2008 Woodie Awards
Gators survive the Herculean effort of Oden, repeat as National Champs
Zack Gugenheim
Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: Sports
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For the first time in 15 years, College Basketball crowned a champion for a second consecutive year. The Florida Gators, who also became the first team to have its entire starting five win consecutive titles, outlasted the mighty Buckeyes 84-75, despite an amazing night by super-frosh Greg Oden. The big center was about the only bright spot for the Buckeyes, as he contributed 25 points, 12 rebounds, four blocked shots and one assist in 38 minutes of play, completely dominating the frontcourt of the Gators, and getting them all (Al Horford, Joakim Noah and Chris Richards) in foul trouble. Beyond Oden and minor contributions by point-guard Mike Conley Jr., the Buckeyes were offensively-challenged. The Buckeyes perimeter shooting was awful, as they shot only 4 of 23 from three-point land. The Gators, on the other hand, were deadly from the arc, hitting 10 of 18, including 3 of 3 by Taurean Green, and 4 of 7 by shooting specialist Lee Humphrey. Ultimately, the barrage of three-pointers buried the Buckeyes, and ultimately delivered the National Championship to Gainesville. Forward Corey Brewer (13 points, eight rebounds, three steals) was named the Most Outstanding Player.
The next step for both of these teams is deciding which players will be declaring for the NBA draft. Many people have Oden as the number one overall pick, yet there are some who say that he may stay in Columbus to have another shot at a National Championship. Conley also is projected in the mid-1st round; however, he has consistently stated that he will be back in the scarlet and gray also. Ron Lewis, senior guard for the Buckeyes, has been projected in the second round, and although freshman forward Daequan Cook has stated he is thinking about going to the NBA, he is not in many draft projections due to his lack of production in the second half of the season.
For the Gators, many are saying that if Coach Billy Donovan stays (he has been offered the Head Coaching Job at Kentucky), four of their five starters (all but Lee Humphrey) would stay to try and win a third National title. Although they could stay, Horford, Noah and Brewer are all projected in the first round of the NBA draft, and they don't have much left to prove. Taurean Green is also a potential 2nd-rounder, as is depth player Chris Richards. Ultimately, both of these teams had (and may continue to have) unbelievable talent.
The next step for both of these teams is deciding which players will be declaring for the NBA draft. Many people have Oden as the number one overall pick, yet there are some who say that he may stay in Columbus to have another shot at a National Championship. Conley also is projected in the mid-1st round; however, he has consistently stated that he will be back in the scarlet and gray also. Ron Lewis, senior guard for the Buckeyes, has been projected in the second round, and although freshman forward Daequan Cook has stated he is thinking about going to the NBA, he is not in many draft projections due to his lack of production in the second half of the season.
For the Gators, many are saying that if Coach Billy Donovan stays (he has been offered the Head Coaching Job at Kentucky), four of their five starters (all but Lee Humphrey) would stay to try and win a third National title. Although they could stay, Horford, Noah and Brewer are all projected in the first round of the NBA draft, and they don't have much left to prove. Taurean Green is also a potential 2nd-rounder, as is depth player Chris Richards. Ultimately, both of these teams had (and may continue to have) unbelievable talent.