It is official, Ohio State basketball will not be playing in a postseason tournament. Head coach Chris Holtmann hinted even before the brackets were revealed that the Buckeyes might end up skipping whatever tournament wanted them due to injury concerns.
That is exactly what happened and now the Buckeyes have entered their offseason after what many have viewed as a disappointing 16-19 campaign.
That might not be correct as I will look back at what next year could look like, areas the returning players need to improve on, and a move that could make this team a big-time contender next year. Find out below my thoughts on this very important offseason for the Ohio State basketball program.
The emergence of Bruce Thornton
The future, it's so bright. 😎
Watch Bruce Thornton's #B1GMBBT highlight reel ⤵️.@Bruce2T_ x @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/bQW7g6aCan
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) March 12, 2023
Thoughts
As we saw, Thornton finished the year strong, being named a captain, making the Big Ten all-tournament team, and finding his shooting stroke. Along with Brice Sensabaugh, these two freshmen started the majority of the year and by the end of it, both weren’t playing like they are less than a year out of high school. Point guards run the collegiate game, especially in tournament environments and if Thornton continues playing like he did the last few weeks, Ohio State will have its unquestioned floor general next year.
The progression of Roddy Gayle Jr.
Gayle Jr. ONCE MORE! 💥 @roddy_gayle x @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/JFvW5vQTst
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 10, 2023
Thoughts
It might come as a surprise after seeing what transpired during the course of the season, but Gayle Jr. was actually the highest-rated prospect that Ohio State signed in 2022 according to the 247Sports composite. He was the last of the four freshmen to really make his mark, but when he finally did, the guard showed why he was a top recruit.
Although it took a Sensabaugh injury for the breakout, Gayle Jr. made the most of it, scoring 15 and then 20 points in the final two contests. He was blistering from beyond the arc, hitting 8-of-9 shots. Not only that, his rebound numbers went up too, showing a much-improved knack for contributing across the board. Gayle Jr. needs to show some consistency and that will start this offseason. Working on his knowledge of the offense while also focusing on his ball handling will go a long way in his development.
The improvements by Felix Okpara
FELIX OKPARA SAYS ❌!@OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/QkbRG9tE9D
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 9, 2023
Thoughts
Once Zed Key went down, it looked like the Buckeyes were going to have issues at center. It was true, they did, but it wasn’t due to the play of Okpara. Everything seemed to click for the Nigerian, who really hasn’t played much basketball at all. He’s just learning the game and is so raw but very talented.
Okpara is a force around the rim, on both sides of the ball, but he also needs to put in some summer work. The development of a back-to-the-basket game is a must, along with getting stronger, especially in his lower half. Getting Key back and pairing him with Okpara next year gives the Buckeyes some much-needed frontcourt depth.
Sensabaugh watch is on
Brice Sensabaugh (@bricepsensa) nearly brought rain on this one. ☂️#B1GMBBT x @OHioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/DKFgITLgZV
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 9, 2023
Thoughts
April 23rd is the NBA early entry deadline and Sensabaugh is on the clock. Many of us expect him to leave, but with the new rules, he’ll have until June 12th to make his final decision. We have seen more than a few Buckeyes recently make the unexpected jump but this one actually isn’t surprising. Sensabaugh is projected by many to be selected in the upper portion of the draft, but a lot of his decision will depend on feedback from his workouts and draft camp. We are all waiting to see what happens.
Team needs to get bigger
Future Ohio State Buckeye Devin Royal leads Pickerington Central (OH) back to the OHSAA final 4️⃣👀 @PCTigersHoops @DevinRoyal7 @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/f77Q4ZWwEb
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) March 11, 2023
Thoughts
It’s not like anyone can grow much more at this point, but what Holtmann can do is recruit larger, athletic players. The game has evolved and there are much more players above 6-foot, 8-inches that possess a guard-like skill set. Having the versatility to dribble-drive and shoot a three would make this team so much more efficient. The four-out, one-in system could still work but in the last two games, it’s become evident that larger forwards that can back down smaller guards give the Buckeyes a big disadvantage. Another avenue is the transfer portal so there are options to fix this.
The calls for Holtmann to be fired were unwarranted
Chris Holtmann tells Columbus Post-Dispatch he isn't going anywhere, sticking with Ohio State. Happy to hear this. great guy who is right man for job.
— Dick Weiss (@HoopsWeiss) March 14, 2023
Thoughts
Holtmann wasn’t dealt a bad hand, it was more like an unlucky one. Not only did Malaki Branham leave for the NBA after one year, but who could have imagined Zed Key being injured for more than 60% of the year? The Buckeye coach showed during the conference tournament that he’s still one of the best, and his peers agreed. Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Purdue’s Matt Painter both praised Holtmann, and they weren’t throw-away comments. The “courtship” of him with other teams should tell you how well-respected he is in the coaching world. Yes, he had a down year, but Holtmann is great for this program.
Do whatever is needed to get Bronny James
BRONNY JAMES SENIOR MIXTAPE 🔥 @0BronnyJames pic.twitter.com/JVTdFzycn6
— Overtime (@overtime) March 8, 2023
Thoughts
The son of LeBron has officially visited one school, Ohio State. There are plenty of ties for him to return home, even if his family is currently in California. His father has always said that if he played in college, it would have been in Columbus. Bronny has that opportunity. He’s more than good enough to play at this level and would attract a lot of eyes. It would be great for the program even if he sticks around for just one year.
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