Turner to Represent USA at World University Games
The Wiggler: Not relevant. I just miss him.In case you missed it, USA Basketball announced the members of its 2009 World University Games hoops squad late last week and with that comes news Evan Turner has earned the opportunity to represent his country in Serbia early next month.
Turner claimed a spot on the team after three days of impressive workouts in Colorado. He was so impressive in fact that when Seth Davis polled roughly three dozen NBA types in attendance to see which player was the best pro prospect, the overwhelming majority gave Turner the love.
Those NBA cronies reportedly gushed over the midrange game he’s shown at OSU but wanted to see more from the three point line. As Turner noted, and as we saw last season, Turner can hit the triple but often looked for a higher percentage look off the bounce. As it relates to OSU next season, I could care less about how many threes he jacks up (though it’s good to know he’s shooting 200 per day). He just needs to keep driving the lane while improving his ball handling and care for possessions. If he does that, he’ll likely earn Big Ten POY honors that eluded him last season.
Considering what he showed us this season and the steps he’s taking to improve his game it’s pretty clear this will be his last season in the Scarlet and Gray so make sure you don’t use the football hangover as an excuse to miss watching one of the easiest hoopsters to root for in my 20 some years of legitimately watching OSU hoops.
As it stands, Draft Express already has him listed as the 7th pick in the 2010 Draft. Mark me down as an instant fan of whichever team is lucky enough to draft such a class guy and emerging complete player. Oh, in case you’re wondering, Wil Buford is projected 28th.
The thought of losing Turner and Buford before they give Matta four years is painful but two things make it easier to swallow. One, we’ve been there so many times before, as fans we’re almost numb to the fact guys leave early every year. Two, the future is incredibly bright thanks to a 2010 class billed as arguably the best in the country.
After holding his own in France at the World Basketball Tournament, Jared Sullinger earned 1st Team honors at the NBPA Top 100 camp in Charlottesville, VA this past weekend. Scouts Inc guru Reggie Rankin took it a step further calling Sullinger the player most likely to challenge Harrison Barnes as their top ranked player in the ‘10 class. Recent PG commit Aaron Craft also garnered some props for his defensive prowess, a continued theme that I’m pleased to read.
Finally, the NBA draft is set for Thursday and still nobody seems to know where B.J. Mullens might land. He worked out for the Sixers this past Saturday -his 8th workout in 9 days – shortly after he supposedly tweeted the Bulls were going to take him with the 16th pick and (temporarily) canceled plans to workout for other teams. The Sixers don’t seem to be a good fit and various reports speculate the Pistons might draft Mullens with the 15th pick. Call me crazy but doesn’t BJ look like he could’ve been born and raised in Detroit?
I love – effing LOVE – The Villain, turnovers and all, but I’ve gotta say that while I wish him well in next year’s draft, there’s gonna have to be an all-Buckeye lineup before I start giving shit #1 about what happens in the NBA.
Saw Twiggy out at senior crawl, totally relevant!
The Wiggler is signing autographs at the Westerville Mini-Golf Course this weekend.
I agree with El Caballo, Turner developed into one of my favorite Buckeyes last year and I still say he plays mostly point this year, as the poll says, it makes sense with Lighty back.
We all miss the Turdwiggler Chris.
Bucks could contend for big ten but Spoilers are loaded. They always have one great farm boy white kid who can shoot from any place. Bucks could make great 8.
elite 8*
Corey, I hope that isn’t true. I really do think that we need his rebounding. Still, I’m not sure who can consistently play the point. (Last year) Hill had no outside shot so the defense always crowded the low post when he was running the point and made it harder to score and rebound Diebler missed 3’s (since that’s all he knows how to shoot). However, Simmons might even be a worse option in my opinion as he seemed to regress at the end of the year and couldn’t stop himself from traveling all the time.
Let’s just hope either PJ Hill has learned how to shoot outside or Simmons has remembered that he can’t move his feet without dribbling the ball.
I hear your concerns Wil, but I don’t think they will rely on his rebounding as much next year, with Lighty and Zsis giving more depth down low. Plus, Turner is the type of player that will go get his rebounds when he can on defense. If he plays PG, he will probably still be matched up with a wing/forward on the opposing team, while Buford, Lighty or Diebler start off against the opposing point. Like you said though, let’s just hope Hill and Simmons have improved.
The team will be better if Hill/Simmons can get their collective act together and the Vill doesn’t have to play PG. But thats a big IF. A big if like Invisidale gets his shite together and plays like he’s capable.
Anyway, with all the returning talent, thers no reason we cant finish second to Michigan St. lol!!!
I think it’s a good bet Matta will use the same hybrid approach he used down the stretch last season which wsa trying to get by with Hill/Simmons running the point until the last 5-8 minutes of close games then inserting Turner as the primary ball handler in crunch time.
real talk: the wiggler’s dad and i are working on reviewing curriculum for an online school. i haven’t met him yet directly, but apparently both father and son are great dudes and matt is playing b-ball in europe. GO WIGGS, I SAY
Hell, yeah. I was on Wiggler’s case many a time during his time in Columbus but I would never argue he didn’t give max effort. The problem was his max skill level but most teams have/need a few of those guys.
I think the radio just said Taylor Graham just committed.
Scout confirms it:
http://ohiostate.scout.com/a.z?s=145&p=2&c=874511&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fohiostate.scout.com%2fa.z%3fs%3d145%26p%3d2%26c%3d874511 ($)
got to love turd-williger…