With Jared Sullinger limited due to injury against South Carolina it was up to Deshaun Thomas to step forward against the Gamecocks. The former Indiana Mr.s Basketball was able to do just that, as he scored a career high 30 points and helped the Buckeyes avoid a road upset. The performance was also enough to earn him Big Ten Player of the Week honors:
Player of the Week
Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State
F - So. - 6-7 - Fort Wayne, Ind. - Bishop Luers
· Averaged 26.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in Ohio State's wins over USC Upstate (82-58) and on the road against South Carolina (74-66)
· Posted a career-high 30 points against South Carolina, adding six rebounds and three assists in the road victory
· Recorded 23 points and three assists against USC Upstate
· Shot 74.2 percent from the field for the week, including 81.3 percent against the Gamecocks
· Earns his first Player of the Week award
· Last Ohio State Player of the Week: Jon Diebler (March 7, 2011)
It is Thomas' first Player of the Week honor in his Ohio State career.