Our third coach of the day at Big Ten Media Day was Ohio State's head coach Thad Matta. The defending Big Ten Champions, return preseason player of the year Jared Sullinger. Matta talked about he was never worried that Sullinger was going to leave Ohio State after his freshman year. He said Sullinger told him the summer before his freshman year that he would stay at least two years in Columbus.
2010 Indiana Mr. Basketball Deshaun Thomas has trimmed down from 229 pounds to 214 this year and Matta said he has been impressed by how he has developed a keen awareness about the little things in basketball and what they can do for him as a player.
Lastly, Matta broke down each of his four freshmen and how they will impact the Buckeyes this season. Sophomore point guard Aaron Craft is the expected starter but Matta said 6'1" guard Shannon Scott has brought a lot to the table in terms of distributing the basketball and shooting it at a high percentage. Matta said 6' 7" forward Sam Thompson is the best athlete he has ever coached and is doing all the things he needs to do to contribute.
Big men Trey McDonald and Amir Williams, both hail from the state of Michigan and are listed at 220 and 225 pounds respectively have been learning a lot from Sullinger in the frontcourt. The Buckeyes lost Dallas Luaderdale in the frontcourt but 6'8" 260 pound forward Evan Ravenel is eligible after transferring from Boston College and sitting out the 2010-2011 season. McDonald, Ravenel and Williams all are expected to get minutes in the frontcourt along side Sullinger.
