The buckeye basketball season is entering the fourth quarter, while the Big Ten season is at the midway point. March Madness is only a month away. I know it is too late for true mid-season grades, but here is a brief player by player analysis of the basketball season to date. This will be a three part analysis.
Part One: Mike Conley Jr., Jamar Butler, and Ron Lewis
Part Two: Ivan Harris, Daequan Cook, and David Lighty
Part Three: Greg Oden, Othello Hunter, and Matt Terwilliger
Feel free to add your grades and evaluation in the comments section. Also, check back after the Big Ten Tournament for a full season evaluation as a lead up to the tournament.
Mike Conley, Jr: A-
I think Conley has been the most consistent player for the Buckeyes this year. His quickness and change of direction is incredible. I am also amazed at his ability to drive the lane and shoot with either hand. I know he is a lefty but he can make the 10-12 foot runner with his right. Conley is the floor general, the catalyst that makes the offense run if you will. I know it’s cliche, but for a freshman Conley has tremendous poise. Just think, he is only going to get better. In my mind he receives a minus for suspect free throw shooting.
Jamar Butler: B
If Jamar’s grade was based only on the Big Ten season it would be an A; however, it took a few games for Jamar to feel comfortable in his new role as more of a 2 guard. In the last few games he has really improved his play. I think Jamar has embraced his new role. In the past Butler was the one to penetrate the defense, but now he is often the man on the wing spotting up for the three. Butler is lights out from 3 and is developing a good chemistry with Conley, Jr. Jamar will be key if the Buckeyes are to make a deep run in March.
Ron Lewis: B-
Lewis has been streaky this year to say the least. He has gone from dropping 30 on North Carolina to spotty shooting in recent games. I think Lewis is the one player most affected by Oden’s return to the line-up. Pre-Oden the lane was often clear which set up nice for Ron’s slashing style, but Oden’s presence has caused Lewis to pick the right spots to take it to the bucket.
It is hard to be critical of a team that has only lost three games this season, but let’s hope the players only continue to improve within the team concept. Hopefully they will be peaking at the right time in March. Stay tuned this week for the rest of the grades.
Good point on Lewis. He’s been such an enigma lately, but I hadn’t thought about the Oden angle. Taking away the slash has affected him. If he heats up, though, look out.
I was just talking to my brother at the game last night about Lewis, and we said the same thing. I’m hopeful that he learns how to play with a big man in the middle.