Morehead State Coach Donnie Tyndall, whose team lost at Ohio State by 19 in November, sees the Buckeyes as a cut above Kentucky and almost all other teams still playing in the NCAA Tournament.

"I certainly think Kentucky's got a chance," Tyndall said Tuesday of the upcoming UK-Ohio State Sweet 16 game. "But, in my humble opinion, Ohio State, Kansas and Duke are the three best teams in college basketball that remain."

When asked what separated Ohio State, Kansas and Duke from other contenders, Tyndall said, "Experience. Not only are they talented, well coached and very good players, but they're experienced."

Ohio State plays three seniors and a junior in its seven-man rotation. The first-year players include Jared Sullinger, who was announced Tuesday as The Sporting News National Freshman of the Year.

"They're a very complete team," Tyndall said of the Buckeyes, the overall No. 1 seed in this NCAA Tournament. "That's the word I'd use."

The Morehead State coach noted athletic wings in junior William Buford, senior David Lighty and freshman Deshaun Thomas.

In senior Jon Diebler, Ohio State has "arguably the best shooter in college basketball," Tyndall said. Diebler, the program's career leader in three-point baskets, has made half of his 220 attempts from beyond the arc this season.

Buford (44.4 percent), Lighty (43.5 percent) and freshman point guard Aaron Craft (38.8 percent) join Dieb ler as capable three-point shooters.

Sullinger is a low-post hammer. "Top-five player in America," Tyndall said.

And senior Dallas Lauderdale, a member of the All-Big Ten defensive team in 2009-10, is a presence around the basket.

"The only question mark they possibly could have is point guard play," Tyndall said. "Craft reminds me of a poor man's Bobby Hurley. He's tough, heady. He's probably much better than people give him credit for."

Morehead State's matchup zone limited Sullinger to eight points and eight rebounds. In that game, Diebler made four of seven three-point shots and scored 20 points.

As for a Kentucky game plan against Ohio State, Tyndall said, "I would not double Sullinger. Those wings and guards are too good. I think (Josh) Harrellson has the girth and 'physicality'; he's not going to shut him down, but limit him some.

"And make the other players make plays off the dribble rather than doubling (Sullinger), and they end up with open looks on the weak side."

Matta: Sullinger No. 1

Ohio State Coach Thad Matta welcomed the news that The Sporting News had named Sullinger as the National Freshman of the Year this season.

"I think he is the best freshman in the country," Matta said.

Besides endorsing one of his own players, Matta said he appreciated the many contributions Sullinger made to Ohio State this season.

"The first team that double-teamed us, he led us in assists," Matta said. "He leads us in charges taken.

"He does all the little things and he produces on a consistent basis. That's what I love about Jared: just his consistency every time he takes the court."

The Sporting News also named Sullinger a first-team All-American.

Matta: UK is like Florida

Matta said UK wasn't all that similar to any one of Ohio State's opponents this season. The Cats shared traits with several opponents, he said.

The Ohio State coach likened UK to Florida in terms of size and athleticism, and to Florida State in terms of athleticism.