I think I pegged them as a 19 win team this year. I really didn't like the supporting cast around Liddell, and the injury outlook with Sueing and Towns coming into the season. With the overall strength of the B1G, thought making the tournament was going to be a tall order. I think they are obviously going to hit the 20 win mark now looking at what they have left and the potential for a few more wins, but another early NCAA exit is inevitable. Without the recent emergence of Branham, I don't believe they would have gotten to 20 this year bc they have too many role players that are liabilities if left on the floor for too long and not enough bucket getters.
There were stretches this year where I felt they moved the ball really well and different guys were hitting big shots. They have fallen victim to the B1G style and the way these games have been played late in the season and are back to settling for a lot of contested, one on one shots, especially late in games. The ball sticks when Liddell touches the ball. He hits some, but when he is off, the team REALLY struggles. They get no defensive movement and no easy offensive put-back opportunities bc they are so easy to defend. If the refs don't allow Liddell and Key to pound away down low, and if they don't shoot nearly 50% from the floor, they are losing in close games. Malaki has been amazing off the dribble, getting to the basket, or pulling up for the mid-range, but they don't get anything easy. I watch a lot of college hoops and their supporting cast just doesn't match up with a lot of the other top 25 teams. It's like Mike80 said above, I think this is just what OSU basketball is. Enjoy the 20-22 wins, 6-7 seed in the bracket,........and in most years, an early exit. Until there is an upgrade in overall roster talent, this is what OSU is right now and has been for a while. Hoping I am wrong. Go Bucks!!!
