What seems to be the question on every one's mind lately is, HOW GOOD, are these Buckeyes? Truly? That's what were here to find out.
To dissect the problem of Ohio State's placement among the best in the country, we have to take a look at their bracket:
Planning a run, we hope.
As you can plainly (well, maybe not) see, Ohio State has to deal with Kansas, Georgetown, and Georgia Tech/Oklahoma State. This is by no means an easy road. With guys like Evan Turner on the floor, though, many think they can go far. A key match-up will be early, against either Oklahoma State or Georgia Tech. If Ohio State gets Tech, things could get real interesting, as Tech is a quality basketball team. Then, Ohio State would have to deal with Georgetown, who is one heck of a team when they get going in a game.
Evan Turner can carry this team. There is little or no doubt about that. A huge problem for Ohio State is their size. First off, they have Dallas Lauderdale, who is also known as Swatterdale. He is a great player, and has the size, and athleticism to make this team go that extra mile. The only thing standing in Lauderdale's way, is himself. He fouls out just about every other game, and when he does, they call in Kyle Madsen. Let me repeat that for you, Kyle Madsen. I really love that he is a Buckeye, but I don't think I've ever seen him have more than 5 points. It is truly reDONKulous, because a back-up player should a least give some help. Madsen usually goes in and runs around, fouling every now and then. So Lauderdale is a huge step in my eyes.
Another player we need to step up is Jon Diebler. The kid is amazing from beyond the arc, almost every time he shoots, he nails a three. Sadly, it only comes when he's hot, which he needs to be for every game after UC Santa Barbara. I trust that he can, and when he does, he will be a go to guy from outside. It's up to Thad Matta and the Buckeyes to design plays for Jon that they can kick it out to him, and take a lead. Jon Diebler is Superman when it comes to threes. He can also shoot regular jumpers, and even a dunk once in awhile.
Didn't think he could, did you? Well, neither did we.
Don't get me wrong here, people. William Buford and David Lighty need to have big games as well. Ever since the West Virgina game a while back, though, Buford has played outstanding. He has been shooting well, and his defensive play is getting better as they go along. As for Lighty, the only reason he doesn't need to be on fire, is because he already is. During the whole Big Ten tournament, he had an exceptional performance, especially that Minnesota game for the Championship. If they both continue doing what they do best, expect a real good game against Georgetown, and hopefully Kansas.
Team Chemistry is important.
Finally, Evan Turner is a stud. If he hasn't earned Player of the Year, then people just don't know basketball anymore. I wouldn't mind so much if he split it with Kentucky's John Wall, though, because I've seen him change being down from 20 to up by 5 in less than 3 minutes. Evan Turner needs to play solid, no nonsense, good basketball like he always does and this team can go far. Many think the best match-up would be the Kentucky-Ohio State game for the NCAA Championship. Boy, what a match that would be. You need Turner to keep playing solidly to get there though, and I think he can do it.
Finding a way to win.
So to answer the question, How deep can they go, they can go to the National Championship. This is a team that is coached by one of the best, and they all know what they are doing, and what their assignments are at all times, but it's also that they have a lot of team chemistry, and how could you not, with a guy like this on your team. To answer the question how far WILL they go, you need to be thinking along the lines of Elite Eight. Kansas is just too powerful, and Ohio State's "big" men will have a hard time adjusting. Don't get me wrong, I would love an upset, even if it means me losing the Bracket Challenge. Go Bucks!
