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LGHL Since 1899: Ohio State forward Eboni Walker on skydiving, her unique tattoo and more
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Since 1899: Ohio State forward Eboni Walker on skydiving, her unique tattoo and more
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Eboni Walker
The Elite Eight starter for the Buckeyes talks about how jumping out of a plane helped during a stressful time in her life
Since 1899 is an Ohio State Women’s Basketball podcast, covering the team that dates back all the way to the turn of the 19th century. Check back throughout the season for more interviews and coverage of the historic Big Ten women’s basketball program.
Next on Since 1899; An OSU WBB podcast, Ohio State women’s basketball forward Eboni Walker joins to talk about a unique experience she had this offseason: Jumping out of an airplane.
In the interview, Walker talks about how of all people told about the jump, the person least surprised was her own mother. Also, the mixed reactions from Buckeyes coaches, teammates, and the surprise response from head coach Kevin McGuff.
The Buckeye who played two seasons with Arizona State, one with Syracuse, and went through injuries, team scandal, and three coaches on two teams, had a potentially stressful final semester of undergraduate studies. Fortunately, a mindset that Walker’s had since she was a kid is stronger now than ever.
Walker goes into detail about how it came to skydiving and going through step by step what the forward experienced jumping out of a plane from 13,000 feet in the air.
Also, the Las Vegas, Nevada high school star shares the excitement of Ohio State’s first game of the season. That’s when the scarlet and gray travel to Las Vegas to play future Big Ten opponent USC at T-Mobile Arena. Walker talks about how it's not just her that’s having a homecoming but members of USC, how LeBron James factors in, and how Walker envisions herself getting a technical against the Trojans.
All that and more in an amazing interview with one of the Buckeyes who was important in the run to the 2022-23 Elite Eight.
Read the companion piece to this interview, featuring comments from McGuff and guards Taylor Thierry and Jacy Sheldon now on Land-Grant Holy Land: Ohio State women’s basketball forward Eboni Walker finds peace 13,000 feet off the ground
Connect with Thomas:
Twitter: @1ThomasCostello
Theme music: HOLY MOLY by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Continue reading...
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Eboni Walker
The Elite Eight starter for the Buckeyes talks about how jumping out of a plane helped during a stressful time in her life
Since 1899 is an Ohio State Women’s Basketball podcast, covering the team that dates back all the way to the turn of the 19th century. Check back throughout the season for more interviews and coverage of the historic Big Ten women’s basketball program.
Next on Since 1899; An OSU WBB podcast, Ohio State women’s basketball forward Eboni Walker joins to talk about a unique experience she had this offseason: Jumping out of an airplane.
In the interview, Walker talks about how of all people told about the jump, the person least surprised was her own mother. Also, the mixed reactions from Buckeyes coaches, teammates, and the surprise response from head coach Kevin McGuff.
The Buckeye who played two seasons with Arizona State, one with Syracuse, and went through injuries, team scandal, and three coaches on two teams, had a potentially stressful final semester of undergraduate studies. Fortunately, a mindset that Walker’s had since she was a kid is stronger now than ever.
Walker goes into detail about how it came to skydiving and going through step by step what the forward experienced jumping out of a plane from 13,000 feet in the air.
Also, the Las Vegas, Nevada high school star shares the excitement of Ohio State’s first game of the season. That’s when the scarlet and gray travel to Las Vegas to play future Big Ten opponent USC at T-Mobile Arena. Walker talks about how it's not just her that’s having a homecoming but members of USC, how LeBron James factors in, and how Walker envisions herself getting a technical against the Trojans.
All that and more in an amazing interview with one of the Buckeyes who was important in the run to the 2022-23 Elite Eight.
Read the companion piece to this interview, featuring comments from McGuff and guards Taylor Thierry and Jacy Sheldon now on Land-Grant Holy Land: Ohio State women’s basketball forward Eboni Walker finds peace 13,000 feet off the ground
Connect with Thomas:
Twitter: @1ThomasCostello
Theme music: HOLY MOLY by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Continue reading...
LGHL Get these new Ohio State overalls in time to rep the Buckeyes in midwestern style this season
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Get these new Ohio State overalls in time to rep the Buckeyes in midwestern style this season
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
What says Ohio State football fan more than plaid overalls? Maybe we can go cow-tipping in them after a game.
Let’s face it, as Ohio State fans, we can be a mix of a whole lot of stereotypes. While I don’t want to harp on the negative side of those stereotypes (loud, arrogant, never satisfied, etc.), there are some that I think we can all be comfortable with. Buckeye Nation is unapologetically midwestern. We love the fall, bonfires, hayrides, and the cowtown we call home. So, as the season approaches (we’re just over two weeks until fall camp kicks off), it’s time to start thinking about the perfect fall Saturday attire that communicates to friends, family, and opposing fanbases that we love our Buckeyes, but we also grew up within two miles of a cornfield.
To help with that, our friends at FOCO have released a set of brand-new overalls that everytrue blue true scarlet and gray fan must have.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24790214/Ohio_State_Buckeyes_Plaid_Bib_Overalls_.jpg)
Not only do these officially licensed overall have Ohio State’s colors, but they also have a prominently featured Block O on the bib pocket that is perfect for storing your phone, wallet, or other essentials during the tailgate — or sneaking your flask into The Horseshoe (not that we would ever condone that).
And, since things can get crazy on football Saturdays, the buckle closure ensures a comfortable and adjustable fit. Also, the adjustable bib shoulder straps allow you to customize the fit for a comfortable and relaxed feel. The overalls are made of sturdy and functional woven polyester canvas that is lightweight and breathable and comes with two back pockets, and who doesn’t love pockets?
FOCO offers the overalls in both men’s and women’s sizes; men’s run from small to 3XL and women’s go from extra-small to 2XL.
If for some reason, you want to rep a team other than Ohio State, we won’t be happy about it, but we understand. FOCO is launching the overalls for all 32 NFL teams and loads of college programs as well. Check out the offerings here.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24790216/College__Overalls_Folded_Grid_Grass.jpg)
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
What says Ohio State football fan more than plaid overalls? Maybe we can go cow-tipping in them after a game.
Let’s face it, as Ohio State fans, we can be a mix of a whole lot of stereotypes. While I don’t want to harp on the negative side of those stereotypes (loud, arrogant, never satisfied, etc.), there are some that I think we can all be comfortable with. Buckeye Nation is unapologetically midwestern. We love the fall, bonfires, hayrides, and the cowtown we call home. So, as the season approaches (we’re just over two weeks until fall camp kicks off), it’s time to start thinking about the perfect fall Saturday attire that communicates to friends, family, and opposing fanbases that we love our Buckeyes, but we also grew up within two miles of a cornfield.
To help with that, our friends at FOCO have released a set of brand-new overalls that every
Not only do these officially licensed overall have Ohio State’s colors, but they also have a prominently featured Block O on the bib pocket that is perfect for storing your phone, wallet, or other essentials during the tailgate — or sneaking your flask into The Horseshoe (not that we would ever condone that).
And, since things can get crazy on football Saturdays, the buckle closure ensures a comfortable and adjustable fit. Also, the adjustable bib shoulder straps allow you to customize the fit for a comfortable and relaxed feel. The overalls are made of sturdy and functional woven polyester canvas that is lightweight and breathable and comes with two back pockets, and who doesn’t love pockets?
FOCO offers the overalls in both men’s and women’s sizes; men’s run from small to 3XL and women’s go from extra-small to 2XL.
Purchase FOCO’s Ohio State Overalls for Women
Purchase FOCO’s Ohio State Overalls for Men
If for some reason, you want to rep a team other than Ohio State, we won’t be happy about it, but we understand. FOCO is launching the overalls for all 32 NFL teams and loads of college programs as well. Check out the offerings here.
Continue reading...
LGHL Behind Enemy Lines: Checking in on Ohio State’s opening week opponent the Indiana Hoosiers
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Behind Enemy Lines: Checking in on Ohio State’s opening week opponent the Indiana Hoosiers
meganhusslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Indiana should be a nice season opener for the Buckeyes.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about checking in on Ohio State’s opponents. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Behind Enemy Line” articles here.
In less than two months, Ohio State will kick off its season at Indiana. It should be a nice way to ease into the season for the Bucks, as, how do I put this delicately, Indiana is not good. The past two years the Hoosiers have suffered losing seasons, and this year could be their third-straight. Let’s dig into the downfall of this program.
Indiana started the 2022 season on a high note, winning its first three games. No one expected much out of the Hoosiers, so it was a nice surprise. But then, reality kicked in and the rain began to fall on their parade. They went on to lose their next seven-straight games, including a 56-14 heart-crusher against Ohio State.
However, they rose from the ashes after switching quarterbacks for the Michigan State game, and actually won the Brass Spittoon in overtime. Alas, it was a one-game-wonder and they looked like their regular selves for the final game of the year against Purdue, which they lost 30-16, finishing the year 4-8.
After the season, the Hoosiers lost about 20 players to the transfer portal. So what should we expect from them in 2023?
1. ??? at the QB position
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24787877/1245179217.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 26 Purdue at Indiana")
Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The quarterback that I mentioned who played hero against Sparty, Dexter Williams, ended up severely injuring his knee against Purdue. He is a big rushing quarterback, and it resulted in a big injury, as he suffered a dislocated knee along with structural damage. At first, he was told he would be out for an entire year, but he has been running in spring practice. Still, it’s looking like he won’t be able to start the season.
Therefore, the QB race is a tight one between Brendan Sorsby and redshirt freshmen Tennessee transfer Tayven Jackson. Jackson is actually former IU basketball star’s Trayce Jackson-Davis’ younger brother. Two other QBs on the roster transferred, leaving Williams, Jackson, Sorsby and true freshman Broc Lowry — a three-star recruit that was ranked the No. 25 pocket passer in the country by ESPN, and he was the top quarterback in Ohio in the class of 2023.
Jackson and Sorsby played no meaningful time last year, so it’s truly a mystery what either of them will bring. Whoever it is will have little to no collegiate experience, so that is certainly something to keep an eye on.
2. Tough schedule
It’s unfortunate for the Hoosiers they have to open their season against the Buckeyes, but I don’t see Ohio State fans complaining! Between that game, Louisville, Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State, it is not an easy path for Indiana. Some sites predict it will finish with as little as three wins. Yikes.
3. Defense literally CANNOT be any worse than last year
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24787879/1244651376.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 08 Eastern Michigan at Western Michigan")
Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Indiana was the worst team in the Big Ten when it came to total defense and pass defense (among other things). There was a big influx of transfers, so while there may be a large amount of newbie starts on D, it could be a much-needed fresh start. Western Michigan transfer Andre Carter, a sixth-year defensive end, will provide a leadership role while being a big-time playmaker, the spark that Indiana desperately needs.
Overall, what shall we make of their season? It really is a big question mark. It could be a mediocre season or just really terrible. Personally, I think these new players from the portal and a brand-new QB could be the clean slate this team needs, and I think they finish with five wins. Truly, only time will tell, but the Buckeyes’ should have fun beating the Hoosiers on both sides of the ball.
Continue reading...
meganhusslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Indiana should be a nice season opener for the Buckeyes.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about checking in on Ohio State’s opponents. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Behind Enemy Line” articles here.
In less than two months, Ohio State will kick off its season at Indiana. It should be a nice way to ease into the season for the Bucks, as, how do I put this delicately, Indiana is not good. The past two years the Hoosiers have suffered losing seasons, and this year could be their third-straight. Let’s dig into the downfall of this program.
Indiana started the 2022 season on a high note, winning its first three games. No one expected much out of the Hoosiers, so it was a nice surprise. But then, reality kicked in and the rain began to fall on their parade. They went on to lose their next seven-straight games, including a 56-14 heart-crusher against Ohio State.
However, they rose from the ashes after switching quarterbacks for the Michigan State game, and actually won the Brass Spittoon in overtime. Alas, it was a one-game-wonder and they looked like their regular selves for the final game of the year against Purdue, which they lost 30-16, finishing the year 4-8.
After the season, the Hoosiers lost about 20 players to the transfer portal. So what should we expect from them in 2023?
1. ??? at the QB position
The quarterback that I mentioned who played hero against Sparty, Dexter Williams, ended up severely injuring his knee against Purdue. He is a big rushing quarterback, and it resulted in a big injury, as he suffered a dislocated knee along with structural damage. At first, he was told he would be out for an entire year, but he has been running in spring practice. Still, it’s looking like he won’t be able to start the season.
Therefore, the QB race is a tight one between Brendan Sorsby and redshirt freshmen Tennessee transfer Tayven Jackson. Jackson is actually former IU basketball star’s Trayce Jackson-Davis’ younger brother. Two other QBs on the roster transferred, leaving Williams, Jackson, Sorsby and true freshman Broc Lowry — a three-star recruit that was ranked the No. 25 pocket passer in the country by ESPN, and he was the top quarterback in Ohio in the class of 2023.
Jackson and Sorsby played no meaningful time last year, so it’s truly a mystery what either of them will bring. Whoever it is will have little to no collegiate experience, so that is certainly something to keep an eye on.
2. Tough schedule
It’s unfortunate for the Hoosiers they have to open their season against the Buckeyes, but I don’t see Ohio State fans complaining! Between that game, Louisville, Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State, it is not an easy path for Indiana. Some sites predict it will finish with as little as three wins. Yikes.
3. Defense literally CANNOT be any worse than last year
Indiana was the worst team in the Big Ten when it came to total defense and pass defense (among other things). There was a big influx of transfers, so while there may be a large amount of newbie starts on D, it could be a much-needed fresh start. Western Michigan transfer Andre Carter, a sixth-year defensive end, will provide a leadership role while being a big-time playmaker, the spark that Indiana desperately needs.
Overall, what shall we make of their season? It really is a big question mark. It could be a mediocre season or just really terrible. Personally, I think these new players from the portal and a brand-new QB could be the clean slate this team needs, and I think they finish with five wins. Truly, only time will tell, but the Buckeyes’ should have fun beating the Hoosiers on both sides of the ball.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State Football Countdown: 49
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Ohio State Football Countdown: 49
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.
As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There are 49 days remaining.
I’m going to be honest: until I started looking for plays for this countdown, I had zero recollection of this game ever happening. Maybe it was my brain wanting to forget everything about the 2018 Ohio State defense, but alas this long Mike Weber run was still pretty sweet and does make the cut. Weber finished the afternoon with 183 yards and three touchdowns as the Buckeyes beat up on the Beavers, 77-31. Dwayne Haskins threw for over 300 yards with five TDs through the air, while Terry McLaurin had a big day as well with four catches for 121 yards and two scores.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.
As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There are 49 days remaining.
Play of the Day: Mike Weber’s 49-yard TD vs. Oregon State (2018)
I’m going to be honest: until I started looking for plays for this countdown, I had zero recollection of this game ever happening. Maybe it was my brain wanting to forget everything about the 2018 Ohio State defense, but alas this long Mike Weber run was still pretty sweet and does make the cut. Weber finished the afternoon with 183 yards and three touchdowns as the Buckeyes beat up on the Beavers, 77-31. Dwayne Haskins threw for over 300 yards with five TDs through the air, while Terry McLaurin had a big day as well with four catches for 121 yards and two scores.
Players to Wear the #49 (since 2010):
- Adam Homan (2009-12)
- Craig Cataline (2012-13)
- Sam Hubbard (2014)
- Liam McCullough (2015-19)
- Patrick Gurd (2020-present)
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LGHL You’re Nuts: Which area of the game needs the most attention for Ohio State men’s basketball?
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You’re Nuts: Which area of the game needs the most attention for Ohio State men’s basketball?
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatc / USA TODAY NETWORK
This team was certainly not without flaws last year, but is there one area that could be fixed to really turn this around in the fall?
The Basketball Tournament is descending upon us, but we’ll take a one-week break from that and return to TBT talk next week. Last week, we debated which non-Carmen’s Crew squad you should pay attention to during TBT this year.
Connor pointed you all towards Shell Shock, the Maryland alumni team. Justin picked the Happy Valley Hoopers, the Penn State alumni team. Unfortunately for us, we also provided an option of “You want us to care about either of these teams?” And look at that, that choice won!
13% of the people sided with Connor, 25% agreed with Justin and the remaining 62% of you degenerates picked the “You want me to care about either of these teams?” option. Lesson learned!
Justin- 46
We are diverting our gaze away from the alumni teams and over to the current Ohio State men’s basketball team this week. Clearly, with a 16-19 record, there are some areas that need attention if Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes want to have a bounce-back season and reach the lofty heights that both they and the fanbase have set for them. But which of these areas is most crucial? Which area could be improved on that would help this team succeed the most?
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24512828/usa_today_20201854.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Semifinals Purdue vs. Ohio State")
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State stunk on defense last season — stunk to high hell. But I don’t need to tell you the obvious, we all watched. We know it, the Ohio State coaching staff knows it, and every other Big Ten team knows it. Teams were able to drive to the basket against the Buckeyes far too often this past season, or in the very least blow past their defender to draw a double team, which would lead to a kick-out for an open three. It can’t happen.
Luckily, I think this team is going to get better on that end simply because of who they lost from the roster and who they picked up.
While both guys contributed meaningful minutes on the offense end, Brice Sensabaugh and Sean McNeil were the Buckeyes’ two worst defenders last season. Sensabaugh in particular was picked on as the season wore on. Teams would get the ball to whoever he was guarding, and if Ohio State tried to change the assignment, the other team would set screens and move around to make sure someone was running downhill at Sensabaugh towards the basket. And, while it was clear he was making an effort to get better, he just didn’t get a whole lot better.
McNeil was similar, although his deficiency was more a lack of foot speed to slide and stay with opponents than anything else. McNeil didn’t look clueless on defense, he just wasn’t uber-athletic and able to keep up all the time. Sensabaugh (unfortunately) had both issues.
Justice Sueing, Gene Brown, and Isaac Likekele — the latter two of which were lauded as plus defenders for most of their careers — also had some tough spots on defense last season. All three are now gone from the program.
In their place, Ohio State has added Dale Bonner — a defense-first, senior guard from Baylor whose minutes will likely be determined by the defensive impact he has in different lineups. They added Jamison Battle — a lefty wing who has scored a bunch of buckets at George Washington and Minnesota, but whose defense has neither stunk nor shined — it’s just been fine.
They also added Evan Mahaffey, a sophomore forward from Penn State who statistically was included in all of Penn State’s best defensive lineups last season, based on +/-. And finally, they brought in a freshman class that included Scotty Middleton, a lanky off-ball guard who’s as excited to get after it on defense as I am to get to the front of the line at Graeter’s.
The Buckeyes finished No. 106 in defensive efficiency last season — a horrendous mark. Teams that finish outside of the top 25 in defensive efficiency don’t make it far in the tournament every year. Teams outside of the top 50 are lucky to even win a game.
I expect some improvement from the sophomore class, but I also think the “trades” this team made on their roster will make Ohio State a much better defensive team. At any given point, the Buckeyes are likely to have at least three of Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle, Dale Bonner, Scotty Middleton, and Felix Okpara on the floor. Because of that, I just don’t think there are as many bad defensive lineups this team could throw on the floor — unlike last season.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24680741/usa_today_20729208.jpg "Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch")
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
When it comes to the current state of Ohio State basketball, it is pretty easy to point out what is going good and what is going bad.
Outside of last season, which was one where pretty much everything went wrong, the good is the player development, the recruiting and the consistency of being in the top half of the Big Ten. The bad is the program has not had much success in March, and haven’t truly contended for a Big Ten championship.
One issue that has not helped the Buckeyes when March rolls around is losing games they shouldn’t lose in conference play. And this is a little bit of a stale complaint because conference play is grueling and you will inevitably lose a game or two that is not going to look great on the resume.
However, a sequence that happened during the 2021-22 season is a good example of what the Buckeyes should work on moving forward.
On Feb. 24, the Buckeyes defeated Illinois at Illinois after beating Indiana in overtime the game before. This was a huge win and propelled them into a tie at the top of the Big Ten. They immediately followed that up by losing to an average Maryland team and a bad Nebraska team at home. And that dropped them out of the Big Ten conference championship race after losing two bad games.
It also hurts seeding in the tournament. Let’s say the Buckeyes win those two games. They likely are a 5 or 6 seed instead of a 7 seed, and they would avoid playing Villanova, who went to the Final Four.
Bad losses can cause a domino effect, and we have seen that over the last three or four seasons.
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatc / USA TODAY NETWORK
This team was certainly not without flaws last year, but is there one area that could be fixed to really turn this around in the fall?
The Basketball Tournament is descending upon us, but we’ll take a one-week break from that and return to TBT talk next week. Last week, we debated which non-Carmen’s Crew squad you should pay attention to during TBT this year.
Connor pointed you all towards Shell Shock, the Maryland alumni team. Justin picked the Happy Valley Hoopers, the Penn State alumni team. Unfortunately for us, we also provided an option of “You want us to care about either of these teams?” And look at that, that choice won!
13% of the people sided with Connor, 25% agreed with Justin and the remaining 62% of you degenerates picked the “You want me to care about either of these teams?” option. Lesson learned!
After 108 weeks:
Justin- 46
Connor- 46
Other- 12
(There have been four ties)
We are diverting our gaze away from the alumni teams and over to the current Ohio State men’s basketball team this week. Clearly, with a 16-19 record, there are some areas that need attention if Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes want to have a bounce-back season and reach the lofty heights that both they and the fanbase have set for them. But which of these areas is most crucial? Which area could be improved on that would help this team succeed the most?
Today’s Question: Which area of the game needs the most attention for Ohio State men’s basketball?
Connor: On-ball defense
Ohio State stunk on defense last season — stunk to high hell. But I don’t need to tell you the obvious, we all watched. We know it, the Ohio State coaching staff knows it, and every other Big Ten team knows it. Teams were able to drive to the basket against the Buckeyes far too often this past season, or in the very least blow past their defender to draw a double team, which would lead to a kick-out for an open three. It can’t happen.
Luckily, I think this team is going to get better on that end simply because of who they lost from the roster and who they picked up.
While both guys contributed meaningful minutes on the offense end, Brice Sensabaugh and Sean McNeil were the Buckeyes’ two worst defenders last season. Sensabaugh in particular was picked on as the season wore on. Teams would get the ball to whoever he was guarding, and if Ohio State tried to change the assignment, the other team would set screens and move around to make sure someone was running downhill at Sensabaugh towards the basket. And, while it was clear he was making an effort to get better, he just didn’t get a whole lot better.
McNeil was similar, although his deficiency was more a lack of foot speed to slide and stay with opponents than anything else. McNeil didn’t look clueless on defense, he just wasn’t uber-athletic and able to keep up all the time. Sensabaugh (unfortunately) had both issues.
Justice Sueing, Gene Brown, and Isaac Likekele — the latter two of which were lauded as plus defenders for most of their careers — also had some tough spots on defense last season. All three are now gone from the program.
In their place, Ohio State has added Dale Bonner — a defense-first, senior guard from Baylor whose minutes will likely be determined by the defensive impact he has in different lineups. They added Jamison Battle — a lefty wing who has scored a bunch of buckets at George Washington and Minnesota, but whose defense has neither stunk nor shined — it’s just been fine.
They also added Evan Mahaffey, a sophomore forward from Penn State who statistically was included in all of Penn State’s best defensive lineups last season, based on +/-. And finally, they brought in a freshman class that included Scotty Middleton, a lanky off-ball guard who’s as excited to get after it on defense as I am to get to the front of the line at Graeter’s.
The Buckeyes finished No. 106 in defensive efficiency last season — a horrendous mark. Teams that finish outside of the top 25 in defensive efficiency don’t make it far in the tournament every year. Teams outside of the top 50 are lucky to even win a game.
I expect some improvement from the sophomore class, but I also think the “trades” this team made on their roster will make Ohio State a much better defensive team. At any given point, the Buckeyes are likely to have at least three of Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle, Dale Bonner, Scotty Middleton, and Felix Okpara on the floor. Because of that, I just don’t think there are as many bad defensive lineups this team could throw on the floor — unlike last season.
Justin: Consistency
When it comes to the current state of Ohio State basketball, it is pretty easy to point out what is going good and what is going bad.
Outside of last season, which was one where pretty much everything went wrong, the good is the player development, the recruiting and the consistency of being in the top half of the Big Ten. The bad is the program has not had much success in March, and haven’t truly contended for a Big Ten championship.
One issue that has not helped the Buckeyes when March rolls around is losing games they shouldn’t lose in conference play. And this is a little bit of a stale complaint because conference play is grueling and you will inevitably lose a game or two that is not going to look great on the resume.
However, a sequence that happened during the 2021-22 season is a good example of what the Buckeyes should work on moving forward.
On Feb. 24, the Buckeyes defeated Illinois at Illinois after beating Indiana in overtime the game before. This was a huge win and propelled them into a tie at the top of the Big Ten. They immediately followed that up by losing to an average Maryland team and a bad Nebraska team at home. And that dropped them out of the Big Ten conference championship race after losing two bad games.
It also hurts seeding in the tournament. Let’s say the Buckeyes win those two games. They likely are a 5 or 6 seed instead of a 7 seed, and they would avoid playing Villanova, who went to the Final Four.
Bad losses can cause a domino effect, and we have seen that over the last three or four seasons.
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