Obviously you want the win, but there was encouraging things here, I think.
1. Diebler. Welcome to major college basketball. Glad you could make it. Once he hit that 3, he was outstanding.
2. Hunter. As you'd expect from an experienced player off a Final 2 team, he was not "in awe" and was big blocking shots, and getting after it.
3. Butler. Some big shots didn't fall, but he was within his game, I think. Pulling up for three on the break.... he hits that shot often. He missed it tonight. Eh.. Not worried about it. He stayed intense throughout, as you'd expect from your Sr.
4. Lighty. Played his role, though he does need to expand his role. Hit some good shots and was generally OK, I think. Obviously last year's experience helps him, and I am not worried about David Lighty.
5. Kufos didn't have have his game tonight, and the Buckeyes went some 10:00 without a bucket, yet stayed in the game. This game was NOT an embarrassment by any stretch. Carolina is a good team, they're #2 for a reason. But, even with OSU being silent from the field for half the second half, UNC couldn't put OSU away. Defensive intensity being a big factor.
If buts.... If OSU hits their open looks, how does this game look at the 1:00 mark? If OSU was better on the glass (and they do need to get better, for sure) how does this game look at the 1:00 mark? I know I'm sorta overlooking UNC's unforced errors, and maybe giving the Buckeyes too much credit, but this team did just fine. Again, not that they needn't improve, but this club shows all the signs of being a solid march contender.
This group isn't 3 1st round NBA picks like last year, but this group is quite talented and I am encouraged about their prospects. They're not 35-3 good right now.... But, they're tourney good, and I can see that already.