Matta begins 10th season at Ohio State with solid defensive team lacking big scoring threat

FILE - In this March 30, 2013 file photo, Ohio State forward LaQuinton Ross (10) goes up for a shot against Wichita State in the second half of a West Regional final in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Los Angeles. With the start of the 2013-14 season, Ross steps into the spot as the Buckeyes’ designated point-producer for departed Deshaun Thomas, who averaged 19.8 points a game a year ago. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2013 file photo, Ohio State forward LaQuinton Ross, right, shoots over Michigan forward Mitch McGary, as Michigan guard Tim Hardaway Jr., left, and Ohio State center Amir Williams, top, watch during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Ann Arbor, Mich. With the departure of Deshaun Thomas, who averaged 19.8 points a game a year ago, Ross must step into the spot as the Buckeyes’ designated point-producer this season. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File) (The Associated Press)

Everybody's wondering where the points will come from for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Gone is scorer supreme Deshaun Thomas, who averaged 19.8 points a game a year ago as the Buckeyes went 29-8, won the Big Ten tournament and advanced within an upset loss of making it to the Final Four for the second year in a row.

Four starters are back but none has stamped himself as someone who can do what Thomas did — run off points in bunches.

Defensive specialist Aaron Craft is joined by Lenzelle Smith Jr., Sam Thompson and Amir Williams, with LaQuinton Ross stepping into Thomas' spot as the Buckeyes' designated point-producer.

Coach Thad Matta (250-73) is embarking on his 10th season at Ohio State.