10TV Sports Blog

There are three games left in this Buckeye Basketball regular season, the Big Ten Tourney and the NCAA tourney will follow.  Here are ten things I think about this team heading into seasons end.

1.  This team does not play the way I thought it would play.  I assumed that everything would run through All-American Jared Sullinger at the offensive end but as this season has gone along it is clear it does not.  I have to assume Jared is not 100% health wise, I can't come up with another reasonable explanation.

2.  This team will go as far as William Buford and Deshaun Thomas takes it.  Both guys are offensive minded players who when hot are almost unguardable .  That said, both have shown an ability to shoot Ohio State out of games.  This is high stakes poker, Buford and Thomas are holding the chips.

3.  Loved what I saw from the coaching staff in the win over Illinois.  Like seeing Shannon Scott and Aaron Craft on the floor together.  The way the Bucks are playing offense, a creator like Scott might be a must going forward.

4.  Two years from now Sam Thompson is going to be All-Big 10. 

5.  I said it after the first week of the season and I continue to believe it now.  Jared lost too much weight.  So much of his game last season was built on his girth.  His ability to move opponents with his mass has been decreased thanks to the weight loss.  I'm not convinced he's 100% but even if he were I don't think he'd be the same player as he was last season.

6.  This team misses Jon Diebler and David Lighty.  No kidding, right.

7.  Right now this team is a 2 seed.  I can't see them getting to a one again.  

8.  Deshaun Thomas, aka My Man Deshaun better be back next season.  Spoke to an NBA scout at Tuesday's game and he reiterated the importance of My Man coming back.  It'd do him good to be The Man all next season.  Would do wonders for his game going forward.

9.  LaQuinton Ross is not going to make an impact this season.  But he's not going anywhere either, my guess is he is a big part of what this team does next season.

10.  I have judged this team all season as a "National Title Contender" and after serious thought I will continue to do so.  I've seen this team have the ability to beat really good teams.  Its off the rails a bit right now but in March is about matchups first and in the right bracket with the right seeding this team could make a march to New Orleans.  If I am tough on this team from time to time it is only because there is great potential.  I still believe in that potential and so should you.   

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