AP Photo/J Pat Carter

Leading up to the 2009 NIT Season Tip Off on November 16th, Pickin’ Splinters will be counting down the top 25 of the college hardwood nation.

’08 – ’09 Results: 22 – 11 (10 – 8 Big Ten) Lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Siena, 74 – 72.

Coach: Thad Matta 127 – 46 (five years at OSU) 229 – 77 overall (9 years)

Dallas Lauderdale – 4.7ppg, 3.6rpg

David Lighty – 9.7ppg, 5.7rpg

Evan Turner – 17.3ppg, 7.1rpg, 3.9apg

William Buford – 11.3ppg, 3.7rpg

Jon Diebler – 11.2ppg, 3.6rpg

Notable Non-Conference Tilts: 11/19 vs. North Carolina, 11/20 vs. California or Syracuse, 12/2 vs. Florida State, 12/12 at Butler, 1/23 at West Virginia

Stat of Identity: 48.1% Field Goal Percentage. Utah St. led the country at 49.6.

By Paul Gotham

It’s been a while since Thad Matta played with a full deck.  Ohio State’s coach has not gone through a psychological rehabilitation program. It just seems that every year on the job in Columbus, Matta has had to start over with an entirely new lineup. That is, until this year.

David Lighty and Evan Turner lead a Buckeye lineup which is almost identical to last year’s squad that survived the Big Ten with a winning record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Now, Matta will try to make some head way.

Few felt sorry for Matta when Greg Oden and Michael Conley left their freshman season. Matta knew what he was getting. His Buckeyes advanced to the national title game. The players scooted to the NBA, and Matta needed to shake the bushes for recruits.

The Buckeyes looked on track last year with wins over Notre Dame and Miami as they sprinted to a record of 7-0. Then Lighty went down with a season-ending injury. Matta reshuffled the deck, but the Buckeyes were never the same.

Lighty is back as is the entire starting five from last year’s team and most of the bench.  Despite playing the grinding style of the Big Ten, the young Buckeyes managed to finish with a shooting percentage of 48.1% – not an easy task.

Ohio State will to answer at the point guard position. The Buckeyes lack a true floor general. Turner can play point, but that limits his offensive output. Jon Diebler and William Buford will share the responsibilities, but don’t expect the tandem to break down anyone off the dribble.

Turner led the Buckeyes in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Can the junior continue at that level with Lighty returning to the lineup?

Zisis Sarikopoulos is eligible to play after sitting a year. The sophomore transferred from UAB. Because of a low rating on their Academic Progress Rate, the Buckeyes were without any scholarships.

Can Matta thrive when he has a full lineup?