"Shoot that!!"
We've all said it.
Maybe it was shouted from the stands at Value City Arena or while sitting with your friends at a crowded sports bar (remember those?) Maybe it was muttered under your breath as you watched last weekend's Big Ten Tournament alone in your living room.
Either way, it's only natural to believe players should take a certain shot when it's available, given the fan's viewing angle in the modern, shooter-friendly version of college basketball. But this year's team in Scarlet and Gray enters the big dance thanks, in large part, to its shot selection (and avoiding the recommendations of those not on the court).
Ohio State earned a second seed in the NCAA Tournament due largely to one of the nation's most efficient offenses, taking the majority of its shots in the paint or from beyond the 3-point line.
The 2020/21 Ohio State Buckeyes shot chart
While Chris Holtmann has built a roster full of long, athletic wings who can switch on defense, it's a slightly different story on the offensive end. The Buckeyes are a collection of complementary pieces whose strengths fit together to create the ultra-efficient map full of red zones seen above.
But while we know Duane Washington loves shooting threes and E.J. Liddell does his work down on the block, each player has spots on the floor from which he not only shoots more often but is also more efficient. Only the most hardcore OSU hoops fan can often identify each player by his shot choices alone, but today is your chance to give it a try ahead of the squad's opening matchup with Oral Roberts.
Red zones are more efficient than average, while blue zones are below average. The larger the zone, the more attempts taken from that spot. All data from Synergy Sports.
Player 1:
This guy does most of his work in the paint, but has shown some proficiency as a shooter from 3-point range, and will occasionally pop a mid-range jumper on the wings. He spends almost no time in the corners, however.
Player 2:
He's only attempted four shots outside of the key, but he's extremely efficient near the rack.
Player 3:
A microcosm of Holtmann's offense, this player lives almost exclusively on the perimeter or at the rim. Though not a great finisher from an efficiency standpoint, he's deadly from one side of the floor when launching from deep.
Player 4:
This one should be easy. Guess who shoots almost exclusively from behind the 3-point line?
Player 5:
It's been an up-and-down year for this player. He's struggled from deep and is the rare Buckeye who is more efficient from 15 feet than anywhere else, though the majority of his attempts come near the bucket.
Player 6:
Another easy one for those who have watched this team all year. This player is ruthless at the rim but has struggled almost everywhere else on the floor.
Player 7:
As you can see, this player takes a high volume of shots and has been ice-cold from a few areas on the floor. But the majority of his attempts come from where he's quietly efficient: as a finisher near the rim and on corner threes.
Player 8:
While the majority of his attempts have come at the rim, this player has quietly shown an ability to knock it down from deep this season.
How'd you do? Could you name them all? Check the first comment below for the correct answers, then share how you did!
