Ohio State basketball: Duane Washington not returning

The Ohio State basketball team won’t have Duane Washington back on the team next season as he has decided to keep his name in the NBA Draft.

Duane Washington was one of the best players that the Ohio State basketball team had a year ago. In fact, one could argue he was the best player they had down the stretch. he was the only player they had that could consistently create his own shot.

They won’t have him back next season as Washington has decided to continue with the Pro route. This is according to Jeff Goodman of Stadium, who broke the news on Twitter.

Washington will now go Pro one way or the other. I’m still a little shaky on whether or not Washington will get drafted by a team. He has impressed in a few showcase games that have allowed him to get an NBA Combine invitation.

If he doesn’t get drafted, he can always try to play overseas or try the G League. I have a feeling those are going to be his options because of his lack of playmaking and defensive skills. Those are skills he can certainly improve though. I do think he can be a solid bench guy on an NBA roster someday.

Unfortunately, this leaves the Buckeyes in a much worse situation heading into next season. They could have been a preseason top 5 team. Now, they are probably going to be a top 20 team. This puts more pressure on the rest of the players who are still there.

As long as E.J. Liddell comes back, this team still has a team chance to do something at the end of the season.