The Ohio State basketball program has had to deal with multiple players suffering from injuries. It started early in the season with Brandon Noel. Noel has had some issues staying healthy. After beginning the season as a starter, he was moved to the bench. Then he hurt his foot.
Noel hasn't played since the Nebraska game, when he only played eight minutes. Without him, the Buckeyes have had to reconfigure their rotation. Initially, Collin White was seeing playing time off the bench to take over the forward spot. However, he didn't play against Purdue at all.
Ohio State has just one game left in the regular season. They take on Indiana tonight, a fellow bubble team. Before that game, the Ohio State Buckeyes got some good news when it comes to Noel and his injury, which could really benefit them later this month.
Ohio State basketball team might get Brandon Noel back
Right before they take on the Hoosiers, Noel has been upgraded to day-to-day. He was given that designation on Friday, a full day before the game. That means there is a real shot that the Buckeyes could get him back against Indiana. Even if he doesn't play then, he could come back for the Big Ten Tournament.
Adding Noel back to the roster would give Ohio State another forward whom they can count on to create offense. Noel averages just over seven points per game, so he is capable of helping a bench that struggles to score points. Ohio State has to have better bench play if it is going to succeed in March.
Beating Indiana would probably punch a ticket to the Big Dance for Ohio State. Of course, some work in the Big Ten Tournament would also be able to improve their seed. Noel would be an excellent addition to the bench for the stretch run.