2006 Ohio State Buckeyes Basketball Preview

2006 Ohio State Buckeyes Basketball Predictions

Last season, Ohio State (26- 6 overall and 12- 4 Big Ten) made it into the Top 10 national rankings and finished first in the Big 10. The team surprised many. This season look for the Buckeyes to become one of the nation’s elite clubs. They’ve got talent, experience and a solid freshman class.

Jamar Butler (10.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 44.0 FG%, 80.4 FT%) proved to be ultra-dependable and resilient—perhaps the best point man in the Big 10 last season. Along with being a fine ball handler, Butler has a stinging 3-point shot. Look for freshman Daequan Cook, a McDonald’s All-American, to provide fine shooting and passing from the other guard spot. Guard/forward and frosh David Lightly can bang inside and make key passes outside.

Swingman, senior Ron Lewis (11.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 44.1 FG%, 78.1 FT%) is an excellent ball handler who can slash inside, hit and draw the foul. He, like Butler, can also hit threes with ease. Freshman Greg Oden—7’ 1” and 255 pounds—looks like the real thing. He’s considered to be the finest freshman center since Bill Walton walked on the court so many years ago. Twice selected as a prep National Player of the Year, Oden has strength in the paint, a sweet hook and a fine jumper. Junior center Matt Terwilliger (2.3 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.4 APG, 51.0 FG%, 42.9 FT%) is a fine backup for Oden. Junior college transfer Othello Hunter plays a tough inside game and will be essential to this club’s success.

Coach Thad Matta (51- 42 in 3 years) has fashioned this team into one of the country’s best. He’s done a good job recruiting players who can score, create plays and ball handle. This season’s Buckeyes look to exceed last year’s achievements.

Although the team has seen numerous key players depart, Matta still has a solid backcourt and frontcourt that features some of the finest freshmen and transfer talent around, along with winning veterans. With a deep bench, this Ohio State club could go deep into the NC Sweet Sixteen and either further.

If you want more info on the 2006 Ohio State Buckeyes College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Wisconsin Badgers and Northwestern Wildcats.