Empty Class: Super-recruiter Matta still oh-for-09
By VR Bryant
Buckeye basketball fans are beginning to be a spoiled bunch. After the history-making class of 2006, which helped deliver Ohio State to its first Final Four since 1999 (longer, if you believe the NCAA), the class of 2007 brought in immediate starters Kosta Koufos and Evan Turner, without whom the NIT Championship would likely not have occurred.
Koufos, of course, is moving on to cultivate his game at the professional level, whereas Turner will return as — quite possibly — the number one scoring option on next year’s team. Add in Jon Diebler, Dallas Lauderdale and P.J. Hill, and next year’s sophomores are going to be a big part of the story.
Perhaps of more critical importance is the class of ’08, which is likely to feature two immediate starters in B.J. Mullens (a near lock at center) and Anthony Crater, who will battle with Hill and the NJCAA Player of the Year, Jeremie Simmons.
Also in the class are swingmen William Buford and Walter Offutt and JuCo add-on Nicola Kecman, all of whom (after the departures of Othello Hunter and Eric Wallace) figure to have an opportunity to break into the rotation.
So for three straight years, Ohio State will more than likely have had two freshmen good enough to crack the starting lineup. It has also been the case that the crop of newcomers has been signed and sealed for many months prior to the signing date. Such is not the case for 2009.
As of right now, despite having many offers out to players, the Buckeyes are just one of two teams in the Big Ten without a single verbal commit for the ’09 class (the other being lowly Penn State).
So what does this mean? Well, it probably doesn’t mean much. There’s still plenty of time, obviously, for Thad and crew to fill in the holes, though at this point it’s difficult to know what those holes will be. Next year’s roster is stacked with talented bodies, a number of whom could be playing their final season.
At the point, as mentioned, we will see some combination of Crater, Simmons and Hill. Crater is probably the purest one from a defense/distribution standpoint, but the job is by no means his to lose.
The off-guards are plentiful, led by Turner and returning captain David Lighty. Behind them (presumably) will be Diebler, Buford and Offutt, with walk-ons Danny Peters and Mark Titus available for spot duties.
Frontcourt discussions begin with Mullens, who is considered by many to be the top overall prospect in the class. Lauderdale logged some very strong minutes down the stretch last season and may have played his way into a starting role. Kyle Madsen returns with the chance to make his mark, and Kecman — at 6-foot-9 — could see time if his shot is as advertised.
It wouldn’t be so strange, perhaps, if the Buckeyes didn’t already have three top names locked up for 2010. Guards Trae Golden and Cameron Wright and forward Jared Sullinger (yes, James’ younger brother) have all submitted verbal commitments already.
Beginning in 2010, the NCAA’s new “two year rule” will prevent the now-infamous “one-and-done,” keeping that year’s class from skipping out early. However, a guy like Mullens still has the option of going pro after tearing up the college ranks for thirty or forty games.
So, then, it becomes crucial that Matta make his mark on the ’09 class. Again, Buckeye fans have no reason to doubt him, but the clock is ticking nonetheless. Among the top names considering Ohio State are centers Renardo Sidney and DaShonte Riley, guards Elijah Johnson, Dominic Cheek, Kenny Boynton and Lorenzo Brown, and forwards Noel Johnson and Stephen Van Treese — all of whom are top 100 players.
Time will tell how the class shapes up. Priority number one, of course, is winning games. If they win, the prospects will follow. No matter what — keep your fingers crossed, Columbus.
Originally Published: Issue 648 - May 14, 2008
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