Judges: Ohio State Must Pay O'Brien September 20, 2007 Source: WBNS-10TV - "An appeals court ruled Thursday that Ohio State must pay former men's head basketball coach Jim O'Brien more than $2 million in damages he was awarded last year. O'Brien was fired as head coach in June 2004 after it was discovered that he lent $6,000 to recruit Aleksandar Radojevic, 10TV's John Fortney reported. Two appeals court judges ruled that Ohio State breached O'Brien's contract when they fired him. Despite loaning thousands of dollars to a recruit, the judges ruled that it didn't warrant termination, based on his overall performance as coach, Fortney reported. Writing in his majority opinion, Judge Gary Tyack cited O'Brien's achievements while he was head coach at Ohio State. 'Several key witnesses including, OSU's (former) Athletic Director Andy Geiger testified that O'brien had done a fine job as head men's basketball coach, which was evidenced demonstratively by the team's winning record and O'Brien's numerous national coaching awards.' Judge Judith French disagreed with the majority, ruling that O'Brien's actions damaged the university's damage. 'That characterization hardly describes the magnitude of O'Brien's actions and again misses the larger point that O'Brien's contract violated as Geiger put it, 'the essence of college sports.''..."
Oden likely to miss rookie season with Trail Blazers September 10, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Greg Oden, the top pick in this year's NBA draft, likely will miss his first season with the Portland Trail Blazers after surgery on his right knee Thursday. Doctors found cartilage damage during an exploratory procedure, and team physician Dr. Don Roberts performed microfracture surgery to repair the damage. 'There are things about this that are positive for Greg. First of all, he is young. The area where the damage was is small and the rest of his knee looked normal,' Roberts said in a statement. 'All those are good signs for a complete recovery from microfracture surgery.' The 7-foot center is expected to be on crutches for up to eight weeks. Full recovery likely will take six to 12 months, the team said..."
Pain in right knee leads to surgery for Blazers' Oden September 10, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Trail Blazers center Greg Oden, the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, will undergo exploratory arthroscopic surgery this week because of pain in his right knee. An MRI taken last week showed Oden may have some cartilage problems, general manager Kevin Pritchard said Monday. A timetable for Oden's return will be set following the surgery, which will take place Thursday in Vancouver, Wash. The Trail Blazers open training camp in three weeks and the regular season starts Oct. 30..."
Koufos chooses Buckeyes over bucks September 6, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Kosta Koufos would rather be a Buckeye than a millionaire. At least for a year. The 7-foot freshman -- and presumed next NBA lottery pick in the Ohio State men's basketball program -- confirmed yesterday that he plans to play for the Buckeyes this season and not professionally in Greece..."
Ohio State’s 2007-08 Men’s Basketball Schedule Announced August 29, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Thad Matta, now in his fourth season as head coach of the Ohio State men’s basketball team, has put together a challenging non-conference schedule to go along with an expanded Big Ten regular-season slate in 2007-08. Every Ohio State game will appear on national television in 2007-08. CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and the Big Ten Network will showcase the Buckeyes this season..."
Lighty takes on new role for Ohio State August 29, 2007 Source: BuckeyeGrove.com - "...This offseason, Indiana and Michigan State have emerged as the new favorites in the Big Ten. The revamped Buckeyes may even start the preseason outside of the top 25. Lighty feels the lack of attention is a mistake, citing the addition of a five-man recruiting class that landed at No. 6 in Rivals.com's 2007 team rankings. 'We feel like we have something to prove,' the 6-foot-5, 215-pounder said. 'We have a little chip on our shoulder. We want to prove everybody wrong.'..."
Sporting their new NBA uniforms are Daequan Cook of the Miami Heat, Greg Oden of the Portland Trailblazers and Mike Conley, Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies...the three Buckeyes, each a 1st round NBA pick in this year's draft, made history as it was the first time three freshmen from the same school were selected in the first round the same year.
Buckeyes find help to fill void at point guard August 22, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...'He (P.J. Hill) was loaded with energy,' Ohio State assistant John Groce said. 'The things I was impressed with were his energy and his leadership ability. I was shocked at how he was just basically transplanted into this camp with, for the most part, players on his team he had never come in contact with before and seemed to have them all on the same page, seemed to have his team energized, provided good leadership, communicated well, played with great toughness.'..."
Buckeyes Open 2008 Big Ten Season Jan. 3 August 14, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Ohio State will open defense if its back-to-back outright Big Ten regular-season championships Jan. 3 at Illinois on ESPN when the Buckeyes begin their 95th year as a member of the Big Ten Conference in men’s basketball...Big Ten Regular Season Schedule..."
Buckeyes host team for NIT Tip-Off August 3, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Ohio State will open its 2007-08 men's basketball season Nov. 12 in Value City Arena against Wisconsin-Green Bay in the first round of the NIT Season Tip-Off..."
Bucks Ready To See What Hill Can Provide August 1, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Now that JUCO transfer P.J. Hill is on campus, OSU head coach Thad Matta is hoping his newfound point guard can make a difference right away. Hill may be even smaller than his listed size of 6-2 and 165 pounds but he's shown a big heart on his way to the Big Ten..." Bucks Add To Hoops Roster
P.J. Hill Commits to Ohio State July 19, 2007 Source: College BasketballNews.com - P. J. Hill, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound point guard from Midland (TX) CC, has committed to Ohio State and will play for the Buckeyes this season. Hill told College Basketball News that he will enroll at Columbus Sunday and start classes Monday. Hill, who will have three years of eligibility, helped lead the Chaparals to the 2007 NJCAA Tournament title.
Bucks Add To Hoops Roster July 19, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "While scouring for potential help in the 2008 class and beyond, the OSU coaches found immediate aid in the backcourt, Bucknuts.com learned late Thursday night. The new player apparently has agreed to enroll next week..."
Oden signs, readies for summer league Jul 3, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "The Portland Trail Blazers have signed No. 1 pick Greg Oden. According the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, Oden's deal will be for two years, with team options for the third and fourth seasons. Oden, who led Ohio State to the national championship game in his only college season, will make $3.885 million as a rookie and $4.176 million in the second year. If the Trail Blazers pick up the option in the third year, his salary will be $4.476 million..."
Buckeyes Total Three First Round Selections June 29, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "Without much fanfare Greg Oden was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. What followed next saw fellow teammates selected within the next twenty selections. How will these former Buckeyes help their new teams? We take a look at each..."
Oden goes #1, Conley #4 June 28, 2007 Source: USA Today - "The Portland Trail Blazers settled months of debate Thursday night when they chose Oden over fellow freshman Kevin Durant with the No. 1 pick in a highly anticipated NBA Draft..."
DRAFT BOARD: Pick by pick
Oden suits Blazers well June 29, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "The Portland Trail Blazers got Greg Oden and felt like they won a championship. Portland opted for the 7-footer Oden, who can dominate with his defense, over the sensational scoring of Durant, who would have been the No. 1 pick in many other years after one of the most outstanding freshman seasons ever. But franchise centers are hard to find, and most believe the Blazers got one..."
OSU freshmen make history June 30, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Thanks to Oden, Conley, Cook, three selected from same school in first round for first time in NBA Draft..."
Oden, Conley, Cook Taken in Round One in 2007 NBA Draft June 29, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Three in first round a first for Ohio State...Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr., and Daequan Cook, all freshmen from Ohio State's 2007 NCAA runner up squad, were taken in the opening round of the 2007 National Basketball Association Draft Thursday at Madison Square Garden in New York..."
No ifs, ands or buts: OSU hit jackpot with Oden, Conley June 29, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "At times like these, the what-if factor looms large. What if Ron Lewis' shot had missed against Xavier in the NCAA Tournament, the Buckeyes had lost and Mike Conley Jr. had returned to Ohio State, as he said he would have this week? What if Greg Oden had been so distraught about the loss to Xavier that he, too, would have returned?..."
Cook Reacts to Draft...goes 21 to Sixers then traded to Heat June 28, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "Zoe Oden had one word for the last few days of her life. "Daequan Cook's NBA dream has become a reality. Thursday night in the annual NBA draft, Cook was selected No. 21 overall in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers and dealt to Miami afterwords. Kyle Lamb has more on reactions from Cook and his former high school assistant coach and mentor, Al Powell..."
Draft hoopla exhilarates Oden's, Conley's moms June 28, 2007 Source: USA Today - "Zoe Oden had one word for the last few days of her life. 'Stressful,' she said minutes before her son, Greg, was selected No. 1 in the NBA draft by Portland...It helped that Zoe had her good friend, Rene Conley, with her. The Odens and Conleys have been close ever since their sons were in sixth grade. The sons played in high school and college together. Michael Conley Sr. represents both players..."
NBA Draft Tracker: Follow The Ex-Buckeyes June 28, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Follow along on Bucknuts.com's NBA draft tracker tonight in what is expected to be an historic night for the Ohio State basketball program. Never before have two Buckeyes been selected in the first round of the draft during the same year, but Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. will put an end to that tonight..."
BIG DECISION: Great centers -- and Hall of Shamers -- have been taken with the No. 1 pick June 26, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Please forgive the handful of skeptical Portland Trail Blazers fans who are not drooling over the prospect of taking Greg Oden No. 1 in the NBA draft on Thursday. Too often they have witnessed the cream of the college big man crop curdle..."
Cook, Conley staying in draft June 17, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The deadline for withdrawing from the NBA draft will pass Monday without former Ohio State players Daequan Cook and Mike Conley Jr. taking their names out..."
William Buford in top 100 for high school basketball June 16, 2007 Source: Toldedo Blade - "A pair of Toledo basketball players are named in the the recent Sporting News Super 99, the best of the 2008 high school class. All-Blade player of the year William Buford of Libbey High School is ranked 15th. Buford a guard/forward listed at 6-foot-4, 180 pounds, has committed to Ohio State. Buford averaged 28.4 points and 12.3 rebounds per game while leading the Cowboys to a 19-1 regular-season finish, a City League championship and a No. 3 final state ranking..."
Second player backs out of commitment June 12, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The past two weeks in the life of Thad Matta illustrate why coaches don't consider recruiting over until a prospect's signature is on a binding national letter of intent. Yesterday, for the second time in less than a week, a recruit who had committed to sign with the Ohio State men's basketball program rescinded that commitment. Luke Babbitt, a 6-foot-8 forward from Reno, Nev., who committed in February and was expected to sign in November, called Matta and said he had changed his mind and will stay home and play for Nevada in 2008..."
Greg Oden's Blog June 8, 2007 Source: Various - Greg Oden is writing a blog at www.yardbreaker.com. In a recent entry titled, "The End of the Best Year of My Life," it seems pretty clear that Oden would like to stay in school. "I am going to miss it so much. It's the place (that) when you get fed up of being with your parents, you get to get away, not just being the place where you receive higher learning in school, but as a woman or man. You get to see things that one wouldn't even know about in high school. Even though I didn't live the normal college life most kids do, Ohio State being a football school allowed me to be as normal as possible, that is until after the national championship. I will always be grateful to Columbus and every Buckeye for that. I don't know when, but I will get my degree and be a part of this Buckeye Nation. I will work out with coach (Alan) Majors for the last time, have lunch with coach (Thad) Matta, and say goodbye to all my friends who are left in Columbus...I'm about to be put in a man's world, letting go of that kid in me is hard." For those who would question whether Oden is indeed the writer, Chris Talbot reported to The Oregonian that Oden is writing and answering questions. Talbot is the public relations director for BDA Sports, the company owned by Mike Conley Sr. which represents Oden.
Commitment of OSU basketball prospect in doubt June 7, 2007 Source: Bucknuts - "DeShaun Thomas of Fort Wayne, Ind., ranked by some basketball recruiting evaluators as the nation’s top prospect in the class of 2010, has backed off a commitment to sign with Ohio State, Thomas’ high school coach told the MaxPreps.com Web site (Nation's Top Freshman Steps Back on Commitment)..."
OSU Lands Prized Basketball Prospect Thomas June 1, 2007 Source: Bucknuts - "The Thad Matta recruiting train rolled through Fort Wayne, Ind., this week and landed the player who many analysts feel is the top player in the nation in the 2010 class. Deshaun Thomas gave a verbal commitment to Ohio State on Thursday according to his high school coach James Blackmon...The 6-8, 210-pound Thomas is a small forward much in the Kevin Durant mold. As a freshman for Bishop Luers High School in 2006-07, he averaged 29 points, shot 50 percent from the field, including 26 percent from three-point range (38 of 145). He was also a 73.2 percent free throw shooter, averaged 2.5 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals (rebounding statistics were not available)..."
Luers freshmen phenom picks Ohio State June 2, 2007 Source: Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette - "DeShaun Thomas, Bishop Luers’ 6-foot-7 freshman phenomenon who led the SAC in scoring and rebounding this past season, has made an oral commitment to attend Ohio State, beginning with the 2010-11 season. Averaging 28.9 points and 13.3 rebounds for Luers last year, Thomas was widely considered among the top freshmen in the nation last season..."
OSU men's basketball: Top-rated freshman commits June 2, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Thomas, who joins 6-7 Jared Sullinger in the Buckeyes' 2010 class, has been rated by some recruiting sites as the top prospect nationally in the class. Hoop Scoop's latest ranking has Thomas second and Sullinger third behind 6-2 guard Brandon Knight of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., whom Ohio State also is recruiting..."
Archie Miller Added to Men's Basketball Staff June 1, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Thad Matta, Ohio State head men's basketball coach, announced the hiring of Archie Miller to fill a vacancy on the Buckeye coaching staff. Miller, who spent last season at Arizona State as an assistant coach, will assume duties as one of Matta's assistants immediately..."
ASU's Miller expected to join Ohio State staff May 25, 2007 Source: The Arizona Republic - "Arizona State assistant men's basketball coach Archie Miller is expected to join Ohio State coach Thad Matta's staff. Miller, who was on the ASU staff last year for coach Herb Sendek's first season in Tempe, has been considering the move since a shuffle on the Ohio State staff. Miller, who played for Sendek at North Carolina State, cannot comment until a deal is done..." Miller Leaves ASU’s Staff, Joins Ohio St (Note: He is the younger brother of Xavier head coach Sean Miller, who was Thad Matta's top assistant at X before assuming the head coaching postion when Matta came to OSU.)
Ohio State Led Nation in All Game Attendance in 2006-07 May 25, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "The Ohio State men's basketball team led the Big Ten Conference in average home attendance in 2006-07 and was the nation's top draw as well, according to statistics released by the NCAA Thursday...The Buckeyes, 18-0 at Value City Arena in 2006-07, averaged 17,530 fans with a total of 315,539 through the doors during the ninth season of competition at the VCA, which opened for business for the 1998-99 season. The season 2006-07 home average rated No. 6 nationally. A total of 747,457 fans in Columbus, on the road and at neutral sites watched the Buckeyes put together a record-setting season that produced 35 wins, regular-season and postseason Big Ten titles and a run to the national championship game in the annual NCAA tournament..."
Big man, bigger plans May 25, 2007 Source: OregonLive.com - "Bill Walton has solved the debate over which potential superstar the Trail Blazers should select with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. The former Blazers center and key component on the franchise's only NBA championship team said Thursday that Greg Oden, the 7-foot freshman center from Ohio State, is the unmistakable choice. 'No disrespect to Kevin Durant, but Greg Oden is the guy who is going to change the immediate and long-term future of the franchise,' said Walton, an NBA analyst with ESPN. 'Greg Oden is an absolute winner. When you have Greg Oden, all of a sudden, you're looking at a career full of championship possibilities.'..."
Class rankings 2007 - Hoops May 25, 2007 Source: Rivals.com - "#6: Thad Matta continues his recruiting momentum by landing a five-star, two four-stars and a top of the line three-star. Kosta Koufos' European-style game will be a unique addition to the Buckeye lineup. Evan Turner is skilled on offense and defense at the forward spot. Sharpshooter Jon Diebler plays a heady game, while Dallas Lauderdale is a tough low-post defender. Signing Eric Wallace during the early period pushes Ohio State up a spot in the rankings. Vanderbilt transfer Kyle Madsen returns to his Ohio roots and will be eligible to play this year..."
Jury still out on scholarship May 24, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ohio State will not know until later this year or next whether Greg Oden’s withdrawal from classes will cost the men’s basketball program a scholarship for the 2008-09 season..."
Oden withdraws from classes at OSU May 22, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Greg Oden has withdrawn from classes at Ohio State, a potential blow to the men's basketball team's attempt to avoid losing a scholarship when the NCAA releases its next batch of Academic Progress Rate scores next year...Matta said he did not know whether it will hurt the program's APR score. The NCAA does not penalize schools for players leaving early if they are academically eligible when they leave. Oden's agent, Mike Conley Sr., said he did not know if Oden had enough credits after winter quarter to be eligible the 2007-08 season..."
Matta Restructures Men's Basketball Staff May 20, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Following the departure of video coordinator Brandon Miller for Butler last month, Ohio State men's basketball coach Thad Matta is in the process of restructuring his staff. Matta announced today that David Egelhoff will continue in his role as director of basketball operations and also will assume the video responsibilities that had been handled by Miller. Additionally, assistant coach Dan Peters will move into the newly created role of associate director of basketball operations. John Groce and Alan Major will continue in their current capacity as assistant coaches. 'Dan's decision to move into this position will strengthen our staff. He understands the day-to-day operations of our office, as well as the ins-and-outs of the Big Ten Conference. His expertise will be invaluable,' said Matta. 'David is familiar with our video system and specific needs in that area, and that is an essential component of our program and the success we have enjoyed.'"
Former Ohio State men's basketball players Ron Lewis and Ivan Harris scored invitations to an upcoming NBA predraft camp in Orlando, Fla., where about 60 draft-eligible players will be tested and worked out May 29-June 4. Lewis, Harris and the three Ohio State freshmen who declared early for the draft -- Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook -- have been receiving personal training for nearly a month in preparation for the workouts. Lewis is at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and Harris is working out locally with former Ohio State assistant coach Dave Spiller. Oden, Conley and Cook are training four days a week, Friday through Monday, in Indianapolis. The three freshmen also have been invited to the Orlando camp, but only Cook is expected to work out. Oden and Conley, because of their high draft status, are likely to agree to physical examinations only. (May 18, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch)
OSU lands another Sullinger May 11, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "When J.J. Sullinger's Ohio State basketball career ended with a loss to Georgetown in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2006, with tears in his eyes he hugged his little brother, Jared, and whispered advice in his ear. "You'd better play for coach [Thad] Matta,' he said, 'because I love that man.'..."
Jared Sullinger: OSU's First 2010 Verbal May 10, 2007 Source: Bucknuts - "OSU basketball coach Thad Matta has proven he will offer underclassmen if it is the right fit for his program. Matta showed that again Wednesday, when he offered and accepted a commitment from Columbus Northland freshman Jared Sullinger. Sullinger is the brother of former Buckeye J.J. Sullinger..."
Oden signs contract with agent Conley Sr. May 9, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Not that there was a chance, but now, officially, there is no going back for Greg Oden. The 7-foot freshman, who led the Ohio State men's basketball team to its first NCAA championship game in 45 years, signed a representation agreement with agent Mike Conley Sr., Conley confirmed yesterday. By signing, Oden forfeits his remaining three years of NCAA eligibility..."
Oden, Conley,Jr. and Cook selected in 1st Round in nbadraft.net's 2007 Mock Draft: Oden #1 to Memphis, Conley, Jr. #11 to Atlanta, and Cook #29 to Phoenix.
NBA Draft 2007: What’s the Consensus?May 8, 2007 Source: NBA.com - "We're still a couple of weeks away from the Draft Lottery and almost two months from the draft, but the hype surrounding the class of 2007 has been out of control for a while now...Below is NBA.com's consensus selection (with teams in reverse order of record for now), along with the first 14 picks from five mock drafts. We'll add more mocks as the draft nears..."
Conley Sr. follows Oden to NBA as prospect's agent May 8, 2007 Source: USA Today - "Conley Sr. jokingly says he has 'some more negotiating to do' with his wife about representing their son, adding 'there is no scenario' in which he wouldn't represent him. He says only a catastrophic injury would cause Conley Jr. to pull out of the draft..."
NCAA panel recommends moving back men's three-point line May 4, 2007 Source: USA Today - "After 20 years of talk about how college men's basketball's three-point line is too close to the basket, the time is apparently at hand to move it. The NCAA rules committee has voted to recommend that the arc be moved back a foot - to 20 feet, 9 inches - starting in 2008-09. The change is not official until approved by the playing rules oversight panel, which meets May 25. But rules committee Chairman Larry Keating said approval by that panel is expected..."
OSU men's basketball faces real challenge May 3, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Scholarships might be lost without big boost...Unless the Ohio State men's basketball team improves its Academic Progress Rate (APR) score significantly, it could be subject to a loss of scholarships next year, based on data the NCAA released yesterday..."
Greg Oden, Please Go to Class May 3, 2007 Source: Buckeye Commentary - "Today we understand why we crave the actual events of the collegiate athletics. Because, in the offseason we get bombarded with rule changes, reversals of previous rule changes and the parched subject matter of APR. APR stands for Academic Progress Rate and it's the brainchild of the NCAA and, well, that's all you need to know..."
