Gregory Shamus/Getty Images D’Angelo Russell is not Michael Jordan. Far from it, actually. The Ohio State freshman is going to need plenty of help in the scoring department this season if the Buckeyes want to accomplish their goals of a Big Ten title and deep NCAA tournament run. The best candidate to offer that support is Marc Loving. Ohio State was one of the best three defensive teams in the country last season in Ken Pomeroy’s rankings but still managed to lose in its first NCAA tournament game to a historically lesser instate program, Dayton. That’s what happens when the entire team shoots 45 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from behind the three-point line on the season. The overall inconsistency was maddening, and Loving was a microcosm of the offensive struggles. Sure, he was only a freshman, but he arrived on campus with plenty of hype as a former Mr. Basketball in Ohio. His versatility and smooth shooting stroke were supposed to help the Buckeyes immediately. Joe Robbins/Getty Images Instead, he played about 10 minutes a night and averaged 4.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in that time. He only shot 26 percent from the three-point line and appeared to be physically worn down by season’s end. Who finishes second on Ohio State in scoring? Marc Loving Someone else Submit Vote vote to see results Who finishes second on Ohio State in scoring? Marc Loving 0% Someone else 0% Total votes: 0 That can’t happen this season, especially after LaQuinton Ross left as the de facto stretch forward who can theoretically score from anywhere on the floor. …
Continue Reading: Ohio State Basketball: How Marc Loving’s Improvement Has Helped Buckeyes
