April 20, 2007

Word came out of Columbus that Greg Oden..Mike Conley Jr..and Daequan Cook were putting their names into the NBA Draft.

You couldn't be shocked to hear about Oden's decision. He is certainly ready and will be a superstar at the next level.

Oden has the makings to be one of the greats in the post. To me he is another patrick ewing. In fact I feel he is ahead offensively of what ewing was at georgetown and akeem olajuwon was at houston. Oden brings a great work ethic..mental approach..attitude and tremendous physical skills. He also has the mental capability of adjusting to the pressure of the pro lifestyle.

Conley saw his stock climb rapidly during the season and his quickness and explosive moves make him one of the top point guards in this draft. I think he has an outstanding future ahead.

I don't understand the logic behind Cook's decision. He was not the player that many people projected him to be. I felt his game slipped during the second half of the season.

Now we will hear all the talk of Mr. Oden and Mr. Durant...who should go numero uno baby!

Meanwhile fans in Columbus should realize that with the outstanding recruiting class coming in...Thad Matta will have another Big 10 contender.

Bringing in kids like Oden you realize you may not get more than one year out of him...He showcased his talents and delivered even more as the Buckeyes made it to the Championship game.

Oden...Conley...Cook moving on while Ohio State will still have a solid program under Matta.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.