Comments on Big Ten Geeks: 2008-09 Preview: Ohio State

I'll comment again just to follow up on Walter...

2008-09-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'll comment again just to follow up on Walter Offutt. I've seen Anthony Crater get some bad reports, but I've yet to see a "tepid" evaluation of Offutt. In my estimate, Offutt is a better player than Crater and should play more than Crater, although Walter is more of a 2 than a PG. Offutt almost certainly is the more well-rounded player of the two, despite being hampered with knee injuries.

Offutt had an ACL injury to each knee in high school. Those injuries (which caused him to sit out parts of two seasons) are the main reasons why he was unranked rather than his play. That is, as they say "the rest of the story." If not for those injuries, I think we'd be looking at another top-50 player and a guy who definitely figures into the rotation. As it is, I still like his chances to play at least as much as Crater does & certainly more than Hill.

You're right that Offut would likely start at IU, ...

2008-09-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

You're right that Offut would likely start at IU, but IU is going to have a rough season, obviously. Some evaluators really like Walter, others are more tepid. I can't say I know how much he will play this season, but he likely will not be a starter. Given his "on paper" status as an unranked (per RSCI) player, we omitted him from the rotation.

The 4 guard lineup has its benefits, and might offset some of the TO issues, but it comes at a cost. Lighty and Turner are not exactly elite rebounders, and even if Mullens is, he can't carry the load himself. Plus, Ohio State was the 8th tallest team in the country last season, which certainly helped with their excellent FG defense. A 4 guard offense really threatens that.

OSU pulled it off 2 years ago, but not all guards are alike. Mike Conley was a pretty special player, and the supporting cast of Lewis, Harris, and Cook were also very good.

OSU is an odd team to predict this season, because they do have a lot of talent, but it's hard to see how it all fits. Of all teams in the Big Ten, I think they definitely have the most variance as far as how they finish. Could win the league, could be NIT-bound.

Thanks for reading.

What about Walter Offutt? A player of his caliber...

2008-09-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

What about Walter Offutt? A player of his caliber would merit at least a mention (heck, he would be a headliner for Indiana). I certainly think Offutt would play before PJ Hill.

I think they're going to go with a 4-guard lineup, which you kind of predict with your lineup list but gloss over in your comments. The 4-guard lineup is a big part of why they'll be better. Don't forget how well OSU played with the 4-guard lineup in 06-07 when Oden was out of the game.