The Ohio State basketball team had its annual media day on Thursday. Players were in uniform posing for pictures and, with the exception of freshmen, talked to reporters about a range of topics.
Coach Thad Matta said he’s ready for the upcoming season and has high expectations.
“I think, hopefully, (the team is) on the verge of continuing to win at a high level, to play the game at a high level, and hopefully to continue to do it with great kids, and a great team,” Matta said.
The 2011-2012 version of OSU’s team features four new freshmen who will try to replace a talented class of seniors which included David Lighty, Jon Diebler and Dallas Lauderdale. Matta emphasized the importance of having senior leadership in the program.
“We saw last year the value of upperclassmen,” Matta said. “As good as the freshmen were for us last year, they had a great anchor down there of three rock-solid seniors and a guy in William Buford who has been in the program for three years. I still don’t know if you can put a price on that.”
Buford is the Buckeyes’ only senior this year.
Despite the lack of upperclassmen, the 2011 Buckeyes are expected to accomplish big things. Many preseason publications have picked OSU to advance to this year’s Final Four and to win the Big Ten championship.
When asked if he was worried about the team getting caught up in the high expectations, Matta said he wouldn’t let it happen.
“I can read these guys pretty well,” Matta said. “If they are thinking along those lines then we’ll get that straightened out real quick.”
Sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas said the expectations aren’t something the team concentrates on.
“It’s preseason,” Thomas said. “We haven’t gotten there yet … I don’t worry about it too much.”
The team has two returning starters in sophomore All-American forward Jared Sullinger and senior guard William Buford. Sophomore guard Aaron Craft and sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas also received significant minutes last year.
OSU begins its season Nov. 11 against Wright State, but this year’s schedule features a number of marquee games before conference play.
Craft said the team is excited to play in such big contests.
“It’s just an awesome experience we are going to have,” Craft said. “Playing Florida, playing Duke, playing at Kansas, playing at South Carolina, it’s something you always think about and dream about growing up.”
The OSU coaching staff welcomes a couple additions this year. Former Duke guard Greg Paulus was hired as the team’s new video coordinator and Chris Jent is a new assistant.
Matta raved about Jent’s contribution and passion for the game.
“Chris has a big passion for this university,” Matta said. “He told me this is the only place he would have ever have left the NBA to come back to coach. His passion for teaching the game, his passion for winning, and just who he is as a person…you want those type of guys around your players.”
One reporter asked Matta if he felt any pressure to be the new “pride of the Buckeyes” because of the football team’s recent struggles.
“That’s the band,” Matta said. “They’re the pride of the Buckeyes. They announce it every time they come out.”