The Ohio State basketball team made the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years this past season. Jake Diebler finally got the Buckeyes back to the postseason. Unfortunately, they did not advance past the first round. They lost to TCU after allowing a game-winning shot with four seconds left.
Heading into next year, the Ohio State Buckeyes are losing a lot of talent. Bruce Thornton graduated, and they also lost Devin Royal to the Transfer Portal. One player they were hoping to have is John Mobley Jr. Mobley, who had entered the NBA Draft while retaining his eligibility.
The NBA Combine was last week, which is where teams get an in-depth look at the prospects trying to make it to the league. Mobley Jr. was always expected to be left out of the draft process, and now he has officially decided to return to school for another year.
Ohio State basketball announces the return of John Mobley Jr.
The Buckeyes announced the return of Mobley on social media.
Buckeye Nation, he’s back. #GoBucks | #FightToTheEnd pic.twitter.com/arphLdCybu
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) May 18, 2026
Having Mobley back is a massive boost for an Ohio State team that lost a lot of talent at the guard spot. They lost three guards to the portal, which left them desperate for talent. With Mobley returning, the Buckeyes have the best volume 3-point shooter back.
Mobley is able to stretch the defense because of his in-the-gym range. He is someone who can make shots off the dribble, as well as off the catch. That makes him a dangerous player, and the Buckeyes need more dangerous shooters. Bringing Mobley back helps them do just that.
With Mobley back in tow, he will likely start next to transfer guard Justin Pippen. Those two players will lead the backcourt, while freshman Anthony Thompson will be the best player in the frontcourt. Amare Bynum returns at the power forward spot, so the starting lineup is almost set.
Jake Diebler has the Ohio State basketball team ready to win postseason games
Diebler is hoping that the team can graduate from just making the NCAA Tournament to actually winning games in March. That is what the fans demand from a program that was once one of the most consistent postseason performers in the country under Thad Matta.
Bringing back Mobley gives them a chance to be better in the Big Ten portion of the schedule next season. Winning more games in that portion of the schedule would allow them to be off the bubble and actually get a good seed in March Madness. That is the goal moving forward.
This is a critical year for Diebler. Fans are starting to get antsy, especially after the Buckeyes had a chance to hire John Calipari, and they decided to keep Diebler instead. This year, Ohio State has a five-star recruit for the first time since Matta left, which should raise their ceiling.
Mobley is the kind of player who can help. He will likely be a four-year collegiate player, although he'll likely check out the draft process again next season.
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