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Ohio State Basketball: Buckeyes down to 9 scholarship players

By Charlie Lockhart

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 25: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Butler Bulldogs questions a call during the second half against the Seton Hall Pirates in an NCAA college basketball game at Prudential Center on January 25, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey. Butler defeated Seton Hall 61-54. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 25: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Butler Bulldogs questions a call during the second half against the Seton Hall Pirates in an NCAA college basketball game at Prudential Center on January 25, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey. Butler defeated Seton Hall 61-54. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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The Ohio State basketball program has been more interesting in the offseason than on the court the last two years.

The Ohio State basketball team is now down to nine scholarship players on the roster. The university announced yesterday that Braxton Beverly asked for a release from his scholarship and his request was granted, and Derek Funderburk has been dismissed from the team.

The Funderburk situation isn’t all that surprising as he was red-shirted last season and was recently put on suspension by head coach Chris Holtmann. However, Beverly leaving is a bit of a head scratcher.

Even though he put up terrific numbers in high school, Beverly wasn’t heavily sought after by most major basketball programs. And with the Buckeyes being thin at the guard position, it seemed like a great opportunity for Beverly to see plenty of playing time as a freshman.

Let’s take a look at the scholarship players coach Holtmann has to work with for now beginning with the players returning from last season:

  • Micah Potter         Center    6-9  240
  • Jae’Sean Tate        Forward  6-4  230
  • C.J. Jackson             Guard      6-1  175
  • Joey Lane                Guard      6-1  180
  • Kam Williams         Guard      6-2  185
  • Andre Wesson       Forward  6-6  235
  • Keita Bates-Diop   Forward  6-7  235

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A good nucleus to work with but not very many bodies. Now a look at incoming freshmen added to the mix:

  • Kaleb Wesson  Forward  6-9  280
  • Kyle Young        Forward  6-8  205

According to multiple sources, Coach Holtmann is making a strong push to bring Eric Ayala on board for next season. Ayala is the No. 5 combo guard in the 2018 class but may possibly change his status and enter college in the fall.

I tend to agree with Bill Landis of Cleveland.com that Ohio State would have more to offer than most if Ayala makes that decision. The 6-5 guard would have an opportunity to make an impact as a freshman.

Next: Receivers in the Spotlight in 2017

Well, that’s the latest news in the short, but fast and furious tenure, of Chris Holtmann as the Ohio State basketball coach. Stay tuned for even more action that’s sure to come soon.

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