Ohio State fans should not root for Illinois tonight, Evan Turner said yesterday, even though there's a better chance he returns next season if the Buckeyes lose and do not clinch the Big Ten title.
Turner, a junior, is projected as the No.2 pick in the NBA draft in June but has said his decision will depend on whether he gets what he wants out of this season. Yesterday, he specified what he wants.
"Definitely win a Big Ten title and try to get a national championship and try to be one of the best ever to come out of here," he said.
That's why, after giving it some thought, he decided against leaving last year after his sophomore season. Turner said David Lighty's season-ending injury cost the Buckeyes a chance to contend for the Big Ten title, and they lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Siena.
"What really just stuck in me was, I haven't done anything here. I haven't really left my mark," Turner said. "Not winning a Big Ten title or anything, that would nag me for the rest of my life. ... That's why I came back."
- Bob Baptist
bbaptist@dispatch.com