There was a lot to take away from the Ohio State basketball practice on Thursday morning, but the biggest one was loud and clear.
Amongst drills and competition, there was a lot of chatter. But in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center, there was one voice in particular that was bouncing off the gym walls the most. That was John Mobley Jr.
The rising junior is stepping into a much bigger role for the Ohio State basketball team this season. He's more than just the expected number-one option; he's also expected to be the leader of this team heading into 2026-27.
The role of the leader was held by Bruce Thornton for the past four years. The all-time leading scorer at Ohio State was also a four-time captain for the first time in program history. That makes this position even tougher to replace. However, Mobley seems to have taken over the role, and he's running with it.
"Juni's leadership has been one of the best parts about our summer," Diebler said Thursday morning. "Obviously losing Bruce was a void for us in the leadership front, and Juni has stepped in and really taken that to a whole other level."
Mobley making a leap as a leader was at the top of the offseason discussions, and he's gotten comfortable in the role a lot faster than the Buckeyes head coach anticipated.
"He and I talked about how important that was going to be," Diebler added. "I knew he could do it, but he's been ahead of schedule as far as leadership goes for us, and that's important for this team. He's certainly not the only one, but I've been specifically impressed with his leadership."
The energy was off the charts from Mobley during practice. He had some words for freshman Vuk Lazarevic after not stepping out to contest him on a three. Later on defense, he stripped the ball that went out of bounds, leading to a turnover. That was followed by a loud scream that echoed around the gym.
Mobley is moving differently and setting the tone for this team in a big way during practices. Diebler also mentioned that he sees that energy on a daily basis and added how Mobley may have picked up a thing or two from Bruce Thornton last season.
"When you have a player like him who's dialed up like that, it helps set a tone. Bruce did that for us last year. I think Juni got a chance to watch that and sees how important it is. He is absolutely, in his own way, which is important. He can't try to be someone else in his own way. He's done it at a high level. It's really exciting for me as a coach to know you've got another player that you can rely on day-in and day-out to help set a tone."
The loud outbursts of energy aren't the only way Mobley is deciding to lead. He's pulling players aside in practice and talking them through a previous play. He has also taken the freshmen under his wing, noticeably challenging LJ Smith in 5-on-5 drills, encouraging Anthony Thompson along in shooting drills. All great ways to help build chemistry.
For the Ohio State basketball program to take that next step, it all starts with John Mobley Jr. He has the keys to this team now, and the junior looks ready to drive.
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