Well, hello there, I’ve got news

  • 01/05/2010 10:25 pm in

Hey folks,

I’ve been told that’s my trademark phrase, and being both Southern and incredibly predictable, it makes sense to break it out to introduce myself.

I’m Zach Osterman, the newest contributor here at Inside the Hall. As IU basketball coverage goes, I haven’t been away long — I covered last season for the Indiana Daily Student and have spent the early part of this season working with the good folks at Bleacher Report.

So when Eamonn’s departure for ESPN created an opening, I asked (and begged and pleaded) with Alex and Ryan to give me a look.

Now, I make no claim to being able to fill the impressive void left by Mr. Brennan. I’m just not that good, and I certainly do not want to disappoint you. I only promise to work hard, avoid (poor) attempts at being clever and never again begin a post with “Hey folks.”

But enough about me, let’s talk about Evan Turner.

Yes, that Evan Turner, the one that does just about everything for Ohio State, or did, before he broke his back. Bummer, dude.

Turner was expected to miss significant time — a layoff of as much as eight weeks was mentioned after the Dec. 5 injury — but now the Columbus Dispatch says Turner might be available when Indiana comes to town Wednesday night. According to the report from Bob Baptist, how Turner fares/fared in a final practice Tuesday will determine his status.

Playing Turner would be an interesting decision, even if he makes it through Tuesday with flying colors. There are many factors to consider.

Foremost, it’s hard for a player to reacquaint himself with his team’s flow after a long layoff, and its often just as hard to regain the confidence to play full speed with the injury still in the back of his mind, even if the pain is gone.

And would Thad Matta want to risk Turner against a Hoosier team that, on paper anyway, should be comfortably disposed of at home? And assuming things are tight late in the game, does bringing Turner off the bench — completely cold — late in the game make sense?

It would surprise me to see Turner leave the bench Wednesday night, unless Ohio State has been playing coy on the severity of his injury all along, which begs its own questions.

For his part, Tom Crean says Ohio State is good, Turner or no, and the Hoosiers have been preparing as though the All-Big Ten winger will play. Thoughts?

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