2010 Preview: Ohio State

Looking back, the 2008-09 season has to be a successful one for Thad Matta. He won 20 games (again), made the NCAA Tournament (again), and was finally able to keep a superstar on campus (Evan Turner).

Key Returnees: G/F Evan Turner, G William Buford, G David Lighty, G/F Jon Diebler

Key Departures: C B.J. Mullens

Recruits: None

Biggest Need: Center

2010 Outlook: With the exception of Mullens, Ohio State returns everybody next year. Seriously. Look over their roster and you'll find there are no seniors. If you're looking for a team with complete chemistry and continuity, you've found it in Ohio State.

As mentioned above, the Buckeyes got a huge boost when Evan Turner decided to stay in Columbus for at least another season. Turner used this past season as a springboard to the national spotlight and was one of the nation's breakout players. He should be one of the frontrunners for the conferece's Most Valuable Player award if he's able to stay healthy. Through two years, he's been very durable, but Ohio State's season likely rides on Turner's continued improvement.

Mullens' defection to the pros certainly hurts the Buckeyes, as he is the third-straight center to bolt early for the NBA, joining past Buckeyes Greg Oden and Kosta Koufos. The good news is that Dallas Lauderdale proved himself to be a solid defensive replacement. He's not much for offense and he doesn't have ideal height (6'8"), but Lauderdale is one of the Big Ten's craftier post defenders. He's got a seven-foot wingspan and can turn a game into his own personal block party.

While Laurderdale likely gets the nod to start come November, that doesn't mean Matta isn't looking for more frontcourt depth. Kyle Madsen provided some quality minutes last year, but he isn't a complete player by any means. Other options on the bench are forward Nikola Kecman and UAB transfer Zisis Sarikopoulous. I'm not going to even try to pronounce that, but Big Z has got size in spades, standing at 7-feet and weighing close to 270 lbs. Could he be the next best center in Ohio State's history?

Ohio State has no recruits coming in next season, but they get better and deeper with the return of David Lighty. He missed most of last season after breaking his foot in the nonconference slate and has gained a medical redshirt, giving him two more years of eligibility. He is the Buckeyes' X-Factor and most experienced player. Remember, he was a freshman when Oden and Co. went to the national championship game in 2007. If he can return to form, that's a major shot in the arm for this team.

With essentially their whole roster back and armed with one of the conference's best players, Ohio State is going to be dangerous team next season. They should contend for a conference title and be a lock for yet another NCAA Tournament berth.

Next Up: Michigan State

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