Big Ten report | NCAA Tournament Report

SportsLine.com report
June 5, 2000

A Glance at 2001

With Michael Redd headed for the NBA, the Buckeyes could be in a for a long season. The departure of Redd, who could have become OSU's and the Big Ten's career scoring leader if he had returned for his senior year, leaves a gaping hole in the Buckeyes' lineup.

Ohio State now lacks a proven scorer, which means Brian Brown and some of OSU's young players will have to step up and fill that role.

The Coach

Jim O'Brien has bought himself an extended honeymoon with his success in his first three seasons. He rebuilt the Buckeyes from a last-place team into a first-place team in two years, with a Final Four appearance in between. The only trouble with that is he'll have a hard time convincing fans to be patient waiting for more success.

Who'll Be Back

Brown is definitely coming back and will either be the starting off guard or the first player off the bench. O'Brien likes to have an experienced sixth man, and Brown is perfect for that because of his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.

Brent Darby is Penn's successor at the point and Will Dudley will get the first chance to start at center. Power forward is a mystery, unless freshman Cobe Ocokoljic matures tremendously.

Who's Gone

Point guard Scoonie Penn is the biggest loss because of the influence he has had on changing the team's attitude. He absolutely would not tolerate losing, and that approach proved infectious. Throw in the loss of Redd, and Ohio State has some huge offensive shoes to fill. Center Ken Johnson is a big loss because he has been the cornerstone on which OSU built its defense.

Power forward George Reese is also a weighty loss, since he gave the Buckeyes a legitimate low-post scorer.

Key Newcomers

Transfer Sean Connolly, who played last season at Providence, will be eligible next season and is expected to give OSU a legitimate 3-point threat.

Ohio State has signed three incoming recruits: 6-10 Matt Marinchick, 7-foot Velimar Radinovic and 6-6 Zach Williams. Williams has the best chance to start immediately at power forward. Marinchick is a project who will likely redshirt. Radinovic has good skills, but needs to put on weight to avoid being pushed around in the low post.