The Ohio State basketball team has depth that they haven't had in a decade

The Ohio State basketball team's 80-72 victory over Texas in Las Vegas is a statement win that sets the tone for what could be a breakout season for the Buckeyes. For a team coming off a shaky preseason, including a lopsided scrimmage loss to Cincinnati, this was the perfect way to erase any early doubts.

Skepticism surrounded the Buckeyes, but their opening performance showed depth, resilience, and a fierce competitive edge, all led by standout performances from Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr., Micah Parrish, and Devin Royal.

Ohio State’s offensive versatility was on full display. Shooting an impressive 55.6% in the second half, the Buckeyes managed to fend off Texas's attempts at a comeback. Bruce Thornton set the pace with 20 points, but the depth was just as critical. Ohio State's bench outscored Texas 33-10, underscoring their ability to get contributions from multiple players.

Evan Mahaffey, though quiet on the offensive side with just three points, had a significant impact on the boards, pulling down eight rebounds and providing a noticeable defensive presence in his 15 minutes on the floor. The game wasn’t just about the starters; it was a team-wide effort that helped Ohio State build and maintain its lead.

John Mobley Jr., Bruce Thornton, and Micah Parrish all thrived for the Buckeyes

True freshman John Mobley Jr. introduced himself to the college basketball world with an electric shooting display. He finished with 14 points in just 13 minutes, going 4-4 from beyond the arc. His long-range shots, including one from two to three steps behind the three-point line, had fans buzzing. Mobley Jr.’s confidence and poise in his collegiate debut were reminiscent of elite shooters like Steph Curry, and his ability to contribute immediately bodes well for Ohio State’s backcourt depth.

Head coach Jake Diebler’s trust in Mobley Jr. was rewarded. For a freshman to make this kind of impact in the season opener shows how integral he could be to Ohio State's plans moving forward.

Bruce Thornton, now a seasoned veteran, stepped up when the team needed him the most. His 20-point performance, capped by scoring the final nine points for Ohio State, was a testament to his leadership and ability to close out games. Thornton was calm under pressure, going 3-3 from the free-throw line and making sure the Buckeyes never relinquished their lead despite Texas making multiple pushes.

Diebler praised Thornton’s poise, especially in finishing games. For a player who’s faced scrutiny over his career, this win was a massive confidence booster for Thornton and a sign of his growth into a reliable team leader.

Another player who can't go unrecognized is Micah Parrish. He provided the spark from beyond the arc, hitting three crucial three-pointers and finishing with 17 points. His ability to stretch the floor was essential in maintaining Ohio State's early lead and withstanding Texas's attempts to fight back.

With Parrish, Thornton, and Mobley Jr. firing from deep, Ohio State’s backcourt looks dangerous, perhaps even among the best in the Big Ten. Diebler's emphasis on spacing and taking quality shots was clear, and Ohio State’s 50% shooting from three-point range in this game is a direct result of that strategy.

Devin Royal: Columbus’s own shines

Local Pickerington Central product Devin Royal also played a key role in the victory, contributing 16 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes. Royal was efficient, shooting 7-11 from the field and knocking down two three-pointers. His ability to step in when players like Aaron Bradshaw and Sean Stewart found themselves in foul trouble was invaluable.

Royal’s growth, especially with his expanded range from behind the arc, was on full display. His versatility gives Ohio State another weapon in their offensive arsenal, and his maturity on the court, with just one personal foul despite playing heavy minutes, adds to the Buckeyes' confidence moving forward.

The game wasn’t without its challenges, as Texas, led by freshman phenom Tre Johnson (29 points), continually chipped away at Ohio State’s lead. Yet every time Texas closed the gap, Ohio State responded. Evan Mahaffey’s key rebound and layup after Texas cut the lead to four in the second half sparked a critical 9-3 run that allowed the Buckeyes to regain control.

Ohio State’s ability to handle Texas's runs without crumbling, a trait they struggled with in previous seasons, is a testament to Diebler’s focus on toughness and resilience. Diebler, in just his second season, has instilled a sense of confidence and chemistry in his team that was evident in their poise under pressure.

Despite the win, Ohio State wasn’t perfect. Foul trouble plagued Aaron Bradshaw and Sean Stewart, and the team struggled with turnovers, committing 15 to Texas’s nine. Texas capitalized on those mistakes, scoring 18 points off turnovers compared to Ohio State’s two. Additionally, Ohio State’s two-point shooting was inconsistent, particularly in the first half when they shot just 2-16 from inside the arc. These are areas the team will need to tighten up as the season progresses.

Ohio State’s victory over Texas is more than just a solid start to the season—it’s confirmation that the turning point for this program last year was not a fluke. The Buckeyes are looking to re-establish themselves as a Big Ten contender. With a tough schedule ahead, including a matchup against Texas A&M, the Buckeyes will have more opportunities to prove themselves.

If Bruce Thornton continues his leadership, John Mobley Jr. remains a lights-out shooter, and Devin Royal and Micah Parrish maintain their consistency, Ohio State could quickly find themselves among the ranked teams in the country.