Ohio State basketball vs. Texas: Jake Diebler faces early test in season opener

The Ohio State Buckeyes will begin their 2024-25 basketball season on Monday, November 4th, in Las Vegas against the 20th-ranked Texas Longhorns. Texas, favored by 2.5 points according to FanDuel, is poised to be a tough opponent for the Buckeyes, with the over/under set at 146. This highly anticipated non-conference showdown will offer an early test for both programs as they aim to establish themselves as contenders.

For Ohio State, head coach Jake Diebler is beginning his first full season at the helm, and he expressed excitement about the team’s preparation, saying, "This will be a great indication of where we're at, at the start of the season." He was referring to the Buckeyes' tough non-conference schedule, which includes several high-profile opponents like Kentucky, Auburn, Texas A&M, and Pittsburgh​. He views this matchup as an important learning experience for a team that features a mix of veterans and younger players.

The Ohio State basketball program has spent the past week transitioning fully into game preparation, with Diebler emphasizing the importance of "pace and space" in the team’s offensive approach. "Spacing is going to be critical for us," Diebler explained, noting that creating room for their perimeter players to attack will be key to their success against a strong Texas defense​.

He also highlighted the team's improvement in rebounding and physicality after their last scrimmage, which will be crucial against Texas, a team known for its prowess on the offensive glass.

The Longhorns come into the game with a roster filled with talented veterans and key transfers, making them a formidable opponent. Although Texas did not hold a public exhibition game, Diebler is confident in their ranking. "On paper, their roster stacks up to be a preseason top-20 team," Diebler said, acknowledging the depth and talent Texas brings to the table​.

For Ohio State, rebounding and toughness will be focal points, especially with projected starting center Aaron Bradshaw expected to return after missing the Cincinnati exhibition. His presence, along with Sean Stewart, who has impressed in recent scrimmages, will be crucial in handling Texas' physicality in the paint​.

Diebler emphasized the importance of these two players, noting their rebounding ability and defensive versatility, which will be vital for the Buckeyes as they look to control the glass and disrupt Texas' offense.

Beyond strategy, Diebler spoke about the significance of playing on a big stage in the season opener. "Being on this stage on day one of college basketball is awesome," he said. "It's part of the reason guys come to Ohio State... to be in these marquee games"​. The spotlight will shine brightly on both teams as they aim to start the season with a statement victory.

As the Buckeyes prepare for their first test of the year, Diebler expressed confidence in his team's ability to rise to the occasion, despite the nerves that come with a season opener. "I think we're built for it," he said, highlighting the team's readiness to face early adversity​.

With a talented roster and a demanding schedule ahead, Ohio State will need to play with the toughness and urgency Diebler has been emphasizing all preseason if they hope to pull off an upset against the favored Longhorns.

The game tips off at 10:00 PM ET on Monday, November 4th, setting the stage for what should be an exciting start to the college basketball season.