Ohio State escaped Louis Orr’s Bowling Green team 61-57 on Monday night in Columbus. They played poor perimeter defense against players named Jakubowski and Clements and, most glaringly, they demonstrated a desperate need for a replacement to Jamar Butler at the point.
Looking for a Leader
Losing a four-year starter in the back-court on the heels of the early flight by Mike Conley, Jr. to the NBA has created a sizable void for Ohio State, as it would for most teams. This year, the Buckeyes are again stocked with talent throughout the roster but whether the team will coalesce is heavily dependent upon whether a JC guard, Jeremie Simmons, or a freshman, Anthony Crater, can become the confident leader Matta needs.
How Will Matta Develop Mullens
Despite the knee jerk hype surrounding his recruitment, BJ Mullens isn’t close to being a top tier center in the Big Ten, let alone an NBA lottery pick. Against Bowling Green, Mullens looked lost and frustrated. At this point in the season, he’ll be dropped-stepped by Illinois’ Mike Tisdale.
One of Hoopraker’s persistent criticisms of Matta throughout the years is his failure to utilize and thereby develop the offensive skills of his post players. First with Terrence Dials, then Greg Oden, then Kosta Koufus, Matta refused to run his offense through the post, whether it was out of a timeout or with the game on the line. Rather he prefers a perimeter-oriented offense that takes jump shots early in the clock while leaving his post players, no matter their talent, to generally fight for the scraps.
On a team with deep wing talent such as Evan Turner and fellow freshman standout William Buford, how (and if) Matta develops the seven-footer will be an interesting storyline as the season evolves.
Both Minnesota freshman are light years ahead of Mullens, and aren’t nearly as goofy looking.
Left by From The Barn on November 27th, 2008