Matta’s Reinforcements Shine In All-Star Stints
Uh…Somebody needs drug tested…
With all the talk about the mass exodus, the natives are getting a little restless. Oden and Conley are definitely gone, Cook is crazy enough to take a leap of faith and now Jamar Butler is running his gums about turning pro. Obviously, both Cook and Butler need to return to put themselves in better position to get guaranteed money in next year’s draft but sometimes stupid is as stupid does.
Thankfully, Thad Matta is a recruiting machine and this year’s incoming group is certainly putting up stellar numbers on the all-star circuit. In case you missed it, 7-footer Kosta Koufos produced 14 points and 8 rebounds in just 25 minutes in the 2007 Jordan Brand Classic showcasing his smooth inside-outside game. This cat is going to start right away and will fit in perfectly with Matta’s system.
Two other incoming recruits, 6′8″ power forward Dallas Lauderdale and 6′7″ sharpshooter Jon Diebler teamed up in the Ohio North-South All-Star game leading the North to a 127-122 win. Diebler blew up for 31 points (11 below his season avg) stroking 5 threes. Down low, Lauderdale dominated the paint hitting 13 of 14 FG attempts finishing with 28 points and 8 boards.
Bottom line, take a deep breath Buckeye fans. Koufos, Lauderdale and Diebler will all see significant playing time on what will be a young but more hungry team. Sprinkle in 6′6″ Evan Turner and 6′7″ Eric Wallace and next year’s squad will undoubtedly challenge for a league title and will be much deeper than this year’s bunch, especially in the paint. Better yet, the 2008 class is getting rave reviews. PG Noopy Crater and 7ft BJ Mullens give the Buckeyes two 5-star preps and 6′8″ Luke Babbitt was recently named Nevada’s POY.
8 Responses
I’m sure the scouts loved the way Butler handled himself in a big game.
36min
1-7 FG
1-6 3FG
1 Assist
1 Turn Over
3 PTS
he’s ready!
Boone - April 25th, 2007 at 9:50 pm - #
I’m not gonna hate on Butler and I do expect he will be back next season but his numbers dropped every major category in comparison to his soph season as a point guard, which he will coincidentally be next year…moving to the #2 was something he never got comfy…taking over the point next season would enhance any shot he has at being drafted because he’s not gonna be a 2 guard at the next level, unless you consider NBDL as the next level.
Chris - April 25th, 2007 at 10:07 pm - #
Buckeye Commentary says his dad says he’ll be back. The key quote:
Melton Butler said he believes story that his son was thinking of declaring for the NBA began on the internet.
“When the reporter from Columbus called, I said, ‘Where did you get this rumor?’ and he said, ‘Off the interent.’ I said, ‘You can say anything on the internet.’ â€
I’ve got an anonymous source that says Bob Baptist’s anonymous source is an idiot.
Butler will be back, he’ll be back at point guard, and I think he’ll be very good.
Sean - April 26th, 2007 at 5:33 pm - #
I agree…I wasn’t trying to bash Butler. I just don’t think he’s ready for the NBA.
Boone - April 26th, 2007 at 6:41 pm - #
Sean — It is funny that the Dispatch would run what appears to be a bunch of bull..good news for the buckeyes though…
Boone — We know you ain’t hatin’….just telling the truth about butler
Chris - April 26th, 2007 at 10:01 pm - #
Boone is just mad because he has a crush on Lawrence Funderburke and thinks that he never got the credit he deserved.
Wil - April 28th, 2007 at 8:51 am - #
Butler is our only scholarship player shorter than 6′5″ on our team next year.
Corey - April 28th, 2007 at 2:34 pm - #
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