Turner Noncommittal; Buford Due Back
By Steve Helwagen
In the wake of Ohio State's 76-73 loss to Tennessee in an NCAA Midwest Region semifinal game Friday night, a pair of Buckeye players were asked about their future plans.
Point guard Evan Turner, already named the USBWA national player of the year, is considered one of the top prospects for this year's NBA draft.
Turner's goal was to lead the Buckeyes to an NCAA Final Four berth. He had previously said he would consider returning if OSU fell short of its goals.
Turner, who had 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the loss to Tennessee, was asked if he could put a percentage on the chance he will return.
"I can't give a percentage right now," Turner said. "This is just sticking in my head. I really don't want to go out like this. I just don't know."
Turner said this season was "the most fun I have ever had playing basketball."
"We have a lot of things to be proud of," he said. "We did a lot of great stuff and we had a great season."
Wing William Buford was also considered a possibility to put his name in for draft consideration. But he told reporters afterwards he plans to return.
"I haven't thought about it at all," said Buford, who had 15 points in the loss. "I'll be back. I'm not even thinking about next year. I am so shocked about what happened here today.
"Our season is over with. We have to wait until next year and half of this team will be gone."