We continue the recruit and return series with the Ohio State Buckeyes, whose season ended Saturday in a loss to Gonzaga. A look at what the 2018-19 season could hold:
Possible 2018-19 starting five
G: C.J. Jackson
G: Musa Jallow
F: Kaleb Wesson
F: Micah Potter
Who is lost: Keita Bates-Diop has a year of eligibility remaining should he want it, but that isn’t likely for the redshirt junior, coming off a breakout year. Seniors Jae’Sean Tate and Kam Williams were both productive starters this season for the Buckeyes. Graduate transfer Andrew Dakich is also moving on.
Who is added: Coach Chris Holtmann’s first full recruiting class was in need of guards. Thus far, the Buckeyes have signed two four-star backcourt players: Muhammad and Duane Washington. Muhammad has a competitive spirit that could help him take advantage of some openings in Ohio State’s lineup next year. Ohio State hasn’t closed the door on adding another player. The crown jewel of the class at this point is big man Jaedon LeDee. The 6-foot-9 Texan has a versatile skill set that will allow him to play as a wing like Bates-Diop. Other younger players in Columbus should get a chance to provide a bigger impact starting in the fall. Jallow, who made a few clutch shots to beat Purdue on the road when Williams was suspended, and 6-foot-8 forward Kyle Young both have a chance to play themselves into bigger roles moving forward.
What it means for next season: Holtmann earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors for the quicker-than-expected turnaround at Ohio State. How much of that early success can be attributed to Bates-Diop finding another gear? The 2018-19 season should be a good gauge on the Buckeyes’ trajectory under Holtmann, a proven winner at Butler before coming to Columbus. Backcourt depth could be an issue, and new scorers will need to pick up the slack from losing not only Bates-Diop but also big-time contributors in Williams and Tate.
Trending: Up. This past season should help the new coaching staff with credibility in the locker room and on the recruiting trail. Momentum from an unexpected run through the Big Ten has changed the outlook on how much rebuilding the Buckeyes needed. Even if Ohio State falls off the pace at the top of a top-heavy league next season, prospects for the long-term future are good.