It has been a rocky first season for Jake Diebler as the coach of the Ohio State basketball team. The Buckeyes are just 6-4 so far this season and have been non-competitive in two of their last three games, only having a win against Rutgers to break that up.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have also been without Aaron Bradshaw for most of the season. He has played in just two games after being expected to be the starting center. He hasn't played since because he was investigated for a domestic incident. Bradshaw is back with the team.
Now, the Buckeyes are going to be without another starter for an indefinite amount of time. Meechie Johnson, who transferred back to Ohio State after two years away at South Carolina, is taking an indefinite leave of absence right before the Valparaiso game.
Ohio State basketball player Meechie Johnson is away from the program
Johnson has had a rough start to the season. So far, he has averaged 9.1 points per game on just 35.6% shooting. He's shooting virtually the same from three. Johnson has the worst shooting percentage on the team, and it has been noticeable early on.
It's strange for him to want to be away from the team right now, but it's something the Buckeyes will have to roll with. Juni Mobley will likely step into the starting lineup. He has had some hot shooting nights and the Buckeyes clearly need his scoring with Johnson out.
It's unclear how long Johnson will be gone from the team. It's also unclear when Bradshaw will return, although he is back at practice. Ohio State can't survive without them for much longer. They have to play another top-five team in Kentucky this weekend.
Whatever Johnson's issue is, let's hope he gets it sorted out properly.