I think Buckeye fans would be more mellow and chill about these situations if we were not also hit with the unlucky combination of injuries and transfers, in addition to the one and dones. Now it is really magnified, the grand recruiting visions of a couple years ago of the Buckeye super teams are now gone. I believe Evan Turner is doing a lot for the program by returning because many would be jaded to Matta's Buckeyes if Evan left with Mullens.
But maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel? Matta can't help but learn from the attrition. He keeps bringing in top talent, and we actually return a team next season
. 3 good veteran wing players, Buford and DLaud should be very comfy, another year for Hill & Simmons, and Big Z and Walt will get valuable experience just in time to glue with the 2010 super class.
Just think, the 08/09 team (without lighty) was probably some better guard play away from making it to the round of 32.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OHSportsFan9
I can't help but notice that only 2 out of the 5 seemed to genuinely enjoy their time at OSU (through both words AND actions). Koufos, Cook, and Mullens, despite their contributions just didn't seem to be happy. |
This is why it is a tricky assumption to think they would have improved their fortunes by staying when they probably didn't completely buy into Matta in the first place. But on the flipside, results are what matter and I don't think people are as salty with better results.
Yeah, Cook had a slump, but he performed well at times and contributed to a great team. He got his grievances with Matta out of the way and moved on.
The other two were seen as real disappointments indivudally and teamwise, although Kosta turned it on late in the season. He just didn't leave well and many do not like him to this day. I don't like the way he left either, but he's still a Buck and I'm interested in following his career.
I really miss those guys. Every single one. Something special happens when a group of talented players enjoy playing with each other, and get some years to play together. tOSU was very fortunate to sign 3 who had a couple years under their belt before coming. It was a great run, I hope we can have another one in the next couple years. I believe in Matta.
Huge NBA head, even bigger Buckeye fan.