Ohio State Basketball Season Review and Big Ten Tournament Preview

 The Ohio State Buckeyes ended the season as the #1 seed in the 2010 Big Ten Tournament.  The #5 Buckeyes stumbled early in the Big Ten season but when All-American Evan Turner was back at full strength, the team flourished.  Ohio State stood at 14-6 after blowing a big lead at West Virginia.  They rebounded and finished the season 10-1 with their only loss coming to Purdue 60-57.

The Buckeyes head into the post season led by Evan Turner who should sweep all major Player of the Year awards including the Naismith and Wooden trophies.  Turner finished the regular season averaging 19.5 PPG, 9.4 RPG and 5.8 APG.  He is a phenomenal player who can win games for the Buckeyes down the stretch.  Sophomore William Buford, 14.3 PPG, drastically improved as the season progressed.  His silky smooth mid range jumpers are a thing of beauty and he is also a very good athlete in the open court.  The glue of the team is RS junior David Lighty.  Lighty, who played in the 2007 National Championship game, is a defensive stopper who can guard four positions and can score in the open court as he averaged 12.4 PPG.  Sharpshooter Jon Diebler had a very good season averaging 12.6 PPG which included 41.9% from beyond the arc.  The team lacks an inside presence on offense but junior center Dallas Lauderdale patrols the paint on the defense end.  His long arms and good timing make it difficult for opposing centers.  The bench is shallow with only Kyle Madsen, PJ Hill and Jeremie Simmons seeing any real playing time.

The team’s biggest weakness could show up in the Big Ten tournament and certainly in a week on the big stage of the NCAA tournament.  Head Coach Thad Matta’s critics point out that he rarely develops a strong bench as was evident in several blow out wins when the starters remained in the game.  If the team can stay out of foul trouble and avoid fatigue they can cut down the nets in Indianapolis, twice.

Big Ten Tournament:

Opening Round: The tournament tips off on March 11th with Iowa facing Michigan.  The winner will move on to face Ohio State on March 12th at noon.  The second game will tip 30 minutes later as Northwestern faces undermanned Indiana.  The night cap features Tubby Smith’s Golden Gophers of Minnesota against Penn State.    Michigan, Northwestern and Minnesota will advance to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals (March 12th): Ohio State will face an athletic and dangerous Michigan team that gave them problems in both contests this season including a 73-64 loss in Ann Arbor.  In what will be a close game, the Buckeyes will prevail and advance to the semifinals.  Wisconsin and Illinois will tip off 30 minutes after in what will be the best game of the quarterfinals.  The Illini could need a win to enter the NCAA tournament.  The teams split the two games in the regular season with each winning on the road.  In what will be a very physical game, the Badgers will advance to face Ohio State on Saturday.  Purdue will battle Northwestern in what will also be a very heated contest.  The Boilermakers are still adjusting to life without Robbie Hummel.  Even without Hummel they will advance to the semifinals.  The Spartans of Michigan State will battle Minnesota in what should be a close game.  The Golden Gophers still believe they should be in the NCAA tournament and a win over Michigan State could propel them into the dance.  The last time they met was a thriller in Minnesota as the Spartans escaped with a 65-64 victory.  It’s difficult to pick against Tom Izzo in the tournament but Minnesota is very hungry.  In what will be a classic, Sparty escapes with a narrow victory.

Semifinals (March 13th): Ohio State will battle a tough Wisconsin team at 1:40 on Saturday.  The Badgers and Buckeyes split the regular season with each team winning on their home court.  This will be a grueling contest but the athleticism of Ohio State will be the difference.  The Big Ten’s best player, Evan Turner, will have a monster game as the Buckeyes advance to the title game on Sunday.  Michigan State vs. Purdue will follow in an evenly matched contest.  Even without Hummel Purdue is still a very good team and will give Michigan State all they want.  Michigan State defeated Purdue on February 28th in the Boilermakers first game after Hummel’s injury.  Purdue will be inspired in front of the home state faithful but the absence of Hummel will be the deciding factor down the stretch.  Michigan State advances to face Ohio State for the title.

Big Ten Championship (3:30 ET March 14th): The Buckeyes defeated the Spartans in East Lansing 74-67 on February 21st.  In that game four Ohio State starters played all 40 minutes with each scoring in double figures.  Turner and Buford recorded double-doubles in the contest.  Michigan State star guard Kalin Lucas was held in check with only 9 points but he did record 8 assists.  The title game will be back and forth and very close.  Turner will once again be the difference as Ohio State wins the title 77-73.

Projected NCAA Seeding for the NCAA Tournament:
Ohio State:         2
Michigan State:  3
Purdue:              4
Wisconsin:         5
Illinois:               9

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

The Madness of Spring

It’s more than just brackets, office pools and pairings-the NCAA Tournament is best described with emotional echoes and long standing memories.  March Madness brings families, friends and possibly even strangers together in a bond that few other events can create.  Quite simply, the spectacle that is the NCAA Tournament is much more than just basketball.

I don’t need a calendar to know when the madness is about to begin.  The smell of the air, along with the distinguishable sound of birds chirping,  sends my senses scrambling and my mind into nostalgic overdrive.  Nature delivers my internal clock notice that, yes, the greatest reality show ever created is about to reappear for yet another dramatic-emotional season.

My heart beats purer as exaltations of announcers past ring in my head.  The sound of the CBS intro music creates an anticipation  that can only be described as a child on Christmas Eve.  And of course there is One Shining Moment.  As I progress into my mid 30’s,  I make a point to listen to the immensely popular song (the  anthem of the tournament) prior to the madness beginning.  Yes, the tears bubble as soon as the music starts and the lyrics “the ball is tipped” is sang.  My friends, there isn’t a reality show on the planet that can invoke so many emotions and more importantly, memories.

My first real memories of the tournament go back to when I was in the 2nd grade when the North Carolina Tar Heels knocked off John Thompson’s Georgetown Hoyas.  The game was entertaining to me but I was far too young to understand what I just witnessed.  In 1983 I watched one of the biggest miracles in the history of sport as the NC State Wolf Pack shocked Phi Slama Jama (Houston Cougars).  I was upset by the defeat as I became enthralled by the up and down game of the Cougars but I still didn’t comprehend the magnitude of the event, even while watching the exaltations of Jimmy Valvano.  The 1985 Villanova Wildcats captured my imagination and in fact my heart as they trumped anything before them by stunning the Georgetown Hoyas (a team I vehemently hated) in what is an all-time classic.  From that day forward I became completely engrossed and consumed by the madness.

There are many things to thank my dad for, and for that matter both of my parents, for but I’m extremely grateful he introduced me to something that will remain with me as long as I live.  Not only has the introduction created strong bonds and incredible memories, the tournament also helps me feel like a kid again, at least for three weeks a year.  There are few things in life that can be said of.

As my love grew I was fortunate enough to come down with a rare sickness every March-tourney fever.  Since the 5th grade I have taken at least one day off every year to witness the 1st round of the tournament.  Wow, what a rush!  Not only did I get out of school, and later work, I got to experience a feeling like no other.  Watching the games at noon and flipping through all of the games (on satellite) is a love I have never taken for granted.  Can you think of anything in life you love that much and have never taken for granted?  On the day I went to school my dad would always make sure the bracket was filled out so I knew what happened.  If he was working while I was watching, I would return the favor.  Those my friends are priceless memories.

For the game itself, the memories and emotions are numerous to name, however there are a few that stand out.  Seeing Jimmy Valvano run on the court in glee, hugging everyone in sight is something I will never forget.  Sadly, Valvano passed away years later due to cancer; however, the same passion we saw on the court in 1983 carried him through the toughest moments in his life as he penned the deeply emotional speech, Don’t Ever Give Up.  Another fond memory is seeing Thomas Hill stand with his hands on his head crying as Christian Laettner had just hit the greatest shot in what could be the greatest game in the history of the tournament.  A picture truly is worth a thousand words as the emotion and joy were on full display in Thomas’ tears.  Keith Smart hitting the baseline jumper in 1987 is certainly one of the greatest moments in all of sports for me.  The shot captured the title for the Indiana Hoosiers who were led by legendary Head Coach Bob Knight.  I absolutely worshipped Knight who in my opinion is the greatest coach in the history of the sport.  Valporaiso’s Bryce Drew hitting the game winner against Missouri was incredible and witnessing the pure joy of his teammates was incredible.  In 2006 I observed Cinderella in person as George Mason knocked off North Carolina.  The electricity in Dayton is hard to put into words.  The pressure grew with each passing second as the crowd’s roar grew in anticipation of the possible upset.  When George Mason pulled out the victory, the chaos that defines the tournament ensued.  The 2007 second round clash between Ohio State and Xavier was one for the ages.  Not only was the game between in-state foes but it included an incredible shot by Buckeye Ron Lewis which sent the game to overtime.  I was on hand to witness the miracle as Ohio State escaped with a stunning victory.

There are countless other great memories of buzzer beaters and Cinderella stories that still live through tourney highlights each season which are far too many to name.   Although I’m not a big fan of any of the three I would be remised not mentioning Al Macguire, Billy Packer and Dick Vitale.  Their love and passion of the game has been sewn into the fabric of the sport.

I hope my brief expose into the great event has exhumed emotions and memories for you as it did for me.  Friends and fans, please remember the game is much more than just office pools and cutting down the nets; it’s about young men exceeding their own reality, grown men crying and fans jumping in jubilation.  March Madness itself is about enthusiasm, memories and passion and should be shared with all.  With tears in my eye and a lump in my throat, in the style that North Carolina Head Coach Roy Williams can appreciate, ready yourself for the greatest event in all of sports.  The Madness of Spring is about to begin.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

The Cross Town Shootout

Cincinnati (6-1) at Xavier (5-3)

December 13^th 7:00 ET

The 2009 version of the Cincinnati Bearcats will remind fans of a Bob Huggins coached team.  They are not pretty to watch but are very athletic and rugged.  They struggle mightily on the offense end but bring it defensively.  They are led in scoring by wide body Yancey Gates.  The 260lb sophomore center is averaging 11.6 PPG and 7.7 boards.  Ballyhooed freshmen Lance Stephenson is living up to the billing.  He is very athletic with an explosive first step.  He is averaging 11.6 PPG and 6 boards on the young season.  Senior guard Deonta Vaughn has been very unselfish taking less shots and getting the youngsters involved.  The Bearcats were looking forward to the addition of guard Cashmere Wright last season but an injury forced him out for the season.  Wright still is shaking off the rust but will be very good in the near future.

The Xavier Musketeers do not look like the same team without former Head Coach Sean Miller.  Much was expected from the 09-10 Muskies but they have started slowly going 5-3 in their first eight games.  The addition of Jordan Crawford, a transfer from Indiana, was thought to be the piece that made Xavier a national power this season.  Crawford is having a good start to the season averaging 18.5 PPG and 5 RPG.  He is very athletic but his shot selection can often be questioned.  In Xavier’s three losses Crawford didn’t have off nights he was absolutely atrocious.  He was a combined 15 of 52 against Marquette, Baylor and Kansas State.  Xavier big man Jason Love is averaging a double-double with 10 PPG and 10 RPG.  Guards Terrell Holloway and Mark Lyons have been solid.  Athletic junior forward Jamel McLean is a tease.  He possesses a tremendous talent but rarely puts it all together.

Prediction: This is a rivalry game so anything can happen.  In addition Xavier’s home crowd will no doubt be a factor.  For Xavier to have any chance they will have to keep one of the best rebounding teams in the nation off of the glass.  Jason Love will need to have a big game against Yancey Gates and force him away from the basket.  Jordan Crawford and Dante Jackson will be matched up against the athletic guards of UC which is an intriguing match-up.  If Crawford lets the game come to him he will find success.  The Bearcats struggles on the offensive end will keep the game close but their power and defense will be the difference.  Behind a very good performance by Yancey Gates and senior Deonta Vaughn the Bearcats escape the Cintas Center with a big win.  Cincinnati 67 Xavier 63.

Scott Dryden

The Cleveland Cavaliers came out flat on Tuesday night hosting the Washington Wizards at “The Q.” With Gilbert Arenas’ strong shooting the Wizards built a 16-point lead. The Cavs charged back late in the half as Mo Williams setup a Delonte West basket then scored a jumper in transition to cut the Wizards lead to 7 at 49-42 at the 2:32 mark of the 2nd quarter. The Cavs continued their charge to cut the Wizards’ halftime lead to just 54-50 with both LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal scoring in double figures at the half.

In the second half the Cavs started strong as LeBron and Mo Williams each hit 3-pointers to give the Cavs a 62-58 lead prompting Flip Saunders to call a timeout with just over 7 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. A Shaq basket closed the quarter with Cleveland on top 78-73 with LeBron sniffing a triple-double at 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

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The 4th quarter saw the Cavaliers again start strong with a Shaq hook shot as well as a 3-pointer from Moon and a layup from Williams to open up a 10-point lead at 85-75 with 9:32. With LeBron and Shaq watching from the bench, Williams sunk another 3 ball followed by a 3 pointer from Boobie Gibson resulting in another Wizards timeout at the 7:28 mark. With Cleveland leading 91-77, Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown was able to rest both LeBron and Shaq as they enjoyed the show from their comfy courtside seats. during much of the final period. In the end, Cleveland was victorious by a 102-90 score led by LeBron James’ 27 points and Shaq’s 21. Williams, Gibson and Anderson Varejao each added double-digit points with Varejao’s 10 rebounds leading the way.

Cleveland has now won 3 straight after an 0-2 start to the season and the Cavs return to action on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls on TNT.

The Sports Cognoscenti

Cleveland Cavaliers

2009-10 Season Preview

The silence was deafening following the devastating loss to the Orlando Magic in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals.  LeBron James said nothing; he shook no hands, gave no post game interviews and left the building.  Back in Ohio, Cleveland fans voiced their all too familiar slogan, “Wait Until Next Year”.  On the court, Cavs Head Coach Mike Brown was out strategized by the Magic’s Stan Van Gundy who spread the floor and operated through the best center in the game, Dwight Howard.  The Cavs’ brass knew a change was in order so they pulled off the biggest coup in the offseason by acquiring Shaquille O’Neal.  O’Neal quickly stated Howard’s waltzes to the basket will not happen going forward.  Can the Cavaliers end Cleveland’s 46 year title drought?

Starting Five:

G- Mo Williams: Williams had a very good campaign making the All Star team while averaging 17.8 PPG.  The first two rounds were no different as Williams knocked down open jumpers and penetrated, setting up his teammates.  In the ECF, Mo couldn’t buy a basket struggling throughout the series.  Williams will bounce back nicely and work off of Shaq and LeBron and enjoy another All-Star season.

G- Delonte West: West’s story was similar to Williams in that he had a very solid season, played well in the 1^st and 2^nd round then struggled in the ECF.  West brings tenacity and grit to the shooting guard position.  West has plenty of off court issues to deal with which may cost him some time.  If so, off season acquisition Anthony Parker will be the starter.

F- LeBron James: The 24 year old phenom now has the inside presence he has longed for.  LeBron should find the road to the path clearer with Shaq under the basket.  He is the best all around player in the game and knows how to make his teammates better.  His maturity is unfathomable for a 24 year old and he is the consummate leader.  With his eyes locked on the prize, James will have his best season closing in on averaging a triple double.  James, who turns 25 in December, will bring home another MVP trophy and this time the title as well.

F- Anderson Varejao: Andy brings intangibles to the table that are difficult to find.  He is a solid rebounder and a very good defender but also brings energy and passion to the floor.  On the offensive end, Varejao is underrated.  He has good hands and shows an aptitude in finding lanes to cut to the basket.  He will work well with O’Neal.

C- Shaquille O’Neal: The Big Aristotle comes to Cleveland with a lot to prove and championship aspirations.  Shaq will bring a defensive prowess the Cavs have never had.  O’Neal will match up well with Eastern Conference big men like Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett. On the offensive end, O’Neal still draws double teams which will open up Cav shooters and of course the lanes for King James.  Shaq is a very underrated passer and will find success finding James and the Cavs perimeter shooters.  To quote Shaq, “A ring for the king” will be the goal for 2010.

Bench: The Cavaliers drafted forward Danny Greene from North Carolina.  The rookie will see limited minutes but will be a good asset down the road.  The signing of Anthony Parker, a versatile veteran, will prove very big throughout the season.  Parker is a good defender and a tremendous shooter off of screens.  The signing of Jamario Moon is very intriguing.  The lanky, athletic Moon will be a very good defender on wing players such as Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter.  Daniel “Booby” Gibson will continue to get minutes at both the point and shooting guard.  Gibson is a clutch shooter and valuable defender.  JJ Hickson will be the backup at the PF position.  Hickson, drafted in 2008, continues to improve and will be a nice role player off the bench.  All Star center Zydrunas Ilgauskas will come off the bench.  The 7’2” sharp shooter wore down in the ECF and offered little resistance against Dwight Howard.  Z should play well down the stretch with less wear on the tires.  The Cavs also signed Leon Powe who is coming off knee surgery.  Powe is expected to come back this season and could be a valuable commodity during the playoffs.

Prediction:

EAST:

The Cavaliers toughest challengers in the East are the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic.  The Celtics improved their roster by adding aging Rasheed Wallace and the versatile Marquis Daniels.  If Kevin Garnett is healthy, the Celtics will be a very tough out.  The 2008 Champions will be looking to recapture the title from their arch rival Los Angeles Lakers.  The Magic ousted the Cavs in the 09 ECF before losing to the Lakers in the finals.  The 09-10 Magic will look a bit different as they failed to resign sharpshooting Hedo Turkoglu.  He will be replaced by athletic Vince Carter.  Carter should be a good fit but is not the caliber of shooter that Turkoglu is.  Although Atlanta, Washington and Toronto will be tough, the Eastern Conference is a three horse race.

The Cavaliers will defeat the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the ECF and make their second appearance in the NBA Finals.

WEST:

The Champion Lakers will look for a repeat with a significant acquisition in Ron Artest.  The irritable Artest will fill the role of defensive stopper with the departure of Trevor Ariza.  Many are pointing to Artest as the key addition to fuel another title run for the Lakers.  However, Ariza was younger, longer and a much better fit for the Lakers system.  Phil Jackson has a proven record managing superstars with attitude and will have the same success with Artest.  Kobe Bryant proved why he is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.  The 31 year old megastar now has four rings with plenty of years left.  Bryant averaged 26.8 PPG last season and should match those numbers in 09-10.  Pau Gasol is one of the best big men in the league.  Criticized for his play in the 2008 NBA Finals, Gasol bounced back in dominant fashion in the 2009 playoffs.  The San Antonio Spurs look to regain their championship swagger.  The 2007 champs added Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess which should ease the stress on the big three.  Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli are the heart and soul of the franchise.  If they can put a healthy season together the sky is the limit.  The young Portland Trailblazers are immensely talented with championship aspirations.  The team added veteran PG Andre Miller who will bring stability and experience to the position.  The Blazers are led by the most underrated player in the league, Brandon Roy.  Roy averaged 22.6 PPG, 5 APG and 4.7 boards a game in 08-09.  Roy has a tremendous 1^st step and is a great mid range jump shooter.  The key to the season will be the growth of center Greg Oden.  Oden was up and down in his first season and looked lethargic at times.  During his collegiate career at Ohio State, Oden was lean and tremendously athletic.  Upon entering the pro ranks, Oden bulked up and it affected his defensive prowess.  In the offseason, Oden lost 13 pounds and has reportedly regained his athleticism.  Critics forget that Oden is only 21 years old and no doubt will continue his improvement.  PF LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 18 PPG and 7.5 RPG last season.  He is a very good spot up shooter and offers a tough matchup for any team in the league.  Like the Eastern Conference, the Western Conference is also a three horse race.

The Spurs regain their spot into the NBA Finals by outlasting the Lakers in a very intense, physical WCF.  The difference will be the Spurs athleticism and the additions of Jefferson and McDyess.  Tim Duncan outplays Gasol in what will go down as a classic 7^th game.

NBA Finals:

The Cavaliers face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals for the second time.  The 1^st time was an ugly affair in the 07 Finals s in which the Spurs cruised to the sweep.  This time, LeBron James and Shaq will be too much for the Spurs to handle.  The Cavs end the Cleveland Curse and roll to the title 4 games to 2.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

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When Hedo Turkoglu hit the jumper to put the Orlando Magic up 95-93 with 1.0 seconds left in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, it appeared that the Cleveland Cavaliers would hit the road down 2-0. But the MVP proved he was worthy. LeBron James nailed a 3-pointer with 1 second left to send the fans home happy and breathe life into the #1 seeded Cavs. The oft-criticized King James, most recently criticized for giving the ball up at the end of Game 1, should now have silenced the fiercest critics, Skip Bayless & Charles Barkley included.

With the series tied at 1-1, the Cavaliers will face the Magic in Game 3 on Sunday at 8:30 pm ET on TNT.

While the Cleveland Cavaliers did not appear to feel the effects of another 9-day layoff between NBA playoff games, the end result was not what the fans in Cleveland were expecting. Cleveland jumped out to a 16-point 1st Quarter lead and led by 15 at the half thanks to a 60+ foot shot by Mo Williams at the halftime buzzer. But the 3rd Quarter was key as the Magic fought back and Rashard Lewis hit a 3-point shot that proved to be the game-winner with just under 15 seconds remaining. The superstars had interesting games as LeBron James fought off leg cramps to score 49 points and Dwight Howard fouled out, but in the end the Magic’s team depth proved superior on this night as they easily dominated the Cavs’ bench players.

With the win the Magic lead the Eastern Conference Finals 1-0 and have “stolen” home court advantage and have handed the Cavaliers their first loss of the 2009 NBA Playoffs. Nonetheless, Cleveland Cavs apparel & merchandise continues to fly off the shelves as they look to even things up on Friday night in Cleveland.

NBA fans and the media expected it, and today the rumors and expectations became a reality as LeBron James was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. James received 109 of 121 possible 1st place votes as he wins his first MVP award in his 6th season in the NBA. During the 2008-2009 regular eason LeBron James averaged 28.4 points per game, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks.

The Cavaliers won their 1st round series 4 games to none over #8 seed Detroit and set their sites on #4 seed Atlanta. As always, fans can find the best Cavaliers playoffs apparel & hats online from DFN Sports sites.

It was a slow day for Ohio sports teams as only the Cincinnati Reds were in action on Monday, April 20th. The Reds were looking to take 3 of 4 @ Houston and improve to 7-5 on the season and jumped out to a early 2-0 lead. But Bronson Arroyo was unable to hold the lead as the Astros took a 3-2 lead in the 6th, but a Joey Votto 2-run double put the Reds ahead for good and Francisco Cordero preserved Arroyo’s win with the save. The Reds now head to Chicago to face the Cubs in a 3-game series after winning 5 of 7 on the road trip so far.

Cleveland Cavaliers - The Cavs prepare for Tuesday night’s Game 2 of their First Round series against the #8 Detroit Pistons. Meanwhile, Mike Brown was named the Coach of the Yearin the NBA on Monday.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Columbus looks to get back into their series wit hthe #2 seed Detroit Red Wings as they host the Wings in Game 3 @ Columbus on Tuesday night.

Cleveland Indians - The Indians begin a 9-game homestand on Tuesday as the Kansas City Royals come to town.

Cleveland Browns & Cincinnati Bengals - The Browns & Bengals continue to prepare for Saturday’s 2009 NFL Draft. The 2009 NFL team schedules were released last week.