Jared Sullinger picks up All-Tournament honors in The Basketball Tournament

Even though Team Scarlet & Gray, a team consisting of former Ohio State basketball stars, fell in The Basketball Tournament semifinals, some good came from the tournament run. First, we got to witness the likes of Aaron Craft, David Lighty and Jared Sullinger team up together. Second, we witnessed the resurgence of Sullinger—who made the All-Tournament Team.

Sullinger balled out on the Scarlet & Gray’s run, including breakout games in Round 2 against Team Always a Brave and the semifinal loss to Team Challenge ALS. In Round 2, Sullinger put up 21 points while grabbing 9 boards; in the semifinal, Sullinger pulled off a double-double by scoring 26 points and getting 10 rebounds. Both contests featured Sullinger draining three points shots—two in Round 2, and one in the semifinal.

The other members of the All-Tournament team were all part of squads that reached the semifinal stage. Boeheim’s Army, a squad of former Syracuse basketball stars, had Eric Devendorf on the All-Tournament team; Team Challenge ALS had Casper Ware and Sean Marshall; and Overseas Elite had DJ Kennedy, Kyle Fogg and coach Colin Curtin.

Overseas Elite won the whole shebang on Thursday night, capping off a three-peat in The Basketball Tournament. Additionally, Overseas Elite picked up the $2 million grand prize.

“Asked whether he had a solid top-six now, Smith said, “Not yet. (But) I feel good I’m going to have that six. There are freshmen who could fight for one of those.””

— Bill Rabinowitz on the OSU receiving unit | The Columbus Dispatch

Now that The Basketball Tournament is in the books, the focus locks into Ohio State football. Camp is beginning, and that means that all of the rust that’s built up over the offseason is being shaken off.

In an article by Bill Rabinowitz of The Columbus Dispatch, he took notes and got quotes from the first day of full-pad training camp on Thursday. Zach Smith, the receivers coach, talked about the depth chart within Zone 6—giving the quote seen above.

It may seem like Aug. 31 is around the corner (and it is), but every team assembled in the Meyer era has hit the ground running. Terry McLaurin and Parris Campbell are said to be the leaders of the WR group, and that helps propel the other members of the unit on and off the field, according to Smith.

Leadership is going to be key, as the tempo and expectations start at the top. Rabinowitz noted that McLaurin said, “Every ball that’s in the air, we want it.” That kind of intensity and desire to create production goes a long way, especially with camp just beginning.

“Victor said he felt more comfortable during bowl practice, and he had a 21-yard catch in the Fiesta Bowl. But the play that flashed what he could be came in the blowout win over Maryland.”

— Doug Lesmerises on Binjimen Victor | cleveland.com

With the road conference-opener against Indiana now being the location of ESPN’s “College Gameday,” the Hoosier-Buckeye clash just got a little bit bigger.

The added spotlight brings the need for members of the squad to step up. Wide receiver Binjimen Victor may be one of those guys. In an article by Doug Lesmerises of cleveland.com, Victor describes the experience he’s gained entering his second season with the Scarlet and Gray.

Last season, Victor played in five games, netting four receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown. The Maryland game showcased a 25-yard TD reception from Victor—which highlighted the potential that the then-freshman possessed. In the Playoff Semifinal loss to Clemson, Victor reeled in one reception for 21 yards. With an offseason to get better, Victor is still rising up the WR depth chart.

In the article, Victor says there is still work to be done before the season kicks off on Aug. 31 against the Hoosiers. We’ll see what the sophomore brings to the Buckeye offense with the revamped coaching staff.

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