Perhaps an asterisk may be more appropriate than an honorable mention for the 1998-99 Buckeye season.

In the official NCAA record book, this team never existed. Recruiting violations under former Ohio State coach Jim O’Brien’s staff resulted in NCAA penalties that included the forfeiture of the 1998-99 Final Four appearance and a postseason ban.

Nevertheless, this was certainly a successful season for Buckeye basketball, especially since the program had missed the NCAA Tournament entirely the previous six years. Yes, there have been better Ohio State teams and seasons, but considering preseason expectations, it earns an honorable mention.

Buckeye fans will remember this team for its backcourt of Scoonie Penn and Michael Redd, who combined to average more than 35 points a game for the scarlet and gray. Penn scored 22 points and Redd added 20 in Ohio State’s thrilling victory over Ron Artest’s St. John’s squad to earn a surprising spot in the Final Four.