2008 Ohio State Basketball Predictions & Season Preview

Written October 14, 2008 by Luke Knight

Ohio State advanced to the National Title Game two seasons ago, and then had a largely disappointing season, before winning the 2008 NIT in convincing fashion. The Buckeyes finished the season with a 24-13 mark and a 10-8 record in the Big Ten. Thad Matta found the positive in winning the NIT, but the fact that this was only the second time of failing to make the NCAA Tournament in Matta’s eight years as a head coach is evidence enough of the disappointment, and perhaps embarrassment, that Matta must feel. The only other season Matta failed to make the big tournament was when he inherited the Buckeye program recovering from scandal and the school’s self-imposed post season ban. This season the Buckeyes will be without its three leading scorers in Jamar Butler, Kosta Koufos, and Othello Hunter, but bringing in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation should soften the blow. The Ohio State Buckeyes are +3000 odds to win the NCAA Championship this season at BetUS.

The Buckeyes frontcourt will be anchored by a 7’0” freshman with McDonald’s All-America credentials for the 3rd straight season. B.J. Mullens, a local Columbus product, was ranked at the top of this season’s recruiting class. Mullens is a good bet to continue the trend of the one-and-done run of big men, following in the footsteps of Koufos and Greg Oden. The Buckeyes would also like to see sophomore forward Dallas Lauderdale emerge this season. He is a limited but promising player. At power forward, the Buckeyes will give different looks. Matta brought in 3-point specialist Nikola Kecman, a Serbian transfer from Eastern Arizona JC. Junior David Lighty, the most experienced member of the team, figures to slide over to the 4 slot at times, especially since Kyle Madsen has managed only occasional minutes so far. Expect Lauderdale to get some minutes beside Mullens at times to, but in general Matta and company hope to be more versatile on offense and get back to playing a disruptive man-to-man this season after relying on a match-up zone last season.

The loss of Jamar Butler means the loss of the team’s toughest player and top outside shooter as well as the Big Ten’s best assist-maker. Noopy Crater, an incoming freshman, should get the start at the point position if he can handle it. He is an outstanding open-court performer and a willing passer. Jeremie Simmons, a JuCo star was signed in the late signing period, and should see some minutes. P.J. Hill will also remain in a backup role. Evan Turner broke into the starting lineup last season as a freshman and will be the leader in the backcourt. He had an impressive NIT tournament and averaged 8.5 points per game, second returning player on the team to David Lighty. Jon Diebler will continue to battle Turner for floor time, but he struggled last season with his shot. Walter Offutt is a talented freshman, but he has torn both ACLs, so it will be interesting to see if his surgically repaired knees can hold up. Lighty is the team’s top defender, who also averaged 9.0 points per game and is a natural wing. Freshman William Buford, who actually beat out Mullens for Ohio’s Mr. Basketball honors, is another wing who could prove to be an instant sixth man.

Final Analysis

The Buckeyes are deeper and more athletic than they were last season, but are once again young with holes to fill at the power forward and point guard position. They have zero seniors on scholarship on the team. The staff is also in transition, with associate head coach John Groce moving on to Ohio University. Still the Buckeyes have tremendous talent with Lighty ready to emerge as a top player in the conference. Mullens should follow in the footsteps of those before him and be a major headache for opponents. Matta is a solid coach who knows how to win. The Buckeyes should be competitive, and while winning the Big Ten could be a stretch, they should be a top team. At BetUS, the Buckeyes are +450 odds to win the Big Ten Tournament. We have to agree with the NCAA basketball odds makers here as we have the Buckeyes finishing high enough in the Big Ten to return to the NCAA Tournament this season, where they will be a dangerous team with upset potential.

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