Jon Diebler entered his college career with big expectations. He dominated the high school game, and broke LeBron James Ohio High School scoring records. Those lofty expectations proved to be a little too much to handle in Diebler’s freshman year.
His sophomore year was a different story. He battled through transfer rumors during the summer between his freshman and sophomore seasons. That adversity made him a stronger player for the Buckeyes that upcoming fall.
He averaged 36 minutes a game and 11.2 points per contest that season. He became a valuable part of Ohio State’s transition game as a deadly sharpshooter. Diebler made 96 threes that season and finished with a 42 percent mark from behind the arc.
As he became more comfortable with his role and a perimeter shooter, he became more productive for head coach Thad Matta. Diebler was the main scoring threat in high school, but once he got to Ohio State he became one of many.
Evan Turner drew the double teams, and Diebler drained the threes during last season. Now as a junior Diebler had his eyes set on the Ohio State record books. He broke Jamar Butler’s three point mark of 242 threes for a career, as he poured in 260 going into his senior season.
Diebler averaged 13 points per game last season and finished shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc. He finished the season with 42 steals, a career high, and 38 turnovers, a career low. His improvement over the past three seasons makes him that much more valuable to the Buckeyes in this upcoming season.
Diebler will extend his three-point career mark to an almost unreachable level this season. His accuracy on the perimeter makes other teams defenses shift, opening the paint for players like William Buford and David Lighty to created points off the dribble.
Diebler enters his final season as a Buckeye with mixed support for the Buckeye faithful. Many still feel he has not lived up to his high expectations. When it is said and done he will be the greatest Buckeye perimeter shooter in the history of the program. That is something even the most critical fans can respect and be proud of.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
USF Basketball: Augustus Gilchrist Healthy and Ready To Take on the Big East
Augustus Gilchrist had a trying season last year. He missed 15 games with an ankle injury in the middle of the season and never got back into the groove when he returned to action.
Gilchrist dominated the court during the first seven games of the season. He averaged 20.1 points and 8.4 rebounds, both put him in the top 10 nationally. He was a great compliment to Dominique Jones, and even shadowed the Bulls guard at times.
Dominique Jones went on to win the Big East scoring title, but it was Gilchrist who carried the team up to his injury. Gilchrist would have been the odds on favorite for the scoring title had his fate been different.
The ankle injury took its toll on Augustus, his lack of conditioning during his time off was very apparent on his return. He struggled getting back into the fast-paced Big East play, and his production suffered. He finished the season averaging 13.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, stats he was not very proud of.
The torch has been pasted from Dominique Jones to Gilchrist. Jones declared for the NBA draft and now “Big Gus” is looked at as the team’s leader. This is a responsibility he is more than ready for. The 6’10’’ forward makes his presence known on both sides of the court, and when needed in the locker room.
Gilchrist is an extremely dynamic player for USF. He has an expansive offensive arsenal that includes both a mid-range jump shot and a knack for knocking it down behind the arc. He finished the season shooting 49 percent from beyond the arc.
His offense is not the only thing teams need to be aware of, however, as Gilchrist is a monster on the boards and is a very capable shot blocker. He should easily average a double-double next season and should be a candidate for Big East Player of the Year next season.
The Bulls will need the very best from their star forward as they transition out of the Dominique Jones era. The influx of youth at the guard position will be something the Bulls struggle with early on this season. Augustus Gilchrist has the ability on both sides of the court to ease those growing pains for USF.
Gilchrist dominated the court during the first seven games of the season. He averaged 20.1 points and 8.4 rebounds, both put him in the top 10 nationally. He was a great compliment to Dominique Jones, and even shadowed the Bulls guard at times.
Dominique Jones went on to win the Big East scoring title, but it was Gilchrist who carried the team up to his injury. Gilchrist would have been the odds on favorite for the scoring title had his fate been different.
The ankle injury took its toll on Augustus, his lack of conditioning during his time off was very apparent on his return. He struggled getting back into the fast-paced Big East play, and his production suffered. He finished the season averaging 13.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, stats he was not very proud of.
The torch has been pasted from Dominique Jones to Gilchrist. Jones declared for the NBA draft and now “Big Gus” is looked at as the team’s leader. This is a responsibility he is more than ready for. The 6’10’’ forward makes his presence known on both sides of the court, and when needed in the locker room.
Gilchrist is an extremely dynamic player for USF. He has an expansive offensive arsenal that includes both a mid-range jump shot and a knack for knocking it down behind the arc. He finished the season shooting 49 percent from beyond the arc.
His offense is not the only thing teams need to be aware of, however, as Gilchrist is a monster on the boards and is a very capable shot blocker. He should easily average a double-double next season and should be a candidate for Big East Player of the Year next season.
The Bulls will need the very best from their star forward as they transition out of the Dominique Jones era. The influx of youth at the guard position will be something the Bulls struggle with early on this season. Augustus Gilchrist has the ability on both sides of the court to ease those growing pains for USF.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Michigan Self Imposes NCAA Sanctions: What This Means for Rich Rodriguez
Michigan’s Head Coach, Rich Rodriguez, is beginning to feel some serious heat under his seat in Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan announced self-imposed sanctions today after coming forth with the initial findings back in late February.
Allegations of improper practice times, along with some quality control issues, arose, leading to an NCAA probe into the football program. “We take full responsibility for knowing and following NCAA rules,” President Mary Sue Coleman quoted during a press conference.
“We have made some mistakes as a program and we know that,” Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon said. He went on to say that Michigan is on the right track and is striding to make amends for any wrong doings it has had in the past.
Michigan found itself guilty of having too many coaches, and has reduced its quality control staff to adhere to NCAA guidelines. Michigan was also found guilty of practice and training times violations as well. The countable athletically related activities, or CARA, was in excess of 65 hours in 2008 and 2009. The reduction places the Michigan on a 2:1 ratio of practices to training times until 2012.
Rodriguez admitted that his staff made mistakes monitoring the allowable time, but the NCAA has implied that he encouraged this disobedience in his program. Michigan has disputed this with the NCAA, and showed its evidence to the contrary in a letter it submitted back to the investigation committee.
Michigan ’s football program has been less than mediocre since Rodriguez’s arrival. He has failed to lead Michigan to a winning season or a bowl appearance during his tenure in Ann Arbor. These sanctions fueled the fire of the boosters' campaign to remove the coach and take the football program in another direction.
Even with a successful season, which for Michigan would mean making a bowl game this year, Rodriguez may not be safe. The Michigan program is a proud one, and does not take to sanctions lightly. They have already had run-ins with the NCAA in the past, most recently with the basketball program in 2003.
Rich Rodriguez will once again navigate the Big Ten season attempting to get to that elusive sixth win for bowl eligibility. It may take that and a bowl win to keep his job, something that, up to this point, has been much easier said than done.
Allegations of improper practice times, along with some quality control issues, arose, leading to an NCAA probe into the football program. “We take full responsibility for knowing and following NCAA rules,” President Mary Sue Coleman quoted during a press conference.
“We have made some mistakes as a program and we know that,” Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon said. He went on to say that Michigan is on the right track and is striding to make amends for any wrong doings it has had in the past.
Michigan found itself guilty of having too many coaches, and has reduced its quality control staff to adhere to NCAA guidelines. Michigan was also found guilty of practice and training times violations as well. The countable athletically related activities, or CARA, was in excess of 65 hours in 2008 and 2009. The reduction places the Michigan on a 2:1 ratio of practices to training times until 2012.
Rodriguez admitted that his staff made mistakes monitoring the allowable time, but the NCAA has implied that he encouraged this disobedience in his program. Michigan has disputed this with the NCAA, and showed its evidence to the contrary in a letter it submitted back to the investigation committee.
Michigan ’s football program has been less than mediocre since Rodriguez’s arrival. He has failed to lead Michigan to a winning season or a bowl appearance during his tenure in Ann Arbor. These sanctions fueled the fire of the boosters' campaign to remove the coach and take the football program in another direction.
Even with a successful season, which for Michigan would mean making a bowl game this year, Rodriguez may not be safe. The Michigan program is a proud one, and does not take to sanctions lightly. They have already had run-ins with the NCAA in the past, most recently with the basketball program in 2003.
Rich Rodriguez will once again navigate the Big Ten season attempting to get to that elusive sixth win for bowl eligibility. It may take that and a bowl win to keep his job, something that, up to this point, has been much easier said than done.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Big Ten Expansion: What It Means for the BCS Busters
The Big Ten has set its sights on expansion. At the moment, the number of teams and the teams themselves have not completely been identified. Some experts have said the Big Ten wants to expand to 16 teams, and have named just about everyone from Texas to Rutgers and everyone in between the two.
So far, all the talk is about the expansion of the Big Ten, SEC, and Pac-10. These conferences will be expanding into “super-conferences” as they swallow up the ACC, Big East, and potentially the Big 12. Notre Dame, as usual, is also included into the expansion talks.
If—or when—all this expansion takes place, it will drastically change the BCS landscape, potentially taking the six BCS conferences and reducing them to five, or even four conferences.
As usual, the main motivator is money and more publicity, which equals even more money.
Left out of all these talks are the so-called BCS busters such as Utah, TCU, and Boise State. These teams, if left out of the expansion, could face a very bleak future.
Respect is hard earned for these teams now; it will get harder if the expansion takes place.
Boise State, TCU, and Utah—and even Hawaii—have all had their chance to impress during a BCS bowl game. Utah beat Alabama and Pittsburgh, while Boise State beat Oklahoma and TCU. The Horned frogs lost their one and only BCS game to Boise State last season, 17-10. Hawaii did not fare any better, Georgia blew them out 41-10 in its Sugar Bowl showing.
The wins over Alabama and Oklahoma give some credit to teams playing outside of the BCS conference, but not enough to get them into the BCS title game.
The Negatives of Expansion for Non-BCS Teams
Winning BCS games gets these teams one step closer to getting into the big game, but with the creation of these “super-conferences” that will change quickly.
The biggest knock is that the schedules are too weak to get serious consideration for non-BCS teams. Boise State has gone out and scheduled Virginia Tech this season, but would that continue to happen if Virginia Tech was part of a Big East/ACC conglomerate?
Doubtful to say the least.
Teams do not want to play these BCS busters now. Why would that change? Especially when the conference schedule is going to become that much more difficult to navigate by adding more teams to their respective conferences.
This scheduling change will reduce the BCS busters’ chances of being seen in marquee non-conference games throughout the season, giving voters and analysts less exposure to them.
This reduces conference and team prestige, financial opportunities, and championship appearances.
Kyle Whittingham, the head coach at Utah, does not seem to optimistic about the expansion either: "Unfortunately, there is really nothing we can do."
These teams sit on the sidelines and hope their name gets called, when the BCS conferences expand and go looking for teams.
The Positives of Expansion for Non-BCS Teams
If Notre Dame is absorbed into a conference, along with the consolidation of the six conferences into five or even four, there may still be a silver lining for the BCS busters.
Currently, the rule states that only two teams from each conference may be eligible for a BCS bowl game.
That being said, consolidation of at least one conference would free up a BCS spot, and adding Notre Dame almost assures that the freed-up spot will go to one of the non-BCS teams.
If the BCS conferences slip down to four, then two spots are potentially freed up.
This will only hold true if the BCS rules do not change along with the expansion of these conferences. Currently, there are 10 BCS bowl spots available, including the championship game.
It would not surprise anyone to see the BCS alter the rules allowing these “super-conferences” to have the potential of three teams in a BCS bowl, if their ranking was high enough.
Just like Coach Whittingham said though—there is not much these BCS busters can do about it.
So far, all the talk is about the expansion of the Big Ten, SEC, and Pac-10. These conferences will be expanding into “super-conferences” as they swallow up the ACC, Big East, and potentially the Big 12. Notre Dame, as usual, is also included into the expansion talks.
If—or when—all this expansion takes place, it will drastically change the BCS landscape, potentially taking the six BCS conferences and reducing them to five, or even four conferences.
As usual, the main motivator is money and more publicity, which equals even more money.
Left out of all these talks are the so-called BCS busters such as Utah, TCU, and Boise State. These teams, if left out of the expansion, could face a very bleak future.
Respect is hard earned for these teams now; it will get harder if the expansion takes place.
Boise State, TCU, and Utah—and even Hawaii—have all had their chance to impress during a BCS bowl game. Utah beat Alabama and Pittsburgh, while Boise State beat Oklahoma and TCU. The Horned frogs lost their one and only BCS game to Boise State last season, 17-10. Hawaii did not fare any better, Georgia blew them out 41-10 in its Sugar Bowl showing.
The wins over Alabama and Oklahoma give some credit to teams playing outside of the BCS conference, but not enough to get them into the BCS title game.
The Negatives of Expansion for Non-BCS Teams
Winning BCS games gets these teams one step closer to getting into the big game, but with the creation of these “super-conferences” that will change quickly.
The biggest knock is that the schedules are too weak to get serious consideration for non-BCS teams. Boise State has gone out and scheduled Virginia Tech this season, but would that continue to happen if Virginia Tech was part of a Big East/ACC conglomerate?
Doubtful to say the least.
Teams do not want to play these BCS busters now. Why would that change? Especially when the conference schedule is going to become that much more difficult to navigate by adding more teams to their respective conferences.
This scheduling change will reduce the BCS busters’ chances of being seen in marquee non-conference games throughout the season, giving voters and analysts less exposure to them.
This reduces conference and team prestige, financial opportunities, and championship appearances.
Kyle Whittingham, the head coach at Utah, does not seem to optimistic about the expansion either: "Unfortunately, there is really nothing we can do."
These teams sit on the sidelines and hope their name gets called, when the BCS conferences expand and go looking for teams.
The Positives of Expansion for Non-BCS Teams
If Notre Dame is absorbed into a conference, along with the consolidation of the six conferences into five or even four, there may still be a silver lining for the BCS busters.
Currently, the rule states that only two teams from each conference may be eligible for a BCS bowl game.
That being said, consolidation of at least one conference would free up a BCS spot, and adding Notre Dame almost assures that the freed-up spot will go to one of the non-BCS teams.
If the BCS conferences slip down to four, then two spots are potentially freed up.
This will only hold true if the BCS rules do not change along with the expansion of these conferences. Currently, there are 10 BCS bowl spots available, including the championship game.
It would not surprise anyone to see the BCS alter the rules allowing these “super-conferences” to have the potential of three teams in a BCS bowl, if their ranking was high enough.
Just like Coach Whittingham said though—there is not much these BCS busters can do about it.
2010 NBA Free Agency: LeBron James Is Staying Home for the Summer
Cleveland once again faces another off-season sooner than it had hoped for. This one however, holds much more turmoil than the rest. Hometown hero, LeBron James, has a huge decision to make for not only himself, but for the city of Cleveland as well.
The media wants to build the hype, promote rumors, and draw the attention of the fans. They feast on the fears of the Cleveland sports world, and the hopes of basketball fans in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. These are some of the largest markets in the country and by hyping the rumors the networks fill their coffers once again.
Promises are made to be broken, and the rest of the NBA cannot offer The King anything Cleveland cannot. Today’s society is part of a global economy, small markets like Cleveland, Oklahoma City, and Seattle are not as isolated as they were thirty years ago. LeBron will still retain his sponsors if he stays in Cleveland. He will still make millions and he will do it in front of his hometown, something the rest of the league cannot offer him.
LeBron can ask any team, including Cleveland for whatever he wants and he will probably get it. He can almost pick and choose a NBA All-Star team of his choosing during free agency this season, and most of the teams courting him have the cap room to sign his selections. He can name the coach, including John Calipari and it will probably be delivered.
The conditions are such where just about any team he chooses will be a good decision.
And why wouldn’t it be? He will make millions either way. He is young enough now at 25 and still in his prime that he can give Cleveland another shot before giving up on one of his dreams.
Since being drafted by Cleveland he spoke of bringing a championship to a city deprived of one since 1964. Economic troubles also hindered the area known as the “Tire Belt” of northeastern Ohio since this last championship. His family, friends and fans from the beginning are in the city he calls home. He is a god in this area, and he relishes in the constant spotlight. This is and always will be home for LeBron James.
The first thing you see when driving into Cleveland is a building-size banner with LeBron’s image and the saying “We Are All Witnesses”. The city lives and dies with his success and failure, and he knows this. Not many NBA superstars care enough about their hometowns to have their MVP ceremony in their high school’s gym. He is The King of the town, something he cannot say in any of the other cities clamoring for his services
In New York he will be one of many, just like in LA. In Chicago he will forever live in the shadow of Michal Jordan’s accomplishments, something he will never outrun. If he chooses Miami he will deal with a city that really could care less about professional sports outside of the Dolphins, and the attendance proves that.
The Knicks and Clippers have been awful, and will need to be rebuilt from the ground up once LeBron arrives. Is he really ready to start over and go back to struggling just to make it into the playoffs? Doubtful. The Cavs need to work on the roster, but it is nowhere near what many of the other teams will have to do to get them to where the Cavs are currently.
James has agreed to almost every acquisition over the last seven years, so blame is not solely on the front office. It falls on his head as well. He more than likely will not have this type of control with another team, making it difficult to give up.
The Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert, knows if LeBron leaves so does around 100 million dollars. The Cavs franchise will be devastated and will crawl back into the gutter along with the Browns and Indians. For Gilbert this is just another high-stake gamble that he hopes will pay off.
July first will open the LeBron sweepstakes, but do not bet on much action out of the Akron native this summer. He has everything he wants and needs at his finger tips right now in Cleveland. Giving that up for promises and more fame is something that while alluring, just will not be enough to drag him away from the hometown crowd.
The media wants to build the hype, promote rumors, and draw the attention of the fans. They feast on the fears of the Cleveland sports world, and the hopes of basketball fans in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. These are some of the largest markets in the country and by hyping the rumors the networks fill their coffers once again.
Promises are made to be broken, and the rest of the NBA cannot offer The King anything Cleveland cannot. Today’s society is part of a global economy, small markets like Cleveland, Oklahoma City, and Seattle are not as isolated as they were thirty years ago. LeBron will still retain his sponsors if he stays in Cleveland. He will still make millions and he will do it in front of his hometown, something the rest of the league cannot offer him.
LeBron can ask any team, including Cleveland for whatever he wants and he will probably get it. He can almost pick and choose a NBA All-Star team of his choosing during free agency this season, and most of the teams courting him have the cap room to sign his selections. He can name the coach, including John Calipari and it will probably be delivered.
The conditions are such where just about any team he chooses will be a good decision.
And why wouldn’t it be? He will make millions either way. He is young enough now at 25 and still in his prime that he can give Cleveland another shot before giving up on one of his dreams.
Since being drafted by Cleveland he spoke of bringing a championship to a city deprived of one since 1964. Economic troubles also hindered the area known as the “Tire Belt” of northeastern Ohio since this last championship. His family, friends and fans from the beginning are in the city he calls home. He is a god in this area, and he relishes in the constant spotlight. This is and always will be home for LeBron James.
The first thing you see when driving into Cleveland is a building-size banner with LeBron’s image and the saying “We Are All Witnesses”. The city lives and dies with his success and failure, and he knows this. Not many NBA superstars care enough about their hometowns to have their MVP ceremony in their high school’s gym. He is The King of the town, something he cannot say in any of the other cities clamoring for his services
In New York he will be one of many, just like in LA. In Chicago he will forever live in the shadow of Michal Jordan’s accomplishments, something he will never outrun. If he chooses Miami he will deal with a city that really could care less about professional sports outside of the Dolphins, and the attendance proves that.
The Knicks and Clippers have been awful, and will need to be rebuilt from the ground up once LeBron arrives. Is he really ready to start over and go back to struggling just to make it into the playoffs? Doubtful. The Cavs need to work on the roster, but it is nowhere near what many of the other teams will have to do to get them to where the Cavs are currently.
James has agreed to almost every acquisition over the last seven years, so blame is not solely on the front office. It falls on his head as well. He more than likely will not have this type of control with another team, making it difficult to give up.
The Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert, knows if LeBron leaves so does around 100 million dollars. The Cavs franchise will be devastated and will crawl back into the gutter along with the Browns and Indians. For Gilbert this is just another high-stake gamble that he hopes will pay off.
July first will open the LeBron sweepstakes, but do not bet on much action out of the Akron native this summer. He has everything he wants and needs at his finger tips right now in Cleveland. Giving that up for promises and more fame is something that while alluring, just will not be enough to drag him away from the hometown crowd.
Terrelle Pryor Ready to Take Ohio State To Next Level
Ohio State’s offensive general, Terrelle Pryor, has had some growing pains getting to this point in his career.
Pryor has thrown bad passes and lost fumbles that still haunt him today. He has worn eye black with Michael Vick's name on it and attempted to semi-defend Vick during an impromptu press conference on the field.
Since the Rose Bowl back in January, the light has gone on for this young man. He now knows his role as the leader of this team and for the first time in his career is ready to accept that responsibility.
He showed the country what he was capable of during the Buckeyes' win over Oregon, but it is what he shows his teammates every day that has the coaches turning their heads.
At 20 years old, Pryor looks to be a shoo-in for offensive captain this year. He has taken it upon himself to be a leader on and off the field this spring.
“I’m the first guy to leave a party when I go out, and try to get other guys to leave when I do,” Pryor said during an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
He has also taking a proactive role in making sure his teammates, like Duron Carter, make their grades a priority. He will need Carter this fall, and he knows how important it will be to have his young receiver eligible. Cater missed the Rose Bowl and spring practices with grade issues.
He has played through injuries, adversity, and above all else the weight of the Buckeye Nation on his shoulders, hoping he can lead them to that elusive BCS title. His knee has been repaired, and he says he is back to 100 percent. He never missed a game during the regular season and followed that up with a Rose Bowl MVP performance for an encore.
Pryor looked more comfortable in the pocket in this year’s Spring Game. Having both another year under his belt and a healthy knee brought his confidence up immensely. The Buckeyes are on the verge of another national title run come September, and Pryor’s success will directly correlate to how far they go.
He is entering his junior year and has stated he has no plans to leave early for the NFL. Pryor knows he is in no position to bolt early if he wants to play quarterback in the NFL.
“I have a lot to learn, but will learn it. I pick up things easily,” Pryor stated.
His focus on getting better as both a quarterback and a teammate has him staying in Columbus this summer instead of heading home to Pennsylvania. Pryor knows he needs all the time he can get with his receivers and being able to train in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
It is a golden age for the Buckeyes, and their young prodigy is a huge part of the recent success.
Pryor has thrown bad passes and lost fumbles that still haunt him today. He has worn eye black with Michael Vick's name on it and attempted to semi-defend Vick during an impromptu press conference on the field.
Since the Rose Bowl back in January, the light has gone on for this young man. He now knows his role as the leader of this team and for the first time in his career is ready to accept that responsibility.
He showed the country what he was capable of during the Buckeyes' win over Oregon, but it is what he shows his teammates every day that has the coaches turning their heads.
At 20 years old, Pryor looks to be a shoo-in for offensive captain this year. He has taken it upon himself to be a leader on and off the field this spring.
“I’m the first guy to leave a party when I go out, and try to get other guys to leave when I do,” Pryor said during an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
He has also taking a proactive role in making sure his teammates, like Duron Carter, make their grades a priority. He will need Carter this fall, and he knows how important it will be to have his young receiver eligible. Cater missed the Rose Bowl and spring practices with grade issues.
He has played through injuries, adversity, and above all else the weight of the Buckeye Nation on his shoulders, hoping he can lead them to that elusive BCS title. His knee has been repaired, and he says he is back to 100 percent. He never missed a game during the regular season and followed that up with a Rose Bowl MVP performance for an encore.
Pryor looked more comfortable in the pocket in this year’s Spring Game. Having both another year under his belt and a healthy knee brought his confidence up immensely. The Buckeyes are on the verge of another national title run come September, and Pryor’s success will directly correlate to how far they go.
He is entering his junior year and has stated he has no plans to leave early for the NFL. Pryor knows he is in no position to bolt early if he wants to play quarterback in the NFL.
“I have a lot to learn, but will learn it. I pick up things easily,” Pryor stated.
His focus on getting better as both a quarterback and a teammate has him staying in Columbus this summer instead of heading home to Pennsylvania. Pryor knows he needs all the time he can get with his receivers and being able to train in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
It is a golden age for the Buckeyes, and their young prodigy is a huge part of the recent success.
Breaking News: David Lighty of Ohio State Re-Fractures Foot in Spring Workouts
Columbus, Ohio—Senior guard David Lighty has re-fractured his left foot. The injury happened during spring conditioning, and he will have surgery on Friday to repair the damage.
Lighty first injured his foot back in December of 2008, and he missed the rest of the 2008-2009 season with a medical redshirt.
Lighty is expected to be fully recovered in about 12 weeks. He will have his surgery on campus at the Ohio State Medical Center with Dr. Grant Jones.
Lighty has gone through this process before and knows how to navigate the recovery process successfully. He expects a full recovery and will be back in action before fall conditioning begins.
Thad Matta had been giving Lighty time at the point position along with William Buford and Jon Diebler. The focus was mainly on developing Lighty into the starting point guard this summer, but with the injury Buford and Diebler will be the favorites now.
Matta’s adjustments will most likely put Diebler at point and Buford at shooting guard, all while sliding Lighty down to small forward. This leaves Dallas Lauderdale at power forward and Jared Sullinger at center for next season’s starters. The Buckeyes have been ranked as high as No. 2 in some preseason polls.
Lighty averaged 12.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season as a starter. His defense is a catalyst that sparks transition points for the Buckeyes off steals, rebounds, and blocks. Ohio State will need his senior leadership on the court next season to help offset the loss of Evan Turner to the NBA.
Lighty first injured his foot back in December of 2008, and he missed the rest of the 2008-2009 season with a medical redshirt.
Lighty is expected to be fully recovered in about 12 weeks. He will have his surgery on campus at the Ohio State Medical Center with Dr. Grant Jones.
Lighty has gone through this process before and knows how to navigate the recovery process successfully. He expects a full recovery and will be back in action before fall conditioning begins.
Thad Matta had been giving Lighty time at the point position along with William Buford and Jon Diebler. The focus was mainly on developing Lighty into the starting point guard this summer, but with the injury Buford and Diebler will be the favorites now.
Matta’s adjustments will most likely put Diebler at point and Buford at shooting guard, all while sliding Lighty down to small forward. This leaves Dallas Lauderdale at power forward and Jared Sullinger at center for next season’s starters. The Buckeyes have been ranked as high as No. 2 in some preseason polls.
Lighty averaged 12.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season as a starter. His defense is a catalyst that sparks transition points for the Buckeyes off steals, rebounds, and blocks. Ohio State will need his senior leadership on the court next season to help offset the loss of Evan Turner to the NBA.
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