The Buckeyes are a unanimous #1 (almost) in both polls, marking the first time since 1946 1962 that OSU is ranked #1 in the AP Poll.

I’m a little nervous of the winning streak we currently have. If we run the tables in the Big Ten tournament, we’ll be going into the NCAA tourney with quite a bit of momentum. I don’t like that. A loss in the championship game wouldn’t be a bad thing in the long run.

I didn’t get to see the entire Wisconsin game, but some of our fellow bloggers did. Make sure you read them: (DCfW, Pfef and Eleven Warriors). The Big Ten Wonk isn’t as impressed.

I can’t say I disagree with BTW. The Buckeyes have looked soft at times, especially Oden. It seems like he doesn’t assert himself a lot and the offense isn’t giving him enough opportunities to assert himself. On defense, I’m worried that they’re getting lazy, letting Oden pick up the slack. He’s been doing that just fine, but staying out of foul trouble is going to be an issue in the tournament.

Don’t get me wrong — this is a good basketball team. Even a great team. I just don’t know if they’re an elite team, right now. They have all the tools, just not the experience.

The atmosphere for Sunday’s match-up between the Buckeyes and Badgers should be reminiscent of the ’05 game when unbeaten Illinois visited the Schott. Illinois left Columbus that day stunned when Matt Sylvester’s 3-pointer at the buzzer sent shockwaves around Columbus. I am endlessly baffled why it takes an undefeated opponent or a 1 vs. 2 match-up for Buckeye Basketball fans to wake up and cheer. It is embarrassing when TV announcers comment over and over about the lack of fan noise in Value City Arena.

What makes me ever more frustrated is the fact that Buckeye fans have something to cheer about. The fans of pretty much every other team in the Big Ten put Buckeye fans to shame in the cheering department. I realize the Buckeyes don’t have their students behind the benches like most schools which contributes negatively to the atmosphere (whole different subject). I’ll give you that one, but it can’t be used as an excuse to pout and sit on your hands.

I’ve heard all the excuses before. “It’s going to be different this year…we’ve got Oden, Conley, Cook etc.,” result – silence. The season starts, “wait till Oden gets in the line up the Schott will be rockin” result – silence. “Wait until the Big Ten season” result – silence. The season is almost over and I’m still waiting.

I have no doubt that I won’t be disappointed on Sunday. Why does it take a 1 vs. 2 match-up for fans to cheer? Why do fans have to be reminded by a stupid bell to get out of their seats and make some noise?

Stand up and make some noise!

The new Men’s Basketball polls are out, and OSU and Wisconsin take the top spot in the AP and ESPN polls, which sets up for a #1 vs. #2 this weekend, as OSU welcomes the Badgers into Columbus. (Let’s make some noise, Buckeye fans! More on that later) There has been chatter on who deserved the top spot, but at this point it’s tough to completely gauge who is “the best.” OSU’s losses have come against top five opponents (including Wisconsin) while Wisconsin losses have come against inferior teams (including an Indiana team that OSU beat handily). It’s too close to call.

This week’s game probably won’t really settle anything, either, unless OSU lays an egg and loses to Wisconsin. But, in the minds of most of the voters, a decisive victory by the Buckeyes should cement their place at the top of the polls, as well as secure the Big Ten regular season title. It would also provide the Buckeyes with some needed momentum and confidence going into the Big Ten tournament.

Let’s go Bucks!

Today we finish the three part series.

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.

Greg Oden: A-
My first thought about Oden is there is a good chance the Buckeyes will get to see him at 100% healthy. Oden’s offensive abilities have been limited by his injured wrist, but he has been a beast on defense. Last night while watching the game I heard one of the announcers say. “There should be a stat for shots altered.” Oden’s impact on the defensive end goes way beyond his shot blocking ability. The team struggles getting Oden involved when opponents are in a 2-3 zone defense (which I was reminded of last night). I think more and more teams will notice that and if the Buckeyes don’t figure out more ways of attacking the zone, it could be trouble especially come tournament time.

Othello Hunter: B
For me Hunter has been a pleasant surprise. As a junior college transfer he was the most unknown of the Thad5. I like the rotation when Hunter and Oden are on the floor at the same time. It gives an additional option for guards to drive and dish. Also, the two are a dynamic combination on the defensive end. Hunter is still developing offensively. He has not shown a mid-range game yet.

Matt Terwilliger: B-
Terwilliger has seen his minutes dwindle since the insertion of Greg Oden into the line-up. Most of his minutes come when Oden needs a rest or is in foul trouble. Terwilliger understands and accepts his role, as explained in a recent Columbus Dispatch story.
Terwilliger provides much needed depth to the nine man rotation. A third big man is an integral part of any team.

As promised here is part two of three of the basketball team 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.

Ivan Harris: B
Harris has been a pleasant surprise this season. His game is pretty one dimensional, but when he gets hot he can light it up from 3 point range. You would think he would not be very difficult to guard, but to his credit he always seems to be open for the 3. He is a prime example of a complimentary role player. Ivan has really raised his game from last year. He has been nicknamed the microwave by ESPN’s Steve Lavin.

Daequan Cook: B+
Instant Offense! Daequan looks to create his own shot. On more than one occasion he has throw up a runner or a fade away jumper that just makes you shake you head and wonder how the ball went in the basket. He has had his fair share of amazing dunks as well *see picture*. I have really been impressed with Cook’s game. Daequan has also shown the ability to post up on the block when he draws a height mismatch. He has a good all-around game and will become even a more complete player as he develops on the defensive end.

David Lighty: B-
There is not a whole lot to say about Lighty. The best compliment he can be given at this point is that he has been considered the defensive stopper from day one. At the risk of being redundant, that is a lot of responsibility for Matta to place on a freshman. Lighty, when on the floor, will draw the assignment of guarding the opponent’s best guard. David’s offense needs to be improved, but as long as continues to play great D he will get the minutes.

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.

Will Greg Oden be a Buckeye for more than one season? That debate, to most, is a forgone conclusion. Answer: it will be one and done for the big man. In a recent interview captured by the Ozone Oden casts some light on the debate.

“There’s a very big chance I will be here four years. I’ve got to finish college. That’s what my mom told me,” Oden said.

Buckeye fans must remember, it is December and Oden has played in 3 games in a Buckeye uniform. Let’s not get too excited (yet). He is saying this now because it is the right thing to say and maybe he truly believes it today. It will be more difficult after the season to say the same thing when million$ are staring him in the face. Regardless of how long Oden suits up in the scarlet and gray, let’s enjoy these stats (only to get better) while we can. In three games, without full strength in his dominant hand…WOW! Average per game:

Minutes: 24
Points: 14.7
Rebounds: 8.3
Blocks: 5
Field Goal %: 89.5

Don’t get me wrong, I am just as excited about the other freshman, but a dominant man in the middle makes all the difference thus all the discussion. What are your thoughts on Oden and the basketball Buckeyes so far?

On tap this week:
Tonight, 12/19, Iowa State in is town. Game starts at 8:00pm.
Saturday, 12/23, the Buckeyes travel to Gainesville to take on the Gators. Game starts at 4:00pm.

Wa-hoo! Greg Oden, Ohio State’s twenty-three-and-a-half-foot-tall center & the country’s best recruit, will finally get his chance to play today for Ohio State.

He will not start, but will “get some minutes on the floor,” says Coach Matta.

OSU plays Valparasio this afternoon. Game time is 4:00 ET.

No word yet as to whether or not Valparasio has decided to forfeit yet.

Image credit & copyright: Brian Bahr, Getty Images

I figured I’d do a little live blog of the Buckeyes game. I’ll update this post periodically throughout the game.

Incredible first half. Buckeyes up by four. The Buckeyes are absolutely unconscious from three-point land. Currently 8-12. Lewis and Butler are playing great. I didn’t think the Buckeyes would be able to keep up the fast tempo for the whole twenty minutes but they hung with the Tarheels. The freshmen are playing excellent as well. Twiggy is actually playing very well against Hansbrough, which is commendable. Buckeyes are looking good. They need to stay out of fould trouble and keep shooting the lights out.

Half-time
OSU: 48
North Carolina: 44

11:28 left
After surviving a 9-0 run by Carolina to start the half, the Buckeyes claw back into the game with a flurry of three’s from Harris.

OSU:66
North Carolina: 62

6:14 left
So I take it that if Hansbrough is dancing, his doesn’t have to actually dribble the ball, right? Got it.

OSU: 72
North Carolina: 80

Game Over
Ohio State’s shots simply didn’t drop at key times in the second half while North Carolina stepped up the pressure on defense and made some huge shots. It was a good game and I think the Buckeyes are in a good place. The #1 rating was definitely based on the voter’s perception of how the future Buckeyes will play, not necessarily how they’re playing now. When Oden comes back (I don’t know if you heard, he’s coming back) this will be a completely different team.

OSU: 89
North Carolina: 98

And Dick Vitale. I know a lot of people love to hate him. I listen to him and sometimes I love his excitement, but there are times (see the comments below) when I want to grab a steak knife and drive it into my ear drum. Arrgh. If I heard them refer to how “Oden is coming” one more time, I think I would have snapped.