The Kentucky transfer gets one year to make her mark in Columbus.
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Ajae Petty joins Ohio State’s roster to improve the Big Ten’s worst rebounding team
The Kentucky transfer gets one year to make her mark in Columbus.
What to Expect
Take a guess at what you can expect from Petty. Yes, it’s rebounding.
The 6-foot-3 forward is physical, quick, and will grab more boards than the Buckeyes, but there are pros and cons within the post-game. On one hand, Petty hasn’t fouled out of a game, despite the manner in which she grabs boards. That shows discipline to not foul in the act.
On the other hand, free throw efficiency doesn’t jump off the stat sheet. Petty is a 50.7% shooter from the line, meaning when the game is on the line, the old “Hack-a-Shaq” game plan could come into play.
Also, Petty doesn’t provide an outside shooting game. In four seasons, Petty hasn’t attempted a three-point shot. If McGuff had years with Petty, that might be something to improve over time but there’s one season before Petty’s eligibility runs out. That means the five-out offensive game plan will adjust slightly, with defenders not going to run out and cover Petty on the perimeter.
That doesn’t likely mean an all-out shift in offensive strategy but expect tweaks.
Off the court, Petty’s already saying what needs to be said and is a team-first kind of player.
“My mindset currently is just to come in, you know, do whatever the team needs me to do,” said Petty. “Whether it’s stepping into a leadership role, whether it’s following TT [Taylor Thierry] and all the other older people who’ve already been here. It’s whatever the team needs me to be.”
Prediction
There’s a close to 100% chance Petty starts from day one and doesn’t lose it, barring injury. Petty will not only grab boards but be an outlet to a group of four surrounding the big who all have the ability to attack the basket. The speed and skill of the four perimeter players could make life difficult for defenders, and give Petty open baskets in the paint as a by-product.
Petty of course won’t be able to play 40 minutes each night. Supporting the forward is a pair with varying levels of experience. Forward Eboni Walker has the most, but McGuff is high on new freshman center Elsa Lemmilä. The 6-foot-6 Finnish big is the likely next player in behind Petty.
Highlights
Watch Petty in an exhibition game before last season. Outside of rebounding, Petty shows presence and timing to pick up blocks and see her work on the offensive end of the floor.
