Ohio State hopes to use a fine finish to its 2007-08 season as a springboard for 2008-09.

Snubbed by the NCAA Tournament selection committee, the Buckeyes went on to win the NIT by ripping off five straight wins, including a 92-85 win over Massachusetts in the championship game. In all, Ohio State won seven of its last eight games to finish 24-13.

Ohio State won 24 games despite having only one starter and four players back from a team that lost to Florida in the NCAA final last season. However, the Buckeyes should have plenty of experience going into next season -- point guard Jamar Butler and forward Othello Hunter were their only senior starters.

Center Kosta Koufos had a solid freshman season and came on strong at the end as he was named the NIT's Most Outstanding Player. He averaged 14.5 points and 6.6 rebounds but surprised some by entering his name in the NBA draft. Without hiring an agent, which Koufos said he wouldn't likely do, he's eligible to return to OSU next season.

Without Koufos, the Buckeyes would take on a different look and again lean heavily on incoming freshmen. Ohio State will have two starting guards returning next season in sophomore David Lighty and freshman Evan Turner. Lighty averaged 9.0 points and Turner scored 8.1 per game.

Freshman guard Jon Diebler began the season in the starting lineup before going into a shooting slump but bounced back to average 6.0 points. He, too, will add depth in the backcourt.

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