Ohio State basketball: 3 things to learn about Buckeyes vs Chaminade

Ohio State basketball: 3 things to learn about Buckeyes in exhibition game vs Chaminade

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 12: Head Basketball Coach Chris Holtmann (r) talks with Zed Key #23 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of a college basketball game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 12, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the game 68-57 over the Michigan Wolverines. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

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Can the Ohio State basketball team have a better defense? Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Did the Ohio State basketball team’s defense improve?

The focus this off-season for the Ohio State basketball team was improving their play on the defensive end of the floor. Holtmann made it a point in practice to work on the team’s defense.

The Buckeyes were horrid on defense last season. They ranked 111th according to KenPom in adjusted defensive efficiency, and their performance on the boards was atrocious.

One thing Holtmann did to help this team improve on defense was go into the transfer portal and land graduate transfer Isaac “Ice” Likekele from Oklahoma State. Likekele is very active on defense and can realistically guard any position. He will be the Buckeyes’ leader on defense. The energy and physicality Likekele brings will help boost Ohio State on defense tremendously.

I think the Buckeyes will improve on defense this season compared to what it was last season. We will find out tonight how much work they put in on that end of the floor. They also need to protect the rim better, which they failed to do at times last year.

Having a new roster means there are more opportunities to be given. Who could we see in the starting lineup to begin the season?

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