2011-2012 Record: 31-8
Head Coach: Thad Matta
Duke plays Ohio State Wednesday Nov. 28 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
With the early departure of Jared Sullinger and the loss of starter William Buford, preseason No. 4 Ohio State has to make up for the loss in point production. Ohio State was also spectacular on defense and on the offensive glass, and Sullinger’s departure will have consequences on both of those aspects as well.
Most of the pressure to fill that void will fall on 6-foot-7 combo forward Deshaun Thomas. Thomas is the leading returning scorer from last season at 15.1 points per game, and he showed flashes last season suggesting he is capable of taking over Sullinger’s role in the post and as a defensive rebounder.
Thomas will get his assists from fellow junior Aaron Craft, one of the smartest point guards and best on-ball defenders in the nation. Beyond Craft and Thomas, Matta will count on a sophomore class that was one of the top recruiting classes in 2011. Sophomore Shannon Scott will serve as Craft’s backup at the point, providing speed and a strong defensive game but needing improvement over his 28 percent shooting performance last season. The starting frontcourt will feature two of Scott’s classmates—6-foot-10 center Amir Williams, who visited Duke during his recruitment, and 6-foot-8 LaQuinton Ross, who will need to work on his defense but has a smooth outside stroke. The final member of that recruiting class, Sam Thompson, saw minutes in all 39 games last year and will look to contribute off the bench. Known for his athleticism and length, he can earn big minutes if he lives up to his rebounding ability.
The sole freshman addition for Matta will be shooting guard Amedeo Della Valle, who took a circuitous route from the Italian U-18 national team through a year at an Ohio high school to the Buckeyes. He was recruited for his ability to hit the three and his 6-foot-5 frame. If Della Valle can help manufacture points for the Buckeyes, that will take some of the pressure off the Ohio State veterans.
One thing that needs to go right: The talented sophomore class steps into larger roles, giving the Buckeyes enough offensive firepower to support their strong defense.
One thing that could go wrong: With just one senior, this year’s Ohio State team is young, and the variety of young players counted on in key roles fail to live up to expectations.
The starting five: small forward LaQuinton Ross, power forward Deshaun Thomas, center Amir Williams, shooting guard Lenzelle Smith, Jr. and point guard Aaron Craft.
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