Some would argue the one-and-done era of college basketball has watered down the product. And while there’s probably some truth to that, at least we get to see the best of the best high school basketball prospects for one year until they are eligible for the NBA (for now at least).
Ohio State was also a part of that movement, though it may not seem like it any longer with the philosophy Chris Holtmann has of recruiting kids that have the potential of being around the program for a few years. Under Thad Matta though, OSU had some of the bigger names that went on to the NBA.
But, we digress.
Officially speaking, the one-and-done era began in 2007, and ESPN’s John Gasaway did a look back at the best individual player season (subscription required) over the last 14 years — ranking the top fifty. Just because it’s labeled as such however, doesn’t mean all of the selections came from players that were there just one year. And yes, Ohio State is included, with three players appearing on the list.
Here’s who ESPN picked from Ohio State and their respective ranking.
Next … Buckeye players on the ESPN list
No. 16 – Jared Sullinger, 2011
What Gasaway says
“Sullinger was an unstoppable rebounder at both ends of the floor who recorded a 40-13 double-double in the first month of his college career. His season would end with 21 points and 16 boards in a losing effort against Kentucky in the 2011 Sweet 16. In between, the freshman was a model of consistency and production for a 34-3 OSU team.”
Next … A Player of the Year
No. 37 – Evan Turner, 2010
Turner’s time at Ohio State didn’t start off on the best of terms. He often rubbed teammates and coaches the wrong way, but once he figured it all out, he turned into one of the best to ever suit up for the Buckeyes, earning the Naismith Player of the Year honors in 2010. Nobody will ever forget his nearly half-court shot to beat Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament at the end of that season.
Next … A true one-and-done wonder
No. 39 – D’Angelo Russell, 2015
It was a bit of an upset for Ohio State to even land the talented freshman as it was. The Buckeyes were not his first choice initially, but Louisville, Michigan State, and North Carolina didn’t think they had the room for the role he desired. That was a big mistake for those teams. Russell quickly showed a diverse offensive game that any big-time program would want and finished the year with being recognized as a consensus All-American, First-Team Big Ten honoree, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and Jerry West Award winner.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
We have a forum and message board now. Get in on the conversation about Ohio State athletics by joining the Buckeyes Wire Forum.
