The frontcourt of the Ohio State basketball team looks to bounce back in home opener
By Jacob Rhymer
Buckeye hoops fans can get their first in-person look at this year's Ohio State basketball team in the Schott tonight for their home opener against Youngstown State. It's the Buckeyes' first action in a week since their opening night statement win over No. 19 Texas in Las Vegas.
In the win over Texas, the guards of the Ohio State basketball team dominated. Bruce Thornton led the way with 20 points, Micah Parish followed with 17 points, and freshman John Mobley Jr. chipped in 14 points off the bench. These three from the backcourt combined to shoot 59.3% from the field, and a whopping 71.4% from beyond the arc.
As for the frontcourt, it wasn't the debut from the transfers Diebler grabbed from the transfer portal as most were expecting. Aaron Bradshaw and Sean Stewart combined for 4 points, 5 rebounds, and a poor 1-8 from the field plus 0-3 from three. They also got themselves into foul trouble with both of them picking up four fouls each as well.
However, Devin Royal picked up most of the slack off the bench with the bigs in foul trouble. As an undersized big last Monday, Royal went for 16 points and shot an efficient 63.6% from the field. The Ohio native appears to be making that sophomore leap for Jake Diebler.
Tonight though, I expect a better showing from the rebuilt frontcourt making their home debut for the Ohio State basketball team. Plus, this matchup with Youngstown State's frontcourt will be a good challenge for Bradshaw and Stewart as they roll out a 7-3 sophomore center in Gabe Dynes, and in the Penguins opener this past Saturday at Chicago State he had 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 blocks.
The main focus for the Ohio State basketball team tonight is to get the transfer bigs comfortable and into a rhythm, plus limit second-chance opportunities. The Buckeyes head to College Station on Friday for a matchup with Texas A&M, and Buzz Williams' team is one of the toughest to keep off the offensive glass. If the Buckeyes can do that tonight, Jake Diebler's squad should cruise to a nice 2-0 start to the season.
dark. Next. The Ohio State basketball team has depth that they haven't had in a decade. The Ohio State basketball team has depth that they haven't had in a decade
Tonight's home opener will help get the Buckeyes frontcourt prepared for the Aggies tenacious frontcourt they face Friday night. If you aren't attending tonight's game, it can be found on Big Ten Network with tip-off at 6:00pm Eastern Time from the Schott.