Buckeyes Where They Belong for Postseason
Tuesday night. 7pm. It’s another home game for Ohio State, as UNC-Asheville and 7’7’’ monster Kenny George come to Columbus. The opening round of the NIT. This is probably not a popular opinion among Buckeye Nation, but this is tournament where OSU belongs this season. And perhaps, the tournament that will best prepare OSU for its future.
No doubt, Ohio State is good enough to play in the NCAA Tournament. Their resume was not. Yes, the strength of schedule was tremendous. But at season’s end, OSU really beat only two strong teams (Purdue and MSU-both at home). The Bucks did not record a single road win of significance this season. The blame for not making the tournament’s in the mirror. And amazingly, a win over MSU in the Big Ten Quarterfinals Friday really may have lifted OSU into a 12-seed. No question, OSU has the talent that when playing at its finest, can go a long way in the NCAA’s. But under the current system, the selection committee got it right.
You can argue OSU’s future would’ve been best served by getting into the NCAA’s, because that’s where this team wants to excel next season. And that should always be OSU’s goal, even in a moderately successful season like this. Experience on the big stage can only make this team more confident next year.
My argument is this: not being on that big stage can only make the Buckeyes more determined to get there and excel next year. And no better place to work on that goal than in the NIT. A couple home games for OSU’s young talent to get minutes and find its rhythm, Next year’s freshman class should be similar to this year’s. Who knows if William Buford or Anthony Crater can come right in and play significant minutes. That means youngsters like Turner, Diebler and Wallace must work to find confidence to lead next season.
It’s a consolation prize, but not an insult. The NIT can do Ohio State some good, as long as OSU does good by the NIT. Put forth the effort and see the results. A new foundation can be laid, starting Tuesday.
