The NCAA basketball tournament in March is one of the most exciting sporting events of the year. Fans attempt to fill out their brackets of 68 teams with the hopes of landing a perfect bracket. Upsets can occur at any moment which has prevented a perfect bracket from happening up this point. One team that’s made a deep tourney run the past couple years is the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The past two seasons, the Buckeyes have made it to the Elite 8 and the Final Four and many of those same players remain on the team. Guys like Aaron Craft, Lenzelle Smith Jr., and LaQuinton Ross must step up and play well if the Buckeyes want to make a run. Top to bottom, the Big Ten may be the best conference in the nation. Playing a solid team almost every game helps prepare for the tournament in my opinion.
The big question this year for the Buckeyes has been their offense. There really isn’t a go to player that can take over a game offensively. At times, they go through scoring droughts because they are constantly looking for the open man instead of having someone who can create their own shot. However, no one can argue with their outstanding defense. Aaron Craft is the most relentless defender I have ever seen play. Craft has the most steals in Ohio State history with 321 and is always putting pressure on the ball handler. Compliment that with the seven foot center Amir Williams, and you have a recipe for success.
All teams have ups & downs and anything can happen in March. Does defense really win championships? If so, Ohio State has a good chance to make another deep tournament run.