MEN'S BASKETBALL PREVIEW

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

2005-2006 OHIO STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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Blog by: Bucknuts44820 and Wadc45
Edited humbly by vrbryant
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The skies are gray and the air is getting colder - it can mean only one thing...college basketball season is almost upon us. With the early signing period rapidly approaching and the anticipated signing of the famed and vaunted class of 2006, times have certainly changed for the OSU program. Needless to say, the future is bright for Thad Matta and Buckeye hoops.

As we all know, that bright future is right around the corner, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This year's squad is strong, focused and loaded with experience so let's take a look at them - the '05-'06 Ohio State Buckeyes. Thad Matta’s first season at the helm was (to say the least) a very successful start, as the Buckeyes finished 20-12 overall and 8-8 (6<SUP>th</SUP>) in the conference. The high point of the season was, of course, the upset of the then-undefeated and no. 1 ranked Illini in the regular season finale. With the self-imposed postseason ban and possible NCAA sanctions looming over the program, the team exceeded all reasonable expectations and breathed life into a program that desperately needed a change of direction and momentum.

With only ten scholarship players on the roster, keeping everyone healthy throughout this season is key. This team will lack great depth, but will have a consistent rotation of seven or eight players who can all impact a game. In addition to all the talk about needing improved rebounding and defense, the Buckeyes must improve their ability to shoot free throws Ohio State after finishing 10<SUP>th</SUP> in the Big Ten in that department (65.6%), and find a consistent threat from the outside if they want to move into the upper echelon of the Big Ten. A consistent rebounding presence needs to emerge to help Terence Dials in the frontcourt in order for the Bucks to have the chance to compete for a Big Ten Championship - hopefully senior forward J.J. Sullinger will step up and take charge. Matta's intensity, toughness and focus on defense were the reasons they improved from below .500 to a 20 win season, and hopefully, this season will be no different. Matta will continue to preach strong team defense, and if he gets what he wants, there will be little holding this team back.

Let's take a look at the 2005-06 team, player by player:

FRONTCOURT

TERENCE DIALS - #34
(6-9, 260)​

The inside game begins and ends with senior F/C Terence Dials who led last year's team in scoring (15.9 ppg), as well as rebounding (7.9 rpg) and minutes played (32.7 mpg). In a nutshell, Dials is the heart and soul of this team. Most publications tab Dials as a preseason first team All-Big Ten performer, but Coach Matta will need to find a player who can spell Terence in order to keep him fresh. Dials was physically exhausted in the late stages of many games last season, and his back-up (Matt Marinchick) was a liability at both ends of the floor. By season’s end, Dials was the most dominating force on the low block in the conference, and the smart money is on the same result this year. However, now with NCAA Tourney aspirations, the judicious management of floor time for the big fella will make a serious impact on just how much tread is left on his tires come March. It's not unreasonable to expect Dials' numbers to go up, though if they can afford to give him more than seven minutes of rest a game, don't be surprised to see them do just that.

MATT SYLVESTER - #40
(6-7, 230)​

Last season, Sylvester provided a much-valued spark off the bench by averaging 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 20.3 minutes per game. This season, he's a senior, a captain and is looking to break out. Syl is threat from the arc, but can also put the ball on the floor and get to the rim with an array of offensive moves. His defense was just average at times last year, and his shot selection was not always what you would like to have seen, but what are not in question are the intangibles he brings to the team: hustle, heart, and intensity. It remains to be seen whether he will fill the same role as he did in '04-'05, as a dazzling sixth man, or if he will make the leap into the Buckeyes' starting lineup. As we will always remember, his last second shot was the game winner in the historic upset of undefeated and top-ranked Illinois in Columbus. Look for Sylvester to have a similar season for the Buckeyes this coming year, with perhaps a slight increase in his numbers across the board. Should he hang on to a starting role, we could see a lot more from #40.

IVAN HARRIS - #3
(6-7, 215)​

This former McDonald’s All-American had all the potential in the world when he first arrived in Columbus, but he has yet to retain a consistent level of play. Ivan, a junior, will need to make some kind of impact on the boards and the defensive end this year to see an increase in minutes from '04-'05 (19.6). Harris’ offensive game is focused on drilling the long ball, and is much more of a swingman than a prototypical forward. At 6-8, 215 pounds, Harris will need to play bigger than his frame if he is going to be a help to Dials in the frontcourt. Harris shot 43% from behind the arc last season, while averaging 7.3 points and 3.2 rebounds a game. Amazingly, Harris attempted just 8 free throws in 626 minutes on the court, but ranked in the top ten in the league in field goal percentage. If he can bring a little more toughness to the table, he has plenty of opportunity to make good.

MATT TERWILLIGER - #42
(6-8, 240)​

As a freshman, Terwilliger saw limited action in frontcourt last season, playing in only 15 games. His mission this past off season was to bulk up and make an impact on the boards for the Buckeyes this season. He has reportedly accomplished this as he is up to 240-245 on his 6-8 frame which will help him get on the court more than 5.1 minutes he averaged last season. Twigs played with the Big Ten’s foreign touring team this summer, averaging 5.0 per game in limited action.

BRAYDEN BELL - #21
(6-8, 255)​

This true freshman could possibly make an impact in the paint early based on his frame, 6-8, 255 pounds. Bell is from Salt Lake City, Utah where he was considered a top player in the west, and is a possible sleeper prospect. The scouting report on Bell is that he can and will shoot the outside shot but is not afraid to mix it up in the paint. Prototypical Matta prospect, a player who has the size to rebound and the ability to shoot it from the outside at the forward spot.

BACKCOURT

J.J. SULLINGER - #0
(6-5, 215)​

Another of four senior co-captains for the '05-'06 campaign, Sully averaged 9.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 26.4 minutes per game in '04-'05, and brought a toughness and determination to the team. Along with newcomer Ron Lewis, he represents the sheer athleticism Ohio State puts on the floor. He was the second in rebounding on the team, and the Buckeyes will need that to continue in order for them to be successful this year. Sullinger shot a fantastic 59% from the field and displayed better shot selection as the season went on. He has the ability to play in the paint and create his own shot, but he struggled at the free throw line. J.J. is a very consistent performer on the defensive side of the court and could be poised for a break-out year.

JE'KEL FOSTER - #23
(6-3, 210)​

Foster, a Junior College transfer and the fourth of four senior captains, excels as a three point threat. He averaged 7.7 points a game, 3.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 25.6 minutes a game last season, and proved to be a very good performer on the defensive end - he is perhaps the best shut-down guard the Buckeyes have. Foster should get plenty of open looks this season with defenses collapsing on Dials, but will have to compete for minutes this year with newcomers Ron Lewis and Sylvester Mayes. One of the main reasons the Buckeyes improved dramatically on the defensive side of the court, Je'Kel could be a major contributor this season.

RON LEWIS - #12
(6-4, 195)​

Lewis transferred to OSU from Bowling Green and sat out last year as a transfer. Possibly the best player on the roster (he consistently outplayed everyone in practice last year), Lewis is being counted on to make a huge contribution to the team and do what he does best, which is get to the free throw line and convert. The Buckeyes struggled in this aspect of the game and Lewis is tailor made to give the Buckeyes improvement in this area. Ron can put the ball on the floor, he can create for everyone else, he can jump out of the gym and has a sweet, smooth shot. The sky really is the limit for Ron, and his two years of eligibility should have Buckeye fans drooling.

JAMAR BUTLER - #14
(6-2, 200)​

In his first year, Butler took over the point guard position half way through the season. A former Mr. Basketball in Ohio, he averaged just 3.6 points and 2.3 assists while logging 19.1 minutes a game. Jamar excels at not turning the ball over and getting the team in the right plays. He's the prototype player at the point guard position, but needs to improve his shooting (33.3%) and threaten defenses on his own in order to spread out the defense for Dials on the block. Butler improved as the season went on as an outside threat and that should continue this year. Could be pushed by either Je'Kel Foster or Sylvester Mayes for minutes at the point guard position.

SYLVESTER MAYES - #32
(6-1, 190)​

Another Junior College player (Redlands Community College) who helped lead his team to the 2004 NJCAA championship game, Mays is considered a lead guard with a smooth shot. It's not impossible that he could challenge Jamar Butler for time at the point, but he is definitely not a pure, pass-first PG. He can jack it from long range and is very skilled, and will add excitement and a scoring punch off the bench early in the season for the Buckeyes.

TEAM ANALYSIS

The Buckeyes have a favorable schedule and the experience to make a run at the Big Ten title. Dials is one of the five best players in the league and he will be counted on to raise his level of play to get the Buckeyes to the next level and back to the NCAA tournament.

PREDICTED FINISH
Ohio State will be 21-6, 11-5 in the Big Ten, good enough for third place and a NCAA tournament appearance.