Ohio State basketball: Three players to make a jump next season

Ohio State basketball: Three players that need to make a jump next season

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 11: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Ohio State Buckeyes talks with Bruce Thornton #2 against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament at United Center on March 11, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Roddy Gayle showed some good things at the end of the season for the Ohio State basketball team. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Roddy Gayle Jr.

The rising sophomore had a strong finish to his freshman season as well. He showed a lot of bright spots by showcasing his unique scoring ability in the Big Ten Tournament when Brice Sensabaugh went down with an injury.

Gayle proved last season how pesky of a defender he can be on opposing guards. There is no doubt with his tenacious defense and scoring repertoire that he can be one of the best two-way guards in the Big Ten this upcoming season.

One thing I would like to see Gayle do more is crash the glass effectively. Teams will focus on boxing out Zed Key and Felix Okpara, so Gayle can be forgotten about. With his quickness and high vertical, he could explode past the guard trying to box him out with ease.

A reasonable goal that is attainable for a player like Roddy Gayle Jr is pulling down five rebounds a game. Last season he was known for making energy plays, and was an explosive guard rising up for a rebound for an extra possession will certainly keep the energy high.

The third and final player is someone that takes up space in the paint.

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