Ohio State Basketball: 10 Bold Predictions for the Buckeyes in 2011-12

After a disappointing loss to Kentucky in the Sweet 16 last season, the Ohio State Buckeyes are ready for another round of college basketball.

Led by superstar PF Jared Sullinger, the Buckeyes have victories written all throughout their schedule.

Here are some predictions, for better or for worse, for the Buckeyes this season.

Jared Sullinger Will Have a 20-Point, 10-Rebound Season

Last season, Jared Sullinger dominated the college basketball world, averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.

Without David Lighty and Jon Diebler this season, he'll have to increase his workload to keep the Buckeyes afloat against tougher opponents.

Sullinger will average over 20 points and 10 rebounds, further solidifying his position as the best player in college basketball.

PG Shannon Scott Will Have a Breakout Freshman Year

4-star recruit Shannon Scott, ranked 34th in the 2011 ESPN Recruiting Top 100, played 17 minutes in Ohio State's season opener against Wright State.

Though he only had two points, three rebounds and two assists, Scott is revered for his decision-making and penetration abilities.

As he becomes more familiar with Ohio State basketball and progresses through his rookie season, Scott will explode as one of the top freshmen in the country.

Jared Sullinger Will Shed Pounds

While Jared Sullinger effectively uses his body weight to bully defenders in the post, 6'10" and 280 pounds is a bit chunky, don't you think?

Sullinger will eliminate the biggest weakness in his game—lack of athleticism and quickness—by shedding some pounds throughout the season. He'll start running the floor better and be more agile on both sides of the floor as a result.

The Buckeyes Will Rise to No. 1 in the AP Top 25

While No. 1 North Carolina looks really good this season, they could easily drop a game against No. 2 Kentucky.

And if Kentucky goes ahead to win that game, they've still got two games against No. 7 Vanderbilt and a tough game against No. 8 Louisville.

If Ohio State can keep a steady winning pace, which they are sure to do, they'll easily rise to No. 1 in the Top 25.

Ohio State Will Only Lose 1 Game All Season, If That

The toughest team the Buckeyes will have to face is No. 6 Duke, who are led by two young, sensational guards in Austin Rivers and Seth Curry.

While Ohio State might have their hands full, this is by far the most threatening game on their schedule.

If they can summon the strength to get past Rivers, Curry and the Plumlee brothers, the Buckeyes will have smooth sailing throughout the rest of the season.

Jared Sullinger Will Average over Two Blocks Per Game

Last season, Jared Sullinger only averaged half (0.5) a block per game. In the season opener versus Wright State, Sullinger got off to a hot start, returning three shots back to sender. 

While we don't expect him to start recording four or five blocks night in and night out, he'll start showing a bit more enthusiasm on the defensive end of the ball.

Some Type of Scandal Will Plague Buckeye Nation

What's a season without a little bit of drama?

Whether it's a running into with the law, substance abuse or a player-coach dispute, some type of scandal will float about in Columbus, Ohio.

But as long as it doesn't revolve around Jared Sullinger, Ohio State will be just fine.

Thad Matta Will Go Bald

I mean, Coach Thad Matta's already halfway there. Whether it's stress or a personal decision, Matta's hair will go before the end of the season.

He's got the balding section of his head properly shined, greased and oiled up. Why not complete the transition?

Ohio State Buckeyes Will Win It All

Ohio State suffered a heart breaking defeat in the Sweet 16 at the hands of Brandon Knight and the Kansas Jayhawks last year. 

This season, they'll use last year's disappointment as fuel to drive them all the way to the NCAA championship game, and they won't disappoint.

Best believe the Ohio State Buckeyes will come out victorious at the end of the season.

Jared Sullinger Will Win the Naismith College Player of the Year Award

Last season, Jared Sullinger was named a Naismith Men's College Basketball Player of the Year finalist along with BYU's Jimmer Fredette, UConn's Kemba Walker, and Duke's Nolan Smith.

Notice the trend?

All of his counterparts have moved onto life in the NBA—which is rather slow with the lockout in place—leaving this year's award for Sullinger to take.

As he improves on his performance, the sophomore forward will be the unanimous decision for the Player of the Year award.