1968 Final Four Team Honored at Indiana Game – Ohio State Buckeyes
2/10/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Members of the 1968 Ohio State men’s basketball team, which starred Big Ten Network analyst Bill Hosket, were recognized during pregame ceremonies against Indiana Sunday. Ohio State honored the 40th anniversary of that team, which tied for the Big Ten championship and advanced to the Final Four under the direction of legendary coach Fred Taylor.
The Buckeyes finished 21-8 that season and third in the NCAA tournament after a semifinal loss to No. 4 North Carolina and a win over No. 1 Houston in the consolation game. The Buckeyes defeated No. 5 Kentucky in Lexington to reach the Final Four. The Ohio State squad also was the first to win a Big Ten playoff game, vs. Iowa (85-81) in West Lafayette, to earn the right to represent the Big Ten in the NCAA tournament.
It was the fourth Final Four appearance for Taylor during his illustrious career, which spanned 18 seasons, five NCAA tournaments, an NCAA title in 1960, two runners-up finishes in 1961 and ’62, 297 victories and seven Big Ten titles, including a league record five-consecutive conference crowns from 1960-1964.
Hosket, who went on to play in the NBA and was a member of the 1968 Ohio State Olympic Team, has fond memories of his collegiate teammates, coaches and managers. He discussed the 1967-68 team, the current Ohio State squad and the recent resignation of Texas Tech head coach and Ohio State graduate Bob Knight.
