Ohio State basketball: When will recruiting turn into wins?

The Ohio State basketball team is looking to turn the page and move forward from last season. We all know that it was the worst season the program has endured in over 25 years. There’s nothing that can be done about that. All they can do is move forward.

But if you look at Chris Holtmann’s tenure with the team thus far, his recruiting has been very strong. Last year, he had a top-ten class coming in. He has another one on its way for this season. Yet, even despite that strong class a year ago, they finished under .500.

So when will the great recruiting classes translate into wins when the team needs them most? The Buckeyes have yet to make it past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament when they’ve been able to make it that far. Holtmann has no Sweet 16s or conference championships.

If there was ever going to be a year where it happens, this year has to be that year. There is a ton of turnover with this roster, with the Buckeyes adding eight new players. The talent is good enough to get the team to the NCAA Tournament, but can they call play with enough chemistry to make it happen?

I think that the Ohio State basketball team will get back to the NCAA Tournament this year. I think the improvement of Bruce Thornton will be a big reason why. He took a huge step forward at the end of last season and showed he’s ready to become a leader.

But until they prove me wrong about making it past the first weekend of the tournament, I refuse to belive that they will. I won’t be fooled again. I do hope that Holtmann proves me wrong. For his sake and for Ohio State basketball fans’ sake.