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Big 10: D’Angelo Russell Is Must-Watch TV

By Bobby Reagan

Jan 17, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard D'Angelo Russell (0) drives to the basket against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Mike Gesell (10) and center Adam Woodbury (left) and guard Anthony Clemmons (5) during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa won 76-67. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard D'Angelo Russell (0) drives to the basket against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Mike Gesell (10) and center Adam Woodbury (left) and guard Anthony Clemmons (5) during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa won 76-67. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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D’Angelo Russell has quickly become must-see TV whenever Ohio State is playing this season.

Whether it’s ridiculous one-handed bounce passes, incredible dribbling skills or scoring in a variety of ways, Russell has been one of the most entertaining players in all of college basketball. Don’t get used to it though, because Russell has quickly worked his way into a top-five NBA Draft projection.

Coming into the season as a five-star recruit from Montverde Academy in Florida, Russell was assumed to be a volume shooter who would possibly return for a sophomore year. However, it was clear that Russell was the best player on Ohio State’s roster and is now vying for an All-American nod.

He’s currently averaging 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while shooting over 44 percent from both the field and the three-point line. In fact, Russell has scored less than 10 points just one time this season, when he scored six points against Marquette. He’s developed into such an offensive force that he gives the Buckeyes a chance to win every game.

Russell has drawn comparisons to another Ohio State great in Jared Sullinger. Obviously not for the way they play or similar stats, but because of the dominating force they are on the court. When Sullinger was in Columbus, Ohio State head coach Thad Matta had no problem screaming to get the ball to him if a play broke down. Sullinger often found himself drawing a foul or getting a bucket.

Now when it’s late in the shot clock you can hear and see Matta yelling for the ball to go to Russell. Since he’s a distributor by nature, he can beat the defense and either get an easy bucket for a teammate or finish the possession off for himself.

While Russell has drawn some SportsCenter Top-10 plays with those cross-court bounce passes, he’s helped ignite Ohio State’s offense. After a backcourt consisting of Aaron Craft and Lenzelle Smith rated as just the 128th best offense in the country last season according to KenPom, Russell has led Ohio State to a 23rd offensive efficiency rating.

In fact Russell, has turned into almost the entire offense for the Buckeyes. According to KenPom he has a 29 percent usage rate and taking 29.5 percent of Ohio State’s shots.

In a year where freshman across the country are dominating the news in college basketball, what Russell is doing at Ohio State has to be noticed. On top of the scoring, he’s taken on the leadership role that is evident in the way he conducts himself on the floor. He’s constantly giving direction, and wants the ball in his hands. He wants to be the one to take the blame if something goes wrong.

While Wisconsin senior Frank Kaminsky seems like the runaway favorite for Big 10 Player of the Year, don’t be surprised if Russell pushes him for the crown.

The only shame in Russell being this good is college basketball fans won’t be treated to the point guard battle of Russell vs. Maryland’s Melo Trimble over the next four years.

Next: NBA: 50 Greatest Players Of All Time