What does the NIT final win mean for Ohio State Basketball?

Pete Quint: It means great collegiate tournament experience.  This win will help the young Buckeyes face adversity in future NCAA tournaments.

Eric Geier: It means that Ohio State basketball can go into next season on a high note. Getting knocked out in this tournament would have left some serious question marks lingering about the Buckeyes, especially with some key seniors leaving this year.

Ryan Leonardo: It means more than just a consolation prize. The team was focused during the ever-important “one and done” format and performed well. It’s promising to see them finish strong and turn it up when it counts, especially from a character standpoint.

Steve Patterson: Gives the team something positive to build on for next season and the tournament provided experience to the underclassman for future NCAA tournaments.

Bill Smith: Normally the best you could say is “WE'RE #66” but that is not the case for the Bucks this year.  The way they played and the wins should make it clear to the selection committee that the Bucks deserved a spot in the field of 65.  Also, national coverage from NYC will help recruiting.  It gives the Bucks something to build on for next year.

Who is the player of the year for the Buckeye Basketball team?

Pete Quint: Jamal Butler without a doubt.  Had he been a little more consistent in the regular season he could have been one of the elite seniors in this years NBA draft.  I still think he will get drafted and have an excellent professional career.

Eric Geier: I would have to say Jamar Butler, just because he was the leader of the team, on top of being a stand-up guy.

Ryan Leonardo: The player of year definitely has to be Jamar Butler. He was the leader, and improved in many statistical categories this year. His experience at the point will be missed, but the underclassmen should have learned a great deal about how to play the position.

Steve Patterson: Jamar Butler was the most consistent throughout the year with only a few bad games in a long season. He led the team in minutes played per game, was great at the foul line, had 5.9 assists per meeting and led the team with 15 points a game.

Bill Smith: Butler is my choice for MVP.  The way he lead the comeback against Dayton and ran the team in the last half of the season gives him my pick.

Who has the most upside on the Basketball team for 2009?

Pete Quint: Kosta Koufos will be the marquee name on the roster for the upcoming season.  Nationally (those who watched), he really turned some heads and will build on a great freshman season.

Eric Geier: Most definitely Kosta Koufos. He really came to play in the NIT tournament. I really look forward to watching him play next season. I really think that he can take the Buckeyes to the next level. People expected him to come in this season and fill the void that Greg Oden left, it just took Koufos a little longer to find his niche.

Ryan Leonardo: Even with the speculation that Koufos will leave for the NBA or to play in Greece, Evan Turner has made his case. He is solid on defense and is not scared to grab tough rebounds when it matters most. A blue-chip 2009 recruiting class could cut his playing time, but Turner should have a great sophomore campaign. 

Steve Patterson: I like Even Turner a lot for his slashing ability and overall athleticism.

Bill Smith: If Kosta Koufos stayes he had the greatest upside on the team. He developed well all year and was playing at a high level at the end of the year.  Koufos will most likely be a late 1st round choice in the 2008 NBA draft if he comes out.  With another year of development, he has the chance to become a lottery choice and make a lot more money in his first contract.

What is a Spring Game day like for you?

Pete Quint: Hot. I vaguely remember a Spring Game that kicked off a bachelor party.
We were all so sunburned that we didn't even get to the gentlemen's club...oops...I mean library.

Eric Geier: The air smells cleaner, the grass is greener, colors are brighter and everyone is my friend. Nothing can go wrong because it’s guaranteed the Buckeyes win the game.

Ryan Leonardo: Exactly like a fall Saturday. Early to rise and a large gathering of faithful fanatics are essential. It’s a preview, and a taste of what we have been missing since January. Fire up the grill and throw on the jersey!

Steve Patterson: I have gone down to the stadium before the game the past there years for the atmosphere and then I head home in time to watch the game on television. Something about Paul Keels doing commentary on 1460 The Fan and the great view from a living room appeals to me.

Bill Smith: I have always loved the Spring Game.  It is the one time a year I can enjoy the Bucks playing and not be nervous about who will win.  I am very glad the game is not being played during the NFL draft.  In the last few years, that conflict has kept me from seeing the game live.

Who are you going to watch the most on April 19th and what will you be looking for?

Pete Quint: Antonio Henton.  If he wants to play at all this season he has to make a lasting impression on the coaching staff.  Coach Tressel will be under a lot of pressure to play Terrell Pryor once he arrives on campus and Henton will have to earn the spot that has almost been guaranteed to the hyped incoming freshman.

Eric Geier: I'm going to be looking for the player that wants to prove something. The one that is going full speed all the time and trying to make a play. I also want to check out the defense and see how they perform. I have a serious issue with Todd Boeckman, I think he's over-rated, his deep ball looks like a pop-fly, he panics when the pocket collapses, and he can't scramble, so I am going to be looking for some type of improvement from him.

Ryan Leonardo: Tressel had stated that he might not go full-contact for this year’s game, so it’s hard to say who can stand out. Beanie Wells is still wearing a cast on his right wrist, so he won’t be in action, although will be ready for the season opener. Pryor won’t be in town for a couple more months, so I am curious to see how Boeckman will perform now that he has competition coming in.

Steve Patterson: I like to print out the full roster and watch the young guys that don’t play on Saturdays but I got to know a little during their recruitment. Boom Herron at running back should be a good guy to watch this year, Antonio Henton and Joe Bauserman at quarterback, Donnie Evege at cornerback, Thaddeus Gibson.

Bill Smith: The key for any football team is the play of the O and D lines.  That is what I will be looking at most closely.  Can one of the young guys take the place of Barton and open holes for the Wells duo?  How will the pass protection be?  Will we generate the same pass rush without Gholston?  If the answers to those questions are positive, we are in for a real good season.