More than just an NCAA Tournament berth is on the line for the Ohio State basketball team

The Ohio State basketball team has their first game of the Big Ten Tournament today against Iowa. They will play at 6:30 pm on Big Ten Network. The Buckeyes have to win this game if they want any shot of making the NCAA Tournament. The same can be said for Iowa. This is a "loser leaves town" match.

For the Buckeyes though, more than an NCAA Tournament berth is on the line. While making the Big Dance would be great for this team and is now a realistic goal, the game means more for Jake Diebler. He's still coaching for his job. He needs this win in the worst way.

A loss to the Hawkeyes in the first round likely means that he won't be retained as the head coach of the Ohio State basketball program. Dusty May is the likely replacement in that scenario. This is Ross Bjork's first major hire and he wants to make sure he does it right.

On the flip side, a win makes it a lot harder for Bjork to send Diebler packing. That's especially true if the Buckeyes end up beating Illinois tomorrow too. That would all but guarantee the Buckeyes make the NCAA Tournament as an at-large team. In that scenario, Diebler should get the job.

It's a stressful time for Diebler. He knows what's at stake for this team today. The players don't feel quite as much pressure because no one expected them to be in this position even just two weeks ago. They are still playing with house money.

No matter what happens, Diebler has proven that he is a competent head coach. If the Buckeyes end up going in a different direction after today's game, then I wish Diebler nothing but the best because he's going to be a head coach somewhere else. He deserves it.

I hope that's not a decision the Buckeyes have to make today. This is a game they can win.