At the beginning of the season, I questioned the Ohio State Buckeyes and how effective Jared Sullinger would be. On Tuesday night, I learned a lot as the Buckeyes went into Gainesville and made a statement against the Gators. They came into this game a three-point underdog, but left a sold out Stephen C. O’Connel Center stunned as the Buckeyes walked away with a 93-75 win and showed the nation they have once again been reloaded with firepower.
Freshman of the Year candidate Jared Sullinger is an anchor on both offense and defense and continues to be that presence in the paint that the Buckeyes didn’t have last season and haven‘t had since Greg Oden left for the NBA. Sullinger finished the night with 26 points and 10 rebounds, and came alive in the second half when Ohio State needed him the most. The true freshman has had two consecutive double-doubles to open the season. Sullinger is putting together a case for National Player of the Year and an early trip to the NBA.
One of last year’s All American’s in Evan Turner will be hard to replace, but William Buford said before the season he was up to the task. He backed up his words against Florida finishing with 16 points and eight assists. His progression on offense will directly correlate to how well Ohio State does this season.
The sharp shooting Jon Diebler entered his senior season as the all-time leader in three pointers made at Ohio State. He continues to distance that lead and poured in four more on his way to finishing with 14 points on the night. When a big shot is needed, the ball always seems to find Diebler and he doesn’t disappoint.
David Lighty has been an unsung hero for the Buckeyes for several seasons now. Tuesday night he got another chance to bury some of the skeletons from the 2007 championship game loss to Florida three seasons ago. He finished the night with 26 points on the Gators' home court. If Lighty can continue to lead the Buckeye’s charge, Columbus should have no reason to worry about not going far in March.
Lighty’s leadership, along with Buford and Sullinger’s continue progression, are keys for Ohio State this season. They enter a soft part in the schedule before heading back down to Florida, this time to take on Florida State on November 30th. Big Ten play will be a tricky road to navigate, as every team can beat any team on any given night-especially at home-but that will only make the stronger and more experienced come tournament time.
P.S. I really really really hate Ohio State with a passion and the only reason I wrote about them is because of how surprised I am with how well Jared Sullinger has done so far this season. I didn’t expect him or Ohio State to roll over Florida so easily.
ON WISCONSIN!!!!
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