/rest theory happened after the fact, which nullifies it. If Ohio State wins the Big Ten tourney and makes a Final Four run, it will be because of the momentum. If they get bounced in the Big Ten semis and still make a Final Four run it will be because of the rest. If they flame out in the second round after winning the Big Ten tourney it'll be because they had dead legs. If they flame out after getting bounced in the Big Ten semis, it'll be because they lost momentum.

You can spin it any way you like. UNC didn't even make the ACC Finals in either of their title runs. Florida won the SEC tourney in both of theirs. I'm not sure there is an advantage or disadvantage either way.

What about this? 64 teams enter the Big Dance. Obviously, only one is going to win it. I think the Bucks have a realistic chance to win it, along with a bunch of other teams. Now, the odds are greater that they won't win a National Championship. Now, if they don't win a National Championship, wouldn't you want them to win the Big 10 Tourney?

UA5straightin2008 wrote: he has the weirdest voice...ever

give the kid a break--punking on his voice ??? :s

LOL--and I've got to believe there has to be somebody out there with a voice "weirder" than his...

vball10set wrote:

UA5straightin2008 wrote: he has the weirdest voice...ever

give the kid a break--punking on his voice ??? :s

and I've got to believe there has to be somebody out there with a voice "weirder" than his...

He wasn't speaking literally you fucking dipshit

I've been watching OSU basketball since 1968 and have seen some damn good players in those years -- but Evan Turner may be my favorite Buckeye yet.

He is, by far, the most versatile player I've seen come through Ohio State, as he can post you up, create a three point shot off the dribble, or drive to the basket and dunk over you -- or he may start out doing one of those three and dish off to an open teammate who nails a jumper or puts in a layup.

On top of that, he has handled himself with grace and dignity and has been an excellent representative of the team, the school and the program.

You can't ask for much more than that.

He deserves Player of the Year for his work on the court, and I surely hope he gets it.

I was particularly happy to see him get a Big Ten championship ring (now he and Sammy have a matched set ) because I honestly can't see him passing up the NBA to stay another year -- even though I'd love it.

Thank you, Mr. Turner, for some really, really great memories.

Well said, Writer.

vball10set wrote:btw,thanks for stalking me,you frickin' creep

LOL ME stalking YOU?

vball10set wrote:

Tiernan wrote: Dumbest thread of all time. I thought the idiot known as Rydawg died when JJ closed the doors...guess that was just wishful thinking.

I thought the same thing about a certain prick from my hometown--no such luck....

vball10set wrote: ...in Oxford today--so here's a thread for all you drunks to post on(and S&L wishes he could post on)between rounds

vball10set wrote:

september63 wrote: LOL...He isnt either. Im pretty sure he had been drinking and was really frustrated that night.

LOL--ya' think??

vball10set wrote: I think it'd be a GREAT game...I like Kansas,but wouldn't mind seeing them lose so S&L could have another meltdown--what a dbag lunatic!!!

vball10set wrote: LOL--how'd you get that video of SportsAndLady's family barbecue??

vball10set wrote:

Devils Advocate wrote: In order to reduce the Federal Deficit, I propose to initiate a Federal Douche tax.

sportsandlady could subsidize the entire West Chester school district

So there ya go..6 posts within the last couple days, all dealing with you posting something about me, where 5 of the 6 I wasn't even involved in the discussion.

Oh and this post has nothing to do with me, but talk about fucking creepy

(asking about what your favorite BW3's sauce is:

vball10set wrote: I'm here right now--where you sitting???

If you're trying to find love on the internet so you can finally get laid after 40 years of misery, I suggest maybe a dating site, maybe even a mail ordered bribe, but jesus christ FUCKWAD stay away from young men on FreeHuddle!