Deshaun Thomas Staying for Junior Year
Normally Friday afternoons are reserved for slipping undesireable news past the media. Not this time. GOOD GRAY BOX - TELL THE PEOPLE YOUR NEWS:
Sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas has decided to stay at Ohio State and will play for the Buckeyes next season as a junior. Per the university press release:
"Deshaun, his family and our coaching staff have spent the last week evaluating his future," Matta said. "Deshaun determined he wants to remain a Buckeye. We are looking forward to building on the success our team enjoyed in 2011-12 with Deshaun playing a significant role next year."
Thomas' decision to stay significantly improves the Buckeyes' outlook for the 2012-13 season and gives Ohio State a solid returning core along with Aaron Craft and Lenzelle Smith.
Have a great weekend. THE TANK WILL RIDE AGAIN!
Comments
YESSSSS!!!!!!!! This is awesome news!!! We're gonna have a very solid team next season, and DT should improve his draft stock dramatically.
No way he averages under 20 ppg next season. He will be our offense. All hail the Tank.
Good thing he didn't talk to DJ first!!!!!!
+1
wooooooooooooooo
Boom.
Glad he made this decision. I just didn't think he is fully ready and I think the NBA scouts wouldn't grade him as high as he should be.
NOW, Thad should do everything possible to get Tony Parker and then move Deshawn to SF. Then the starting lineup should be Craft, Smith, Thomas, Parker, Williams. Although, I do believe Thompson with work on an outside shot should surpass Smith.
I am excited to see the maturation of two players specifically: L. Ross and S. Thompson. If Thompason can get a short range shot to drop consistently, he will be a great addition. The big X factor is Ross as some of his mop up moments were amazing as he seemed like he was a man amongst boys in handling the ball with his size. Sure, it was against weaker opposition, but you rarely see a guy with his size and abilities handling the ball.
Beware the sound of one hand clapping.....
GET OUT OF THE CITY!!
National poy candidate next year
I have to see him as one of the top 3 or 5 front runners to begin with barring Anthony Davis and Thomas Robinson returning next year. Draymond Green is graduating too, but that McDermott kid from Creighton will be back.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
I first saw The Dance of Joy... I then looked up to see whether it was DT staying, or Tony Parker declaring... I have to say I am quite pleased.
If Parker commits, just wow. Love Matta.
We're not getting Parker. He stopped returning OSU coaching staffs' calls/texts. Likely going to Duke, which is his dad's preference.
Last I checked there were conflicting reports? Also, everyone said Tank was going pro too. I'll keep up the hope. Still a good team with a ton of potential.
http://axelrodsports.com/tag/jeff-boals/
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
Nice, makes things look a lot better for next year. Hopefully recruiting picks up again next year and we don't see a down year or two.
Nice!!!!!!! This is fantastic!
I love Perfect Strangers! and Tank!
35 hours to Pasadena! Go Bucks!
We need a drink named after Tank. I'm not good at alchemy so someone else has to suggest the contents.
Whatever it is has to have Red Bull because it's Tank.
http://www.drinknation.com/drink/1-2-3-floor
Yep, that sounds perfect.
SSSSSSSSSWWWWWWEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!
The best thing about Pastafarianism? It is not only acceptable, but advisable, to be heavily sauced
Awesome and I think a good decision for his draft stock!
I hope Deshaun uses this extra year to develop other parts of his game besides his shot.
As much as I love the kid, watching him force shots like he did vs Kansas drives me crazy
Don't know if he'll quite put up the numbers everyone is expecting...he was the 2nd/3rd option this year and will turn into the 1st option unless one of the guards improves drastically.
A little bit shocking, but we don't know his background and story (other than he recently became a father). Many thought he was a lock to go but maybe he has a lot of family support.
Craft, Smith, Thompson (maybe Ross?), Thomas, Williams...bench: Scott, Ross, Sibert, Spoon, Ravenel (will Thad actually play a 2nd 5?? Doubtful). Picking up Parker may signal a Spoon transfer.
He averaged 15 points a game on a team that had other guys averaging 18 and 15 respectively. That's insane, and with both of those 18 and 15 point averages leaving, to think Thomas' point average won't increase to AT LEAST 19-25 (25 is a bit crazy but somewhere in that range) is insane. And no, Tank was our 2nd option this year and our 1st option through most of the NCAA tournament and when Sully was off (which was more often than we would've liked).
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
So thinking that he will draw defensive attention and double teams which could lead to his scoring average not being 20 ppg is insane? Thanks...
I'm saying that every team game-planned defensively around Sully. He drew the double and triple teams. That advantage will be gone. You don't think if Tank comes out averaging 25 ppg in the nonconference that he WON'T draw some double teams? I don't know what's insane about that.
You're right, Deshaun will draw more defensive attention next year, which is exactly why he won't average 30+ points per game next year.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
Well, maybe not off the first shot, but with his ridiculous put-back ability, who knows?
father?
"Winter is coming" - Urban Meyer
Yes...?
Plus Ross is gonna pull the high teens himself and I imagine Lenzelle steps it up to lower double digits as well.
Love the "Perfect Strangers" reference! Nothing says joy like Balki Bartokomous!
The irony of this gray box, dj's article, and the subsequent joy and support of both simultaneously from buckeye nation (including myself) all back-to-back-to-back is just a spectacle in-and-of itself.
i love being a fan. GO BUCKS!
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
HAHAHA! Yes. I thought the exact same thing and scrolled through comments looking for someone pointing out the irony. Well done sir.
YES!
This is how I felt after reading this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BORW7KACuPY
/Duff'd It
You don't appreciate that video until you have one of your own. Just had to show the wife.
Beware the sound of one hand clapping.....
Never saw this one coming. Hey Sully, change your mind!!
This is awesome news! I think we'll be just fine on the offensive side next season. We might not have as high of a scoring team as we did this season, but I think we'll be a little better on the defensive side of things.
With WillyB and Sully gone, I think Smith and Craft will pick up some slack on the offensive side of the ball. I don't think their lack of scoring this year was because they couldn't score, but more so because they weren't expected/needed to put up more than 12-14 ppg between the two of them. They've shown the CAN score and I think we'll see that production more consistently next season.
Sully could score and played good D, but he wasn't a shot blocker on the other side of the ball. Williams will be back there to affect shots, even if he's not getting his hands on the ball. Hopefully we'll see more of that leadership that Craft's been showing lately to help integrate the new starters and keep people focused.
And of course I think Tank will average 20ppg and will be hard to guard again. Him being the #1 option might draw more double teams, but he should still get his 20 points a game as he'll have more looks. Hopefully he can get a little bump on his assists as well if he can find the open man out of the double.
The good news keeps on coming.
http://axelrodsports.com/tag/jeff-boals/
Gotta love it Thank you D.T. for coming back to play for the Buckeyes! BTW its a good thing DJ didn't have a "Catching Up with DeShawn Thomas" yesterday or today. But seriously...this is fantastic for OSU and proves what I said on the Skull Session comments the other day (that got many fired up for some reason) these guys (Sully, Buf, Diebler and Thomas) are starting to set a precedence for young BBall players to stay in college to perfect your skills (whether it pans out for Diebs or Buf or not). It's a much better idea than BJ Mullens, Kostakufis (sp) and Oden had with a one and done and can anyone tell me what they did in the NBA??? Oh...that's right...NOTHING! It makes more sense to go higher in the lottery and be more prepared for competition against highly skilled players by staying and getting better in college. GO BUCKS!
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Mullens is having a decent year but I don't blame him for leaving.
Regardless to the following three, four...or however many replies there are about teh MILIONS they can get in NBA, the point to what I'm saying is taking the money and running may not be the norm at OSU anymore and well...would you rather them leave for the millions as Freshmen or have a chance to do what we did this year more often??? I'm not oblivious to the "reasons" why they go...Trey Burke's fam would rather him go and that's fine with me and I'm sure many others besides TTUN fans. It's all well and good what Mullens and Conley may be doing right now...but let's face it...I would have MUCH rather seen Conley and Oden back for one more year like these guys are doing lately...could you imagine (if Oden stayed healthy) what they could have done as sophomores??? Oh well...
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Ah Get it 76. You're talking about us as fans watching them instead of what they should actually do. Of course we as fans all want everyone to stay 4 years. Then again William Buford would have been a lot better off leaving after his soph or junior years if he was looking to make pro money. But it was great for us to get to watch him for 4 years.
Mullens just went for 31 points and 14 rebounds Friday night. He is becoming a good player. He still should have stayed at OSU to improve though but really couldn't. If it matters, he needed to go pro to help his family. Kind of know his situation.
You're going to fault Oden fo "doing nothing in the NBA?" If your argument is for staying in school, he wouldn't have played a single game in the league. He's lucky he left when he did because he got his contract, but his lack of knees prevented him from playing more than 82 total games.
Mullens and Koufos were 1st rounders. We don't know their family situation...a multiple year deal for millions sure beats a scholarship and a stipend. It's taken them a few years but they're contributing now in their team's rotation.
You can't say that across the board it's a better idea to stay. Family and living situations come in to play. You're not going to pass up the chance at millions to help your family even if it means struggling to see an NBA floor.
Yep.
Only reason to stay is if it'll give you a chance at a better/longer pro career.
That has always been my thoughts on Oden... Great dude and I am so glad that he got some money when he could. With Sully have back issues this year along with foot issues, I believe, it is probably a good decision to go grab the proverbial fat cash!!!
Plantar fasciitis can be a b!tch. I've had it off and on for probably 6-7 years and it never wants to go away.
I don't know if it works for everyone, but plantar is a common running injury and I'm a runner, so.... I was struck with it once. I went against convention and starting running in "minimalist" shoes (shoes with hardly any sole, similar to running barefoot), and it went away. I have never had a problem since. Something to note if you have an issue that won't leave.
Mine is from golf I think. It comes, I do some stretches for a while and ice it and it eventually goes away. It's just a nuisance. I can't imagine being a bigtime college (soon to be pro) athlete with it.
No...he was injured most of his time in the NBA (and that's really unfortunate for him). But everyone seems to be missing my point...would you rather them leave for the millions or play one or possibly two more years and watch them excel as Buckeyes...or make their millions sitting the bench their rookie year (with possibility of "some" playing time) or being injured? The questions is easy to answer if you see the point I was making. Like I said above...could you imagine if Conley and Oden (and he stayed healthy of course) back as sophomores???? COmmmon Man! No contest what you would "REALLY" want to see...you can't deny it! I love the statement Sully and Thomas are making...IT'S FANTASTIC for fans of OSU!
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
No offense when I'm saying this...but that's just stating the obvious. The thing is, we KNOW coming in that a guy or two (or three) every year is going to leave early because as I said, a couple million a season beats a scholarship and stipend. And in the cases of Oden and Sully...injuries played a factor and they wanted to make sure they got their contract before anything else happened health-wise. We get what you're saying, but there's no point to spelling it out.
Awesome news! I didn't see this coming and thought he would leave early. I think we will be a favorite to win the B1G and possibly the title. :)
Oden, a man among boys, that is unfortunately cursed with weak joints. :(
I believe Mullens jumped due to family reasons?
Mullens is a key part of the rotation. Koufos also made a good move. Him and Thad clearly did not get along. Transferring somewhere else and sitting out a year wasn't going to help him either. He's a rotation player now too.
Being an utter ballhog probably explains why no one got along with Koufos.
According to Titus, it appears Koufos didn't get along with anyone.
Great decision! If Ross can learn to play defense, look out.
Honestly, this team has so much talent that not getting Parker will not hurt that much. I dont think we have seen the real ability of all those guys on the bench. It will only improve with playing time.
Taquitos.
Great article in the Dispatch today (just hope Todd Hensley is only a mentor - we know what can happen with these "mentors"). Sounds like the staff might try to let him play more of the 3 swing spot because that's where he'll translate into the NBA. Of course, they might play him at the 4 defensively but allow him to play outside more on offense (think of the offense before Sully came in - Lighty or Tuner was technically playing the 4 but on offense it was really 4 guys who could shoot it from outside). If he is going to get time at the 3, he needs to improve his ball handling and penetration off the dribble. The problem is, they'll need either Spoon, Ravenel, or to land Parker to play the 4 spot. In reality, I think they'll have to keep him at the 4, with letting him play more on the outside, because they'll need to get Ross or Thompson on the floor at the 3. His offensive rebounding was key this past year, and he might not be as effective there if he's away from the basket more.
With this announcement though, it might turnoff Parker because now you will have a logjam at either the 4 or 3. If Ross or Thompson prove they belong on the court at the 3, then thomas will most likely start at the 4. So Parker might either have to backup Thomas or beat out Amir for the 5. I am not sure, alot like Sully, that Parker belongs at the 5. He would fit really well next to Amir.
I wouldn't mind it too much if Parker didn't come. Starting lineup without him would be Craft, Smith, Ross, Thomas, Williams. Thompson and Scott getting major PT.
If Parker did come then we are looking at Craft, Smith, Thomas, Parker, Williams or Craft, Smith, Ross, Thomas, Parker. Either way, you will piss off either Ross or Amir. Now granted if they don't play well enough to deserve to start, then Parker coming in would help greatly but I think they will be ready to start and would get tired of being surpassed like Spoon is feeling. Granted that is if Parker himself is ready to start, don't know. He may play like Sully but that doesn't mean his is as good as Sully.
I feel bad for Spoon because I know he can play. Its either because he is not as good as the guys in front of him or he and Thad aren't seeing eye to eye. Either way he would probably benefit by leaving.
Parker would be great but I agree with you, this team has a ready starting 5 already with decent bench. I think this team would benefit more from a specialist instead of a star. Perhaps a really strong 3 pt shooter or defender who can give good fouls, might be tall and underdevelop that Matta could work with him. I still say, Oriaki would be a nice grab. He would be a great rotational player with Amir and his shot blocking!
Where is my Monday Skull Session???
i'm in withdrawl!
I think I died a little bit when I saw that there is no skull session... *sob*
Where's the skull session??? What gives???
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
Ditto about the missing/late article
Maybe everyone is off for Easter Monday?
"Attack the Strong, Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead!"
-Former OSU S&C Coach Lichter
People really don't check the forums...
Monday Skull Session Robbed
I spend plenty of time in the forums - but this did get by me - thanks for posting.
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
Perfect Strangers FTW!
“Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect.” - Woody
Awesome! This plus losing Buford could mean great things next year!
"What do you need water for, Sunshine?!" - Coach Coombs, if you don't love this man, you have no soul.
Congratulations, you went for "the most asinine comment in this thread" award and you succeeded!
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day