The Ohio State men’s basketball season gets started tonight, as the Buckeyes host Oakland at 6:00 p.m. ET.
As is every year with collegiate sports, especially basketball, there is a lot of turnover. That is no different for head coach Chris Holtmann, and there were additions and subtractions from last years team that went 16-19, and missed the NCAA Tournament.
The team isn’t nearly as young as it was last season, with multiple veterans returning with a good amount of experience. Let’s start out by introducing the freshman class, and who should be contributors right away, followed by who will break out and the starting lineup, and my guess as to how this season plays out.
(Note: All rankings are according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.)
Point guard Taison Chatman
The #1 recruit in Minnesota and #33 in the country! Buckeye Nation, meet @tchat04 ! pic.twitter.com/tUlc4Kw7va
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) October 28, 2023
What to know
The top rated player of the Buckeyes 2023 recruiting class, Chatman was the No. 33 overall prospect. At 6-foot, 4-inches, he brings much needed size at the position. He should play immediately.
Small forward Scotty Middleton
Let’s meet @ScottyMiddleto9 who was a five-star prospect ranked 34th nationally by ESPN! pic.twitter.com/pZER0gkAI4
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) October 31, 2023
What to know
The small forward was ranked as the No. 60 prospect, who played for an impressive program in Kansas. At 6-foot, 6-inches, he won’t handle the ball much, but can put up some points. Most likely you’ll see a little of Middleton early in the year, then less minutes as the Big Ten grind begins.
Small forward Devin Royal
Time to meet Pickerington native and 2023 Mr. Basketball in the state of Ohio, @DevinRoyal7 ! pic.twitter.com/awS3XuYtZr
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) November 2, 2023
What to know
The reigning Mr. Basketball of Ohio, Royal has a good inside-out playing style that will work well for Holtmann’s offense. He reminds me of former Buckeye E.J. Liddell, and if Royal turns out like the recently extended New Orleans Pelican, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. He was ranked as the No. 52 player in the nation. Royal should get plenty of playing time.
Power forward Austin Parks
Get to know 6’10 freshman from St. Marys, Ohio, @AustinParks2023 ! Now you’ve met all the Team 125 newcomers, and we’ll see you at the Schott Monday! pic.twitter.com/okigILIOIK
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) November 5, 2023
What to know
Parks bring some impressive size, at 6-foot, 10-inches, but don’t expect him to play right away. He’s behind two big time contributors, so a redshirt is the most likely scenario for the No. 180 recruit in the class.
Transfer additions
.@EvanMahaffey5 is back in Ohio! The sophomore from Cincinnati played one season at Penn State and is excited to represent the home team now! pic.twitter.com/f6T1Fc3OZJ
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) October 20, 2023
Who
The Buckeyes brought in three transfers during the offseason; small forward Jamison Battle, shooting guard Dale Bonner, and small forward Evan Mahaffey. Battle and Mahaffey, both played inside the conference last year, and should see plenty of playing time. Bonner wasn’t much of contributor at Baylor, so it will be interesting to see how much playing time he gets.
Losses
Wishing @bricepsensa good luck in his rookie season with the @utahjazz !#DevelopedHere pic.twitter.com/y9NPZ08mwc
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) October 26, 2023
Who
We all know about Brice Sensabaugh leaving to the NBA, and his shoes will be filled by multiple players. Guards Issac Likekele and Sean McNeil graduated and moved on, while Eugene Brown III and Tanner Holden found new homes via the portal.
Projecting the starting lineup
👀 Forward Jamison Battle has been named to the Julius Erving Award watchlist!@battletime510 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/sizNibbLPZ
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) October 25, 2023
Starters
Point guard – Bruce Thornton
Shoot guard – Roddy Gayle Jr.
Small forward – Devin Royal
Power forward – Jamison Battle
Center – Zed Key
Bench contributors
ICYMI: Watch Coach Holtmann, Jamison Battle, and Bruce Thornton's live segment from Big Ten Network yesterday! pic.twitter.com/oyTPFfMxIL
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) October 11, 2023
Who
Felix Okpara was forced into to play due to Key getting injured, and it paid off for his progression. He may even force his way into the starting lineup if the senior isn’t productive. Mahaffey should see some time and so could Bonner. Middleton could get more run if he gets acclimated to this level quickly. The rotation won’t be too large, but it should be enough too …
Season prediction
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫 • The 125th season of Ohio State Men’s Basketball begins tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/UIptHKwsnE
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) November 5, 2023
Outlook
This team has the ability to win around 20 games, but it really depends on how well it plays in-conference. Just three teams are currently ranked, Michigan State, Purdue, and Illinois, so it’s not like in years past. There will surely be some teams that will land in the top 25, but Ohio State is one of those. I also believe the Buckeyes make it back to the NCAA Tournament, although winning it is a long shot. It should still be a good season in Columbus, one that hopefully leads to bigger things down the road.
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