Jake Diebler has solidified key components for his second season.
The Buckeyes added their likely final piece with German guard Mathieu Grujicic, who aims to enhance depth on the wing and in the backcourt while adapting to college life alongside freshmen A’mare Bynum and Myles Herro. They will join four transfer portal signees: center Christoph Tilly (Santa Clara), forwards Josh Ojianwuna (Baylor) and Brandon Noel (Wright State), and guard Gabe Cupps (Indiana).
With one more roster spot available for Ohio State to reach the 15-player limit, finding someone impactful at this stage seems unlikely.
Entering his second year, Diebler faces a critical season with a returning trio of stars: Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr., and Devin Royal. Ohio State has missed three consecutive NCAA Tournaments, and attendance at Value City Arena is at an all-time low, partially due to a lack of weekend home games.
The Buckeyes’ success will largely depend on the transfers performing better than last season, where only one—Micah Parrish—was notably successful. Several others, like Meechie Johnson Jr. and Aaron Bradshaw, faced injuries and inconsistency. While Parrish and Ques Glover exhausted their eligibility, Ohio State also needs to develop its inexperienced reserves.
There are reasons for optimism as well. The team boasts considerable experience, potential for great guard play, and a likelihood of effective floor spacing. A breakdown of Diebler’s roster highlights both strengths and weaknesses.
Potential Strengths
Backcourt
Basketball is a star-centric sport, and yet again, Thornton will be leading the charge. He has been the top scorer for Ohio State and has excelled in spotting assists too. The addition of Mobley, who is developing well, further strengthens their backcourt. The depth behind them remains uncertain but promising players like Chatman and Cupps could support the effort.
Skill
Thornton and Mobley both had impressive three-point shooting percentages last season, while Noel offers handy range. Maintaining spacing and refining their offensive skills will be crucial, especially given last year’s struggles in the frontcourt.
Experience
With four out of the projected starters being upperclassmen with extensive NCAA experience, Diebler shifted focus to bringing in seasoned players this year. All projected starters have shown scoring ability over their previous seasons, resulting in significant advantages.
Concerns
Transfer Integration
The potential success of the new transfers is uncertain, as previous years have shown mixed results from portal additions. Players like Noel and Tilly must transition smoothly from mid-major competitions to the Big Ten level, which has historically posed challenges for many transfers.
Defense and Rebounding
Improved rebounding and defense are essential, as the Buckeyes struggled last season in these metrics. Quality performances in both areas will be crucial for the success of newcomers Tilly and Noel.
Wing Play
Ohio State has four wings, each with varying degrees of concern. Royal is a definite star, while the development of Grujicic and White presents questions. Their effectiveness in translating skills from international play to the NCAA will be closely monitored.
