Basketball Recruiting Projections/General Discussions

[Bucky Katt]

Originally Posted by LitlBuck

There was some discussion of this is the Indiana game thread but I thought that I would bring it back over here where it probably belongs. I, like some others, would almost like to see Thad recruit players who are going to be here for more than one year. Sure, it was nice last year when we had the three super freshman but to see them all go after one year and not leave much continuity to the program troubles me. Maybe last year was an unusual one because we also had 2 seniors leave but what's going to happen after the 2008 season when we will probably lose Mullens, Buford, and Kosta (assuming he stays one more year).

It seems as though other schools can recruit players who stay around for at least three years and are consistently in the top 10 in the Country. Not only do we lose the players will we also lose the continuity. Again maybe this year's team was unique because we lost five players but I don't think we will have the continuity next year and then we will lose the really good players and have to start over. I just don't know where you draw the line.

I'd give it some more time before I get concerned about it. This is only the second really good recruiting class here for Matta and there is a notable lack of depth and talent from the previous classes. When you look at the 04 (Foster, Jackson-Wilson, Twigs, Butler) and 05 (Bell, Mayes) classes and see what actually materialized from those classes, it's not surprising that there is a lack of upper-classmen production and leadership. One very good 4-year player, and one 4-year role player. (EDIT here - not intending to discount Foster. I loved that guy )

Hopefully there is enough of a mix of non-lottery pick talent in the most recent classes and future classes. Sure, losing Buford, Mullens, and Koufos will sting after next season, assuming that's what transpires, but there will be notably more experience and talent returning. Theoretically speaking, Lighty will be back for his senior season, Turner, Lauderdale, Wallace, Diebler back for their junior seasons. Hill back for his third season (I think he has two years left after this one). Plus, presumably throw in Crater and Offutt for their sophomore years. Even though I'm sure they won't all be superstars, there are 7 experienced guard/wing players there. Not much depth on the front line, but hopefully that will be addressed in the '09 class.

As long as they keep bringing in classes that aren't comprised exclusively of one-and-done type guys, I don't see it being a major issue. Obviously the early-entries have hurt OSU this season, but I'd venture to say that the '05 class, such as it was, is just as significant of a contributor to the "struggles" this season.

And how nice is it that a 16-8 record is considered struggling now? This team could still conceivably end up with a 20-win season in what is considered an off-year by most. A far cry from the much-leaner Obie years.

[GrizzlyBuck]

Dang, Bucky Katt beat me to it and made me look doltish

Originally Posted by LitlBuck

There was some discussion of this is the Indiana game thread but I thought that I would bring it back over here where it probably belongs. I, like some others, would almost like to see Thad recruit players who are going to be here for more than one year. Sure, it was nice last year when we had the three super freshman but to see them all go after one year and not leave much continuity to the program troubles me. Maybe last year was an unusual one because we also had 2 seniors leave but what's going to happen after the 2008 season when we will probably lose Mullens, Buford, and Kosta (assuming he stays one more year).

It seems as though other schools can recruit players who stay around for at least three years and are consistently in the top 10 in the Country. Not only do we lose the players will we also lose the continuity. Again maybe this year's team was unique because we lost five players but I don't think we will have the continuity next year and then we will lose the really good players and have to start over. I just don't know where you draw the line.

I agree, LitlBuck, but I think that this is a learning experience for Matta, and from his history, I think he'll pass with flying colors.

Let's look at next years squad (doing this on the fly, so please forgive my ineptitude)

Mullens, Koufos (crossed fingers), Lauderdale, Madsen, Turner, Lighty, Wallace, Buford, Diebs, Hill, Offutt, Crater

After next year, we could lose Mullens, KK, Buford, and possibly Lighty (if he has a coming out year on O next year, I don't see it though with so much around him)

That would leave a solid nucleus if we add a super talent, like Sydney for example, for a real good '09-'10 team.

I wrote about this in the Indiana game thread, that we may have some down years (NCAA bubble years aren't too down though) amongst elite type years, at least until Matta and the staff tweak their recruiting to make sure the cupboard is not lacking in certain staples (pure shooting, penetration, rebounding beast)

[Bucky Katt]

Originally Posted by GrizzlyBuck

I agree, LitlBuck, but I think that this is a learning experience for Matta, and from his history, I think he'll pass with flying colors.

Let's look at next years squad (doing this on the fly, so please forgive my ineptitude)

Mullens, Koufos (crossed fingers), Lauderdale, Madsen, Turner, Lighty, Wallace, Buford, Diebs, Hill, Offutt, Crater

After next year, we could lose Mullens, KK, Buford, and possibly Lighty (if he has a coming out year on O next year, I don't see it though with so much around him)

That would leave a solid nucleus if we add a super talent, like Sydney for example, for a real good '09-'10 team.

I wrote about this in the Indiana game thread, that we may have some down years (NCAA bubble years aren't too down though) amongst elite type years, at least until Matta and the staff tweak their recruiting to make sure the cupboard is not lacking in certain staples (pure shooting, penetration, rebounding beast)

Why didn't you just copy and paste mine word-for-word, you filthy plagiarist!





EDIT - great minds, thinking alike, typing at the same time or something, right?

[GrizzlyBuck]

Originally Posted by Bucky Katt

Why didn't you just copy and paste mine word-for-word, you filthy plagiarist!





EDIT - great minds, thinking alike, typing at the same time or something, right?

Yep, check my edit, besides, I showered earlier, so filthy I'm not

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by Bucky Katt

I'd give it some more time before I get concerned about it.

The problem is that's where we lose the continuity. I will agree that will have good wing players in 09 but we will have no depth at all across the front line or we will have freshman.

I guess you are correct. I was just have to trust Matta because he has done it before but these years team has been so frustrating because they have not played well together makes me worry about the future.

[BuckeyeSoldier]

I look at it like this...

We had no superstar talent... matta comes in and starts bringing in PERFECT recruiting classes IF you are a national caliber team... but we werent.. Not all of his players are one and done obviously.. he gets a few one and dones and a few four year guys... the first couple years its gonna be hit or miss because our 4 year guys are freshmen and sophmores.. once he has his classes into their 4 and 5th seasons i expect the early departures to hurt FAR less as we will have seasoned vets backing up the superstar freshmen..
I am FAR from worried about our teams future.