Around the 'Shoe

I just hope that if Buford turns it on the rest of the team wont turn it off. Seems like when we reach this point or get close to it we get cold. Im glad we're not dependent on the three but it would be nice to have a few at this point in the tourney. Matta has to get it done one way or the other with or without Buford shooting the lights out. Not going to dwell on last year but that was ours and we gave it away so this is the year to take it back>

As far as his confidence goes, he had a good game against Kansas so hopefully we can see it again. This time with Big Sully though!

He was 8 /23 against Kansas, 1/6 from downtown. 34%.

It wasn't horrible, but he had more shots than points, which was 21 points.

He needs to be better and more efficient.

Good post. I agree with Buford not being the slasher to the rim. Let me screen open for jump shots and find his shot. Everytime he has a fast break or drives the lane- it's a wasted opportunity.

Your right- either he turns the ball over, puts up a shot that can't be rebounded or gets a charging call. These are 3 things that are wasted possesions. Even if he comes around the screen and takes the 3 or long 2, we have the boys to rebound the miss.

When he drives the lane, there are no chances for that.

I was not bashing Buford. I was trying to make a point that he is getting timid driving the lane, and is causing more TO's then making good plays. If he is cold shooting -fine. At least that gives us a chance to rebound and get the put back. When he gets out of control on slashing to the bucket, he doesn't give us that chance. It's a dead possesion.

I hope Buford does good. During the season (expectially in the beginning) Buford was the key shooter. Sully, DT and Buford were the go to guys. Later in the season when he started to lose his confidence, Craft and Smith Jr started to relieve that pressure. Even though this looks bad on Buford, it actually help the team out in the end. Now it's an all rounded team. Not just Buford, DT and Sully.

I wouldn't put him with Lucas, Jackson, Redd, Sullinger and even Turner. i'd put him after oden too.

He simply has never been the showcase item, and cannot handle the load.

He's the product of being fortunate to play with some great Buckeyes and being a second or third option.

Here's the honest question to ask: Did William Buford lead this team to the final four?

Before you guys turn Buford into the new Jim Bollman, a few thoughts......

Maybe there were games we won in spite of Buford, but there were definitely games we won because of him. A certain victory in East Lansing comes to mind.

You need to remember he is a senior but still a young man. His shooting is off but most analysts will say his improved defense and rebounding matter to this teams success.

I have no idea why you guys think you can judge a player or coaches effectiveness by how much they scream and yell - John Wooden was boring. TIm Duncan is boring. Were they not leaders?

No doubt that people would bitch about loyalty with Tress - but most of the time, the Sabino or Bam Childress eventually showed on the field why they weren't playing. Buford has without a doubt been our best deep threat - even with his streaky shooting and his recent struggles. I cannot imagine playing LaQuinton Ross at this point - so it isn't loyalty that keep Buford in. Its the hope that the streaky shooter with a 3-year track record gets his streak going again. And lots of coaches besides Matta do that.

Finally, lighten up on our players - especially those who have stayed and contributed for 4 years. We complain all the time about how Izzo brings in 4-year guys, and yet trash Buford when he tails off in year 4