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COLUMBUS — Reporters and photographers gathered around Ohio State's probable starting center Thursday, wanting perspective on the hyped Buckeyes basketball team.

Matt Terwilliger answered all questions during Media Day at the Schottenstein Center.

"It kind of puts me in a leadership role," said Terwilliger, a 6-foot-8 junior from Troy. "It's a chance for me to showcase what I can do and help the team."

Greg Oden? Yeah, he was there, too. But all the heralded newcomers are under OSU's don't-ask-they-can't-talk policy.

Until the 7-foot-1 Oden recovers from wrist surgery, Terwilliger, junior college transfer Othello Hunter (6-9) and Ivan Harris (6-7) are the tallest. Harris and Terwilliger averaged 9.1 and 10.4 minutes, respectively.

Before Oden's projected Jan. 1 return, OSU's big men face a daunting nonconference schedule against centers like Player of the Year candidates Tyler Hansbrough of North Carolina and Joakim Noah of Florida.

"This, hopefully, will be a great year for Matt," Ohio State coach Thad Matta said. "I think he's looking and saying, 'Hey, I've got a great opportunity ahead of me here.' "

Terwilliger, Harris, Jamar Butler and Ron Lewis are the only returners from last year's 26-6 team. The Buckeyes won the league. They made the NCAA tourney but fell to Georgetown at UD Arena.

Freshmen Oden, Daequan Cook, David Lighty, Mike Conley and Hunter — dubbed the Thad Five — must play early. The team starts 2006-07 with nine healthy eligible players.

"I told the young guys we've got four guys in there that have a Big Ten championship ring," Matta said. "They know what it takes and hopefully, they'll teach you and you need to have your eyes and ears open to pick up on what we're doing."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-6951

or mgokavi@DaytonDailyNews.com.