Which Buckeye Sophomore will have the biggest breakout season in 2012-2013?
The Buckeyes bring back three starters from last season's Final Four in Aaron Craft, Lenzelle Smith Jr. and Deshaun Thomas. The question is who will step up and be able to replace William Buford on the wing and Jared Sullinger down low. The Buckeyes bring back 5 Sophomores who all hope to play a bigger role this season.
At Ohio State Media Day the consensus seemed to be that Trey McDonald and Shannon Scott improved the most during the off-season. There is also quite a bit of hype surrounding LaQuinton Ross, who joined the team late last season. Amir Williams showed flashes late last season and looks like he might be able to help with the rebounding and blocked shots. Sam Thompson brings back the unbelievable athleticism that put him on the court more than any other Freshman last season.
Below I rank how valuable I believe the 5 Sophomores will be this season.
1. LaQuinton Ross
Notable 2011-2012 Stats: Total Minutes: 35, PPG: 2.0
Scout High School Rank: 44
Questions: Can he play defense? Can he live up to the hype?
Why he is ranked here: I believe the hype. Nothing last year showed that he should be ranked this high. Remember though he missed the start of last season and never really got any significant minutes to show off his talent. He is 6-8 and told me that he models his game after Kevin Durant. I think if he stays focused, he will be a huge star. While I would love to see the Kevin Durant comparison come true, I think it would be a successful season if he can take the offensive output from William Buford last season. Perhaps wishful thinking, but maybe he can have a similar season to Evan Turner's Sophomore year.
2. Shannon Scott
Notable 2011-2012 Stats: Total Minutes: 382, FG %: .282, 3 Pt FG: 1-18
Scout High School Rank: 33
Questions: Can he hit the broad side of a barn with his shot?
Why he is ranked here: When you look at Shannon Scott's shooting numbers from last year, they look down-right awful. He made just 1 of 18 three point shots and shot just 28% from the field. Yikes! The good news is that he looks the part of a quick and electric point guard who can distribute the ball. I like Shannon to have the biggest improvement from last season. The comparisons coming in were Michael Conley Jr., but I think that was too much to live up to.
3. Sam Thompson
Notable 2011-2012 Stats: Total Minutes: 413, FG%: .493, 3 Pt FG: 1-14
Scout High School Rank: 51
Questions: Will he be a starter? Will his athleticism translate to more than defense and dunking?
Why he is ranked here: Sam Thompson can jump out of the gym. He is a freak athlete and has showed it on dunks and on block shots. He earned the most minutes of the Freshmen last season because of his defense. The problem is he shot 1 for 14 from three pointer and never really seemed comfortable shooting unless it was a slam dunk. Will he have a J.D. Weatherspoon career or a David Lighty career? My bet is Lighty. Forget how athletic he is? Check out this sick dunk.
4. Amir Williams
Notable 2011-2012 Stats: Total Minutes: 191, Offensive Rebounds: 27, Blocked Shots: 23
Scout High School Rank: 49
Questions: Will he be the starting Center? Can Amir be a defensive force?
Why he is ranked here: I think Amir Williams needs to be a defensive star. If he can get rebounds and block shots he will be valuable. He had 23 blocked shots last season, which isn't that far behind Sullinger despite only playing 6 minutes per game. The dream scenario is for Amir Williams to have a Ken Johnson type career.
5. Trey McDonald
Notable 2011-2012 Stats: Total Minutes: 38, Total Points: 2
Scout High School Rank: 18th best Center Prospect
Why he is ranked here: Trey McDonald was mentioned a lot as a guy who might surprise this season. He is a very good athlete for a 6-8 Center. If the Buckeyes are as up-tempo as expected, he may get some minutes.
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