Matta doesn't rest on his past success April 29, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "It's not far from the truth that Thad Matta thinks about Ohio State basketball while sitting over breakfast, sweating it out on a treadmill and even when he's watching favorite comedian Will Ferrell on DVD. What the Buckeyes coach hasn't done is reflect on the team winning another Big Ten championship and reaching the national championship game..."
Rumors are circulating in the NBA that whichever team gets Oden will be pushed to deal a major player for a high enough draft pick to get OSU teammate Mike Conley Jr., because the more mature Conley, who has played with Oden since grade school, will make it easier for Oden to make the transition to the NBA.
The Chicago Tribune?s Sam Smith showed how that scenario could benefit a team such as the Bulls, who have the ninth pick.
"Say Memphis gets Oden," Smith wrote. "Would that expedite a deal for (Pau) Gasol to get a top-10 pick and then Conley? Or Boston with Al Jefferson? It could put a team in an enviable position to get a veteran, and having a happy franchise center with a dynamic point guard would figure to be worth it for any team."
Smith, it should be noted, says that Conley might as well sign with an agent because he "is rocketing up on the radar of NBA teams and projects around the top 10." Source: Columbus Dispatch April 27, 2007
Butler will return for senior season April 28, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "As far back as his freshman year at Ohio State, Jamar Butler mused about entering the NBA draft as a junior, his father said. Melton Butler said yesterday that Jamar told him Thursday he had decided not to submit his name. The deadline to enter the draft is Sunday. 'He said he had thought about it, but he wasn’t going to do it,' Melton Butler said..."
Matta's way is right way for OSU recruiting April 25, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Word that Jamar Butler was thinking of putting his name in the NBA draft hopper...If Butler decides to go (and there is no indication he will) and all the others decide to follow him, Thad Matta and company isn't going out of business. Even on a day when almost half the roster is thinking about leaving early, you're not going to catch me saying that the old days when coach Jim O'Brien generally steered clear of recruits who might be one and done were preferable..."
In long run, one definitely does not mean OSU is done April 24, 2007 Source: The Morning Journal - "THE rock concert has officially ended. There will be no encore, just a guy with a broom sweeping up the confetti. And Thad Matta is that janitor..."
Conley, Cook say it’s time to leave April 22, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Leaving the door open is one thing. Keeping a foot in it is another. Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook are not. They’re jumping with both feet into the NBA draft. 'Like anything, you can’t go in with half a foot in the door and say I hope it works out. You have to make it work out,' Conley’s father, Mike Sr., said Friday, when his son, Cook and fellow freshman Greg Oden announced they are entering the draft after playing only one season at Ohio State..."
Buckeyes will have plenty, even without Oden and Co. April 20, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "Ohio State will be fine. Maybe even better than fine. Maybe NCAA Tournament/Sweet 16 fine. Yes, even with the departure of Greg Oden, and likely Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook for next season..."
Wishing Cook good luck and wishing he'd come back to OSU "Ohio State freshman Daequan Cook, who apparently has the most pro potential of any sixth man in college basketball, has declared for the NBA draft. "I want to continue to challenge myself further," the Dunbar High School graduate said in a news release. (Who writes those things?)
Cook seems like a great kid, and I wish him the best. But if he really wants a challenge, why not go back to OSU and crack the starting lineup?
It's a shame that McDonald's All-Americans are almost labeled failures if they're not playing for pay by their 20th birthdays. Really, unless you totally despise term papers, there's nothing wrong with sucking it up and playing two entire seasons of college ball.Souce: Dayton Daily News
For three Buckeyes, it was one and done April 21, 2007 Source: FoxSports.com - "Nearly everyone, with the exception of maybe Thad Matta and his staff, knew that Columbus was a one-year pit stop for Greg Oden. No one, including the Ohio State head coach, prepared for the fact that Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook would drive off alongside the 7-footer after just one season..."
Matta sees positives despite loss of players April 21, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The glass half full that is Thad Matta doesn't see a potential NCAA championship team falling apart...Matta said the three freshmen, who yesterday announced they will enter the NBA draft after only one season of college basketball, could be trailblazers for more players like them to attend Ohio State..."
Matta Puts On Best Face For NBA Departure April 21, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "If there’s one thing Thad Matta has proved in his short time in Columbus as Ohio State men’s basketball coach it’s that you simply cannot dampen his spirit...When asked if the exodus puts his team in a hole, Matta smiled and said, 'It does from the standpoint that you’re losing three freshmen, but quite honestly we had a sense that this could happen. It’s part of the process in recruiting these days and we’re still so young in what we're building here that I think it’s a situation where we’re going to handle it and continue to build.'..."
Clouds' scarlet and gray lining April 21, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State coach Thad Matta interrupted a recruiting week of suitcases and rental cars to say goodbye to three of his freshmen on Friday. That farewell was one of the best recruiting tools a coach could hope for. Matta took advantage, saying he viewed the official NBA draft declarations of Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook as a celebration...It wasn't a coincidence that he ended an afternoon news conference with a story about talking with Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski about losing players early to the NBA. The obvious implication for any high school sophomores paying attention: When your guys are too good to stay, you've really made it as a program..."
Ohio State Freshman Trio Declares For 2007 NBA Draft April 20, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "After a memorable run in this year's NCAA Tournament, The Ohio State University's freshman trio of Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook have decided to pursue their goals of playing at the professional level and are announcing that they will enter this year's NBA Draft..."
Oden leads OSU trio into NBA draft April 20, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "For Ohio State freshmen Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook, it just makes sense. 'They came together, and they'll leave together,' said Albert Powell, a former assistant on their AAU team. So today, the three friends and longtime teammates will release a statement declaring their intentions to exit Ohio State early and enter the NBA draft. A second source close to the situation confirmed that plan..."
Powell Says Oden, Conley, Cook To Declare For Draft April 19, 2007 Source: Bucknuts - "Powell hopes OSU fans do not turn against this talented trio. 'These are great kids and I hope everybody puts it into perspective,' he said. 'They could have walked off the floor after the Florida game and never gone back (to OSU). But they are all still in class today. They will be in class until they can no longer carry the weight of being in class and having to work out (for NBA teams). Nobody has withdrawn. I hope there is not a backlash.'..."
Oden is history; 2 others may be April 20, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Greg Oden is leaving Ohio State for the NBA. Freshman teammates Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook could join him. Two sources said there will be no turning back for Oden, who will sign a representation agreement with an agent and is expected to be the No. 1 choice June 28..."
Oden ends speculation, to declare for NBA April 20, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "...Conley, who could be the top point guard taken, will stay in the draft if he is in the top 10 or at the very least the lottery (1-14). Conley doesn't have to sign with an agent since his father, Mike Conley Sr., will represent him after he was certified as an agent recently and opened up his own company. Conley Sr. is also expected to represent Oden, whom he mentored and coached as a youth in Indiana..."
Ohio State Freshmen Trio Turning Pro April 19, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "With Oden gone, Ohio State will turn to seniors Hunter and Matt Terwilliger as well as freshman Dallas Lauderdale in the post. Kosta Koufos, a 7-1 forward/center will also be counted on for key minutes in the frontcourt as well as redshirt Vanderbilt transfer, Kyle Madsen. The perimeter will also get younger. Jamar Butler will likely return to point guard for his senior season - the very position he led Ohio State to a Big Ten title in 2006-06. However, Butler and Lighty will be joined by another freshmen trio Jon Diebler, Evan Turner and Eric Wallace. Diebler became Ohio's all-time scoring leader, passing a record that stood for 23 years by former Buckeye Jay Burson..."
NBA scout: Cook has nothing to lose April 20, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "With one college start to his credit, Ohio State's Daequan Cook may not seem like a typical first-round draft pick. But at least one NBA scout says Cook could impress teams at the Orlando, Fla., pre-draft camp and in subsequent workouts. The same goes for point guard Mike Conley Jr., who stands out in a weak point-guard class. 'It's not surprising to me. They're both draftable players," the scout said. "They need to find out, someway, where they're going to be in the draft. What have they got to lose? As long as they don't get an agent. They'll go to some workouts, and maybe some team will give them a promise.'..."
Oden's one year should be celebrated April 20, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Raise a glass to Greg Oden -- and please refrain from throwing the champagne in his face. Make sure to see the glass as half full, too. While you may not like Oden's decision to enter the NBA draft, now is not the time to criticize him for a stay in the paint so short that it wouldn't incur a three-second violation. Don't berate the big guy; celebrate what he accomplished for Ohio State during his 32-game college career..."
Text messaging may be outlawed in recruiting April 19, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The NCAA Division I management council has recommended a ban on all electronically transmitted correspondence, including text messages, between coaches and recruits. E-mails and faxes would be exempt from the new rule but would be limited by current NCAA guidelines..."
Tressel gives OSU hoops players coaching duties for spring game April 18, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Basketball point guard Mike Conley Jr. will be an honorary head coach in Ohio State's annual intrasquad Scarlet vs. Gray spring football game on Saturday. Conley will be assisted with the Scarlet squad by hoops teammates Cook, Mark Titus, Othello Hunter and Kyle Madsen. Jamar Butler, also a starting guard, will be the head coach of the Gray team, with help from Ivan Harris, David Lighty, Danny Peters and Matt Terwilliger. The 7-foot Oden was also offered a chance to coach, but had to turn down the opportunity to be the tallest college coach in the country. 'Oden is in the tank because his aunt is getting married,' Tressel told his team as they drafted players on Wednesday afternoon for the scrimmage. 'He's already started watching film, but he can't be here.'..."
Cook's mother likes son's three options April 18, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "Renae Cook doesn't think her son can make a bad decision, even if that means entering the NBA draft and signing with an agent. The mother of Ohio State freshman Daequan Cook realizes the risks and rewards of entering the draft or staying in school, especially since her son didn't have a great second half of the season..."
Big Ten adds 2 conference games to next year’s schedule April 18, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "The Big Ten basketball schedule is about to get longer. Conference officials have approved an 18-game conference schedule starting next season, although details of how it will be implemented have not yet been released..."
Final decision to leave for NBA may go down to wire April 17, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "If Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook decide to enter the NBA draft to buy themselves more time to assess their status, the mid-June withdrawal deadline could be near before they make their final decision: whether to stay in the draft or return to Ohio State for another season. Conley’s father, Mike Sr., said yesterday that the NBA pushed back to late May the date when teams can begin working out college underclassmen who have declared for the draft. Teams previously were allowed to start workouts earlier. The workouts will give the two players "a more accurate picture" of their draft status than is available now, Conley Sr. said, which is why he said he did not address their status with them during a six-hour meeting Sunday in Indianapolis..."
Oden, Cook, and Conley Consider NBA Options April 17, 2007 Source: OhioScout.com - "Skill development with the coaches began Monday for all members of the Ohio State men’s basketball team but three Buckeyes spent the late afternoon with head coach Thad Matta dealing with more pressing matters..."
North Carolina Travels to Columbus in 2007 Big Ten/ACC Challenge April 17, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Matchups for the ninth annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge have been determined with the event featuring top college basketball programs playing for conference supremacy and the Commissioner's Cup on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. Ohio State will take on North Carolina in Columbus Nov. 28 on ESPN this year..."
Freshmen to meet with Matta April 16, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ohio State men's basketball coach Thad Matta is expected to meet today with all three freshmen considering leaving Ohio State for the NBA. The three - 7-foot center Greg Oden, point guard Mike Conley Jr. and guard Daequan Cook - discussed their NBA draft options in Indianapolis yesterday with their parents and other advisers."
Oden, et al. prepared for smart decisions April 15, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The dueling opinions over whether Greg Oden has in fact already decided to enter the NBA draft don’t matter much..."
Trio to meet to mull options April 15, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Players, advisers to discuss pros, cons of entering draft..."
Conley's father: No decisions have been made regarding NBA April 14, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Mike Conley Sr. said today that he is "100 percent confident" that Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook have not decided whether to leave Ohio State for the NBA, but he indicated that all three freshmen could at least enter the draft to give themselves more time to assess their status..." Mom: No Decision For Greg Source: WBNS-10TV
Dad: Oden is going pro April 14, 2007 Source: The Indianapolis Star - "Greg Oden will enter the 2007 NBA draft, his father said Friday. Oden, the 7-foot, 280-pound freshman center who led Ohio State to the NCAA title game, is widely projected as the top pick. Greg Oden Sr. said he was comfortable with his son's decision. 'Why not, as long as he finishes school in the offseason?' the elder Oden said. 'He's the kind of kid that, even though he'll have a lot of money, he needs to do more than just basketball.'..."
Matta is Buckeyes most important returnee April 13, 2007 Source: CentralOhio.com - "Ohio State’s basketball season lives in mothballs at the moment, yet it hasn’t lessened interest in coach Thad Matta’s program. Most OSU fans have read the report that Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook will all bail for the NBA by this time next week...Still, the most important returnee in Columbus is Matta himself..."
Matta, Players Thank Fans April 12, 2007 Source: Scout.com - "Wednesday evening at Value City arena, over 6,000 energetic fans filed in to celebrate a 35-4 season, Big Ten Championship and appearance in the National Championship game. Each of the Buckeye players showed personality, speaking in question and answer sessions by emcees Bill Hosket and Ronnie Stokes. In addition to Thad Matta speaking..."
Season was a success, and the future looks bright... April 12, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The energetic Matta is bringing in another top-10 recruiting class next season, led by Kosta Koufos, a 7-footer from Canton. Future recruits also had to take notice of Ohio State being ranked No. 1 at the end of the regular season and making a run to the NCAA championship game..."
Matta, Buckeyes Celebrated At Schott April 12, 2007 Source: Bucknuts - "We have coverage of Wednesday night's special public celebration for Ohio State's NCAA runner-up men's basketball team. We have comments from OSU coach Thad Matta, OSU AD Gene Smith, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, members of the team and more from this special event..."
Fans to freshmen: Stay in school April 12, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily news - "Sources say Oden, Conley and Dunbar's Cook will declare for the NBA draft..."
Buckeyes unsure on NBA April 12, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Though no NBA decisions have been made at Ohio State, the future of freshman point guard Mike Conley Jr. is back up in the air after he said in the aftermath of Ohio State's loss to Florida 10 days ago that he was 100 percent sure he'd be back for his sophomore season..."
Ranking the top 10 active coaches in the nation April 11, 2007 Source: SI.com - "In seven years as a head coach, Matta has been to seven NCAA tournaments, reached a national-title game with the Buckeyes, the Elite Eight with Xavier and managed to sign one of the most impressive recruiting classes in history despite the Buckeyes enduring NCAA sanctions at the time..."
Head of the class April 9, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "Now that the dust has settled on last season the-Ozone wants to take a little peek forward to next season in Ohio State basketball..."
Suspense may end next week April 11, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The three Ohio State freshmen basketball players who are considering an early jump to the NBA will meet Sunday to begin weighing their options. Their decisions could come as soon as next week, said Mike Conley Sr...."
Buckeyes Hoops Outlook April 9, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "Now that the dust has settled on last season the-Ozone wants to take a little peek forward to next season in Ohio State basketball..."
Optimism reigns for new Buckeyes April 9, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The players making up the next generation of Buckeyes were on the phone with each other as the final seconds ticked off in Ohio State's 84-75 loss to Florida in the NCAA Tournament title game a week ago. 'We were saying, We need to get this national championship next year,' said Canton GlenOak's Kosta Koufos, the 7-foot star of a five-player class ranked among the top 10 in the nation. 'Coach Matta does a great job, and with the classes of '07, '08, '09, we're going to keep reloading and reloading.'..."
Bright future: Ohio State's projected lineup for the 2007-08 season, assuming the departure of Greg Oden for the NBA and the return of Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook..."
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook April 5, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "NBA?, Do they ever miss?, Good Zebras?, Closing the Gap?, What's Next?, and Buckeye Basketball Back?; they're all covered in the-Ozone Note and Quotebook..."
Loss to Florida could end up being Buckeyes' gain April 4, 2007 Source: The Morning Journal - "If there is a bright spot to Ohio State's 84-75 loss to Florida in the national championship game, it's that Monday night might have proven to be a big push to bring Greg Oden back to Columbus for another year. Maybe..."
Oden could return to OSU April 4, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Championship loss to Florida could delay center's NBA plans..."
5 QUESTIONS for next season April 4, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Will anything less than a return to the Final Four next year be acceptable? Not if the 7-foot Oden returns rather than leaves for the NBA. But will he? He is expected to make an announcement within a week or two. Meanwhile, here are five other questions heading into the offseason:..."
Welcome Back Buckeyes April 3, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Record-setting men's basketball team returns to fans welcome in Columbus..."
Buckeyes receive warm welcome upon return April 3, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "The Ohio State Buckeyes returned to campus Tuesday and were greeted by several hundred fans - and one multimillion-dollar question. Will Greg Oden return for another season?..."
With or without Oden, Ohio State's future is bright April 3, 2007 Source: USA Today - "With two Ohio State seniors leaving and a third starter, freshman center Greg Oden possibly headed to the NBA, could the Buckeyes be a national contender again next season?..."
Florida ousts OSU, accomplishes back-to-back championships April 3, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ohio State...deserves credit, not criticism, after an 84-75 loss last night to defending national champion Florida. There should be no postgame backlash, even if a large chunk of Ohio State followers had hoped to use a victory to soothe the ache of that football game..."
Mike Conley, Jr.: "(Florida is) a great team and they were the better team last night. Any other night we might have won," he said. "I wish things were different but they played a great game and we just couldn’t keep up with them.
"It still hurts that we lost. We thought we let ourselves down and we could have performed better. But it was a fun experience and we had a fun time together. In the end, we felt like we had a pretty good year.
"We feel like we can get there next year and that is why a lot of us want to come back," he said."
CBS Sports' Sam Ryan catches up with Ohio State coach Thad Matta after his Buckeyes fell short in the championship game against Florida 84-75. Source: CBSSportsline.com
Game analysis of Ohio State-Florida April 3, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "Mark Schlabach and Doug Gottlieb's analysis from the national championship game between Ohio State and Florida...."
OSU deserves admiration, not criticism after its defeat April 3, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The Florida Gators took a chomp out of NCAA history with the repeat they simply had to have...The Gators made their case Monday night with an 84-75 victory over Ohio State to capture the second straight national championship that was their only reasonable goal this season..."
Matta: Florida just too good April 3, 2007 Source: Cincinnati Enquirer - "'I would put them in a category of probably one of the best teams to win a national title,' Matta said. 'You're going to see those guys playing a lot of basketball down the stretch for many years ahead, I should say'..."
Butler credits Florida April 3, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Jamar Butler saw it two ways. First, that everything went Florida’s way during the NCAA championship game. Second, that the Gators made sure everything went their way..."
Treys a charm for Gators April 3, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "Ohio State got the ball into Oden, but they couldn't hit enough 3-pointers or defend enough 3s to hang with Florida, which hit five 3s in the last five minutes of the first half for a 40-29 lead..."
Nightmarish outside shooting derails Buckeyes April 3, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...there were open looks on the outside for Ohio State. Nobody could bury a shot. The perimeter players looked like the football team when it gained 82 total yards in its nationalchampionship loss to Florida..."
Oden avoids foul trouble, delivers big numbers in loss April 3, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "When Greg Oden walked to the bench during a break in the first half of the NCAA championship game, he was greeted with a bit of sarcasm from his coach, Thad Matta. 'Coach told me after the first media timeout, ‘Welcome to the second part of the first half,' Oden said..."
Oden outstanding in defeat April 3, 2007 Source: Fox Sports - "If this was the last game of Greg Oden's collegiate career, Kevin McNamara says he has nothing to be ashamed of. Oden delivered an outstanding performance in a losing effort..."
Best Team Won, It's As Simple as That April 3, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "You saw it, now you probably want to know just what happened. We think we know..."
Once again, Florida denies Ohio State a national title April 3, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Twelve weeks after scorching favored Ohio State in college football's national-championship game, Florida doubled its fun last night, beating the Buckeyes 84-75 in the Georgia Dome to become the first team in 15 years to win back-to-back NCAA men's basketball championships..."
Florida Downs OSU, Repeats As National Champions April 2, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Florida defended its national championship with a command performance against Ohio State on Monday night. The Gators hit 10 of their 18 three-point tries in an 84-75 win over OSU. Greg Oden had 25 and Mike Conley had 20 for OSU..."
Mike Conley, Jr. and Greg Oden were named to the 2007 All-Tournament team after the game Monday.
Ohio State completed the 2006-07 season with a record of 35-4. The 35 wins extend the program's single-season record for victories. The previous mark of 27 had been shared by the 1961 and 1991 teams.
OSU had won 22 games in a row. The school record of 32 was set by the 1960 and 1961 teams.
Ohio State's record playing as the No. 1 team in the AP poll is 60-5.
The Buckeyes are 10-3 as a No. 1 seed with losses to Florida and Cincinnati in the 1961 and '62 title games.
Ohio State was attempting to become the first school since Duke in 2001 to win the national championship after entering the tournament with a No. 1 ranking in both the AP and USA Today polls.
Ohio State is 5-4 in the series with Florida and 27-24 vs. current members of the Southeastern Conference. The Buckeyes downed Tennessee twice in 2006-07. Ohio State is 8-1 vs. SEC teams in NCAA tournament play.
With four 3-pointers vs. Florida, the Buckeyes added to their school single-season record for made 3s (287). Their 794 attempts is also an OSU record.
Mike Conley, Jr. is the 15th player in Big Ten history to record at least 350 points, 150 assists, 100 rebounds and 50 steals. Scoonie Penn (1998-99) is the only other Ohio State player to do so.
Ohio State has committed just seven turnovers Monday, including just one in the second half. The Buckeyes had eight turnovers or less in each of its last four games.
OSU has 36 varsity sports and Florida has 18.
The most noticeable thing Joakim did in this one was sit on the bench and chew on his mouthpiece. Source: SI.com If there’s any consolation to be found in this loss, it’s that Joakim Noah had absolutely nothing to do with the Gators victory.
Guy Walks Into a Bar, Leaves With a Song April 1, 2007 Source: New York Times - "The short video montage that CBS uses to recap the agony and the ecstasy of March Madness is an N.C.A.A. tournament hallmark. Millions of college basketball fans are familiar with its musical accompaniment, but few are aware that the song originated as an effort to impress a pretty waitress..." 2007 One Shining Moment and '97 through '06 One Shining Moment
Date: Monday April 2, 2007
Opp: Florida (34-5)
Site: Atlanta GA Georgia Dome (50,000 Final Four capacity)
Game Time: 9:18p.m.
Television: CBS
Columbus TV: WBNS 10 TV
TV Talent: Jin Nantz (P-by-P), Billy Packer (Expert Analysis)
Radio: OSU Radio Network (60 stations)
Columbus Radio: WBNS FM-97.1 AM-1460
Radio Talent: Paul Keels (P-by-P), Ron Stokes (Expert Analysis)
How do Gators, Buckeyes match up April 1, 2007 Source: FoxSports.com - "Both No. 1 seeds will look back to a December game in which Florida destroyed Ohio State in the second half. But past performance is no guarantee of future results. This year's trophy will go the coach, the players and the school that earns it on the hardwood Monday night..."
Jason Horowitz talks with CSTV's Steve Lappas and Pete Gillen about what the Buckeyes should do if they want to have a chance against the Florida Gators Monday night. Source: CBSSportsline.com
Jason Horowitz talks with CSTV's Steve Lappas and Pete Gillen about the dangerous backcourts of Ohio State and Florida and how these teams match up outside the paint. Source: CBSSportsline.com
The Buckeyes are a lot more experienced since their visit to Gainesville, and that includes Greg Oden. Can he play well against Noah and Horford? CSTV's Steve Lappas and Pete Gillen break it down. Source: CBSSportsline.com
10 Reasons Why April 1, 2007 Source: Scout.com - "Why will Ohio State win? Why will Florida win? Kyle Lamb looks at both angles in a two-part series. Today, he talks about the game and 10 reasons why Ohio State will win the rematch..."
10 Reasons Why April 2, 2007 Source: Scout.com - In part two of his series, Kyle Lamb looks over what Florida has on its side. looks and why Florida will win.
Ohio State vs. Florida Jeff: Florida started the year ranked No. 1. And so too shall it be in the end. No men's team has won back-to-back titles since 1991-1992 when Duke did it. That's about to change Monday night. Add Florida to the list. Ohio State provides a formidable foe, a team that can play with the Gators. But the Gators are on a mission, one that one be completed until Corey Brewer, Lee Humphrey and friends snip the nets for the second consecutive year. Who are those friends? Just Florida coach Billy Donovan and players Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Taurean Green, Chris Richard and Will Hodge. The Gators don't have a particularly deep bench, but they are immensely talented, too talented for any team in the country right now. Ohio State has its strengths. The Buckeyes can play any style. You want to slow it down, they can do that. You want to run, they can do that, too. For a freshman point guard, Mike Conley Jr. is composed and in control whether he's running the offense in halfcourt sets or directing the fast break. He has options with Greg Oden down low, Ivan Harris, Ron Lewis and Jamar Butler outside and Daequan Cook and David Lighty off the bench. What the Buckeyes lack in experience, they make up for in talent. The Gators, though, have too much experience and too much talent. The Gators not only have offensive options, this is a solid defensive team, something that is overlooked when evaluating the Gators because they have so many offensive threats. They rebound, they are quick, they pressure the ball and they block shots. It's been a great run for Ohio State's young club. But they are running into a team that is just a bit better. They are running into a team that understands it is playing for a place in history. Florida 83, Ohio State 75
Tim: We arrive at Monday night's championship game with two extremely talented teams. In a rematch of a December contest which the Gators won handily, this battle should - and will - be a much closer affair. The first matchup was close - a four-point game with 15 minutes left in the second half -- before Al Horford blocked a Ron Lewis layup attempt and then threw down a furious dunk to spark a huge Gators charge with Greg Oden on the bench. By the time Oden returned, the Buckeyes were down 10, and Florida couldn't miss. Unfortunately for the Ohio State faithful, this matchup might not be much different in terms of the overall outcome. Florida's Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Chris Richard and Corey Brewer will make it difficult for Greg Oden in the lane - and watch out for more foul trouble from the Buckeyes' big man. Meanwhile, the Gators’ experienced guards - Taurean Green and Lee Humphrey - will be able to keep up with the nifty play of Mike Conley Jr. and the deft shooting touch of Ron Lewis, Jamar Butler and Co. Florida could run into problems, however, if they're forced to go deep into their bench, but they haven't so far this tournament and it's unlikely the Gators will need to on Monday. While the Buckeyes are deeper, the Gators - as a team - are simply better. Florida 81, Ohio State 74 Bracket Racket March 29, 2007 Source: USA Today
Florida and Ohio State coaches and players discuss Monday night's championship game. Source: CBSSportsline.com
Gators, Buckeyes set for another title clash April 1, 2007 Source: USA Today - "Florida and Ohio State are really getting the hang of playing for national championships. For the second time in less than three months, teams of Gators and Buckeyes will meet for a major sports title, this time in basketball..."
Gators, Buckeyes will go at it again April 1, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Just when Ohio State thought it was safe to go back in the water. Yes, it’s those all-too-familiar Florida Gators who are standing in the way of the Buckeyes winning their second national championship in men’s basketball, and first since 1960..."
Ohio State learned from regular-season loss to Gators April 1, 2007 Source: CBSSportsline.com - "No. 1 in the polls to end the season, No. 1 seed in the NCAA South Region, the nation's longest winning streak at 22 games...but not compelling enough to make Ohio State the favorite...against Florida...A different set of numbers leaped out when the oddsmakers made Florida a 4½-point favorite: 86-60..."
OSU Ready For National Title Game Match-Up With Florida April 1, 2007 Source: Bucknuts - "We take an exhaustive look at Monday's NCAA men's basketball national championship game between Ohio State and Florida. We look back at the teams' first meeting on Dec. 23 and also have notes on the final game for 2 OSU seniors, Mike Conley's future, Greg Oden's foul problems and much more..."
Oden, Buckeyes ready for rematch with mighty Gators April 1, 2007 Source: USA Today - "Florida and Ohio State are really getting the hang of playing for national championships. For the second time in less than three months, teams of Gators and Buckeyes will meet for a major sports title, this time in basketball..."
Football coaches help fire up the hoops troops April 2, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "In seeking inspiration for their teams this season, both coaches in tonight’s NCAA championship game turned to football coaches...Billy Donovan welcomed Gators football coach Urban Meyer and the New England Patriots’ Bill Belichick...Thad Matta brought in Jim Tressel, whose OSU team was blitzed by Meyer’s Gators in the Jan. 8 national title game but who has directed five national championship campaigns, including in 2002 at Ohio State..."
"Georgetown didn't have anyone quick enough to stay with Mike Conley Jr., the freshman floor general, who plays with a poise that makes NBA veterans envious. Conley hit some pretty floaters, scored on fast breaks and did a great job making decisions with the ball in his hands as usual. He led the team with 15 points (11 coming in the first half) and six assists while making just one turnover. The performance must have concerned the Florida assistants who were scouting the game. Unlike UCLA, who might have the nation's fastest player in guard Darren Collison, they lack the speed on the perimeter to match up with Conley." (Source: Rivals.com)
Florida 12/30/06 Tennessee W 94-78
01/27/07 @Tennessee L 76-86
02/21/07 (N)Purdue W 75-65
Ohio State 1/13/07 Tennessee W 68-66
1/31/07 @Purdue W 78-60
2/10/07 Purdue W 78-60
3/23/07 (N)Tennessee W 85-84
It's No. 1 vs. No. 1 for the championship April 1, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Now we'll see who's really No. 1. Florida, the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament, and Ohio State, which finished the regular season as the top-ranked team, rolled into Monday night's championship game..."
10 things to know about the championship game 1. Monday will mark the first time two schools have played for the football and basketball national championships in the same academic and calendar year. Ohio State fans hope their basketball team fares better than their football squad, which was thrashed 41-14 in a BCS final to forget.
2. Bank on Florida attacking inside early to try to get star center Greg Oden in foul trouble. In his past four tournament games, Oden has picked up at least two fouls in the first half and seen his minutes scaled back. He fouled out against Xavier. He picked up three fouls in the first half against Tennessee. He got two fouls in the first three minutes against Georgetown. Coach Thad Matta said he doesn't have a master plan if Oden gets into foul trouble Monday night. "It's just a gut feeling," Matta said. "It's really just a score, situation type thing."
3. Ohio State is in the finals for the first time since 1962 and the fifth time overall. The Buckeyes are 1-3 in such games. Florida is playing in its second straight final and its third since 2000. Florida lost to Michigan State in the 2000 title game.
4. Ohio State won its only national championship in basketball in 1960, when the Buckeyes beat Cal 75-55 in San Francisco. That team, coached by Fred Taylor, had three future pros and one famous sub (Bob Knight). Florida beat UCLA 73-57 last April in Indianapolis for its only basketball title.
5. Monday's showdown is a rematch of a Dec. 23 game, won 86-60 by Florida in Gainesville. Oden, who was still recovering from an injured right hand, was held to six shots and seven points. "Our team and their team have probably gotten better since then," Florida coach Billy Donovan said Saturday.
6. Ohio State, the fourth Big Ten school to make the finals since 2000, has won 22 in a row. The longest winning streak in Buckeyes history is 32, accomplished during the 1960 and 1961 seasons. Florida had a 17-game winning streak snapped on Feb. 17 at Vanderbilt.
7. If Ohio State knocks off Florida, it will look back on two close March Madness calls that could have sent the Buckeyes home early. In the second round of the South Regional, Ohio State trailed Xavier by nine with 2:54 left. Ron Lewis hit a 3-pointer to send it to overtime, where Ohio State won 78-71. Its next time out, Ohio State trailed Tennessee by 20 late in the first half and rallied for an 85-84 win.
8. Florida has a chance to make some more history Monday. When the Gators beat Ohio State for the football championship, they became the first team to hold the football and basketball crowns at the same time. If the Gators beat Ohio State again in basketball, they'll be the first school ever to win both championships in the same academic year. Before now, the closest time frame any school has won both championships has been eight years, accomplished by Michigan (basketball in 1989, football in '97) and Ohio State (basketball in 1960, football in '68).
9. The Gators are probably a little bummed the calendar has turned to April. In the past three seasons, the Gators are 23-1 in March. But Florida is glad to be in the Georgia Dome, where it has won nine of its past 10 games in the building. Dating back to last season, Florida has won 11 straight in the tournament - and only one of them has been by fewer than seven points.
10. Monday could be a big night for the SEC, which has had at least one team in the Final Four for 12 of the past 14 seasons and a team in the final seven times since 1994. Florida could become just the second team in SEC history to win more than one NCAA basketball title. Kentucky has won seven. If Florida wins, it would mark just the second time an SEC team has won back-to-back titles (Kentucky did it in 1948-49). Source: Atlanta Constitution Journal April 1, 2007
AP's Ralph Russo says the key will be whether can stay out of foul trouble. Source: Associated Press
April 1, 2007 Source: USA Today: Florida-Ohio State battle: Frontcourt and center "Being on the short end of three-on-one is never a welcomed prospect, particularly in basketball. But that's exactly what Ohio State's Greg Oden might be facing against Florida's big men in tonight's NCAA championship game..."
Forgotten veterans help Buckeyes, Thad Five thrive "Ohio State has the so-called Thad Five or Fab Five, the top class that coach Thad Matta brought to Columbus. But Harris goes one step further. "They say it's the Fab Five, I say it's the Fab Nine," says Harris, including the four substitutes who enter the game about the four-minute mark..."
OSU-Florida has all the makings of a classic April 1, 2007 Source: ScoutHoopsExperts.com - "Florida and Ohio State fans have the life these days. The two programs, who matched up in the Fiesta Bowl for the football national championship a little less than three months ago, will now go at it on the hardwood Monday night with everything on the line..."
Sequel boasts strong character April 2, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "It was the most lopsided loss of his head coaching life, but Thad Matta said he never thought about wanting another crack at Florida. He said he doesn’t think the program he has established at Ohio State thinks that way, either..."
Florida vs. OSU is chock full of deja vu April 2, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "The effects of Florida's domination of Ohio State in football and basketball extend all the way to Egypt. On the eve of the Buckeyes' rematch with the Gators for an NCAA title, OSU backup center Matt Terwilliger remembered what happened to a friend on her spring break trip to that Middle East country..."
Great un-expectations March 31, 2007 Source: Yahoo Sports - "Ohio State's Thad Five were built to play for the national title. They just didn't know that at first..."
Tony Mejia, Staff Writer, is within striking distance to win the expert picks with three correct Final Four teams. His national title game pick was right on with Ohio State and Florida. Champion: Ohio State
Are CBS celebs also bracket gurus? (The only 2 who picked the Bucks)
Lauren Holly plays NCIS Director Jenny Shepard. Holly's television credits include Chicago Hope and Picket Fences, both on CBS. She has also appeared in numerous films, including Dumb and Dumber, Sabrina and Beautiful Girls. Champion: Ohio State
Josh Radnor plays Ted in How I Met Your Mother. Ted, who is in search of "the one," is currently in a serious relationship with Robin, but destiny may have something else in store. He has played roles on television, film and opposite Kathleen Turner on Broadway in The Graduate. Champion: Ohio State
Guy Walks Into a Bar, Leaves With a Song April 1, 2007 Source: New York Times - "The short video montage that CBS uses to recap the agony and the ecstasy of March Madness is an N.C.A.A. tournament hallmark. Millions of college basketball fans are familiar with its musical accompaniment, but few are aware that the song originated as an effort to impress a pretty waitress..." 2007 One Shining Moment and '97 through '06 One Shining Moment
