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2012-13 College Basketball Preview: 3. Ohio State Buckeyes

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3. Ohio State Buckeyes

 By: Kels Dayton

WHY THEY’RE SCARY: Deshaun Thomas is a monster. The 6-7 junior broke out like a bad case of acne in the NCAA Tournament last year, leading the Bucks with 19.2 points per game. This year, Thomas is a legitimate All-American candidate. Danny Abbott Award winner Aaron Craft is a defensive menace who broke the school record for steals last season and figures to be in the running for National Defensive Player of the Year honors this season. Forward Amir Williams is a solid rebounder, and Lenzelle Smith Jr. adds a true three-point threat.

WHAT SCARES US: The Bucks lost All-American Jared Sullinger (17.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg) to the NBA and glue guy William Buford (14.5 ppg, 5 rpg) to graduation. Replacing those two won’t be easy. OSU didn’t bring in any top-flight freshmen, so the returning players are going to have to step up to new roles this season.

FINAL DESTINATION: You might think that losing the face of the team in Sullinger would hurt the Buckeyes more, but Deshaun Thomas is ready to step right in to the lead dog role. If the supporting cast can live up to its end of the bargain, the final destination could be the Final Four.

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  1. Pingback: 2012-13 College Basketball Preview: 3. Ohio State Buckeyes | JockSpin.com Sports News and Opinion Aggregator and Publisher

  2. Pingback: 2012-13 College Basketball Preview: 3. Ohio State Buckeyes | JockSpin.com Sports News and Opinion Aggregator and Publisher

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