CBB Summer Buzz: Ohio State
With Jared Sullinger's return, the Buckeyes will challenge for a national championship
Insider knows you're hot for hoops during the summer, so we're bringing you a closer look at a few of the big-profile schools before most freshmen have even moved into their dorms. We continue with Ohio State.
Ohio State Buckeyes
2010-11: 34-3 (NCAA tournament - Sweet 16)
The Buckeyes were college basketball's most complete team last season. Thad Matta assembled a formidable inside-out game that revolved around presumed one-and-done freshman big man Jared Sullinger. Seniors Jon Diebler, David Lighty and Dallas Lauderdale willingly played complementary roles on a team that won 24 straight games to begin the season and ended up atop Ken Pomeroy's efficiency rankings.
That team bowed out in the Sweet 16, overcome by John Calipari's callow Kentucky squad. The three rock-steady seniors have graduated. So why is everyone smiling in Columbus? Because Sully came back.
"Jared Sullinger is just a once-in-a-lifetime guy," said OSU assistant coach Dave Dickerson. "One of the most appealing things about him returning to school is that he wanted to expand his game. He knew in order for him to have some longevity at the next level, he needed to expand his game, and expand the framework of his body, and he's doing that."
To read the Ohio State summer preview and see who the top Buckeyes rookie coming to campus this fall is, become an ESPN Insider. Sign up today!
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COLLEGE BASKETBALL SUMMER BUZZ
Insider knows you're hot for hoops during the summer, so we're bringing you a closer look at 25 of the most intriguing college programs before school's even in session.
INSIDER PREVIEWS 
All in one place
A collection of all the Buzz to date.
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Pittsburgh Panthers
Is this the year Pitt breaks through?
Syracuse Orange
Jardine, Joseph look to lead 'Cuse
St. John's Red Storm
Massive turnover defines Lavin's crew
Louisville Cardinals
Cards have talent to fill holes
North Carolina Tar Heels
Tar Heels prep for title run
Duke Blue Devils
Blue Devils face point-ed questions
Michigan State Spartans
Another tough schedule awaits Tom Izzo's crew
Ohio State Buckeyes
Sullinger rekindles title hopes in Columbus
Indiana Hoosiers
Postseason hopes reborn in Bloomington
Kentucky Wildcats
Freshmen, vets form potent combo
Vanderbilt Commodores
'Dores seek NCAA tourney breakthrough
Arkansas Razorbacks
The Mike Anderson Era begins
Tennessee Volunteers
Vols face long, tough rebuilding path
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Bulldogs need Sidney to stay on the court
UCLA Bruins
Frontcourt will have to carry load for Bruins
Arizona Wildcats
Talented Wildcats need a new star to emerge
Kansas Jayhawks
How does Kansas replace the Morris twins?
Baylor Bears
Perry Jones should blossom for Baylor
Texas Longhorns
Freshmen must lead Longhorns
Butler Bulldogs
Can Butler do it again?
UNLV Rebels
Rice, MWC movement will aid Rebels
Xavier Musketeers
Tu Holloway's moment is here
George Mason Patriots
Pearson should flourish under Hewitt
VCU Rams
Can Rams run deep again?
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