Ohio State Buckeyes: Why They Will Be the Last Team Standing

Like every other sports fan in America, I took part in filling out my bracket for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, and I am just as taken by Ohio State as a majority of the world. But my reasons may be a lot different than those who just like the Buckeyes because they are the No. 1 seed. The RPI and all the other madness that goes into the decision does not impress me much. I actually watched each and every one of their games this season, and was blown away by the depth that people are so heavily criticizing them for lacking. 

When the Buckeyes starters are announced, you will most likely hear these names: David Lighty, William Buford, Jon Diebler, Dallas Lauderdale, Jared Sullinger. That much is true. But when you are questioning the depth of their bench, let's take a look at it.

Aaron Craft is the second-most impressive freshman in the Big Ten, and is the most impressive at the point guard position because of what he has been able to do offensively and defensively. He has a way of disappointing and distracting his opponents—especially in one on one defense. Craft can interrupt a play with the best of them, and his ball handling has done nothing but improve in the months leading up to this point.

Deshaun Thomas. He sometimes fades into the background, but no one should underestimate his aptitude to put the ball down and not hesitate to let it go. It has worked against him a few times, but more times than, not his team has been able to work off of his quick release in tight situations. Thomas is looked to by his teammates to be the source of that long range and mid-jumper when the rest of the players have seemingly gone cold. He also manages to stay out of foul trouble, so he always remains an option.

Each player contributes in the ways that are necessary to win.

Even though Jon Diebler is the leader of the Big Ten for three-point field goals made, he has also proven to be more than a one-trick pony, driving his way to the basket and drawing a few fouls in the process. David Lighty has become the clear leader of the team, forcing turnovers and hustling for the offensive rebound regardless of how his size compares to those against him. In the game against Northwestern, Sullinger was not as much of a paint presence early on. But as the game trotted on, his free throws in OT were what made the difference between a loss and a win for Ohio State.

Ohio State is such a dangerous team in the tournament because of the fact that, when one role is not working, they are ready and willing to adjust their game for the advancement of the team. The egos run low, and that is going to be one of the major determinants for the winner of the NCAA Tournament.

http://www.iamnba.com/2011/03/i-got-next-jared-sullinger/