Who Should Take The Last Shot?

[ScriptOhio]

Ohio State is trailing by one with 15 seconds to go in the game (and the "shot clock" is off); Ohio State has the ball and calls a time out. If you are Thad Matta, who would you draw up a play for to get the last shot and why him?

Jamar Butler
Mike Conley, Jr.
Daequan Cook
Ivan Harris
Othello Hunter
Ron Lewis
David Lighty
Greg Oden

Since "who ever is currently HOT in this game" isn't a choice, I'd go with Jamar Butler. He's an upperclassman, a good shooter, a good ball handler, can drive the lane, has made big baskets in games before, and is the best foul shooter on the team.

 

[ScarletBlood31]

Oden if you can get it inside, but i'd go with Conley for a last second jumper. There's just something about him that makes me want to trust him with coming up clutch.

 

[Flocka]

I said Conley not just because of the Wisky game, but because he shows the leadership. In past times I would have also said Bulter, but he doesn't seem to want that shot anymore. Conley wants the ball in his hands because he knows he can make the best decision with it, whether that be passing or shooting.

 

[BB73]

Some factors come into play.

Are we in the bonus or double-bonus? Are we at home or on the road? Who is likely guarding each of tOSU's guys?

While extremely grateful for Conley's heroics Sunday, I went with Butler.

 

[DGADBTWSOM]

Bender

I mean Butler....

 

[LitlBuck]

Butler is the man!

This is very difficult to answer. I guess the better question would be if there were 20 seconds left on the clock and we were down by one who would you want handling the ball. In that instance, I would say Conley but to take the last shot it would have to be Butler because he can do so many different things.

 

[Sky]

Butler is the safe bet because we have all seen him do these type of things in the past. As well, he is experienced and has the presence of mind to handle high-anxiety situations.

On the other hand, Conley took the first step towards becoming that kind of guy. I think the only knock we can make on Conley is that he hasn't played in many of these games. While he showed great poise (and a fortunate bounce) in the Wiscy game I still went w/ Butler.

 

[briegg]

I went with Butler since Slyk wasn't on the list (incidentally, the last shot is the only shot I ever wanted Slyk taking).

 

[crazybuckfan40]

Ok here is the thing...There are many factors that play into this...

Honestly we don't really have a true go to guy, but if we need a 3 I am all for Butler taking the shot, coming of a screen with a chance to kick to Harris or Lewis if he can not get the shot off...

If we need a two like against Wisky I am all for what happened, the last play was designed for Oden, but they took away the pass which led to Conley's penetration...

Either all I can say is that it is very tough for a team to guard us down the stretch b/c who do you defend. You can step out on a pick n' roll, but then you leave someone else open, you can double Oden and leave the lane open for penetration or a cut to the hoop...

In 3 late second situations we have seen Lewis(Tenn), Butler(Wisky), and Conley(Wisky) take shots...

 

[Sean]

I went with Butler to take the shot, but if I'm Matta, I get the ball to Conley, hoping he can drive and either get an open look or draw an extra defender, leaving Butler or Oden open. I trust Butler and Conley about equally in terms of decision-making, but Conley's speed gives him more flexibility in terms of creating things offensively.

It's interesting that Ron Lewis isn't getting any love here. He was more or less in this very situation against Tennessee, and nailed the game-winning three. But I guess his shot selection and touch since then doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.

 

[WyoBuckeye]

I voted for Cook to bring up the statistic that he is 45% (on 107 attempts) from behind the arc for the season.

Unless, I needed to get three, then I would go with a more expereinced player. But that is an amazing stat considering his youth.

 

[buckeyePaNdA]

I went with Conley but it's conditional. Get a shot similar to the one he had against Wisconsin and also a similar situation timewise so that, if he had to, Oden could grab the rebound and put it back for the win. :p

 

[jwinslow]

Designed play - Cook
Top of key clearout (time winding down) - Conley

 

[BrutusBobcat]

It's a trick question. You have at least five guys who IMO can take the shot, so you work for the best one. Conley, Butler, Oden, Cook, and yes, even Lewis, are all guys who can make the clutch shot if it's there.

(I'll add Harris, on a good night)

 

[ScriptOhio]

Some factors come into play.

Are we in the bonus or double-bonus? Are we at home or on the road? Who is likely guarding each of tOSU's guys?

While extremely grateful for Conley's heroics Sunday, I went with Butler.

Ok, just for you, BB73:

Ohio State is in the bonus.

The game is a NCAA tournament game at a neutral site vs Butler.

Butler has their starting lineup (Green, Graves, Ligon, Crone, and Betko) in the game. You don't know what defense the Butler coach will have them in.

You are now out of time outs; so you can't call another time out to discuss how they're matched up after everyone takes the court.