FOX has a nice article on Lighty & Cook:
Don't overlook Buckeyes' Cook, Lighty
ATLANTA - They were a part of the Thad Five, but Daequan Cook and David Lighty have almost become The Forgotten Freshmen.
Early on, the 6-foot-5, 205-pound Cook was averaging about 25 minutes per game and going for 20-plus points. He scored 22 in his first collegiate game against VMI and had 22 a week later against Eastern Kentucky.
But his playing time started to decrease as the season wore on, primarily because of his defense. When he's not making shots, it's been difficult for Matta to keep on the floor.
"That's the main reason why I'm not playing as much," Cook acknowledged. "I'm making some mistakes defensively ? things we've gone over a thousand times in practice. I'm still making them." Cook is averaging 5.2 points in his last six games, but didn't log a single minute in the second half of the Buckeyes' Sweet 16 win over Tennessee. He was, however, a key contributor against Memphis with nine points and two steals in 16 minutes.
"We don't win the game without him," Ohio State assistant coach John Groce said of Cook's performance against the Tigers.
Despite his inconsistent play, Cook is the team's most prolific 3-point shooter. He's making shots beyond the arc at a 42 percent clip, and Matta will need Cook against the Hoyas.
Lighty's role may be even more important. While Ohio State will almost certainly play quite a bit of zone defensively, Lighty could be assigned to the task of having to try and contain versatile junior Jeff Green when the Buckeyes go man-to-man.
Lighty, who averaged 25.5 points a year ago at Villa-Angela St. Joseph High in Cleveland, has gone from a scorer to a defensive specialist. He understands it and doesn't mind a bit. ``It really doesn't matter," Lighty said. "As long as I'm happy, that's all that matters."
Entire article:
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/6626990
