I went to the game yesterday. It was a terrible crowd, maybe 4,000 in attendance? Maybe 200 students or so. I know it was just an exhibition, but I maintain OSU's basketball program is just not well supported. Even when they are good, the atmosphere is not impressive and I really think they are settling into their destiny as a middle of the pack Big Ten program.
Anyway, OSU shot well and we had no answer for the 2 tall white dudes, which luckily won't really be much of an issue in the MAC. They also just blew past us to the rim way too much. They were 25 for 33 from 2 and 23 of 29 on free throws (we fouled wayyy more because we were constantly getting beat off the ball and sliding over late).
Offense was not terrible yesterday, some good ball movement at times but some issues finishing and too many ill advised threes. JP & EE are weapons driving to the hoop, but they didn't have great success yesterday and were unable to finish several decent chances.
Simmons has not looked good, which is concerning. He was at the center of any optimism we had. Hopefully it is just a slow start. I am not sure I see the overweight / out of shape narrative...just wasn't productive.
Sheldon just needs to be disciplined in what threes he takes. He showed he can still be a sharpshooter when he gets the right chances, but he also had a couple of the dumb crazy off balance shots, and not late in the shot clock.
I thought Kelly looked pretty solid and smooth for a freshman. Connors sure isn't shy about shooting the ball. I agree that I think I'd like to see more of Burris. Breath will be just fine in the Wiz/Searls role.
Not sharing in the extreme talk of regime change, however I also have some pessimism about the season. Right now I would expect us to repeat last season...frustrate with some bursts but mostly just be mediocre and around .500 in the MAC. That's where I'm at right now, subject to change.