Ohio State passed biggest test, rest of Big Ten is proving ground

The expectations of 2017-2018 were low, so Chris Holtmann went ahead and blew the bar right out of the building.

After dismantling then No. 1 Michigan State at the Schottenstein Center, Ohio State has a favorable schedule for the remainder of the regular season. The lone Top 25 opponent on the schedule is a match-up at No. 5 Purdue on February 7th.

Since Ohio State has swept the Big Ten hierarchy, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Michigan State, they’ll see the meaty center of the conference. While still tough, the teams in the middle of the pack present Holtmann’s bunch a great shot at the NCAA Tournament.

Last season, the Big Ten wasn’t favorable for the Buckeyes as they went 7-11, good enough to finish tenth in the conference. That doesn’t seem to be in the fold this season considering the poise shown thus far.

While the Buckeyes have an above-average 13-4 record, their losses were to really good teams. Three came at neutral sites against No. 15 Gonzaga, Butler, and No. 20 North Carolina. The only home loss came against No. 19 Clemson who has started off the year 14-1.

If the first portion of the schedule reflects the team the Buckeyes are in Big Ten play, they’re in a good position; they will beat the teams they should beat and give Purdue a run for their money. Anything lesser is a disappointment for the system Holtmann has built.

This team will ultimately be defined by its collection of veterans, with help from the young Buckeyes.

However, the rest of the season will test the relatively new roots of the Buckeye attack. Considering this is a team led by juniors and seniors, it seems the right roster for the task.

Before the season, I commented that senior Jae’Sean Tate will be the imperative to the tournament birth of Ohio State; he’s living up to that standard. In the Michigan State victory, Tate kept the Buckeyes cool and collected. Tate’s ability to possess the basketball ensured the Ohio State victory, as CJ Jackson seemed to lose his cool at times.

Jackson is in the midst of a revelatory season as the junior guard has looked poised in his 29.4 minutes per game. Averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, Jackson is proving an all-around player despite a 6-foot-1, 175 LBS frame.

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Meanwhile, Ohio State may have an All-American at the starting small forward. Keita Bates-Diop leads the team with 20 PPG and 8.8 RPG. Additionally, his 32 points against the top-ranked Spartans showcased the junior’s ability to dominate against top-NBA-Draft-pick-to-be, Miles Bridges.

Perhaps its freshman Kaleb Wesson who can push the Buckeyes over the top. Wesson averages 11.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest but continues to look more impressive with time. He’s done an excellent job clearing space on the boards with his box out and looks more attuned to the footwork of inside scoring.

This Ohio State team doesn’t have much tournament experience; even the juniors have never made the quest into the March Madness field. However, Chris Holtmann’s Butler Bulldogs made the Sweet 16 last season, but this team has more apparent talent.

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While the casual Ohio State fan may be remiss to follow the team thanks to failings of recent seasons, this team is legit. If this applies to you, change your lens, because these Buckeyes are here to win.

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