Questions surround the 2008 Basketball Buckeyes.
Who will replace Jamar Butler?
Can B.J. Mullins follow in the footsteps of Greg Oden and Kosta Koufos to be the next great OSU center?
Will David Lighty step up and be the leader of this team?
Has Jon Diebler regained his shooting touch from his high school days and be able to be the shooting threat the Buckeyes so desperately need?
The 2007 Buckeyes rebounded nicely from the disappointment of not making the NCAA tournemant and went on the win the NIT Championship.
The 2008 team will face a tough schedule, but the team has the talent to make a run. Will that talent produce? Time will tell.
Let's take a look at the 2008 schedule.
Nov. 20 Delaware State (MEAC)
A perennially pesky team that is well coached. The Hornets maximize the talent on their roster and play defense first. DSU returns just about every major contributor from last season's team.
Nov. 24 Bowling Green (MAC)
Second year coach Louis Orr looks to build off last season's 13-17 record. Chris Knight, a 6’ 7” product of Cincinnati, mad a splash in his first season. If Knight can achieve better consistency in his second season, he could be a star in the MAC.
Nov. 29 Samford (OVC)
The Bulldogs are a scrappy bunch led by 6’ 10” center Travis Peterson who ended last season as one of only eight players in the country to lead his team in points, rebounds, and assists per game.
Dec. 02 at Miami (ACC) *Big Ten/ACC Challenge
Miami returns four starters and its top-five scorers from that NCAA Tournament team, including All-America candidate and 2007-08 All-ACC First Team selection Jack McClinton, who averaged a team-high 17.7 points per game for the season and 18.8 points per game in ACC play.
Dec. 06 at Notre Dame (Big East)
The Buckeyes will face Notre Dame in the first ever basketball event at the new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Irish return nine upperclassmen form last season’s NCAA Tournament team and will make for a tough test for Ohio State.
Dec. 13 Butler (Horizon League)
Thad Matta’s Alma Mater and the school that gave him his first coaching job come to Columbus with a young but talented team. Ohio State lost to the Bulldogs last season and will face a stiff test at home this season.
Dec. 17 Jacksonville (Atlantic Sun)
Dolphins Head Coach Cliff Warren will bring a very young and inexperienced squad to Columbus.
Dec. 20 Iona (MAAC)
The Gaels will be a tough test for the Buckeyes. Iona has more than a few players that can score and are a very good rebounding team. Talented freshman Trinity Fields joins seniors Devon Clarke, Gary Springer, and junior Alejo Rodriguez as the team’s best threats.
Dec. 22 UNC Asheville (Big South)
4 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Trey Corcoran 9 months ago
i see a NCAA title this year for OSU
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Kristofer Green 9 months ago
Wouldn't that be nice! Let's hope so!
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Sue M. 9 months ago
Ohio State needs to have some leaders who are willing to step up into the roles that are now vacant. Butler's position will indeed be very hard to fill. He's a great guard and it's hard to find someone who can match up to his ability and talent on the hardwood. Ohio State should have an interesting season and hopefully they will go far in the NCAA tournament. Great article, Kristofer. Keep up the good work. GO BUCKS!!!
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Kristofer Green 9 months ago
David Lighty needs to be that guy. He's a great player when he's playing at his best, but has been inconsistent. This needs to be his year. John Diebler and Evan Turner need to step into leadership positions as well. Matta is an excellent coach and OSU has a very talented team, but they are so young in key positions. The last time (2006-2007) we had such a young team it didn't seem to matter though. Let's hope this team has as great a season!
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