Ohio State basketball: Is Brice Sensabaugh a first-round pick?

There weren’t a whole lot of bright spots in the last Ohio State basketball season. The Buckeyes finished under .500 and missed the NCAA Tournament. It was the worst season the program has had in 20 years. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom for certain members of the team.

The disappointing season did see the rise of Brice Sensabaugh. The freshman was a bright spot on the team. For most of the season, Sensabaugh was the only reliable source of offense. He averaged 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists a game. He also shot 48% from the field and 40.5% from three.

Because of his good season, Sensabaugh becomes the latest one-and-done for the Ohio State basketball program. He declared for the draft with the possibility to come back. He declared because he believes that he will end up being a lottery pick.

Is that the case? Is Sensabaugh good enough to be a lottery pick? I’m on the fence. He didn’t show any ability to defend in college. He didn’t show an ability to play-make either. When he got the ball, it was going to be shot unless he was double-teamed or triple-teamed.

I do think Sensabugh will be a first-round pick. Being able to score tough baskets is a rare skill that a lot of NBA players don’t have. He just needs to increase his effort on defense. Because of his ability to hit tough shots, he’s a good player to have come off the bench.

The lottery order will be determined next week. At that point, we will find out which team has what pick. That will give us a clearer picture of where Sensabaugh could end up. Certain teams need a wing more than others, especially later in the lottery.

I don’t think Sensabaugh lasts after the 20th pick. Some team will scoop him up by then. That means he won’t be returning to Ohio State either.