David Lighty's more valuable than you think

On any list of college basketball's best glue guys, you're certain to find the name David Lighty.

And in last night's 89-70 over Illinois, the Ohio State senior guard proved why.

He finished with 21 points, six steals, four rebounds, and two assists. He scored 17 of his points in the second half, including a stretch early in the second half where he scored 13 straight points after Illinois had cut a 15 point lead down to seven.

"I've said since the beginning: I love him," Illinois head coach Bruce Weber told reporters after the game. "I think he's the MVP. He probably won't get it because people aren't smart enough. But he's their heart and soul."

"If you have a Lighty, a heart and soul who comes every day and does what you need. We just don’t have that toughness, that leadership — that difference-maker," Weber said.

And that, precisely, is why Lighty is such a perfect fit for this Ohio State team. Lighty isn't great at any one thing. He doesn't have one skill that is NBA ready. He's one of those guys that can do everything on a basketball, and can do it well. He rebounds the ball, he defends, he can hit a three, he can get to the rim and dunk on you, and he can even play a little bit of point guard or power forward if the situation calls for it.

What makes Lighty such an important piece to this Ohio State team is that they already have every piece you need to be a successful basketball team. Aaron Craft is the point guard. Jon Diebler is the shooter. William Buford is the slasher and the mid-range scorer. Jared Sullinger is the post presence. Dallas Lauderdale is the enforcer.

And Lighty?

Lighty is the guy that picks up the slack. He's the guy that does the dirty work. He's the guy that steps in and helps handle the ball if Craft is being pressured, or hits the defensive glass if an opponent is getting too many second chances, or switches onto an opponent that has the hot hand.

I've written a lot in this space about teams lacking the leadership needed to win big games.

Lighty is the perfect example of what a team leader should be.