Monday, April 23, 2007
Butler leaving?
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Junior Jamar Butler, is considering the idea of attending NBA camps. Just like Conley and Cook, he would not sign with an agent, leaving the option open to return to the team. He is not projected to be drafted in either round. If Conley leaves, Butler is the only remaining point guard for next season.
OSU Spring Game
I don't plan to post any analysis of the Spring Game, simply because I think too many individuals over analyze the "practice." Remember, it is only spring, so the players are rusty. We are seeing returning lettermen lining up against and with their backups, so it is hardly a game situation. Some of the guys you saw play, won't play one minute this season. Most of the incoming freshman are still in high school.
That being said, I enjoyed my time at the Spring Game, although my neck was burnt by the sun. Did you hear that over 75,000 fans attended the game? That number is surprising when you consider that it is up 10,000 from last spring, and there were higher expectations for last year's team. The Dispatch posted some other spring game attendance numbers, Alabama had 92,000, USC had 15,000, Tennessee had 17,000, LSU had 14,000, Florida had 47,000, Nebraska had 54,000 and West Virginia had 3,000. It is worth noting that OSU fans paid $5 and $10 to attend, while Alabama had free admission.
That being said, I enjoyed my time at the Spring Game, although my neck was burnt by the sun. Did you hear that over 75,000 fans attended the game? That number is surprising when you consider that it is up 10,000 from last spring, and there were higher expectations for last year's team. The Dispatch posted some other spring game attendance numbers, Alabama had 92,000, USC had 15,000, Tennessee had 17,000, LSU had 14,000, Florida had 47,000, Nebraska had 54,000 and West Virginia had 3,000. It is worth noting that OSU fans paid $5 and $10 to attend, while Alabama had free admission.
Oden, Conley and Cook Leaving
On Friday it was made official, all three players will enter the NBA draft. Oden will sign with an agent, but Conley and Cook will wait, leaving the option open to return to the team a couple weeks before the draft in June. Conley and Cook will need to keep attending classes to remain eligible to return to school. Here are some quotes.
Oden
"very tough decision" "I love OSU and love being a Buckeye," Oden said in the statement, "but I also have a great opportunity to take my game to the next level and compete with the best players in the world. . . . I feel the time is right."
Conley, Jr.
“It is my lifelong dream to play in the NBA," Conley said. “I would like to personally thank coach Matta and his staff for allowing me the opportunity to play for a great university, rich in history and tradition. I would like to also thank my teammates and the great Buckeye fans for all their support throughout the season."
Cook
“I treasured my time at OSU and our run during the (NCAA) tournament," he said, “but I want to continue to challenge myself further. I know what I’m capable of and I’m confident I can compete at the professional level." "As long as I go and work out and do the things I have to, I probably won't be back."
Matta
"not surprised" but rather "excited" "I think it’s been kind of a goal of mine to have a player like Greg selected as high as he’s going to be." "We had a sense that this could happen. . . . It’s part of the process of recruiting these days."
Conley, Sr. (likely agent for players)
"Like anything, you can't go in with half a foot in the door and say I hope it works out. You have to make it work out.""They've made the decision that this is what they want to do. They want to play in the NBA. They need to go 100 percent at that goal." "What would have to happen at this stage is, something has to be proven or said that it's not going to happen. At that point, their options are open to go back."
Oden
"very tough decision" "I love OSU and love being a Buckeye," Oden said in the statement, "but I also have a great opportunity to take my game to the next level and compete with the best players in the world. . . . I feel the time is right."
Conley, Jr.
“It is my lifelong dream to play in the NBA," Conley said. “I would like to personally thank coach Matta and his staff for allowing me the opportunity to play for a great university, rich in history and tradition. I would like to also thank my teammates and the great Buckeye fans for all their support throughout the season."
Cook
“I treasured my time at OSU and our run during the (NCAA) tournament," he said, “but I want to continue to challenge myself further. I know what I’m capable of and I’m confident I can compete at the professional level." "As long as I go and work out and do the things I have to, I probably won't be back."
Matta
"not surprised" but rather "excited" "I think it’s been kind of a goal of mine to have a player like Greg selected as high as he’s going to be." "We had a sense that this could happen. . . . It’s part of the process of recruiting these days."
Conley, Sr. (likely agent for players)
"Like anything, you can't go in with half a foot in the door and say I hope it works out. You have to make it work out.""They've made the decision that this is what they want to do. They want to play in the NBA. They need to go 100 percent at that goal." "What would have to happen at this stage is, something has to be proven or said that it's not going to happen. At that point, their options are open to go back."
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Dispatch: Oden to leave, Conley and Cook likely
The Columbus Dispatch reported tonight that Greg Oden will declare for the draft and sign with an agent. Conley and Cook will likely declare for the draft, but not sign with an agent. That allows them to do workouts and possibly change their mind by June 18. I'll post updates.
Friday, April 13, 2007
OSU Spring Football Game
Saturday, April 21st, 1:00PM
Tickets: $5 general admission, $10 club reserved
Buy online at www.hangonsloopy.com or 1-800-GO-BUCKS up until Monday
Buy at the Schottenstein Arena up until the game
Buy at the gate on the day of the game
TV-Channel 10 (CBS) locally
Tickets: $5 general admission, $10 club reserved
Buy online at www.hangonsloopy.com or 1-800-GO-BUCKS up until Monday
Buy at the Schottenstein Arena up until the game
Buy at the gate on the day of the game
TV-Channel 10 (CBS) locally
NCAA football rule changes
I noted on a previous post that some of the time saving 2006 rules would be changed for 2007. The clock will stop on possession changes and the clock won't start on kickoffs until the receiving team touches the ball.
There were some new rules enacted. Kickoffs will be from the 30-yard line as was suggested by the rules committee back in February, this allows more returns. The recommendation for a 15 second play clock after a TV timeout was accepted by the panel, previously it was 25 seconds. There will not be a time limit on replay review.
There were some new rules enacted. Kickoffs will be from the 30-yard line as was suggested by the rules committee back in February, this allows more returns. The recommendation for a 15 second play clock after a TV timeout was accepted by the panel, previously it was 25 seconds. There will not be a time limit on replay review.
Oden, Conley and Cook announcement next week
The Dispatch reported that Oden, Conley Jr. and Cook are meeting this weekend to discuss their future. The players will meet with Mike Conley, Sr., who is a registered agent and will likely represent the players when they decide to enter the draft. Oden is easily a #1 pick, but there has been some talk that he might stay another year. Conley Jr. practically guaranteed that he was returning, when asked during the Final Four, but now that he is possibly a top-ten pick, he is reconsidering his options. Cook's stock is down, after struggling at the end of the season to hit shots and to get playing minutes.
My predictions:
I don't follow the NBA, but I feel as though I can make a prediction. I am only 55% sure Oden is coming back (compared to the 0% for most experts.) I am 75% sure Conley Jr. is coming back. I am 90% sure Cook is coming back. Even if the players declare for the draft, Conley Sr. said he won't force them to sign with him as an agent, that allows them to change their mind (in a small window of time) and return to OSU.
Expect an announcement in the middle or end of next week.
My predictions:
I don't follow the NBA, but I feel as though I can make a prediction. I am only 55% sure Oden is coming back (compared to the 0% for most experts.) I am 75% sure Conley Jr. is coming back. I am 90% sure Cook is coming back. Even if the players declare for the draft, Conley Sr. said he won't force them to sign with him as an agent, that allows them to change their mind (in a small window of time) and return to OSU.
Expect an announcement in the middle or end of next week.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Basketball Celebration This Week
The following is an announcement released from Ohio State.
Ohio State Men's Basketball Team Celebration. The Ohio State Department of Athletics will celebrate the 2006-07 Men's Basketball Season on Wednesday, April 11 at 6 p.m. in Value City Arena.
Admission and parking to the event are free and tickets are not required.
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m.Come support the Buckeyes who claimed both the Big Ten outright regular-season and tournament titles. The team advanced to the ninth NCAA Final Four in program history and finished as the national runners-up.
The Celebration includes:
*Thad Matta, the 2007 Big Ten Coach of the Year
*Members of the team
*Gene Smith, Ohio State Director of Athletics
*Michael Coleman, Mayor of Columbus
*Ohio State band and cheerleaders
*Commemorative autographed poster for the first 5,000 fans
*Opportunity to take photos with the Big Ten regular-season and tournament trophies, as well as the Buckeyes' NCAA South Region and Final Four trophies
Ohio State Men's Basketball Team Celebration. The Ohio State Department of Athletics will celebrate the 2006-07 Men's Basketball Season on Wednesday, April 11 at 6 p.m. in Value City Arena.
Admission and parking to the event are free and tickets are not required.
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m.Come support the Buckeyes who claimed both the Big Ten outright regular-season and tournament titles. The team advanced to the ninth NCAA Final Four in program history and finished as the national runners-up.
The Celebration includes:
*Thad Matta, the 2007 Big Ten Coach of the Year
*Members of the team
*Gene Smith, Ohio State Director of Athletics
*Michael Coleman, Mayor of Columbus
*Ohio State band and cheerleaders
*Commemorative autographed poster for the first 5,000 fans
*Opportunity to take photos with the Big Ten regular-season and tournament trophies, as well as the Buckeyes' NCAA South Region and Final Four trophies
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Big Ten Coaches
Iowa has hired Butler coach Todd Lickliter. He was voted National Association of Basketball Coaches, Coach of the Year, after leading his team to the Sweet 16 and a 29-7 record.
Sources indicate that Michigan has bought out West Virginia coach John Beilein's contract and hired him as their next coach. He had a $2.5 million buyout. After missing the NCAA tournament, Beilein led his team to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) Championship this season.
Stay tuned
Check back, I will post some pics and memories of the tournament. There will be some updates regarding the Iowa and Michigan coaching positions. I will also post information regarding the status of Greg Oden. At this point it sounds like Mike Conley plans to return for next season.
Great Job Bucks!
Yes, the Buckeyes lost last night yet again to Florida. We all hoped for a victory, but it just did not happen. That being said, this was an incredible season, one that will be long remembered by Ohio State fans. It is amazing to consider that That Matta was only in his third season, the school had sanctions two years ago and four freshman had significant roles in this memorable season. Here are a few things you should remember about this season.
- 2006-2007 Big Ten Season Champions
- 2007 Big Ten Tournament Champions
- First trip to the Final Four since 1968*
- First trip to the NCAA Championship Game since 1962
- School Record 35 wins
- First AP #1 ranking since 1962
* 1999 Final Four trip vacated by the NCAA
Monday, April 02, 2007
ESPN predicts OSU victory?
Finally, a national media outlet is predicting an OSU victory tonight! Oh wait, you mean it was a video game simulation? No, it wasn't XBOX from our football guest panel, but it must be someone related, perhaps PS3.
The Dunk That Never Was
Oh it was beautiful, and it was destined for Sportscenter highlight reels for years to come, but it didn't go through the hoop.......
OSU vs. Florida
Tonight, 9:00 PM
CBS HD
Ohio State vs. Florida
NCAA Men's Championship Game
Due to the short time period between games, and the fact that I was out of town yesterday, I won't type up a large preview. If you watched Ohio State play at Florida in December, you know how difficult this game will be. The Gators dominated in every category in that game. And remember, Florida still has all five starters from last year's championship team. However, there are some things that will make this game different, and in my opinion could tip the game in favor of the Buckeyes. This game is on a neutral court, Oden isn't just coming off his injury, Conley is running on all cylinders, Florida Coach Billy Donovan is thinking about the job in Kentucky, all the hotheads namely Noah have bloated egos that will deflate tonight, Oden and Conley win championships (look at Indiana High School records), this is probably Oden's last OSU game, this could be Conley's last OSU game, this is Lewis' last collegiate game, and the media is almost 100% on Florida's bandwagon. I don't think you can over emphasize that last point. Ohio State has been seen as a streaky team with freshmen that don't have the experience to keep winning close games. Many predicted Ohio State to fall to Georgetown. It was said that Ohio State could not handle the size and physical play of the Hoyas. We all know the result of that game. Tonight will be a difficult game, but in my biased opinion I look for OSU to cut down the nets.
CBS HD
Ohio State vs. Florida
NCAA Men's Championship Game
Due to the short time period between games, and the fact that I was out of town yesterday, I won't type up a large preview. If you watched Ohio State play at Florida in December, you know how difficult this game will be. The Gators dominated in every category in that game. And remember, Florida still has all five starters from last year's championship team. However, there are some things that will make this game different, and in my opinion could tip the game in favor of the Buckeyes. This game is on a neutral court, Oden isn't just coming off his injury, Conley is running on all cylinders, Florida Coach Billy Donovan is thinking about the job in Kentucky, all the hotheads namely Noah have bloated egos that will deflate tonight, Oden and Conley win championships (look at Indiana High School records), this is probably Oden's last OSU game, this could be Conley's last OSU game, this is Lewis' last collegiate game, and the media is almost 100% on Florida's bandwagon. I don't think you can over emphasize that last point. Ohio State has been seen as a streaky team with freshmen that don't have the experience to keep winning close games. Many predicted Ohio State to fall to Georgetown. It was said that Ohio State could not handle the size and physical play of the Hoyas. We all know the result of that game. Tonight will be a difficult game, but in my biased opinion I look for OSU to cut down the nets.
OSU in the Championship Game
This is Ohio State's first appearance in the NCAA tournament championship game since 1962. Ohio State has only won a single time in four appearances in the game, with a victory in 1960, but falling short in 1939, 1961 and 1962. I think some people are over emphasizing the fact that Ohio State lost to Florida in the football title game last year and this is time for revenge. Yes, this is the first time any team, let alone two, have played in both the football title game and the men's basketball championship game in the same school year. That being said, these are two different sports, and don't forget, the Ohio State basketball team played at Florida last December. Oh wait, did you just start watching the basketball team in March? I think it is unfair for the basketball team, a program that has constantly been under the shadow of the football team, to have a football game take center stage in the discussions of tonight's game. This game is very significant to a program that is finally starting to look like it did back in the early 60's. There were many difficult years between now and 1962, most recently the sanctions for the O'Brien years that resulted in games being vacated and a post season ban. So when you watch the game tonight, if you want to draw comparisons to another OSU vs. Florida game, please make sure it is the basketball game from December.