Last year the Ohio State Buckeyes walked into Florida and destroyed them it was never even close. With some players gone from each team will this year be the same? Find out in my thoughts of the game below.
The Florida Gators lose their entire frontcourt coming into this season. While the Buckeyes return the best frontcourt player in the country in Jared Sullinger. Patric Young is Florida’s best talent inside, but he is no match for Sullinger. Look for Sullinger to have a big day at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Gators might have the best backcourt in the country with the experienced Erving Walker and Boynton, freshman Bradley Beal, and Rutgers transfer Mike Rosario. These four players will be tough to stop, but the Buckeyes have a very underrated backcourt in Aaron Craft and William Buford. In the end the Gators should control the backcourt battle but at the end of the day Sullinger will be too much for the Gators to handle inside. Ohio State- 75 Florida -68
My season previews for both Ohio State and Florida.
Ohio State
Coach: Thad Matta (Seven seasons at Ohio State 190-57). Overall 292-88, 11years
2010-11: Record: 34-3overall, 16-2 in Big Ten (1st)
Starters Returning (2) Jared Sullinger, William Buford
The Buckeyes were probably a top 15 team, but when Jarred Sullinger decided to come back to school they vaulted near the top. Sullinger (17.2 ppg) would have been a top 5 pick in the draft; he is a beast down low, and unstoppable once he gets the ball in the post with his strength. Joining Sullinger upfront will be DeShaun Thomas (7.5 ppg): despite not getting a lot of playing time last year he produced, and he will have a breakout season. The Buckeyes once again brought in a top recruiting class. From that recruiting class Amir Williams and Trey McDonald will help out up front as well as returning players Evan Ravenel and J.D. Weatherspoon (1.8 ppg). In the backcourt Aaron Craft (6.9 ppg) returns at the point; he didn’t start last year, but he got plenty of playing time, he’s one of those pesky point guards you want on your team. William Buford (14.4 ppg) is Craft’s running mate in the backcourt; he’s a deadly shooter with a mid range game. Jordan Sibert (2.1 ppg) and Lenzelle Smith Jr. (1.2 ppg) will help out in the backcourt; they can do more in an expanding role. Freshman Shannon Scott will have no trouble being the backup point guard. Freshman Sam Thompson will help out at small forward. The Buckeyes took a hit when LaQuinton Ross was ruled ineligible for this season.
Florida
Coach: Billy Donovan (15 seasons at Florida 360-147), overall 395-167, 17 years
2010-11: Record: 29-8 overall, 13-3 in SEC (1st, East)
Starters Returning (2) Kenny Boynton, Erving Walker
The Gators do lose their starting frontcourt, but they do return their top 2 scorers both of which play in the backcourt. Point guard Erving Walker (14.8 ppg) and Kenny Boynton (14.2 ppg) lead the way in the backcourt to form one of the best backcourts in the nation. Both are super quick guards that can get to the rim. Both also make their share of threes, but they need to make a better percentage. Walker is a very clutch player while Boynton is a lockdown defender. Also starting on the wing will be one of the best freshman in the nation Brad Beal. Beal will be one of the best shooters in college basketball. Mike Rosario, a Rutgers transfer will be a top option off the bench; he averaged 16.7 ppg his last season at Rutgers. Also providing depth is Scottie Wilbekin (2.4 ppg) and Casey Prather (1.2 ppg). Center Patric Young (3.4 ppg) is the leader of the frontcourt; he is very athletic. He should put up a lot better numbers with more playing time. Power forward Erik Murphy (4.3 ppg) is more of a shooter. Providing the depth here is Will Yeguete (1.3 ppg), freshman Walter Pitchford, and redshirt freshman Cody Larson.
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Tags: Florida, Ohio State
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