Ohio State head coach Chris Holtamm was made available to select reporters on Tuesday to provide an update on the Ohio State basketball program. Things have been shelved for the time-being like almost everything else because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there was still a lot to discuss.
Here’s a bullet-point summary of some high notes that were a part of the call.
On the past season:
- Holtmann was pleased with last year. Obviously there was the rough patch in January, but the team had the highest AP ranking of his three years in Columbus and also had its highest offensive and defensive efficiency numbers. Both were top twenty nationally. The team finished No. 9 in the Ken Pom.
- He felt like with the way the team was playing at the end of the year, that the Buckeyes could have done some damage in the postseason.
Next … Going forward
On next year:
- The staff will count on the older guys to take that next step for next year. Guys like Duane Washington, C.J. Walker, and Kyle Young have to be a big part of what they do next season.
- Holtmann is also excited about E.J. Liddell taking a further step in his game, and also what the two freshman (Zed Key and Eugene Brown III) can bring to the program.
- He likes the roster in the offseason. So much so that Holtmann said he feels the best of any offseason he’s been a head coach.
- The team won’t have a traditional five (big-man) next year. They will have to look at how they do things and will play differently offensively and defensively. Kaleb Wesson did a lot from that standpoint. E.J. Lidell does provide some rim protection. Kyle Young will need to get better at that and some of the younger guys as well.
- It was inferred that Kyle Young will get the first crack at the five spot, with Liddell playing between the four and five next season. The game has evolved towards no traditional big across the country anyhow.
Next … the roster changes and such
On roster turnover:
- Kaleb Wesson is committed to NBA process and the program fully supports that. Both Wessons will be significant losses. Holtmann all but confirmed OSU’s leading scorer will not be back next season.
- On transfers – players want a situation where they are playing a different position or want more shot attempts. A lot of players that transfer, don’t necessarily get what they’re looking for at the next stop, but the culture is one of support. At some point, it is probably best for both if a kid wants to entertain moving on.
- Holtmann likes a philosophy of having kids that are going to be in the program multiple years and develop rather than taking a lot of one-and-done type players. He says the program will always be built around that, but that if it’s the right fit, he’ll take a kid that might not be around long and wants to be a part of Ohio State and winning a championship.
- Building a roster around transfers is happening more and more. Ohio State is actually not unique. During his time, the Buckeyes are about average in that category in the Big Ten, and below average across your major programs. Holtmann believes there will be less turnover though in the upcoming years with his teams.
Next … Dealing with the pandemic
On activities during the COVID-19 measures:
- The coronavirus measures have allowed Holtmann to spend more time with his family and “evaluate his wife’s cooking” which she appreciates. “She’s a better cook than she gives herself credit for.” He really enjoys his job — he’s reminded of that when it’s taken away.
- The players have been given workouts to do at home while away. E.J. Liddell goes to his high school track and his mom runs with him. But it’s not the same as being on campus and being monitored and evaluated in person.
- He and Ryan Day talk a bit and bounce ideas off each other. He also had a conversation with Urban Meyer and he provided some insight. He holds meetings via Zoom! once a week to touch base collectively with the team.
- Holtmann says he’s watched a few of the classic games being re-aired. He watched the Michigan home game from last year. His family also went to YouTube and watched the 2012 Final Four game with Kansas. He may dial up the Final Four from ’07 next.
- Tony Dungy was on a with a Zoom team meeting yesterday. He talked about a couple of the strike years and how they were able to utilize the time apart. When they returned they had a real closeness and bond. He had some Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison stories. The kids on the team didn’t really know Harrison. Yes, it’s okay to feel old.
Next … On specific players
On Harvard graduate transfer Seth Towns:
- Towns is a really mature young man having graduated from Harvard. He brings a real maturity and got great coaching under Tommy Amaker. Holtmann and staff feel like his shooting provides a real specific opportunity and need for the team. He still has to get to a place of full health. If that happens though, they are really excited for his addition over the next couple of years.
On Justice Sueing:
- He’s a good, smart kid, but he’ll have to transition to Big Ten basketball (came from Pac-12). He still has to get healthy. It was good to have him around in practice. He’s hard to keep in front and is great at getting to the paint at a high level.
On Duane Washington:
- The staff will rely on him significantly next season. He emerged in a lot of ways. He had some critical moments and critical games and did well with the ball in his hands. He has a tremendous amount of upside, is young for his class and is still growing into the type of player he will be. He played a very big role late, and it will no doubt increase this coming year.
On players currently rehabilitating:
Justice Sueing, Kyle Young, Musa Jallow, and Seth Towns are all dealing with coming back from injury. That has been hampered by the time off, but Holtmann believes all will be available and healthy when called upon.
* Lori Schmidt contributed to this story.
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