Ohio State’s 2013-14 nonconference schedule is plain and simple.
The Buckeyes only venture outside the friendly confines of Value Center Arena in Columbus twice before they open up their Big Ten slate on the road on New Year’s Eve against Purdue.
Of their 11 home nonconference games, OSU takes on a low-stress schedule that includes Morgan State, American University, Wyoming, North Florida, Central Connecticut, Bryant, North Dakota State and Louisiana-Monroe.
Not exactly the Elite Eight.
Some might question whether or not this undemanding docket is good for the Buckeyes.
The answer to that can only be found by looking at three areas that this weak nonconference schedule could impact.
Lineup and Rotation Decisions
Some coaches use their November and December games to figure out who they are going to put on the floor by the time that they start playing games in their respective conferences.
While some adjustments could still be ahead, it is safe to say that OSU head coach Thad Matta knows who he is going to roll with this season. He has started the same five upperclassmen in the Buckeyes’ first four games: Aaron Craft, Shannon Scott, Lenzelle Smith Jr., LaQuinton Ross and Amir Williams.
Off the bench, Sam Thompson, the Buckeyes’ No. 2 scorer, could be considered a sixth starter.
Freshman forward Marc Loving provides some scoring support, Trey McDonald helps clog the middle and Amedeo Della Valle brings some backcourt benefits.
Even if Matta makes some tweaks,…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Basketball: Will Weak Nonconference Schedule Help or Hurt Buckeyes?
