Katching Up With Kosta Koufos
Smooth like butta
With The Vest’s footballers garnering their share of national attention, the Buckeye hoops program has taken its usual backseat but it won’t be long before Thad Matta’s squad begins preparations for the ‘07-’08 campaign. Matta is looking forward to a healthy season after multiple back surgeries and his bank account is certainly healthier after his recent inking of an updated contract in both years and dollars.
Another reason for Thad to smile is the potential shown by incoming recruit Kosta Koufos during a recent tournament in Europe leading the U18 Greece national team to the championship game. Draft Express raved about Koufos as the dominant player in the tournament and updated their 2008 NBA mock draft to position him as the #4 overall selection. This meteoric rise to lottery pick status centered on the observation that Koufos’ midrange game is buoyed by accuate shooting and fluid footwork reminding some of a young Tim Duncan.
Koufos hardly practiced with the Greek squad before the tournament began, but managed to average 26 points, 13 boards and 3.5 blocks in 8 games including a 33/19 effort against the Serbs in the final. The hype generated after his performance could however lead to a one and done season forcing Matta to again attempt to reload a little prematurely.
Hoopsvibe recently posted their preseason poll and OSU checks in at #18 with the Sparty at 10 and Indiana in the 13th slot.
10 Responses
I’ve been out of the loop for a while, but I recently came into some money. How much do you think this kid would want to play for me in a few years? I can also provide housing, quality homework papers, and a “french maid” if you know what I mean.
OB - 09/24/07 @ 2:35 pm - #
OB iz good. He giv me hom and monie and booty.
Boban - 09/24/07 @ 2:48 pm - #
Boban checkin’ in! Classic.
Chris - 09/24/07 @ 7:12 pm - #
How high do you think their preseason rank would have been if at least Cook would have stayed? We would have obviously been #1 if Conley and/or Oden would have stayed. I am really excited about Koufos, though. I’ll be buying a “Thad Is Rad” by the time basketball season rolls around.
Arizona State basketball sucks =/
Dave N - 09/24/07 @ 9:09 pm - #
That’s a good question. What do you think? 12th or so? I’m not sure he would’ve given OSU a huge rankings boost considering his inconsistency/maturity issues…I do wish he was back tho, if he bought in to the system he would’ve likely had a monster season.
Chris - 09/24/07 @ 9:30 pm - #
See, I think Cook would have made a HUGE difference. Ignoring his dismal tournament showing, he was a key player all during the regular season. His jumper was pretty inconsistent at times, but I’m sure Matta could have helped out there with another season of development. I think a 12 ranking would even be too low with Cook on the roster. I’m not saying they would be a top 5 team, but certainly top 10 with a legitimate shot at making another run in the tournament.
I think Cook really could have helped not only the Bucks, but himself as well (draft status/signing bonus wise) by staying another year. His loss.
Dave N - 09/25/07 @ 6:43 am - #
I agree completely that he wouldve made a huge difference because I think he has crazy potential. I was speaking just to the pre-season ranking. It sucks he wasn’t smart enough to come back. No question he wouldve become a lottery pick leading OSU to a deep run in the tourney.
Chris - 09/25/07 @ 8:00 am - #
Cook could have averaged in the high teens, low 20’s per game this year. Matta has said we are going back to the way we played pre-Oden last year, so Cook would have thrived this season. I still think he was too up and down to bring the Bucks to a top 5 rating. How is Whisky ranked ahead of us? Do they have any offense coming back?
Corey - 09/25/07 @ 8:47 am - #
as far as Cook is concerned, yesterday’s news. and they way his family decided to bad mouth matta, good riddance.
now for Kosta, I saw him play in the McDonald’s AA game. these things are always a highlight real for guards and forwards, but as far as big man play, i thought he was easily the best of the group that day. can’t wait!!!
Phil - 09/25/07 @ 10:00 am - #
Cook’s mom may be the only person more despised in Columbus than Mo Clarett.
Jason - 09/25/07 @ 9:03 pm - #
Leave a Reply