Here is the link and transcript of the interview with Flyers Fieldhouse:

Behind Enemy Lines: Ohio State

Wow, never thought I’d type those words. But here we are about to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. I touted the excellent Dotting The I earlier today, and was able to talk to the guys about tonight’s game. I wasn’t lying, these cats know their shit. The question and answer session went a little like this:

FF: With the expected departure of Oden, Conley, and Cook to last year’s NBA Draft, the cupboard was not necessarily left bare, but the Buckeyes were forced into a situation where a lot of players had to mature very quickly. How do you feel the young Buckeyes have handled themselves this season?

DTI: Anytime 5 key players leave a team (3 to NBA, 2 to graduation) rebuilding is inevitable. Coach Matta realized at the beginning of the year that his team would be young and they would have to mature hastily. Jamar Butler was undoubtedly supposed to step into a senior captain-like role and he never filled that position completely. This team, without question, has extreme potential and is filled with talent at every position. A tough early schedule (North Carolina, Florida, Syracuse, Texas A&M, Butler, Tennessee) impeded the team’s progress by improving overall as a team, but the improvement never panned out as we reached the cupcake portion of our schedule. It seemed to take all the way until desperation time for these young Buckeyes to realize how high their expectations were. With time and experience, look for these current Buckeyes (minus graduating Butler, Hunter, and Terwilliger) to reach another Final Four in their careers (with help from McDonald’s All-Americans B.J. Mullens and Will Buford).

FF: Jamar Butler was tabbed the de facto leader of this team at the beginning of the season. On one hand, he has assumed this role in the box score. However, he’s also reportedly walked out of two practices and questioned the team’s desire after the loss at Iowa. How do you think Butler has managed his responsibilities as leader of this team?

DTI: Butler’s experience with two NCAA tournaments and a Final Four berth as well as being a three-year starter under Thad Matta should have played into his leadership skills. However, Jamar’s experience never helped him become a great or even satisfactory leader. Being the only one on the team with such accolades, it was undoubtedly extremely difficult for one to fulfill such a role alone. Butler never had to lead by example in past years, so it was extremely difficult for him to step up into the role so suddenly. However, I do not blame Jamar for his actions. It was an extremely frustrating season (comparing to his past at OSU) and he should have not been expected to be the sole motivator for the young guys. Although, a strong senior leader would have made this team tighter knit.

FF: With the constant influx of talent that Thad Matta is recruiting, there’s always the distinct possibility of a “couple seasons up, one season down” scenario due to draft departures. Is the understanding of this situation there among the majority of Buckeye fans, or has there been disappointment in this year’s team? Is the excitement still there for this NIT run after two extremely successful seasons?

DTI: Ohio State seems to be becoming a solid stepping stone for young players to reach their final NBA destination. Thad is continuously bringing in top-caliber players including several McDonald’s All-Americans per year that seem to always contain the “one and done” motto. It is expected to have some drop-off every year, especially when a player leaves for the NBA early, but Coach Matta consistently brings in the potential #1 draft picks pumping up Buckeye fans for future years. For example, Matta already has four commits for the 2010 class. Three of the four are rated in scout.com’s Top 10 for ‘10. NIT should not be a common destination for Buckeye teams of the future as this football school is slowly transitioning to a multi-sport school.

As far as the excitement for this year’s NIT, Buckeye fans are always supportive of their athletes in anything they do (positive things, that is). It is always nice to play deep into March and even April, but it is extremely difficult to watch the NCAAs knowing that we had that potential to be there. However, the NIT is solid experience for these young guys.

FF: After the raucous atmosphere on Monday at St. John Arena, many fans and media members have expressed their preference for St. John over The Schott. There are even rumors swirling that OSU personnel contacted NIT brass about moving tonight’s game to St. John. Do you feel tonight’s game would be better served at St. John or the Schottenstein Center?

DTI: While either venue will sell out, it is the rasping St. John atmosphere which immediately bring to mind those smaller gyms (Cameron Indoor, etc.) which make college basketball home court advantage so conducive to winning. However, the Schott seats about 6,000 more than St. John. At $20 a ticket, that is $120,000 greater revenue in ticket sales for the athletic department from having the game at the Schott. Many compare the Schott to an NBA arena. It was rumored that the glamor of the facility helped lure big name recruits such as Greg Oden and Mike Conley.

Having the game at St. John Arena would bring the Bucks more of a home court advantage, but making money also allows the university to have the biggest athletic budget in the country.

FF: Is there a Dayton player that you think poses a distinct match-up problem for the Buckeyes? What about a Buckeye player that could cause trouble for the Flyers?

DTI: Brian Roberts and Chris Wright are by far the most outstanding players on this UD squad. I believe that Roberts poses the biggest threat for this young Buckeyes team. We all saw what Drew Neitzel did against this team in the Big Ten Tournament (scoring 28 points) and I believe Roberts is capable of doing the same. Thad Matta’s match-up zone favors good shooters such as Roberts and he will have many opportunities to light up the scoreboard as he will be able to get open. Look for Roberts to have many open shots off the press break.

7′0″ freshman center Kosta Koufos will be the biggest threat to the Flyers. Dayton has no one on the roster that will be able to defend his “blind” jump hook. His height poses a major problem for UD and they will most likely have a lot of trouble boxing out the entire Buckeye team having to occupy Koufos at all times. Look for Koufos to continue his scoring streak and put up about 20.

FF: Predictions for tonight’s outcome?

DTI: Look for the Bucks to come out on top by a narrow margin. Koufos will be the difference maker in this game. When Koufos gets hot and defenses collapse on him, Butler will be able to get open for his nearly automatic jumper. Roberts and Wright will combine for about 40 points but it won’t be enough.

Ohio State 77, Dayton 71.

Undoubtedly some of the best responses we’ve gotten all year. Compelling and rich. Well done, Dotting The I crew, and best of luck tonight.