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Ohio State Basketball: Newcomers making a big impact for the Buckeyes

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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Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann lost three key players from last year’s team but his new players have filled in nicely.

After losing three starters from last year’s Ohio State basketball team most thought it would be a rebuilding year for coach Chris Holtmann. But a graduate transfer and true freshmen have made an immediate impact and the Buckeyes are off to a fast start.

Holtmann tried to recruit Keyshawn Woods before he took over the head coaching job at Ohio State and finally got him as a graduate transfer. And he is certainly glad he did.

Woods brings experience and leadership this young team needs and is willing to take over on offense when it is needed.

He is averaging 8.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

It’s hard to explain what freshman Luther Muhammad has meant to the team. You just have to watch him play to appreciate it.

Even though Muhammad was a highly ranked recruit he doesn’t care about stats. He would rather stop the opponent’s best player from scoring 10 points than hitting double figures himself, although he often does.

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Muhammad is averaging 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

Duane Washington Jr. has been a solid player off the bench who can get hot shooting the basketball at times, especially from beyond the three point line. And he has no problem pulling the trigger in crunch time. This kid could become a star.

Washington is averaging 8.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 points per game.

Jaedon LeDee is a work in progress but gives coach Holtmann another big guy off the bench to spell Kaleb Wesson. He hasn’t yet become a force on offense but is active on the defensive end and he hits the boards.

LaDee is averaging 4 points and 2.2 rebounds in just 6.9 minutes per game.

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These new players have been integral in the Buckeyes’ 12-1 start and it is impressive how they have accepted their roles on this year’s team. Like the rest of Chris Holtmann’s players, they do whatever is required of them on a game by game basis.

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