Columbus, OH

Ohio State Buckeyes senior guard William Buford looks to step up his game to the next level as he tries to erase the memories of last year's NCAA tournament disappointment.

Buford, the only returning senior for Ohio State this season, said he's ready to assume the leadership roles left by Jon Diebler, David Lighty and Dallas Lauderdale, who all ended their college hoops career in a 62-60 loss to Kentucky in their pulsating Sweet Sixteen contest last spring.

Buford admitted his poor shooting percentage (2-for-16 from the field) hurt his team's cause that night.

"I shot 2-for-16," Buford told the Lantern.com during the team's media day Friday. "I had the shot to win the game. It was just crazy. Like, I just stayed in the gym because I never want that to happen again."

According to his teammates, the previously laid-back Buford has slowly become a very vocal leader for the young and talented Buckeyes, who retain the services of Wooden Award contender Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas.

"(Buford) is more of the laid back, quiet guy, but now he's the only senior," Thomas said Fiday. "We need that senior leadership. He changed. He started talking to us more, telling us what we got to do."

Buford added he's looking to attack the basket more after being put back in his natural shooting guard position.

"I think it's better because I'm back in my position," Buford said Friday. "I think I can show what I can do more."

Outside of the Kentucky clunker Buford enjoyed a solid junior campaign, averaging 14.4 points and nearly four rebounds and three assists per contest.

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