Evan Turner has a terrific game. It's just not suited to be played at the point guard position.
Sportsline’s Garry Parrish dubbed Evan Turner “Evan Turnover” this morning.
That’s a little too harsh.
Sure, the key cog to the Buckeyes had 10 turnovers in the Garden last night — helping him to an unwanted triple—double along the way — and the temporary nickname could be justified, but Turner has never claimed to be a definitive signal-caller.
I don’t think he really wants to be one, either. But he’s trying. He’s attempt to churn this offense and command the floor. The Buckeyes had a really bad night last night. They scraped it out until the end and only lost by four points.
The 6-7 Turner is shooting almost 60 percent from the field and is putting up more than 20 per game and hauling in 15 rebounds. It’s terrific! The Buckeyes and their fans may be waiting for next year’s mammoth class, but if OSU wants to make a run at a Big Ten title this season, it’s clear that a different kind of offense is going to have to be implemented.
As bad as it sounds: Slow it down. If Thad Matta absolutely must keep Turner at the 1, he can’t expect to win in a game where scores are hovering around the 80-point total. I give credit to Ohio State for coming back last night, but they didn’t have a chance against UNC and its secondary break. If Roy Williams’ teams didn’t have this penchant for letting opponents hang around, Ohio State should have lost by 20.
Funny how quickly things can change. Three weeks ago, the messageboard-goers were lamenting this team’s lack of legit size inside. Dallas Lauderdale is doing some decent ownage down there right now. But so much guard play and not one true playmaker. It’s going to cost this team in a close game. The importance of a point guard who can’t calm the other four against a big-time opponent is one of the biggest factors in the college game.
Expect OSU’s record to be below. 500 when games are decided by four points or fewer this season. They’re already 0-1.
