2010 Ohio State Offseason: Buckeyes becoming Victim of their own success

The Ohio State Buckeyes lost 76-73 to Tennessee in a classic Sweet 16 game. The loss in the game is far less important than what the Buckeyes will lose in the offseason. NBA rumors swirl about several Buckeyes this post season.

Evan Turner has been selected as the first pick in the draft in several of the experts mock drafts this season. He is as good as gone; even with his political correctness of staying he has not made a decision yet. He has made the decision Buckeyes fans, and it is the dream of playing in the NBA.

Another Buckeye who is likely gone is William Buford. The sophomore has had a tremendous season, and will more than likely leave if he gets a mid to late first round grade. Right now he is predicted to go in the late first or early second round.
Buford has averaged 14.4 points and 5.6 rebound a game this season for the Buckeyes. Before Buford makes the jump he needs to look at a former Buckeye in Daequan Cook.

Cook was the twenty-first pick in the first round of the 2007 NBA draft. After being drafted he spent long stints in the NBA developmental league, something Buford wishes to avoid. Evan now, several seasons into his career, his minutes are still limited.

The easiest way to avoid this and increase his draft stock is to come back for his junior year. Evan Turner did this and he has propelled his draft stock into at least a top five pick in this up coming draft. Buford could easily do that on this Buckeye team that desperately needs his services next season.

Ohio State has become very successful under Matta’s close watch. NBA talent has come, and quickly gone. Names like Conley, Oden, Mullins, Koufos, and Cook have passed though the Schottenstein Center as Buckeyes. This talent has brought a Nit championship, and multiple NCAA tournament appearances. The sad thing for Buckeye fans is that all those names would still be on the roster if they had not gone early to the pros.

Jared Sullinger, DeShaun Thomas, J.D. Weatherspoon, Jordan Siebert, Lenzelle Smith and Aaron Craft all look to make their mark next season as Buckeyes. This class is ranked in the top three on most recruiting services, and the Buckeyes will need the help after another offseason involving NBA defections.