The Starting Five in 2011-2012: Sullinger’s Sidekicks

Okay, so last night’s national championship game left a bad taste in my mouth. Every time I tell myself that I’m going to move on from the game of basketball, I find myself lost in the jumper that was a dagger to the end of the season.

You see in basketball, you can have a ridiculous record like 28-3 and feel as a fan that a season wasn’t fulfilled. As fair as the NCAA tournament is and how much the college basketball fan enjoys the intensity, it hurts to watch your team’s hopes dwindle to nothing.

They don’t even dwindle. They just shatter in front of you.

Now insert Jared Sullinger and his thoughts. Three of his favorite and best teammates have moved on to days beyond college basketball. All he wanted to do was win in for the guys he gotten to know over the last few months. If a regular fan like me has an empty feeling inside, how do you think that Sully feels?

It’s probably one of the few reasons that he came back to Columbus. He’s out to prove that his freshman year was no fluke. He want’s everyone to know he still has a lot of work to do. And now, he is going to have to do it with a class where he is going to be asked to do some leading from time to time.

And he might even change positions.

When the 2011-2012 season rolls around the lineup will look different. Here is Scarlet and Game’s stab at what the rotation could look like next season.

Guards:

Shannon Scott, Freshman – The Georgia product will get his chance to crack the starting lineup when he hits campus next season and no matter what, should get some solid playing time with the likes of Jon Diebler and David Lighty moving on to the next level. The 6’2″ 175 pound has good touch and range but has been known for his defensive pressure and ability to dish the ball off. the last few weeks heading into college. At the McDonalds All-American game his lack of shooting was questioned, but without a doubt this kid has some of the best talent in this class. Jerry Meyer of Rivals.com considers him a top ten point guard coming in and only continues to grow after his senior season.

"Scott has played with another level of athleticism and shot-making ability than he showed over the summer on the travel circuit. His defense has been solid as well, and you can always trust him with the ball.He is due a bump towards the top 10 point guards in the country."

Aaron Craft, Sophomore – It will be interesting to see where Craft fits into next season with all of the weapons he possesses, it’s clear he will be on the court for a lot of minutes in his second year. Thad Matta has already said publicly that he hopes to put Scott and Craft on the court at the same time to open up some off the ball shots for Craft, who didn’t get a lot of chances to shoot the ball this season.  His ability on both sides of the floor will open up a lot of opportunities for other players getting time on the court and it will be interesting to see how his role changes next season.  The ball will go through Craft most likely, because it’s hard to see Matta giving the controls to a freshman. Even though he did at points this season.

William Buford, Senior – If Buford returns, then the Buckeyes have many options in the back court. Buford can be the point guard that is set in motion, he can play the small forward position and if his shot is right he can be a straight number two with a deadly weapon he knows how to use. Chemistry right away will depend on this cat and how he takes being one of the major weapons on offense.

Jordan Sibert, Sophomore – In what little time the frosh got last season, he showed his athleticism and ability on the court.  It seems that Thad will have enough depth next season to run a rotation 8 or 9 men deep and at some points he might not have a choice. Sibert presents an x-factor off the bench that could make a difference.

Forwards:

Deshaun Thomas, Sophomore – We saw what Thomas can do at the power forward position in spirts last season and his ability to stretch out the floor with his shooting skills and driving to the hoop. He has had moments where he could take over the game and there could be times where the Buckeyes get that from him next season. If there is one player that could fit multiple roles next season it’s Thomas. If Thad Matta believes that Sullinger can play power forward like he has mentioned already since the end of the March run, then Thomas could become the sixth man off the bench in place of Craft.

If Shannon Scott or any incoming guard can’t get it done then Thomas could move to small forward. All that is known is that Thomas will be a huge part of next season. I like him better off the bench because he does provide a spark, but so could many other athletes on this roster.

LaQuinton Ross, Freshman – Though he might not be ready to be thrown into the mix right away, Ross provides size at 6’8″ and creates a mismatch because he can shoot the ball from the perimeter and drive to the hoop. He has probably had the most buzz out of any incoming recruit. Jeremy Meyer breaks him down at Rivals.com:

"Not many players come along with Ross’ length and skill set. At 6 feet 8, Ross is a great scorer with his ability to shoot from deep as well as slash to the basket. Capable of getting his shot off at will, Ross also has a great feel for passing. He is improving as a defender and rebounder as he continues to develop physically."

My bold prediction for next season is that Ross works his way into 15-20 minutes a game and is an x factor that leads the Buckeyes further than people think they will.

Centers:

Jared Sullinger, Sophomore – The lineup and rotation will all depend on where the big man ends up heading into the season. The best thing for the team probably would be at center, but if he moves to power forward he could open his range and improve his shot and draft stock. If the team has trouble at center though, which it’s pretty safe to assume they will, Sullinger will volunteer to own the middle. One thing the big man would be able to avoid I believe at the power forward position is foul trouble. If he can control the game that way then it could benefit the Buckeyes.

Amir Williams, Freshman – At the right time it seems that the Detroit Country Day product is coming together as a physical specimen that could handle the inside as a young pup. If there is anything he has to work on it’s not being bruised up and being able to dish the rock with the outlet pass. We’ll see if he can be enough to move Sullinger over to power forward, but early Williams might not see much time.

Predictions:

The Preferred Lineup: PG Scott SG Craft SF Buford PF Sullinger C Williams

Anticipated Lineup: PG Scott SG Craft SF Buford PF Thomas C Sullinger