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G/F Evan "The Villain" Turner (2010 Naismith Winner)

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Ohio State basketball: Why we think Evan Turner will be back
by Doug Lesmerises
Friday March 06, 2009, 11:40 AM

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AP
Ohio State's Evan Turner should be doing this again next season.

Ohio State plays its final game of the regular season Sunday, and the normal Senior Day that accompanies that game will be held only for team managers, because there are no seniors on this team.

Will it be the final home game for any Buckeyes' players? Maybe. But I do not think it's the last time OSU fans will have a chance to cheer Evan Turner. After a long discussion with someone familiar with the situation, I believe Turner will be back for his junior year.


Based on less inside info, I think it's safe for everyone to assume that freshman center B.J. Mullens is headed for the NBA, just like it was safe to assume the same with Greg Oden and Kosta Koufos. Seven-footers with some skill are still at a premium, so Mullens will be drafted on his potential, not his production.

And I'm always wary of projecting the future for guys in this spot, figuring they are either lying because they have to (no one can say in the middle of a season, 'Sure, this is it for me.') or they haven't really thought about the entire issue yet (like how much money is really out there.)

However ... I believed what I heard about Turner. A few points from speaking with that insider, and then one point from me.
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Ohio State basketball: Why we think Evan Turner will be back - Ohio State Buckeyes Football & Basketball Blog (OSU) - cleveland.com
 
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Turner says he?s coming back
I asked Evan Turner a few weeks ago about his status as a probable first-round NBA draft pick if he leaves Ohio State after this season. He said he was excited about what the next two seasons could hold for Ohio State and that winning championships and leaving a ?legacy? were important to him. But he didn?t deny he would leave.

I decided not to bug him again until the postseason. But I should have asked him yesterday, when I had the chance, whether Sunday?s game might be his last in Value City Arena. My bad. WBNS radio did, and he told the station?s reporter that he?s returning.

?I?m coming back -- without a doubt coming back,? Turner said. ?I enjoy college.?

?Without a doubt? is what we in the business call a definitive answer. But given what we?ve been through the past two years here, I?ll reserve my right to harbor a doubt until Turner says he will not file for early entry to explore his draft options. And I?ll ask him the next chance I get.


Posted by Bob Baptist on March 7, 2009 2:13 PM | Permalink
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Turner says he?s coming back (Hoops & Scoops: an OSU basketball blog)
 
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crazybuckfan40;1424305; said:
This is good news, but I am never too confident in these declarations anymore, because the money hasn't really come calling yet...

I do see him declaring either way, but he could pull his name out...
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Turner was interviewed last week on "The Fan" and he reiterated the fact that he is going to return next season. I will take him at his word. I do not think that he will even test the waters but I respect your opinion:)
 
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It would be nice to see some guys return for a change. Look at the Final Four teams last year - several upperclassmen. That's not an accident.

What we did in 2006 and the Fab Five of yesteryear were the exceptions. Carmelo Anthony might be another. Generally, the schools who can keep their stars for 3-4 years will usually be the ones standing in the end.

If the current team returns and we add a piece or two, next year should be a lot of fun. :)
 
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jenkinswoody;1424910; said:
I respect your opinion Litlbuck :) But agree with CBF40 on this one.
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It's just not my opinion but when a person like Evan Turner says something like that on the radio I tend to believe him. He could have made other comments which would have covered himself but he came right out and said that he was going to return. I know that 40 has his sources and they are usually spot on but this time I will disagree with him:biggrin2:

Turner and Lighty are very close and even 40 will admit that:)
 
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LitlBuck;1424904; said:
Turner was interviewed last week on "The Fan" and he reiterated the fact that he is going to return next season. I will take him at his word. I do not think that he will even test the waters but I respect your opinion:)
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Remember when Mike Conley said the same thing?

And what reason is there not for Turner to at least test the draft waters, just to see where he fits, get feed back on what he needs to work on...They let you do it and not have to stay in the draft...IMO a kid is stupid if he doesn't...
 
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crazybuckfan40;1424919; said:
Remember when Mike Conley said the same thing?

And what reason is there not for Turner to at least test the draft waters, just to see where he fits, get feed back on what he needs to work on...They let you do it and not have to stay in the draft...IMO a kid is stupid if he doesn't...
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Well, I knew you were going to come back so I guess the difference between Conley and Turner is the fact that Turner and Lighty are very good friends and Conley and Oden were very good friends.

I really don't know what is all involved in testing the waters but if there is time involved and you are a student why waste your time if you don't plan to go. In fact, why would you waste anyone's time if you were going to go:huh: I am just sayin:)

I guess we will see on down the road.
 
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crazybuckfan40;1424919; said:
Remember when Mike Conley said the same thing?

And what reason is there not for Turner to at least test the draft waters, just to see where he fits, get feed back on what he needs to work on...They let you do it and not have to stay in the draft...IMO a kid is stupid if he doesn't...
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Mike Conley wasn't aware of his draft stock until after the NCAA tournament, or so he said. Big difference between late 1st round pick and top 5-10. Unless Evan really has a great postseason and gets into the lottery, I think he'll stay.

But, I understand your reason for being cautious.
 
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Mike Conley had 8 postseason games during which his stock skyrocketed, and was finally emerging as a more complete player. He built on that game winning shot at Wisconsin (feb 25) and only got better.

I'm wary of any promise made with time to change the decision, but I think those two are apples and oranges. I don't think Turner is peaking whatsoever.
 
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