Ohio State basketball: Brice Sensabaugh drafted by Jazz 28th

The Ohio State basketball program has done a good job of sending players into the NBA under Chris Holtmann. Since he’s taken the job, four Buckeyes have been drafted. A fifth was added tonight after Brice Sensabaugh was taken 28th overall by the Jazz after just one season in college.

Sensabaugh averaged 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in his lone season with the Ohio State basketball program. He also shot it 48% from the field and 40.5% from three. Quite frankly, he was the only source of consistent offense for the Buckeyes.

His scoring ability is what is going to make him valuable in the NBA. Sensabuagh can make tough shots with guys in his face just as easily as he can when he’s wide open. He’s going to make an immediate impact off the bench as a scorer as a rookie.

If he wants to be a starter though, he has to improve his defense and his playmaking. He showed very little interest in defense at Ohio State. He has the body to be a versatile defender on the wing, but he needs to increase his effort on that end of the floor.

Sensabaugh can pass, he just needs to show more of a willingness to do so. Those are things that he can improve on as he matures as a professional. Right now, he’s not going to do anything other than come in and get some buckets off the bench. He’s one of the best pure scorers in this draft.

I’m looking forward to following his NBA career. I think he can be a nice piece for the Jazz, who are a rebuilding team. In Utah, he can grow and make mistakes. He’s not going to be needed to contribute to winning right away.

I think this is a good spot for Sensabaugh and I’m excited to see how he plays as a rookie.