The Ohio State basketball program had another disappointing finish to the year. This time, they at least made the NCAA Tournament. However, they lost in the first round of March Madness to TCU after a game-winning shot was made with four seconds left.
Now that the season is over for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the first order of business for them will be dealing with the Transfer Portal. They will certainly lose some guys to the portal, but Jake Diebler has to keep these three players at all costs next season.
1. Amare Bynum
Amare Bynum perhaps has the biggest potential on this current Ohio State roster. His athleticism is something that no one else on the roster possesses. His ability to do so many different things on the floor with the ball makes him a necessary piece of the team moving forward.
Since he was just a freshman, other programs will certainly try to tamper with him, promising a big payday if he leaves the Buckeyes. Diebler must do everything he can to keep Bynum from leaving Columbus if Ohio State is going to have any success next year.
2. Devin Royal
A Pickerington native, Devin Royal is almost certainly returning to Ohio State next season. He loves the university and never truly considered going anywhere else. Next year, he would be a senior leader for the Buckeyes and one of the top offensive options.
Royal really improved his 3-point shooting this past season, shooting it at 32 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. If he can increase that efficiency to 36 or 37 percent, the Buckeyes become a much more dangerous team. Of course, Diebler has to make sure he brings him back next year first.
3. John Mobley Jr.
Similarly, John Mobley Jr. is perhaps the most important player the Buckeyes need to bring back. Mobley Jr. is the most dangerous three-point shooter that Ohio State has. He has in-the-gym range and has really improved his handle, as well. Next season, he would be Ohio State's top offensive option.
If Diebler isn't able to keep Mobley Jr., Ohio State is in a huge amount of trouble next year. Anthony Thompson will help alleviate some of the scoring load, but Mobley would give the team a level of leadership that the rest of the players on the current roster can't give.
Diebler needs to make it a priority to retain all of these players and keep them out of the Transfer Portal.