An Open Letter to Greg Oden

Dear Greg:

I'm sure San Antonio wasn't at the top of your list of cities to visit, but I hope you're having a good time nonetheless. We're a couple hours away from your game against Memphis for a spot in the Final Four. A few quick thoughts are in order from Buckeye Nation:

Should the unthinkable occur, this could be your last college basketball game. Selfish Buckeye fans having been hoping against reason that you'll stay for one more year. We dream about you playing under the basket with Kosta Koufos. We point to Tim Duncan and even this year's Florida team that lottery locks don't have to leave early. Surely you'd like a full season in college, unincumbered by an injured wrist, to develop into a dominating offense presence. Ohio State fans would love to have our once-in-a-lifetime center help establish the program into a dynasty.

I'm not sure a grown man is supposed to say. "If you love someone, set them free" to 7'0" African-American freshman. But over the past few months, I bet the grind of college basketball has been a pain in the...well, I'm sure it's been frustrating. During the Big Ten season a notoriously tough conference, team's used sagging zone and triple teams to rough you up. The Wisconsin games in particular, I was suprised rape charges weren't filed. Depsite the physical play, you persevered and led the team to the conference and tournament title.

But in the NCAA Tournament, things have gotten worse. Wearing sleek new Nike uniforms, I can still see your jersey being yanked. Opponents are grabbing, shoving, and hitting you, basically daring you to fight back. You get mauled on most plays, and how are you paid back? By having cheap offensive fouls and ticky-tack defensive calls go against you. The frustration was evident after the Xavier game when referred to the push that fouled you as, "getting your money's worth". It was even worse during the Sweet 16 Tennessee game, as your fourth foul was one of the most egregious calls I can remember against a superstar.

All of this to say: go out and have some fun today. Dunk hard on that punk Dorsey's head, and do that angry, scary scream while you're hanging on the rim. Swat a couple shots into the stands. Show us again that you and your buddy Mike Conley simply don't know how to lose.

I'd love to see Ohio State in the Final Four with a chance to bring home the championship. But if something (or someone) prevents that from happening, take the money and run. Enter the lottery, be the number 1 pick, and show those Durant lovers like Bill Simmons how wrong they are. Getting hammered by college kids while refs turn a blind eye? Not worth it. Ohio State fans will always be greatful you blessed the campus with your presence for a season. And even if it's with the Celtics, I'll buy the Oden jersey next season. And with 9 top recruits, including 4 five-stars, coming over the next two season, the Buckeyes will be just fine.

Now go take care of business.