Most college basketball teams that contend for conference and national championships have a go-to scorer or two who lead the team and usually have the ball in their hands at the end of the game.
For example, the 2013 NCAA champs, Louisville Cardinals, featured the offensive stylings of Russ Smith.
The 2012 NCAA champs, Kentucky Wildcats, who had five players that averaged double-figure scoring, were paced by Anthony Davis.
Last year’s Big Ten champs, Indiana Hoosiers, showcased both Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo.
Looking at the 2013-14 Ohio State Buckeyes, we do not clearly see who their scoring leaders are.
The simple question that needs to be answered is: “Do the Buckeyes need a go-to scorer to win the Big Ten conference?”
The answer to that is a firm “No.”
Why? The following two factors help us see why Ohio State head coach Thad Matta will not need to press one player into this role.
Unique balance
This year’s OSU team is distinctively constructed.
After six games, three Buckeyes (Lenzelle Smith Jr., Amir Williams and Aaron Craft) are currently tied for the team lead in scoring (11.3 points per game).
So far, four different players have led the team in individual game scoring: Smith (twice), Williams (twice), Craft and Shannon Scott.
By having several players who are each able to step up and get it done, Ohio State’s future opponents will have to play everyone on the floor straight up.
Very few teams have this many scoring options from which to…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Basketball: Do Buckeyes Need a Go-To Scorer to Win the Big Ten?
