When the 2025-2026 season ended, the Ohio State basketball program saw a mass exodus of players, especially at the guard position. Bruce Thornton, who was their best player, finally graduated. Four other guards entered the Transfer Portal, meaning they had a lot of work to do.
The Buckeyes have been slow when it comes to their work in the portal this offseason. Jake Diebler knows this is a critical season for his future, and he needs to get together a really good roster. He finally made the NCAA Tournament for the first time this past year.
Ohio State has already brought in a couple of guards to supplement the ones they have lost. On Thursday afternoon, they were able to add another one. They have officially added former Memphis guard Curtis Givens III from the portal, giving them another guard.
The Ohio State basketball team earns commitment from Curtis Givens III
Givens III has played two years of college basketball thus far. He started his career at LSU before transferring to Memphis last season. This will be his third straight year playing for a new team. Last season with the Tigers, Givens III averaged 9.4 points per game.
Givens III has only started 27 games combined in two seasons. He is going to be part of Ohio State's bench, which is something they need. The Ohio State Buckeyes need guys who can give them a boost off the bench and handle the ball, so Givens III gives them that option.
He shot 36.5 percent from beyond the 3-point arc last season, so that is positive for Ohio State. The Buckeyes got zilch from the bench last season, so adding a shooter to the fold would really help. Diebler still needs to add a starting center and at least one more guard, but this is a good addition.
Diebler's evaluations haven't been great out of the portal. He's hoping this is the year that turns around.
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