Craft, Sullinger, Buford Named to Wooden Preseason List

You know there is a lot to look forward to when three out of the five starters from the 2011-12 basketball team are named as one of the top 50 players of the country.

Aaron Craft, Jared Sullinger,and William Buford were all announced as members of the Wooden Preseason List today. The list, which is compiled by the opinions of writers across the country, names the top 50 basketball players in the country heading into the season. Though it does not include incoming freshman or transfers, it does put some of the better players on the map to start the season.

It isn’t a surprise that Sully made the list (17 PPG, 10 RPG), but to see Buford (14 PPF, 3 APG) and Craft (7 PPG, 2 SPG) be recognized on the national level is a true testament to this coaching staff and what they’ve been able to do with the talent they have recruited.

Ohio State’s three are second on the list, as the North Carolina Tarheels sport four members of the Wooden Preseason list. The Tarheels selected are the only players on the list from the ACC. It’s the first time in the award’s history that a team has had that many players named. According to respected basketball writer Frank Burlison, Ohio State should of joined North Carolina as the first team to field four.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame member submitted forward Deshaun Thomas in his top 50. Thomas, who was a spark of the bench last season, should see an even larger role this year for the Buckeyes.

Also making the Wooden list from the Big Ten were Wisconsin guard Jordan Taylor, Michigan State forward Draymond Green, Northwestern Forward John Shurna, Minnesota forward Trevor Mbakwe, Michigan Guard Tim Hardaway Jr, and Purdue forward Robbie Hummell. The B1G had nine total selections, just one behind the oh so great Big East Conference.

The award not only honors excellence on the court but in the class room. Sullinger who was a finalist last season for the Wooden Award and was named a Wooden All-American is a prime example of the character the list looks to promote, according to Los Angeles Athletic Club President Steve Hathaway (From OSU Press Release).

“The decision made by the Sullinger family, who we enjoyed hosting last year at the Wooden Award, exemplifies Coach Wooden’s ideas of the importance of education. Coach Wooden would have been so pleased to see so many fine players return to college basketball this year. I expect a competitive year for the Award in 2012.”

Competitive is something that Ohio State fans will take at this point. This is just another reason why Buckeye fans should be excited about the upcoming season. At least we know the offense will score more than seven points.