Wednesday's Buckeye Bits

Good morning, Buckeye fans!  I certainly hope this version of the basketball Buckeyes left a better impression than the one that faced TSUN over the weekend.  The Buckeyes welcomed Brandon Paul and the Illini into Columbus, and quickly sent them on their way, cruising to a 83-67 victory. 

After Paul went for 43 against the Buckeyes in Champaign, he was held to just 9 points on 2-9 shooting this time around.  Deshaun Thomas and William Buford led the Buckeyes with 19 and 17, respectively.  Next up for Ohio State is Wisconsin on Sunday in Columbus.  The Buckeyes beat the Badgers in Madison earlier this month, 58-52.

Now, on to the bits!

Zach Smith a good fit in Columbus.  Smith, the new wide receivers coach for Urban Meyer, has plenty of ties to Meyer and the Ohio State football program.  This is a nice article about how Smith shares his passion for Ohio State with his grandfather, Earle Bruce.  Yes, that Earle Bruce.  The 27-year-old has worked with Meyer for five years and has also spent time coaching at Marshall and Temple.

Ohio State maintained contact with memorabilia dealer.  Ohio State stayed in contact with Dennis Talbott after they investigated him for selling autographed photos and other memorabilia of football players, including Terrelle Pryor.  Talbott was used to find out other illegal memorabilia dealers.

Davonte Neal picks a school. Finally.  After reportedly getting turned down by Ohio State when he tried to commit, Davonte Neal has finally announced where he will attend school.  Neal, who waited nearly three weeks after signing day, picked Notre Dame over Arizona and others.  It did not go without drama, as Neal originally had a press conference planned at his former elementary school in the morning, but he did not show up.  Rumors began flying that Neal wanted to go to Arizona, but his father wanted him to go to Notre Dame.  Looks like family won out.

Have a great Wednesday, Buckeye fans!