Lauderdale: Not a good time for a Spring BreakOne of the weak spots that many pundits have identified for Ohio State going into the NCAA tournament is the lack of size on the front line. Furthermore, they typically point out the lack of production from the post, which reflects Thad Matta's guard-oriented offense. During the heady days of the 2007 NCAA tournament run, this was not a concern because of the presence of Greg Oden at the center position. Even the year prior to that, Terence Dials prospered greatly in Matta's offense, winning Big Ten Player of the Year honors. But the man who currently occupies the "5" for OSU is in a bit of a late-season slump.
Back on Feb. 27, Dallas Lauderdale matched his career high in points with 14 as the Buckeyes downed Michigan. But since then, his offensive production has dried up almost completely. In the season finale against Illinois, he had only 2, and he matched that total in each of the 3 Big Ten Tournament games. And his shot-blocking prowess, which had formerly struck fear into the hearts of B10 opponents, has gone the way of his scoring, as he has blocked only one shot in the last 4 games. Lauderdale has seen his minutes decline during that span as well, but his regular back-up Kyle Madsen hasn't exactly exploded in points either. Madsen played 25 minutes in OSU's 90-point effort yesterday but failed to score.
It is well known that Lauderdale is a horrendous free throw shooter, and this might be one reason why Coach Matta is reluctant to make him a big part of the offense. If he starts to make a move toward the basket, many teams might elect to just give the foul knowing that it probably will not cost them much. As a result, it would not be wise to use possessions trying to run post plays when there are so many other weapons on the floor. But is it possible that the lack of a post threat causes problems for our perimeter players?
On Saturday, ESPN's Hubert Davis said that although he considered OSU a solid 2-seed, he did not think they could stay with the top teams due to the lack of size. Digger Phelps argued that Ohio State would present problems because most teams do not face that kind of a 4-out-1-in offense on a regular basis. The win at Michigan State would seem to bear out Phelps' point. On the other hand, we saw last year how the Siena front-line had their way on the offensive boards. I still have nightmares about that game.
The question remains: does OSU suffer for the lack of any type of inside threat? Is this the weakness that could take the team down against a top-level team in the NCAA tournament? What do you think?
Comments
Minnesota is a team that had a lot of size int he front court with both iverson and R. Sampson III, but elected not to play both at the same time as they did against purdon't as THEY thought that they matched up poorly with the "4 guard" offense that OSU runs.
I've seen many instances where a team that elects to go small can run circles around a bigger team (i.e. Cavs vs. Boston a few weeks ago and yesterday, ET is our LBJ). I am however concerned with the rebounding, as you eluded to in your post. However, I think we've done a decent job on the glass.
Ultimate Homer Pick: CHAMPIONSHIP BABY!
I think that the matchup problems the Buckeyes present for other teams negates the lack of an inside presence. I'm OK with Lauderdale disappearing as the other four are playing on another level right now. He'll put up 6-6-3 numbers soon enough. I also don't worry about Madsen as the buzz on Twitter last night was that he was ill.
I think that the increased rebounding capabilities of Turner, Buford, and Lighty will minimize the effect of the lack of size in the frontcourt.
OSU runs a 4 guard offense, but those guards are 6'7, 6'5, 6'5, and 6'6(Diebler). There is some length there, and 3 of the 4 are also big leapers.
Ed Hightower is a douche. Why can't I get any pub?????
http://deadspin.com/5148836/th...
Take away his whistle and give 'im a cow bell.
height advantage can be trumped by superior athleticism....so it's up to the four other guys to get lauderdale in the picture....he's not going to have great finesse down on the post, ball handling skills, or an ability to shoot the ball. he's the guy that gets scoring done through assists and clean ups on rebounds. i will settle for that and his tough defense. i could care less about his free throws at this point, that ship has sailed.
and get him the ball ABOVE his belt line, AKA in the chest area
too many low passes this past weekend
those pictures are hilarious
I seriously think that all offseason, any time someone sees Dallas they should chuck a basketball at him as hard they can until he learns how to catch.
Sorry, DL doesn't clean up on rebounds. He justs takes up space to allow the others to get to the boards. Just look at the stats...hardly any O's and maybe 4 or 5 D's per game. Not to worry though, the Buckeyes will have an inside presense next year.
I think Lauderdale disappearing down the stretch is a good sign for OSU. They have proven they can win with absolutely NO post presence at all. And Mich, Ill, and Minn have pretty good inside players
It's all a plan to be on dancing with the starts next year. I figure I'm more well known than half the people on it, so I'll be a shoe in if they see my moves now.
it's gotta be above the shoe laces, it looked like every time they passed it to him it was a low ball, a weakness for any big man not named shaq
This is a terrible sign, it's Monday of Tournament week 1 and I'm already spending work time blogging with you guys.... is this a great country or what?
is BJ Mullins coming back?!?!
That's right BJ, I'm still calling you BJ.
I keep going back and forth between a real threat to win it all and a pretender due to teams exploiting our weaknesses. Here is where I land...after escaping two tough games in the tourney vs. Michigan and Illinois, we destroy Minnesota. I think Turner, Buford, Lighty give us what we need and the key to our success depends on Diebler and Dallas. The Villain will not let us fail and he wants it bad. We make it to the Elite 8 with a chance to upset Kansas.
It will be a good run.
http://www.nba.com/thunder/tea...
who the eff is Byron?!?!
Beeeee Jaaayyyyy
Kansas, historically, is a paper tiger in the tournament. I like our chances too.
Love ya bro.
I've said all year it will be the downfall of this team. Find me a National Champion with the tallest player at 6'8 over the past 10 years? And one who's not much of a threat on either end as DL.
Combined with the short bench this team is not built for a run. We know ET is going to score and Buford has been solid lately, but what next? Diebler is still streaky, Lighty's offense is spectacular one game and non existent the next.
The way I see it the best teams don't need everyone to show up every night. We don't have the depth for that to happen. Having said that, I'm not sure there's any great teams out there this year that have that luxury, so maybe we're ok.
Slippy, you should post positive stuff about a serious run even if you don't believe it. That's what I do. Everyone thinks the same thing as you but deep down we are hoping for a chamionship...go ahead try again and I will rate your post. Give it your best shot. Work with me.
name bench players on any of the last 5 title teams.
No kidding...our starting 5 can rest in the off season. We are in better shape than anybody right now. Diebler has to score 12-15/game. If he does, we go the The Final Four.
All it takes is one star player and another 4-5 OK guys.
Perfect example was 'cuse with Carmelo and.... those other guys that aren't in the NBA.
Nice year BYRON.
D-League for life, go Tulsa 66ers!
I'm gettin' friggin' juiced.
and don't tell me Hakim Warrick.... D LEAGUER... just like BJ
(that's right BJ, still callin you BJ)
I think if we had Masoli who could pick-up a few steals for us it would solidify us as a Final Four team.
zing!
I'm all for somebody making a living, but for him to be drafted after doing nothing in college shows how F'd up the system is.
BYRON
averaging 8.8 ppg gets you paid I guess.
BJ is a terrible nickname btw......
I'm lookin at YOU... BJ
Or better yet...BEEJ
I just prefer the hand/mouth sign instead of saying his name
right, BJ?
(I love pretending that he reads these and cries himself to sleep, wiping tears from his awesome mustache)
Say hey, Homer! I've got us taking down WVU in finals; a Double Homer.
WVU is gonna get bounced in the 2nd round because Huggins is their coach.
Well, I like to be honest about my teams instead of blatant homerism...mostly because I hate when other teams do it.
I'll always hope for a championship and cheer and root my ass off for it...I just know to not always expect it.
'05 UNC had Marvin Williams (1st rounder) coming off the bench.
Florida had 3 top 10 picks for both years.
OSU made the championship game with 2 first rounders starting and another coming off the bench.
Kansas had 2 guys drafted, Sherron Collins, and two 6'11 guys.
And besides, the post asked if it concerned us. yes, it concerns me. Maybe I should limit my response to yes or no.
Just yankin your chain dude. It's alright.
There's a difference between a guy being drafted and a guy being a bonafide star like ET, Carmelo, etc
Lots of guys get drafted, see Daequan, and so far Conley, but never sniff greatness or even productivity.
You mention Florida, but which one of those 3 first rounders is currently regarded as a legit NBA player?