Mens Basketball Primed For Big 10 Title Run

The 2009 college basketball season is officially upon us and there is certainly reason to think that it should be an exciting one in Columbus. For starters, there's the fact that OSU returns 10 scholarship players from last season. Translation: no rebuilding necessary for coach Thad Matta. Second, there's Evan Turner. The 6'7 junior held off certain NBA riches for at least one year in hopes of improving his overall game and leading his team to a Big Ten title and deep run into March Madness. But the the most important aspect of this team could quite possibly be the return of David Lighty, arguably the team's best defender. Before a broken foot cut short Lighty's season last year, OSU arguably had the Big Ten's best defense. With Lighty back and fully healthy, expect more of the same. Michigan State is clearly the cream of the Big Ten crop and Purdue is not far behind, but this Ohio State team is talented enough to top both of them when it is all said and done.