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SF LaQuinton Ross (Memphis Hustle - NBA G-League)

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DAYTON, Ohio – As Ohio State sophomore LaQuinton Ross said on Thursday before the NCAA Tournament began, “Stepping up in big games is something I appreciate doing.” When the Buckeyes were in control Sunday, that big game belonged to him.

After Iowa State's rapid comeback turned Aaron Craft into the last-second hero of a 78-75 victory, the 17-point effort by Ross was somewhat washed away. He didn't score in the final eight minutes and his traveling call with two minutes left, when he turned down an open 3-pointer and shuffled his feet before starting a drive, was a major mistake with the Buckeyes down one.

“I wish he had taken that one,” coach Thad Matta said. “But I love the fact he was dialed in and he was making big-time plays. He's just something different for us.”

As the No. 2 seed Buckeyes head to Los Angeles for a West Regional semifinal against No. 6 Arizona on Thursday, Ross needs to take this game with him. He made six of 10 shots, made mostly smart decisions in the flow of the game on when to shoot a 3-pointer and when to drive, and battled underneath on both ends.

The Buckeyes played their small lineup much of the game, with traditional big men Amir Williams and Evan Ravenel combining for just 22 minutes and two points. What Ross, at 6-7, did in tandem with 6-7 Deshaun Thomas fueled the Buckeyes throughout.

“Our small group actually causes a mismatch problem for other teams,” Ross said.

It only works against teams without a true big man. Arizona features a freshman 7-footer in Kaleb Tarczewski. But Ross can still make his mark with a center in there as well. He must watch his turnovers – he had two in 21 minutes – but he can burn teams as a shooter when he's rolling. And he's come a long way this season, after contributing basically nothing as a freshman.

“Now he's got a feel, and I think he's getting better,” assistant coach Chris Jent said. “He's doing things for the third time, for the fourth time, for the fifth time, and he's really learning from it.”

If Thomas leaves for the NBA after this season, Ross could step right into that role next season and emerge as a go-to scorer for the Buckeyes. For now, Ohio State could use the same kind of great March that Thomas had a year ago.

If Ross doesn't force that, and just lets it happen, he could be a major story in another game or two.
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http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2013/03/ohio_state_laquinton_ross_ncaa.html
 
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Bestbuck36;2320427; said:
Man, if he makes steady improvement and goes his Senior year, he'll be something to watch on the offensive end of the court.
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He'll be something to watch next year in his junior season.

I'm impressed by his rebounding particularly on the offensive end. He has a nose for the ball.
 
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Theres a picture of a few players and UA Cheerleaders going around, Thomas and Ross are in it, Thomas is probably closer to 6'6 then 6'7 but man Ross towers over him, Kids gotta be taller then 6'7 he's listed by Ohio State, he's probably 6'9 easy

also Della Valle looks almost as tall as thomas maybe an inch or 1.5 shorter
 
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VASJBuck;2321499; said:
Theres a picture of a few players and UA Cheerleaders going around, Thomas and Ross are in it, Thomas is probably closer to 6'6 then 6'7 but man Ross towers over him, Kids gotta be taller then 6'7 he's listed by Ohio State, he's probably 6'9 easy

also Della Valle looks almost as tall as thomas maybe an inch or 1.5 shorter
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BGdA4LcCMAABx1O.jpg
 
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Ross does have great size though. I can't remember exactly but I think his measured wingspan at last years nike camp was a little over 7'0. Right there with Jeff Whithey of Kansas

Kid is too long & talented to not be a big time college player. Just go out there and play his game. Don't rush and play scared... It's fun to watch when he does that
 
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