David Lighty

David Lighty

Lighty's emergence as a versatile all-round player as an upperclassman was nonetheless not enough to get him into the NBA. He's since spent two years in Europe, splitting his first season between Bennet Cantu and Vanoli Cremona in Italy, then moving to France last season and spending the season with Nanterre, averaging 12.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists as a leader on the championship winning side. Lighty scored 430 points on 314 shots and put up 21 points in the championship clinching game - from a French league perspective, there's nothing not to like. Lighty has athleticism, a decent shot, passing vision and good if gambly defensive instincts. But there is likely not enough there for the NBA.

David Lighty - Fifth year senior Lighty developed into a good all-around player from once being largely a defensive specialist. Defense remains his forte, and the fact that he measured out to be bigger than expected at the combine (6'6 with a 6'8 wingspan) means he will probably get the call to become one at the NBA level too. He certainly has the athleticism and the interest in doing so. Lighty is less talented offensively, but he nonetheless contributes - a good passer, transition finisher, occasional slasher, and improved jumpshooter. He makes few mistakes and fitted in seamlessly as a role player. His body type translates to the NBA, and thus so should the rest of his game.

Ohio State lost their best player to the NBA, and came back better than ever. Their freshman crop of Jared Sullinger, Aaron Craft and Deshaun Thomas has been perhaps the best freshman crop in the nation, and the returning David Lighty, William Buford, Jon Diebler and Dallas Lauderdale have all improved. The Buckeyes only go 7 deep, save for the occasional guest jumpshooter spot by fellow freshman Jordan Siebert, but they only need to go 7 deep. They could probably do it with only 5. They could probably even do it with only 4.

Once a defensive specialist, fifth year senior Lighty has improved beyond all recognition offensively. He now uses his great athleticism and strength to create off the dribble far more effectively than ever before, can finish around the basket, has something of a mid-range game, and has developed his three point stroke. Lighty is also a good passer and occasional playmaker, who retains his defensive abilities, in addition to framing them around a dynamic offensive game. He is controlled, efficient, athletic and versatile, a leader, and quite possibly a future NBA player. You could say that last one about a lot of the Buckeyes roster.