The player once dubbed “Evan Turnover” by message board critics has taken over.
Now a junior, Turner leads the Buckeyes in scoring, rebounding and assists and has rescued the Buckeyes from a 1-3 start in Big Ten play.
Ohio State is riding a six-game conference win streak as it prepares for today’s 11 a.m. game with Iowa.
“He can beat you so many ways,” said Hawkeyes freshman Eric May, who drew the assignment of defending Turner in the Buckeyes’ 65-57 win at Iowa last month.
“He was as much of a challenge as I’ve had. He can score inside and out, shooting the 3 or taking it to the basket, and he does a good job of spotting his open teammates.”
Turner scored eight of his 16 points during January’s visit to Carver-Hawkeye Arena in the final 1 minute, 42 seconds, finishing off a late-game rally himself and showing no lingering impact from a fracture in his lower back that kept him off the court for a month earlier this season.
Since returning to the Buckeyes on Jan. 6, Turner has averaged 15.6 points, six rebounds and 4.6 assists.
“I don’t try to do any more than the opponent is giving me,” Turner said. “That’s always been my game. I like having the ball in my hands, being in the middle of things, but I never lose sight of the fact there are four other guys out there with me.”
Ohio State coach Thad Matta appreciates that growth as much as anything from a Big Ten player of the year candidate who finished his freshman season with 99 turnovers and 98 assists.
“I’ve been surprised a bit with how quickly he has come back — and we watch him closely — but I probably shouldn’t be surprised by anything he does now,” Matta said.
What they said
“He is so versatile, and he really makes that work for him. You can’t just guard him with one guy. The trouble is, he’s surrounded by really good players, and that adds to the challenge.’’
— Iowa coach Todd Lickliter
“He’s the best player I’ve ever guarded. He looks like he’s loose with the ball, but he has it on a string.’’
— Purdue guard Chris Kramer
“If there’s a missed shot, he’s getting the ball, he’s pushing it, and he’s going to make a play for somebody. He’s very good at getting it into the seams and producing for other guys.’’
— Penn St. coach Ed DeChellis
By the numbers
14 — During the past 14 seasons, no player in Division I has averaged more than Turner’s 18.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists.
2 — Ohio State players who have topped 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 300 assists — Turner and Jim Jackson
60 — Games Turner has scored in double figures in his career, including 15 times this season
