Ohio State faces No. 20 Texas in a season opener on Nov. 4th. Coach Jake Diebler discusses key strategies and the Buckeyes' preparation.
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Ohio State basketball vs. Texas: Jake Diebler faces early test in season opener
Ohio State will face a tough challenge in their season opener against No. 20 Texas on November 4th in Las Vegas. Head coach Jake Diebler emphasized the importance of pace, spacing, and physicality as the Buckeyes prepare to face a talented Longhorns team. With Texas favored by 2.5 points, this matchup will offer an early test for Ohio State’s growth and readiness.
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.
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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.
