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Ohio State Basketball: Balance and effort keys to Buckeyes’ fast start

By Charlie Lockhart

ROSEMONT, IL- JANUARY 21: Butler Bulldogs head coach Chris Holtmann gives instructions to his team during the first half of a game against the DePaul Blue Demons on January 21, 2017 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
ROSEMONT, IL- JANUARY 21: Butler Bulldogs head coach Chris Holtmann gives instructions to his team during the first half of a game against the DePaul Blue Demons on January 21, 2017 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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After losing three starters, including Keita Bates-Diop the Big Ten Player of the Year, few had high expectations for this year’s Ohio State basketball team. Even though coach Chris Holtmann had to rebuild his team the Buckeyes are 10-1 and ranked No. 15 once again in the latest AP Poll.

Balanced scoring and total team effort on both ends of the court are the reasons why the Ohio State basketball team is off to a strong start.

Nine players have scored at least 10 points in a game multiple times but only two are averaging in double figures. All but two players in the rotation are scoring at least 7.0 points per game. I would say that’s balanced scoring.

There is constant movement on offense with players setting picks, rotating side to side or cutting down the lane. Those with the ball are constantly looking for the open man if they don’t have a shot which makes all five players a threat to score on any possession.

In addition to the unselfish play on offense, every player Chris Holtmann puts on the court knows he is expected to play strong defense. As a result, the Buckeyes are tied for No. 18 in scoring defense only allowing 61.9 ppg. Opponents only hitting 37.1 percent of their shots which ranks No. 8 in the country.

Here are quick takes on the things players in the rotation have brought to the court so far this season.

Kaleb Wesson 16.5 ppg:  In addition to being a force down low, the sophomore center seems to improve his all-around game every time out. When Wesson is double teamed he often finds the open man and is active on the defensive end.

C.J. Jackson 12.3 ppg and Keyshawn Woods 8.7 ppg:  The senior Jackson and graduate transfer Woods have provided great leadership for this young team. Often they just direct the offense but each will take over the scoring load when necessary.

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Kyle Young 7.5 ppg and Andre Wesson 7.0 ppg:  The sophomore Young and the junior Wesson are the kind of guys every team needs as they are willing to do whatever is required of them on a nightly basis. Even if it’s just playing strong defense, hitting the boards and distributing the ball.

Luther Muhammad 8.7 ppg and Duane Washington Jr. 8.3 ppg:  These two don’t play like true freshmen. Muhammad seems to take more pride in playing strong defense than scoring which probably explains why he is starting. Washington is a shooter coming off the bench every coach loves to have.

Jaedon LeDee 4.4ppg and Musa Jallow 3.6 ppg:  The sophomore Jallow is another player willing to do the dirty work when he comes into the game, but he can score as well and has had a couple of 11 point games recently. The true freshman LeDee is a work in progress but gives coach Holtmann a 6-9 player off the bench to spell Kaleb Wesson.

Next. Big wins, losses on 2019 Early Signing Day. dark

Coach Holtmann has done a remarkable job getting this young team to gel so quickly. There are things to improve on as they move on to the rugged Big Ten schedule, but with their team first attitude and the effort they bring every game it should be a successful season for the Buckeyes.

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