There's an old saying in college athletics that goes something like, the best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores.
Ohio State Coach Randy Ayers knows the feeling. That's not to say that his group of youngsters had an extremely bad season, but the youth and inexperience only translated into an 8-10 Big Ten record, 15-13 overall, and a seventh-place finish in the conference.
Last season, Ayers entered the season with only one returning starter. He endured watching his great recruiting class get initiated into the rough-and-tumble conference.
Oh, the irony of it all. Those growing pains which he and his squad endured last season will be nothing but a fond memory now, as Ayers returns four starters from a year ago, not to mention those four talented freshmen -- now sophomores.
So at the conference's annual tipoff luncheon in Indianapolis last month, Ayers explained the approach he will take with his mix of veterans and young players.
"This year we've put a lot of emphasis on getting stronger and being able to battle people down in the paint," Ayers said.
With a philosophy like that, the focal point for Ayers will be 6-foot-9, senior Lawrence Funderburke. At times last season, it seemed as if Funderburke was the only presence underneath the basket in Columbus.
The team's leading scorer (16.3 points per game) and rebounder (6.8 rebounds per game) a year ago, the 250-pound forward was the only Ohio State player to start all 28 games. He also led the team with 54 blocked shots, ranking him fourth in the conference in that category.
The other returning starter up front is 6-foot-9 junior center Antonio Watson. Watson started the last eleven games for the Buckeyes last year averaging 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per contest.
Rounding out Ayers' mix of veterans and young players are the guards, all three of which may be in the starting lineup when the Buckeyes open play against Missouri-St. Louis.
The veteran is 6-foot-2 senior Jamie Skelton. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection last year, Skelton was the No. 2 scorer behind Funderburke at a 14.2 ppg clip.
And then there's those sophomores. Last year's Big Ten Freshman of the Year Greg Simpson returns along with backcourt mate Derek Anderson.
The 6-foot-6 Anderson, who can play any one of the three perimeter positions, averaged 10.2 ppg last season and paced the Buckeyes in steals with 43. While the 6-foot-1 Simpson averaged 9.6 ppg, but also ranked second on the team in steals (35), assists (73) and three-point field goals (28).
Simpson, like Ayers, expects the nucleus of the team to come together rather nicely for the upcoming season.
"I think we're a lot more comfortable with each other this year, we're starting to learn each other's moves," Simpson said. "Coach Ayers doesn't have to do as much teaching as he did last year and it has shown in practice."
Note:
-- Ohio State hosts Penn State Jan. 19. The Buckeyes visit Rec Hall Feb. 19.
Buckeye Sports Bulletin contributed to this article.
