Ohio State Basketball: Replacing Kyle Young will be a team effort
In the Ohio State basketball team’s win Sunday, Kyle Young left the game with an injury. Other players picked up the slack and must continue to do so.
Kyle Young left Ohio State basketball team’s game Sunday with what was reported to be a high ankle sprain. His teammates came through though to pull out the win over the Maryland Terrapins.
It will have to continue to be a team effort to replace what Young brings to the table during the stretch drive and in tournament play. Even if he comes back soon, Young probably won’t be 100 percent for some time as is usually the case with an ankle sprain.
The junior forward isn’t exactly what you would call a force on offense averaging 7.5 points per game, but he does give the Buckeyes another presence down low at times. His strengths are the energy he brings on defense, going after nearly every rebound and every loose ball in his vicinity.
The energy he brings every night will be hard to replace, but let’s look at players who could fill in the other blanks.
First, Chris Holtmann may use his Swiss Army knife Andre Wesson on the block more often. The older Wesson brother can fill most roles when needed.
Freshman forward E.J. Liddell has been coming on strong of late and he certainly will get more playing time. I doubt you can expect a 17 point, 8 rebound performance like he had against Iowa but if he can pick up those areas of his game some it will certainly help.
Another freshman, 6-9 Alonzo Gaffney, may see more playing time as well. With his slight frame it’s not likely he can play 10-15 minutes against big forwards and centers in the conference, but a few extra minutes would help the depth.
It’s obvious the Buckeyes will go small more often with Young injured which means Justin Ahrens should see more playing time. If coach Holtmann can find a way to get the long distance sharpshooter more involved in the offense that would certainly help.
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Hopefully Kyle Young heals from his injury soon. Until then, his teammates will have to find a way to pick up the slack.