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C Greg Oden (All B1G, All-American, Defensive Player of the Year, Butler Assistant Coach)

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Recruiting Chart

Just curious after I peeked at the recruiting chart. It seems as everyone has OSU listed first, unless that is a biased list with us being first if they are even interested. If it is what it appears, Matta will have his pick of players? I find that hard to believe, only because it's like my friends marrying girls they've met a couple times just because they are that sold so quickly. I don't question Thad's ability to recruit, I just wonder if OSU is the new place to go or else we assume they will come here if we offer. I'd rather have a realistic view of who is putting OSU #1 and not have the Bucks first for everybody interested. Is that a valid question or am I reading into it too far?

By the way, I met coach and his wife last year at the Blackwell on campus while I was working there as a valet. He pulled up late one night as I was getting ready to close up shop, and I saw the headlights and started moving faster. He asked if we were still valeting (?) and when I saw who it was I about sharted myself. Of course I took care of him, and the next day met Mrs. Matta, who explained that she had bought the new TBDBITL CD and needed to learn the songs on her way back to Cincy. I was pretty excited and they are both great people, I can understand the interest in OSU hoops for these young guys.
 
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Oden, Conley, Cook are all on the same team. Cook and Lighty are both buckeyes. Oden/Conley seem very likely to join them. That puts us as easily the best class in the nation, and once we add a few more quality players challenging for the best ever.

Thaddeus Young has gotten high on the Matta excitement and is strongly considering us, tho he's a longshot. He's been facing off against the above trio a lot, so its easy for him to recognize their talent and how exciting it would be to join them in college.

2007's best guard (b/c Mayo is going pro) is Eric Gordon, who also plays on the Spiece team with Cook and the rest.

It's pretty easy to see just from that list why anyone else would want to come here. The facilities are fantastic, the grades aren't as hard as wake/duke, and matta is a great coach that players love.

That's why we have an unbelievable amount of people having us so high on their list.
 
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First of all, for this situation to even arise means that this has got to be one of the single greatest eras of OSU basketball (or Duke, or UNC, you name it...) bar none. I appreciate your response, and OSU being this high on their list is one thing in itself. I have followed this particular recruiting escapade relentlessly, be it through this site, or JJHuddle, or bucknuts, or I could go on. (ask my roommates) But to have every single player that we are looking at (2006 and beyond) listing OSU as #1 is just plain hard to believe. If it is true, then like I said I understand because coach is awesome and besides, I grew up bleeding 2 colors, scarlet and gray. At the same time, those players and myself all know that we don't have room for all of them, and so therefore some of them would need to look elsewhere to play. Basically, my thinking was that the way the recruiting chart was listed, Matta could offer (for example) players 1-5 on his list, and if 2 or 3 of them went to another school, he could grab the next best 2 or 3 players. Like I said, I hope that is the case, but I was just wondering how many of those players who list OSU, MSU, UNC, and ILL (in that order, according to the chart) actually favor UNC, ILL, MSU and then OSU. Do you follow my question? I just don't wanna believe something that far off if it is in fact that far off. It's starting to feel like football recruiting, and we get our pick of the litter! Go Bucks
 
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Ohio State is listed first on the lists because this is an OSU site - not because the Buckeyes are the leader for all of these kids.

However, just to be listed on ALL of these guys' lists is absolutely incredible. This is the equivalent of a team like Minnesota, Texas Tech, or Oregon State pulling down the #1 recruiting class for football. I just doesn't happen.

By the way, to find out the leader for each kid (if one exists), you should read through the individual threads about each prospect.
 
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I saw the guys last night at a party on 12th. Damn Oden is freaking huge and he was standing next to Dials. Foster and Sylvester were there as well. I talked to Cook for a min and he said there having a good time and I said he made a good choice in osu. I should have asked about Oden and Conley but I was too drunk and forgot.
 
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schwab said:
First of all, for this situation to even arise means that this has got to be one of the single greatest eras of OSU basketball (or Duke, or UNC, you name it...) bar none.
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That statement seems to contradict itself with the "bar none". I'm excited about our recruiting right now; but tOSU did go to three straight NCAA finals (winning in 1960), so there's a way to go to match that era. But it certainly looks like Coach Matta has things on the right track.
 
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Yertle said:
Ohio State is listed first on the lists because this is an OSU site - not because the Buckeyes are the leader for all of these kids.

However, just to be listed on ALL of these guys' lists is absolutely incredible. This is the equivalent of a team like Minnesota, Texas Tech, or Oregon State pulling down the #1 recruiting class for football. I just doesn't happen.

By the way, to find out the leader for each kid (if one exists), you should read through the individual threads about each prospect.
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Honestly, I would not compare the Buckeyes basketball program to Oregon or Texas Tech football. We have a national championship and a bunch of Final Fours. We-the university-just keep shooting ourselves in the foot when it comes to hoops coaches. Geiger finally hit a bullseye w/ Matta. If Matta coached at Northwestern or Minnesota, I don't think he would have Conley or Oden as recruits, just as if Conley and Oden lived in California or Mississippi, they wouldn't be nearly as high on OSU. OSU is just in an all aound perfect situation-geography, playing time, coach they love and are familiar with BEFORE he got the OSU job-for the recruiting class of 06'. It also helps that Oden is apparently a very grounded kid, and doesn't have NBA bling on his mind 24/7.
 
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DraftCity recap of Spiece tourney
Mayo and Walker were not the only super talented duo on the same AAU team. Greg Oden and Daequan Cook each had their own stories over the weekend. First of all, there was a rumor going on amongst virtually every single scout on hand that Oden and teammate Mike Conley would join Daequan Cook and commit to Ohio State University. I first heard this rumor as soon as Cook committed to OSU, and now its looking like it actually might happen. Oden and Conley both have visits to Ohio State lined up for this Friday, May 6th. I had the chance to speak with Cook personally and ask him about the rumors of him transferring to Oak Hill Academy and that his grades were sub par. He let it be known on the record that he will not be transferring and that his grades were not an issue at the moment.

...

Greg Oden
7’0, 235 lbs.; C; 2006
AAU team- Spiece Indy Heat HS- Indianapolis Lawrence North (IN)
Win over Magic Elite- 18 points, 14 rebounds, 7 blocks
Win over Portland ICP- 14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks in approximately 15 minutes
Win over AAU team whose name I forgot to write down- 11 points in very limited minutes
Win over Arkansas Hawks- 15 points in limited minutes
Win over Illinois Fire- 21 points
Win over D-1 Greyhounds- 17 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks

While I have watched the number one player of the class of 2006 many times on tape, this was my first time seeing him play in person….and he did not disappoint. He was the dominant defensive player that he is regarded to be by scouts, as he blocked 4 or 5 shots a game on the average and probably altered twice as many. Even though he has great size and athleticism, Oden does a great job boxing out, unlike many players his size. Due to the fact that he puts a body on his man every single time, he is able to grab a very high amount of rebounds on a consistent basis. Greg also does not give up his position in the low post, making opposing post players work for every single inch they get.

Physically and athletically, Oden is a GM’s dream at the center position. He has long arms, broad shoulders, and a frame that could add at least 20-30 pounds to it even though he has a very good muscular physique already for a high school player. Athletically, Greg possesses the ability to beat just about any 7 footer down the floor. His post moves are remarkably quick, and he looks to have a very good vertical leap for a player of his size. It is evident to anyone who sees Oden play that he is truly gifted athletically, and unlike some 7 footers, he uses all of his gifts to the fullest extent.

Offensively, Greg improves each and every day. Words cannot even explain how much his game his improved from the tapes I saw from last summer. Oden showed a nice jump shoot, turnaround jumper out of the post, and drop step. The most impressive move in the center’s repertoire was a quick baseline spin move that resulted in either a dunk or a foul each and every time he did it. It was a definite “NBA move”; reminiscent of the spin move Amare Stoudemire does out of the post.

Something must be said as to how humble Greg truly is. Anyone who has ever talked to him will tell you that he is a truly special young man, unlike most in today’s society. When I asked Greg if I could interview him, he responded with “sure, but do you mind if I change my shirt really fast sir?”. I was absolutely shocked by the amount of respect that he gave a person that he had never spoken with in his life. One can tell that Greg has had a great upbringing. It was an absolute pleasure talking to Greg, and here is our talk:

DraftCity: What are your thoughts on the NBA’s possible 20 year old age rule?

Oden: I don’t really think about it. I’m still in high school and my next step is college, so its not really a concern.

DraftCity: So you don’t really have a stance as to if you’re for the age rule or against it?

Oden: No.

DraftCity: What colleges are you looking at right now?

Oden: Ohio State, Wake Forest, Michigan State, North Carolina, and Indiana.

DraftCity: What do you like about Ohio State?

Oden: I like the coaches and I like the campus. I haven’t really had a chance to meet the players, but I plan on doing that next week.

DraftCity: What was it like playing with Josh McRoberts?

Oden: It was great. The high low with Josh McRoberts…man, that was great. He’s really great.

DraftCity: With Daequan committing to Ohio State, and Mike and yourself listing Ohio State, have you three all spoken on going to the same college?

Oden: We’ve talked about it. We’re just thinking right now. It’s possible, but we’re all going to make our own choice.

DraftCity: Was this your first time going up against O.J. Mayo and Bill Walker?

Oden: No, we went up against each other when we were younger.

DraftCity: Well what was it like going up against O.J. and Bill today?

Oden: Bill.. (laughs)… I think you saw on the first play of the game. Soaring through the air and dunking on us. With O.J., I couldn’t block his shot at all. They are just two great players, there’s nothing bad I can say about them.

DraftCity: Thanks a lot for the interview Greg. You played a great tournament. I hope you have a blast on your Ohio State visit.

Oden: Thanks. I’m sure I’ll have a good time

As far as the draft is concerned, Oden has stated on countless occasions that he is planning on going to college, whether the age limit is passed or not. After speaking with him, I truly believe him. Greg seems like he really wants to experience the college life and have the opportunity to lead a team to the final four. I feel that Ohio State would be a perfect situation for him if Mike Conley were to commit there, as he would be able to play with two players that he’s played with for his whole high school career in Conley and Cook. If the age limit is not imposed and for some reason he does decide to enter the 2006 draft, I feel that his combination of size, character, and work ethic will automatically make him a candidate for the first pick.
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Just got back from a game against Cleveland State (a 71-5 pasting by our B side I might add :biggrin: ) and picked up my car at the Student Union garage. High Street is a mess right now...people/cops everywhere. HeritageFest is obviously in full swing right now. Hopefully Greg and Mike and everyone else out there is enjoying themselves.
 
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