OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
espn.com
8/18/05
8/18/05
47. Ohio StateCredentials: Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. … no wait a minute, that's in 2006-07. Oops. Seriously, though, there's no reason to get too ahead of ourselves. The Buckeyes can make an NCAA Tournament run this season. Frankly, they could have a year ago had the school not put itself on a postseason ban. The Buckeyes get back J.J. Sullinger, who has had a year to work under Thad Matta, stud forward Terence Dials, complementary forwards Matt Sylvester and Je'Kel Foster and developing talents Ivan Harris and Jamar Butler. The key to this team could be Ron Lewis. The Bowling Green transfer supposedly was one of the best talents on the practice court last season. If Lewis is a major contributor (read: scores in bunches), this squad should be in the thick of the Big Ten race.
Reason: Remember, Ohio State did beat Illinois on the final day of the regular season. Matta is still getting mileage out of that win with his players and he has them ready to make a splash. The core returns and Lewis' eligibility means the Buckeyes have a legit perimeter scorer to go with Dials inside.
Red flag: Point guard will be an ongoing issue. The position essentially will be by committee until Conley Jr. gets here in 2006. If the Buckeyes can get decent playmaking, they could become a tough out every night.