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Illinois Basketball: Breakdown of Tim Finke’s top 5 list

By Rees Woodcock

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: A basketball hoop, net and backboard are shown before the championship game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament between the Arizona Wildcats and the Oregon Ducks at T-Mobile Arena on March 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Arizona won 83-80. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: A basketball hoop, net and backboard are shown before the championship game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament between the Arizona Wildcats and the Oregon Ducks at T-Mobile Arena on March 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Arizona won 83-80. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 24: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Butler Bulldogs looks on in the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at FedExForum on March 24, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 24: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Butler Bulldogs looks on in the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at FedExForum on March 24, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Ohio State Buckeyes

Pros

There is a winning tradition at Ohio State that has been a part of their culture since the early 2000’s. They are used to winning teams and they want winning players. They will also have a lot of playing time available in 2018 as well.

When 2018 rolls around, five out of the top six leading scorers for the Buckeyes will have departed only leaving Keita Bates-Diop on the team. That will enable Finke to get playing time immediately with Ohio State.

Ohio State also hired a good head coach in Butler’s Chris Holtmann. He comes into the program making the last three NCAA tournaments with the Bulldogs.

Cons

Ohio State has gone through some turmoil over the last year or so. Former head coach Thad Matta departed the program abruptly and they hired Holtmann. While he is a good coach, it is still a coaching turnover which causes uncertainty.

Another con to picking Ohio State would be the fact they are going to be bad for the next few years. Despite the abundance of playing time available for Finke in 2018, the Buckeyes won’t have anyone around him and that will spell trouble for the team. There is also no one currently signed up for the class of 2018 as well. It is highly unlikely he will win at Ohio State.

The travel aspect would be a con as well. With Ohio State, family and friends would have to travel to every game and wouldn’t be able to watch the games on a weeknight.

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