Greg Oden Solid The Gators make it a point to slow down Ohio State 's catalyst.
But for much of Monday's championship game, Oden's Ohio State sidekick, Mike Conley Jr., didn't play as well he had throughout the tournament, and the Buckeyes suffered for it.
Hampered by early foul trouble and shadowed by Florida defenders Taurean Green and Corey Brewer all game, Conley failed to get Ohio State into a consistent offensive rhythm in the 84-75 loss to the Gators.
"Michael got limited with the two fouls, but I couldn't be more pleased with Michael Conley, as a freshman, in front of 51,000 people, for the job he did tonight and the job he did all year," Buckeyes coach Thad Matta said.
Conley scored 20 points and passed for six assists, much of that coming in the final 12 minutes.
Oden was Ohio State 's offense in the first 28 minutes. He scored 25, but his teammates missed 12 of their first 14 3-point attempts. Ohio State made just 4 of 23 from behind the 3-point line.
"We got any and everything from Greg," Conley said. "He played a great game offensively and defensively. The rest of us didn't do enough considering how well Florida played."
Conley started 3 of 7 from the floor and had six points with 10 minutes left. Fouls contributed to his slow start. He picked up his first less than four minutes into the game and his second with 12:16 left in the first half.
Conley sat the next three minutes before returning for eight of the final nine minutes of the half. He played somewhat timidly on both offense and defense, though, wary of picking up his third foul.
Conley came into the championship game as Ohio State 's catalyst during its tournament run. He averaged 18 points in the Buckeyes' four narrow NCAA wins, starting with the second-round game against Xavier.
His play was vital, considering Oden found early foul trouble in all four victories. Conley was named the most outstanding player of the South Region, as the Buckeyes beat Tennessee and Memphis .
NBA Future: DeMarcus Cousins DeMarcus Cousins is a big PF who averaged 26 pts, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, 70% FG and 80% FT per game as a freshman in high school last year. DeMarcus Cousins has developing post moves, is an excellent rebounder, and a solid athlete. DeMarcus Cousins' ability to overpower players gives him a very high ceiling. DeMarcus Cousins has a 7'3" wingspan and 9'0" standing reach. DeMarcus Cousins is very raw. DeMarcus Cousins needs to work on his footwork and decision making mostly. DeMarcus Cousins offense is coming along fine, but he needs to become more of a leader on defense. DeMarcus Cousins consistency is also a problem against top competition.
NBA Future: Jrue Holiday
Check out Jrue Holiday, the 6-3 sophomore shooting guard from North Hollywood (Calif.) Campbell Hall, one of the elite guards in the west, regardless of class...
Jrue Holiday, the 6-3 sophomore shooting guard from North Hollywood (Calif.) Campbell Hall, is seen here in action from a CIF playoff game last week.
Jrue Holiday is #21 in white, not to be confused with his older brother, 6-6 junior Justin Holiday, who is #22.
NBA Future: Dashonte Riley
H.S. Detroit Cass Tech
Age: 14
Sport: Basketball. She starts on the varsity basketball team.
Family: Mother, Collette Anderson; twin sister, Daisha Riley, 14
What surprises you the most about high school? "There is way more kids in school. In basketball, the speed of the game is faster."
Favorite subject: Math
Least favorite subject: Science
What are your goals for high school? "To graduate and to continue to learn."
