Buckeyes Koufos Impressive In the Early Going

buddahfan · Nov 22, 2007

By DOUG FEINBERG, AP Sports Writer
November 22, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- Ohio State coach Thad Matta doesn't want to anoint freshman Kosta Koufos as the next big thing just yet.

The 7-foot freshman scored a career-high 24 points to help the Buckeyes beat No. 21 Syracuse 79-65 on Wednesday night in the NIT Season Tip-Off semifinals.

"Time's going to tell," Matta said. "You spend 15 minutes with him and you know he's 18 years old. I really believe we do kids an injustice by ... he plays a good game and we blow him up."

Koufos has gotten better every game. He had 18 in his debut against Wisconsin-Green Bay and then scored 19 against Columbia to help Ohio State advance to New York.

"As good as he was, there was so much room for him to improve

2007-08 Stats

ESPN - Ohio State Buckeyes - Kosta Koufos - NCAA College Basketball

NBAdraft.net has him going #7 next year, well ahead of Love.

As they say, we shall see.

NBADraft.net | Home

NBA Comparison: Mehmet Okur
Strengths: To prepare for Ohio State, Kosta has developed a more aggressive style of play. He now has the ability to bang down low that he has somewhat lacked in the past. While being known as a player who is best when working in the high post from either elbow, he has displayed a solid game from the baseline recently, where he can turn over either shoulder to hit the baseline jumper. He has added a behind the back dribble move to his repertoire that isn’t fully reliable yet, but will make him a little more dangerous when working from the top of the key nonetheless. His leadership has developed more and he is a reliable go to guy offensively in the post. Defensively, his post position is very good, so he shouldn’t have too many problems with man-to-man defense at the next level.

Weaknesses: Kosta must get better at finishing at the rim after contact. He has great touch around the basket, but when he takes contact, his shot doesn’t often find the basket. His timing is good on blocked shots, but don’t expect him to be much of an intimidator with this skill in the NBA due to average to just above average athleticism. While his midrange shooting is excellent, he could stand to extend his range a little bit. If he could consistently hit the college three it would be an excellent weapon for him and his team.

NCAA Basketball - Syracuse Orange/Ohio State Buckeyes Recap Wednesday November 21, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports

NBADraft.net - Kosta Koufos

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