There weren't any real significant developments on the hoops front in the last week but I rounded up a few nuggets for you to peruse.
While you're throwing down RBV's or ice cold brews on campus this Saturday, don't forget about the open hoops practice from 4-5pm in the Schott. Doors open at 3:30 so sway on over there if you can and show some love for the '08-'09 hoopsters. I'll be there - just have your lady look for the strikingly handsome dude wearing the 11W shirt stinking of Vodka and stop by to say hello. I kid. (I won't be drinking Vodka)
CBS Sports writer Gary Parrish recently released his preseason Top 25 and the Buckeyes are slotted 19th. Purdue (6), Michigan State (9), and Wisconsin (22) also made the cut.
Respected (at least by me) analyst Jay Bilas came out with his list of underrated/underappreciated players to watch and star-in-the-making Evan Turner got some love. As Bilas accurately notes, if Turner can improve his decision making leading to less turnovers, he will be a force. I personally expect Turner to blossom into a 14, 6 and 4 guy that Matta leans on heavily when the game is on the line. He can do it all. Might be a lofty comparison but he's got Jimmy Jackson type versatility.
Matt Markey of The Blade has a nice piece on Wil Buford and the Toledo pipeline to Columbus built on studs like JJ, Dennis Hopson, Kelvin Ransey and now Buford. I can't wait to see Buford play against D1 competition and fully expect him to play a major role on this year's squad with his ability to score from all over the floor. Man, how good was Hopson in college? Dude could score at will and had the fresh box cut to match. I never imagined he'd be such a bust in the NBA.
Of course, the biggest name in this year's freshman crop is big man BJ Mullens. He's a lock to start from day one and CollegeHoops.net expects big things. They've got Mullens on their Honorable Mention All-American list and expect him to be one of the most dominating freshmen in the NCAA.
Lastly, it looks like former Buckeye Othello Hunter has a damn good shot to crack the Atlanta Hawks roster. Hunter has impressed the Hawks with his defense, rebounding and work ethic. Coach Mike Woodson has compared him to a young Ben Wallace and Hunter even drew praise from hoops guru / bedouin Larry Brown helping Hunter get a shot with the Hawks summer league squad where he made a name for himself.
If you want to follow Hunter's progress, check out his training camp blog. I don't know about you, but I find him extremely easy to root for.
