Will Ohio State Men's Basketball make the NCAA tournament? 

Bill Smith: The schedule is against us. If we could win 3 of the 5 games remaining and get to the semi-finals of the Big Ten Tournament, we should make it. Those would be quality wins late in the season.

Pete Quint: If the Bucks can knock off the Badgers this weekend they will still be in the hunt.  If they lose they will almost have to win the Big Ten Tournament to get a bid to the NCAA.

Scott Ishii: After today’s loss to Wisconsin it would seem OSU hoops will miss the tournament this year unless they can pull through in the Big Ten Tournament. It’s unfortunate since they beat Florida and Syracuse this year, two teams that will likely make it to the dance. The recent losses to Michigan and Wisconsin were real back breakers especially with the way they ended. In both games OSU was in it with less than a minute to go, and seemed to completely fall apart, putting up ridiculous shots, and playing sloppy defense. The bright side is we have 2 players (G William Buford of Toledo, and C BJ Mullins of Canal Winchester) in the upcoming McDonald’s All-American game, and much of the current young squad returning next year.

Steve Patterson: It would take a real turn around by the team to make it. Evan Turner and John Diebler were starting to play really well but had limited production against the Badgers in the loss.

Which school is the best for Terrelle Pryor of the 4 he is considering? 

Bill Smith: I have to think that the school up north is drooling over the prospect of getting him. He would fit well there but lose a lot in 08. If he wants to compete for a national championship ring, he should come here.

Pete Quint: Many years ago, Chris Speilman's father pulled him aside and helped him make the decision to attend Ohio State over Michigan (yes, old 36 was almost a Wolverine).  Will Terrell’s father have the same influence on him?  Because of that, I really think it’s down to OSU and PSU right now.  Still, Oregon wouldn’t surprise me one bit.  Of course there’s Michigan …apparently I’m just as confused as Terrell.

Scott Ishii: Of the 4 schools it would seem that either Michigan or Oregon is best suited for his athleticism with their spread offenses. But Mr. Pryor would be smart to consider the fact that the pro-style offenses of OSU and Penn State may look better in the eyes of future employers. Tressel made a great point to reporters questioning the validity of competition in the Big Ten, saying that the NFL still seems to like our players. Also, think of a young QB in the NFL that used the spread in college and is having success in the NFL, certainly not Alex Smith.

Steve Patterson: I can’t believe Terrelle hasn’t signed with Ohio State yet. He is such good friends with Brewster, Posey, Stoneburner, etc. And he really likes the coaching staff, the location, and the facilities. Seeing him at the game on Sunday walking in with Coach Tressel it occurred to me that he could sign any day. Why visit Ohio State again when you are still interested Michigan, Oregon, and Penn State but can’t seem to make it to their campuses?

Who will have the best combine performance out of the three Ohio State players? 

Bill Smith: Both Barton and Grant have a chance to improve their draft position the most with good showings. Both will probably run and do the agility drills at the combine. Gholston is the clear star of the group but will likely save his 40 and agility drills for the pro day at OSU.

Pete Quint: Vernon Gholston will WOW them at the combine.

Scott Ishii: Hard to say who will have the best combine of the 4 OSU participants, but Larry Grant will need the best performance. Gholston will likely go in the first round, and Barton has the size to get himself drafted on Day 1. Then there’s Dionte Johnson who unfortunately plays a nearly dead position in the Pro’s. Grant has the size to play Pro-ball which is why his combine would seem most important.

Steve Patterson: Larry Grant has the athletic ability to score high across the board.

Did Malcolm Jenkins make a mistake coming back to college? 

Bill Smith: If I was an insurance salesman, MJ would be on my best prospect list. He has to get insurance in case of injury. He probably won’t move up much in the draft with a great season this year because he would have been a top 15 choice in this draft. There are a lot of questions about the top CB candidates and he would have been the first off the board. However, he will get more experience and have time to work on his technique which is something that all college players need. It may cost him some money but if he gets the ring, it will be worth it. We are young men for such a short time that we should savor every moment we can.

Pete Quint: I will never say that a kid did wrong to come back to school for their senior year.  Did Malcolm make a mistake?  Not in his mind and that’s all that matters.  He wanted to come back to be a Buckeye and win a National Championship once and for all.  Thanks to all the juniors for one more year.  Soak it in because it will go by WAY too fast.

Scott Ishii: In this ESPN story on Gholston, Jenkins was quoted as saying “I'm not ready to transition to the next stage of my life yet." If only I had such insight in my last year of college. Good for him for staying.

Steve Patterson: It is his decision and he will enjoy the year in college and playing for the Buckeyes one more go around for sure. He left a lot of money on table this NFL draft, as did Laurinaitis, and he is slowing down the progression of younger players that want his spot on the field, but the team will be better with him on it.